2011
Firefighters Always Remembering, Always Serving
September/11/2011 05:35 AM Filed in: Commentary
California Firefighters Take a Stand to Defend New York, America
by Nicole Hanratty
While it may look like we were having a good time--okay we were--these Oakland, California firefighters, (Tony the Tiger Tarek, Joe, and Big Mike from Station 8 pictured above), spent time talking to me about honor, service and dedication to their own.
They packed up their courage, kissed their beautiful children goodbye and boarded a plane to New York City. In the face of increased terror alerts, these brave firefighters prepared themselves for anything--paying their own way--to be ready for any call to service.
They define "above and beyond."
Tarek, Joe and Mike--heroes in my book--will wake up this morning on the ten year anniversary of 9/11, dress in their Class A uniforms and attend a special memorial service for their fallen in a show of powerful devotion to their lost comrades.
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A Funny Thing Happened On My Way to New York Fashion Week
September/10/2011 09:15 AM Filed in: Events | Commentary
New York Fashion Week, Part One
by Nicole Hanratty
It was the ultimate Life of a Rock Star™ experience. Sponsored by Prestige Tickets, this LA mom got to put the laundry aside for one weekend of high fashion and adventure. Strap on your seat belts, it's going to be a wild ride.
Dear Virgin America at Los Angeles International Airport,
First off, I speak for all of your loyal travelers when I ask, "Where is the lounge?" Second, and this is an important one, no one wants to hear this song while waiting to board your flight: "Bye-bye Miss American Pie...singing this will be the day that I die." New playlist, please.
Dear Flight Seat Mate,
Fair warning, this safety obsessed mother is not a good flier. One bump of turbulence and I will grab you--it really doesn't matter that we've never met--and scream, "We're all gonna die!" (I've done it before and I'll do it again.) If you see me heading towards your aisle, I advise you to move, or spike my drink. It's your choice.
Dear Man Traveling with Wife and Baby,
I realize your wife may not appreciate you standing in the aisle with your baby staring at me while turning your back to her. However I equally do not appreciate my aisle seat being claustrophobotized* by your cargo bearing rear end smashed up against the side of my face the entire flight. I do love babies but if yours can't sit still for the flight, please feel free to move about the cabin.
*New but appropriate made up word for a very uncomfortable situation.
Dear Town Car Driver,
Your placard with my name on it is calling me back into my natural habitat of luxury and city life. God bless you. Bye-bye carpool mom. I'm calling the shots from the backseat now baby.
Dear Manhattan,
I heart you, even with the bad smell that emanates from your streets and alerts my olfactory system I have returned. It's midnight and you're still OPEN! Such a lovely change from my small town where the sidewalks evaporate when the street lights illuminate. Plus, I've already been recognized on the street by a fellow Virgin American traveler. My dress seems to have made an impression on him... I love a town that is fashion focussed. And no, I am not worried that I am here on the weekend that overlaps the ten year anniversary of 9/11. With the NYPD stationed at every corner, I am feeling quite safe with a side of patriotic.
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Life of a Rock Star Experience New York Fashion Week
September/05/2011 01:09 PM Filed in: Events | Commentary
Pack up your suitcases fashionistas--leave the Malibu shores behind--and grab the next flight out to New York City. Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is descending upon the world's hottest destination. Where will you be when Spring's trendiest 2012 looks are sauntering down the runway?
Life of a Rock Star's Nicole Hanratty will be on a whirlwind trip experiencing the high fashion Manhattan hot spots up close and personal. Can't come along? Then follow her live tweets @LifeofaRockStar.
Brought to you by PrestigeTickets.com, this sponsored rock star vacation is a dream experience. Editor Nicole Hanratty will travel the elevated skies with Virgin America from Los Angeles to New York where she will enter the elite world of high fashion.
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Words With Friends
June/26/2011 07:32 PM Filed in: Commentary
Words with Friends
by Nicole Hanratty
WWF user name: TheWiner
Words with Friends can be anything but friendly.
Warning: It will keep you up at night and be the first thing you think about in the morning. If you have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, this could be a landmine for you.
Words with Friends is a Scrabble-like word game that is as addicting as crack cocaine, maybe more. Download with caution. Kids, teens, and adults can't get enough of this online game that allows you to play your move when you want without anyone looking over your shoulder. (Hint: integrity seems to be optional.) Throw down any letter combination you can think of and Words With Friends (WWF) will let you know if it counts as an acceptable word. Trying crazy combinations, or knowing words like "nomoi," can be the difference between victory and defeat. The added bonus--you get to trash talk your opponent or whine about your awful letter rack via a chat bubble screen that is attached to every game. It doesn't get better than that.
WWF is currently trending as the number one online game download. It is a sweeping frenzy that has families and friends battling it out and my family is no exception. "You're totally cheating!" Accusations rip across the room at formerly peaceful family gatherings that have now become showcases for high scoring games whose outcomes are always photographed and texted with bragging rights. Read More...