Turn of the Tide? Women and Television

Guest Post by Laura Moore

Last Monday night the hotly anticipated ninth season premiere of Two and a Half Men aired on CBS. Normally, shows that are entering their ninth season have long since passed their creative peaks and are limping out one last season for syndication profits. However, this premiere was different because it was the first episode to air since Charlie Sheen’s spectacular public meltdown and subsequent firing last spring, and the debut episode of his replacement, Ashton Kutcher. Tuesday morning the overnight ratings came out, and they were HUGE. Over 28 million viewers, and a 10.7 ratings share in the 18-49 demographic. For those unfamiliar with ratings, those numbers are staggering, and larger than the past three seasons ofAmerican Idol, long the number one rated show on television. But for all the headlines Men’s ratings are generating, another story is getting shoved under the rug.

Airing immediately after Two and a Half Men, the new sitcom2 Broke Girls premiered to nearly 20 million viewers and a 7.1 share, easily becoming the second most watched show Monday night, and is on track to become the highest rated debut this television season. One could argue that 2 Broke Girls benefitted greatly from its lead in, but numbers are numbers, and those 20 million people could have easily changed the channel once Men rang in its final credits. Instead, they decided to stay tuned to what was reportedly CBS’s highest scoring pilot among test audiences, and what was listed by several critics as one of the best new shows of the season. More importantly, 2 Broke Girls is at the forefront of what industry insiders are calling the year of female domination on broadcast television.

Of the 24 new shows to debut this fall, 14 are centered on a female character, compared to 7 that are centered on male characters, and of those, the majority of these men are struggling to determine what it means to be a man in a television landscape dominated by strong women. Even more telling are the behind the scenes statistics: six out of the ten new sitcoms were created by women, and the creators of ABC’s Revenge only got the go ahead once they changed their lead character to a women. Furthermore, viewership statistics show that women account for up to 65% of primetime viewing, meaning that advertisers are starting to demand shows that will deliver large female audiences. Looking at this season’s line up of new shows, it would appear that the television industry is finally delivering.

Television isn’t the only industry getting on the female bandwagon; Hollywood is starting to take notice as well. The summer season of Hollywood blockbusters has just ended, and in a season dominated by male superheroes, Bridesmaids has emerged has the underdog winner of the summer. Made on a budget of $32 million, written by two women, and starring a pitch perfect ensemble of women, Bridesmaids has now pulled in over $280 million worldwide, beating out a lot of other blockbuster juggernauts at the box office in turns of profits vs. budget.

While Bridesmaids was the story of the beginning of the season, then The Help was the story of the end of the season. Debuting in August in second place behind Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Help went on to win the next three weekends at the box office, eventually pulling in over $150 million on a $25 million budget. This is all the more impressive given that August is the month that has commonly been known as the wasteland of summer movies, where films go to die.

So do these successes signal a turn of the tide? Only time will tell, but the immediate future looks promising. What’s Your Number? another female driven and written R-rated comedy is set to be released next week, and reports are that in the wake of Bridesmaids’ success, Hollywood producers are being inundated with scripts both written by and featuring women. Moreover, it is telling that the highest rated comedy on TV has put a heartbroken computer geek in the place of TV’s ultimate womanizing manwhore. Although the history of television tells us that over half of all new shows to debut in any given season will eventually fail, the odds are for once squarely in favor of women. One can only hope that this trend will continue, so we can finally arrive at a point where characters of either sex have equal opportunity to flourish and a television season can be judged solely on its artistic merits instead of the gender behind it.

For more information on women’s progress in media, look into the following organizations; both offer weekly newsletter updates.

http://blogs.indiewire.com/womenandhollywood/#

http://www.thegeenadavisinstitute.org/

Bridesmaids - The Movie

This entry is not about "money, markets or changing the world" but I feel called to share. Two nights ago I went to see the film Bridesmaids with my mom and it was absolutely entertaining and hilarious. Ok I admit it, I have a somewhat crude sense of humor at times, but can you blame me after spending over 10 years on a trading floor? The film was written by two fabulous women writers, Kristen Wiig ( who is also the main actor) and Annie Mumolo. It "took its cue from the success of buddy comedies like “The Hangover,” but aimed it at a female cast and female anxieties, with a poop scene as its most memorable set piece. In the process, the Judd Apatow-produced Universal comedy seems to have single-handedly gestated a new movie genre." ( read the full article here)

For the record I really did not like The Hangover. I also disliked Knocked Up (both were DVD rentals and I am embarrassed to even say I watched them) so you might call me a hypocrite for loving Bridesmaids but I am willing to live with that. I hope I am the type of person that can take a joke but that genre of 'guy flicks' were women are only strippers, sex-toys or nagging girlfriends or wives makes me crazy. Sadly most 'chick flicks' are still about women whose lives are almost completely defined in relationship to men, this one too to some extent, but it was still absolutely hilarious. Where it played off female anxieties that were not related to guys were it's funniest moments for me.

I have to go back and see it again with my husband and maybe some other dudes to see if they how they felt about the movie. I read some great reviews of the film and one guy called it the "anti-chick flick' - meaning it was a chick flick that he actually liked. Did it portray men in a somewhat stereotyped and sexist manner? Well yes but that the male reviews I read did not seem to have a problem with that.

Will it gestate a new movie genre? I am not so sure but I am willing to give other such films a try. I am loving that this film is a huge success and is sending a message to Hollywood that films for women, featuring women, written my women, that don't follow the 'rules' can be hugely successful.

So I have this idea for a comedic film. It is a set in an alternative universe where women are the main breadwinners, have all the power, and it is the men that are trying to break in. Think "Working Girl" but gender reversed. Think MadMen, but gender reverses. If anyone knows Kristin Wiig can you please give her my number?

Go see the film and get ready to laugh yourself silly. Warning it is rated R for a reason.

How Change Happens! The Revival of the French Feminist Movement

I have become fascinated with studying how social change happens. Over the past few years we have been given incredible opportunities to study how an event can occur that suddenly catapults an issue area forward. The power of media and new social technologies allows more people to both take a stand and take action. Communities are able to quickly connect and organize speeding the pace of movement building for collective action. This is exciting.

Scanning my feminist news brief this morning courtesy of the Women's Funding Network I read this article in the Guardian about the effect of the arrest of IMF Chief and Presidential hopeful Dominique Strauss-Khan on alleged rape charges is having in France. France is not exactly known for being a leader in gender equality, but perhaps this incident will serve to reignite the movement. Change happens when an issue, in this case what is considered accepted sexual behavior by a powerful French male, is brought in to the public for debate and engagement. What is accepted becomes challenged and re framed, leading to a possible change in beliefs, which leads to a change in behavior, that change becomes institutionalized and there you have it. Will this happen overnight? Of course not. Without challenge? Of course not. But, the French people may one day look back and say the incident that ignited a wave of advancement on gender equality in their country was this arrest.

To get the news brief from the Women's Funding Network subscribe here. It is an incredible, daily news link summary of the best articles relating to women and girls around the world. Thank you WFN for this incredible service.

Roseanne Barr Tells her Story - Thank you

This is absolutely a must read article by Roseanne Barr in the latest issue of New York Magazine. It is one of the bravest stories I have ever read by a successful woman. So few women who have 'made it' are willing to be this honest about what it took to get there, and what it cost them. So few men for that matter too. There is so much I can relate to in her story and it rings true for so many other ones I have heard over my career in finance. The list includes men and women taking credit for your work and ideas, other women pretending to be your friends and then stabbing you in the back, having to put up with sexist jokes, being humiliated in front of your peers, being taking advantage of with assumption you will take it because you are a women, and not being allowed to be yourself which in theory is why you are in a position of influence in the first place. Then of course there is the upside. The money. The platform. The title. The power. The perks. The 'celebrity' status. Then there is a whole other side which Roseanne did not choose to share and that is when was she less then her best self in terms of how she related to and treated others? At the end of it all however is the fact that we all have to look in the mirror and identify with the person who we see. I want to be a person that sees the truth, good, bad and otherwise, and so I hope is Roseanne.

This is inspiring me to tell my own story but the question is, am I that brave? A Goldman Sachs Women Partner tells her story. I can't tell you how many times I have sat down to write that one. Thank you Roseanne and thanks to all the women who put it all out there to help change the game for the better.

Women, Money, and Power...and superheros

My most perfect and amazing visit to NYC continued yesterday. We ( me, my 11 year old daughter and au pair/assistant Mandy ) started the day on Wall Street. I walked with Allie on the exact path I walked thousands of times from the subway to the entrance of 85 BROAD street. I remembered so vividly 23 years ago when I made my way for the very first time, having arrived hours early for day one as an analyst and I sat outside on the benches, shaking, unable to really comprehend how I went from a very small town in Canada to NYC. I decided to film a little video clip in front of the now abandoned headquarters for Goldman Sachs which I will post when I return. Has so much changed for women on Wall Street? Sadly, no.

We did out little tour of downtown including the NY Stock Exchange, the Fed, and of course a picture with the bull, before heading back uptown for lunch, and shopping. I slid in a meeting for Women Moving Millions before attending the SOFA Opening night art show with my buddy and collector Ann Kaplan, a board member of the Museum of ART and Design. It is official. I am a collector of superhero art. The very first piece that caught my attention as I walked in the building was a huge, 68 by48, comic book/paper piece. The title - Where are our heros now? A close up of the piece is pictured and it is made entirely of pieces cut from comic books. A sign you might ask? YES, absolutely. The world needs superheros and darn it I am going to work on that superhero screenplay this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But the concept is bigger then that. The concept for me is that everyone can be a superhero. Everyone and anyone can and should aspire to be the best they can be and it is in living to that potential that we will create a more just and equitable world for all. "Be the change you want to see in the world."

So that leads me in to dinner where the conversation was about women using their power. My dinner companions were two of the most fabulous women - Author Leslie Bennetts ( of The Feminine Mistake and a contributing editor for Vanity Fair) and Katharine Henderson, President of Auburn Seminary and author of God's Troublemakers - How Women of Faith are Changing the World. I have to run off to a 3 hour Women Moving Millions meeting so cannot write fully about it now BUT let me say this - it is about empowerment. It is about us all developing confidence in their own capacities to make a difference. ( the art piece???) More specifically it is about our economic empowerment meaning that we choose to use our financial resources more fully to drive the change we want to see. Ponder that today.... Another day in New York - yeah me!

"Why I am a Male Feminist"

Ok I realize I have been a very lazy blogger of late. Rather then writing about my own thoughts on various topics I link to other people's writings that move me. In part it is a time issue, but the larger piece is that there are just so many great articles and stories out there worth sharing. Below please find an excerpt from an article by Byron Hurt on "Why I am a male feminist." The entire article can be found by clicking here.

"Like most guys, I had bought into the stereotype that all feminists were white, lesbian, unattractive male bashers who hated all men. But after reading the work of these black feminists, I realized that this was far from the truth. After digging into their work, I came to really respect the intelligence, courage and honesty of these women.

Feminists did not hate men. In fact, they loved men. But just as my father had silenced my mother during their arguments to avoid hearing her gripes, men silenced feminists by belittling them in order to dodge hearing the truth about who we are.

I learned that feminists offered an important critique about a male-dominated society that routinely, and globally, treated women like second-class citizens. They spoke the truth, and even though I was a man, their truth spoke to me. Through feminism, I developed a language that helped me better articulate things that I had experienced growing up as a male.

Feminist writings about patriarchy, racism, capitalism and structural sexism resonated with me because I had witnessed firsthand the kind of male dominance they challenged. I saw it as a child in my home and perpetuated it as an adult. Their analysis of male culture and male behavior helped me put my father's patriarchy into a much larger social context, and also helped me understand myself better.

I decided that I loved feminists and embraced feminism. Not only does feminism give woman a voice, but it also clears the way for men to free themselves from the stranglehold of traditional masculinity. When we hurt the women in our lives, we hurt ourselves, and we hurt our community, too. "

I want to thank Mr. Hurt on writing such a brave and powerful article. He gets it. He gets that feminism is not a women win and men lose thing. Feminism is about creating a better world for all. When men and women more equally share in power and decision making, when they make an effort to more fully understand each other, when we work to bring out the full potential in each other, then we will have a more just, equitable and peaceful world. This is what it is about!!!!! Men have much to gain in this new paradigm and I hope and pray that more men gain this perspective and claim their feminist voice.

Have a wonderful Sunday. We are off to church where I will pray for this future.

Women Moving Millions and Women's Media Center

I am attending a three day training for WMM donors in NYC in partnership with the Women's Media Center. So far so awesome! They just showed this video about why getting our voices out there is so important. Check out this video on YOUTUBE. ( click here )

Also consider supporting this important organization. ( click here )

Pictured right are Elizabeth Sackler, Founder of the Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Jodie Evans of Code Pink who is the host of this gathering, and Jane Fonda who is a huge supporter and Board Member of WMC.

Sundance - Margin Call and and....

My last Sundance Post! Again, what an incredible week of taking in the best of independent films. ( click here from FB) I have posted on a number of them but here are a few more that were on our list: The Ledge, Miss Representation, Cedar Rapids, Take Shelter, Perfect Sense, The Convincer, Salvation Boulevard , Tyrannosaur , The Flaw, Incendies and Margin Call. I was sad to have missed Connected, Hell and Back Again, Like Crazy, How to Die in Oregon and RAW/WAR. Those are all on my to watch list. For a list of the years winners click here.

By far my favorite feature was INCENDIES a film about twins in Montreal that must deal with their passing mother's last wish- to locate their father and brother that were not known to them. The film up for an academy award and is a must see.

Worth commenting on is Margin Call and The Flaw, both about the financial crisis. Margin Call featured an all star cast of Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Jones, Zachary Quinto, Demi Moore, and Stanley Tucci, all of which were present for the premiere! The film was a day in the life of the financial crisis, located at one firm, when they find out that they have risk on their books that could effectively take down the place. Sound familiar? A young rocket scientist discovers the 'truth' and the plot follows how that piece of information travels up the decision making chain and back down again. Realistic, not really, but interesting never-the-less. I did enjoy how each character in the film was a Wall Street archetype.

- A dude in risk that was a PHd that moved to Wall Street for the money, but really felt somewhat guilty about it. Why is it we are paid so much in this job compared to "real work?"

- His sidekick, who did not have the pedigree and was completely obsessed with what everyone was paid with no moral conscience about it, nor about the fact that his firm was about to explode.

-The middle man manager/salesman that lived the life, $2.5 mm a year to be exact, of which he said about $80,000 was spent on partying and hookers. Very slick, a company man, and clearly a A-kisser.

- The trading floor boss who felt just a tad more conflicted about what was the 'right' thing to do for customers versus protecting his firm's interests.

- The big boss ( Jeremy Irons ) who had no idea what kind of risk the firm was taking but when confronted with the possible losses, did not hesitate to make quick decisions to protect the firms short term interests, even if it meant damaging client relationships.

- The only female in the film, Demi Moore's character, who was the doe in the headlight head of firm-wide risk, who clearly sacrificed family life to be a player, only to be told that the firm needed a fall guy and she would be it.

- The day to day head of risk who gets canned upfront even though he was trying to do the right thing, exposing the 'truth' that no one wanted to hear while the $$ was pouring in. A family guy who becomes obsessed with the fact that at one point he did something that helped people. He designed a bridge that saved people time in the commute.

So what was the point of the firm you ask? Well I asked that question actually, of the Director J.C. Chandor, and he answered that he really wanted to explore the crisis with from a personal perspective. Further that what we know of the crisis is more about the firms, or the dollars, and not about the people that drove the decisions. He added that what this experience caused him to question is why is it that some of the smartest, most talented people go to Wall Street? And what does that say about us as a society? Well I am sure we can answer that question.

Was it a good film? No, but with such a big cast and on such a timely topic, it is sure to be released. Will it become a Wall Street cult classic? Nope, but I do hope people go see it and it will likely result in some great conversations! ( a link to an article about Margin Call from The Guardian,)

The Flaw - a documentary about the crisis. Just not good. Took a very narrow perspective with Wall Street taking the solitary hit. There are many factors that caused the financial crisis with Wall Street certainly playing a key role, but not the only one. Too bias, stay away.

A Feminist Bash plus Miss Representation

Okay I don't meet to brag, but we just had a heck of a party! ( click here from FB) About 100 people came including our guests of honor Gloria Steinem, Geena Davis, Pat Mitchell, and Amy Richards. Whole teams came from three fabulous documentaries (!WAR, Connected and Miss Representation) including the filmmakers. There were also other actors, filmmakers, activists and all around fabulous people. If you are a feminist in Park City, this was the place to be! The spotlight was on Geena for her fabulous work at the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media . If you are not aware of the research she has done please find it on her web-site. The facts around women's lack of representation in the media, or the distorted view of them, will shock you in to action. Please consider supporting her important work!

My idea for next year is to gather together women writers, producers, filmmakers and other change makers to help make SUNDANCE and the industry in general much more gender balanced. I am so inspired by the films I have seen over the past few days that deliver the powerful message that we can all make a difference.

MISS REPRESENTATION - link to YOUTUBE clip

Yesterday I attended the premiere of this fabulous film that Greg and I were honored to support. This documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newson ( pictured center above) "explores women's under-representation in positions of power and influence in America and challenges the limited portrayal of women in mainstream media." It was extremely well done delivering powerful facts, images and opinions, but it is also a call to action. Please visit their website to learn more www.missrepresentation.org. I am excited to be a part of their outreach.

Here are a few facts from the film - WOMEN ARE

- 3% of clout positions in the mainstream media

- 3% of Fortune CEOs

- 7% of mainstream film directors

- 16% of film protagonists

- 17% of Congress while women make up 51% of the population

Also present at the party was the founder of Common Sense Media, Jim Steyer. If you do not know about this site, you must. I introduced him to my son Matthew who loves the site, and they had a great talk about Halo. How cool is that?

"Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.We exist because our nation's children spend more time with media and digital activities than they do with their families or in school, which profoundly impacts their social, emotional, and physical development . As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, we provide trustworthy information and tools, as well as an independent forum, so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume."

More film commentary to come this week!

Sundance - Report on Films

At 4 am my eyes popped open thinking about Sundance. (from FB) Not surprising given the two fabulous and provocative films I have seen over the past two days.

The first was the premiere of "Sing Your Song" a film by Susanne Rostok, a biographical documentary of the life of Harry Belafonte. His "groundbreaking career personifies the American Civil Rights Movement and impacted many other social justice movements." The filmmaker had collected over 800 hours of film on this extraordinary life. Mr. Belafonte told of how his mother taught him to wake up every day looking to right an injustice in the world. This is the same message that I am trying to live by, and am trying to teach my children - to do "what you can with what you have where you are." What was so incredible was how he used his platform, used is power, used his relationships, to help others. This is what the world needs a heck of a lot more of. I cannot wait to share this movie with my Women Moving Millions sisters ( and a few brothers) as that is exactly why this initiative was created. "To those to which much is given, much is expected."

Yesterday we saw a feature film called "The Ledge" by Director/ Screenwriter Gavin Wiesen. "Atop a high-rise building, Gavin, a young hotel manager, is about to end his life. Hollis, a detective whose own world has just been turned upside down, is dispatched to the scene. As Hollis tried to persuade Gavin not to jump, each man begins to open up about his past, and we discover that neither of them is convinced that his life is worth living." The film stars Charlie Hunnman, Liv Tyler, Patrick Wilson and Terrance Howard ( who were all excellent!!) who were all there for post film Q and A. Patrick's character Joe was a fundamentalist Christian who we find 'rescued' his gorgeous and docile bride. Charlie, the 'happy go lucky' neighbor, an atheist , falls for her, and her for him. I won't say more about the plot but it is filled with temptation, tragedy, and moral dilemmas. Ultimately it is about forgiveness, grace and perhaps event salvation. Faith is forefront. Love it. What I did not love is that I asked this question to the crew - "This movie is about one's struggle with faith. What did you learn about your own faith during the filming and would you like to share your faith with the audience?" The crowd cheered the question but that actors ducked answering. Sorry but that was lame. Why is one willing to get on the big screen and play a fundamentalist Christian, and not willing to comment about how you could or could not relate to the character." It was a moment for them to real about it, which was of course the point of the film and they did not. Very disappointing. Very.

Last night we attended a gathering for Impact Partners, a film investment group that funds social impact documentaries. They have three films in the festival - !WAR, Hell and Back Again and Connected: An Autobiography about Love, Death and Technology. They all sound extraordinary and I am hoping to see them. The filmmakers were there and the stories about how much passion went in to creating this films moved me. I have found my new love, Documentary Films. Also there were two filmmakers pitching their projects. The first will be about acid attacks on women in Pakistan and one man, a doctor, who is doing something about it. The second is about the Biosphere Two Project. Amazing. ( click here for the film guide)

My fabulous feminist house guests arrived last night for the Premiere of "Miss Representation" today. I am so excited which is likely why my eyes popped open at 4. Yes it is fun seeing movie stars, but activists and change makers are my heros. I suggest the cast of "The Ledge" come to this film for a little inspiration of how to not fear putting who YOU are out there. For that matter they should also search out Mr. Belafonte for an amazing example of a man who leverages his celebrity and is not afraid to share his values off the screen.

Sundance Film Festival!

Eighteen movies in 10 days......can it be done??? ( click here from FB) Not to mention other events and parties. This is my first Sundance Film Festival experience and we are going for it! The festivities began last night with a quick drink at ZOOM ( the Robert Redford Restaurant and yes there was a sighting!!!) with Pat Mitchell and her fabulous husband Scott. The bartender called it the calm before the storm. As a forever board member of the institute Pat likely knows more about Sundance then anyone and we were grateful for the advice. Tonight it is the opening Party at the Montage, the swanky new hotel at Deer Valley, and a viewing of the film "Sing Your Song."

The one I am most excited about is Miss Representation a film written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newson. "Miss Representation" uncovers a glaring reality we live with every day but fail to see. It's clear that mainstream media objectifies women, but what most people don't realize is the magnitude of that phenomenon and the way objectification gets internalized - a symbolic annihilation of self-worth - and impedes girls and women from realizing their full potential." This documentary features interviews with politicians, journalists, academics and activists. The guest list to the event and panel discussion to follow included the most fabulous Gloria Steinem (pictured with me up above), Geena Davis, and more with Pat Mitchell to moderate. "The purpose of the film is to re-energize the movement!!!" love it. I am excited to be able to continue the discussion the following day with a party at my home. This will be the first gathering in our new home and what a way to start!

Here are a few of the movies that we are hoping to attend. (in order of viewing):

The Ledge-A thriller. Atop a high-rise building, Gavin, a young hotel manager, is about to end his life. Hollis, a detective whose own world has just been turned upside down, is dispatched to the scene. As Hollis tries to persuade Gavin not to jump, each man begins to open up about his past, and we discover the neither of them is convinced that his life is worth living. Starring Charilie Hunnam, Liv Tyler, Patrick Wilson, Terrence Howard.

Miss Representation!!!

Like Crazy- A romance that is a film from and about the heart. Jacob, an American, and Anna, who is British, meet at college in L.A. and fall madly in love. Starring Anton Yelchin, Felicity Jones, Jennifer Lawrence.

My Idiot Brother-A comedy. Despite looking for the good in every situation and the best in every person, Ned always seems to find himself holding the short end of the stick-being conned into selling drugs to a uniformed cop, being dumped by his girlfriend. and worse yet, losing custody of his beloved dog, Willie Nelson. Starring Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel,

Higher Ground-Romantic/Drama charting one women's spiritual journey through life while exploring and embracing her own humanity, Higher Ground is that rare film that is rich in ideas but also charger with emotion.

Red State-A horror which follows three high school boys who come across an online ad from an older women looking for a ....... Hmm, not sure why I picked this one, perhaps because they confront a "holy" force.

Cedar Rapids-A comedy about a group of insurance salesmen who use the opportunity to attend an annual convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as a way to escape their doleful existence...like Vegas but with corn. Starring Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche. This looks really funny!

Take Shelter-A psychological thriller about Curtis who lives in a small town in Ohio with his wife and daughter, a six-year-old deaf girl. When Curtis begins to have terrifying dreams, he keeps the visions to himself, channeling his anxiety into obsessively building a storm shelter in his backyard. Starring Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain.

Perfect Sense-A thriller/drama about a global pandemic which first attacks emotions, the senses. Starring Ewan McGregor, Eva Green, Ewen Bremner. Love Ewan!

The Convincer-A drama about an insurance agent that is looking for a way to jump-start his business, reunite with his estranged wife, and escape the dismal mid-western weather.

Margin Call- Set in the high-stakes world of the financial industry, Margin Call is a thriller entangling the key players at an investment firm during one perilous 24-hour period in the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. Starring Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Demi Moore, Zachary Quinto.

Salvation Boulevard- A drama about Reverend Dan, a charismatic preacher who has a captivated a city with his charm. Starring Pierce Brosan, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Greg Kinnear, Marisa Tomei.

The Flaw-A documentary. The Flaw makes one thing clear from the outset-there was nothing simple about the U.S. financial collapse of 2007.

Incendies-A drama about twins from Montreal that must deal with their mothers dying wish: to locate their father, who they believed was dead, and the brother they never knew existed.

Tyrannosaur-A drama about Joseph, a tormented, self-destructive man plagued by violence, finds hope of redemption in Hannah, a Christian charity-shop worker he meets one day while fleeing an altercation. Starring Peter Mullan, Olivia Coleman, Eddie Marsan.

The Son of No One-Is a police thriller about a yound cop who is assigned to a precinct in the Queens neighborhood where he grew up. Starring Channing Tatum, Tracy Morgan, Katie Holmes, Al Pacino.

Will we make it through? I will report back.

TED - Women are Heros a film by JR

Last night at the TED opening I had the opportunity ( click here from FB) to see the documentary film "Women are Heros"- a film by JR, and the 2011 TED Prize Winner, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. It was an extraordinary film of a street art project come to life in the communities in which it was born. Click here from YOUTUBE trailer. I am off to a Women Moving Millions breakfast, a tour of the museum and by first TED conference. What a day!

Do Women Writers Get a Fair Shake? plus SHEWRITES

A controversy has broken out in the literary world about whether women writers get the attention they deserve? Read about it here on the HuffingtonPost.

Better yet however is read what Deborah Siegel has to say about it! Deborah is the not only one of my most favorite people on the planet, she is also the writer of one of my favorite books that every man, woman and young person should read. The book is "Sisterhood Interrupted: From Radical Women to Grrrls Gone Wild." It walks you through the history of feminism, bridges the intergenerational issues that plague the movement, and explains why feminism (and sorry if you really don't like that word ) is till relevant today.

Last year Deborah, and another totally fabulous woman Kamy ( pronounced Amy with a K ) Wycoff, started SHEWRITES.com.

"She Writes is a community and a workplace for women who write, with over 10,000 active members from all fifty states and more than thirty countries. Right now, emerging writers and established bestsellers are finding services, support and actionable advice on She Writes. In the future, the site will empower women writers further by connecting them directly to readers in a marketplace distinguished by its commitment to the production and distribution of high quality content. ..It is a mission-driven company, based on the belief that writing is life- and world-changing for women."

I am thrilled, honored, blessed to serve as an Advisory Board Member for SHEWRITES not only because of how much I adore the founders, but because their emerging business model is fascinating. Historically writers, and especially women writers, operate from a rather powerless position. They write something, and hope they can find an agent, a publisher, an audience.... SHEWRITES is trying to change that. It has created a powerful community of writers that are helping each other do all of the above and more. Love it.... If you are a writer, join and spread the word.

DANCE DAY! Get your groove on...

Total is Dance Day! I spent about 2 hours yesterday with my daughter and niece learning this routine so we could officially participate. Drop that newspaper, ignore the nagging emails, stop thinking about what you should do, think you have to do, and just get your groove on! Have a great day. ( to see the whole routine just skip to the end)

Here are a couple of my fav "So You Think You Can Dance Routines" for inspiration.

The Breast Cancer Routine - Breathtaking...

Alex - Hip Hop Routine

Bleeding Love

If It Kills Me

PS - I just bought our family tickets for the live show in Salt Lake City on November 4th. We went last year and it is about the most fun you can have at a live show. They went on sale yesterday so check to see if the show is coming to your town at Ticketmaster.com .

So You Think You Can Dance!

I love this show. I love watching it with my kids. But more then anything, I just love DANCE. This is the best routine evah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Click here. Twitch and Alex to HIP HOP.

Happy July 4th to everyone!

Gloria Steinem on the new Wonder Woman

Gloria Steinem sent me an email yesterday containing her comments to the Associated Press regarding the new Wonder Woman. Gloria, as previously mentioned, has a very long history with the WW character that you can read about in "Wonder Woman: The Complete History." She is one of the world's experts and has worked hard for decades to keep her character authentic. Here are her comments...

"There are at least two things about the Wonder Woman change that are in the Olympics of blunders.

First, the guys doing this -- and they seem to be all guys -- cite no research from the generations of girls and women who've loved Wonder Woman ever since she was invented during World War II; an alternative to the sadism and gore in boys' comic books that were so extreme, they inspired a Congressional hearing. Instead, Wonder Woman converted her adversaries, compelled them to tell the truth with her magic lasso, and otherwise made the world safe for girls, women and democracy.

I don't have a big issue with jeans versus skirt -- though jeans give us the idea that only pants can be powerful -- tell that to Greek warriors and sumo wrestlers -- and though in fact, they're so tight that they've just painted her legs blue; hardly a cover-up. I have an issue with changing her clothes and destroying home and family on what seems to be the brainstorming of a very limited group pf brains.

Second, the new Wonder Woman birth myth has her arriving as a baby after her Amazon home of Paradise Island is destroyed; an exact copy of Superman who came as a baby from the exploding planet Crypton. This destroys her home, her Amazon mother and sisters, and gives her no place to go to gain strength and create an inspiring story line; something the original Wonder Woman often did.

As in the late '60s when Wonder Woman creators took away all her magical powers -- and would have perished along with them, had not Ms. magazine come to the rescue with a lobbying campaign to restore them -- I wouldn't be surprised if it happens again.

The original Wonder Woman was changing the world to fit women. This one seems changed to fit the world."

Gloria Steinem

If you want to read a little about the history of WW online check out the entry in Wikipedia. She was created in 1944 by"Marston as a distinctly feminist role model whose mission was to bring the Amazon ideals of love, peace and sexual equality to a world torn by the hatred of men."

The campaign has started - Reclaim Wonder Woman!!!!!!!

A message to you Gloria - I cannot imagine anything more spectacular then YOU getting involved in creating the screenplay for the new WW movie. The screenplay that has been in the works for over a decade. They can't seem to find a good story line despite repeated tries by a variety of writers. Perhaps it is meant to be? I so believe in fate, in destiny, in all that. You are the expert. You love the character of Wonder Woman. You will keep the character honest and authentic and and..... I just got chills. Gloria. You must do this and if you need an assistant, I am right there with ya!

(Pictured right - Gloria and me and my recent going away party in NYC - the cuffs I am wearing were a gift from Gloria - gold cuffs to add to my WW collection ... read yesterday's post for more.)

Jan 2009 post on WW - link at the bottom to some other WW posts. This has been a theme!

"DC Comics Has Ruined Wonder Woman!"

If you know me you know that I love Wonder Woman! I collect WW memorabilia, and in fact thanks to my good friend BL I have the original Linda Carter outfit from her hit TV show! I have loved WW since I was a child when I used to wake up early Saturday mornings to watch cartoons. Remember when that was the only time there were on? Superfriends was my fav. I also loved the TV series of course and I cannot believe they have not relaunched it yet.

The big news this week is the release of the new WW comic book - issue 600! This internet writer hates the new appearance ( me too!!!!!!!! this other photo is just plain ridiculous ) There are making her out to look like a porn star. Great, just what our kids need. I have heard the main readers of comics are young adult males, but really do they have to do this to the classic character of WW? If this is a preview of what the lead character in a possible movie might look like... pllleeeassee........................

My passion for WW runs deep and it may be about time I did something about it besides collect stuff. 8 years ago I had an idea for a WW screenplay. I still have it. Over the years I have talked to Gloria Steinem about getting together and taking a stab at it, as she is one of the world's experts on WW! With my move to Utah and heck of a lot more time on my hands soon, I hope, the time may have come! If a trashy, dumb, offensive movie comes out about WW I will truly be heartbroken. Warner Brothers has struggled for a decade to create a screenplay for the film and maybe it has all been for a reason. There is SUCH an opportunity to create a truly iconic new character that redefines FEMALE super heroism. Hmm... getting a meeting with the studio execs at Warner Brothers has just gone to the top of my to do list for the fall. I will report back!

P.S. My second favorite WW possession is a children's WW pop-up book given to me by Gloria to add to my collection. I cried when I opened the box.

Hmm...I may have to start a whole WW section on this blog dedicated to both news on the comic, the TV show, the movie!!!!! but more importantly the WW in my life. Lots to do... but the boxes are not going to unpack themselves.

Have a great weekend!

Link to more blog entries about the new Wonder Woman.

Women inthe World - The Daily Beast Plus Abigail Disney...

The Daily Beast hosted a most incredible gathering this past weekend in New York City. Though I hoped to attend a combination of my daughters 10th birthday celebration ( I love you Allie!!!) plus the storm kept me away. Click here and here for more on the event. Thank YOU Daily Beast for hosting this event, for the great writing, and the video content!

I had coffee today with my friend Abigail Disney. If you do not know about "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" read all about it now by clicking here. The film is a story about the women of Liberia and is a must see documentary. Help spread the word by clicking here.

We Are More - Shayne Koyczan

Greetings from the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver! It is really quite amazing to be experiencing this event with my 9 year old daughter, Allie. Yesterday we attended the USA vs Russia womens hockey game, and although it was a blow-out, I truly felt the girl power! Thank you Title Nine! Sadly few other countries dedicate the resources to develop women's hockey and one can only hope that in future years the teams are more balanced. We also saw the men's luge event at Whistler and saw Canadian Skier Alexandre Bilodeau receive the first EVER Gold Medal on Canadian soil.

Though we did not attend the opening ceremonies ( I heard the least expensive ticket was $500!!!) it was spectacular on TV and I had two favorite moments. The first was the poem "We Are More" by Penticton poet Shayne Koyczan. Click here to watch the video. The second was the song Hallelujah by Katie Lang which sadly is not yet available but it took my breath away!

Lots to write about the markets but watching the Olympics on TV with my daughter is a must... Go North America!

Leaving Las Vegas!

Las Vegas is a very interesting city to say the least. I came here for a couple of days to meet my mother and attend a home show. The last time I was here was some 20 or so years ago, and it is truly a sight to behold. The size of the hotels, the number of slot machines, the amount of retail... is beyond understanding. I lost my token $20 bucks which I felt was the least I could do given my hotel room at The Bellagio was only $69 per night. I kept asking the taxi drivers, the servers, how the economy is here and the answer is perhaps obvious.... just not good. There said there was a time when you could not find a hotel room or a place at the craps table, but no more. Even tonight on our way back in at 11am over half the tables were empty. We did see two amazing shows, Jersey Boys and Ka, a Cirque du Soleil production. Both were incredible.