Women Helping Women

I am extremely honored to be included in this fabulous list of "Women Helping Women," located on a new web-site that I hope to be a regular contributer to. Thank you to the most wonderful Ruthie Ackerman for highlighting so many Women Moving Million donors. ( click here ) The site is Financial Advisors, part of a group of media properties of Source Media.

"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.

Widows in Afghanistan

This is why I care so much about working for women and girls around the world.

"After more than 30 years of fighting, Afghanistan has one of the highest percentages (6-8%) of widows in the world. Although the Afghan government doesn't have an accurate total for widows in the country due to the lack of a recent census, some officials estimate the number to be upwards of 2 million. By extrapolating from other demographic data, it's thought that the average age of an Afghan widow is about 35, that 90% of widows have children to shelter and feed, and that 94% are unable to read or write.

In Afghanistan's patriarchal society, the death of a husband not only diminishes a woman's economic security, but also removes her social protections, putting her at the lowest level of society. As a result, the most pressing issues for most widows are making a living and finding some measure of social protection. To survive and provide for their children, many Afghan widows find menial work weaving carpets, working in tailor shops, begging on the streets, or becoming prostitutes.

In response to this crisis, numerous international volunteer groups, churches, and other non-governmental organizations, as well as ISAF teams of female military personnel are working in Afghan villages to equip widows with the life skills they require to survive. The goals of such programs are generally tow-fold: the first is to teach widows how to live independently and earn a living wage without relying on government handouts and terrorist provided security which subjects them to human rights abuses; and second to demonstrate that ISAF forces are indeed in their country to protect them and help them rebuild their shattered country so that they can provide a future for their children. "

More on the White House Council Report

Two weeks ago the White House Council on Women and Girls released a report titled "Women in America: Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being" (available by clicking here )the most comprehensive report on the state of women in the United States since the Kennedy administration. The report uses data collected from a wide variety of government agencies and paints a picture of women in five focus areas: People, Families and Income; Education; Employment; Health; and Crime and Violence. The results were mixed--some good news, some bad.

First, the good news: We've seen positive changes with respect to education, employment and violence against women.

Women ages 25-34 are now more likely than their male peers to have attained a college degree, which is a reversal of the norm 40 years ago. They are also attending graduate school in greater numbers--11 percent of women compared to 8 percent of men. Overall, women have outpaced men in educational attainment over the past 40 years.

Unemployment rates for women have risen less for men in the most recent periods of recession, and women's labor force participation rate has held steady around 61% since 1997.

Between 1993 and 2008, homicides and nonfatal violent crimes committed against women both declined. Additionally, nonfatal attacks on women by intimate partners declined between 1994 and 2008.

The picture isn't quite as rosy as we might hope based on that news though. Women may be making great gains in education, and while we know that education increases earnings for both women and men, it doesn't translate to a closing of the pay gap. More women than men work part time, and occupational segregation persists. Women are also still working a "second shift"--In households with employed husbands and wives, women spent an average of 2.6 hours on household activities and caring for family members, while men spent about 1.6 hours on the same activities. Female headed families also had the lowest earnings among all family types, and the poverty rate for female householders with children under 18 years of age is still nearly three times as high as the overall male and female poverty rates.

Women's health is also worse than men's--more women than men report having chronic medical conditions, and more females over the age of 12 report experiencing depression than their male counterparts. Additionally, more than one third of women age 20 and older are obese.

With respect to crime and violence, women are a small but growing share of individuals arrested for violent crimes other than homicide, and the imprisonment rate for females has increased significantly since 1985. On the other side of the equation, women face a greater threat of stalking victimization.

There was also one slightly misleading statistic included in the crime and violence portion of the report as well. According to the data, reported rapes declined during the '90s and have remained stable since then, hovering around 1 per 1,000 females aged 12 and over. However, in the notes, the authors write "Other government studies that asked more detailed questions specifically about sexual assault have found higher rates of victimization." Similarly, it is also worth noting that 54 percent of women surveyed who reported being raped did not notify the police. The culture of silence around sexual assault is truly pervasive. If someone had their wallet or their purse stolen, they would report it to the police, but when women have their dignity stolen they blame themselves--and others place the blame on them as well. True change will happen when rape is viewed by the public like the crime it is, rather than a private, personal problem.

We've made progress in important areas, but as the numbers show, we've still got a long way to go.

( thanks to Erica O-Neil for researching and writing this post)

BE A MAN!! .... by supporting women.

Ok this is awesome. Truly AWESOME. It is a video in support of giving money to Women's Funds! You must watch and congrats to the Women's Fund of Central Ohio for creating such a great video and campaign. LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( here is the link)

Women World Wide - Leading Through Philanthropy

I am in Chicago for the 2011 Women World Wide Leading Through Philanthropy conference by The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. The speaker line-up is incredible, including many of the world's leading philanthropists and industry leaders. Be sure to check out the center's website for incredible information on the state of giving in America.

Generosity is hot. Generosity is cool. Generous people should be our celebrities, not stars of TV sitcoms that seem to be losing their marbles. If we gave 1/10 the amount of media time to people that are helping others that we do to derailed movie and TV stars, our world will be a better place. For just such a story check out this article by Camilla Webster in FORBES. I had the honor of being interviewed by Camilla for her upcoming book and she is one fabulous woman. Thanks Camilla for this inspiring story. Pass it on.

International Women's Day!!! Time to celebrate or ??

Today is the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day - "It is a major day of global celebration of women. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements." ( Wikipedia) So if you are a woman, be sure to get lots of of extra hugs today from the men in your life, and give your sisters some high fives.

But here is the question - As American Women ( full disclosure I am Canadian living in the US ) do we have a lot to celebrate or if this a moment to say where we are is unacceptable and it is time to step up and create positive change? Here are some facts to help you think about your answer:

• The US ranks 37^th in gender equality among the world's 42 most highly developed nations
• The US ranks 64^th globally with a 19 percent wage gap between male and female full-time workers
• The US ranks last among the world's top 11 industrialized nations in both infant and maternal mortality ( above from the Ms. Foundation )
• Nationally, women are 57% of all college students but only 26% of full professors, 23% of university presidents and 14% of presidents at the doctoral degree-granting institutions
• Among Fortune 500 companies, women constitute only 3% of the CEO's, 6% of the top paying positions and 16% of the corporate officers
• In film, women constitute 16% of all directors, executive producers, producers, writers and cinematographers
• Of the top 15 media corporations (which include a mix of print, online, television and radio businesses), all CEO's are male and only 17% of board members are women
• Despite being nearly half (48%) of law school graduates, women make up only 18% of law partners and only one in four are judges.
• The military remains the only profession in the United States which under Department of Defense policy prohibits women from taking certain jobs. This hinders women from being promoted to the top levels of leadership
• Women make up only 17% of the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate; no women have ever been presidents or vice president. Women of color are completely absent from the Senate and only account for 5% in the House of Representatives

I assume you can guess where I am on this issue. This is unacceptable to me. Unacceptable. It has been and will continue to be my life's work to help in whatever way I can to narrow these gaps and help create a world where both men and women, boys and girls, can live in a more peaceful and just way. So when I raise a glass tonight it will be NOT be to toast our progress, but to recommit myself to the promise of a better future. Be part of the solution. Be the change you want to see in the world. Believe that gender inequality is an important issue and deserves your attention no matter what you age, race or gender.

Many of the statistics above were pulled from this comprehensive study - White House Project's Benchmarking Study. Take a look. ( click here )

The list of amazing articles that were written in honor of today is very long indeed and I will in the next blog attempt to gather the best of.

For now watch this new video just released by V Day! V Day's mission, to end violence against women and girls. Eve Ensler thank you for creating such a powerful movement. You have made such a difference. ( click here to watch )

Women Who Shake the World!

The Daily Beast's annual Women in the World Conference is next week in New York. As Women Moving Million's Co Chair I was fortunate to get an invite, but had to pass it on to another WMM member as I will be attending the "Women World Wide Leading through Philanthropy" event in Chicago at the same time. There is no doubt that this gathering is going to be fantastic! Visit this link to see their list of 150 Women Who Shake the World. Congrats to the many WMM donors that are part of this incredible list.

A Wonder Woman Documentary in the Making!

Check out this link about a documentary that is in process. Have I reached out to the filmmakers? You bet. More as that unfolds. ( click here for the link)

Women In America!

After 10 days of travel - LA for fun and San Fran for a 3 day Women's Funding Network Board Meeting and Retreat I am back and caught up! I am suffering from blog constipation. There are SO MANY topics all blocked up and I need to get them out!! I will try a blog a day for a while. After three years of blogging without focusing on how to really get my blog out there, I think it is time to get my act together. I just read about a mommy blogger who has millions of followers. Inspiring! Ok, on to the topic for today!

It is Women's History Month!! In honor of this the WHITE HOUSE is having a call on WOMEN IN AMERICA! They just released a HUGE report on this topic and can be downloaded here. It looks absolutely incredible. Be sure to check it out and share the link.

Fannie and Freddie - the story continues

I am sure at least a few of my regular readers might be wondering WHY I have not yet done a posting about the report just out on the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. ( and the mortgage market ) The reason is that I knew my dear friend Bethany McClean, author of THE BOOK on the subject called "All the Devils are Here " would most certainly be called upon for comment. She was, and her brilliant response appears on SLATE .com ( click here) A number of options were presented and none of them are too practical. The combined entities who dominate the multi-trillion dollar market have so far cost the taxpayers $130 billion dollars. Two monsters were created and we will continue to leave with their remains for some time.

I have done numerous posts on these two entities and if you would like to read any of them please go to my web-site and search Fannie.

Connected: An Autoblogography about Love, Death & Technology

I recently watched Tiffany Shlain's documentary Connected: An Autoblogography about Love, Death, & Technology. It was one of the documentaries in the Sundance Film Festival and won a Women in Film Award. I had the pleasure of meeting Tiffany and she is one passionate and interesting woman.

"Connected explores the visible and invisible connections linking major issues of our time-the environment, consumption, population growth, technology, human rights, the global economy-while searching for her place in the world during a transformative time in her life. Employing a splendidly imaginative combination of animation and archival footage, plus several surprises, Tiffany Shlain constructs a chronological tour of Western modernization through the work of her late father, Leonard Shlain, a brain surgeon and best-selling author of Art and Physics and The Alphabet Versus the Goddess. "

Take a look at the trailer below and watch for the film to be released.

Women's Funding Network Conference 2011 - Investing with a Gender Lens

I serve as the Vice-Chair of The Women's Funding Network a network of over 160 women's organizations around the world. They are hosting their annual conference this year April 7-9, 2011 in Brooklyn, New York. This global conference is called The Power of Global Networks and its purpose is to bring together women's fund leaders, donors, experts and activists from around the world. The conference will focus on how women's funds turn the conventional model of philanthropy upside down, radically changing the way individuals, corporations, foundations and government invest in women and girls. It will also focus on how women's funds, and the network at large, is an effective vehicle, for shared leadership and collective action, allowing us to authentically and effectively extend our reach, increase our impact and build a movement for social change. Please join us! The conference is open to everyone.

We have a fantastic line-up of panelist and speakers including Ms. Michelle Bachelet. She is the first Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women which was established on July 2, 2010 but the United Nations General Assembly. Under Ms. Bachelet's leadership, UN Women will lead, support and coordinate the work on gender equality and the empowerment of women at global, regional and country level.

I will be moderating a panel on Friday, April 8. We are asking the question - How do we use our investment dollars to drive the economic and social empowerment of women and girls? This session will explore how investors, individual and institutional, can invest for profit with the same set of values they apply to their philanthropy and grant making. We ask if viable financial products exist that incorporate a gender lens? What are the current barriers and opportunities? How can the movement to invest in the potential of women and girls make all levels of money matter to make a big impact?

Again. Join us.

Also note that I have added an 'upcoming events' tab above which lists many upcoming gatherings in the women's space. Hope it is helpful.

"Women at the Top" more on the DB comment...

I have to say I love it when I write a blog entry on something (yesterday) and the next day it appears in one of my favorite papers as an OPED. Love it. Today in the Financial Times the editors wrote a piece called "Women at the Top: Make Boards More Diverve and Stop the Patronizing." The article makes the same basic points I did taking to task Josef Ackerman, chief Executive of Deutsche Bank. I love this quote...
"Diversity is not a feminist issue.....Failing to recruit from the widest possible talent pool is bad for a company, it's investors and society at large." I love how it ends as well saying that perhaps DB should think about replacing him when his term is up.GO FT!!!!

Women on Boards - The Dumb Comments Continue

The issue of women on boards continues to make headlines. Many countries are wrestling with the idea of quotas and others have already implemented it. Josef Ackermann, chief executive of Deutsche Bank Germany, recently made a remark about this issue which got him in a lot of hot water. Responding to a question at last weeks annual results conference he stated "I hope it will be prettier and more colorful one day". Mr. Ackermann's comments were attacked by many prominent women in German business, including Ilse Aigner, minister for consumer affairs, saying: "Whoever wants things more colorful and beautiful should go to a flower meadow or museum".

Mr. Ackerman here are a few words of wisdom for what to say next time. "We are well versed in the incredible amount of evidence that greater board diversity leads to better decision making and are trying to get over this white male bias that clearly is reflected in our current lack of diversity. We say we cannot find talented women to fill these board seats but really, we are not trying very hard and this will change. We recognize that women are half the population, are clearly as smart and capable as men, and although there are fewer women with CEO experience that is often a prerequisite for board placement, we will find the talent BECAUSE we know that greater board diversity will lead to better outcomes. We did not do well in the financial crisis as you know, and our hope is that a more robust board going forward will help us weather the next storm more soundly."

Some facts

"Deutsche Bank has no female executive board members and last year only 2.2% of executive board members at the 30 companies in Germany's blue-chip DAX index were women. Germany also came last in ranking if women's representation on executive boards."

- 14.8% of Fortune 500 board seats were filled by women (2009)

-15.4% of Fortune 500 corporative officers were women (2009)

-During the four-year span of their study, Fortune 500 companies with the highest percentage of women on their boards, and greater numbers of women in the clout titles, saw 53% higher returns on equity than those companies with the fewest number of women on their boards.

-Return equity for companies with at least three women on their boards was 16.7%, compared with 11.5% for the average company.

To read more about the article visit Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, or The Telegraph.

Our foundation has created a "Why Diversity on Corporate Boards Matters" Brief - if you would like it please email me at pursepundit@gmail.com .

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 - A Feature Article on Geralyn Dreyfous plus Davos

What a 10 days! We saw 12 films, attended many parties, met countless fabulous people and I am exhausted! That said, I am completely inspired to work on a Wonder Woman Project and have so many ideas for documentaries that it feels like my head is going to explode. WOW. My last post was about a party I held for some fabulous feminists last Sunday ( see below) and it made the front page of Sunday's Salt Lake Tribune. Click here to read the profile piece on Geralyn and see some fab photos.

I failed to report on the gathering on DAVOS this past week, and in particular on the implementation of a gender quota. Click here to read more about it in an article by Katrine Behold of the New York Times / International Herald Tribune in which I was quoted.

There is so much I want to write about but it will be another crazy week with little time for writing. I am off to NY for a bunch of meetings related to the Women's Funding Network and Women Moving Millions, plus a few days of media training! I am hoping to do one more post on Sundance before I head off as it truly was an incredible experience. So much talent. So many great stories. Just an incredible experience.

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.

Wonder Woman - The Missing Superhero

Regular readers know that I love Wonder Woman. I collect WW memorabilia, and I fantasize about writing the WMM screenplay. So I sent this article to Gloria Steinem, who is one of the world's experts on WW, as I have been saying to her "Gloria, it is time we got involved." She agreed. Sundance is next week and we will both be attending, so we are going to find someone to listen! They need some hard core feminists to get involved and we are ready!

Read the latest news on WW by clicking here. Bottom line they have not found a screenplay, the concept is in "development hell." CALL GLORIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are Women Leaving Men Behind?

A while back Hanna Rosin wrote an article for the Atlantic called "The End of Men." ( click here from FB) Needless to say it caught my attention. Sorry Hanna but although you made some great points in the article about the rising economic power of women, I truly hated the title. Hated it. The idea that when women rise men must fall is just plain wrong and truly damaging. It is not an either/or, but a both and.

Today this oped appeared on CNN and it links to Hanna's talk at TED Women, a conference I recently attended. Sorry again Hanna, but I really did not like your talk for the same reason I did not like the title of your article. It was too anti-men. Watch it for yourself and leave a comment.

Men need to be our partners in advancing gender equality. I truly believe that when women more equally share in all forms of power in our society, we will have a more just and equitable one, and a growing number of men believe that too. So please Hannah, no more putting men down and making them feel like the 'losers.' Last time I checked, despite all the facts you quote ( which I fully agree with), men still do run the world, and we need them to support us running in it with them.

Some Facts About the Deficit

Deficit reduction is likely to be the hottest, domestic, political topic this year so let me arm you with some facts according to the WSJ.

- The government is currently spending about $100 billion more a month then it is taking in, adding about $1.3 trillion to the federal debt per year.

- Right now the government only has $400 billion before it hits the $14.3 trillion ceiling. ( and there is really no way to avoid hitting it)

- I love this quote - "Today's deficits are political problem, tomorrow's economic threat."

- Federal borrowing grew by $3.9 trillion between the end of 2007 and the third quarter of 2010. ( Why? to cushion the blow of the economic downturn)

- Every additional $100 billion borrowed this year adds $43 billion in interest over the next 10 years.

My comments to this - Scary. The numbers are extraordinary. When we raise the debt ceiling the federal debt will exceed our national GDP. This does not include state and local debt. You have likely been reading that there are HUGE issues in the muni area right now as bond holders are worried about the ability of many issuers to repay. This does not include mortgage debt, credit card debt, corporate debt, high yield debt...... We are an indebted nation and to a large extent that has been good, it has fueled growth, but at the end of the day it comes down to this. can the debt payments be made? No, for the subprime mortgage market and that is what contributed greatly to the financial crisis. Partial no for commercial real estate which has also caused big issues. So far yes for government, but at what cost to our future? The federal government can print money which is a good thing if you need to pay people. Printing does risk credibility and the credibility is reflected in both interest rates and exchange rates. Again so far ok because many other developed countries are in the same position and hey, we are the US, the world's largest economy.

So where does that leave me? Worried, as i have been for some time. Worried for the economic future of our collective children. I teach my children to be financially responsible. I teach them to spend within their means and our nation's capital is not exactly setting a good example.

Helen Mirren on Hollywood

This video is a must watch. You go Girl. Thank you for the courage to speak from the heart about what you know to be TRUE. ( click here)