The Passion of the Hausfrau–the show–is making its first New York appearance, at the White Plains Performing Arts Center, February 3rd through the 13th. Come watch the show The Portland Phoenix described as “comedic genius.” And spread the word!
I’ll be there selling books and enjoying the show. Hope to see you!
For tickets and more info: http://www.wppac.com/
For info on the Hausfrau show
Reprint of Women’s Media Center Commentary by Carol Jenkins
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As all political eyes move to the vice presidential picks, the WMC is tracking the media’s examination of possible women candidates, and we will explore in depth as we go along. Most names mentioned are sitting governors or other politicians. One notable exception comes from the business world.
Stuart Rothenberg’s recent musings about Carly Fiorina as a vice presidential running mate for John McCain were enlightening. He clearly viewed her candidacy seriously. The former head of Hewlett Packard has become a media frontwoman for the presumed Republican nominee, picking up praise in Republican circles as she travels the country making his case.
Carly FiorinaI once saw Fiorina in action, and she left an indelible impression: never have I seen a woman with so firm a sense of self-assurance. She was speaking at a Women’s Leadership Exchange event just after her memoir, Tough Choices, was published. She took up every inch of the stage, strutting from one end to the other, occasionally referring to her notes at the podium–but really, giving us a display of unabashed confidence sometimes not so evident in women. I understood how she had convinced the boards of HP and Compac to unite, against their wills. As we know now, that turned out somewhat badly for her: she lost her job, but did walk away with a reported $42 million in severance.
Fiorina’s described as a moderate: she knows the economy, she’s managed thousands of employees, she’s a fighter–and she knows how to close the deal. She’s also a media familiar. Despite all that, Rothenberg comes to the conclusion that without the vetting of running for office before, she may be just too risky–and controversial.
Hillary ClintonThe other fascinating piece to surface this week was Michael Goodwin’s switch on Hillary Clinton-now claiming that perhaps she is the best VP candidate for Obama after all. This after the NY Daily News columnist ran an unrelenting series of anti Hillary rants with titles like “Hillary Clinton is One Sorry Sight on her Way to Defeat” and “Hillary is Her Own Worst Enemy” throughout the primary season.
Goodwin was apparently so moved by Clinton’s appearance in Unity, New Hampshire that he now says. “Clinton’s Friday performance adds to my growing belief the dream ticket is an on-again possibility.” Of course, much of the article talked about Obama’s reversal on some key “change” issues. According to Goodwin, “So, if he’s going to act like a Clinton, why not team up with one?”
It seems there are still plenty of surprises and excitement left in the presidential campaign. We will monitor the media developments and keep you informed. Support The Women’s Media Center in our effort to make sure that women’s voices are heard.
Check out the womensmediacenter.com
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‘Rock Star Mommy’ – The Book
I’ve known Judy Davids for the better part of four years now. We might have gone a little longer without a connection if The Wall Street Journal hadn’t done an article connecting Mom Bands across America. I consider Judy and The Mydols as one of the Fab-Five — The original pioneers of this genre. Those first bands were: Housewives On Prozac, The Mydols, MotherLode Trio, Placenta and Frump*.
When I first heard Judy was writing a book about her experiences as a Rocker and a Mother, I wasn’t the least surprised. Judy’s always gone out and done exactly what her heart told her to do. If she hadn’t then The Mydols would never have formed in the first place.
It was Judy who got the crazy idea, that her forties would be the most Rockin’ yet, and she started asking around the soccer field if any other Mothers might wanna join up. She started playing the guitar at a time in life when many women decide it’s time to buy clothes with elastic waistbands and go into hiding for a slow fade off into middle age.
Rock Star Mommy chronicles Judy’s journey from Soccer Mom to Rocker Mom and you can count me as one of her biggest fans. She’s not only the event coordinator four years running for the Detroit Mamapalooza Festival, but she’s garnered consistent media, print, and tv interest as a lively and fascinating example that we are able to reinvent ourselves in the direction of our dreams.
Whether bopping to The Mydol Twist or whooping it up onstage at events like Oakland Art & Soul Festival, where Judy and her band joined us for a MAMAPALOOZA ROCKS! Stage in 2007, she is sure to inspire and delight. Go out and buy her book today. It’s ‘ROCK STAR MOMMY’ wherever books are sold. www.judydavids.com
*(Placenta and Frump bands listed have gone on to re-form with different names and different members.)
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