Staying True To Merida: Why This Fight Matters
I have been overwhelmed at the supportive response that A Mighty Girl’s petition on Change.org has gotten and I’m thrilled and optimistic because of it. But we’re not done. Regardless of the support the petition has received the campaign is not over. And it is still important to speak up. In response to the overwhelming amount of support this petition has received, Disney has only backed down a little. They have yet to make a definitive statement that they intend to restore to Merida her original look, staying true to her character, on all future merchandise. The sexier, slimmer version of Merida with a come-hither look and an off-the-shoulder dress is still very much out there. In fact, it remains to be seen what is “limited” about this current...
Read MoreTake A Peek Inside Four Amazing Mini Libraries
Our lives are becoming increasingly mobile, so it only makes sense that libraries are becoming mobile, too. Pop-up libraries are, well, popping up across the globe, giving more people access to the magic of reading. Despite the fact that these libraries are built on a much smaller, more portable scale than traditional libraries, they’re architectural marvels in their own right. Come along on a quick trip around the world (no packing or passport required) for a look at four amazing mini libraries. Levinski Library, Tel Aviv Created by Yoav Meiri Architects, the Levinski Library features an international selection of books in a variety of languages. According to the architecture firm, the library is intended for illegal immigrants and is open all hours of the day...
Read MoreTeaching Women and Girls Resilience
I’ve written before about charities that I respect and support—St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Habitat for Humanity, to name a couple. But now I’ve discovered a charity that has so inspired me that I actually joined the Board of Directors to help out more than just in a financial way. I’m truly excited about what we’re trying to accomplish, and I need to tell you about it. The organization is called the Corstone Center for Personal Resilience. It’s a mouthful, I know, but the name has great meaning. Corstone is starting at the heart of the problem. Center is a safe place to find one’s center or balance. Personal takes into account the individual. And Resilience (now this is the key word to me) is the stamina and desire to be strong...
Read MoreWow: An Oscar!
What am I supposed to DO with that? I’m still kind of stunned. It feels surreal. Don’t get me wrong… I’m thrilled! But… it’s not just getting the Oscar – or the other awards for Brave – that makes me feel so overwhelmed and numb. It’s all of the incredible support and good wishes that I’ve received in the past few weeks. I’m so humbled by all of it – and just… well… stunned. It’s been crazy! I’ve had people sending me little movies over text that filmed them screaming and dogs barking when Brave won! I’ve had conversations, emails, tweets and Facebook messages telling me their what-they-were-doing-when-Brave-won-the-Oscar-and-how-they-screamed stories from family, friends, acquaintances and strangers alike! And I’m still...
Read MoreDone Not Done: Easily Manage Your Media
If your organizational habits are anything like ours, you create two types of to-do lists: one for school or work tasks, and the important one—you know, the list that includes all of the music you want to listen to, movies you want to watch and books you want to read. And if your “Must Watch/Read/Listen To” list is a little out-of-control, don’t fret! We recently stumbled on a nifty app called Done Not Done that lets you keep track of your media consumption—and better yet, you can call on your Facebook and Twitter friends to help you conquer your list. You can use the app on the web or with your iPhone. Sign in using your Twitter or Facebook log-in and finish adding your account details. After that, Done Not Done will help you start creating your list...
Read MoreHow Women Can Fix The Gender Gap
Although the gender gap is more glaringly apparent in some industries and areas than others, the sad fact remains that, even in today’s day and age, women and men are far from equal, especially when it comes to factors like employment and pay. Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook, attributes this continued divide to several factors—including women who don’t aggressively pursue opportunities. Sandberg explores this theory in her new book, Lean In, due out in March. In ways both big and small, Sandberg examines how women hold themselves back so that we can collectively recognize these factors—and change them. “We internalize the negative messages we get throughout our lives, the messages that say it’s wrong to be outspoken, aggressive,...
Read MoreBrenda Chapman to Appear at Athena Film Festival
Billed as “a celebration of women and leadership,” the Athena Film Festival is now in its third year of creating a fun, engaging weekend that’s packed with films, documentaries, shorts that highlight female leadership, both in real life and the fictional world. And if you’re in New York from February 7-10, we suggest you make plans to attend the festival, which promises to be as entertaining as it is inspiring. The entire line-up is worth seeing, but we’re especially excited for our own Brenda Chapman to appear at noon EST on Feb. 9, where she’ll participate in a live Q&A immediately following a screening of Brave. We recommend attending as much of the festival as possible—after all, it’s going to be amazing! The Athena Film Festival schedule...
Read More4 Social Networks for Book Lovers
You probably already know that we’re big fans of reading. Another thing at the top of our list? Talking about books, which is why we were thrilled to discover a round-up of social networks designed specifically for readers. Whether you want to dive into a discussion about your favorite book, ask others for reading recommendations or even share your own writing, these literary-minded social networks help you do all of that and more. Here are a few we’re exploring now: Scribd: Billed as “the world’s largest online library,” Scribd is a great option if you’re interested in exploring original written content. Jason Boog of AppNewser describes it as “the largest book club on the planet,” so if you’re interesting in discussion a particular genre of...
Read MoreMust Watch: MAKERS Documentary to Air February 26
Ever since the MAKERS: Women Who Make America documentary appeared on our radar last summer, we’ve been anxiously awaiting the film’s air date. Mark your calendars for February 26, when this extraordinary film will be shown on PBS. Created by filmmakers Dyllan McGee, Betsy West and Peter Kunhardt, MAKERS chronicles “one of the most sweeping social revolutions in its history, as women have asserted their rights to a full and fair share of political power, economic opportunity and personal autonomy,” according to the MAKERS blog. The documentary is a powerful compilation of stories from women who led the fight, those who opposed it and those who became unintentional trailblazers, leading the way as they fought for change in all corners of society. Consider...
Read MoreBrave’s Oscar Nomination
So… it was the most amazing thing in the world to me to be able to wake my daughter last Thursday morning saying, “Wake up! We’re going to the Oscars!” For once, she woke up right away. That will always be a great memory we will both share. (Have to say I was thrilled when I found out she told all of her friends at school how I woke her up that morning). Then there was the wonderful surprise champagne toast at work and all the congratulations and excitement. The phone calls and emails. It’s truly a mind numbing experience in a really good way… yet at the same time it is bittersweet. Not being there when I knew they would be toasting the Brave crew at Pixar was kind of sad for me. The memories of how hard everyone worked on the film to try and make it...
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