The early people who settled Zambia were probably of San descent, as in other areas of Southern Africa. Between 300 B.C. and 400 A.D., Bantu speaking tribes moved south and dominated the area that is now Zambia. Currently, Zambia’s 73 tribes have 286 chiefs, 54 senior chiefs and five paramount chiefs: Kalonga Gawa Undi and Mpezeni of Eastern Province, Chitimukulu of the Northern Province’s Bemba people, The Litunga of Lozi in Western Province and Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda people of Luapula province. Thus, Kalonga Gawa Undi and Mpezeni advantage Eastern Province with two paramount chiefs!

We were on our way to a V-Day luncheon, an extraordinary event founded by Eve Ensler. V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. Held on February 11, it was attended by Ensler and Charlize Theron, Jane Fonda, Gabourey Sidibe, Rosario Dawson, Dermot Mulroney, Jehan Agrama, Donna Dietch and dozens more film and feminist glitterati. Two extraordinary producers, Midge Sanborn and Sarah Pillsbury, were seated at our table. (They produced DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN, RIVER’S EDGE and HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT.) We chatted about Facebook and the challenges of getting a film made in the current market. Tough. So tough.

And, yet, as hard as it is to get a film made, I was in the middle of working on a film for POWER UP. And it was definitely requiring everyone’s “A” game. The film was written by Angela Robinson and directed by her partner, Alex Kondracke. Based on the super successful web series sponsored by Showtime, it starred Lisa Rieffel, Michelle Lombardo, Gabby Christian, Mandy Musgrave, Kate French, Rose Rollins, Clementine Ford, Megan Cavanagh, Jessica Chaffin and Michael O’Connell.

The film takes place in one epic night. It’s about everything that happens to Tyler and Daisy (Lombardo and Rieffel) as they try to get to a “battle of the bands” style competition. They are waylaid by Daisy’s sister, Colby, who has her sights set on hooking up with Misty, the girl of her dreams. The night spins wildly out of control. So, like SUPERBAD, the film takes place in one night. What that meant for our crew is that the film was shot mostly at night. Call times tended to be around 4 or 5pm. We wrapped around 4 or 5am. By the end of the production, mostly everyone was sporting a vampire-like paleness.

It didn’t take long to figure out this was no rinky-dink, college-indie-production.

Even though this was a SAG ultra-low-budget film, it was totally “A” game. Throughout the production, we were moving a 5-ton truck full of gear and a cube truck full of expendables, gear and craft service supplies. The 5-ton towed our generator into position so the Grip & Electric crew could provide stable power to all teams. We had two Panavision cameras, therefore, obviously, two camera crews. We also used a steadicam crew on several of the “club” locations and a crane crew on one amazing traffic sequence. Since the film is a musical, we had great audio guys who had to capture and mix sound AND provide sync playback. We had to have a transportation coordinator just to move everything into place. With this sort of filmmaking, you can’t just change direction on a dime. You’re moving TONS of equipment and nearly a hundred people a day into position.

Some of our more extraordinary moments had to do with our street scenes. We used a process trailer on two days and a tow-dolly on two days. Four of our 28 days were moving … literally. A process trailer has the “picture vehicle” with the cast up on a trailer that is being towed around the streets of Hollywood. It’s a wide setup that requires four (4)! motorcycle cops with you at all times. The tow dolly has the front wheels of the picture vehicle strapped in and towed behind the camera truck. It’s a narrower setup that only requires two (2) officers. It’s like a half-off sale. The tow dolly days were in the Arts District of LA … bright lights and sparkly night skies. I can hardly wait to see it on the big screen. Definitely going to see everybody on their game.

“Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.”
Sir Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965)
British Prime Minister

During the week, in addition to all of the screenwriting and research we’ve been doing, we’ve also been working on the Transportation Safety Technologies, Inc. website for automotive safety engineer and testing specialist Mark Arndt. The site isn’t finished yet but it’s coming along nicely. It’s a very reliable engineer-blue-and-gray theme with a splash of orange and red.

Last week, I pretty much finished a Flash business site for my nephew who recently relocated to Wisconsin. Chris does painting, hence, Bowe Painting reflects that with a lot of photos and color. I am sure you can tell where this is all going.

Tonight, I looked at my site and started to think, “This site is just too dang white.”

So, as soon as I finish the Flash site for Jenny and Marc for their VFX company, The Creative Cartel (which I’m really anxious to finish this weekend), build the commerce site for Terry and Kay for their newest venture (to be announced soon), finish revising the blog and site for the film, A MARINE STORY, help Pam rebuild the Reminesse site and revise the GREENing Productions site, I’ll get right on the redesign for my site. Like the cobbler’s children who go without shoes, web designers’ sites are always the last for the make-over.

This evening, I learned that very few heart attacks are caused by prescription (or other) drug abuse while cardiac arrests (especially if there is no underlying coronary disease) are more likely to be caused by drugs (prescription or illicit) or chronic conditions like Anorexia. Several family acquaintances are coming forward to talk about Jackson’s effort on and desire for a wildly successful “comeback tour” which was supposed to start on July 13th. Staying in a rented house, Jackson had been reported to be working incessantly on the show. In a variety of interviews, people would say he was like Anna Nicole Smith, a casualty to fame, incessant drive and self-serving sycophants. IMHO, Anna Nicole Smith didn’t have the talent, stature or global impact that Michael Jackson did. So, perhaps Michael Jackson is this generation’s Elvis Presley.

I remember Elvis before he was fat; I remember when Elvis was all talent and sass and music. His voice blared from radios everywhere. We watched him on television, in movies and on concerts. And then he was obscenely famous. He became more isolated. The only people who were allowed near “The King” were the doctors and handlers who gave him whatever he wanted, whatever would keep him going, regardless of the consequences for his health. I saw a photo on the Daily Mail of Jackson on his 50th birthday (left) and was stunned at how emaciated he appeared in the photo. Frail. It was shocking. Lisa Marie Presley must have some interesting karma to have been touched by both of these remarkably talented, remarkably charmed, remarkably doomed men. Of course, this is the moment for the caveats … the official cause of death is yet to be determined, yet to be announced regarding Michael Jackson. At this point, it’s a collective web experience of the unexpected, premature passing of one of this generation’s most amazing musical talents.

“The definition of “power” is subjective, of course. For the purposes of this list, I considered it to mean someone who is known by a large cross-section of the population, within or outside the lesbian community, is at or near the top of her chosen profession, or who is in some other way a well-known personality and long-time influencer. I aimed for inclusion rather than exclusion, but tried to pick those whose impact in their fields or in the world at large is widespread and lasting. I intend this to be a fun list, not to be taken too seriously, so let me know if I’ve missed anyone you deem worthy.

I’m including the names of partners, even if one person is not as well known, in order to acknowledge the contributions of both people to their households and to each others’ achievements. (I may have missed a few partners, however, if their names are not public, and blurred matters if one partner came along when the children were older. I was not able to find last names and professions for a few others. Someday I’ll be able to hire that research staff.)

Out only has 12 women on their list, two less than last year, so I’m hoping my suggestions may help them find a better balance. If I can come up with the names of over 50 powerful people who are not only lesbians but also moms (a few less if we omit less-known partners), surely Out can add some more lesbians to its Power 50. Out gave more weight to political clout in all its picks, whereas I looked at overall clout, political or professional. And yes, the balance of power still swings male in our society, so maybe it’s not Out’s fault. But still, I can’t believe the balance is so skewed.

I’ll also add that we must each define success for ourselves. It may mean choosing to stay home with one’s children, or to forgo career advancement for the sake of one’s family. For those who strive to achieve in both career and family, however, these moms are inspirational.

Of course, the thing about motherhood is that your kids always think you’re the most powerful mom(s) in the world, and it’s their opinions that really matter.

In alphabetic, not rank, order by last name of the generally more well-known partner:

• Susan Arnold, former vice chair and president of global business units at Proctor & Gamble, and Diana Salter (profession unknown)
• Amanda Bearse, actor and director
• Elizabeth Birch, LGBT-rights advocate and former head of HRC
• Lisa Brummel, senior vice president for human resources, Microsoft
• Beth Callaghan, co-founder of Our Chart; director of Web operations, for technology site All Things D, and former editor-in-chief of PlanetOut
• Greta Cammermeyer, Colonel, Washington National Guard (ret.) and LGBT-rights activist, and Diane Divelbess, artist
• Ilene Chaiken, creator and executive producer of The L Word
• Debra Chasnoff, Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker
• Mary Cheney, public relations executive, political campaigner, and vice-presidential daughter, and Heather Poe, former U.S. Park Ranger
• Cat Cora, “Iron Chef,” and Jennifer Cora (profession unknown)
• Judy Dlugacz, founder and president of Olivia, and Rachel (last name and profession unknown)
• Karla Drenner, Georgia State Representative
• Amy Errett, partner, Maveron (a venture capital firm), former CEO of Olivia, former chief asset gathering officer, E*Trade, and Clare (last name and profession unknown)
• Melissa Etheridge, musician, and Tammy Lynn Etheridge née Michaels, actor
• Jodie Foster, actor, and Cydney Bernard, film producer (I’m adding their names with the caveat that it is debatable whether Foster’s thanking of “my beautiful Cydney” during a speech in 2008 was meant as a coming out, and whether the two split later that year per tabloid rumors. Their children bear both their names, however, which to me is indicative enough to warrant their inclusion here.)
• Jenny Fulle, executive vice president of production and executive producer of Sony Pictures Imageworks, and pioneer in opening up Little League to girls
• Sara Gilbert, actor, and Alison Adler, TV producer
• Judy Gold, stand-up comedian and two-time Emmy Award-winning writer and producer of The Rosie O’Donnell Show
• Lisa Henderson, general manager, Olivia, and partner (name and profession unknown)
• Dr. Delores A. Jacobs, chief executive officer of The San Diego LGBT Community Center, and Dr. Heather Berberet
• Nina Jacobson, film producer, currently at DreamWorks SKG, and formerly president of Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group
• Cheryl Jacques, administrative judge for the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, former head of HRC, and former Massachusetts State Senator, and Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Council
• Jolie Justus, Missouri state senator
• Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Sandy Holmes (profession unknown)
• Honey Labrador, designer, television personality, and former model, and Nikki Flux, actor
• Annie Leibowitz, photographer
• Dr. Susan Love, president and medical director of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, and leader of the breast cancer advocacy movement, and Dr. Helen Cooksey, surgeon
• Del Martin (d. August 2008) and Phyllis Lyon, activists
• Mary Beth Maxwell, candidate for labor secretary and founding Executive Director of American Rights at Work
• Cynthia Nixon, actor, and Christine Marinoni, education activist
• Rosie O’Donnell, actor and television personality, and Kelli O’Donnell, founder of R Family Vacations and former Nickelodeon marketing executive
• Hilary Rosen political commentator and former head of the Recording Industry of America (RIAA)
• E. Denise Simmons, mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Mattie Hayes
• Kara Swisher, Wall Street Journal columnist, co-executive editor of technology site All Things D, and Megan Smith, vice president of new business development at Google
• Sheryl Swoopes, professional basketball player and three-time Olympic gold medalist, and Alisa Scott, former basketball player and coach
• Linda Villarosa, author, journalist, public speaker, former editor of the New York Times and former executive editor of Essence Magazine, and Jana Welch, marketing executive”

The sort of list that would be unlikely to show up on Amazon.com … stop erasing us … visibility is vital.

Inspired by the Rachel Maddow show, the GOP is LOST and in Exile, with Arizona Senator Jon Kyle at the front of the pack since he thinks Obama is unwise to appear on the Leno show.

Next, they’ll be upset Michelle Obama is putting a garden in the Whitehouse because it’s not proper either.

The links are in!

The link for the film is:
http://www.teddyaward.tv/2009/popup/video.asp?OzIID=18345&ObjKatID=125&ThemaKatID=1072

The link for the interview with Barbara is:
http://www.teddyaward.tv/2009/popup/video.asp?OzIID=18349&ObjKatID=125&ThemaKatID=1072
————————————–

According to the Berlinale Catalog, “Filmmaker Barbara Hammer fights ovarian cancer with visions of horseback riding and river swimming in her new experimental film A Horse Is Not A Metaphor. Hammer says she is a “cancer thriver as well as survivor” in this hopeful and densely layered personal work with music by composer Meredith Monk.”

* I am getting ready to head out on tour later this month, and even snuck in a show on the Big Island of Hawaii!! Tell your Island friends to come on out on Feb. 17th. This first tour will take me through some new territory – so feel free to spread the word to friends in the area. It always helps. Check out any of the links below to see tourdates of the Mid-west and NorthEast.

*I have been doing a big radio push for the newest album, and so far it is going really well. Please feel free to check any of the radio stations listed on my site and request away. Particular to Seattle, e-mail dj@kexp and request a track off the new album.

*Also – on an aside, I have begun working with schools to give two different writing workshops: Songwriting and The Business of Music. If you or someone you know is interested in either of these workshops, details are available on my Camille Bloom website.

I really loved the film. It was extremely well-written. The editing was extraordinary. The music was incredibly fun. The acting was amazing. The kids were remarkable. I was moved to tears several times. The ending was powerful (even though a tad predictable). It’s light years ahead of many of the films I’ve seen lately.

Accused of cheating on his quest to win WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, Jamal must reveal to his torturers how he, a slum dweller, was able to answer all of the questions posed to him. In the telling of that story, we come to understand more of his life and his reason for being on the program. The writer cleverly withholds the result until the last possible moment. Yesterday, I read that a slum dweller from Mumbai was suing SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE for insulting the poor. I think the film makes people aware of the frightening choices children face in the slums. Lawsuits seem to be the “norm” in filmmaking these days. It is the current measure of success.

Jeff has embraced technology, so at the conclusion of the documentary he spent quite some time drafting a detailed complimentary text message for Cyndi. Needless to say, he somehow pressed the wrong button and lost his message. The second draft went through. Cyndi was in New York at the time and she quickly responded with questions for Jeff. He would still be text messaging today in order to answer the questions. Not because there were so many questions, just because he had so many positive things to say. We opted for responding via email. He thinks they should talk to the History Channel. He so enjoyed the documentary. The entire evening was filled with a positive comments and praise. He was a very proud brother-in-law for sure!

I’ve been married to Jeff for over 30 years and when he is that vocal, it really has to be something because he’s a man of few words. Thanks for giving Jeff something to talk about!