Women Over 40 Rock!

Have you seen all the nonsense in the reviews and comments on “Sex and the City”?? Implying that our poor little husbands and boyfriends might be in a corner trembling and sucking their thumbs if we want them to go see the movie with us?  What is everyone so afraid of? Do they think men will be exposed to a subliminal message in movies with women that will render them defenseless to our taking over the world?! And of course this is not the only female movie that has been labeled in this way. They did the same thing just recently with “How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer” and  “A Previous Engagement.” How can a movie about women be such a threat that men need a warning! MEN OUT THERE! You need to speak out and say you are stronger and braver than that. You can take it! It is just a movie after all and you will probably love it. Open yourself up to all the possibilities out there. You might find out you like movies about women or with women? You might find out we can be entertaining, enlightening, inspiring, smart and witty. You might find out we can tell a good story. And after all isn’t it about a good story. Why not give women equal representation in the media? What harm will it do?

And the bonus with “Sex and the City” for us over 40 gals is that it stars a woman over 50, Kim Cattrall - as well as other characters that are over 40…ALL still sexy and relevant!! What’s not to like about sexy and relevant guys! So suck it up men, don’t listen to the naysayers and go see “Sex and the City”. You just might pick up some good hints on how to improve your own private lives by seeing how real women think and behave. Go get a ticket now!!!!!!
Debbie Zipp, In the Trenches Productions, The First Entertainment Website Celebrating the Power and Beauty of Women Over 40

First of all let me say that I like Barack Obama and that I am an older white woman. In fact I admire him though my first choice for the democratic nominee was John Edwards. I actively worked for John and contributed financially to his campaign. When he left the race I was devastated. For weeks I followed the campaigning and primaries of Obama and Clinton trying to decide who next to support as both claimed to have a sincere interest in giving the middle class the attention that it deserves which is so important to me. Plus it is very important to pick the candidate that has the best chance of winning the presidency in the fall. Everything would suggest that the obvious choice would be Obama. He is new and has a different approach to politics. He is inspiring, bright, inventive, courageous and I agree with almost everything he says. Plus he always seems to take the high road in political issues.

I have always liked Hillary Clinton as well. It is true that she has voted for or been associated with several concerns that I have not agreed with and of late her actions aren’t always admirable which gives her the appearance of wanting to win at all cost. But there is something about her that I can’t let go of. I believe that she REALLY believes that she is the best candidate and that she has the best chance of beating John McCain. I also believe that she believes in most of what she is saying and that she will try and follow through on those beliefs.

As of today it seems inevitable that Barrock Obama will be the Democratic Presidential Nominee. Super delegates, newspaper editorials, TV commentaries, and most of my friends have jumped aboard the Obama Express. Why can’t I ? It can’t be just because I am a woman. But as more things seem to go wrong for Hillary the stronger my allegiance grows for her. Why? It doesn’t make sense. It can’t be that I feel sorry for the underdog can it? Both of the candidates are historic nominations. Both candidates have practically the same view as I do on most issues. I like both of them.

After weeks of reading the newspapers and listening to political programs on radio and TV, I find myself shunning them all because they are all now, justly or unjustly, so negative about Hillary and I don’t like hearing it. I know I am not one of those women who like Hillary no matter what she does, that’s not me. For weeks now I have been searching for why this loyalty of mine exists for this person.. It’s almost like I am digging my feet in the sand over it.

Any thoughts, suggestions, or help with this dilemma?

Claire Callaway, blogger for In the Trenches Productions, The First Entertainment Website Celebrating the Power of Women Over 40.

This was just sent to me and I just have to pass it on. No matter what candidate for the Presidency you support or what candidate you support in any office sexism in the media is wrong. It perpetuates sexism in society. I know it is a simple statement but I am so disgusted by the ridicule women must face in the political world simply (there is that word again) because their gender that I am rendered speechless. It is shocking how you can make a sexist comment and there is no immediate outcry for the dismissal of the perpetrator. It is amazing to me how far we have come as women and yet how far behind we are.

Women can look to Hilary Clinton as the one who showed them it IS possible to strive for and pursue the biggest, most powerful and most important job in the nation. It IS possible to be a major or THE major player in the race of President. It has now been done. However, will the blatent and unrelenting use of sexism in the media cast a dark shadow on this important moment for women in America’s history.

The Women’s Media Center has brought attention to this issue by releasing their powerful film SEXISM MAY SELL BUT WE’RE NOT BUYING. Please click on the title to watch because this film says it all for those of us who cannot seem to articulate their anger and dismay. Our goal at In the Trenches Productions goal has always been to fight ageism for women in the media and to change how the media views and utilizes women over 40 but In the Trenches Productions also wants to support and bring attention to those fighting sexism towards women in the media because it all begins with prejudice.

The Women’s Media Center is taking action to stop the sexism towards women in the media with film and many other actions. We believe in what they are doing and stand beside them. The Women’s Media Center states: “Our concerns here at The Women’s Media Center are–women and media: how women participate and how they are portrayed. For the past several months we have been monitoring comments made during this campaign, as have others (see Marie Cocco’s Misogyny I Won’t Miss ). There has been a disturbing element that goes beyond disagreement with the issues-and steps into the territory of outright sexism. With several partners, including the National Women’s Political Caucus, we have pulled together a video compilation of some of the most egregious remarks that aired recently on television. We call it “Sexism Sells, But We’re Not Buying.” Not all the clips are aimed at Hilary Clinton, but a lot are. As a non-partisan organization, we do not support any candidates. But this isn’t a partisan issue: it’s about making sure that women’s voices are present and powerful in our national dialogue. If you haven’t already, please click “Sexism Sells, But We’re Not Buying” and sign our petition. We’ll make sure the media executives get your responses. Together we can and must win this fight. ”

Go to the Women’s Media Center to find out more about them. They are a powerful organization doing important and vital things for women . In The Trenches Productions celebrates the power and beauty of Women Over 40 every day. TODAY we celebrate the power and beauty of ALL Women and their right have their voice heard and judged in the media with the same respect as a man. Thank you Women’s Media Center for reminding us.

Debbie Zipp, blogger for In the Trenches Productions, The first entertainment website celebrating the power and beauty of women over 40.

In the 60’s and early 70’s, I sported a hippie wanna-be look. In retrospect, the look was a bit clownish. Afterwards, during the 80’s, I wore – in public, mind you — tight leggings with an oversized shirt. Even today I cringe when I view photographs of my hairstyles from the early 90’s. What was I thinking? My grown children laugh uncontrollably when I tell stories about the “old days.” Bad clothing choices, weird jobs, and strange antics. Did I really do that? The past has a way of mixing embarrassment with a good dose of laughter.

Like many women over forty, I carry with me a fair amount of baggage from my past. Unlike the stories I tell my children, much of what constitutes this baggage is far from amusing. I often think that if I could go back in time, there are so many choices that I would make differently. But, then again, maybe I wouldn’t, because those choices are some of the very things which have influenced who I am today, and who I hope to become.

I have grown children and step-children, as well as the accompanying in-laws and ex in-laws. I have a husband who I love, and an “ex” who I don’t. And there it is… the “ex” factor. Once you’ve had children with someone, you cannot completely sever ties, no matter how much you’d like to do just that.

Some children wish for, and plot, to get their parents back together. Not so with my kids. They have made it abundantly clear that they want us as far away from each other as possible. They say this in all seriousness, with no hint of humor involved.

Upon my son’s graduation from college this month, the dreaded, but inevitable, gathering of me, my children, husband… and ex, occupying the same place at the same time, came to pass. Not that we planned on socializing, but we each knew, as we traveled to this meeting ground, that a time would come when we would all be together, wanting to share in the moment.

As it turned out, this monumental event took place on the campus lawn. There we stood, in all our awkwardness, forced into pleasantries and photographs. Group photographs. And by group, I mean my husband and ex… in the same shot.

To witness this photo session, you would have seen no hint of inner turmoil or threat of eruption boiling just below the surface. Within a few days, the group photo was front and center on my son’s My Space page for all the world to see. Shock and awe is the only way that I can describe it seeing that photo.

Despite the uncomfortableness of it all, it was a small step in the right direction. Sometimes ex-spouses actually become close friends, going so far as to socialize together. While I don’t expect — or want — that to happen, I hope, for all our sakes, that we can manage to repeat this episode. Afterall, the future promises more graduations, as well as weddings, and perhaps grandchildren.

Life is an accumulation of our experiences. All of them… the good, the bad, the ugly, and even the ridiculous. The longer we live, the more varied those experiences become, the more baggage we accumulate. Rather than attempt to cherry-pick the past, or pretend it doesn’t exist, we owe it to ourselves to embrace it, for that past is an integral part of our present. Without a past we have no tools with which to chart our future.

So embrace who you are, ring for the baggage handler, and when they pull out that camera, don’t forget to smile and say “cheese!”

Posted by Mandy Crest, blogger for In The Trenches Productions, The First Entertainment Website for Women Over 40!

Our production company, In The Trenches Productions, is dedicated to creating and supporting films with female characters over 40. But after reading the May 14, Los Angeles Times article by Rachel Abramowitz, “Even the ‘It” Girls Hit a Glass Ceiling,” I have to wonder - should our company reach out to include actresses who are 35? Is 35 the new 50? Ms. Abramowitz cites evidence that the career death knell is hitting actresses as young as 35. In her article she cites that, “Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow is relegated to a little-played second fiddle in ‘Iron-Man’.” In the romantic comedy “What Happens in Vegas”, comparing Ashton Kutcher to Cameron Diaz, it’s noted that, “..she gets to be a shrew which is inherently more unlikable.” Uh-oh, shrews are standard fare for older actresses.
The realization that a woman has a much shorter career than a man will influence career decisions for young actresses. Just the other day a friend of mine told me that her daughter had dropped out of high school to pursue her acting career. The thinking was that you can never recapture your youth but you can always go back to school. Unfortunately, that thinking may be right. In today’s climate, a young film actress can look forward to about a 10 year career.
So, in order to plan a career, a woman needs a more accurate way of calibrating her age in Hollywood years. When a woman is 18, her biological years and Hollywood years are in sync. But as she grows old the disparity between the 2 rapidly grows. So, that by the time an actress celebrates her 35 birthday, she’s actually 50 in Hollywood years. Knowing your Hollywood age, not only helps in planning but also in expectations. I’m an actress over 60, so that means in Hollywood years I’m well over 100. Well, for goodness sakes, no wonder I’m not working.
Jan Bina, blogger for In the Trenches Productions, The First Entertainment Entertainment Network for Women Over 40

Madonna’s new CD “Hard Candy” debuted as Number One on this week’s (week ending May 17) Billboard 200 chart. In Voice of America on-line from May 13, it was noted, “This marks her seventh chart-topper, which puts her in second place behind Barbra Streisand for the most Number One albums.” When I first heard about the CD with the crotch shot cover photo and more of her flagrant promotion as a sexy vamp, I prudishly thought, isn’t it time for her hang up her bustier? After all, she’ll be 50 in a few months. But The Stones, at Medicare age, are still touring, Mick is still gyrating and singing about needing satisfaction. So, why not Madonna!? Over the years Madonna has constantly re-invented her sound and her image. Regardless of what you may think of her music or politics, you have to admire her ability to stay current.
And you have to admire her arms. My God, apart from female body builders, where have you ever seen such sculpted arms on a 50 year old woman!?
“4 Minutes” is one of the singles from the album. She is teamed with Justin Timberlake and in the video they cavort in a sexy, come-on display of provocative moves. Madonna looks amazing. She has the tight, yet voluptuous body of a 27 year old, which happens to be Justin Timberlake’s age. She always was an amazing dancer but seeing her at 50, I was astonished at her athleticism; many of her moves would send the average 50 year-old screaming to a chiropractor’s office. Even though she is old enough to be Justin Timberlake’s mother, they are perfectly matched in the video. She has a killer work ethic and must train like a boxer. She looks better at 50 than she did when she first hit the scene at 24. Madonna, you are one hot momma!
Watching Madonna at 50, looking strong, sexy and powerful, I thought isn’t it sad that we’ll never see a 50 year old woman portrayed in a movie as hot and sexy. In fact seeing any 50 year-old woman in a movie is a rare sighting. When an actress turns 40, she goes on the endangered species list. Hit 50 and you’re on the ‘nearly extinct’ list. If a woman over 50 should appear in a film, it’s usually in a supporting role: the shrewish ex-wife, the castrating executive, the busy-body neighbor - typical roles for women over 50. There is an exception with 50+ Kim Cattrall, resident sex machine on Sex in the City, who reprised her TV role for the film. But there is no way a film would be produced today that portrays a woman over 50 as desirable and sexually active.
In addition, the age at which a woman is considered hot keeps dropping. In a New York Times article from May 4 called, “Is There a Real Woman in this Multiplex”, Manohla Dargis writes: “…Anna Faris stars in a comedy called The House Bunny, in which she plays a Playboy Bunny who is ejected from the Mansion because she’s too old. In a trailer for the movie Ms. Faris’s pretty-in-pink character responds to her firing with surprise. ‘I’m 27!’ she yelps. ‘But that’s like 59 in Bunny years,’ a male friend explains. In Hollywood years too, he might as well have added.”
Not only Madonna, but mini-skirted 68 year-old Tina Turner, perennially cool 53 year-old Annie Lennox, 63 year-old Carly Simon, and Mariah Carey, who is movie star old at 39 – all continue to sell albums and project sassy, upbeat and vibrant personalities. But it’s grim business being a woman over 50 in the movies. As I’ve said, either you’re a world class bitch, an object of derision, or sadly out of it. So, as a woman over 50, when I need to see something positive about being my age, I certainly won’t be rushing off to see any movie. Instead I’ll turn to the videos of Madonna or Tina and for a few minutes I’ll dance my heart out. I may be getting older, but Cindi Lauper’s lyrics still resonate. There are days when I’m just a girl that wants to have fun. Rock on, ladies!

Jan Bina, blogger for In the Trenches Productions, The First Entertainment Website for Women Over 40

I don’t know whether you’ve seen today’s Los Angeles Times review of “How The Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer” in the Calendar section. While it is a good review, there were a few statements in the review that I found very interesting. The reviewer, Bob Baker, opened his review with a cautionary note to men. “Guys: If the woman in your life wants to see “How The Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer”, because she’s heard it’s a sweet, funny and realistic view of sexuality from a woman’s point of view, go along quietly. You’ll survive this.” Later in the review he sends out some more advice to men: “Guys: Don’t worry. What happens between them (the older characters) is beautifully handled. You won’t have flashbacks about the time you walked in on your parents.”

In the myriad of reviews written about male dominated movies, I have never read any consideration being given to the women who might be in the audience. We are not warned about the moronic behavior of the chest thumping male characters. We are not cautioned about hearing loss from dangerous sound levels or about probable brain freeze after 90 minutes of “hero action”.

I hate to criticize an otherwise positive review, but it does strike me as a reflection of the fear men have of being mislead by a reviewer and then spending 90 minutes watching the dreaded - (can’t use that ‘c’ word) female movie.

If you need any more encouragement to go see “How The Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer” please take a look at Melissa Silverstein’s review on her “Women and Hollywood” Blog.

And as we always say on the “Women over 40 Rock” blog, support the films out there starring women over 40. “How The Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer” is definitely one to see. Click on the Title to see the trailer.

Jan Bina, blogger for In the Trenches Productions, The First Entertainment Website for Women over 40

It’s everywhere! Women being ignored after 40 or 45, that is. I recently discovered “a website just for post-meopausal women” put together by two Austrailian women, Camille Cain and Raema Hayes, the Loris & Lucy of Loris and Lucy.com With over 2 million post-menopausal women in Austrailia, it seemed to them the perfect way to try and counter ageism and prejudice while providing info on health, support groups and other issues, all with a little humor and good will thrown in. - I even got a copy of their book, “LORIS & LUCY’S LATER LIFE GUIDE“- Tackling later years with gusto, good health and guts.”
While some of the writing and advice is, of course, for those who live in Australia, the vast majority hits home for all of us in this age group. There are chapters on exercise, skin care, bone health, continence, arthritis, meditation, nurturing yourself, memory and 22 other subjects close to our hearts at this age. There are hints and recipes throughout…15 for relieving dry mouth alone. Here’s one of their recipes for natural do-it-yourself hair care: ” For Moisture - 1 avocado, peeled and mashed, 1/2 C. organic moisture treatment, 1/2 tsp. olive oil. Blend by hand, apply lavishly to freshly shampooed hair, wrap in plastic, wrap in hot towl, pour glass of bubbly and rinse when all the bubbly beads are gone!” How can anything that includes a glass of bubbly not be just what the doctor ordered?? (I might be tempted to leave it on for two glasses of bubbly, myself.) And Loris & Lucy appear in humorous photos throughout the book pointing up messages in each chapter…a little reminiscent of Lucy and Ethel (and if you’re as old as me, I don’t have to tell you who that is).
So it seems that women over 45 everywhere are starting to raise their fists and demand that society take notice. Good for them! And good for all of us!!!
Judith Austrailia-has-more-than-kangaroos Drake, blogger for In the Trenches Productions, The First Entertainment Site to Celebrate the Power and Beauty of Women Over 40.

I’ve recently become aware of a terrific female blogger who is on top of everything going on for and with women in the film industry. (about time, eh?) So I’m going to take this opportunity to praise Melissa Silverstein and her great blog Women and Hollywood, one of the most important and articulate bloggers out there when it comes to Hollywood and films. AND she is a woman! Yeah! She has her finger on the pulse of women and hollywood and if you want insight and perspective on the role of women in the movie business you’ll check out her entertaining, no-holes-barred, truthful look at all aspects of women in films and make her blog a daily habit.

I just recently recommended running out to see “A Previous Engagement” as soon as it opens in your area. I stated, “It’s a well-written, well executed, beautifully acted roller coaster of a romantic ride.” If you want to know more about this film read Melissa¹s interview/blog with the films’ director Joan Carr-Wiggin.

And there is another movie opening that deserves our attention. “Then She Found Me” not only stars a woman over 40 (Helen Hunt) but also is directed and written by Helen Hunt. How marvelous! Could women over 40 be on a roll right now? Will Hollywood take notice? ? Though I have not been lucky enough to see the film I certainly trust Melissas’ opinion, so I am asking you to run out to see this movie as well when it opens in your area. If you need proof that it is worth your time and money check out Melissas’ blog about Helen Hunts’ film “Then She Found Me”.

We need to support these films, “A Previous Engagement” and “Then She Found Me”. We need to continue to support films that star women over 40 until the power heads of the entertainment industry finally GET that these movies deserve to be made, distributed, publicized and given equal play because they resonate with a very large audience and they will make big bucks if they do. Because only then will we not need to refer to it as a roll but rather a constant way-to-go-ladies high.

Debbie Zipp, blogger for In the Trenches Productions, The First Entertainment Website Celebrating the Power and Beauty of Women Over 40.

Websites, blogs, and magazines targeting women over the age of 40, once virtually non-existent, are blossoming all around us. This really is our time! Our time to celebrate past accomplishments and to make plans for the future. Our future. It is a time to explore fresh avenues and forge new friendships. With that in mind, we plan to occasionally point out other great resources for your reading and networking pleasure.

We are about to let you in on the best kept secret. That’s “TheBestKeptSecret.ca,” a website originating out of Toronto, Ontario. As the banner says, “It’s like swapping stories and secrets over a glass of wine with girlfriends. You never know what you might find out.”

You will smile in recognition at the musings of the remarkable women who share their stories of life on the other side of 40. Karen Hamilton’s “Pick Up on Aisle 5” will leave you laughing as she recounts her deer-in-the headlights reaction to being asked out while shopping at the mall. “My first thought was that I was being robbed. I clutched my purse tightly.”

In “Dear Oprah Winfrey: Please cut me some slack,” Karen humorously pleads with Oprah to loosen the high standards she asks of us. “I know that forty is fabulous and fifty is fearsome. But do I have to love everything that’s happening to me now?” I’m with Karen on that one!

Just as Debbie Zipp has identified her “Inner Whistle,” Sharlene Premich recounts how, on a lonely New Year’s Eve, she found her “Colour Purple.” According to Sharlene, “It’s never too late to know yourself and re-discover yourself in new ways. Like a diamond in the rough, we all have a gem inside that’s just waiting to be discovered.” This seems to be the the common thread, the bond connecting us — this process of discovering who we really are, and re-inventing our lives in mid-stream to fit that new discovery. The more you delve into the stories of women over 40, the more you will understand about yourself, and exactly what you are capable of doing.

In addition to the poignant, funny and informative articles, The Best Kept Secret features a discussion board, welcomes article submissions, and offers a weekly email newsletter. From health tips and menopause, to career and family issues, The Best Kept Secret will have you coming back for more. So, kick back for a few moments, pour that glass of wine, and log on to The Best Kept Secret. Spend some time with kindred spirits.

Posted by Mandy Crest, blogger for In The Trenches Productions, The First Entertainment Website for Women Over 40!