Category Archives: Women

Something in the Way She Moves – Why Women are the Key to Happiness

As a man, I can say comfortably that we are simple folk. We have simple common ways of thinking, actions and thought processes. We are the hunters and gatherers, the quiet communicators, the competitive spirits and the comforting companions. We think sensibly and act progressively. We are the backbone and the cornerstone of progress, but history will dictate as well as the future that we are billions of empty souls wondering aimlessly through life without the blood that makes our heart pump.

That blood with its nutrients and fortified vitamins of life is the woman that gives us the guidance, confidence and strength.

Women are:

  • Irrational
  • Emotional
  • Passionate
  • Intuitive
  • Nurturing
  • Comforting and protective
  • Strong
  • Emotionally centered while always thinking outside the box
  • Crazy and neurotic in a way that makes them irresistible
  • Sexy
  • Scholarly
  • Heroes without the need for recognition
  • Patient to our needs
  • Prepared in times of danger
  • Always there with open arms

When I think about the women in my life from infancy to adulthood, so many flash through the theater inside my head. From mothers, to sisters, to teachers, to girlfriends, to lovers, to companions, to friends, to strangers and beyond.

Each one has left something behind.  Something meaningful that has sculpted my entire being.

Let me be the first to say, women are crazy. Crazy in the amazing, cannot stop thinking about them kind of way.  Some in their words and others in their actions.

There isn’t a decision in my life that has not been powered by the influence of a woman.  Think about every aspect of your life.

What does your life entail?

  • Fashion
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Family
  • Education
  • Hobbies
  • Dating / Marriage / Partnership
  • Friendship
  • Arts (Writing / Photography / Film / Theater)
  • Nurturing (Hospitals / Clinics / Nurses)
  • Teamwork

How many of the above bullet points in your life are heavily influenced or assisted by the hand of a woman?

I thought so.

Why then do I still continue to hear so many stories of corporate prejudice, domestic violence, divorce, social inequity, emotional withdrawal and genders divided?

I wish I knew the answer but unfortunately, like so many of my fellow inhabitants of this earth, we are lost for a resolution.

I am going to leave you with this:

Love is the defining core of the good in humanity.  It is a simple gesture, a warm thought, a kind act.  It is as easy as the feel of a human touch and as lasting as the depths of the universe.  Accept the perfection that is in women and embrace all they have to offer.

They are our reason for living, in the past, present and future.

When you find a woman that is beautiful inside and out and she gives herself to you in some capacity, accept, embrace and give back equally.

You will find yourself in a much better place in the end.


We race to fall in love in our minds yet we are afraid to execute

Their eyes meet from across the room. At first, a glance, then an extended stare and finally, for a brief moment, you are the only two in the entire room. It is that exact moment when you imagine an entire life together scripted in your mind and acted out in just a few seconds. It is the living dream of unconditional love and the fantasy of the dream life that keeps us energized in the pursuit of true love.

How can you not feel euphoria when you two strangers come together and find what they are both pursuing. The hard part of reality. Reality throws the curve balls that unfortunately eliminate even the great ones.

We spend most of the evening talking ourselves out of the risk. The more we drink, the more encouragement we get from our friends, the harder it seems to get. So strange this phenomenon. With divorce rates always higher than any of us want to see, it makes you wonder, what if some of these moments of unspoken bliss came to fruition.

So many questions run through our minds during these bar/club/coffee shop hours…

1. Should the guy approach the guy or can a girl make the first move?
2. What if his/her friends don’t like me? Then I don’t have a chance no matter what.
3. What line do I use? Or should I be myself? Or is being myself a line?
4. What if he/she rejects me?
5. What if the great speech in my head doesn’t come out right and I sound like a bumbling idiot?
6. What if we have nothing in common? Should I lie?
7. What if he/she is not looking to get picked up and they are just hear to spend time with friends?
8. What if he/she likes one of my friends better?

After all those questions race through your mind, is there any reason to even try?

Of course there is!!!

Life’s greatest rewards comes from the greatest risk.

You can second guess life all your want, but in the end we will continue to breathe one day at a time until our bodies decide not to. Life will move one minute at a time and we will continue to make decisions at work and home that affect every aspect of our lives. So why is the prospect of saying hello to a complete stranger so frightening? I don’t know either. Make it a homework assignment the next time you go out, to say hello to a stranger and engage in conversation. But if you see someone that makes you hair stand on end and gives you feelings you cannot control, you had better make that move otherwise you are going to live a night in regret if not longer.

Maybe if a few of us start taking this advice, more soul mates will truly find their partner.


Top Female Rock Stars in Film

The idea of the female dominate star in cinema is rare in its own right but the utilization of a female lead singer in a rock band has hidden itself so well from Hollywood. The power to influence others with music and lyrics and send a powerful message of independence and prowess can have such an rescinating affect on the empowerment of young girls and woman.

We thought we would take a moment to reflect on some of the actresses and characters that have used the power of film to show how a strong female presence can make a difference. With ambition and courage, one voice can impact many and one dream and set the path to greatness.

This is a tribute to some of the great performances that has combined music, power and influence to not only make a defined statement, but to get you on your feet cheering.

1. Ellen Aim (Diane Lane) – Streets of Fire (1984)

I would be lying if I said this wasn’t the first moment I fell in love with Diane Lane. This is also one of the first examples of transferring the comic book or graphic novel genre into film. With the likes of Willem Defoe, Rick Moranis, and Michael Pare, Streets of Fire created a Rock and Roll Fable that electrified the audience and left you wanting more. A simple tale of girl loves boy, boy leaves girl, girl becomes star, girl gets kidnapped, boy rescues girl, boy leaves and follows the sun to the next adventure and girl reflects on her one true love. If you love music, adventure and romance, this is one story that will not disappoint.

2. Beverly Switzler (Lea Thompson) – Howard The Duck (1986)

Many have criticized this as one of the worst DC Comic adaptations ever created. Whether you are a fan of Howard the Duck or not, there is no mistaking that Lea Thompson took hard edged rock and beauty to another level. Here character had a soft sensuality and an sharp appeal whether she was on or off the stage. You may love Howard the Duck or feel completely let down, but this strange tale is worth its weight in gold to see Lea Thompson’s Beverly Switzler light up the stage.

3. Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) – The Runaways (2010)

Stepping into the feet of a living legend is a very difficult task to under take. For Kristen Stewart, who has taken professionals risks most of her career, this was big leap. Along with Dakota Fanning, Kristen took on the role of Joan Jett during the early years of her rise as the leader of the Runaways, one of the first pure female punk bands. With confidence and integrity, Kristen transformed herself into Joan not just in appearance but in her movements, emotions and convictions. This film is a nice reflection on the life of the woman that helped shaped the face of music, but also a remarkable portrayal by Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett.

4. Josie (Rachel Leigh Cook) – Josie and the Pussycats (2001)

What can you say about Josie and the Pussycats. Girls everywhere loved Josie, the band and all their antics. The film may not fall under the category of legendary. Maybe campy is the best term to use but there is no question, it was a little fun. In the spirit of the Monkees and Scooby-Doo, Josie and the Pussycats took on music and adventure in this light-hearted comedy. Rachel Leigh Cook with her short heart, beautiful eyes and let loose style took on the role with flare and style.

5. Mary Rose Foster (Bette Midler) – The Rose (1979)

Bette Midler has style.
Bette Midler has spunk.
Bette Midler has attitude.

In her infamous role as Mary Rose Foster, Bette Midler rolled it all up into great performance from start to finish. It wasn’t a stretch for her, but she poured out the fullest extend of her emotions in this film and left herself be vulnerable to her audience. That is rare in film and truly a treat for those that were able to bear witness.

6. Cassandra Wong (Tia Carrera) – Cassandra and the Crucial Taunt – Wayne’s World (1992)

Wayne’s World, Wayne’s World! Party Time! Excellent
What can you say about a three minute recurring skirt converted into a major motion picture…Excellent!
But every great basement dwelling buddy movie needs a great kick butt rock goddess with bangs. Thus enters Cassandra Wong, a.k.a. Tia Carrera. Playing the love interest of Wayne, Cassandra does not stray from the fact that though she is a lover, she is still and always will be a rocker!

7. Tina Turner (Angela Bassett) – What’s Love Got to Do With It (1993)

Tina Turner is a legend, not only for her musical career, but for the courage she has possessed throughout her personal and professional life. She has overcome so much adversity to become the role model that she has become that it was only fitting that a bio pic was developed to honor her. Angela Bassett, with her guns and powerful on screen presence presented an honorable treat playing the great Tina Turner. You saw a woman of power and vulnerability fighting for her dreams and finding the path to success. What an amazing performance.

8. Dolly Read (Kelly MacNamara) – The Kelly Affair – Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)

Russ Meyer, the king of film exploitation. Should you expect anything else from this legendary film maker. He continued his formula in Beyond the Valley of the Dolls creating the band The Kelly Affair led by Dolly Read. Was the band defined as pure rock. Perhaps not but they could bring boys to their knees. As most Russ Meyer films, always a treat to watch.


Listen Up Ladies – Let Sarah Ivens Tell You How to Make Your Interview Memorable

How To Make Your Interview Memorable

Provided by: Sarah Ivens, author of A Modern Girl’s Guide to Networking, published by Piatkus

Interesting interviews
You’re selling yourself and trying to improve your future – so what makes you think you can turn up in a dirty shirt with a hangover. You must be interesting, alert, clean, smart, entertaining, honest and humble.

In fact, let’s make it simple. These are the things you must not do:
Do not arrive late. Look up where you’ve got to get to and leave with 30 minutes to spare for traffic, emergency toilet trips, and so on.
Don’t dress like a tramp. You make the greatest impact in the first 17 seconds of the interview, and in that time all the interviewer really has time to take in is your personal hygiene, your wardrobe choices and your handshake. Keep colours subdued, patterns simple and do be conservative – gold lame mini-dresses are never good, least of all in an interview.
Even if your mind has gone blank and you’re feeling like an extra from Shaun of the Dead, remember not to zombify totally. Smile, make eye contact and sit up straight.
Research! Why are you better than the many other qualified, charming modern girls who have applied for this job? Read up, learn the facts and prepare a few sensible, relevant questions for the end of the interview.
Don’t smoke, drink, chew or blow gum bubbles during an interview. ‘Nuff said.
Yes, the interviewer wants a full answer – but not War and Peace. Don’t go rambling on and on and on. Keep your answers clear and focused. Also, on the subject of chit-chat, do not interrupt the interviewer or talk over the top of them. Make sure you listen properly to everything they say.
If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Keep it shut rather than backstabbing and bitching your current company, colleagues or boss. Moaning and nastiness will send out the wrong vibes and you’re better than that.
When the person asks what your weaknesses are, use only the ones that can be turned around into a lesson learned or a positive. Think carefully about your qualities, skills and accomplishments to sell them without over-selling them. No one likes a show off.
Fit your interview banter to the job and the company you’re applying for. Practise the interview in front of a mirror or with a friend. Explain how your career history and education would benefit the company.
When your time is up don’t just go on about your salary expectations and what kind of package you desire; you should leave the interview with a firm goodbye speech stating why you want the job and why you’d be brilliant at it. And, again, a good, firm handshake.
Holly, 29
‘In my job as a recruitment consultant, I see it all. But the most impressive interviewees are those who have real passion and spark. They’ve done their research but they’re not boring you with it or asking you lots of questions. They want the job – they tell you as much. Their answers are short and to the point, and they look me in the eye when they’re telling me. My pet hate is fidgeters – I don’t trust applicants who can’t sit still. If you get nervous, sit on your hands or hold a copy of your CV to stop the wriggling.’

How to be impressive on the phone
Whether you’re doing a phone interview, a conference call or cold-calling a company you’d love to work for, a good telephone manner is essential. Try the following:
Smile – you can hear it in your voice
Keep a pen, paper and calculator to hand in case you need them
Don’t smoke, chew or slurp – those sounds travel
If you stand up your voice sounds stronger and more authoritative
Pace the call, don’t rush and let the other person speak
Avoid ‘er’, ‘um’, ‘huh’, and the rest they’ll make you sound dumb


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 4,324 other followers