I never took a women’s studies class in college. Also, I didn’t know what first, second or third wave feminism was until after moving to New York City where I met many writers and such who did. In 2004, I came up with the idea of starting an all-female stand-up comedy show after asking a friend if one already exists. I had no experience in producing a show, nor was I a comedian. I did know how to organize events, so I just did it.  I first started with securing a venue, then scouted comics, and then came up with a name for the show. In May of 2004, Chicks and Giggles was born.  The show ran for nearly four years and got press mentions in The New Yorker, The New York Times and BUST magazine.  The one thing about running Chicks and Giggles is that it made me into a feminist.  In promoting my show, I found myself constantly defending and/or winning over some people who had  preconceived notions about women comedians.  Not every female comic is going to talk about their periods, ex-boyfriends or their mom. The diversity and talent of women who performed at Chicks and Giggles was amazing. The show was great, but it got to be exhausting.

Flash forward to May 2011- there has been a strong campaign for every woman breathing to go see “Bridesmaids” on its opening weekend as if their life depended on it. I am all for a good comedy and will go see “Bridemaids” soon, but the push of the movie via social media was so heavy handed with promotions with Yahoo Shine, Groupon and Living Social.  I actually don’t mind the social media targeting in as much that there was an undercurrent of FOX News-like fearmongering.  It implied women have to go see “Bridesmaids” or there will NEVER be another comedy starring women ever again. IMHO, going to see “Bridesmaids” was not a feminist act like participating in a Slutwalk. “Bridesmaids” is a major Hollywood movie, and the box office receipts over the weekend ($24 M) prove that Kristen Wiig and company will be alright. Going on stage to tell a funny story,  doing an open mic, producing a one-woman show or just laughing as loudly without worry are better ways to support women in comedy.

Post BlogHer, I am cleaning out my purse of all the business cards I collected and want to share links of some great women. Check these out.

Owning Pink, a wonderful site for women.

Make and Takes, a craft/food/fun blog with projects for kids.

168hours, blog and book by Laura Vanderkam.

Momotics, where motherhood meets the politics of parenthood. Danielle loves cupcakes.

WLB Consultants, a blog about work life balance by Chrysula Winegar.

Mighty Girl,  lots of mighty stuff from Maggie Mason.

Carley Knobloch, life and career coach, productivity expert.

Mocha Momma, the funniest card I got at BlogHer.  It says “Mocha Momma will cut a bitch”.

Angela Haynes, mixed media artist

I’m remembering, a pop culture nostalgia blog. Hillary Buckholtz is someone I have know online via emails and Facebook for years and we finally met at BlogHer.  Yay!

Under the crush of parties and events, I bring you a little something, something.

Saturday, December 5. Tina Shoulders of LaidBack Home presents the Cupcake Show. I will be speaking about cupcakes at Harmony Designs, 115 South 4th Ave Lower level in Mount Vernon, NY. 1PM. FREE.

Sunday, December 6. Do some crafty holiday shopping at the Bust Craftacular. Metropolitan Pavilion 125 West 18th Street. 10AM-8PM

Sunday, December 6. The FCW Holiday Party will be at Angels and Kings. Hosted by Yolanda Shoshana and featuring performance by Jessica Delfino. There will also be a clothing swap. 4-8PM

Every week, I have some things outstanding on my to-do list,  and I have to balance to that with client work, blogging, meetings and events.  Time flies by so fast that a recap is needed just so I remember what happened. Howwever, I am lazy, so it’s best to just give links to the people, places and things related to the week ending October 31.

Mixing Bowl

Right Rides

Michael Malice

Matt Hughes

EconWomen

Real Women Respond To Palin

Alchemy Social Club

My new favorite words/terms/quotes : followcost, cloudworker, and “Flat is the new up”.

Earlier this week, I was asked “What are the ten most important thing women, 18 to 34, need to know about to remain culturally relevant.”  I thought about it and here is my list in no particular order. Add your ideas in the comments.

1. Economic Independence: Know that they can pursue their dreams and not starve.
2. Reproductive Rights: Be aware of how that the President appoints judges to the Supreme Court and that reproductive laws can vary from state to state.
3. Being comfortable with your sexuality: whether you are a serial dater, married, single, lesbian, bisexual. Practicing abstinence counts, too.
4. Communicate effectively with grace and like a grown-up. Showing humility with others and stop the baby talk.
5. Read about the world both locally and globally: read books, newspapers, magazines and online media.  Know what is going on in the world around you.
6. Green your life: Be aware of you can be green.  More than recycling.  It is about using less.
7. Being fit: Start now with healthy habits. Walking, running, yoga, going to the gym.
8. Enjoy food: Grown your own. Cook your own meals.
9. Accept yourself: Be confident about your mind and body. Appreciate your mental quirks and physical being.
10. Develop your own personal style: Know what colors and clothes fits your personality and body.