Review on Heidi Miller’s Diary of a Shameless Self-Promoter Podcast

Posted on by Sandy

Hey grrrls!

Heidi Miller reviewed fEmpowerment on the tag-end of her latest podcast. I think if you click the link below, you will get it. (My tech dude AKA my husband is out valiantly trying to resurrect our chainsaw to take down some narsty poison oak/stumps/etc. in anticipation of making a new patio and path — so I best not bother him. I have gotten posting my own podcasts down, but I’m a little unclear on the concept re others’ podcasts.)

 SO, when you take a listen (at the very end), Heidi reviews the book.  She says that she believes fEmpowerment might make a lot of women angry, because I am advocating the “empowerment that can be found” in being in a “subordinate position.”

 I would be very curious to hear from those of you who have read the book if that is what you had as your take-away, as well.  Now, granted, Heidi said she was only 1/3 of the way through the book — but I thought that it was obvious that what the Bond Girl analogy, and fEmpowerment, is all about is being #1, the CEO, the Big Kahuna in whatever you’re passionate about, but also not to forget that there are other parts of your life where being supportive (not submissive) is not only empowering, but necessary.  And to “be all you can be” in that supportive role, too (e.g., the “Being #1 at being #2” tagline).

As most of you know, the book was a product of dealing with friends, Romans and Countrymen (just kidding! — friends and clients) who were recently divorced, or were heads of companies or divisions, or the like, and either couldn’t get a date on Friday Nights or had lost the “spark” in their relationships, or who seemed to always be looking for an ROI (return on investment) in matters of the heart. The book details thoughts in this area, especially with respect to “turning it off” and “being the girl” in the guy-girl relationship. (Although we have at least one Amazon.com review where this has been effective, obviously, in a girl-girl relationship!)

Dr. Laura Berman in her show on NBC5.com has discussed this — as has Oprah now 2x in the past month or so, once with a Matchmaker who actually quite bluntly detailed what has “gone wrong” with women not wanting to “be women” today.  She also detailed that women seem to go from being “Girls” (at school) to being “Men” (duking it out to be ‘gender neutral’ in the workforce) and that they don’t have any faith in the power of Being A Woman.  Or being Supportive. Or just relaxing into it. Or going first, and treating their man like they need him. (Listen to my podcast interview with Scott Smith on this point!)

One of my favorite sidebars in the book actually has to do with Lance Armstrong and the idea of being a “domestique” (French for “maid”!) If you remember that part of the book, it discusses that when Lance was riding the Tour de France, he had a bunch of other fantastic riders who worked to be his “domestiques” — he was taking the lead, and they were doing what it took to get him over the line. However, a couple years ago, I saw Lance riding as a domestique, to another rider, when he came to ride here in San Francisco.  In that case, he was doing what it took — getting water bottles to the guy, etc. — to get him over the line.

Other readers constantly tell me the Bowling Story (“You like him? Then how about throwing a gutter ball, not trying to beat his pants off? Have some fun! Flirt!”) is their favorite. This story actually came from Sheila Kelley at S-Factor, but it’s one of my favorites, too.

To me, the “domestique” story is the perfect analogy for the Bond Girl. When she’s doing what “she does,” she’s #1, and Bond doesn’t question her — in fact, he relies on her to fly the plane, or defuse the bomb.  HOWEVER, when it’s her turn to “open the submarine door” after he’s gone out to fight the bad guys, she’s not arguing with him, saying “HEY, no WAY, I’m going to go fight the bad guys!  What, you think I’m going to be your doormat?? YOU open the door. And did you make the bed last night by the way???” — then they both drown.

 I’ll be very curious whether you, as a reader (or podcast listener) think that the idea of fEmpowerment would make “women angry who have worked hard to be the CEO.” (Which is what Heidi states.)  Think so?  Let me know, can’t wait to hear!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (19.2MB)

Subscribe: RSS

BONUS VIDEO PODCAST: Bloopers from The Bartender and the Bond Girl Make a Cosmo

Posted on by Sandy

By popular demand — the blooper reel to The Bond Girl and the Bartender Make a Cosmo!

 As you know from a previous post, Mr. Martini from Behind The Bar Show and I did a video podcast on “how to make a cosmo” a week or so ago.

Last weekend, we got together and did a video podcast… which I posted last week. Well, by popular demand, check out the blooper reel, below!

Let me know what you think — either give me a ring on my call-in line 206.350.3537 or email to doubleohsandy[at]yahoo[dot]com. I am still laughing and have played it a dozen times…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (50.4MB)

Subscribe: RSS

BONUS INTERVIEW PODCAST: Scott Smith from Motivation To Move

Posted on by Sandy

In my new Coffee Chat series of podcasts, I decided it might be fun to bring you a number of experts in their fields that have had an impact on my life.

The first interview I’m posting is with Scott Smith, of Motivation To Move. Sure,  it’s a bit long — but I know you will find valuable information in there. I particularly liked the part of the interview where Scott discusses what men are “really looking for” from their women.

No, I’m not going to tell you what it is… you have a listen!

This podcast is actually Interview Two of the “Coffee Chat” series. The first interview is with Eve Abbott, the Organizer Extraordinaire. However, Eve hasn’t been able to listen to the interview yet, and it’s important to me that all my experts are OK with what they hear!

So I’m posting our second interview first (is that like being #1 at being #2? Hmmmmm!?)

If you have comments on this episode, call the Listener Comment Voicemail at +1 (206) 350-3537, e-mail doubleohsandy [at] yahoo [dot] com or leave a comment below.

Click the red button below to listen.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:48 — 63.1MB)

Subscribe: RSS

NPR Story of the Day: The Feng Shui Makeover for McDonald’s

Posted on by Sandy

One of my readers sent this link to me — and you thought I was the only one harping on feng shui!?

 The restaurant’s owners say “the designs are aimed at creating a soothing setting that will encourage diners to linger over their burgers and fries, and come back again.”

It has waterfalls, red accents for good luck, etc.  Too much!  Aaaand, the owner says that business has picked up.  Aha!  Abundance! 🙂

BONUS VIDEO PODCAST: The Bond Girl and the Bartender…

Posted on by Sandy

Join Mr. Martini and Solitaire for a quick video on how to mix a cosmo first the bartender way and then the Bond Girl way

We did it!  Mr. Martini from Behind The Bar Show and I met (accidentally, believe it or not!) in a bar in San Francisco now about eight months or so ago. I had been a fan, and was in that bar because he had recommended it, and then… well, if you’re curious, you can listen to the story here. First, we became fast “podcast friends,” then actual Real Life Friends.  (I bet there is some sort of web acronym for that, but I’m afraid I don’t know it — Comment, and clue me in!)

Last weekend, we got together and did this video podcast for you, showing The Bond Girl Way vis-a-vis the Bartender Way to make a cosmo. We had so much fun, it wound up running 53 minutes! No… this download is not that big, never fear!

Now is the time to send us email to beg us for the outtake tape. We had some things that were so funny, they still make me laugh looking at the video for the zillionth time. Go tell Mr. Martini that you want him to post that, too *smile*  I’m Ms. Non-Technology and so it’s all him, all the time.

Enjoy! Let us know what you think!

P.S.:  If you are curious, the outfit that I’m wearing is by Nicacelly — it’s all recycled/organic and the yummiest, softest outfit you have ever worn!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:06 — 86.6MB)

Subscribe: RSS

“Living Oprah” Blog

Posted on by Sandy

Today (courtesy of the Pop Candy blog), I discovered the Living Oprah blog. The gal who is writing this blog has decided to follow Oprah’s advice for a year, and see where it leads and how much it costs.

 This is fun to read, but the writer also shows the issues that I have with the show — namely, often the “must have” items are in a price range that is way WAY beyond my means. I always take these shows with a grain of salt, but what she points out is that when Oprah says something is a “must have,” that her audience is very likely to actually go purchase it — because she said so — even if on the “other hand” they are being scolded by Suze Orman not to spend their money this way or even Eckhart Tolle to live a more “existential” existence.

 Love the premise of this. The gal is a graduate student writing her thesis — wonder if this will become part of it?

What’s In A Name?

Posted on by Sandy

I caught this over on Tara Marie’s blog, and it was just way too fun not to bring to my Bond Grrrrls!  Go check her out to find out all her names — mine are here!

1. Rockstar Name (first pet & current car):
Candy Lexus
2. Gangsta Name (favorite ice cream flavor & favorite cookie):
Marsha Marsha Marshmellow Samoa
3. Fly Girl Name (first initial, first 4 letters of last name):
S-Shep
4. Detective Name (favorite color, favorite animal):
Green Dog (this is also Tara Marie’s)
5. Soap Opera Name (middle name & birthplace):
Jean Norfolk
6. Star Wars Name (first 3 letters of last name, first 2 letters of first name):
She Sa
7. Superhero Name (“the,” 2nd favorite color, favorite drink):
The Brown Vesper

8. Nascar Name (grandfathers’ first names):
George Robinson (or Robinson George)
9. Witness Protection Program Name (mom & dad’s middle names):
Jean Edward
10. Weather Anchor Name (5th grade teacher & major city beginning with the same letter):
Sister (yeah, uh-oh, I know) Eleanor Elgin (yeah fine, I know, so what IS a major E city?)
11. Bond Girl Name (favorite season, favorite flower):
Autumn Rose  (Same as Tara Marie!)
12. Cartoon Name (favorite fruit, article of clothing you are wearing right now + “ie” or “y”):
Peach Yoga Pantsy…?
13. Hippy Name (what you ate for breakfast, favorite tree):
Yogurt’n’Granola (ok that is WAY too funny) Oak
14: Rockstar Tour Name (“the”+your favorite hobby, favorite weather element+”tour”):
The “Rolling” (yes, that would be a euphemism, grrls) Warm Wind Tour

The Story of Stuff, With Annie Leonard

Posted on by Sandy

As you’ve probably surmised, today is a day for me to post a bunch of stuff I have been holding onto. Here is another link, to The Story of Stuff, with Annie Leonard.  It’s 20 minutes long, but I think it’s a very good reminder… especially if you’re feeling a little down and want to cure that with “Retail Therapy”!

 I was particularly interested in some of the quotes about “planned obsolescence.” I also had to ruefully smile when Annie points out that, after 9/11, the President could have asked us to grieve, to be compassionate, to come together… instead, what he told us to do was Shop. (True!)

I’m not particularly political, but I do have a strong feeling that we’re getting to that Al-Gore-Nobel-Peace-Prize “point of no return” when it comes to our resources.  This should lead to a change in priorities… and to having a good, long look at our lifestyle. One of the things that Annie points out is that the two biggest leisure activities in the U.S. are watching TV, and shopping.  And if you’re watching TV, you’re getting exposed to commercials, which are basically telling you that “You Suck” (her words, not mine) and that you need to buy their products, to “Not Suck.”  So you go to work, or maybe work two jobs, to buy the Stuff that the advertisements say will make you Not Suck, and then you’re so exhausted when you get home, all you can do is watch TV… when tells you that You Suck (dot dot dot)

I was also very interested that the whole “planned obsolescence”/concentration on Consumerism thing started in the 1950s — which was the “peak” of our Happiness Graph as a society (it’s fallen since that time).  Gee, maybe because instead of using stuff until we’re done with it, having extra time to spend with our families, etc. we are being bombarded with advertising that says We Suck, news that says The World Sucks, and feeling that the only way for it all to be fixed is — surprise! — to buy more!

Have a look — I think it would be great to watch this with the kids, too, and be ready for some hard questions from THEM, about how YOUR household fits into this mix.

Dr. Jill Taylor video

Posted on by Sandy

I had a profound reaction to watching this video. It is 18-minutes, and is an astonishing glimpse into the magic and danger of left/right brain function. Dr. Jill Taylor is a neuro-anatomist who specialized in brains because her brother is schizophrenic.

I am completing a podcast interview with Eve Abbott, the Organizer Extraordinaire from ABrainNewWayToWork.com. She sent me this link after our interview, and it really is amazing. Do set out enough time to watch it. It starts a bit slowly, but you will be totally glued to the screen at the end, waiting to hear “what happened next.”

 — Solitaire

This is the description from the hosting website:

This is an absolute must-watch. Set aside 18 minutes and prepare to be floored. Consensus among TED’sters is that this may be the most memorable and important TED Talk ever. It was certainly the most talked-about presentation among those at TED2008. Enjoy and share with others. And let Jill’s experience inspire, motivate, and change the way you look at life.  http://www.microclesia.com/?p=320   I guarantee you will be rewarded by investing 18 minutes on this video of Dr. Jill Taylor presenting at the TED conference.