How All About Eve reflects the villain in all of us, even Tough Cookies can have a dark side

The Villains in Us

Isn't it disappointing how simplistic and one-dimensional today's female characters in films have become, particularly in action-oriented films? And I don't just mean the heroines, although they are often severely lacking in flaws and character development themselves. But no, today I want to talk about the villains - or villainesses as it were. It's these women who shape the conflict of the story. And too often they are short changed, given little thought and weak…
Posted inMovies
Joss Whedon on Equality Now and why he writes strong female roles in film and tv, a true Tough Cookie in his own right

Why Joss Whedon Writes Strong Women

It's probably one of the highest honors in the world of film and storytelling to be recognized and revered by the incomparable Meryl Streep. In this Cookie's humble opinion, there's simply no one more universally talented and decorated. So when Ms. Streep tips her hat to a man for his great work on equality for women and girls, you know this guy must be pretty amazing. And he is. He's Joss Whedon. Perhaps one of…
Posted inMovies, Real Cookies, TV Shows
Listen to true Tough Cookie Cate Blanchett's Oscar speech

Cate Blanchett on Why Female-Centered Films Rule

When Cate Blanchett won the Best Actress Oscar for her title role in Blue Jasmine last night, she couldn't help but mention how incredible this honor is, not just for herself, but for all women in this field. And the audience roared in applause when she passionately pointed out this common mis-perception: "Perhaps those of us in the industry who are still foolishly clinging to the idea that female films, with women at the center,…
Posted inMovies, Real Cookies
Tough Cookie Helen Mirren makes a powerful speech at the Women in Film event

Helen Mirren on Women In Film

At the Women in Film reception on Friday evening, co-host Helen Mirren got up to speak and immediately proceeded command the attention of the room. "Shut up," she said boldly, "cause Mama’s in the house." She then turned her attention to another group and said, "That includes all you guys over there near the bar." And boy did they. Everyone did, because Helen Mirren is one Tough Cookie, who knows how to command all the…
Posted inMovies, Real Cookies
Why is the film industry failing women, like Tough Cookie Jane Fonda who founded the Women's Media Center

Film and TV are Failing Women

Can you believe that women are still underrepresented in the film and TV industries? Well, I suppose I can believe it - but I wish I didn't have to. But unfortunately, we have solid proof of this sad truth, thanks to a recent report from the Women’s Media Center, which was founded by Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan, and Gloria Steinem. The report summarized research conducted at USC and San Diego State, among others, and declared that “the…
Posted inReal Cookies
Ever told you look badass, like Tough Cookie Sarah Connor in Terminator 2?

Ever Told You Look Bad-Ass?

I walked into work today and my boss said to me, "You're looking very Sarah Connor today." "Thanks!" I replied. And I meant it. I think that's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me. I'm pretty sure he meant it as a compliment... but even if he didn't, that should always be taken as a good thing. Don't you agree? Would you be happy to be told you look particularly bad-ass today? I think…
Posted inTravel Inspiration
Tough Cookie Scarlett Johansson stars as the Black Widow in her own movie, finally!

Finally – Black Widow Gets Her Own Movie!

We've seen Iron Man, and Captain America, and Thor, and the Hulk hit the big screens in all their own glory - all those hunky superhero men who join forces and fight side-by-side in "The Avengers" franchise. But what about the one woman who kicks ass right alongside those men? Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow character has side-kicked next to the title characters in both the "Iron Man" films and the upcoming "Captain America: The Winter…
Posted inMovies
Tough Cookie Ellen Page comes out as gay, and we couldn't be prouder of her!

Ellen Page Busts Out of the Closet

In a tear-inducing speech at the Time to Thrive conference in Vegas today (which also conveniently happens to be Valentine's Day), the incredibly talented actress Ellen Page came out of the closet (nay, kicked down the door of that damn closet) and announced that she is gay. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hlCEIUATzg She looked that packed audience of LGBT youth straight in the eyes (no pun intended) and said proudly: “I’m here today because I am gay” And the best part is, she…
Posted inReal Cookies
Caroline Kennedy becomes the US Ambassador to Japan, and the world gets a little better for Tough Cookies to travel

Japan Just Got Their First Woman US Ambassador

Caroline Kennedy sure is some woman! Just days before the 50th anniversary of her father President John F. Kennedy’s assassination (which happened Nov 22, 1963), Ms. Kennedy took a huge step forward in her own diplomatic career - and a huge leap forward for women everywhere. She arrived at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace in a maroon horse-drawn carriage and was welcomed by Emperor Akihito as the first woman to ever serve as US Ambassador to Japan. And this…
Posted inReal Cookies
The first female US infantry marines graduate from the program with flying colors, like true badass Tough Cookies

Female Marines Kick Some Infantry Training Ass

On Nov. 9th, this photo was posted on the Instagram account of US Marine Corps Pfc. Harlee "Rambo" Bradford, with the caption "And then there was four." Bradford, along with Pfcs. Katie Gorz, Julia Carroll and Christina Fuentes Montenegro, will be the first female Marines to successfully complete the Corps’ enlisted infantry training course, the grueling test of physical and mental strength previously only offered to men. Imagine 59 days of live ammunition exercises and sleeping outside in…
Posted inReal Cookies
Tough Cookie Nicole Kidman is honored at the 2013 Variety Power of Women event

Variety’s 2013 Power of Women Honorees

Betcha didn't know how amazing these women are off of the big screen! Well, now you do. Because Variety has announced the honorees of its 5th annual Power of Women event celebrating industry leaders and their philanthropic passions. Presented by Lifetime Television at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons hotel on Oct. 4th, these awards will come as a perfect follow-up to the publication of Variety’s Women’s Impact Report, which will come out at the beginning of October as well. So without further…
Posted inReal Cookies
Tough Cookie Julia Pierson is appointed the new director of the US Secret Service, the first woman to hold the post

La Femme Pierson – The U.S. Secret Service’s First Woman Director

Today we saw the ultimate heroine story of a true Tough Cookie - one of the toughest Cookies I've seen yet. Today, President Obama made history by appointing veteran U.S. Secret Service official Julia A. Pierson as the first female director in the agency’s 148-year history. Pretty amazing right? Plus, Pierson is picking up the reins of this top national law enforcement institution just a year after a prostitution scandal nearly tarred its reputation and exposed the underbelly of its…
Posted inReal Cookies