I love the spring… Flowers are bursting, people are making stuff, and change is happening all over. New books, art shows, events, films, and websites including: Spencer Ante's new book; the World Science Festival in NYC; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in SF; The SF Int'l Film Festival with Kevin Kelly giving the State of Cinema address; The Tribeca Filim Festival in NYC and terrific films being released in theaters and on tv, the web, and dvd by Arne Johnson, Sandi Dubowski, Sam Green, Adrien Belic, Deborah Scranton, and Adam Hootnick; the Webby Award nominees announced; art shows in LA by Kimberly Brooks and Mary Ann Strandell, an Inflatable Film Festival in Rwanda; great summer arts programs, a brilliant book of 6 word memoirs; and a benefit for a valuable program for children of divorce called Kids' Turn. Details and more below... I've been happily working on the new film (it's starting to breathe and move its limbs). Ken and I will debut an art installation called "Smashing" at the opening of Daniel Leibskin's new Contemporary Jewish Museum in SF- at the all night bash "DAWN" on June 7th. You can check out Tribe updates below and listen to a talk I participated in about film and distribution at Sundance. I'll be speaking at The Tribeca Film Festival on May 1 about Reuse, Remix & Renew. Please keep me posted on what's budding in your gardens. And don't forget to stop and smell the flora... Warm regards, Tiffany www.tiffanyshlain.com

Table of Contents (Full Details Below) EVENTS - (SF) Yerba Buena Center for The Arts Events, Spring 2008 - (NY) Feast Without Famine at Frederieke Taylor Gallery, April 4- May 10 - (SF) Planned Parenthood Golden Gate Annual Gala, May 1 - (NY) Eyebeam: Freedom and Creativity, May 6 - (SF) Kids Turn Benefit for children of divorce, May 6 - (LA) Feminist Majority's Global Women's Rights Awards, May 7 - (NY) World Science Festival, May 28-June 1 - (San Jose) Zero01 Global Festival of Art on the Edge, June 4-8 - (SF) San Francisco Jewish Museum opening, June 6 - (LA) Kimberly Brooks' art show, May 10-June 14 FILM FESTIVALS - (SF) San Francisco International Film Festival, April 24- May 8 - (NY) Tribeca Film Festival, April 23 - May 4 FILMS - The Tribe Updates - Girls Rock! Film Premiere by Arne Johnson and Shane King - A Jihad for Love by Parvez Sharma and Sandi DuBowski - Inflatable Film Festival in Rwanda - Unsettled by Adam Hootnick - Beyond the Call by Adrien Belic - Waiting for Hockney by Julie Checkoway - Bad Voodoo's War by Deborah Scranton WEBSITES - California Video at the Getty Center - Campaign for safe cosmetics - Mommy’s Track’d BOOKS - Not Quite What I was Planning: 6 Word Memoirs by famous people - Creative Capital: Georges Doriot and the Birth of Venture Capital by Spencer Ante - Falling Into Manholes by Wendy Merrill SUMMER ARTS PROGRAMS FOR KIDS - US Performing Arts Camps - FemmeFilm Camp for Girls, Austin, TX ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EVENTS

(SF) Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Spring Events EXHIBITIONS: - The Way That We Rhyme: Women, Art, and Politics - An amazing collection of performativity, coalition building, feminist ideologies of the past and present: the politically charged works of a new generation of women. March 29-June 29. PERFORMANCE: - Inkboat - Local choreographer Shinichi Iova-Koga with a synthesis of traditional and experimental dance, Japanese Butoh and physical theater. April 24-26 www.ybca.org

(NY) Feast Without Famine at the Frederiek Gallery, April 4 – May 10 A non-stop feast of visual and conceptual delights awaits the visitor to Franco Mondini-Ruiz's new exhibit/art buffet "Feast without Famine"; a collection of new sculptures, porcelains, paintings, and piñatas at Frederieke Taylor gallery. The artist will be on the premises throughout the show serving art, conversation, and strategies for a utopic, better world of feast without famine. Opening Party: Fri, April 4, 6 - 10 pm Franco Fiesta, Guacamole Reception: Wed, April 9, 6-10pm Capital Special Salon San Antonio-New York mixer: Fri, April 18, 6-10pm Frederiek Taylor Gallery

Planned Parenthood Golden Gate Gale, May 1 Planned Parenthood Golden Gate is one of my favorite organizations. They do such important work on behalf of women in the Bay Area. Their annual fundraising gala is on Thursday, May 1 with keynote speaker Donna Brazile. Brazile is one of the best known, most influential African-American women in modern American politics. For more information, go to www.ppgg.org

(NY) Eyebeam Freedom and Creativity, May 6 Eyebeam is a terrific organization headed up by John Johnson. "It is an art and technology center that provides a fertile context and state-of-the-art tools for digital research and experimentation." Freedom and Creativity is a night of Cocktails, Dinner, Show, and Party honoring Founder of craigslist Craig Newmark. Find out more and get tix at: www.eyebeam.org

(SF) Kids' Turn 20th Anniversary Benefit, May 6 Kids' Turn was founded by my stepmother, Judge Ina Gyemant, to help children through divorces and separations. Such an important service. Limited seats available for Kids' Turn 20th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser. A five course dinner, spectacular show, and silent & live auction. Teatro ZinZannie Spiegeltent, Pier 29, SF Doors open at 5:30, followed by silent auction, then "Love, Chaos & Dinner" www.kidsturn.org

(LA) Feminist Majority's Global Women's Rights Awards, May 7 Founded in 1987, the Feminist Majority Foundation is a cutting edge organization dedicated to women's equality, reproductive health, and non-violence. The Fourth Annual Global Women's Rights Awards, May 7, 2008 Beverly Hills Hotel (LA), Reception and Dinner This Award is given annually to a select few individuals who have contributed to advancing the rights of women and girls and to increasing awareness of the injustices women face on account of their gender. This year's honorees are: U.S. actor and activist Mira Sorvino, Dr. Solomon Orero of Kenya, Maria Luisa Sanchez Fuentes of Mexico, and Nafis Sadik of Pakistan. Sponsorships and tickets available by contacting Jelena Tadic (jtadic@feminist.org) or Emily Pudalov (epudalov@feminist.org) toll free at 866-471-3652. www.feminist.org

(NY) World Science Festival, May 28-June 1 An annual event in NYC with the mission to "cultivate and sustain a general public informed by the content of science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value, and prepared to engage with its implications for the future." Some events include The Science of Morality, The Mind's Eye, The Sixth Extinction, and Future Cities. For more information, visit http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/

(San Jose) Zero01 Global Festival of Art on the Edge, June 4-8 This is a great event that focuses on the intersection of art and technology. "Zero01 is about vibrant audio and visual participatory experiences – experiences that will entertain you, spark your imagination, perhaps challenge you and, at the very least, make you consider how the contemporary world is evolving." http://www.01sj.org/

(SF) New Contemporary Jewish Museum Opening Night DAWN, June 7 "Smashing" is an interactive installation with video and sound, based on the breaking of glass in Kristallnacht and the Jewish wedding ceremony. It will include projection, sound design and an interactive component. "San Francisco's Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) and Reboot, are pleased to announce DAWN '08, an all-night, arts and culture festival and celebration of Shavuot at the grand opening of the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Taking place simultaneously throughout the Museum, the evening will offer both ritual and offbeat revelry with ongoing headlining performances and events including live bands, theatrical and spoken word performances, premiere film screenings, visual arts, dancing, DJs, lectures, comedy and open-space discussion forums." www.jmsf.org/

(LA) Kimberly Brooks Art Show May 10-June 14 In my sister, Kimberly Brook's new solo exhibition, “Technicolor Summer”, she depicts our family coming together to deal with grief through nature in a series of new oil paintings. Using sweeping settings of the California landscape as a backdrop, from the forests of Yosemite to the bewildering expanse of the Pacific Ocean, she introduces characters that are unified by the mutual awe for their surroundings. May 10- June 14, Opening Reception May 10th 6 – 9 pm. Taylor De Cordoba 2660 La Cienega Blvd. LA www.kimberlybrooks.com

FILM FESTIVALS

San Francisco International Film Festival, April 24 - May 8 This festival has taken on a whole new rthym and adrenelin with Grahm Leggat at the helm. They have great films and events throughout. Some upcoming events and films I am going to see...: Kevin Kelly gives the State of Cinema Address on Sunday, May 4 at the Clay Theater in SF. La Corona -- about a women's penitentiary beauty pageant in Bogota, Columbia. Flow -- about the resource whose scarcity most threatens our future -- it's water, not oil. The Golem with Black Francis -- former Pixies front man Black Francis debuts his original score to the silent horror classic The Golem, live at the Castro Theatre. The Wackness -- A hip-hop-loving Upper East Side truant forms an unlikely alliance with his drug-addled shrink in this clever mix of private school and old school, an audience favorite at Sundance, featuring Ben Kingsley and a memorable cameo from Mary Kate Olsen. http://fest08.sffs.org/

Tribeca Film Festival April 23 - May 4 I'll be giving a talk at Tribeca on May 1, called REUSE, REMIX & RENEW: Film Tools for the 21st Century Hosted by Creative Commons, USC IP Clinic & TFI "There are even more elements to consider today than there were 10 years ago: the uncharted legal waters of the internet, blogs and podcasts. How can a "some rights reserved" approach to copyright benefit filmmakers and film fans alike? Join us for a discussion about technology, intellectual property, and the future of participatory media." Speakers: Yours truly, Eric Steuer (Contributing Editor, Wired; Creative Director, Creative Commons;) Paul “DJ Spooky” Miller. www.tribecafilm.com I have heard that this film is great... Waiting For Hockney (information below in film section). For more information about the films playing at Tribeca, visit www.tribecafilmfestival.org/

FILMS

The Tribe updates A lot of exciting news recently going on: We've just released The Tribe Curriculum, a new 50-page addition to the film which was created by renowned cultural and religious studies professors from around the country. For more information, go to http://tribethefilm.com/curriculum.html The Tribe just won its 12th Award, for Best Documentary Short at the Cleveland International Film Festival. We have upcoming screenings in South Carolina, LA, Iowa, Colorado, Ohio, and Florida. For a complete calendar, go to www.tribethefilm.com/about_calendar.html And, if you're part of the Facebook world, join our Tribethefilm group and stay connected to all of our happenings, including the upcoming release of our Facebook application. As always, visit us at www.tribethefilm.com

Girls Rock! by Arne Johnson and Shane King "Bring your daughters," critics rave. A great film by two local San Francisco filmmakers. Very inspiring. The Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls is a place where 8-18 year olds come from all over the country to learn Rock DIY-style--forming bands, writing songs and building community, and “Girls Rock!” is the movie about their journey. Upcoming screenings in Madison, WI; Memphis, TN; Santa Cruz, CA; St. Louis, MO; Houston, TX; Olympia, WA; Waterville, ME; and many more. DVD pre-sales also available. www.girlsrockmovie.com

A Jihad for Love by Parvez Sharma and Sandi DuBowski U.S. premiere in NYC at IFC Center, May 21st. Making worldwide headlines, this film is the story of Islam's most unlikely storytellers – lesbian and gay Muslims from around the world and is produced by Sandi DuBowski. (Trembling Before G-d) Imam Muhsin Hendricks, the world's first openly gay Imam and Mazen, one of those imprisoned and tortured in the Cairo 52 case have been traveling with us. Their testimony, strength of purpose and character and life story has been moving audiences to tears. Banned by the Singapore government, making headlines around the world, and changing audiences everywhere. www.ajihadforlove.com

Inflatable Film Festival in Rwanda In Rwanda, for 10 days in March, people travel by foot for miles to see films on a giant inflatable movie screen. For most people, it's the first time they've ever seen a movie, especially one in their local language, Kinyarwanda. This year, a group is following some very dedicated filmmakers as they prepare to share their work to local Rwandians, and hopefully the rest of the world. Through their struggles and triumphs, the project explores what roles comedy, imagination, and creativity play in a country recovering from a tragic past. www.inflatablefilm.com

Unsettled by Adam Hootnick A fantastic film. It's about conflict, resolution, and humanity. During the Gaza withdrawal, three young Israelis will be forced from their homes, two soldiers will be sent to evict them, and one activist will try to help her country avoid a war. UNSETTLED is the story of a generation on the front lines of a nation's battle against itself. www.unsettled.com

Beyond the Call by Adrien Belic In an Indiana Jones meets Mother Teresa adventure, three middle-aged men – former soldiers and modern-day knights – travel the world delivering life-saving humanitarian aid directly into the hands of civilians and doctors; in some of the most dangerous yet beautiful places on Earth, the front lines of war. Upcoming screenings in DC (April 26-30) and LA (April 19-24). For more information visit www.beyondthecallthemovie.com

Waiting for Hockney by Julie Checkoway Director Julie Checkoway fleshes out an amazing story of both the determination of one inspired individual and the unforgiving machinery of the art world. The refreshingly frank interviews with unguarded and lovable Billy are rounded out by old home videos and kitschy vintage footage. Checkoway makes the most of Billy's bizarre entourage of supporters who travel with him as he makes his way toward the nailbiting conclusion of his 10-year journey, most notably his anxiety-ridden but unwaveringly adoring mother. Stakes are high-and audiences will find themselves desperately hoping that Billy can pull one off for the little guys. Screening at Tribeca. www.waitingforhockney.com

Bad Voodoo's War by Deborah Scranton Director Deborah Scranton (The War Tapes) uses her brilliant 'subject as reporter' theme to tell Bad Voodoo's War. With very few 'embeds' (journalists reporting from Iraq), Scranton jars us into the reality of war by forcing us to see through the eyes of the soldiers. The show continues to stream online on Frontline and responses from you really make a difference. They need 1.5 million views and comments on the Frontline website to help ensure more films like these, that amplify the voice of soldiers on the ground, can continue to be made. www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/badvoodoo/

WEBSITES

California Video at The Getty Center San Francisco filmmaker Sam Green (The Weather Underground) is part of an online series of 50 short videos that show the variety of artistic experimentation in video art throughout California over the last 40 years. This is a fantastic collection of films. Show will be up through June 8. http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/california_video/

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Learn more about what's in the cosmetics you use. A new study published in the journal Pediatrics has found a connection between use of shampoo, lotion and powders on babies and elevated phthalate levels in those youngsters. Phthalates are chemicals found in plastics, fragrance and some personal care products, and are associated with health problems. www.safecosmetics.org

Mommy Track'd: The Working Mother's Guide to Managed Chaos Mommy Track'd is a smart, savvy and supportive with a mission to inform and entertain time crunched moms as they tackle the daily tug of war between work and home. The site is applauded by its loyal readers and the press for its compelling, unique voice as well as the depth and diversity of quality content it offers. The site features: a Survival Guide; weekly columns penned by popular and published authors on topics such as "Working Moms in Pop Culture & Politics"; user-generated quick tips; original working mom comics; candid interviews with high-profile moms juggling careers and kids; and more.. Highly recommend it* http://www.mommytrackd.com/

BOOKS

Not Quite What I Was Planning: 6 Word Memoirs by famous people At the onset of starting The Webby Awards, I limited winners to five word acceptance speeches. No one ever goes over the limit. It's a lot of fun. They are hilarious and poignant..when I came across this book of 6 word stories...I was intrigued... The most famous 6 word story is by Ernest Hemingway, "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." From this powerful constraint of only six words, Smith Magazine invited noted authors and the public to send in their 6 word stories. They are all terrific. I highly recommend checking out this book. Find it on Amazon

Georges Doriot and the Birth of Venture Capital, by Spencer Ante In his new book, award-wining journalist Spencer E. Ante tells the compelling story of the visionary French immigrant-Georges Doriot-who pioneered the venture capital industry and sparked the creation of America's high tech, startup nation. The author traces the pivotal events in Doriot's life, including his experience as a decorated brigadier general during World War II; as a maverick professor at Harvard Business School; and as the architect and leader of the first public venture capital firm, American Research & Development Corp. It artfully chronicles Doriot's business philosophy and his stewardship of more than 100 startups, many of which grew into influential and successful companies, such as Digital Equipment Corp. The vivid portrait of Georges Doriot reveals the rewards that come from relentlessly pursuing what-if possibilities-and offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, engineers, managers, financiers and investors. Creative Capital blog Buy on Amazon

Falling Into Manholes: The Memoir of a Bad/Good Girl Meet Wendy Merrill, a quirky, attractive, in-recovery-from…well, you can pretty much name it…who, while seemingly on the quest for her perfect mate, keeps falling into manholes. After losing herself in an endless series of attachments, this serial mater comes to see how her relationships with men are emblematic of all of her relationships ⎯ with alcohol, food, drugs, family, friends and, most of all, herself. Smart, funny and embarrassingly honest, Falling into Manholes: The Memoir of a Bad/Good Girl recounts the common experience of looking for love in all the wrong places, and the not so common experience of finding it in yourself. www.fallingintomanholes.com

SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR KIDS

US Performing Arts Camps US Performing Arts Camps mission is to provide the very best training in the arts, both in performing arts and media. Today they have 14 different locations across the country presenting over 25 specialty training programs in the fields of film, television, theater, dance, and other digital media. Programs are taught by the university or college departments and their professional faculty and guest professionals in their fields. US Performing Arts Camps are designed as conservatory style programs that encourage students to work collaboratively in achieving high goals. Many students spend a summer attending more than one program and visit more than one campus where US Performing Arts Camps are offered. Programs for ages 11-22. www.usperformingarts.com

Film Camp for Girls in Austin, TX Today, less than 4% of films are directed by women. Femme Film Texas teaches filmmaking and Internet publishing to young women and girls through hands-on educational programs that promote media literacy and encourage self-expression. http://www.femmefilmtexas.org/