Fab Celeb Updates

Check out our Celebrated Contributors page for an updated roster of notable women who have shared (or plan to share) their own DTBF stories. Below are some of their latest updates. (Click on their names to link to their DTBF stories!)

Ginny Lambrix

"I am now the Director of Winemaking and Viticulture at Truett Hurst. We have launched a new brand- VML- named after me and dedicated to Pinot. Very cool... And I have a nice little flock of goats and sheep... Perhaps the biggest news is that Jon and I are expecting a baby boy in February.... So lots of changes, all good. My first company picture was wearing my DTBF tee shirt!"

Mariana Tosca

Mariana just wrapped production on a documentary that she produced and stars in called “Equine Destiny” about America’s Horse Slaughter Industry and is filming the pilot for the TV series “Call to Action” which will take viewers along as she rescues slaughter-bound horses from a kill buyer feedlot and releases them onto a wild horse sanctuary. (So far in 2009, she has pulled 147 horses from slaughter pipelines throughout the US and returned them to a life of freedom.) Earlier this year, she received an Artists for Humanity award for her dedication in helping the homeless population of Los Angeles to acquire job skills helpful in alleviating their plight. In the Summer of 2010, Mariana will be producing and starring in “Earth Echoes” a theatrical production that will run as a benefit for several environmental and animal protection non-profit organizations. She is also still leading the campaign for the release of Billy the Asian elephant from the Los Angeles Zoo, as the Los Angeles Court of Appeals just granted approval to proceed with the case against the Los Angeles Zoo for abuse and neglect of the 14 elephants who have died there. Mariana was recently asked to join Dr. Jane Goodall in serving as an Advisory Board member of Save the Chimps.

Renel Brooks Moon

Renel on the mike during her last show on Kiss FM

After 25 years of hosting 98.1 KISS FM’s “Renel in the Morning,” Renel Brooks-Moon has decided to step down. The radio station hosted a party in her honor and pictures and message boards are linked on their website, linked above, for her fans to visit. Meanwhile, Renel continues to be the public announcer for the San Francisco Giants. It’s been 10 years and she’s enjoying every minute! Read a recent interview with Renel, “Off radio but still at microphone,” published in the San Francisco Chronicle on August 27th.

Jill Robinson

Jill addressing the audience at the Second China International Animal and Nature Film Festival

Jill was in Chengdu for workshop meetings and events on site, then in Southern China as an invited participant for the Second China International Animal and Nature Film Festival in Sichuan province. Her China team was invited to join the event, which recognizes local and international filmmakers. The following quote is an excerpt from Jill’s blog:

"On the last night, it was like a scene out of Hollywood, with thousands of people crowded together in a huge auditorium, together with film crews shooting for live transmission on TV. “ While on stage to hand out a documentary award, Jill used the opportunity to discuss the endangerment of sharks and pandas along with re-iterating the need for China to stop the cruel practices inflected on her beautiful moon bears. She continues in her blog, “Now, since the festival, we’ve had several fairly high-profile people in both local and international film and media asking if they can come along and visit the bears – and so the message widens and perhaps our little piece of heaven in Chengdu will convince them to do more."

Never resting, Jill then headed to Europe where she will be for another 3 weeks.

Terri Lyne Carrington

"My new CD "More To Say" is finally out after nearly 2 years in the making! I am real proud of it and hope that other folks like it too! Most of my time these days is spent chasing my 3 year old around or teaching at Berklee, as well as gigs and session, so I am busier than a one armed paper hanger! All good - I am not complaining.... Until next time...." Terri Lyne

Check out Tavis Smiley’s recent interview with Terri Lyne regarding her new CD.

Rory Freedman

Rory in her kitchen, as seen in the New York Times

Rory just returned from a two-month backpacking jaunt around Europe and has never been so inspired creatively. She's ready to get crackin' on another book---maybe even one that's fiction.

Nalini Nadkarni

Nalini speaking at the TED Conference.

"I gave a talk at the TED Conference in Long Beach this spring. It is a high-profile conference with many “idea people” who talk about their work, dreams, and accomplishments. Each talk is only 18 minutes, and it is hard to cram all the things one wants to say into that time. It has been seen by many people around the world, and nearly all of the feedback has been about people who are excited about trees and forests and trying to save them. That is very hopeful to me.

There were some good developments in terms of science outreach beyond science. Several of my projects were featured on the splash page of the National Science Foundation website. One of them was the “canopy rap” project I created, in which I hired a rap singer to accompany me and two other scientists with 40 urban youth (middle school aged) into the forest to learn about the plants and animals. The rap singer made up songs about the forest, and the kids did, too! They ended up making a CD of their songs in the sound studios of my college, and each student took home a copy of it for their friends and family.

In addition to these, I was really happy to be in the forest this summer. My family (husband and two teenage kids, Gus and Erika) took a six day backpacking trip to a remote area of the North Cascades National Park. We saw only 4 people in the six days we were there. And just last week, I took my annual solo backpacking trip to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness for six days. It was great to be out there on my own, just hiking, watching marmots, eating simple food, watching the starts, and letting my thoughts quiet and settle away from the everyday hubbub of life. But I’m glad to be back with my family and garden and work!

DTBF!

Nalini"

Ingrid Newkirk

"I’ve been on tour with my book lately. I’m asking people to consider loaning a copy to that person at work who loves dogs but who doesn’t think about other animals, that neighbor with the fur coat in the back of the closet – too embarrassed to wear it again; and that relative who insists you have “just a little” of the turkey at Thanksgiving, as well as to that wonderful kid on your block who rescues the birds fallen out of trees or who won’t cut up the frog in class. I’ve used real life stories to bring the individual animals alive and give them a voice and the book is packed with great resources, simple options, and compassionate solutions to rid our lives of the casual cruelty that wheedles its way into what we buy, eat, do and wear. I hope you take a peek and enjoy it a lot!

DTBF!

Ingrid"

Dianne Reeves

Dianne Reeves can be seen on tour throughout the rest of this year . She is also recording a new album which will be out next year. We'll announce it as soon as it's out!

Kamala Lopez

Kamala at the New York Latino International Film Festival.

"The good news is that A Single Woman won the Exceptional Merit in Media Award from the National Women's Political Caucus in DC!

Also, I am developing a TV series about girls and gangs and I wrote a related article on Huff Po about what's going on with that.

DTBF!

Kamala"

Kelly Dobbins

Kelly is currently training to compete in the NPC National Bodybuilding and Figure Championships this November.

Julia Butterfly Hill

Julia’s recent photo in the SF Chronicle.

Julia continues to inspire people to speak up, take action and make a difference in this world. Check out “Catching up with...Julia Butterfly Hill,” an article that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle last April. Julia also continues to update on her own blog.