Chatty Cathy.

Babbling Brooks.

It would seem that the world of communication – specifically talking – was fated from the moment my name hit the birth certificate.

Truth is I got tired of talking to myself.

So I figured I’d share.

Prop 8 - And (finally) the band marches on
May 04, 2009 in News & Events | Comments (0)

Ever have one of those days where you were moving at what felt like a ground speed of 600 mph, racing hither and yon, a million things to do and all of them urgent?

The day draws to a close, you wash up (making sure to floss, of course) and head for bed. You crawl beneath the blankets, and settle in. For a moment your body resists, and then suddenly it happens. There's that moment when your muscles release and you can almost feel the space between the cells decompressing.

Okay so maybe it's not quite that delicious a feeling but I have to say that in the recent weeks and especially since this past weekend, I find myself breathing again.

For the months since the devastating loss on Proposition 8, the stages of grief have roared, crashing to shore and then sweeping out again. Each time I'd think the community was moving past its anger and shifting into a more productive outlook, I'd have another conversation, hear another new piece of information or see yet another sun-faded No on 8 sign dangling askew in a window. I knew there was a silver lining. I saw the bright glimmer sparkling through in bursts. People were beginning to rise up, but still, the divisiveness remained.

A couple of weeks ago I participated in a Commonwealth Club panel discussion about media coverage of Proposition 8, and what's happened in the months since the election. It was a positive, largely forward looking discussion in which we tackled not only what went wrong in the campaign but how, as media, covering it more effectively would have helped too.

And then this morning I awakened feeling as thought something inside had shifted. Now, granted, I did just spend two days ensconced in an Oakland event space at Camp Courage, so I suppose it's not surprising that I find myself motivated.

But this is different.

We were all in pain. And while I don't discount the fact that some people's bruises haven't yet healed, at long last it feels like the LGBT community may be on its way to go beyond healing and become stronger than ever before. And I think that's because on some level, people finally have answers.

The part of the pain that came from a distinct sense of frustration - unanswered questions, unfulfilled promises - has abated, with answers. Over the last months, a number of the No on 8 Executive Committee members (not all, but some) have spent quite a bit of time doing their best to help the community reach resolution.

There was a list of questions from the Equality Summit that took place at the end of January. Kate Kendell, Geoff Kors and Tawal Panyacosit agreed to sit down with me and spent about 90 minutes addressing as many of the questions as possible. (The two part video of that discussion is below.) But still people wanted more.

Even though more of the questions were addressed at the Town Hall in SF, and then more in Fresno, more in LA, more on blogs and in newsletters, Kate and Geoff had committed to providing a more cohesive set of answers. But time passed, and energy had to be focused on the legal battle at hand.

So when I ran into Kate after the April 13 Town Hall in San Francisco, and she suggested that we tidy up these loose ends, I agreed.

Perched over Cobb salads at an eatery near NCLR's offices, Kate spoke about what might be left to say in a No on 8 post mortem. Here is the raw audio from that discussion.

As Kate mentions in the interview (and as noted above) here is the 90 minute session from February 5, 2009 with Kate, Geoff and Tawal.

Here's part one of the discussion:

Proposition 8: A discussion of what happened - Part 1 from Cathy Brooks on Vimeo.

Here's part two:

Proposition 8: A discussion of what happened - Part 2 from Cathy Brooks on Vimeo.

With that, I'm pledging to look behind no more. Certainly there must be awareness of the past, so as to avoid repeating it. But from here, we must affix our eyes ahead and upward ... we have quite a bit of hill left to climb.

Diet Coke & Mentos: Sure they fizz, but can they walk on water?
April 08, 2009 in News & Events | Comments (0)

I'm back just a week from my (now) annual trek to Israel. For the last several years I've had the pleasure and honor of participating in a very special two-day confab that takes place along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. It's called KinnerNet, a play on the Hebrew word for this body of water, which is Kinneret

An homage to Tim O'Reilly's FOO Camp, KinnerNet is the brainchild of Israeli investor Yossi Vardi (If you didn't just click the previous link about Yossi, you should. And make sure to watch the "Local Warming" video. I make a cameo at the very very end.) As far as what KinnerNet is all about, that's pretty simple. It's summer camp for grownups. For starters, it takes place at a spot called Ohalo Manor - a collection of rustic, concrete buildings clustered along the southern shore of the Kinneret.

Much like FOO Camp and the off-shoot BarCamp, Kinnernet is wholly user-generated. The 250 or so attendees range from young, first-time entrepreneurs, to seasoned senior executives from some of the world's largest companies. But that doesn't matter because one of the few rules of engagement at Kinnernet is this - you're not allowed to "do business" ... This isn't about Powerpoints or chalk talks, it's not about executive memos and product demos, Kinnernet is about ideas and creativity. It's also a lovely exercise in what happens when you take a bunch of super smart people, release them from some of the usual structures and conventions under which they usually gather, and let 'em loose.

It's an amazing experience and hands-down my favorite "event" of the year that I attend. Imagine going from a morning run through richly scented pastoral scenery to a passionate discussion about the parallels between orchestral conducting and management, then trot off to discuss mobile advertising before taking a break to play Guitar Hero and then perhaps take your chances walking on water - like my friend Dan Dubno does here:

Every year the last afternoon of Kinnernet features a massive water fight, and so it was a bit surprising when we all walked onto the great lawn to find long tables set up with several hundred bottles of Coke ... and Mentos.

Thanks to the folks at Coca Cola (who kindly donated the supply of fizzing fuel for the experiment), the Kinnernet crew orchestrated the largest Coke/Mentos spectacle in Israel.

The first part of the entertainment was a professionally choreographed carbonated beverage spray. While not exactly the Bellagio Fountain in Vegas, the always creative Didi Vardi (Yossi's older brother) set the bar pretty high.

But soon enough it was time for the group activity and, as those of us who stood at a distance had suspected, it was messy.

I mused on the cola-tinged cascades and thought about the opportunity that exists for companies willing to step beyond their usual practices and expectations. After all, at a traditional event, we'd have been hammered with banners and signage blasting Coca Cola's name. More than likely there'd have been a few executives milling about always at the ready for a pitch or a chat.

Not at Kinnernet. Coca Cola was acknowledged and thanked on several occasions for providing the beverages and fodder for entertainment, just as British Telecom was given a hearty huzzah for what has to be the most reliable and beefy Internet at an event I've ever experienced (three cheers to the fabulous Gary Shainberg!!). Granted not all 250 people were hammering on the bandwidth at once, but there was a hefty volume of video and photo upload at any given point in time and never once did the connection falter. Were we subjected to logo hats and pens, presentations and messaging from BT? Never a once.

As more and more brands seek to engage with core constituencies in ways that are qualitatively deeper than before, it will require a certain level of humility and willingness to set aside old school expectations, throw some care to the winds, and perhaps be ready to get a little sticky in the process.

French Maids + Benny Hill = a novel (and lucrative) business
March 12, 2009 in Personalities & Profiles | Comments (0)

It was my junior year of high school.

The musical the students would perform that year was a little known piece called "The Boyfriend".

I got to play a French Maid. Her name was Hortense.

Now I have to say that at the time I certainly didn't appreciate what that opportunity could have brought. Frankly the young woman I was at the time wasn't nearly who I am today so I guess that's not surprising.

But in any case donning that stereotypical costume (no I won't post a picture here, sorry), and fondling a feather duster definitely ... well ... let's say it is a memory that's been seared as brightly into my mind as the fuschia feathers on that duster I carried.

So when I first heard about French Maid TV, once I navigated my way through the whoosh of my memories, I felt the hackles of my not-so-inner feminist begin to rise.

Then I met Tim Street. He's the brains behind the operation, and when he and I first met several years back at an OnHollywood gathering, any concerns I had melted away.

When I was asked several months ago to do an interview for the ADM's "Get the Download" podcast series, I immediately said I'd be happy to - provided I got to interview Tim.

They agreed.

In this podcast, Tim and I begin our casual chat and talk about the background of French Maid TV - and that irksome little "is this insulting to women" topic.

Then we got down to more business-y business and talked further about the specific monetization aspects of online video. That conversation you can hear in the "Get the Download" episode.

French Maids + Benny Hill = a novel (and lucrative) business
March 12, 2009 in Personalities & Profiles | Comments (0)

It was my junior year of high school.

The musical the students would perform that year was a little known piece called "The Boyfriend".

I got to play a French Maid. Her name was Hortense.

Now I have to say that at the time I certainly didn't appreciate what that opportunity could have brought. Frankly the young woman I was at the time wasn't nearly who I am today so I guess that's not surprising.

But in any case donning that stereotypical costume (no I won't post a picture here, sorry), and fondling a feather duster definitely ... well ... let's say it is a memory that's been seared as brightly into my mind as the fuschia feathers on that duster I carried.

So when I first heard about French Maid TV, once I navigated my way through the whoosh of my memories, I felt the hackles of my not-so-inner feminist begin to rise.

Then I met Tim Street. He's the brains behind the operation, and when he and I first met several years back at an OnHollywood gathering, any concerns I had melted away.

When I was asked several months ago to do an interview for the ADM's "Get the Download" podcast series, I immediately said I'd be happy to - provided I got to interview Tim.

They agreed.

In this podcast, Tim and I begin our casual chat and talk about the background of French Maid TV - and that irksome little "is this insulting to women" topic.

Then we got down to more business-y business and talked further about the specific monetization aspects of online video. That conversation you can hear in this "Get the Download" episode.

Recovery.gov - The Obama Administration and its approach
February 07, 2009 in Personalities & Profiles | Comments (0)

"We're going to do this with unprecedented transparency and accountability."

That's what President Obama said when we spoke of how the Administration must in this video (also embedded below). Of course this isn't a new refrain, the President spoke of these things throughout his campaign.

To that end talks about the creation of a Cabinet-level position responsible for oversight of spending and ensuring money is "being spent wisely." But he doesn't stop there. President Obama then engages his constituents and invites everyone to keep a watchful eye.

As of my writing this, the site is not yet live because the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is burbling its way through Congress. But if the execution on-line to-date is any measure, I have no doubt it will go live, on time with a full set of functionality.

There are some who argue that perhaps this unprecedented access to monitoring government activity by its constituents may be problematic. In this blog post by Micah Sifry, co-founder of the Personal Democracy Forum, suggests that this could be problematic - for the government workers.

To that, I say this - if you're supposed to be doing a job, and you're doing it, you should have no reason to worry. I do understand his point that issues may arise if, say, there's an organization (like a school) that appears to be using a government grant for something other than what it was originally intended, who gets to decide that the change still fits under the terms for which the grant was given? Certainly there needs to be a process for considering feedback through any public forum, but I feel pretty safe in saying that the Obama Administration gets that. They did, after all, run the most digitally connected campaign in our country's history and did pretty well with managing their information.

If nothing else I have to say that I'm amazed at my own continued engagement with now President Obama. It was one thing to watch the videos and YouTube clips during the campaign, but I find myself drawn to the weekly video address and actually clicking on the links in the emails I receive.

Besides the fact that I feel empowered and informed, there's something nice about the fact that President Obama and his team hav so quickly shredded the shroud of secrecy that enrobed every last move from the previous Administration.

Meeting a legend: Activist and community organizer Cleve Jones
January 24, 2009 in Personalities & Profiles | Comments (0)

Historically I'm not what you'd call an "engaged" lesbian. I've never been much for the flag waving, rainbow sticker sporting sort of rah rah that always seemed required of participation in the community. In fact there were many times, when attending some event or another made me feel ... well ... straight.

No doubt it has something to do with my having come out rather late in the game (I was 28). More likely, though, is the fact that as a rule I've not generally engaged deeply with "the community." After all, what if Groucho Marx was right? If I was comfortable in my own skin and okay with who I was, what did I need all that marching, sign waving, banner hanging and such?

Of course for anyone who reads this blog even occasionally you're aware that my gay neutrality shattered this past May after the California Supreme Court's landmark decision. Even after that, however, while I attended more events, signed more petitions, made more calls and certainly participated, I was still - as so many - rather late to the game in getting really involved. I'm not talking about writing checks and going to fundraisers, I'm talking about hands-on help. I just didn't. To be blunt - I was complacent.

Tonight I attended a kick-off event for tomorrow's Camp Courage here in LA. Cleve Jones, whose central role as a community organizer is chronicled to letter-perfect detail in Gus Van Sant's Oscar nominated Milk, spoke to the crowd.

No, scratch that, he electrified the crowd.

Screw complacency. It's time for action. Now.

Not sure how I'm going to get to bed, but will endeavor to do so. Tomorrow is going to be a big day.

An historic day: Thank you President Obama - I'm proud again
January 20, 2009 in News & Events | Comments (0)

It's finally here.

The day for which I and millions of my fellow Americans have been waiting for eight long years ... a new administration that will hopefully be able to rectify the many monumental errors inflicted both upon this country and the world by the 43rd President of the US (I'm opting to never utter his name again).

Today is the inauguration not only of change, but also of hope and history. Whether or not one voted for Barack Obama, there is no way to deny the palpable energy radiating across our nation today.

And this energy and interest seeps across our borders and around the globe as an entire world watches, hopeful.

When I was in Paris in December for LeWeb, I cannot tell you how many conversations I had with people about the recent election and the incoming President. I cannot tell you the pride I felt, finally, again in my nation.

Today my heart swells in my chest and hot tears of joy well lay as a persistent filter in my eyes, blurring the edges of a glorious sunrise breaking over the San Francisco skyline.

I shared my perspectives with friends at the BBC, who continue to use Seesmic to connect with audiences around the world and engage in conversation.

If you are so inclined, share your thoughts too!

Today we all have a dream - and tomorrow perhaps the answer begins
January 19, 2009 in Personalities & Profiles | Comments (0)

Every year on Martin Luther King day I begin by listening to the entire speech given by that remarkable man on that powerful day so many years ago. It's a bit more than 16 minutes in length, and while the excerpts we hear so often deliver a strong impact, there is little to compare with the electric energy of the full speech.

So many of the words uttered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial that day ring especially true today - as we look towards tomorrow's inauguration of this nation's first black President. But there is so much more than race that makes tomorrow a powerful day. For the last eight years this nation has struggled against demons - from within and without. The racial divide that has long lived here, grew all the more contentious as red states and blue states fairly clove this country in half.

As I sit bathed in the sunrise that has just broken the horizon in San Francisco, listening to the passionate words with the current of hope running beneath them, I find my vision blurred with the hot tears of hope.

We shall overcome.

Sorry Kermit, it IS easy being green - at least at CES09
January 11, 2009 in News & Events | Comments (0)

The tech industry hasn't historically been the most environmentally conscious. From the tons of toxic waste generated from making computers to the stuffing of landfills with cast off bits and bobs (many of which contained chemicals that leached into the ground over time), it's been a long time coming for the industry to get a clue.

But get a clue it has, and at this year's CES I was pleased to see that there was not only a specially identified section of companies focused on bringing environmentally conscious products to market, but almost every booth (at least of big companies) that I passed had some green-related focus.

To be clear, though, CES 2009 has miles of exhibit floor space and I cruised through the Sustainable Planet section in about 40 minutes. That may sound like a long time, but considering the sheer magnitude of the convention (even in this year's reduced size), it's clear we still have quite a way to go.

Here's a short list of companies I checked out here at CES09 that trotted out an array of products and programs to address everything from carbon offsetting to recycling to renewable energy:
LGE Electronics featured reduced power consumption products that also had lower CO2 emission.
Green Goods Technology showed products that are great for travel and camping, from hand-cranked to solar powered. I particularly liked the hand cranked massager.
Eco-button offers a rapid off switch for your computer that saves energy, money and C02.
HP, which was one of the original participants of Energy Star when that kicked off showed new products.
Samsung has a pretty extensive program and at CES09 were highlighting their cell phone recycling program.

I'm also putting together a mash-up video that features some of the products. I'll get that edited and amend this post when that's done.

But in the spirit of getting this out today, I wanted to share a conversation that I had with Dave Conrad of Nokia. He heads up the company's environmental activities in North America.

In this interview - which I'm posting in its raw form start to finish - Dave talks about his company's attention to the topic. Starting with their booth, Nokia was walking the walk and talking the talk. They used carpet made from recycled PET, repurposed furniture that was used in last year's show. (Nokia wasn't alone in this, Intel and some other companies did the same.) They also ratched down the lighting for their booth so they would consume less energy and put the kabosh on plastic water bottles at their booth, giving out steel water canteens instead.

They also extended their environmental effort to folks who stopped by the booth, asking people from where they'd flown so that Nokia could offset the carbon emissions of their travel - something that the company does as a matter-of-course for its employees.

From minding the materials they use with which to build their products to ways they help their customers and even employees be mindful of being green, Nokia is one of many major companies at CES09 proving that Kermit the Frog may have been wrong. It *can be* easy to be green.

Intel Chairman Craig Barrett talks to the Intel Insiders
January 10, 2009 in Personalities & Profiles | Comments (0)

Some of the Intel Insider posse had a chance to sit down for a one-on-one (well, one on five) conversation on the first afternoon of CES 2009 in advance of his Friday keynote. We talked a bit about what he would say in the keynote but mostly discussed the ways in which technology is truly impacting lives.

Not captured but important tidbits ... Craig has a penchant for milk chocolate and cowboy boots ... I knew I liked him. :)

Intel's Craig Barrett talks to Intel Insiders at CES 2009 from Cathy Brooks on Vimeo.