Moneyball

This book while being, I think, my first TRUE story into the field of sports. I know Hundreds sporting true stories. But this is my first in baseball.

Originally written by Michael Lewis who wrote this book because he loved the story. It began w/ one innocent question; How did one of the poorest teams in baseball win so many games?  While some of the biggest names spent so much money, they lost in the end. On the other end, there was the Oakland A's, who had won more regular game seasons than any other team. How did they do it? At the bottom of the Oakland experience, it was a willingness to re-think/re-strategize the game. From it's strategy to it's players and their strengths. From scientific science-to-TRUE worth. Knowing what he was getting himself into was the GM (General Manager) of the Oakland A's, Billy Beane. But, why was he the BEST for the job?

As one who was a former PRO player himself, Billy Beane could beat anyone at anything. This was a kid who fro Day 1 made himself excel at the sport, something that his own father, a naval officer, had wanted to teach his son something. From small-time to the BIG LEAGUES, Billy played like blink and you'll miss something you'll ever see again. It go so that in 1979, Billy would run straight from practice to a friend's house to avoid incessant phone calls to his house from scouts. From coaches to scouts, Billy was cool. Everyone wanted this kid. Each/every time the scouts seen him, they saw what they wanted - a big league star. For Billy, his talent was a mask. When things didn't go well for Billy on-field, a wall came down between him and his talent. He had to break it. It was more than not wanting to fail, he merely didn't know how to fail. When it came time for Billy to choose: Stanford of playing for the Mets? After an arm wrestle w/ his father to decide, Billy won. Choosing the Mets. A decision he would later regret. His life changed. From becoming anything to just another leaguer, not even a rich one.

In the summer of 2002, Billy Beane faced his 40TH year and his 5TH as the Oakland A's manager. His was different. He had a life he hadn't led yet - and he knew it. In the beginning of scouting, the odds were against him. Reason, even science, was what Billy Beane was intent on bringing to baseball. It was a constant struggle for him w/ unreasonable means to build a baseball team. There was a lot you couldn't see when you watched a game. For Billy Beane, it was a little different. He intended to rip away from the scouts the power to decide who would  be pro and who wouldn't and his assistant, Paul DePodesta was his reason for doing it.

Paul DePodesta

Paul was the one that KNEW his shit that other scouts ignored. In a room of players, the only bona fide big league regular was Matt Keough, who won the 16 games for the 'As in 1980s. In 1978, his rookie year, he pitched for the All-Star Game. He was the most detached from the group. In 2002, it was IMPORTANT the amateur draft was for the future of the Oakland A's. After Billy's experience as a PRO player was he regarded an experience he needed to overcome to do his job well.When it came to scouting, they used several catch phrases to describe what they needed to avoid. Ex. - Phil Milo (put a Milo on him). Other reasons why the A's didn't waste time on a player. One: Age. The other were "expectations". Word would quickly spread to the rest of the MLB that once Billy Beane was on to a player, players stick would rise. Scouts wanted to keep Billy as far away from him as they could. Billy had his own ideas about where to find future major league players: inside Paul's computer.Billy said it best "When we stop trying to figure out the perception of guys, we've done better". When asked by Dick Bogard, aka "Bogie", one who knew of being the oldest scout, which player, on the Oakland A's draft board resembled a young Billy Beane? "An old thing has died" "Billy Beane was a guy you could dream on!"

The Mets were betting that Billy was better equipped than others to deal w/ pressures & frustrations that went with playing w/ older players. The scouting department judged him wrong - they wanted him to fail. Something he couldn't do. At times, Billy was smart enough to fake his way through his role "young man of promise".One thing about Billy, his weakness was that he couldn't hit. When he missed - he hit. Not others - but unraveled. He busted so many bats against so many walls his teammates lost count. Emotions were always such a big part of what ever he did. For the next three years, Billy was between leagues finally w/ the A's. In those last three years, Billy watched ALOT more games than he played. Calling himself "The Forrest Gump of baseball". He was on the bench when his team won the World Series in 1987 &'89. Among the older men, they saw it like Billy had shoved his talent to one side. He hadn't let nature take it's course. He tried to force it, not stay loose. Billy seen himself only in his stats. If his stats were bad, he had no self-worth.

During spring training in 1980, he was no longer a boy, but a grown man. Married to his high school sweetheart w/ a kid on the way. At 27, the game had stunted him. In 1990, Billy had done something else instead. He walked out of the Oakland A's dugout, into the front offices and said he wanted a job as an advance scout. Entering his prime in baseball, Billy decided he'd rather watch them play. Sandy Alderson didn't know much aout Billy and wondered kind of player he was. Sandy managed to change many things about baseball. Sandy came in as a progressive thinker not knowing shit about the game. He concluded EVERYTHING from strategies-to-evaluations conducted by scientific hypothesis tested by analysis of historical data. He didn't mean to re-examine the premises of the game, but he did it.

By 1995, Alderson had created a baseball corporate culture around a single statistic: on-base percentage. He implemented rules w/ a Marine Corps. tolerance. Discipline & patience had NEVER been enforced. Billy soon found himself out of, not only a uniform, but a wife as well. Moving back to San Diego w/ Casey, their infant daughter, in-tow. Whatever shred of doubt he had that that no one knew talked about - he lost it! The only thing he didn't lose was his ferociousness to win. Alderson introduced writings by Bill James. While Billy listened to Alderson's conclusions about them, his mind found an escape. A green filed far away from baseball, but inside the park.

Chapter 4 - Field Of Ignorance was an in detailed account of writer Bill James of the stats & more of what he accumulated in his writing the book, "1985 Baseball Abstract". By 1997, Billy Beane had read all 12 of Bill James' books. James had something interesting to say to Billy. Billy used his poverty, the fact that he didn't have money, to camouflage that he wants these oddballs more than the studs that he couldn't afford . In his 6 years on the job, Billy had a gift for making grotesquely good deals - finding what other people want and giving it to them in exchange for something better - ALOT better then he could there. But it was against the law to trade draft slots.To describe what Billy feels in anger doesn't justify. He believes, or wants to, that he is alone and no one can help w/ this situation. Each time a team rolls the dice on a high school player, every player that he doesn't want boosts his chances on one he does want. (Pretty much a constant trade-off. One minute you're in, the next traded to someone/somewhere else).

The average A's big leagues salary was $15 million or a bit less from 1999 - having won 91 games in 2000 and more in '01, the Oakland A's were getting better. The more financial underdog they were, the more games they won. By the beginning of 2002, the A's who had won w/ so little, were to figure out the mathematical science of winning an unfair game. What was to be an ordinary interest in the ability to get on base became an obsession for the A's.Runs were the money of baseball. The common denominator of everything that occurred on the field. An insight-er born into the financial market took root into the mind of Paul who put it to use in MLB.

The challenge that came next was to find a replacement for Giambi. But there were more at the same time: Johnny Damon & Olmedo Saenz. Their replacements were, as being labeled, "defected" by the MLB were David Justice, Scott Hatteburg & Jason Giambi's little brother, Jeremy. Every hitter has a hole, the strike zone too big to cover it all, and Giambi's was the size of a pint of milk  and between 2-to-3 baseballs. The reason Billy was able to afford David was due to him being unwanted and starting to show his age. SOmething new players noticed right away were the ways Billy acted in the clubhouse; breaking things and more.Billy was present but also distant in the same.

It didn't take long for the new member of the Oakland A's to see that Billy ran the show. (The Head Boss In Charge). Billy COULDN'T STAND to watch the games. He was a nervous wreck. To blow off stress, he did treadmill /exercises during the game. Taking a glimpse every now/then, but didn't look for the most part. Every time Scott Hatteberg picked a throw out of the dirt, he was dubbed 'Pickin' Machine' .Paul could figure out how a pitcher should pitch any big leaguer, but Hatty was an enigma. Paul couldn't find Hatty's weakness. Billy Beane thought himself out of the BIG LEAGUES and Scott Hatteberg thought himself in.

A by-product of the Oakland experience was trying to subordinate the interest of the individual hitter to that of his team. What bothered Billy about John Mabry was that his approach to hitting was the opposite to Hatteberg. Hatteberg will be the FIRST in American League in not swinging at first pitched and third that he doesn't swing at. The trading trick Billy used was to persuade other teams to buy his guys for more than they were worth and sell their guys for less than their worth. Anyone seeking to understand how this team w/ no money kept winning more & more games would do well to notice their phenomenal ability to improve in the middle of the season. The reason the A's played as if they were different in the second half of the season was because they were a different team. Some of the players felt like trading cards, you know, one minute you're in, the next you're not & traded. (More bang for the buck that you've got). Look at it this way - the stats of MONEYline w/ the figure of baseBALL.

After Billy acquired 2 new players, the team went from good to great. The odd thing about Chad Bradford in this story was that he wants so badly to be normal. Something that he is NOT! More than the fact that he throws funny. The White Sox were ready to trade him due to him not behaving like a "BIG LEAGUER".Sticking to his own thing and down to his homeboy roots. It wasn't that Chad did things differently, it was the efficiency w/ which was recording outs. The best thing of all was that scouts didn't like him. So because he was thrown away by scouts due to his arm, Billy wanted him.

Billy hadn't the slightest interest in watching his team making history, it was just another game. The winning streak of the team had become a national news story. When Scott Hatteberg hits a surprising home run, the single play, winning the game, Billy Beane saw it as just another win.

That was one thing about Billy Beane, he NEVER EVER let himself get emotionally involved w/ a player. Two things after Billy Beane's team secured a play-off spot. 1. Staff members went to the papers to put pressure on the GM  2. A re-think in the engine room  - re-think their whole strategy. Any way you look at it, the progress and result of this team was nothing but miraculous.Baseball science may give a team a slight edge, but that edge is overwhelmed by chance. Billy Beane's services in that market were rapidly changing. After Billy's contract ended, he traded himself. Which his imminent departure rippled through the organization. Paul DePodesta agreed to become new manager of the A's. Billy was traded to the Boston Red Sox. Before he officially signed, Billy couldn't do it. He already made that mistake once, saying yes for money. He vowed to never do it again. He went back to what he did best - preparing the A's for the play-off's in another season. Paul DePodesta went back to being a sidekick. He changed the lives of ballplayers whose hidden virtues never would have been seen.








Here's MY Opinion:

I stated that I didn't know shit about sports. But I read this book and found it inspiring to see that one man (or two) do what they had to to make the proper successes necessary. Sometimes in life you do what you've got to in order to get the job done. This IS NOT a baseball story. More of a forgotten reality that just because you're "labeled" a throw away doesn't make it so.









In 2011, a film was made based on this story w/ Brad Pitt as GM Billy Beane and Jonah Hill as Paul DePodesta in the 2011 Oscar-nominated film 'Moneyball'

Silent Bob Speaks

ALOT of the world may know him as part of a duo from a slew of comedies such as Clerks, Clerks II, Chasing Amy and, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back. But he's more than that. Other than the guy who wrote those films, not to mention the creator of Jersey Films, here is the book behind all of that collected material. From the collective writings, here is Kevin Smith.

Written only as he knows how, in his own language just as he was saying it to you! (Picture It: for those of you who have seen it, imagine the documentary 'An Evening W/ Kevin Smith' on paper. Believe Me, It's PURELY Kevin.

Originally from Jersey and had been in LA for 7 years. To begin Kevin first met his wife, Jen , when she had been working at USA Today writing features about the V&V (Vapid & Vacant). Kevin was one of those V&V. He talks about the latters of successes/failures with films from Clerks to Chasing Amy. He talks about mutual respect and admiration for Jay Mohr, Judd Nelson & Shannon Elizabeth. During different film shoots, while different company names, it's STILL the same shit. From View Askew-to-Unstable Molecules-to-Toon Askew, thanks to the Clerks cartoons - leaving w/ Askews Me w/ Brian Halloran & Jeff Anderson.

Kevin talks some about his friendship w/ fellow actor Ben Affleck. He talks hilariously about his marriage to wife Jen(nifer Schwalbach). His partners that include Scott Moiser & Jason Mewes. There were funny meetings/time w/ actress Selma Blair. From Cruel Intentions. They talk about behind-the-scenes of that film and as they call her "Greasy" Reese Witherspoon. To prove his DISLIKE  for the Oscar-winner, it was shortly during the release of her latest film at the time, 'Overnight Delivery' that Reese straight up sneers at an interview where Kevin was mentioned.

He talks about his/Jen's fascination w/ actor David Duchovney, who at that time was on X-Files.Kevin talks about the meeting and bond w/ actress Eliza Dushku, of Bring It On fame. After a bunch of drama & legalities to get Shannon Elizabeth, who was already promised to another, was waited on when it was Shannon they wanted all along. Having to wait due to another actress wanting the project first but wasn't sure they could do it.

family picture

Kevin talks about Jen and what she found to "fulfill" her while Kevin made his movies. Something just for her! He talks about references concerning his weight and what he's maintained outside of it and, more than it makes up for. Even though he makes these films, one thing you can say about Kevin that is TRUE is that he is a comic book geek at heart! What showed great excitement and promise when watching a screening of the first Spider-Man film became a FAST disappointment. But a second-chance screening in the movie theater more than made up for it!

Like I've said, Kevin was born/raised in New Jersey. But as of January 2005, he felt a total sellout when he made his family move his family's home to LA. Like any parent, and what he experienced as a kid, he fears that he most beloved treasure will take after him. His daughter - Harley. While being the daughter of Silent Bob doesn't help, neither does DNA.

This book was written shortly before 'Jersey Girl' came out. Even though Kevin is a fan of Affleck's, as well as a friend of his for 10 + years, he seen Ben go from "humble note-writer and blossom into a humble, bona-fide movie star" Kevin has said. This was during the time Ben was dating Jennifer Lopez. He talks GENUINELY about the guy you don't know off-screen. A real good guy.

Kevin talks about doing an interview and, as Kevin would say, "A non-gay man crush" on Tom Cruise. Starting from beginning of his career of Jerry Maguire-to-Eyes Wide Shut and his admiration for the actor.If you knew ANY Kevin history, then you know about his working at a convenience store and being accompanied by Mewes real early in the morning. During that time, while working this hour, he would watch and be capulated by the series 'Degrassi'. It was early Sunday mornings and a cult following of it's own. As he stated "A precursor to Beverly Hills, 90210". Every Kevin fan knows that he's from Jersey, but as you read on you see his love for 'The Garden State'.

'Jersey Girl' is the first film that Kevin felt like a full-fledged filmmaker rather than a writer who directs his own stuff. Kevin gives some behind the scenes stories of filming 'Jersey Girl'. The last chapter of this book just goes to show you how BIG a comic book geek he really is!





In The End:


Kevin is a fantastically FUCKING FUNNY writer/director with a slew of films under his belt with ALOT of innuendos.


Which one(s) of his work are your favorites? . . .

Rainbow Road

Well, here we are now w/ Jason, Kyle and, Nelson. It's shortly after senior year and summer has began for the last time before they all separate to various colleges. To celebrate their last time together as a group, Nelson, now w/ pink-dyed hair, Kyle & Jason embark on a lasting camping road trip in the finale of the Rainbow series.

But dilemmas occur before they even hit the road. Jason, who had come out to his coach and more last semester, since due to the popularity of his status, he had become at this point, sort of a mini-celebrity. He had been asked to speak at a high school for LGBT kids in LA. So confliction of what to do .     .       . take this amazing opportunity and speak or take a long-awaited camping trip?

What was there to decide? Jason could cash in the tickets and since Nelson had saved up his money, all they would need it for was for food since they would camp out. So, turn this California opportunity into the road trip they were meant to have. After working at a chicken shack, Kyle wouldn't stop thinking about Nelson's offer over-and-over to join them. Initially after work, he agreed to go on this opportunistic trip he couldn't pass up on.

Jason love how his mom and little sister had taken to Kyle. He felt like the luckiest boy on Earth - just surrounded by love. After Jason told Kyle of the whole planned road trip, Jason loved it! When Jason called the school to exchange the ticket for cash to drive, and since his mom was afraid for him to fly, they understood and sent a check. After Nelson braced himself to tell his mom about the planned trip, She Freaked! But, she decided to let him go since he told her of Kyle going and all of the pre-planning.

As they all 3 sat and planned this trip, all 3 of them wanted to go to separate places along the way and planned ahead before leaving. Only concern is: Jason/Nelson don't irritate each other too much which started giving Jason second thoughts all around. Nelson went to get the car checked prior to the trip and the much needed repairs cost him half of his savings for the trip. He wanted to be a big boy, leave his job for a trip, spend what he's made - now he had to wear the pants. Since Nelson had still been w/ Jeremy and he had H.I.V. and Nelson was negative, after wonderingly thinking, could Nelson/Jeremy actually make this relationship work?

The next morning Mrs. Glassman confided to an wake Kyle while her sleeping son was still in state the truth of why she let Nelson go. Unattained by the alarm clock, Nelson overslept and rushed to get ready and moving. Before they left, Kyle promised Mrs. Glassman he'd watch over her son. When they left to go get Jason, before they all left, Mrs. Carrillo hugged her son and Kyle good-bye. It was then for the first time that happened, making Kyle feel more a part of Jason's life. And now, using Nelson's car, they're off on the road and before even leaving town irritation starts.

When they approached the exit for Tech, the school that retracted the scholarship from Jason, he sat and wondered what if? After they reached the campgrounds, Jason was going to shower and used Nelson's phone. When he got to the shower, Nelson retrieved his phone after sneaking a peek at Jason. Feeling like a dumb-ass for checking out his best friend's boyfriend.

Nelson later retrieved a bottle of rum he'd brought and after 2 drinks, vocally spilled what was too much. Kyle worried that because Jason had 2 drinks of rum, he worried it was the beginning of Jason turning into an alcoholic like his dad. In the morning, Kyle poured out and tossed Nelson's rum. When Nelson found out, it PISSED him off. When they drove past the basketball court, leaving the grounds, Jason invited Nelson, in rear-view, to a game before leaving. Nelson protested! But he had a right to hate the game. In school, he was reminded of being last and taunted through the game - which left him w/ a hatred for the game. A couple of hours later, Nelson couldn't find his cellphone. So, he thinks he left it at the campsite. After an hours drive back and no phone, he initially found it in the pocket of his jacket. That evening they were to reach some sort of mountain place Nelson insisted on staying.

After Nelson's phone fiasco, they needed to stop for gas - which they DESPERATELY needed. When the gas OFFICIALLY ran out, a pickup truck was right behind them . When the guys pulled out of their truck, what they thought was to be a confrontation, was that they offered direction to the sanctuary they were to initially stop for the night. After the introductions, 2 of the members of this sanctuary Horn-Boy and Lady Bugger led the way. When they got there, Nelson and Jason grew into it. It was more of an outdoor meeting/ camp trip for this group (LGBT's). As the campfire progressed, a joint went circling. Nelson inhaled and Kyle protested. After they got up in the morning, Jason had to force Nelson awake. While pissy, he started to fold up camp and say good-bye to leave. When Nelson was loading the car, Horn-Boy stopped by to give Nelson a private good-bye. He truly enjoyed the sanctuary. After they arrived in Nashville, Nelson wanted to see the Grand Ole Opry. Nelson & Kyle went to see the HISTORICAL monument as Jason went to find a basketball hoop to keep up his game.

Even though he felt pestered and babysat, Nelson had to know that Jason & Kyle were only looking out for his best interest. After the game was over on-court, Nelson & Kyle returned from the Opry and as they headed towards the car, they seen the car had been spray painted w/ a gay slur. Jason thought it was the rainbow flag on the bumper. Between Jason and Horn-Boy, Nelson wondered if he would ever find love? The next day, Nelson wanted to see the National Civil Rights Museum. Jason paid for everyone to get in, a little scarce at first, but Kyle & Nelson loved it! After they left, got back on the road & went to eat, Kyle realized he left his wallet feeling re-assured w/ the credit cards his dad had given him for emergencies.

When they stopped for gas, they pulled into a station and the female attendant asked for a ride - Kyle agreed. After looking at her in the rear-view, Jason wondered about her? She revealed her story and that she was TG (Transgendered). She had the look and sound that reminded Nelson of Britney Spears. After suggesting to enter a contest for a Britney look-alike, BJ gave Nelson a FULL makeover to make him look like Britney. Their destination was the Rendezvous Bar - Nelson's FIRST gay club ever. After the contest, which even though Nelson felt like a star, it was BJ who won - and got the attention she deserved.

Even though it was late, Jason sought the idea for "action" but after 3 nights lying beside Kyle in unrequited anguish, they went for it. The next morning after breakfast, the boys bid good-bye and left. BJ was their friend and that's all that mattered. After what they just went through the other night before at the bar, it gave Kyle a rush to let everyone know that Jason was his. The next day, the boys went to examine the city. As they headed down the street, they ran into 3 different teenage girls; Keesha, Evie and Leah. One was straight and the other two were a couple. They went to a nightclub called Score. After Jason stepped out for a minute, he found Leah pressing against his boyfriend. Nelson also found himself a guy, Arturo, and wanted to bring him back to their location. Just then, Kyle glanced back at the dance floor and was surprisingly agape to what he seen. Jason kissing.  .  . Leah?

A little talking but going to dance and for the second time on the dance floor, Leah kissed him again. Only an instant before Jason pulled away. At the edge of the dance floor, Jason spotted Nelson and Kyle staring. Kyle's face filtered w/ pain. With one really wrong answer reply and a hurt Kyle, he stormed out of the club. When they returned to the campsite, Kyle's tone left no doubt he had been crying. He was so hurt he packed up and slept in the car. (What can you say? He was hurt!)

Later that night, Nelson tried to re-assure Kyle that of Jason's history and his being closeted a long time before showing up at the youth meeting. (Nelson tried to do something nice by explaining to Kyle to look at it in Jason's shoes). For awhile Kyle thought over-and-over of Jason, yeah he was hurt, but more of "What if  .  . .  he?" Already a tense atmosphere, Jason had to stop for a bathroom. So they did and went ahead and stopped to eat. They stopped at the Halfway Cafe. Jason scanned the restaurant and spotted 2 men they seen earlier on the road w/ a rainbow sticker on their car. After they introduced themselves and seen they were a couple, Todd & Miguel. As they sat together and spoke, Todd & Miguel had been together for 20 years. That day was their anniversary. They talked and chatted, then Todd & Miguel volunteered and paid the bill. (That was nice!) After they got back in the car, Jason apologized for what happened the other night. Kyle said it was over trust. After he strayed and kissed someone else, could he HONESTLY TRUST Jason?

After hearing Todd & Miguel's story, it made Jason feel ALOT more hopeful about his relationship w/ Kyle. After the boys stopped for the night at the nearest campground, setting up they noticed a small boy in the shadows. Just saying hello this little 7-yr-old boy, w/ a raggedy T-shirt and curly blonde hair, was being picked on by his dad. Nelson couldn't help but feel compassion for this kid as they left, due to his own experiences w/ his dad. In the early morning, after hearing this boy's dad rant, Nelson went to do a face mask and seen this kid, Esau and they spoke to each other.Curiously Esau allowed Nelson to put the exfoliant on his face. They hung out a bit before Esau started to take a liking to Nelson. He seen him as someone he could look up too! Esau peered up and his eyes filled w/ trust & hope. As he cleaned him up, Nelson gave Esau encouraging words. Just then Esau's dad burst through the bathroom. After he shouted at Nelson, Nelson ran after the dad. He shoved Esau back into their families tent before shouting a gay slur to Nelson in front of a sobbing Esau. Walking back, Nelson felt pride that someone, even if he was a stranger stuck for him. When they left, Nelson shouted Esau a message that he took to heart.In defiance, Esau waved back. After Nelson wondered off for about an hour, he noticed he hadn't had a cigarette and decided to quit.

After stopping for gas, there was a buff guy wearing a cowboy hat and a younger man in a wife-beater, jeans & boots in a truck. Kyle spotted a very unwelcoming sticker on their truck. After they asked what the flag sticker meant, Nelson replied w/ profanity what it meant, which made Kyle a nervous wreck, because it lead to a car chase. Already really nervous due to Nelson not helping any and where this confrontation was heading, Kyle reminded Nelson of what happened to Matthew Shepard. The car slammed into a beer can into the boys' windshield which made a small crack even bigger. With Nelson driving, another beer can - came a bigger crack. As Nelson tried to speed up faster, the guys in the truck gained up on them. As the boys  turned a sharp turn, the truck that was following them slammed through a median barricade, leaving Kyle EXTREMELY upset/nervous. He cried himself to sleep quietly. The literally survived gay bashers.

After it was all over,  Jason worried by how Kyle re-acted to this chase. It reminded him of his dad's drunken rages. After they had stopped to an ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT restaurant, Nelson & Jason dug right it while Kyle barely touched ANYTHING due to still being shaken up from the car chase. Nelson stuffed plate-after-plate. Kyle stated that's what Nelson did when he's upset. He also said Nelson had been bulimic in the past.

As they drove, Nelson started to sweat-then-shiver.He was burning up. As they reached the nearest hospital, Nelson was nauseous and going in-and-out. He had to be helped carried inside. Nelson tried to walk himself, but sank like a rock. Jason caught him just in time. When they got inside, Nelson tried to close his eyes, after Jason checked him in, but noises around him INTENSIFIED! He could barely sign consent forms Kyle had given him to sign. A dull ache started in his head. Kyle handed Nelson a metal bedpan. After Jason propped him up, he hurried Nelson past towards the bathroom. Just as they entered, Nelson started vomiting. As he did this, Jason had to help him from hitting anything. Nelson tried to stand alone, but hit the cold tile floor. He started to cry. But his throat felt scratchy, his jaw hurt & his body felt like jelly. His eyes were stinging and his nose on the inside would more. After the doctor questioned and examined him, Nelson did have food poisoning. After he was released hours later, they crashed into the campsite and Nelson went into the deepest sleep.

After this experience and all they had gone through and all that Nelson was there for, how could Kyle ever make it w/o Nelson after he left for college? This whole trip confused Kyle. Every day Jason seen sides of Kyle he never realized were there. (Side note - Were they there and Kyle didn't want to see them?) After he had a nightmare that scared the hell out of Kyle, he ran to look for him, but found him just outside the tent and fell on him. After they both squeezed into the ten, Kyle and Jason felt the trip wasn't going as planned, it confused Kyle that Jason could be so loving towards him and do a 180 and be so aggressive w/ someone else.

Jason felt like even though of what he's been through and at times hating himself, how could Kyle be w/ him? What does he expect? Every time Kyle did or said something sweet, inside Jason thought "Why?" "Who told you to say that?" "That's what you think . . ." As they had a serious discussion about their relationship status, breaking up and where this relationship was heading. They just had to take it one day at a time.

When Nelson woke up after having/fixing dry mouth, they all stayed at Grand Canyon Village w/ Kyle prodding Nelson to stay hydrated & drink. Staying there and camping for the night. The next day began their final stretch to LA. The rest of the way looked the same as where they'd been before. Then they hit CA. and it amazed Nelson. Just like what you'd seen in the movies. They made to LA. After they got to the Harvey Hay School offices, Nelson spotted a boy w/ brilliant pink hair. As their eyes met - they smiled. Nelson felt a connection. His name was Manny. As they sat/spoke, Nelson couldn't help but him & Manny smiling at each other. Nelson's heart raced. After they settled to where they would stay, Manny helped to unload and carry their bags. Offering to go get ice, Nelson went so they could chat. Meanwhile Nelson felt unsure of why this kid would like him? Kyle and Jason each wanted a private moment w/ each other. So they wanted Nelson to go out w/ Manny. After they got back, Nelson figited w/ why Manny would like him? He was NERVOUS.At Kyle's suggestion, Nelson tried to ready & have a date w/ Manny. After the "official" dinner w/ the school board to prepare for the speech, Nelson went out. What started as irritation & nerves became a fight for Jason and Kyle over speech prep. Angry and tired, he fell asleep quickly and Jason, in his sleep, let Kyle lay w/ him.

It was shortly after Nelson came in giggling. After ordering breakfast the next morning, Nelson woke up for breakfast. They were all ready when Manny showed up at the door. As Nelson drove to the school, they seen the news camera there. What caught the news cameras were the protesters that showed up. Nelson didn't join in the auditorium until the 4TH speech. Just then Jason wanted to speak w/ Nelson in the hall. Jason wanted Nelson give the speech, since he felt like Nelson should've been invited to do it all along. He did the right thing and did NOT bail out on what Jason was invited to do. In the front row, Nelson, Manny & Kyle silently cheered him on. Jason was GRATEFUL for his friends to have been there. As he looked at the 3 other boys, he found what he wanted to say and the journey they've taken. The applause scared him, but his speech, as well as Jason, went GREAT! A mist through the crowds of kids who treated Jason like a rock star, Nelson slid through and silently in Jason's ear thanked in gratitude for making him him do this.

Following the speech, Nelson wondered nervously why this guy was liking him so much? Kyle told him to enjoy it because Nelson was GENUINELY a nice guy. After they car repaired, they found Kyle's wallet wedged between the seats. They drove to Manny's place, met his roommate and cleaned their laundry. Nelson liked his apartment. What started out as kissing became more. After the sex, they held each other. Both sharing the same expression. Manny & Nelson shared the same idea; Nelson stay longer. He would stay w/ Manny and his roommate, Ernesto. Manny & Nelson were ALOT like each other. After their talk, Nelson & Manny went back to making love. When it was over, putting things away, Nelson spotted a basketball while hearing what brought everything connect & come together from the start. When they got back to the hotel, they talked about Nelson's given offer. After they called Nelson's mom at 1 AM, he told her of his plans w/ Manny. What started out as an argument w/ Nelson & his mom came to an agreement to stay. He was excited. Just then to make this trip complete, Nelson wanted to learnt to shoot hoops.

At first, Nelson was a little scarce of the ball. But after less than an hour, Nelson scored the first basket of his life. But it was more than a game, it was a reconciliation between two unlikely best friends. At one in the morning, Nelson mastered his first lay-up. At 9 AM, Manny showed up w/ doughnuts at the door. Even in a sleepy daze, Nelson messed around jokingly w/ Manny over his staying in LA. When they got to the car, Nelson transferred his things right next to Manny's car. They prepared emotional good-byes. On a quiet trip back w/o Nelson, Kyle & Jason, four days later, found Nelson's face cream and remembered Esau. In honor of Nelson & Esau, they used it and danced like the Wacky Fairies. Splurging on their last night on the road on a motel, it was somber as Jason & Kyle both knew it would be the last time before as Jason left for Princeton in 3 days. On the forth day, they made it home. At the home-cooked dinner, the boys each retold of their journey. Every time Jason smiled at Kyle, he couldn't help but see a lifetime.



What can I say about this book, well .     .     .

Nelson Glassman

Throughout this ENTIRE book series (Rainbow Boys, Rainbow High & Rainbow Road), the character that I enjoyed the most was:  Nelson. I found him hilariously funny, ballsy, courageous - after what I've read and calling shit for what it is! He is a character that if he was REAL, he should be a role model for ANY young LGBT person as someone to look up to!No Joke! But I also loved Kyle's love of history. When they visit the Civil Rights Museum - he sounded like me - educating Nelson & Jason.

Shockaholic

Well, this is the first book to rein in 2012. What started out as what some would say a bit to talk out ECT, speaks about more. So, before losing ALL sense of FULL memory, here is what some could call either an update or a sequel to/from Wishful Drinking, into the life of LEGENDARY, hilariously funny actress, Carrie Fisher. 


Starting with the journey that took to losing weight and becoming a famous spokesperson for Jenny Craig. She recounts dinner w/ Senator Chris Dodd in 1985. If he was going to sling bullshit at her since he was a senator and she went from drop-out to actress, she was going to sling it right back - both nice but undertow.
                                    
Carrie also talks about her strange connection & relationship w/ the late Michael Jackson. What gave them a bond and what they had in common to what made them friends - "The Princess And The King". Carrie also gives more of a somewhat description of what life was like w/ first stepfather and shoe tycoon, Harry Karl. Reading more of a detail than in Wishful Drinking. 

Father and Daughter

When it came to her dad, Eddie, neither her nor Todd seen him all that much growing up. Although acid induced, Carrie out-of-the-blue somehow remembered his number after so many years and called ex-stepfather Harry, which was worth it. After that she called her biological dad, Eddie. After that call, Carrie found him on her doorstep knocking. She delves into the beginning but essential relationship they shared as father/daughter. When her recently widowed father as the time from the death of Betty Lin, Eddie in turn wanted Carrie to give him everything that she wanted from him growing up - a parent's love. He needed her. What happened? She was there for him in a way he was never there for her/Todd. By the end, it turned out that the overseeing care of her dad had ultimately fallen onto her - Carrie. Whatever she did for him was because she wanted to! Not actually present when he passed, but she was THERE!

Carrie talks many years later about her relationship w/ ex-stepmother and LEGENDARY actress, Elizabeth Taylor. Carrie speaks funnily about being at Elizabeth's and pushed into Liz's pool - leaving the past where it should be! Soon after Carrie, Liz and her mom Debbie Reynolds returned to the relationship they were MEANT to have. A genuine friendship. Then when Carrie wrote 'These Old Broads' Liz and Debbie GENUINELY did have their shit together and the past to be REAL.

Here's something Carrie says to shed some light when you think about it - her parents weren't people in the traditional sense. They were stars before they had a chance for peopleness to form. The studio initially designed her mom into what a STAR is. So they never got to form into their OWN person.


Carrie delves GREATLY  into the Remarkably, touching and lasting memories that she shared w/ her dad in his final days.  When he died, she received something she never thought she would've. A reversal. She was the parent and Eddie was the child. A chance to care for him. Although she lost him, she was grateful that everyone connected at all. Through the experience of getting to know past Eddie Fisher - the persona, Carrie finally go to meet a man - but also her dad.



Here's MY Opinion:


This book shows you  - although they're not THERE, in the long run how empowering it can be/is if/when you have that connection that you've longed for!
                                                                     
                                                                 
                 
                                                                    Eddie Fisher

                                                    (August 10, 1928 – September 22, 2010)

End Of 2011

Well that concludes the end of 2011. ALOT of these books were pre-planned and some were sporadic. But they were all really great. Just wait until next year w/ a whole new category of authors and characters for either enjoyment or learning experience. Throughout this year of books,  I can tell which ones became popular and which ones were merely okay. But, there were some that probably held of a surprise reading.  Some were from years ago, that I forgot about - completely. Reading them again, I could tell why I enjoyed the book in the first place. So thank you to everyone that either read my blog, followed it or just left a comment. Thank You! I hope to hear from everyone again as a new list of books head my way. Thank you for following or just checking things out. I TRULY do appreciate it!


~ Jeremy

Rainbow High

This book while being a sequel to Rainbow Boys continues where the first book left off w/ Jason, Kyle and Nelson. It starts out w/ a quick recap of the first book. Now here comes the continuation of the story.

Nelson and Jeremy go on a date for pizza and a movie - trying to keep light subjects since trying to focus on something other than those test results which were being waited on. Jeremy kept worrying throughout the date of what Nelson's test results were.

Monday after school, Kyle and Nelson went to help stress while getting the HIV test. When Nelson was testing, Kyle wanted to get it done as well (What the hell). When Kyle got home, his parents gave him an envelope of a college reply. He had been accepted by Tech, as well as Nelson and Jason. But then he/Kyle worried about the result of going away.

Up to this point, Jason had come out to important people in his life; Corey - his best friend, Debra - his ex, his mom and his little sister. Next, he still whethered to come out to Coach. Jason sill, while they each held a special place in his life, debated coming out to teammates. He was sick of hiding and his environment surrounding him. Privately in Coach's office, he hinted around, but Coach got the clear message he was initially saying. He was equally supportive. After this, a blue-haired Nelson responded to this.

Going to the doctor's to receive his test results, Nelson and Kyle both went, with Nelson scared SHITLESS. Already a ball of nerves, Nelson reached out for Kyle's hand. Without missing a beat, Kyle squeezed back. Nelson felt a semblance of peace. A horrified Nelson had to go find out his test results alone, due to clinic rules. His results read: negative. After this event, Nelson still wanted Jeremy - someone who was already POSITIVE. Kyle was really scared for Nelson b/c of what hey just went through. Kyle and Nelson both knew this wouldn't be the last time they go for a test if Nelson went w/ Jeremy. It GENUINELY scared Kyle. Whenever Kyle needed anything, Nelson was there.

Jason went to Kyle's for homework help. What began as studying became a make-out session until his/Kyle's mom knocked on the door w/ pie and milk at hand. It was after that Nelson inner-embarrassment of what happened forced him to leave and go home. At lunch the next day, Jason confided to Corey about coming out to Coach. On the same day, Debra was still hurt about feeling somewhat used by Jason since he came out like she was an experiment that lasted for 2 years. At the Coach's suggestion, Jason went and talked to Ms. MacTraugh about his confliction on coming out. He boldly and honestly, w/ the same reciprocated, asked her if she was gay? She told him the truth - she was. After dinner that night, while she was doing the bills, Jason told his mom about coming out to Coach and plans for school.

Eager to speak w/ Jeremy, Nelson phoned him a 3rd time wanting to talk since his test results came in. Nelson went over there, gave Jeremy the results and helped him w/ his laundry, which led to kissing and stopping to take him home. Nelson then informed Jeremy that his mom wanted to meet him. She liked him. When Kyle and Jason spoke on the phone, Kyle brazenly asked Jason if he was "SAFE" when he was w/ Debra? At first he was, then it was unprotected. The next day, Kyle went for swim practice only to find some harassment and the Coach, privately, said/requested that since coming out for him to dress last alone in the locker room due to uncomfortability - Fine! When Kyle got home, he received word that he had been accepted to Tech. The same school Nelson was going to. He called him w/ excitement. Also was an acceptance to Princeton., which upset Nelson to hang up quickly.

It was over the loudspeaker at school that Jason was called into the principal's office, where he was met by Principal Mueller and the Coach. When he got there he found that Mueller urged him to stay closeted until the basketball season finished. As to not gain a bad rep finishing the season, Jason needed someone to talk to about this so he went to Kyle. After discussing the situation, when Kyle left, Jason's mom asked about Kyle which Jason re-assured her of who Kyle was.

Out of boredom, Nelson went to the grocery store with his mom and picked out a card for Jeremy, which Nelson's mom instantly knew who it was for. She invited him to dinner. Alone in his room, Nelson gave Jeremy the card he'd bought. Later the next week, Nelson wanted to tell his mom about dating someone who was already POSITIVE. He just kept holding off. One night after a P-FLAG meeting that his mom went to solo, he found the PERFECT opportunity to tell her. Since she liked Jeremy he found it harder to tell. Questioning led to the truth. Being a mom - she freaked! She forbade him to date Jeremy. He grabbed his jacked and stormed out and lit a cigarette! Walking halfway he'd already gone to Kyle's. But where else could he go?

When Nelson got there, his mom obviously kept calling w/ Nelson silently refusing to talk. After he finally did talk, he went home an hour later. After he left, Kyle had confessed that he did get into Princeton but had chosen Tech plans to his parents.  After an argument ensued due to his parents thinking that Kyle turned it down due to Jason, he retaliated to pay for it himself. But still they wanted him to chose wisely! Leave Jason  or pass up Princeton?

The next day at lunch, Nelson was being harassed by Dwayne, shouting and shoving. Only then does Jason step beside him. When it seemed heated, the cafeteria monitor broke it up w/o violence due to a promise that Jason made to Mueller. Afterwards Jason went to see Coach, he opted for Jason to have a special meeting w/ the team to come out once and for all. Thinking about his promise to Mueller he tried that and it didn't work. Now, he looked at the Coach more seriously since he seen how much this man was putting himself on the line for him - more than Jason's ever did. The reason way was simple: he believed in Jason. Shortly after he ran in his ex, Debra, whom he was avoiding. They walked together as he updated her. She seemed upset. Fidgety and nervous after algebra, he BOLTED  to Kyle's locker, in which he gave him the best advice he could. Coach gave him the floor to speak before practice. He BOLDLY and brazenly came out to his teammates. One teammate tried to challenge Coach's warning about the consequential result of harassing Kyle. In the locker room after practice, the team began joking w/ him, but while grateful and laughing he was in the shower - crying.

After dinner that night, Nelson received a call from his father after being  given a newspaper clip from his mom about HIV. His dad called on behalf of his mom's request for Nelson to stop seeing his boyfriend. What the hell right did he/his dad have? Afterwards he ran to Jeremy's. What turned into venting became more when Nelson arrived he found Jeremy VERY nauseous and sick. A reaction to his meds. Nelson stayed and helped through the worst of all of it. Volunteering to stay and spend the night to help. Instead he went home and thought about the beauty of what he did that night for Jeremy. He was there for the one he loved to take care of him.

Even though the spectacle of coming out to the school was dying down, Jason was called to the office only to find the principal and the Coach. TV News Channel 7 wanted to interview Jason about his coming out. Normally  it was over sports or something. But never personal. A ball of confliction due to fear it might harm his college chances. The interview went great - scary but great! After it was over, he gave Nelson and Kyle some re-assurance for the answers he gave during the interview, which hurt/upset Kyle.

When they got Kyle's, Nelson TRIED all he could of to get Kyle out of his mopiness. The following day Nelson begged  for Kyle to cover for him if his mom called b/c he was really going to see Jeremy. They had planned to meet Jeremy's friends. Matt and Bob both had HIV. As a group, Nelson felt left out since everyone else had a common bond. Nelson had a surge to "join in". Disbelieving he gave Nelson a firm understanding of what it was he was asking for! When they got back to Jeremy's, they began to make out and go farther, but a glass fell over - shattering during the heated session. Picking up the glass made Jeremy start to bleed. A small joke made Jeremy SNAP back, which was bad enough for Nelson since he received that kind of treatment at home. After that Jeremy softened. He tried to apologize but it was too late and Nelson dressed and left. When he got home, first his mom chewed him out about where he REALLY was. Then he called Kyle and retold him the evening's disaster and Jeremy's shoving him. After their talk, he went to bed still pissed at Jeremy.

Catching the bus to a swim meet, Kyle started to look for a seat/sit but was called out rudely by someone he could've sat next to. So he sat next to Cindy, Cory's girlfriend. But the vulgarity didn't stop there throughout the trip. When the Coach spoke w/ Kyle, she said that he brought it on himself by vocally coming out. After defending himself from that, she barred him from the meet - period! After talking to his dad on the phone, he apologized and was was re-entered to compete! The next day after, Kyle decided to outdo the harassment and do his best - which was better than that. Charlie the bully tried to start-up again at the locker afterward, which Kyle ignored and showered for the first time in weeks. Talking w/ his dad on the way home, he no longer felt angry at Jason.

After Jason's TV broadcast, his mom was finally forced to deal w/ his being gay. The phone rang w/ Kyle on the line. After the "weird" start-up talk,  Kyle asked if could come over. Arriving w/ a gift and talking things over  from the trip/meet. Patching and making up. At school, things were getting better. The team had gotten through Jason's coming out and the school would've been better for it. On Saturday night, a very ANXIOUS game - in which Jason won - the championship. But it was more than that. It was about a coach and a team who'd accepted him.  He did it! After the game, Kyle put his arm around Jason totally uncaring of who seen it! When asked on camera by the news if Kyle was his boyfriend, Jason didn't think twice and answered Honestly! then kissed him in front of everyone.

Early the next morning while still asleep, Jason's cellphone rang at Nelson's. He answered w/ Jeremy on the receiver. He did accept a coffee date, which he anticipated. Even though he was still pissed at his mom, he gave her warning. When he kissed him on the cheek, Nelson no longer wanted to break up. Nervously, he apologized for his actions, sincerely. With a jolt to speak, Nelson spilled too much to take back. But reality hit to where they broke up. The response hit Nelson like a car. Holding on for 3 blocks, Nelson called Kyle on his cell and just emotionally fell apart - wishing he could believe everything Kyle was saying. When he got home, his mom tried pity for what Nelson KNEW would happen with his dad. After she confessed her displeasure only for him to spill what Jeremy dumped him. Too depressed he went to bed. Truth is: He's hurt!

At school, two girls that Kyle hardly knew ran up giggling asking if Jason was his boyfriend. He had answered honestly -yes! Taunts and jeers came his way all day. At dinner that night, Kyle was logically wondering about the result of leaving Jason to go Princeton and losing him. Jason on the other hand felt like shit for not encouraging Kyle - completely stressing. Jason received a letter to Coach from Tech canceling his schlorship. Where could he go to school now? Feeling it was due to his being gay. Walking out before last period, he found himself at Kyle's. After mounting stress, Kyle and Jason went upstairs to "let it go/out". When he got home, Jason told his mom about what happened and why he left school early.

After much mental anguish and all they'd gone through, Nelson asked Jeremy to go to his prom - as friends. He accepted a date to go. The week of Kyle's final swim meet, things w/ the team had gotten loads better thanks to the meeting. During that meeting w/ the swim coach, Kyle's dad defended his sexuality, his son and his position to it's fullest extent. Kyle felt complete pride for his dad. It was the closest he'd felt to him in years. Since the GSA approved same-sex dates and Kyle made Nelson call Jeremy, Nelson made Kyle call Jason for a prom date. He agreed to go! After everything he'd gone though in just the past few months, Kyle thought he was the luckiest boy on earth.

Walking to get ice cream, Jason and Kyle spotted Coach Cameron w/ his family. Kyle had introduced himself while Jason went nervous/blood-red. Jason felt pride for what happened there in the mall. As Ms. MacTraugh's suggestion, Jason vented all of his anger from Tech into a letter to get it out of him. When Jason got home, his mom gave him an envelope w/ a fan letter from what they just seen on TV. Yeah - he did lose the schlorship, but gained something better. Role Model status.

The week before prom, Nelson hurried. When the time came his mom cried in "mom-mode". After dropping him off at Kyle's, they hurried and readied in his room, w/ Kyle's dad helping w/ ties on both boys. A little nervous at first, but settled. Their dreams came true that night for Nelson and Jeremy, Kyle and Jason. Ignoring him most of the night, Nelson mustered up and had the time of his life. He realized everything he'd gone through and more. He was just happy and grateful to be at the place he was, where he was going and it was ALL worth it!

The 'I Love Lucy' Book

If you've seen my blog, then you know the story of Lucille Ball. Now here's the story behind the series that made her a LEGENDARY household name, 'I Love Lucy' Book.

While television itself was still in infancy, I Love Lucy became America's FAVORITE obsession. No Joke! After Feb.15TH, a pilot for CBS HAD TO be done. The first thing needed was a format for a script. The network wasn't overjoyed to have Desi involved in this Lucille Ball series. Because of his extensive background, CBS wanted/hired Jess Oppenheimer to work his TV "magic" on Lucy/Desi's new show. Due to timing, Jess and the other writers decided to utilize pieces of Lucy/Desi's vaudeville act in the pilot.

When the pilot was beginning to be shot/filmed, nothing had been singed legally. CBS execs sought Desi and attempted a "Power Play" (Sign the contracts as is or no show). Calling their bluff, Desi was right, the studio paid for everything. Originally the show was to be shot in NY which was no reason for it. To make things easier, the show settled to be set in Manhattan, while remaining in Hollywood. Since CBS refused to put up $5,000 remainder fee and Lucy/Desi would get 5,000 between them + 50% off all rights, they took a salary cut and FULL ownership of the show. It was Desi's idea - which had NEVER been done before was to shoot before a live studio audience.

After the Lucy/Desi characters were fully set/ready, the writers came up w/ an older married couple. Lucy had originally wanted Gale Gordon and Bead Benaderet for these roles but they were both contractually obligated elsewhere. After little Lucy was born, Lucille received a call from someone asking "if there was a role for him in her new show". It was William Frawley.

When Desi had originally met w/ Frawley, he was hesitantly fearful to cast him, due to William's insobriety. In 1951, after already appearing in over 100 films, William was a familiar face and considered a plus for 'I Love Lucy'. After doing a play in 1945, Vivian Vance suffered a nervous breakdown, then she suffered from two seizures and became incapable of doing anything but follow her husband around. Then she met a woman physiatrist who changed her life. With more than 20 years of stage experience and training behind her, Vivian had what it took for a TV show. Once the show became a hit, Vivian was displeased w/ her portrayal of Ethel Mertz. She also hated the idea of being cast as Frawley's wife due to uncertainty and age. (He was 64 and she was 39.) Many times during the "Lucy" run, production had to be called due to Bill's refusal to co-operate, since the William-Vivian feud that ranged for the FULL "Lucy" run.


The TRUE challenge was early on when 3 writers were required to crank out 1 episode per week (40-50 pages). With everything set, all they needed was a location to film. When Lucy explained how much this show meant to her/respected his work, her said "yes" (Karl Freud). After much search, the studio officially settled  on General Silver Studio as a set for the show. After the deal, reports said it was the HIGHEST ever, predicting a pattern for the future. Eight days prior to the first camera shooting, construction to build the set began. A man at CBS took a huge gamble to be production manager; if the show picked up, he was fine - if not, he would be out of a job, since quitting work on 'Ozzie & Harriet' to do 'Lucy'. After a few days, a whole new team was assembled.

When it was time to officially shoot the pilot, a long line of people began forming along Romaine Street "Desilu Playhouse". Inside all of the executives sat/seen the show wondering if where their money had gone too. With nerves everywhere, Lucy settled to make Vivian comfortable by making her laugh. NOW was the moment of TRUTH w/ Lucy's career on the line. All Lucy remembered from that night was trying to protect her stomach since she gave birth to Lucie just prior by Cesarean. Everyone was nervous for a reaction from testers. Days later, the show aired and they never looked back.

On Monday 10-15-51, @ 9:00p time slot 'I Love Lucy' debuted on CBS. Before the episode actually started, spokesman Phillip Morris presented the first "Lucy" commercial. Afterwards starting the 'I Love Lucy' pilot, immediately following. The next day the reviews came in to incredible reviews. During the weekly morning meetings, Lucy had a marvelous sense of what worked and what didn't. If something was wrong, she couldn't sense it, but felt something was missing/wrong. They fixed it. During a dinner break, the ENTIRE crew discussed the episode, from 8-to-10, sometimes as late as 1 AM. In a 'Time' magazine cover story, the phenomenon of 'I Love Lucy' was analyzed and said "Lucille Ball's low comedy and antics dethrown such TV Veteran headlines as Milton Berle and Arthur Godfrey.

Instructed by her doctor, Lucy was insisted to spend the weekends resting due to exhaustion. Business was good. Plans had gone underway for 'Lucy' to be produced into a radio show, but too many complications came. By May, 11 million American families were invited to the Ricardos/Mertzes. The April 7TH airing broke a TV record w/ 'I Love Lucy' being the first TV show to be seen in 10 BILLION homes. When it came to the CLASSIC 'Vitameatavegamin' ad, people couldn't keep from laughing. Another CLASSIC scene from 'Pioneer Women' where Lucy bakes her own bread w/ too much yeast. After the filming was over, the GIANT loaf was cut into huge slices and given to the crew to take home.

The 'Job Switching' episode was quite a challenge. Hiring a candy maker from Cee's Candy Store - a real pro. There was ALOT of similarities to the real-life couple Lucy/Desi & Lucy/Ricky. Desi's fractured English was NOT written into the script. Ricky's Spanish outburst were merely an extension to the REAL Desi Arnaz. When Lucy found out she was pregnant, Desi was worried about the status of the show and what would happen. The producers thought it was great! It was a perfect segue into season 2. In the July 18, 1952 edition of 'TV Guide', it was stated that Lucy's pregnancy would appear on the show. Featuring a seven episode constituting her "expectancy". CBS found it a nicer word. One episode shot during Lucy's pregnancy was the CLASSIC 'Job Switching' episode.

For 6 weeks, newspapers were responding like crazy when it came out that the Ricardo's baby be "born" that Monday. Without meaning to be crusaders, the Arnazes did manage to lift from the shoulders of all expectant mothers a load of embarrassment and gaucherie.Mail that reached Desilu was more pro-than-con. Hundreds of thousands were encouraging, only 207 letters were disapproving. Quietly on Monday, Jan. 19Th, Lucy gave birth to a boy, Desi Jr. Everyone was elated! Newspapers went wild across the world - seven minutes after the baby's birth. The following day after when General Dwight Eisenhower was inaugurated a president, Walter Winchell mentioned her on his report. When 29 million people witnessed that, 44 mill. seen Little Ricky's birth. The arrival of Little Desi sent the popularity of the series to an all-time high. In 1952, sponsored merchandise sold like crazy. The show used a set of twins and paid $25.00 each per show to pose as Little Ricky. The remainder for the 1952-53 season was hectic.

In 1953, it was assistant director Jerry Thorpe's job to find a set of twins to play Ricky Jr. But child labor laws prevented the company from fully utilizing these kids' talents. After Desi seen these kids, he signed them for the show. There was NOT ONE person interviewed for this book, who did not agree that most of the credit for the show's superiority and success goes to Lucy. William Frawley rarely socialized w/ anyone connected to the show off-set. In spite of poor reviews, lower ratings, the Communists scare and a handful of mediocre episodes, the show took top honors as the 'Most Viewed Show' in the '53-'54 season.

In the five years that Jess Oppenheimer was on the show, there was maybe 3 times that they didn't finish a story idea they started on the same say due to it taking longer than usual. But it also helped ALOT that they had ALOT of backlog scripts from 'My Favorite Husband'. The situations for which they wrote for Lucy to be in the ideas came from REAL life. "If I could do it, Lucy could" situations that COULD happen in real life. There was NO QUESTION about the fact that Jess (Oppenheimer) was the creative force behind the 'Lucy' show. Everyone was always worried about who was doing what and who got credit for it. As the shows successes grew, so did clashing egos.

The use of guest stars coming in helped the slightly faltering 'Lucy' ratings. An interesting financial negotiation took place in the forth season. For the inherent promotional consideration, GM agreed to pay Desilu 5,000 cash to cover the added production costs some exterior shooting involving the car. GM also tossed in 5 Pontiac's, 3 of which went to series' writers. On March 8TH, 1955, sponsor Phillip Morris announced it was dropping 'I Love Lucy' after the June 27TH telecast. Reasons due to trying new concepts at a lesser costs. 'I Love Lucy' completely changed Lucy's memorization. From a movie actress, she had trouble remembering lines. She found a quicker way w/ co-operation from the writers. The show was filled w/ factual errors and oversights that could easily have been corrected.

Bill Asher

With new blood coming in, one key staffer was about to leave. Bill Asher, who directed a ton of episodes including classics, left due to not feeling no creative control anymore. Although Desi toyed w/ the idea of having 'Lucy' in it's fifth season, he decided that he had had enough to do already. Outside of situations w/ kids, the shoot w/ John Wayne went smooth as glass. Overseas in 1955, the British LOVED Lucy and it had become a way of life all over the world. As 1955 came to a close, Desi had already developed into a top-flight executive and TV tycoon.


William Frawley's outspokenness set a general rule, he couldn't be in front of press without a chaperone. He was also a familiar face at sporting events. Charles Boyer's appearance did call drama on-set. One episode that needed NO fixing was in Rome and the grape stomping. The big concern was for Lucy to not get hurt during the fight scene w/ Theresa Tuelli. Interestingly the MOST hilarious scene in the show - Lucy's fight w/ Teresa was NOT in the script. The last Europe episode was Lucy on a plane carrying cheese as a baby to not pay a fee. After this episode, Jess Oppenheimer left the show w/ Desi as a primary reason.

To add to his responsibilities since Oppenheimer, Desi assumed the role of producer in season six. Desi Arnaz, Jr. whom, in a way, was portraying the real kid who played Little Ricky reacted to "competition" . He had an identity problem. He wanted desperately to be better at something - anything - than the boy he was playing.

With the new hour long episodes, an enlarged budget pleased Vivian due to a change-up in costumes since she was sick of being in the frumpy clothes. It really did make her feel better. For an episode of an hour long, Desi signed one of Lucy's old classmates in school, Bette Davis. But an incident stopped her from actually appearing on the show. Bette's replacement was one of Lucy's idol's - Tallullah Bankhead - A real nightmare - but she was really great. CBS had initially acquired 179 episodes in re-runs. Desi was ready to sell. He borrowed the money from the Bank Of America to but RKO Studios for expanding productions. For the episode 'Lucy Goes To Sun Valley' shot at a lodge @ 5:30AM, but afterward, sending it back to the studio. 2 Days later, the studio called frantic wondering where the film went. Only to show up 3 months later unprocessed at Desilu's station.

It was after completing 'Lucy Goes To Sun Valley' Bob Carroll, Jr. and Madelyn Martin quit. They felt they had exhausted each  'Lucy' premise. They were brain weary. Vivian Vance had trouble being in the spotlight. For 8 years, she was in the shadow of Lucille Ball. She was the sued in 1959 for a divorce by husband Phillip Ober. To saver her faltering marriage, Lucy planned a trip on a French ocean liner. Tensions built between Lucy and Desi. Putting up a front at the studio. Lucy and Desi tried to desperately maintain a friendly relationship. It failed on Desi. Desi went to the Bank Of America, borrowed a few more million and bought RKO so he could expand and put more to work. As director, Lucy was lost w/o Desi. Since Lucy was at a loss, she let Desi take over and he got the revue ticking like a clock. Before 1959 was out, Lucy wanted to sue for divorce. The last Lucy/Desi outing was titled 'Lucy Meets The Mustache'. Ironically the last scene Lucy/Desi ever played together seemed to explain their REAL life marital problems. Backstage, there was no hope or smiles. It was over for Lucy/Desi. After the episode aired in April 1960, their divorce was old news. "TV's/America's favorite couple" had offically ended.

My Three Sons

Lucy admits that Desi drank and went out w/ other women, but she didn't worry soon enough. Desi Jr. contends that his father aged 10 years because of pressure from the television industry. Bill Frawley accepted an offer from ABC 'My Three Sons' . William Frawley died of a heart attack suddenly on 3-3-66. Vivian Vance remarried to a literary agent on 1-16-61. She became active in the CT Association For Mental Health and was awarded for her dedication. In 1962, Lucy ran into Vivian Vance Dodd. Lucy told of a new script . Six months later, they were in Hollywood filming 'The Lucy Show'. Desi produced it and made Lucy feel welcome. Even though everyone was together again .      .      . once it's broken, can't be fixed. In 1979, Vivian & John moved to Belevedre, CA. It was there that Vivian lost her life to cancer in 1979. There are Countless Lucy addicts out there. The popularity of the series knows no age barrier.


                                                       We Love Lucy!

What was YOUR Favorite Lucy episode out of this ICONIC series?