This next book was another good one written by Oscar-winning actress, Whoopi Goldberg. This book, being written fairly recent, is VERY DIFFERENT from other works written by this creative author/comedienne. In this book, Whoopi treads on what in society has just GONE STRAIGHT TO HELL!!
There are MANY examples proven throughout this entire book. Some everyone could/can relate to on some aspect in one way or another. Maybe they even know someone who mirrors what it is EXACTLY what it is Whoopi talks about in this book.
This ISNOT in the book, but I wanted to make an observation that I came across, why do girls of a young age wear clothes without a bra and it's a short skirt in public w/ small straps? Is that supposed to say ALOUD to everyone, I have no self-esteem and daddy issues? Because there's no need for it. Hot weather? Wear a mini-bra type substance to better cover up or change outfit options! If the clothes aren't built or packaged for undergarments, DON'T WEAR THEM unless you want the wrong message spread!
One other point that is and is not in the book is that it does get irritating is the cellphone, fine in the outdoors, but is it REALLY necessary to have it on/going off in an enclosed space unless it's a medical reason? Another thing that Whoopi points out, which I 100% AGREE is why the obsession w/ staying connected on your phone or BlackBerry 24/7. Give it a rest for a day. 24 hrs - at least!
Questions to ask that SHOULD be asked prior to staying at someone's house:
. Are you allergic to cats/dogs?
. Does cigarette smoke bother you?
. Do you mind if I am on the phone/texting ALLHRS. of the day/night? 24/7? Totally oblivious to what's going on in these surroundings? Only me and my little electronic world?
There are MANY, MANYMORE keen observations that Whoopi points out in this incredible, pointed out, realization of the world. I'm not telling anything else. . . .You'll just have to read the book!! Especially pgs. 177-187 for parents of younger children!
"This book is all about behavior that bothers us"
These are MY andOBVIOUSLY shared opinions:
So to answer the book title question:
YES! it is nuts out there. It's just not you, Whoop
This next book was written as sort of a part biography/part rant. It was written in 1997 by Oscar-winning actress, Whoopi Goldberg. In it Whoopi treads on certain subjects giving HER opinion on the details at hand throughout this funny book.
Making true/accurate statements on certain subjects. Rants true to this day. Fair/square. Giving some detail of her life growing up, Caryn Johnson and her brother, Clyde, and their mother in Chelsea, NY. Growing up, in the 60s, Caryn's mother, a nurse, gave both of her kids every opportunity.
Reciting different truths from her childhood. Certain topics decree/can add truth to what's in this book.
1. Space
2. Cost - the price of everything
What an auction costs someone
Just different variations
When Caryn was a kid, you did as told. If you want to do something - earn the privilege!
As far as it comes/goes w/ race, DON'T GET HER STARTED, all I am going to say was that Caryn is from NYC. She is as American as Chevrolet. When it comes to sex, she'll give you a different "talk" on what's it all about. Whoopi treads on the health & financial status of this economy. Even then - stillTRUE and RELEVANT words TODAY! Receiving welfare for her and Alex, Whoopi also worked multiple jobs. When it comes to parenting, all I can say about that portion of the book is that - Don't you hate it when we hear our parents?
At the age of 14, Alex tells her mother that she's pregnant, WANTING to keep this baby. With another child, making that 2 children, Alex is married. The point was just about that - choice! When it comes to words - certain words - that's all that they are and they can't hurt/harm you unless you give them the power.
Whoopi gives her opinion on a lot of things, from talk shows to more. Whoopi goes through 7 years of welfare and odd jobs before fame came along.
I think you know the story from there . . . .
Here's MY Opinion:
This book shows you that just because life may hit you hard at times, no matter how shitty, you HAVE to be able find the humor!
This next book was written by a TRUE icon of the 80s/90s. As part of the LEGENDARY Brat Pack comes the story of actor Rob Lowe. Coming from parents in OH and IN to college sweethearts in VA in 1961, who later divorced REALLY rocked a young Rob. Although a rocky relationship, Chad was born in 1968 and when they came home - their dad didn't. Rob's trip to stardom began after seeing the play 'Oliver' w/ his mom and new step dad, Bill.
Throwing himself into any play he could to be away from parental fighting. Around that time, Rob's brother Micah was born. After Chad and their mom were released from a university allergy hospital, after being "health" fed by their mom, the boys LOVED going to their dad's. But then came a move to California w/ their mom after a divorce.
Young Rob, Chad & Micah
Soon after the move, Chad and Rob get news that Chad's university doctor was moving in. When it came to school, at first Rob was an outcast. But then one day while at the market, he meets a chunky kid w/ a camera trying to make a movie with his friends. The kids were Chris Penn, his brother Sean, Chris' best friend Charlie Sheen and Charlie's brother Emilio Estevez.
After Rob meets his new found friends, it wasn't such a bad place to move after all. It was after being invited to a backstage party for the LEGENDARY SNL of the 70s that Rob was given advice by John Belushi that he SHOULD'VE listened to.
When Rob is invited to go w/ the family to visit a movie that seems like shit, but a movie's a movie, especially one w/ special effects and turns out to be Star Wars. Armed w/ confidence, Rob began to put his foot into politics, became parliamentarian. He even hangs out w/ 70s pioneering skateboarders - DogTown.
His classmate was Holly Robinson-Peete, who mother introduced Rob to LeVar Burton. His first 2 professional jobs are for Coca-Cola and the other are for a blender. Rob, for his 14TH birthday was given a gift by Chad's 16-yr-old babysitter had lost his virginity by total nervousness. With money tight at home, Rob earned spending money by a part-time job at Malibu Cinema. Even a commercial for Carl's Jr. hamburgers did wonders for his social standing at school.
After a phone call from his agent, that he receives back in Dayton, for a TV series in LA. Knowing his chances, Rob and his mom head to LA going to ABC Headquarters walking away w/ a full-time job. Only 15-yrs.-old - Rob will never be the same.
The first day on-set for a show on ABC - Rob felt as though he FINALLY belonged/fit in. When 'A New Kind Of Family' premiered on TV, ratings SUCKED against bigwig '60 Minutes'. But, when it came time to shoot the 2ND episode: Cameras roll, Rob comes in and girls just go apeshit. His first fan letter was from a prison inmate. Even a stint appearance on 'The $10,000 Pyramid'. 1979 'A New Kind Of Family' was cancelled after 13 shows. His next job was for a series by Ron Howard (never to be seen on-air). After that Rob was the KING of the "After School Special". Best one being "Schoolboy Father". Back in school in Rob's history class, he bonds w/ the hilarious Robert Downey, Jr.
While auditioning his ass off and NO roles coming in, Rob feels he might be done in Hollywood and thinks about going to UCLA or USC for school, but then in 1982, he gets a call from his agent to "one more shot" on a big movie called 'The Outsiders'. While waiting back for a response on whether he even got a part in the film, he stays at the Sheen's. Hanging out w/ Tommy Dalton and Tommy Howell, staying in a hotel/getting wasted and going to the audition hungover. Competing w/ Tom Cruise , Rob walks away with the role of "Sodapop Curtis". Sharing more behind-the-scenes stories from the set.
Around this time, Rob is dating Melissa Gilbert. Like w/ many films on-camera, Rob DID have trouble conjuring that last bit of emotion for the very last scene in the movie, but was able to proceed and make it happen w/ the help of C. Thomas Howell. Back at home, things were strange. Steve turned the house into an office, while their mom is more recluse than ever. But still spent summers w/ Dad and Chad in Ohio.
Rob's next film was for a movie called 'Class' w/ stars Jacqueline Bisset and Academy-Award winner Cliff Robertson, where he saw the phenomenon of raw talent and star potential, wrapping in 1982. Rob had gone from having no career at all to starring in 3 movies (one for TV) back-to-back. Becoming anxious for another film, Rob had to wait until 'The Outsiders' was released. Only problem w/ that is the release date kept getting pushed back. When the film DID have an initial release, Rob snuck in to the theater, after not being invited to see that his scenes were ALL cut from the movie.
After 'The Outsiders', Rob was hired on the spot w/o audition to film his new movie 'The Hotel New Hampshire' which he co-starred Jodie Foster and Nastassja Kinski. In Paris for another film meeting w/ Roman Polanski, Rob meets Bill Murray from 'Caddyshack'. While waiting PATIENTLY for Roman to FINISH getting this movie together, Rob is hounded by a director to do his movie 'Youngblood'.
But then he passes on the film because he knows NOTHING about hockey. Then a film due to be a smash hit comes and it's 'Footloose'. Rob is willing his way through the dance audition/screen test and right at the end finish, into a sprint high in the air hitting the floor - POP! his right knee implodes in pain.
After still no word from Polanski about the 'Youngblood' film, Rob calls Polanski himself, leaves a message and a return phone call and the movie. Having absolutely NO IDEA how to skate, while training and adding 15LBS. for the role 'Youngblood' gave him the gift of adrenaline sports, physical challenges and daily training.
When it came to 'St. Elmo's Fire', Rob REALLY wanted the role of Billy Hicks and proceeded to go into ALL character for this role and got it. What was to be a fun and enjoyable night by taking a reporter out to show him a good time w/ the 'St. Elmo's' cast turned in 'The Brat Pack'.
After reading the script 'Sexual Perversity In Chicago', Rob loves it and is cast as Danny for 'About Last Night'. It was while at Sundance Film Festival that Rob was offered the chance to meet Princess Stephanie Of Monocco.Soon a relationship develops. Rob initially screen-tests for 'Mask' w/ Cher but loses to Eric Stoltz, due to being too identifiable.While having problems w/ the way Peter Bogdonovich is running the movie 'What's Up Doc?' instead a confrontation w/ Peter Rob drinks to avoid them.
Then came the Oscars where Rob made himself kill by signing w/ Snow White at that evening. Then came the whole videotape scandal. When Rob was asked to promote 'Bad Influence' in Australia he brings one friend, a woman Sheryl Burkoff, someone he met on the set of the film. Stating she just just wants to be friends while Rob does his thing. In a drunken state, after drowning his sorrows and his mother's pleading help after his grandfather's heart attack - he's reached BOTTOM!
Officially hitting clarity, Rob goes into his bedroom, past a sleeping girl and finds his wallet that has a number of a drug/alcohol counselor. He makes a call and a new day begins as of 5-10-1990. Rob takes rehab for all it's worth by taking at face value of his alcoholism. Sheryl jumps through hoops to visit Rob, when she is the ONLY one other than family to visit him. Taking sobriety at it's best advantage, he spends 30 days taking the rehab for ALL IT'S WORTH loving every minute of it - walking out of it a sober man. Going back to work on a movie called 'The Finest Hour'. Drama ensues when Rob could've lost his life on that set. On 6-20-91, Rob and Sheryl are engaged, only to be married on 7-22.
Rob's first BIG film after hitting sobriety is one from Paramount - 'Wayne'sWorld'. That Same year Rob found another role: Parent to 9 1/2 lb. Matthew. His film 'Tommy Boy' was idea brought from Lorne Michaels where Chris Farley and Rob play brothers in the film. One of Rob's MOST quoted films. It was after that Johnowen was born. Rob wanted John and Sheryl wanted Owen. After that Rob does some directing behind-the-scenes, some w/ James Cameron. But only little prior to that, Rob does a perfect mimic of Robert Waggoner in 'Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me' re teaming w/ Mike Myers, who originally asked him/told him he was to be in it. Rob is then being told he is being sent a script after it being shelved for a year for a TV series called 'The West Wing' .
The West Wing cast
Although in negotiations, Aaron Sorkin wanted a "less known" for the lead but NBC wanted a star to help sell the show. On 9-22-99, the ratings were a SMASH hit! As far as it goes w/ Emmy's, they walk away w/ a few. Even a tour through the REAL White House. After an important early negotiations meeting after the success of 'The West Wing' , Rob finds out about deal's being offered to the cast - everyone but him. Without being told, Rob's character was replaced. From there Rob's career is full frontal w/ roles in: 'Brothers & Sisters' and more. As far as personally, Rob enjoys what's most important!
Here's MY opinion:
For someone like Rob to do right, screw up and come back from Hell, I recommend that you should read this book.
For those of you in ANY generation, what is your favorite Rob Lowe film or character role of ALL time?
This next book was written by another LEGEND of comedy, Carol Burnett. Beginning at the mere age of a young toddler, Carol realized where she was going in life after seeing idol/later friend, Jimmy Stewart, on the Big Screen.
Even though she came from Texas to California, after saying good-bye to her Grandmother "Nanny", mother, her sister, Crissy and pet bird, "Tweety". Working her way through school, UCLA, she KNEW she was going to Broadway in New York City. But none of it would've been possible w/o a wealthy benefactor who made a deal to make this possible.
It was after Carol had gotten a room in town w/ 4 roommates that they had ALL pitched their money together for open casting calls that they shared a dress and after an incident, carol changed her choice. After an incident in the rain, she got to an audition just right before closing an just spouted her information for an agent. After the news, Carol was given the advice to put on her own show. 'The Rehearsal Club Revue' came in 1955, which was how she met husband, Donn.
Her job in 1957 was the Blue Angels Nightclub performing a John Foster Dulles joke - which BOMBED w/ "crickets" in the audience. Carol's lifelong dream of having her FIRST show - "Once Upon A Mattress" came true when directed by Mr. George Abbott and became a hit. Paying off her benefactor 5 years to the day to that loan. After 4 of marriage, in 1960, Carol and Donn divorced.
As a newcomer to the scene, in the 1950s, 'The Gary Moore Show' was Carol's first introduction to comedy writers and her BIG BREAK when being called in to replace an ailing Martha Raye. But it was after a stint appearance on the 70s game show, "Password", that took the show LIVE to being taped after a misspoken bleep. Early on what/how the infamous/trademark ear tug began was a signal for Nanny as a way of saying hello.
The Tarzan yell was infamous something she just taught herself from a young age. playing movies movies w/ he cousin, Janice. Janice was Jane to her Tarzan along with other games.
1963 was the year Carol had daughter Carrie w/ husband Joe Hamilton. After being on 'The Gary Moore Show' for a few seasons, CBS asked Carol to sign w/ them offering 10 yrs. and a one year TV special each year along w/ 2 regular guest appearances. But, if she wanted an hour show, she'd get 30. After a meeting w/ Mike Dann and Oscar Katz, in the end, she walked away w/ a show concealed on a card w/ what would be - Burnett Show! Now to find a repertoire TV family of her own.
Carol & Vicki
After tending to the mail one afternoon, Carol noticed a forwarded letter from a 17-yr-old senior asking for show biz advice and more. The picture that came w/ the letter amazed her by how much this girl looked like Carol at age 17. Something about the letter grabbed her attention. Hurrying to an event this girl was to be at that night, after a shocking phone call received by the unknown girl, Carol caught her act at her high school's 'Miss Fireball Contest' in Inglewood, CA. On Jan. 18TH, Carol gave birth to a girl, Jody. After one audition, Vicki Lawrence got the job.
opening credits
Harvey Korman took Vicki under his wing. Giving her more to do and more confidence, Vicki was becoming a very good character actress . . . Then came "Mama". Harvey Korman signed on after 'The Danny Kaye Show' finished. After Harvey came Lyle Waggoner. Then came the ESSENTIAL Tim Conway. Thus, 'The CarolBurnett Show' began.
One LEGENDARY standout was the 'Wiggins Walk' and THE DRESS made from curtains. Talking to the audience (Q/As) began idea from co-executive producer suggested they lift from 'The Gary Moore Show' - just being yourself. One of Carol's BIG dreams came to life one night at a party when the meeting of her idol, Cary Grant, came to life and a flabbergasted Carol tells a FUNNY story. Lucielle Ball was also a great friend as well. Julie Andrews was one to have a good time with, as well as pen pals w/ the LEGENDARY Joan Crawford. Carol also delves into her obsession w/ 'All My Children.'
After 10 seasons of 'The CarolBurnett Show', although asked to renew, Carol thought it was time to say good-bye. So in 1978, after one last ear tug, it was over. Although divorcing later in a friendly manner, Joe Hamilton died in 1991. In 1981, when Carol was given the chance to work w/ director John Huston for the film version of 'Annie' she jumped at the chance.
Carrie Hamilton (1963-2002)
In 1993, while performing a musical in LA, Carol had met a contractor/drummer, Brian Miller and married him in 2001. In 1998, Carrie had pitched an idea to her mother for a play 'Hollywood Arms' to her and began collaborating from Colorado to LA and put it together and everything became a real play. But then Carrie got sick in 2001 w/ lung cancer, initially losing the battle in 2002.
Carrie Louise Hamilton (1963-2002).
It was shortly after Carrie's passing that 'Hollywood Arms' opened to remarkable reviews.
This is just where the book ends in the life of this comedic legend. But here is a serious questions for fans of who remember:
What was your FAVORITE skit from 'The Carol Burnett Show' or favorite movie role of her's? And for those of you who would remember, out of ALL that was seen /asked during Q/As on her show, if EVER given the chance, BESIDES the Tarzan yell, what would you HONESTLY ask Ms. Burnett?
What started after sifting through old file boxes of their mother's while sorting out complicated legalities of her estate, Lucie Arnaz stumbled upon a first person written manuscript of her mother's, Lucille Ball's, life up to 1964. Now to set the record straight written w/ her own voice comes this true-to-its-date story of LEGENDARY actress, Lucille Ball.
As a child, Lucy's mother, DeDe, had her practice piano and helping out in her Aunt Lola's beauty shop as well as chores/housework. Growing up w/ her mother and brother around grandparents, mother & stepfather (since her dad's early passing), her childhood was "challenging but not backbreaking". A disturbed childhood was brought by moving around ALOT, death and cruel circumstances resulted by many painful separations.
It was in the fall on 1926 that Lucy was in high school and her teacher, Ms. Lillian Appleby, urged her direction into acting. Why not? The success of one school play encouraged her to grab whatever/as many shows she could get. At 15, Lucy was hailed "a new discovery". After a legal spat with the neighbors that Lucy seen firsthand what it did to her stepfather's business and financial affairs.
Lucy modeling
Shortly after starting high school, Lucy began running away. After her mother's worry and grief, she put up whatever she had to in order for Lucy to attend drama school. After a failed attempt to be a showgirl, Lucy landed a modeling job of coats at $25.00 a week. Whenever she was homesick, she'd go home to her family. After the modeling took off, overnight Lucy found a world of riches. It was also while working her way through on Broadway in Jamestown, NY that Lucy had dyed her hair dark with a golden glint took a blonde a red-headed personality.
It was in the audience of these fashion shows that Lucy was being looked at by agents who exported to Hollywood. After a quick audition, Lucy had a shot as an actress w/ a working contract in hand. The role in 'Roman Scandals' was small, but life was good. After walk-on's on a few other films, for 2 more parts and she had MADE IT! With one small lie, she had her second major break.
It was soon after signing w/ RKO Productions that Lucy began the regulated increments. Taking classes and working on her craft that she began little roles in big budgeted movies - starting at the bottom to work he way up. After being blackballed by a Hollywood producer, she found another niche: radio. But after doing a play in NY that had recently been given Broadway rights, Too Many Girls, the audience loved it, so did a 22-year-old Cuban Desi Arnaz, who was her co-star in the play.
Lucy and Desi
Although hesitant about Desi at first, she flipped and fell for him and was starry-eyed. After being told of his success, Lucy REALLY fell for him after SHE was the jackpot in for Desi. Although dating and in other locations, NY and Chicago, after an argument that ended up in getting married. Marrying Desi was one of the boldest things she ever did. She loved him and only him, so much she WANTED HIM to be the father of her children. At a country club to a Justice Of The Peace, what started off as sweet/romantic became hectic due to the media.Knowing that Desi wanted a career in the movies, but hard to achieve due to his heavy accent, Lucy did everything she could think of in her power to advance his career. When it came to finances, they had separate account and one accountant who handled both. They each paid for their separate expenses. Lucy saved while Desi spended, once in awhile she would spend and be careful with the rest.
More than anything, Lucy and Desi had wanted to co-star in a movie together, so they did a vaudeville act together and moved to Brooklyn. Lucy was happy to exchange from the trappings of a glamour queen for baggy pants and a derby hat. While the show was offering gigs, they had to turn them down because Lucy was pregnant. But lost the baby 3 months later.
It was after doing another movie 'The Big Street', which was a hit, that day signed w/ MGM because of their being the TOP for musicals. She changed the minute she got them, changing to a brighter red for TechniColor and hated it! It was after making 'Best Foot Forward' that her career at MGM was just kicking into high gear when Desi was drafted into the army in 1943. With Desi coming home less/less and Lucy on a bond tour, the relationship was crashing fast. Desi's nightlife became a problem. In 1944, he stopped coming home. After one divorce, they had tried to make thing better. Desi was released from the army in 1945 and decided to start a rumba band. After a mini-breakdown and trouble from her manager, Lucy was released from MGM.
Pregnant Lucy
Going to Universal Studios was difficult for the first 3 days. Making 'Love Comes Back' was the best thing she could have done while Desi was playing the Copa. So off they both went to NY. In 1949, after working with Bob Hope on a few pictures, Hollywood deemed a "Lucille Ball type" when casting pictures. In 1950, Lucy and Desi formed Desilu Co. to promote themselves. For 10 years, Lucy and Desi had tried to co-star and co-parent and it was all coming true, creating the scene and the characters Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. In return for a 1,000 weekly cut, they were given complete ownership of the show. As they were discussing w/ the writers, the title of the show was born 'I Love Lucy'. On 7-17-1957, Lucy and Desi welcomed Lucie Desiree Arnaz changing their lives completely. Six weeks later . . . the filming for the series stared. 'I LoveLucy'LITERALLY changed TV viewing habits on Monday nights: Businesses closed early, Telephone calls dropped in that time slot. It was Phenomenal. In May, Lucy was pregnant again. In that time era, forget the word "pregnant" expressing the term "expecting". Lucille Ball became the FIRST ONE EVER to "show" on television. On January 19TH, Lucy and Ricky had a boy, Desi Arnaz, Jr.
It was after a HUGELY political scandal mistake involving Communism by Lucy ALOT of BAD PRESS had gone around paying a price which they GREATLY came out of. Desi and Lucy began work on the Lucy and Desi Comedy Special and after that they each became EXTREMELY busy separate on other jobs. When Big Desi wasn't drinking, he spent most of the time on the phone or checking his horses at the racetrack. Lucy, meanwhile, was disenchanting, better and unforgiving. Lucy then realized they didn't really like each each other in the end COMPLETELY disapproving of each other. Desi made everything public. Toward the end, Desi was practically jumping out the windows. She had her faults, losing her good humor and sense of proportion. She decided to divorce Desi.
Lucy and Gary
In the spring of 1960, after a final scene in show ending, after a final embrace, it was over. Getting away from Desi and Hollywood seemed to be the key. After getting the reviews for a play she'd done in NY, Lucy was set up on a blind date w/ friends' friend Gary Morton. After meeting him in 1960, she seen his humor of someone she could laugh with. She HONESTLY had intention of ever getting married again but, Gary, seemed to good to get away.
Desi had read a book which he thought would make good TV and so Lucy brought Vivian Vance along to make 'Lucy Show'. While Desi was still head of Desilu and Executive Producer, Desi was ready to retire and so in November she bought him out. When Desi had remarried, Lucy, Gary, Desi and new wife, Edie . . . let's just say. . . you gotta Love, Lucy.
In MY opinion:
This is another book that I strongly recommend due to the fact that this is another "old-Hollywood" story that like it or not IS a part of history that people REALLY should know, and just not from a TV show! See who the person was BEHIND-THE-FUNNY-CAMERAS!
This book was actually co-written by 3 women, a mother and her 2 daughters. From Bravo's 'The Real Housewives Of New York City' star Jill Zarin, her sister Lisa Wexler and their mother Gloria Kamen.
Inside this book, these women feel the power and strength that resides from their Jewish heritage. They also reveal TRUE LIFE stories of the past and how they grew up, the lessons they were able to learn from them, use in everyday life, pass them on for further generations and, truly see the value of a Jewish mother. For Jill, she also treads lightly into how it was 'The Real Housewives Of New York City' all came to be.
The Real Housewives Of NYC
Reciting TRUE and HONEST stories, all 3 ladies tell how all these lessons came to be - a lesson learned. Beginning w/ friendship (money issues, forgiveness, criticism and more) How many issues can affect a friendship.
There is also the somewhat overlooked, but YES! IT IS SOMETIMES THERE dating snafu of candidates who fashion themselves in VANITY! Remember that "there's only one peacock to a couple" (some people will know what I'm personally talking about!)
This page explains what I'm getting at with education!
The next feature discussed is the IMPORTANCE education is to the Jewish faith and what it means WHOLEHEARTEDLY! - Read this page insert to understand what I mean.
As far as it goes w/ marriage, they range from husbands and secrets, as well as money ownership. When it comes to fighting, remember the "Five Minutes Of Understanding" on page 158.
Jill & Lisa
When it comes to siblings, there's stories about how important they should be in your life and keeping that relationship maintained - NO MATTER WHAT!BUT, (going outside the book for a minute - staying on point) what happens if you have a sibling that you grew up with and one lives and has the mentality that the world owes them because they never got to do ANYTHING while they were coming up - even though the world was their oyster w/ REASONABLE sense & DISCIPLINE! But in REALITY, they got to bring what they WANTED to life. All they had to do was EARN THE PRIVILEGE to do whatever. All of this happened thanks to convincing the sibling of REAL FALSIFIED information. So now back to the book itself.
Jill, Allyson and Bobby
When it comes to the parenting portion of this book, it offers some solutions to what situations you may face or may be facing. When parenting more that one child, remember this: "Equal is not always fair and fair is not always equal"
The only chapter I REALLY DID NOT LIKE NOR ENJOY was the chapter entitled 'Beauty & Health' for reasons that seem ENTIRELY degrading to one's own self. What I can say is this: "The thing that you'd change about yourself the most is the thing that makes you the most unique!"
When it comes to whatever sticky situation for/from your child whether they're grateful for it in ANY WAY: Remember this - You do what you have to do for your kid, NO MATTER @ WHAT THE PRICE! But, I am sorry and I do apologize wholeheartedly to kids today because of them having "parents" around in this generation who would rather honestly party than parent.
But in a final closing of this book, they all put a stamp and meaning for all Jewish superstitions and their meanings.
Here's MY opinion:
This book just goes to show that you remember who you are and remember where it is that you come from and what meaning does that have on you?
This story is one that is HORRIFICALLY unimaginable. It was written by TRUE CRIME author, Aphrodite Jones. In this ACCURATE account, Aphrodite recounts the telling of the 1993 brutal rape/murder of Brandon Teena in Falls City, NE.
Originally from Lincoln, growing up Teena was a straight tomboy through and through. When it came to dating boys, she wasn't overly interested. Somewhere along the line, Teena changed her name to Teen. When she had reached puberty, while w/ a friend "sharing stories", Teena went into detail of abuse by a relative male. Teena was a tough girl. After an incident and living w/ her older sister, Tammy for awhile Teena wasn't really TEENA anymore. After secretly examining herself and 2 pairs of socks inside her pants, she felt the thrill to feel like a boy.
Billy
After turning 18, Teena was beginning to change: cutting her hair short and binding her chest to hide her femininity. While passing herself of as a man, "Billy Brinson", Teena was involved with a girl, Heather, while his mother, JoAnn Brandon, very concerned for her daughter's safety, did everything to bring her daughter home. In the time that they were together, not knowing if he should tell Heather about JoAnn's report to the police, not really CARING about what sex "Billy" really was.
Being everyone's dream guy in a way, he knew how a woman wanted to be treated. After moving in w/ Heather, Billy changed his name to Brandon. Three months after going out, Brandon bought Heather a promise ring - sort of a pre-engagement. Not one to pressure for anything, discussing marriage/kids after discussing each others stories of sexual abuse. Brandon went on to say, after these revealing stories, that confessing rape was his BIGGEST fear.
Retelling his history, Brandon explained that he was once female but now he was a hermaphrodite. After JoAnn would call and get Heather's mom, Ruth, on the phone and spilled the beans about Teena. Naturally after telling Gina, another girlfriend, certain people began to wonder the truth.
Brandon's mugshot
Brandon was also stealing and writing checks from those he stayed with for exorbitant amounts and forging signatures. Along w/ writing checks, he was also stealing from the ATM.When he was questioned about it, Brandon relayed good intentions for doing it. Ruth called the authorities and after being tracked down, Brandon was charged with 2nd Degree Forgery. After all of the legalities were over, Teena Renae Brandon was put on probation and more. In 1992, Brandon moved out of Ruth's house and Heather received letters of Brandon's being sorry. But by then, the relationship crumbled.
It was through in-patient therapy, after Brandon tried to kill herself, that JoAnn learned EVERYTHING, from the abuse and more that Teena and Tammy were hiding. When JoAnn found out where his living situation was, she realized it was a high school acquaintance, Reanna. JoAnn asked for Brandon to be sent home, telling them the whole story. After Brandon was confronted and denied it, no matter what, he manipulated/fooled ALOT of people to think he was a guy.After Brandon had moved out, Reanna tried to avoid him at all costs. It was after that Brandon became involved w/ Gina Bartu.
Brandon and Gina fell for each other pretty quickly, just the nature of the relationship. But as things were beginning, Brandon's past caught up w/ his criminal activities, catching up to 18 crimes, mostly forgery and failure to appear again. Of course, Brandon didn't see any wrong doing in it, he thought of it as he was being a giver. Brandon didn't understand and grew tired of being a sex object. He made a big deal about girls using him for money and they seemed to have liked that.
But on 5/23/1993, Gina had to post bail for forgery charges Brandon ranked up, confronting the name Teena Rae Brandon for the first time. Brandon retold the costs of the surgery as to why he hadn't gotten it yet. Almost at a breakup, Brandon proposed marriage. Gina was told but had said yes. One year after the proposal and nothing was being done, in Sept. Brandon was in jail again for more forgery charges after stealing a credit card and charging $454.00 and seen what Brandon had REALLY done. Even though Gina felt like pressing charges, she just couldn't do it. Although Brandon promised to do whatever to reimburse, the damage was done.
Afraid to push her away but also wanting contact, JoAnn contacts Brandon and asks about the charges. She also began to see her daughter shift into high gear; weight lifting and becoming more of a he on the exterior. After a fight ensued, Brandon and Daphne, someone he hooked up with, left for Humbolt, NE. There they crashed w/ Lisa Lambert, a friend of Daphne's.
After Brandon's 20TH birthday party, he asked to be dropped off at Lana Tisdel's house, someone Brandon had met a week prior. Brandon had popped into a local bar and seen Lana - he just had to meet her and after looking him over and how clean he was, she gave him a chance.Going back to her house to party, he met Lana's mom, Linda and 2 of Lana's friends, John Lotter and Tom Nissen.
After previous letters/excuses to the court, Teena was a wanted felon and appeared before the judge, but on 12-16-1992, the jig was up. Teena Ray Brandon was hauled in for 2ND Degree Forgery and thrown in jail. Meanwhile, things were starting to click for Lisa and another girl, Kelli to where it could be possible that Brandon was actually a female.
Brandon & Lana
Breaking down with call-waiting, they took the call and decided to bail Brandon out of jail, but chose not to out of being furious.After being jailed and going to court, his fine was $200.00 and had called Lana for bail. With a blank check from her dad to get a perm, instead Lana used it for Brandon's bail, but since Lana was underage, she had Tom Nissen do her a favor. It was in a past army life that Tom and John had officially met, came from and lived in Falls City, NE. Besides the army, one commonality they both had were bad upbringings. But it was late Nov. that Tom, John, Lana and, Brandon all "officially got to hanging out!"
But, soon enough Lana was catching up to Brandon and all of the lies after he was allowed to move in w/ Lana and Linda. When Brandon was in jail, Lana got to see, while in visitation, that Brandon did indeed have a female chest, stating that he was in the "process". The same night Brandon was bailed out, Linda read a note from Lana that she had written and after that Linda was FURIOUS and hopped in the car to Lana's location, found Brandon and grabbed him violently by the neck and forced him into the bathroom wanting a confrontation, "Are you a male or a female?" Not exactly wanting to prove anything to Lana, she just wanted her daughter back, thinking this was the way to do it! Lana was certain to take Brandon into the bathroom and exam him as reassurance. But then Linda went to call Lana's ex-husband, Leland and confess the whole story. Leland then went to get Tom Nissen's address. It was also known about the $250.00 for Brandon's bail.
Concerned for her daughter's FULL well-being, She allowed John &Tom to get involved. It was Dec. 14TH when Brandon had bonded out of jail, which was the same day Phillip DeVine arrived in Nebraska. Christmas Eve was the beginning to a devastating end when after early and later drinking that John started again with Brandon's sexuality. After some punches were thrown, long after Lana had left the intended party, Brandon went into the bathroom to check the damage and then John and Tom barged in, depantsing Brandon for what they were wanting to know.
It was when they had been alone : Tom, John & Brandon while continually violent w/ him that they left and went stopping at a farmhouse, where they BOTH physically sexually assaulted Brandon, after it was over and they returned to the house and ordered for Brandon to clean up. Brandon then escaped through a window and went to Lana's house, who in then took him to the hospital where he was questioned/examined. During the interview, Sherriff Charles Laux of the Police Department was VERY Graphic and CRUEL with his line of questioning. It was like Brandon had been assaulted all over again - this time verbally.
Lisa Lambert
After Brandon's initial statement and co-operation w/ filing charges, about 5 days after the initial investigation, Lotter and Nissen went about "taking care" of this "problem". After they able to obtain a gun & a hunting knife, Tom and John went to the farmhouse residence of Lisa Lambert and ended the lives of Brandon Teena, by shooting him and stabbing him, with 2 single shots killed Phillip DeVine and Lisa Lambert. Almost killing Lisa's then 8-month son Tanner just before leaving the scene.
As news stories/articles were surrounding the Humboldt murders, LGBT communities began looking at Brandon Teena as a martyr and symbol of a hate crime, imploding this story throughout the national news media. As far as it came for the trial, Tom only seemed to show emotion when Kandi, Tom's wife, stood for the prosecution. Much to everyone's surprise, while they waited 2 1/2 days for a verdict, Sherriff Laux was voted out of his job.
Tom Nissen was found GUILTY on the following: First Degree Murder for Brandon's murder and 2ND Degree for both murders of Philip and Lisa. As these stories and demonstrations on 20/20, it was showing ONLY focus on the hell/horror that Brandon's murder indicated; flat out ignoring the other 2 victims who also lost their lives. When it came to Lotter's trial, some jurors/spectators sensed some deja vu. As the prosecution drew to a close, Tom rolled over and cut a separate deal to save his own life. John Lotter was found guilty of First Degree Murder w/o the possibility of parole.
Brandon's story was seen through an Oscar-winning film starring Hilary Swank in 1999 entitled Boys Don't Cry w/ Hilary as Brandon and Chloe Sevigny as Lana Tisdel. A 2hr documentary was filmed in 1998 with the REAL people called 'The Brandon Teena Story'.
Here's My Opinion:
Brandon's story just shows you the humanity and compassion that is missing to be seen in today's society.
This next book was another good one written by Oscar-winning actress, Whoopi Goldberg. This book, being written fairly recent, is VERY DIFFERENT from other works written by this creative author/comedienne. In this book, Whoopi treads on what in society has just GONE STRAIGHT TO HELL!!
