|
Post by Lady Irie on Jan 29, 2006 17:54:47 GMT -6
. . . or more recently known as "The Man Who Conned Oprah".(Do not click on that link if you have not yet read the book, if you want to make your own determination. If you don't give a shit, go for it!)
Yes, I admit, I succumbed to all the controversy surrounding this supposed "memoir" of the recovery of author James Frey. I have to say, it was a very good read. The story revolves around the authors experience at a rehab clinic for alcohol, and crack dependency, the people he met, reflections on how he had messed up his life by age 23, and how his own resolve was going to work in his favor to lead a substance free life. Several controversies lie here, with the determination there is a fine line between fiction, and non-fiction. Lies, and truth. Where does artistic license/embellishment end, and fabrication begin? When Frey basically could not get published as fiction, some edits were made, and he went for non-fiction status, and struck pay dirt, complete with Oprah's endorsement which she recanted last week. If you approach the book as non-fiction, it's not a problem. As a "memoir", it's rather grandiose, and arrogant. His approach to "recovery" shuns all the conventional methods of remaining sober, and forgets he become sober, by the very conventional method he scorns. Since so many people are taking what he wrote as "truth", I could see where it could be a detriment to those in recovery who may think they don't need AA when the complete opposite may be true. It appears when Frey's work could not get published as fiction, he "edited" this work presenting it as non-fiction, and his "memoir". I guess this is what one would expect from someone who doesn't think AA is for him, since he needs to work Steps 4-10 again.
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 29, 2006 18:11:19 GMT -6
Anyone who manages to piss-off Oprah is my kinda guy. The only thing he did wrong on that follow-up interview was *not* jump on her sofa Tom Cruise - style.
|
|
|
Post by Tex on Jan 29, 2006 18:40:44 GMT -6
I generally like Oprah, but she made one comment, "Emotional facts are more important than real facts." that would made me leary of taking her at face value in the future. I am not sure what she meant, but the comment sounded quite squirrely to me.
|
|
|
Post by Hedo69 on Jan 29, 2006 19:20:30 GMT -6
I think she probably meant that if the words move you, then they don't have to be factual. Fiction can be just as inspiring as fact. I am reading the book right now at the urging of my Oprah loving friend and can see, even with the obvious recently discovered embelishments, that it could be a motivational book. However, as I get further into the story, I reserve right to ch-ch-change my mind .
|
|
|
Post by Christinko on Jan 29, 2006 20:13:34 GMT -6
Hell, that woman hasn't had ME on her show to talk about my book, so screw her. (grin)
I didn't even have to embellish anything in my book--you all are examples of truth is stranger than fiction.
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Jan 29, 2006 22:37:32 GMT -6
But hey....what's normal anyway?
|
|
|
Post by PattyD on Jan 30, 2006 0:40:41 GMT -6
maybe we should all start writting to Oprah and raving about the book and how wonderful our vacations were because of it.
|
|
|
Post by justheidi on Jan 30, 2006 1:53:14 GMT -6
that'll work..........Oprah will be calling you for sure Chris.................!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Lady Irie on Jan 30, 2006 7:30:27 GMT -6
I didn't see the actual interview, just the news clip which showed a real pissed off picture of her. It was kind of funny. I mean if you think about it, they guy admits in his book that he's a liar, always has been, and always will be. So she is surprised?
It's still a good book. It gives hope to the hopeless, and I do think she's missed the boat entirely neglecting Stinky Pants for an exclusive. (OMG, I just had a visual of the introduction, and can see Oprah's face questioning her "nickname" LOL!)
Patty - you can have your chance, I think Oprah's planning a follow up on how this book "changed peoples lives."
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 30, 2006 9:18:50 GMT -6
... and I do think she's missed the boat entirely neglecting Stinky Pants for an exclusive. (OMG, I just had a visual of the introduction, and can see Oprah's face questioning her "nickname" LOL!) Technically, wouldn't it be "Stinky NO Pants"? Striving For Precision, BB
|
|
|
Post by edie2u on Jan 30, 2006 9:53:06 GMT -6
I emailed Oprah this: There is an author in the Chicago area named Chris Santilli, who wrote a book "The Naked Truth about Hedonism II" www.wordcrafting.com/. It is a factual account of the Hedonism II resort in Jamaica. It is quite funny and very accurate in it's assessment of the renowned (notorious) resort. Many of the shows that have featured the resort have focused on the salacious aspect, whereas, the reality is, it's about having fun and making friends. It is not the "swinger" oriented place that shows like Jerry Springer have portrayed it to be. Many of us who never knew that we could be "naked in public (nudists)" have gone there and and suddenly we are!!! But, that doesn't mean that we are all swapping partners or having orgies!! There is a huge "repeater" clientele for this resort. Ms. Santilli is a very articulate and creative writer, and is absolutely hilarious to talk to. She is witty and very entertaining. We have so enjoyed speaking to her at the resort. I think she would be an amazing guest for your show. I really hope you and your staff will entertain this suggestion. Respectfully Submitted, Edie Smith So Chris, let us know when you are scheduled!!!! Smooches baby!!!!
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 30, 2006 11:02:54 GMT -6
And if you get on her show and don't feel up to jumping on her sofa, then at least have the decency to leave a wet spot on it.
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Jan 30, 2006 12:08:10 GMT -6
Way to go, Edie!
If/when Oprah books her, ya think we can all get tickets to be in the audience?
hehehe....evil grin
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 30, 2006 12:38:02 GMT -6
I'll go if she gives away free cars again.
|
|
|
Post by Chicago Jake on Jan 30, 2006 13:13:01 GMT -6
We can make it a special event for the Downtown Chicago Hedo Club......Jake
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Jan 30, 2006 13:27:09 GMT -6
I'd have to fly there for that one....fuck the *budget*
|
|
|
Post by Lady Irie on Jan 30, 2006 13:34:07 GMT -6
Ok, we're in on that one too. Chris, when she calls, get two tickets for us too. ;D
Now wouldn't that be one hell of a Hedo Party!
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 30, 2006 14:47:49 GMT -6
Will Oprah let the audience be naked? Will Oprah be naked? I want to see what gets Stedman all antsy.
|
|
|
Post by edie2u on Jan 30, 2006 15:56:50 GMT -6
Here is the response from Oprah: Dear Edie, Thank you for your e-mail! Your message is important to us. Unfortunately, due to the volume of e-mail messages we receive every day, we cannot guarantee that you'll receive a personal response. Feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions for additional help. www.oprah.com/tows/program/tows_prog_main.jhtmlThanks again for writing to us! Sincerely, The Oprah.com Staff www.oprah.com
|
|
|
Post by edie2u on Jan 30, 2006 15:58:43 GMT -6
Gee, you mean she won't want to call me and have tea and biscuits? I am CRUSHED!
Modified to add: Renee, I love the peacock!
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 30, 2006 16:03:58 GMT -6
Thank you for your e-mail! Your message is important to us. Unfortunately, due to the volume of e-mail messages we receive every day, we cannot guarantee that you'll receive a personal response. Feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions for additional help. www.oprah.com/tows/program/tows_prog_main.jhtml
Thanks again for writing to us! You get a similar response whenever attempting to contact the TNMC Help Desk.
|
|
|
Post by Chicago Jake on Jan 30, 2006 16:17:43 GMT -6
Due to budget constraints, the TNMC Help Desk is just that: an empty desk. It isn't really much help at all.......Jake (that is, until we hire that intern and put her under, er, ah, I mean, AT the desk)
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 30, 2006 16:40:18 GMT -6
At least now I know why I always keep getting transfered to voice mail. Too many connections? HA! Not *enough* connections, I say!
|
|
|
Post by Dan on Jan 30, 2006 16:41:19 GMT -6
Thank you for your e-mail! Your message is important to us. Unfortunately, due to the volume of e-mail messages we receive every day, we cannot guarantee that you'll receive a personal response. Feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions for additional help. www.oprah.com/tows/program/tows_prog_main.jhtml
Thanks again for writing to us! You get a similar response whenever attempting to contact the TNMC Help Desk. You should see the TNMC Employee Assistance Program - an American Airlines towellette and a suppository. D
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jan 30, 2006 17:10:28 GMT -6
This is an upgrade -- previously, it was Dr. Phil's retarded brother.
|
|
|
Post by Dan on Jan 30, 2006 17:54:31 GMT -6
This is an upgrade -- previously, it was Dr. Phil's retarded brother. LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! D
|
|
|
Post by Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III on Jan 30, 2006 21:41:08 GMT -6
[/color][/size]
|
|
|
Post by edie2u on Jan 30, 2006 23:00:44 GMT -6
I must admit she is not one of my favorites either...but I would watch it...hell, I would even be in the audience if Chris was on there!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Christinko on Jan 31, 2006 0:07:06 GMT -6
Oh, gosh, Edie! Just read the rest of this thread... Thanks so much for thinking of me! I was spoofing about the Oprah thing--no mainstream media would actually cover me/my book. We are all too too niche market and in real life not publicly salacious enough! Now isn't that sad commentary? At least we have something to aspire too.
Oprah should have me on though--I can save her money because I can DRIVE to the studio (having eaten in restaurants just across the way).
|
|
|
Post by edie2u on Jan 31, 2006 7:14:03 GMT -6
Maybe we don't have to tell her about the naked thing? (Till your on air?) lol
Seriously, I did it this because it seemed like the right thing to do. <Smile> You two living in the same town and all. Hmmmm, maybe if a guest was sick and she needed a fill in (real quick) you would be so close...OK, how do we find out who's gonna be on and incapacitate/delay said person so Oprah will call Chris? You can't say I'm not trying!!!!!
|
|