4 comments about From Cowboy to Mogul to Monster: The Neverending Story of Film Pioneer Mark Damon.

1. Fascinating and very entertaining autobiography on film star and movie mogul Mark Damon detailing his travails in the film industry from America to Italy and back again. The chronology of the book is all over the place but generous stories (stories that are both captivating and sometimes shockingly humorous) on his work in the Italian film industry where he made a number of westerns and horror pictures sit alongside equally interesting details of working on both in front of, and behind the scenes on some of the biggest hits of American cinema.



2. From Cowboy to Mogul to Monster is a well written, outstanding autobiography. It's a true "American Success" story which mostly covers the last half of the twentieth century. Mark Damon has led a remarkable life which most people would envy. He truly invented the international film sales business. The story of his life is entertaining reading and the book will grab your attention and not let go. I would highly recommend it to anyone with any interest in the entertainment business (particularly film). A must read!.



3. I couldn't put it down. A real Hollywood page-turner. Very well written bio that flips back and forth between the childhood genius puzzle inventor and early age money maker to the high flying Hollywood film distributor/producer. Fast paced and inspiring, the book took me to Hollywood, via Chicago, Italy, and Cannes. I loved reading about this man who not only brought us some very important movies, like Das Boot, and Monster, but was also at the top of his game in at least three career areas, most wouldn't even attempt. I strongly suggest you try it--a great summer, or anytime read.



4. Mark Damon's excellent biography is a testament to determination and talent. Damon's amazing resilience to overcoming defeat and achieving success shines through again and again. The book resonates with the truth of a man who has looked at himself, warts and all, and has put it all out there for the reader. Having broken new ground in developing a new way of marketing motion pictures thoughout the world he has assured himself an important place in the history of the movie business. His book is a must read, not only for show business people, but as an inspirational statement about "picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and starting all over again." Mark Damon's multi faceted career, from a star of "spaghetti westerns" to a producer of major motion picures, with many acomplishments along the way, makes for a facinating read. I recommend the book without reservation.

5 comments about Jim Carrey: The Joker is Wild: The Trials and Triumphs of Jim Carrey.

1. Then find another book. Mr. Knelman seems incapable of painting his prose anything but purple. I couldn't get past the first chapter. There's a good book about Mr. Carrey waiting to be written; but this isn't it.



2. I am a big Jim Carrey Fan and reading this book I realized I didn't know as much about him as I thought i did. This biography was well written and very detailed, you get to know Jim as you go through the book, from his succeses, his failures, his life as a celebrity. you also get to know how much he struggled over the years and how hard it was for him and just how hard it is to become a comedian. I definitley reccomend redaing htis book, it is good from the minute you open and close it from cover to cover.



3. Growing up in poverty is not an easy thing to do. You wouldn't think that very many, if any, "famous people" would grow up being poor. Well, Jim Carrey is one of many who did. Growing up for him wasn't easy at all. It was always in his genes to become a comedian. But his first gig didn't go as planned, it was very disappointing. He dropped out of school at the age of sixteen, trying to pursue his career in comedy. He continued to go to the club where he was made a fool of. His comedy breakthrough came at the age of 19. His big jump off was when he got a role in a TV series, "In Living Color." This got him started for other movies such, as "Mask," and "Liar, Liar." As they all say, the rest is history.
   The thing that I liked most about Jim Carrey, was that he never gave up on his dream of being a comedian. At home, everybody thought that he was the funniest person ever. But when he went to his first gig at Yuk-Yuk's, it wasn't what he thought. It was a humiliating time for him. But he didn't let that stop him. When he was a little older, he went back to that club and performed again. He then became a regular there. This proves to show you that you should never give up on your dreams. Just because you have one bad night or act, it doesn't mean you have to give up on your dream.
   Something that disturbed me about Jim Carrey was that he dropped out of school. I mean, it was his own choice but then again it sends the wrong message to children. By him doing this, and kids reading it he is saying that you can still make even if you drop out of school. The thing is that we want kids to stay in school and get an education for themselves. But people make their own decisions in life. It is up to them and what they want to do in the future.



4. A JC fan, I enjoyed this well-written book very much. It's amazing what people can do with their lives with encouragement and humor. I recommend people read this book.



5. I have been a fan of Jim Carrey's since Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and ever since then I have been emersed in the magic that is Jim Carrey. With only "Earth Girls Are Easy" being the bad movie in his career, which was not horrible, Jim Carrey has had a great life in film in television with a lot more to come. Films like "The Cable Guy" and "Truman Show" were horribly underrated and not given much of a chance. With the dark and witty humor that the "average" Jim carrey fan would not appreciate or enjoy. So to some it all up, a great choice and a great read, Keep on laughing.

2 comments about The Torso Murder: The Untold Story of Evelyn Dick.

1. If you've seen the movie, or know of the case, this book provides some interesting information. It is relatively well-written, contains pictures, and is easy to read. I recommend it.



2. I stumbled across this book while looking for something about The Lipstick Killer of Chicago, William Heirens. He, too, is believed to have dismembered at least one victim during his reign of terror from 1945-1946 in Chicago. (His culpability in the crimes is also circumstantial.)
   
   Instead, I found this book about the John Dick murder/mutilation in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1946. I had never heard of this case before, and it is still the only account I have read of it yet. But this book has made me want more.
   
   From the Prologue, I was intrigued. Vallee is such an interesting writer. His words and phrases are crafted for mood, clarity, and objectivity. He leads the reader through this small Canadian town; through the lives of these seemingly ordinary, if not strange, groups of people. It is still as salacious a story as when the news initially broke in those early days of March 1946.
   
   John Dick, an immigrant man who recently married, is missing. His employer is the only one who seems concerned, while his wife and her family continue to engage in some strange behavior. Her deepest concern is that he still owes her money, while her father's sole concern is that no police should be called to his daughter's house. As the investigation unfolds, we find a string of love affairs, a dead infant, shoddy police work, and some criminal masterminds. Love, murder, money, greed--all seem to be personified by the enigmatic Evelyn Dick. Is she guilty... or just a victim?
   
   Brian Vallee takes an even handed approach to this complex story. He takes account of nearly every side and every issue. The story itself is fascinating, and as was stated by one contributor, better than any work of fiction. For all the titillating details, Vallee constantly reminds his readers of the gruesome crimes that made these people infamous. His compassion and objectivity do allow him to come up with his own conclusions about the crimes, ending the work beautifully.
   
   Highly recommend!

5 comments about Jackie Oh!.

1. Great tidbits on Jackie. A book that you cannot possibly put down. Very entertaining. FOR QUESTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS ON JACKIE ONASSIS, PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT MellissaLD@aol.com. HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



2. Trashy, gossipy biography written by an author known for digging up the dirt. I laughed at some of the situations that were described because I couldn't believe all of them. Good for an afternoon's read while lying on the beach or taking a long bath.



3. When Jackie Oh! came out it shot Kitty Kelley to fame. It was considered vicious trash by the critics but the public ate it up. Reading it almost 30 years later I'm struck with the feeling that the hype was more than the book. There have been allegations that Kelly relied on backstairs gossip and a lot of what's in here can't be proven. Then there is the fact that Jackie was alive when the book was published. Kelly's decision to write about Jackie's treatment for depression (The woman lost a son and a husband within months. Who wouldn't be depressed?) seemed simply cruel for the sport of it.

   Reading Jackie Oh is kind of like finding your old high school year book and being embarrased by the clothes, the hobbies and the sentiments written therein. You look at it and are chagrined at how important such sillines seemed at the time.




4. This book reads much like Gone With the Wind and Jackie Kennedy's character, personality and upbringing is eerily similar to that of Scarlett O'Hara herself. Although the book is dated it is a fascinating and engrossing read. Kelly's an excellent writer and story teller and aside from the speculation about the book's reliability, it is nonetheless, immensely readable. Moreover, there is nothing in this book that is not consistent with facts which have been verified in the years since it was published.
   
   If you are a Kennedy worshiper you will not like this book. It is not flattering to Mrs. Onassis nor should it be. From all accounts Jackie Onassis was a self absorbed, materialistic and psyopathically arrogant bully of a woman. You will not come out of this book liking her. But even under the harsh glare of the truth, Jackie Onasis is fascinating. She was a pivotal figure in this country's history regardless of her shallow, ruthless and self serving ways. You also might come out of this book profoundly resentful of the unconditional genuflecting she enjoyed from American society at large. How someone like this could move through life with absolutely no accountability and with unconditional reverence makes the book even more thought provoking.



5. This is a biography (authorized? I highly doubt it) on Jackie Kennedy Onassis. The book makes her out to be a spoiled brat basically (like making her husband fly to Paris because she is out of her favorite perfume). It was fun reading, but I'm not sure how accurate it is. I guess we'll never know.

3 comments about Tom Landry: An Autobiography.

1. Having been a lifelong Cowboys fan I saw this book and had to read it. The first thing I found upon reading it was that total honesty of Coach Landry and the guts it took to wither all the storms life can throw at one person. I found that, even though it deals worth football, there are lessons that are applicable to everyday life. This would be a great book for all school children to be assigned to read. It shows what can happen when one person puts faith and families and principles ahead of instant gradification.



2. America is a sports-crazy nation. Tom Landry's career is worth reading about because it parallels the rise of professional football in the U.S. His rise from the tiny town of Mission, Texas to building a football dynasty is inspirational because through years of losing he had the determination and faith to stick with his plan for winning. A major factor in this was his faith.
   
   Landry's narrative is also intertwined with larger historical events. His older brother Robert died during WWII when the B-17 bomber he was in disappeared over the Atlantic en route to England. At age 18, the younger Landry enlisted and eventually flew 30 B-17 missions over Europe. Another aspect of history--after President Kennedy's assassination in Dallas, the Cowboys were booed at every game they played for the rest of the season, and into the next.
   
   There are some great lessons on leadership in the last chapter that are applicable in any context.
   
   For all he did, Landry certainly didn't deserve the kind of dismissal he got at the end of his career.



3. There are some great lessons on leadership and character in this book. Landry's strong faith and belief system helped shape the morality of many that came in contact with him. His vision on life is based on a high value system. He is a perfectionist and a great strategist who believes that preparation is always the key, which I also agree. After reading this book you will walk away with a new layer of tenacity, an increased will to be challenged, and a new resolution to embrace patience more.

5 comments about Pulitzer: A Life.

1. This well-written, detailed biography is fascinating. This book, on Joseph Pulitzer, gives the reader a complete view of his life, his work, and his rise to power. Filled with details on his pioneering thoughts and practices, you'll see why Pulitzer's influence is still felt today. For anyone interested in publishing history and journalism, you won't want to miss this book!



2. Joseph Pulitzer was a fascinating man. His battles with Hearst and his role in the foundation of modern journalism are the stuff of legend. However, I never actually realized how much of an impact Pulitzer had on the 20th century until I read Brian's terrific bio. Well worth the read.



3. It is only upon reaching the very last page of this 395 page biography that the reader comes to understand why this portrait of Pulitzer is so disappointing and, frankly, uncomfortable to read. There, the author cites as one of his sources, a PhD thesis from the 1940s which drew upon an interview with Mr. Pulitzer's aging valet. This interview. pursued at the urging of Pulitzer's son, revealed, apparently for the first time, Pulitzer's virtually disabling depression, the havoc it wreaked on the management of his papers and the misery it brought to his family. If one strips away the "eccentricities" catalogued in exhaustive detail by the author one is left with a narrative that is hardly insightful or illuminating. Like Mr. Pulitzer's beleaguered hirelings and pathetic and emotionally abused family members, the author seems to struggle to divine brilliance in every move of this isolated and miserable man. That Pulitzer and his "World" transformed and empowered the newspaper business at the turn of the last century is without question and the author provides a somewhat lively and entertaining picture of that business in those days. Hpwever, by asking the us to bear with Pulitzer through page after page of troubling and, often, psychotic behavior, the author imparts no more than the conventional appreciation of the proverbial "thin line between genius and madness." The reader comes to suspect that the key to the success of the "World" may actually have derived from the triumph of the genius of others over Pulitzer's madness; a test of this hypothesis requires more richly researched characterizations of the editors and reporters who labored beneath the Dome than the author has produced. In fact, the author rarely strays from Pulitzer's side such that what must have been a vibrant publishing world remains unidimensional and sketchy. By the end of this work, the nature of Pulitzer's genius remains obscure and relatively bereft of insight; it is his madness that is most appreciated as the reader emerges from an exhausting virtual immersion in the psychodrama that dominates this biography.



4. It is only upon reaching the very last page of this 395 page biography that the reader comes to understand why this portrait of Pulitzer is so disappointing and, frankly, uncomfortable to read. There, the author cites as one of his sources, a PhD thesis from the 1940s which drew upon an interview with Mr. Pulitzer's aging valet. This interview. pursued at the urging of Pulitzer's son, revealed, apparently for the first time, Pulitzer's virtually disabling depression, the havoc it wreaked on the management of his papers and the misery it brought to his family. If one strips away the "eccentricities" catalogued in exhaustive detail by the author one is left with a narrative that is hardly insightful or illuminating. Like Mr. Pulitzer's beleaguered hirelings and pathetic and emotionally abused family members, the author seems to struggle to divine brilliance in every move of this isolated and miserable man. That Pulitzer and his "World" transformed and empowered the newspaper business at the turn of the last century is without question and the author provides a somewhat lively and entertaining picture of that business in those days. However, by asking the us to bear with Pulitzer through page after page of troubling and, often, psychotic behavior, the author imparts no more than the conventional appreciation of the proverbial "thin line between genius and madness." The reader comes to suspect that the key to the success of the "World" may actually have derived from the triumph of the genius of others over Pulitzer's madness; a test of this hypothesis requires more richly researched characterizations of the editors and reporters who labored beneath the Dome than the author has produced. In fact, the author rarely strays from Pulitzer's side such that what must have been a vibrant publishing world remains unidimensional and sketchy. By the end of this work, the nature of Pulitzer's genius remains obscure and relatively bereft of insight; it is his madness that is most appreciated as the reader emerges from an exhausting virtual immersion in the psychodrama that dominates this biography.



5. The writing is clear and the narrative of his life is straightforward, if plodding at times (especially regarding his later life). The descriptions of Pulitzer's time in St. Louis and his earliest years in New York City are the most interesting parts of the book, with excellent anecdotes showing the rough and tumble world of newspapers in the mid 19th century. Once he becomes seriously debilitated from gradually losing his sight and an unexplained (psychosomatic?) illness in which even clinking silverware on teeth apparently caused unbearable headaches and pain, the book slows down in places.
   
   The latter part also increasingly shows the largely uncritical approach the author takes toward Pulitzer. Given his apparently tyrannical personality and the consequences for employees and family, it feels as if the repercussions of these bad traits are mostly glossed over. Pulitzer's extreme aversion to loud sounds apparently didn't extend to his own voice, for example, as he would go into frequent rages and tantrums at the slightest thing. Pulitzer's claims to stand up for the common man also go largely unquestioned, even when times are mentioned of him directing editorial content to help his wealthy friends. If he was so concerned about the common man, it seems he would have treated his employees better and paid them more, as Hearst made frequent raids on his staff and hired them away.
   
   The book gives a good overall view of his life and leaves the reader with some memorable images of the man, but a more critical perspective on him and how his life, business, and personality affected the newspaper industry would have made this book much better.

1 comments about Papa's Girl.

1. PAPA'S GIRL:THE FASCINATING WORLD OF HELEN BONFILS is an insightful portrait of the controversial and philanthropic woman who inherited The Denver Post from her infamous father, F.G. Bonfils. More than a bit gossipy, the book features interviews with Miss Helen's household entourage, Denver Post associates, fellow actors and producers, dear friends, priests, and attorney Donald Seawell, among many others, and tells (almost) all about her two marriages, the first to George Somnes, a gay theater director and producer, and the second an outrageous union with her one-time chauffeur, Mike Davis, half her age, who with Helen's backing became a flamboyant wildcatter who made a fortune as head of Tiger Oil and carried on a very public affair with the singer Phyllis McGuire. Readers will learn the inside story of the distant relationship between Helen and her older sister May Bonfils Stanton, the inner workings of The Denver Post, the lavish lifestyle of the Bonfils family, and tidbits about Denver society and their attitudes toward F.G. and the rest of the clan. Old-timer Denverites will lap this up; others, too, will enjoy learning about this unusual woman.

5 comments about Half-Life of a Zealot.

1. Half-Life of a Zealot is a remarkable book, and Swanee Hunt is a remarkable person. In her introduction, the author quotes Jill Ker Conway who wrote: "The woman autobiographer...cannot depart too dramatically from popularly accepted stereotypes, which affirm the man of action and the suffering or redemptive female. To do so is to risk losing persuasive power." A statement Ms. Hunt agrees with, but; she writes, "rather than feel reluctant about showing my vulnerability, I've wondered if it's safe to show strength." In those two sentences, Ms. Hunt beautifully sets the book's tone of the dualities of her life, one that was lived in isolation, and the other in public; one where love was given freely by her gentle mother, the other often held at bay by her powerful, famous father. With razor sharp intellect, openness, and candor, Ms. Hunt weaves her many lives as politician, daughter, sister, wife, mother, and peace maker into a wonderfully complex tapestry that pulls readers in deeper with each flip of the page. For even with her family's enormous wealth, Half-Life is a universal tale of a child's longings for family, love, and acceptance; and a triumphant story of a woman who grew into her own power and self-worth. Written in a casual and easy to read narrative, Half-Life is filled with unforgettable characters, fascinating events, and enough twists and turns that both mend and break the hearts to make it an engaging read.



2. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't rave enough about it! Swanee, through her life's work, is an incredible inspiration.



3. "Swanee Hunt has taken a phenomenal journey through life and written all about it in her new book and autobiography called 'Half-Life of a Zealot.' I found this book one of the most revealing autobiographies I have ever read. It takes an incredible amount of courage to strip herself bare the way she did so much of the time in this book, and I value that because I really felt I had an opportunity to get to know her. It was not just some kind of political exercise and that's rare -- particularly in politics." -- Barry Gordon on the progressive talk radio show "Barry Gordon From Left Field" (for which I am the producer)



4. I am just one-half way through this book but must say, at this point, it is probably one of the "best" books I have ever encountered. The factors contributing to this assessment are readibility, candor, lessons learned that I might use, subject matter and on and on. The author has led an unusual life, not just because she could because of her fortune and fame,but equally because she had the drive and desire to explore, explore and explore so many untested avenues and, in doing so, strengthened her own confidence in pushing even further. At one point she said that she was determined to take on one new challenge every year. She tends to defy the odds--pervailing all along. She climbed in Nepal, ran a marathon while not really in great shape, overcame her fears regarding being in leadership positions, etc., etc. To this point, her life gives me an inspiration that I have not gained from any other reading. I can't recommend it enough. I anticipate reading the section dealing with her diplomatic career. I was at the high end of my mid level employement at the State Department during that period. I am curious to see how we agree, or not, with situations at that time.



5. Swanee's book is interesting and is on a nice, high level of intellect. Prior to her book I had read about her dad, and I have known one of her nieces, although she is "half niece" and is older (older than her aunt!). Swanee was interesting to read, and pictures of her has her looking like a pretty woman, which is not true of all of the Hunt folks. I enjoyed reading her comments in regards to Southern Baptist, since I am a Southern Baptist, too. I recommend it if your interest can run along such lanes of thought.
   
   Jack

5 comments about Fuqua.

1. J. B. Fuqua is a very inspirational businessman. I enjoyed this book, but he gives very little detail. He mentions these big business deals but thats just it. He ONLY MENTIONS them!!! No doubt in my mind there could be a great book written about Mr. Fuqua, but in my opinion this is not it!



2. Words of wisdom from a man with the experience to back it up. Though not always deep into the intricate details, Fuqua writes enough to let you have an understanding of how he got where he is today. What I learned from this book is that in business almost anything is posible if you are open to suggestions and can think of innovative ideas. I did not expect a step by step how to book but more of an outline for success and that is what I got. I would recommend this book.



3. Considering the era in which we live, when it is better to make money than be honest, a truly principled man is a rare and valuable thing. J. B. Fuqua is just the kind of man we need in these trying times. He is one of the best examples we have today of a man who came from meager means to become one of America's top business minds. His philanthropic work alone merits attention, from establishing the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University to The Atlanta Botanical Garden. A book about a true American original!



4. Yes, this is definitely a well written and informative biography of Mr. Fuqua. It is unfortunate though, that it has the word "how" in the title, as it does not tell you "how" he made his fortune, rather it tells you how HE made HIS fortune, (and that was by using other people's money). It is nevertheless a very good book, that has many smart ideas, as well as moves that he made in his life, which could be imitated, or expanded upon, by others, to fit their situation, and thereby they could possibly make their own fortune. (Case in point: living out in the sticks, nowhere near any library, he figured out a way to get knowledge about subjects otherwise closed to him -by borrowing books through the mail- and this was at a time when phones were almost a luxury!). It may not tell you just how to make a fortune, but it will probably give you a few ideas, or, pointers, to help you in that quest.



5. I was given a signed copy of this book that I promptly shelved for about a year. Such was fortunate, I believe, because when I finally picked it up, the timing could not have been better.

   Reading J.B. Fuqua's memoirs may not give you a "how to" guide to making money, but it most definitely gives you an idea of why Fuqua succeeded: drive. You learn in this book that Fuqua never read books for pleasure though he constantly read books for knowledge. Though I don't subscribe to this particular ideology 100% (maybe more of a 50% knowledge, 50% pleasure mentality), it's easy to see the underlying one-mindedness that such an attitude requires. Fuqua had a goal of being financially successful. I believe he accomplished that goal because he could not busy himself with any other ideas and his thirst was never quenched for success - this easily comes through in his book.

   Everything told, Fuqua's story is enchanting because it is the story of a poor Virgina boy becoming a "mover and shaker" who runs huge companies and befriends Presidents. Read it and feel the urge to find a similar passion that would drive you so far ...

5 comments about Prince Charming: The John F. Kennedy, Jr. Story.

1. This book does appear to offer a fairly accurate and close look at John Kennedy, Jr. But, it spends too much time discussing the Kennedys and Jackie. It should have focused more attention to the subject itself: John. A huge indiscrepancy is that John Jr. was born on Thanksgiving Day. Any good fact checker could have easily discovered that November 25, 1960 was a Friday, not a Thursday. When an author commits such a mistake, their credibility for accuracy of the rest of material in the book has to be questioned. As another reviewer wrote, any magazine offers a better biography of John Kennedy, Jr. than this book does. The best part of this book, however small, was the photos.



2. This book had many good points, and I finished it fairly quickly. It made me laugh out loud, and at other poignant moments I cried. I enjoyed reading about John's college exploits, his years as an assistant D.A. and details of his relationships with the ladies. It was vividly written, capturing my imagination in a way that presented me with a good sense of his splendid personality, in turn giving me an evengreater admiration of the man. Too much time, I think was devoted to his early childhood days, and I was disappointed that missing was a major portion of his later life after the debut of GEORGE, and of his married life. I would recommend this book, though, to anyone wanting a keepsake to revisit the memory of our beloved John Jr.



3. This back of the book cover led me to believe there would be interesting information on his wife, Carolyn. Ha! There was practically no information on his wife. I learned more about her in a single magazine article then from this book. It has the basic geographic info: born, lived, schooled. Boring. If you are a diehard JFK JR then go for it, otherwise there are much better books on him. If you are looking for Carolyn info, look elsewhere. Period.



4. this book is nothing but gossip.this lady prints facts people already know. dont waste your money



5. As a generation "Xer" this book intrigued me for one shallow purpose at the forthright. John F. Kennedy, Jr. was and will always remain in the public's eye as a sex symbol. I was glad that the author started out with something familiar when introducing her book. Beginning with the how and why of John's appointment to the sexiest man alive was something that I remembered and could identify with. Without any knowledge of the Kennedy "clan" as she terms them, and even less historical knowledge, I could identify with the placement of John on the cover of People magazine. While I had heard of President Kennedy's alleged affairs it came as a shock to see other members of the Kennedy family hold such little esteem for marriage vows. The author really brings Jackie Kennedy down to earth and sure makes me long for her happiness and admire the strength of such a delicate looking woman. She certainly isn't short on male companionship and some of her relationships leave you wondering why she didn't just go it alone. The details behind John's relationships are intriguing and the relationship with Madonna was particularly surprising to this reader. The author paints the picture of John being less than the smartest Kennedy but far outshining with his personality, athletic abilities, and Kennedy charisma. The well-known ending is tragic and left me with the same sinking feeling as I did watching the T.V. hoping his plane would be found or by some chance to find out he hadn't been on board at all. A good read for anyone wanting more information on the Kennedy family and most importantly on John Jr.