Postcards From Myself

I recently picked up “Through The Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World” by Lynne Spears. Mrs. Spears is the mother of Britney, Jamie Lynn and Bryan Spears. What struck me first was the title, or should I say subtitle. A “real story” of the “tabloid world” seemed to be contradictory. But, as painful as it is to read and admit, this does ring true as a real story in exactly the same way that one could do a real story about cosmetic surgery.

Reading the book it also quickly becomes clear where the root of the families problems is. Lynne Spears is a mother who passed on to her children the need for fame and success without any real regards for the cost or the process. Turning true talent and personality into celebrity became the fastest way to do that.

There is a quote pulled out about two-thirds of the way through the book that says, “I wonder what Mama and Daddy would have said about all the craziness surrounding Britney, Jamie Lynn, and all of us. They were from another era, a time when character counted more than celebrity, and when you word was your sacred trust.” Those two lines about sum up this unfortunate story.

The incidents in “Through The Storm” show that the Spears girls, led by their mother, abandoned character and values for the glamor of celebrity. Equally as evident in reading this is that there is always someone else to blame or a prayer that God will bail you out. Instead of taking personal responsibility for actions, causes, and consequences, Lynn Spears always places the blame outside of herself. Showing still that character just is not there.

As for the book itself, it is a quick but disjointed read – very much like the lives of the pop celebrities it details. The style and content is about as filling as watching E! on television. If that is what you enjoy then you will enjoy “Through The Storm”. If however, you prefer real biographies, real stories, real news – then move on to something else.

There are a number of thing building up to make me mad right now. Madness, anger, frustration… pretty much any term you used to describe it. So, here are the top 5.

5. Neil Gaiman’s new book “The Graveyard Book” has been out for almost a week and I still don’t have a copy yet. I simply love Gaiman’s work and I have been waiting for this for months. Frustrating!

4. People who don’t or won’t vote. Everything from apathy to protesting is their excuse. Do they know what a right and a privilege it is to be able to vote? To have such a thing and throw it away is inexcusable.

3. Celebrities. Why do people care who is doing who and who is gay or straight? This obsession with celebrities and the beautiful few is corruptive, disruptive, and obscene. What happened to real news and real thought?

2. The financial bailout. OK, this just burns me. They approved it and the stock markets are still down and gas prices are still up. If we were going to spend that money, just give it to all of us tax payers to spend! We could have bought groceries, paid our mortgages, and refueled the economy. Instead, we are all screwed.

1. Our election process. I am for Obama, but that doesn’t mean I think McCain is the root of all evil. He is a good man, I just disagree with him. Why does our election process have to demonize the candidates? Why do the candidate’s staff do this. It is wrong, immoral, and makes it very hard for unity to take place after the elections.

OK, I will go take my meds and try to relax. But, I want to hear what is ticking you off! Maybe if I hear some other opinions I will be able to realize that mine aren’t so bad.

Thanks for listening!