Liz says: "It is ever thus as soon as someone does something unusual and seemingly hot in the movie biz. They attract criticism like heat lightning.  It is ever thus." I remember my Irish grandmother always used to use the expression: "T’was ever thus." Once when she heard the news that someone had gotten pregnant, and was not wed, she said…"Well, she wasn’t the first and she won’t be the last." Preceded by the above comment. : ) It was a comforting fact because it was a fact - that Old Man River he just keeps on rolling, right?  But what about "Balloon Boy?" Forever to be known as "Balloon Boy?" Now, that’s who I really feel sorry for, that poor kid, sheesh, hopefully, he can rise above it. (See?!  ; ) I couldn’t even help myself!). And THAT is what may really be the main problem for Judy Garland as with many of the other celebrities mentioned was that they would look to other people to see how they feel about themselves. You know, that’s the stuff that’ll tear you up faster than any drug (and is just as addicting). Because you can call someone "Balloon Boy," you can label them a drunk, you can say they are whacked out on crack, but YOU can’t make those things stick. Only *I* can do that. It certainly helps to have outstanding women in one’s corner but we all need to stand in that corner, too, for ourselves. It looks like Mr. Daniels has done just that, what an inspiration!

Just a little clarification Liz in regard to the actress who played Precious, she is actually 26 years old. I still haven’t seen it yet and can’t wait to. Everyone is raving about it. It has the same buzz one of my other all time favorites did, Meryl Streep’s - Doubt. So let’s hope it continues to win awards and hearts.

Clive Davis deserves a standing ovation! Bravo Mr. Davis.

For he is doing for Whitney what no one did for Michael Jackson, and that is be a true friend. Not a "yes man" who simply bows, smiles and agrees with everything he said and did. Allowed him time and time again to step in front of the oncoming train, instead of pull him back from the tracks. No, to the contrary. In Clive we see a man who genuinely cares about a woman (first) singer (second). Sure he has a vested interest in seeing her succeed, but there always seemed to be a genuine caring nature between the two.

Between the assertiveness of Whitney’s mom and family members on the subject of not allowing her to abuse drugs again, and the support she is getting from Clive, she may actually have a shot at staying clean and getting back on the charts. I may not like her choice in men, but she is keeping company with good people.

You are the company you keep. I have always believed that and have never seen anyone live the the exception of that motto. Who we surround ourselves with is indeed a reflection on who we are.

"It is ever thus as soon as someone does something unusual and seemingly hot in the movie biz. They attract criticism like heat lightning."

Very wise, Liz. But I think this happens in any "biz." Why don’t we celebrate instead of criticize when someone else succeeds?? This baffles me.

Susan Gabriel

I never cease to be amazed at the verbal cruelty and judgmental attitudes of  people.  Merely becaue Whitney Houston is famous and , probably, still has a couple of quarters to rub together, people are passing judgment on her, her friends, who should have helped her, who ruined her, what she should have done to achieve sobriety, how she should have acted once released from rehab. To all these people who are just so sure what should be done to, for and by an addict, may you never, ever experience life with one or as one.  Although if you did, you might see what idiotic clap trap is rolling around in your collective brains.

  And that movie.  Frankly, I hadn’t heard of the book and/or the movie, but after reading these posts, I will get a copy.   As of now, I’m not working with Black children, but I kind of think that verbal and sexual abuse would have a similar effect on other young girls.  Therefore, this is a book I need to read.

 In closing, could the site monitor please remove the advertisement garbage.  It’s jarring to be reading through a thread and then happen on to one of those.  Thanks.