JFK, Nixon, Oliver Stone and Me: An Idealist's Journey from Capitol Hill to Hollywood Hell

Book Description

A revealing insider's look at one of Hollywood's most prominent, private, and notoriously difficult directors; at the way the film business works; and at the Washington/Hollywood connection. JFK, Nixon, Oliver Stone and Me is the funny, thoughtful memoir of an accomplished former Congressional staffer who left D.C. for Hollywood and a job with Oliver Stone, hoping to help make politically engaged films and a difference, and found himself instead in a wildly dysfunctional universe ruled by greed, paranoia, narcissism, competition, alcohol and drugs. After finishing law school, Eric Hamburg became an unusually effective young staffer on Capitol Hill-convincing his boss, Rep. Lee Hamilton of Indiana, to submit a bill that would release the House's closely held files on the John F. Kennedy assassination investigation, one of Hamburg's own pet obsessions. This led to his meeting Oliver Stone and soon-much to his own surprise-Hamburg found swimming amongst the sneakiest of Hollywood sharks. Hamburg describes his fascinating experiences working on the films Nixon and Any Given Sunday while navigating the arcane politics of Stone's studio, Ixtlan. Pursuing film projects (and Kennedy assassination leads), he also muses on the ways and means of the movie biz; on the strange symbiotic Washington/Hollywood relationship; on the meaning of success and the price of power. His story is a contemporary Mr. Smith Goes to Hollywood, told by a narrator of wit, intelligence, and a singular set of experiences.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting story, but reads like a tabloid........2005-12-27

I bought this book at an inventory clearance, which proved an accurate guide to my expectations. It is the story of a lawyer working as a congressional aide who parlayed his interest in the JFK assassination to become a production assistant to Oliver Stone. The title refers to films of the latter, not JFK and Nixon themselves.
The idea of an intelligent, idealistic outsider learning firsthand about the machinations of Hollywood is certainly intriguing, and this is what the subtitle suggests the theme will be. However, this theme becomes subverted to two parallel, personal agendas of the author: 1. a forum for his own speculations about the "truth" regarding the JFK assassination and Watergate, and 2. a catharsis for the estrangement he suffered from Stone in the wake of their collaboration. Towards the end, it reads like an open letter to Stone, pleading for his rehabilitation from a self-destructive lifestyle. For those who like conspiracy theories and juicy gossip about celebrities, this will be a bonus. Personally, I was hoping to learn more about the process by which Oliver Stone gets his movies made, and less about the shortcomings of the man without whom, I think it is fair to say, there would be no market for this book.
At one point, Hamburg writes that he came to Hollywood to "learn how to make political films, not do business deals." Perhaps this was meant to be ironic, since after finishing reading his story, it appears to me that film-making is all about business deals. In fact, it would have been interesting to learn how Oliver Stone arranges the funding to realize his creative vision (and hedonistic lifestyle). Here, there are only a few dismissive comments about seedy-sounding "money men".
One of the useful aspects of this book is its overview of contemporary published opinion on the JFK assassination and Watergate. A bibliography listing the works mentioned throughout the text would have been helpful.

Overwrought and a bit pretentious.......2005-11-30

Hamburg obviously writes for a different genre, allegedly screenwriting. And while ascribing himself much credit, his prose falls largely flat. Many of the sentences read on a basic level, a recitation of his accomplishments, marginal people he met, and esoteric details that are painful to dig through. For the Stone fan, an interesting read, for the average person, it has its moments. But its material, and its potential, is so much greater than what Hamburg delivers. For all the material possible, the book delivers flat. It's not worth the money and not really worth the time. It often reads as Hamburg's diary entries, with most chapters being a scant three or four pages, rather than a real story about great opportunities and fascinating characters. Hamburg is also a constant name-dropper, for almost no discernable reason. It seemed as though Hamburg's insights were immature, overwrought, and full of snide commentary and self promotion. It's no coincidence that his career centers on the two parts of the country that hype both: Hollywood and Washington.

Book Report by Brent Simon - JFK, Nixon, Stone.......2003-05-22

JFK, Nixon, Oliver Stone & Me

Eric Hamburg

Public Affairs

reviewed by Brent Simon

A deliciously, amazingly illuminating account of Tinseltown excess, Eric Hamburgýs JFK, Nixon, Oliver Stone & Me recounts an idealistýs journey from Capitol Hill to Hollywood hell. A terrifically entertaining read disguised with a memoirýs overcoat, Hamburgýs book details his occupational pilgrimage from legislative assistant under influential House of Representatives member Lee Hamilton to his position at director Stoneýs Ixtlan Films, where he handled legal and business affairs while also initiating the ideas that would in time come to take shape as the films Nixon and Any Given Sunday.

Itýs a very personal book, and draws almost exclusively from the authorýs remembrances and journal entries of the time covered. This means first there is some overlap, both thematically and in detail; Hamburg sometimes repeats himself even closely within the text in a manner unacceptable for top-shelf reportage. He even blatantly misidentifies Reese Witherspoon as Brooke Shields at point. Still, these occasional faux pas (was the book even edited?) do not blunt the tomeýs power or change its bottom line.

For those interested in the ins and outs of high-end cinematic wheeling and dealing, Hamburgýs book is chock full of tasty firsthand details about Oliver Stoneýs peccadilloes and a myriad of ever-rotating but always kooky projects he pursued in bits and pieces. Of the latter, most intriguing were planned biopics on J. Edgar Hoover and Manuel Noreiga (Al Pacino graciously refused $10 million from a pay-or-play deal when it fell apart), plus movies on Afghanistan, Stoneýs obsessive hatred of columnist Maureen Dowd (known in various iterations as Media and Power) and even a possible sequel to JFK, which was the project Stone was working on when Hamburg first met him. The details of the directorýs disastrous personal life are even more vivid and revelatory: Stoneýs ceaseless drug abuse, irrational flare-ups, legendary cheapness, interpersonal abrasiveness and possible shaping youthful sexual encounter(s) with his motherý yikes!

Most unnerving, though, are Hamburgýs stories of his dealings and interactions with Danny Halsted, a former Disney exec who wormed his way into Stoneýs production company and whom Hamburg refers to here almost exclusively as "Danny the Weasel." To recount the many jaw-dropping instances of Halstedýs idiocy, conniving, theft and general disreputable behavior would take too much space here, but suffice to say that it both represents and confirms all the worst youýve ever heard or suspected about Hollywood suits masquerading as creative executives. This isnýt a horror novel, but at times JFK, Nixon, Oliver Stone & Me ranks right up there with the most unsettling of Stephen Kingýs works.

JFK, Nixon, Oliver Stone and Me: An Idealist's Journey from.......2003-05-20

This book was lousy fluff. The author is a testament to Washington/Hollywood self-absorption, and is very comfortable blaming the USA (and its' alleged CIA/Cuba connections) for all the world's wrongs. Meanwhile, the author is completely star-struck in the company of the totalitarian murderer, Fidel Castro. Go figure.

Book Review from the Hollywood Reporter 12/24/02.......2003-03-08

JFK, Nixon, Oliver Stone Dec. 24, 2002 By Michael Farkash Eric Hamburg Public Affairs,464 pages As the song goes, "Paranoia strikes deep." That's one of the central experiences of a savvy political aide and speechwriter who went to work for writer-director-producer Oliver Stone. Eric Hamburg's "JFK, Nixon, Oliver Stone & Me: An Idealist's Journey From Capitol Hill to Hollywood Hell" is a sharp, well-written book that tunes into some familiar territory, notably the bad, mad geography of film production politics and the decades-old mysteries surrounding the death of John F. Kennedy and the Cuban connection. The book is very accessible, very readable and filled with admiration for professionals like Anthony Hopkins and mixed, mostly angry assessments of Stone and the people surrounding the filmmaker. The dark byways of the film biz should have been no surprise for the bright, politically astute Hamburg, who worked for years on Capitol Hill -- but then, hearing about the nasty, difficult parts of the film production process and living them are two quite different things. Serving as a producer and development executive at Stone's production company, Ixtlan, the author originated and won co-producing credits on the films "Nixon" and "Any Given Sunday." He explores the paranoid, vain, greedy, sometimes drug-fueled aspects of Stone's world of film development, where solid ground can often give way to a quicksand of uncertainty. Using his Washington connections, Stone's name and persistence, Hamburg was able to get key figures from the JFK and Nixon years to meet with him and Stone and persuade them to contribute stories and background to Stone's films. He also shares with us his research trips to places like Cuba and a brief meeting with Fidel Castro. But Hamburg became quickly disenchanted with what he calls the "Oliver Zone" -- suspicions, dark rages, drug use and a habit of playing staff people against one another. It's like royal court intrigue. Writes Hamburg: "Oliver was moody and unpredictable, often irrational and absolutely insane when it came to money. This was a very dangerous subject with him. "However, Hamburg received some good advice -- those three little words that mean everything in negotiations: "Hire a lawyer." In case the reader wonders if film development is a habit-forming occupation -- Hamburg continues working as a producer and writer in Los Angeles.

Product Description

Duets -- An American Classic features Tony Bennett singing classic songs with some of the most famous vocalists in the world. This book provides the lyrics along with piano and chord arrangement for all the songs on the record. Titles are: Lullaby of Broadway (w/the Dixie Chicks) * Smile (w/Barbara Streisand) * Put on a Happy Face (w/James Taylor) * The Very Thought of You (w/Paul McCartney) * The Shadow of Your Smile (w/Juanes) * Rags to Riches (w/Elton John) * The Good Life (w/Billy Joel) * Cold, Cold Heart (w/Tim McGraw) * The Best is Yet to Come (w/Diana Krall) * For Once in My Life (w/Stevie Wonder) * Are You Havin Any Fun? (w/Elvis Costello) * Because of You (w/k.d. lang) * Just in Time (w/Michael Bubl ) * The Boulevard of Broken Dreams (w/Sting) * I Wanna Be Around (w/Bono) * Sing, You Sinners (w/John Legend) * I Left My Heart in San Francisco * How Do You Keep the Music Playing? (w/George Michael) * If I Ruled The World (w/Celine Dion).

Tony Bennett: In the Studio (The New York Edition): A Life of Art & Music

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Essence of Style and Class
American Standard

Tony Bennett: In the Studio (The New York Edition): A Life of Art & Music
Tony Bennett , and Robert Sullivan
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1402752334

Book Description

Sterling is pleased to announce the printing of two limited editions of Tony Bennett in the Studio: A Life of Art & Music. We are printing 350 copies of each deluxe edition, The New York Edition and The Florentine Edition. The New York Edition is bound in midnight blue bonded leather, and slipcased in fine woven cloth. The book includes a copy of the CD Pop ART Songs--a limited edition CD featuring Tony Bennett performing personally selected impressionistic art songs. The New York Edition also features an exquisite limited-edition giclée published here for the first time, printed on high-quality archival watercolor paper: Still Life New York, which was painted in the artist's own studio overlooking Central Park, measures approximately 11 x 14 inches, is numbered, and hand-signed by Tony Bennett. The book also includes a tipped-in, numbered vellum frontispiece signed by Bennett, as well as a ribbon marker.

Customer Reviews:

Essence of Style and Class.......2007-10-02

I just received this book yesterday. It is an absolute must buy. I have been a Tony Bennett fan for many years. The book captures the style and class of someone who truly is one of a kind. I will enjoy and share this book with all of my friends. This would make a great gift!!!!

American Standard.......2007-09-23

This book is not only a product showing the life of Tony Bennett but also showing a link to our history in entertainment. I bought it because I want to be inspired to greatness and I've always love his music but had seen little of his artwork. If there was ever a chance to sit and talk to someone famous, this man is at the top of my list.

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The Tony Bennett Songbook

Manufacturer: Warner Bros Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1576234681

Product Description

This 42 song folio includes: I Left My Heart In San Francisco, Because Of You, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Steppin Out With My Baby, I'll Be Seeing You, Cold, Cold Heart, I Got Rhythm, The Best Is Yet To Come, Rags To Riches, People, Fly Me To The Moon, Call Me Irresponsible and more.

Alec Wilder and His Friends: The Words and Sounds of Marian McPartland, Mabel Mercer, Marie Marcus, Bobby Hackett, Tony Bennett, Ruby Braff, Bob and (Roots of jazz)

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Alec Wilder and His Friends: The Words and Sounds of Marian McPartland, Mabel Mercer, Marie Marcus, Bobby Hackett, Tony Bennett, Ruby Braff, Bob and (Roots of jazz)
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Hot & Cool

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14 Ellington classics brought to new life by this legendary singer who continues to amaze. Songs are: Azure * Caravan * Chelsea Bridge * Day Dream * Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me * Don't Get Around Much Anymore * I'm Just a Lucky So and So * In a Mellow Mood * It Don't Mean a Thing If You Ain't Got that Swing * Mood Indigo * Prelude to a Kiss * I Got It Bad and that Ain't Good * Sophisticated Lady.

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Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
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Tony Bennett: The Art of Romance
Tony Bennett
Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing
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Product Description

Titles include: Close Enough for Love; All in Fun; Where Do You Start; Little Did I Dream; I Remember You; Time To Smile; All For You; Best Man; Don't Like Goodbyes; Being Alive; Gone With The Wind.

Book Description

Detailed puzzle strategies and solutions
Locations of all the treasure hunt items

Customer Reviews:

"The 11th Hour" Strategy Guide.......2002-10-27

This guide is essentially all anyone could ask for in a hint book. For players of "The 11th Hour" who need just the slightest nudge, to people who are so turned around they can't tell the kitchen from the library, this is the book for you. The first half contains the whole story, told from the perspective of Carl. Carl gives the reader a more in-depth look at the Stauf house, and provides some useful background information on the events of the previous game, "The 7th Guest." This narrative section will guide the reader in the right direction without giving away the actual solution to the puzzle currently being solved. It also clarifies what is currently happening in the game, in case the reader is having some difficulty following the twisted story line. It gives the various alternate endings an explanation, too, and warns which is the correct one so the reader doesn't spoil the surprise. After the narrative, the book contains the full solutions to the puzzles, the original script to the game, and an interview with the game's inventors. All in all, a wonderfully detailed book that is as thoroughly interesting to read as it is helpful.

a great help!.......2000-03-27

If anyone likes mind boggling games (well stradegy games at least), then you'll love the sequal to 7th guest! this book helps you get through all the puzzles and mazes which await you ahead! I love this game and the 7th Guest will always be my favorite game so this game is then my second fav! try it and you'll see for yourself!

11th Hour: The Sequel to the 7th Guest: The Official Strategy Guide

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11th Hour: The Sequel to the 7th Guest: The Official Strategy Guide
Rusel; Uttermann, Alex Demaria
Manufacturer: Prima Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NTZIV4

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Raise your batting average

The Exceptional Presenter is also an exceptional writer

Outstanding!!!

I will recommend this book to anyone in business...

The Exceptional Presenter is Exceptional

The Exceptional Presenter
Timothy J. Koegel
Manufacturer: Timothy Koegel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Power Speaking: The Art of the Exceptional Public Speaker

ASIN: 0972050604

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The Exceptional Presenter is written to provide the essential skills, techniques and strategies necessary for you to present at an exceptional level, to any audience, in any venue. The cost of being a less than exceptional presenter is more than you can afford. Woven through every chapter is a proven formula that has worked for the most senior professionals in government, business, the media and education. It can work for you! Make this book your personal diary and carry it with you on your way to becoming an EXCEPTIONAL PRESENTER. To read the table of contents and Chapter One, go to www.theexceptionalpresenter.com

Customer Reviews:

Raise your batting average.......2006-03-11

Not only is Koegel's book the perfect "how-to" manual for public speakers, Koegel's simple (yet seldom followed) guidelines have been very effective for the sales professionals within my organization. A company may have a great product or service, but they will lose sales unless they can effectively communicate their value proposition. Make every presentation, including marketing presentation count - Koegel's techniques have raised the "batting average" of my firm's sales team. This book is a must read for public speakers, managers AND sales professionals.

The Exceptional Presenter is also an exceptional writer.......2005-12-19

If only all self-help books were like this one...
Informative, clear, helpful, short and to the point.
In the past few months since I purchased this book I already used what I learned on numerous occasions, and to great results (read: standing ovation!).
I consider myself a good presenter already, but Mr. Koegel really pointed out some issues that I'm trying to improve so I can become exceptional.

In short, if you speak in public, get this book!

Outstanding!!! .......2005-09-25

I read this book while waiting between flights at an airport in Florida. As a motivational speaker, I can truly say that I have never read anything better on the subject of how to be an outstanding presenter.

I will recommend this book to anyone in business..........2005-03-03

I just completed this book and it was perfect! There are only a number of sales tools I would require for all my sales people and this in one of them. My only regret is that I did not have such a book years ago!

The Exceptional Presenter is Exceptional.......2004-06-15

This is an excellent book especially for people that are new to public speaking. It helps allay the fears with humor and simple, easy-to-follow instructions. I would recommend this book to anyone who might have a presentation to make and is a little nervous or unsure of how they will do.

The Exceptional Presenter: A Proven Formula to Open Up and Own the Room

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Will improve your ability and confidence in not only public speaking but in any social interaction.
The Exceptional Presenter
FROM A SEASONED EXECUTIVE COACH
Mandatory reading!
Top Notch Advice

The Exceptional Presenter: A Proven Formula to Open Up and Own the Room
Timothy J. Koegel
Manufacturer: Greenleaf Book Group Press
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Release Date: 2007-05-01

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Revised and Expanded Edition

It's often reported that the number one fear among American adults is public speaking. But in today's competitive business world, effective communication is a crucial skill, and the cost of being less than effective is quite high. From the White House to boardrooms worldwide, Tim Koegel has strengthened presentations, media relations and communications skills of CEOs and world leaders alike with his renowned coaching abilities. His new book, The Exceptional Presenter, lays out his techniques in a format perfectly suited to today's busy world.

Customer Reviews:

Will improve your ability and confidence in not only public speaking but in any social interaction........2007-10-02

In my quest to become an a first rate facilitator, negotiator and conversationalist, I read The Exceptional Presenter. I found it insightful, applicable and continue to put lessons I learned to practice.

Among the many lessons I learned, three that stood out to me personally were;
1. Kicking off presentations by telling the audience about themselves.
2. Moving towards and away from the audience as you make a specific point.
3. Talking to the audience before the presentation to get a 'pulse' for what they're thinking.

The Exceptional Presenter changed the way I approach and perceive presentations and talking in public. For my improvement in ability and confidence I cant thank the author enough.

The Exceptional Presenter.......2007-10-01

Anyone who speaks must have The Exceptional Presenter. It will assist even the most confident person in projecting more presence.

Ann Marie Sabath
Author, One Minute Manners: Quick Solutions to the Most Awkward Situations You'll Ever Face at Work

FROM A SEASONED EXECUTIVE COACH.......2007-09-05

I am an executive coach and HR consultant who has trained thousands of professionals over the past 25 years. My focus is on helping individuals become 'Strategic Partners' in whatever arena they serve. I have worked with international public accounting partners and partner candidates, bank executives, insurance vice presidents of sales, attorneys, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and MBA students from some of America's top business schools. We explore '12 Success Core Competencies' that, if exercised appropriately, ultimately lead individuals to the top of their respective professions. Of the '12 Success Core Competencies,' none is more critical than effective 'Oral Presentation Manner & Style.'

Because of the impact oral presentation effectiveness has on the credibility of an individual I have read almost all printed material on the subject. NONE address oral presentation effectiveness as well as Tim Koegel's The Exceptional Presenter.

His concept, and the way he presents it, is so concise and substantive I have invited him to personally address groups of executives I coach. If you like his book...you will love his presentation style and message. He entertains and enlightens audiences simultaneously.

Tim Koegel is the master of this subject. Read his The Exceptional Presenter...and keep it close by as a 'ready reference.' No skill will ever serve you better.

Mandatory reading!.......2007-09-04

This book is mandatory reading for every professional in our company. My business is incredibly competitive - lots at stake. Everyone, from our seniormost rainmaker to our newest Associate has benefited. I have read this book twice, and contemplate Koegel's suggestions before every presentation I make. This book makes one a better presenter both by instructing what is effective, but also by pointing out things that can negatively impact a presention or communication of a message. I can't imagine a better book of presentation "do's and don'ts"!!

Top Notch Advice.......2007-09-04

Tim Koegel's "The Exceptional Presenter" gives a lot of useful advice. Perhaps the most important is this: We are all presenters--in meetings, when leaving voice mails, talking to the boss, etc.

This is a proven way to improve communication skills. This books has been spotlighted in The Washington Times, The Baltimore Sun, US News & World Report and many other publications.

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