My last two summers: one with the Obamas, the other with the Kennedys

It is almost 50 years to the day that Martin Luther King made his historical speech: "I have a dream..."

Lots of festivities are planned to mark this day, with 3 Democrat presidents speaking: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

I like the 50th anniversaries... Especially the ones that have something to do with human rights, like this one or others that have impacted our lives forever. 

This summer - I have been asked by members of the Kennedy family, to join them during one of their intimate family journey that united them like never before.

I have been friends with the Kennedys for years... Yet - I did not know what to expect, when I agreed to jump on a plane... Neither did they!

We all experienced the most emotional journey... Such wide range of emotions... A family seeking  to find out - like many of us - where it all began: their roots.

When we went there, we were all talking about the most important days of President Kennedy 50 years ago... One of the highlights - JFK's  fight for human rights (the showdown with George Wallace in Alabama,  who was trying to block 2 black students, registering to a university...)

The Kennedys took pride (rightly so!) with their family, standing for "Moral Rights." And now - America has a black President: Barack Obama.

Caroline Kennedy-Schlossberg, who was with us this summer, led her family in supporting Obama for President, rather than their old time friend Hillary Clinton. In fact - I was among the few, when Barack and Michelle Obama made their big first visit to NYC, and were introduced by Ted Sorenson, JFK's speech writer. Few days later - I was among the very few guests at Jean Kennedy Smith's home in NYC, with the same Ted Sorenson, and her family members. The name "OBAMA" was all over the place...

Then - came Caroline's famous OP-ED at the NY Times, endorsing Obama.

I have been a Hillary (Clinton) friend and supporter. I still am!!  So that was a disappointment for her, to say the least... After all - President Clinton was the one who appointed Jean Kennedy-Smith - the only surviving sister of JFK and RFK - as an US ambassador to Ireland!

YET... After spending this precious time, traveling with the Kennedys this summer, finding about their roots... I DO understand Caroline (supporting Obama) so much better...

There is so much similarity between the stories of an immigrant, named Patrick Kennedy who boarded a famine ship in Ireland, going after his big dream - A M E R I C A!

Same goes for Barack Obama Sr. - pushed by his step mother Sarah Obama - going all the way from Kenya to  A M E R I C A: The only thing Obama Sr. (and Patrick Kennedy) had in common was their big faith and big dream...

Members of the Obama family stayed at my home last summer, while I penned the autobiography of the family. What a powerful story it is!

Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots 

http://www.amazon.com/Mama-Sarah-Obama-Dreams-ebook/dp/B009518OB2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352165803&sr=8-2&keywords=mama+sarah+obama

But This journey with the Kennedys this summer, cemented it what I discovered last summer: Not only the many resemblances between the Kennedys and the Obamas... The realization, that it takes lots of daring and hard work... 

But, in the end, big dreams can become reality. 

Only in America! 

 

My friend, the new king of Belgium!!

SOooo... You have heard the news earlier today...

Crown Prince Philippe of Belgium is going to become the country's king on July 21st!

His father, King Albert, announced today, that he was stepping down that day.

It follows the abdication of the Queen of Netherlands, few weeks ago, letting her son, Crown Prince Willem Alexander and his popular wife Princess Maxima, to become the King and Queen of Netherlands. 

It had happened before in Netherlands. But, NEVER before in Belgium!

Some would say - "Big News!" Others would nod sarcastically, and mumble: "Poor Prince Charles..."

Of course, they are referring to the Prince of Wales, who has been waiting patiently for 6 decades, for his time to shine.

Though - I must say - I know Prince Charles. I think, he has found his niche, and doing a fabulous job, with his "Prince's Trust", while (well..) waiting...

*** 

I have known Crown Prince Philippe for a decade, though - probably more. He reminded me, when I spent quality time with him in 2001, filming a rare TV special with him in Belgium and Thailand, how he was a volunteer at the Mother Theresa's home in India. He was incognito then, while I was the big television star from the U.S., the only interviewer, who scored 4 days interview with Mother Theresa. Philippe was one of the many special people, who stayed in cheap hotels, and did amazing volunteering  job, saving people's lives, feeding dying people... The only reward was - "to be part of it!" He reflected it back with me.

I know, some of my friends in Belgium, find him: "reserved", "rather shy", "lacking star quality..." 

WELL... 

Philippe was just in Hollywood few weeks ago, leading a delegation of 400 hundred prominent people from his country. Rudi, his Consul General in Los Angeles, asked me (based on my friendship with Philippe) to help out, and bring some Hollywood players to the main gala event.

So I did. AND THEY LOVED PHILIPPE! (See photos)

He could have not been - and I have other royals as friends - more attentive to the Oscar winner Jon Voight (who chose to be there, although it was his daughter Angelina's BDay that night), and stunning new hot actress Rebecca Da Costa (whose playing the lead role against Robert De Niro) in the movie,  Motel, released on December 2013.

I also included to the event, my friend, top LA hair dresser Nick Chavez, as well as my other pal, a top LAPD cop, Orlando Martinez, and introduced them to the Crown Prince (soon to be a king!) ...He was so interested in each one of them and took an extra time to chat with my partner Erbil Gunasti.

*** 

Sounds like an extra ordinary evening?

Yes, it was.

On the other hand - this is MY LIFE!

I love to introduce different kind of people from a wide range of countries, professions, backgrounds to one another. They are all leaders in their own fields or domains. But in my home / parties / charities - they can find their matches either for business, or for social purpose. 

This is way I am so thrilled about the the new club (for members only), opening this Fall. In "Secret Fast" - you will meet kings and queens or crown princes and princesses or head-of-states and candidates or Hollywood A-Listers and - "the next thing in Hollywood or A-Lister musicians and "the next hot musicians" ...

All this high-end mingling will occur, while the club members will detox, lose weight, and go through anti-aging treatments in seclusion and privacy.  Can you imagine, that while losing weight, one would  network and make rare contacts, let alone - have fun??

And like you did not know about Crown Prince Philippe's private meetings in LA until this moment - anything happening in "Secret Fast" will remain secret.

Hey, I think, Belgium just got a GREAT KING!

When Obama met Mandela, twice and in private!

When president Barack Obama landed with First Lady Michelle in S. Africa few days ago, he had one dream - to meet with the legendary Nelson Mandela, the other great son of Africa.

That was of-course a big challenge. Even Obama, the president of the U.S., whose story is full of miracles, could not meet "Madiba," the legend. When he arrived S. Africa, the ailing Mandela has been fighting for his life in the hospital for a while. His well being has been deteriorating with each passing day. 

***

But, this was not the first time Obamas and Mandelas were meeting in a unique environment...

While I was writing the autobiography of Barack Obama family last summer ("Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots"), I hosted some of the Obama family members at my vacation  home in the U.S. They helped me write the powerful story of their family. 

While we were working on the book, I was told that my friend Kweku Mandela, the grandson of "Madiba" was on his way to the states and he wanted to see me. In the past, having conducted numerous interviews with many of the family members, including one with Madiba and another one with his wife, Graca Machel and directed a high-end television special involving him, I had befriended him and his loved ones and we were in close contact ever since.

So I figured this is as good as anytime to have the first ever encounter of an Obama with a Mandela. And I took Marsat Obama, Barack Obama's aunt with me, and told Kweku to meet us at fashionable eatery in Los Angeles. 

These two were so excited to meet with each other! While Kweku was curious about the (young) aunt of the leader of the free world, Marsat kept asking about Mandela.

Four of us, Marsat Obama, Kweku Mandela, Erbil and I, enjoyed ourselves in a private corner of this posh eatery... All the while, everyone was watching Obama making a speech on tube, no one had a clue who were on the other side of the place observing them quietly, unnoticed. 

But of-course not! Because this is MY LIFE. This is the way I have been fortunate enough to live my life: Mixing interviews, business with charities, new friends, introducing different players from different parts of the world to other interesting people, in the most private surroundings. Let alone - having fun!

***

That is why I am so excited about the new membership-only club, opening this Fall - "Secret Fast." The idea of bringing  prominent people all around the world, as club members, covering a wide range of fields of interests and territories, in a beautiful resort, primarily to work on their health... 

WOW! 

If one can lose weight, cleanse, overcome medical problems, and - at the same time - make new friends and/or form business partnerships...

Doing all that in a private & secure atmosphere, among exclusive club members (by invitation only!)!

Can you imagine how many Obamas and Mandelas and the likes, would bond there, enjoying the nature?

I am so excited!

ID is key to victory

News from Pakistan! Nawaz Sharif, whose party PML won the recent elections, is going to be sworn in as the prime-minister, a position he knows well.

Sharif  was the prime minister of Pakistan years ago, and like his predecessor the late Benazir Bhutto, spent time in exile, after he was ousted from power.

It is more than a decade later ..Yet the faces are still the same in the Pakistani politics: Nawaz and his brother Shahbaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari - the controversial widower of Benazir Bhutto

Only one fresh player - Imran Khan! Former cricket star has been around for years. But this time around, he got chunk of seats in the parliament. Khan who was injured while campaigning, claims that the elections were rigged - a usual claim post Pakistani elections (though chances are, that he is right!) ...

So how come, the PPP lost power so fast, after victory last elections? Why did people in Pakistan choose to vote against the People of Pakistan's Party??

And - how did the  Sharif brothers  score such a victory, benefiting from the people's disappointments of the PPP, or its current leader, Asif Ali Zardari???

                                                                     ***

I know all players well. I have formed close relationship with Shabhaz and his partner Tehmina Durani. I like Imran and have known him and members of his family for years. His passion for democracy in Pakistan is sincere! And of-course Benazir Bhutto was very close to me. She and her husband Asif spent so much time, under my wing in NY, after Asif was released from jail ..I wrote about it in my book: "My Benazir", which is in development into a script these days:  http://www.amazon.com/My-Benazir-Leaders-ebook/dp/B007TGXAKA/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355352090&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=daphnebarak

The reason of the quick decline in popularity for Asif  (and the PPP under his leadership) is simple: The party lost its DNA. It just didn't have any ID people could and would identify with.

After Asif won the last elections, he invited me to his home - the one which belonged to Benazir, while she was in power.

He was acting like many leaders, who just won elections ..There was power in the air. Many people who were seeking to be a part of this power, and wanted few seconds with him. And he bought into it! He was full of power

He told me then: "Since you, the US, have financial problems now, we are not going to depend on the US (referring to the previous approach under president Pervez Musharaf). We have many rich people in Pakistan ..Yes, yes, we do! We are going to depend on ourselves - NOT ON THE US!"

Strong words, by all means. And some people would have been happy to agree with him. Yet ..few weeks later - he changed 180 degrees, and became more dependent on the US than Musharraf was..

That put him into an impossible position: On one hand - to please us, the US, the hand that feeds him. On the other hand - to show the locals, that he was not a US puppet ...

This kind of zig-zag creates problems of trust from all sides, and - can not last long.

Then - came the old corruption cases (against him and Benazir) , which ousted his prime ministerYusuf Ali  Giuliani ..But I do believe that that was one of the side effects of the real problem of the PPP - lack of ID.

Meanwhile - the Sharif brothers managed to keep their (and the PML's) DNA very clear. Re corruptions: They opposed the immunity, Bhutto had asked for on 2007.

They told me: "We have done nothing wrong! Why would we agree for an immunity??" They quit the government with the PPP, when they felt, it was against what they had promised the voters. They have always favored a proud Pakistan, which is not dependent of money from the West. It may be realistic or not? But that has always been their position. At least, when it comes to Sharif and the PML - what you see is what you get! Its ID is there!!

                                                                      ***

And there was another memorable thing Asif told me that night at his home in Karachi: "As long as my son Bilawal is in the game, and I am holding the chair for him, THEY will vote for me .."

A naive sentence, said by somebody who was in jail for 11 years, and then - 3 years in New York. ..Somebody who was out of touch with the people of Pakistan. Bilawal himself (whom I know and like a lot) did not grow up in Pakistan - but with his then exiled loving mother Benazir, in Dubai.

Asif appealed to masses when people were still emotional about the assassination of Benazir. He really thought that everything associated with her - her son, even her hated husband - would live forever.

But without Benazir's charisma ..Without continuing on the path that she believed in ..Benazir Bhutto's ID started to fade out ..People no longer remembered her exact DNA: The kind of clarity one needs before deciding whom to vote for.

Does getting an award bring distribution?

Oscar season is here again ... It has been extended to what we like to call: "The Awards' Season." 

That means practically, that every other night, we need to have hair and make-up done, a fancy designer gown, and applaud "The Man (or Woman) of the Hour" of the Hollywood's industry ..

Winning an award - is like getting a big present, huge boost to one's self esteem, let alone - bank account.

The slight problem, some have with this, is that there is inflation of awards & ceremonies over the years ... Some of us find it difficult to focus on a single or couple awards we should ..

Though - really?! - How can we define one award as more important than the other??

One glamorous award (and to be fair - a fun evening!) is based on votes of less than 90 people, who are not hugely known in the film (or any another) industry.

Still, a red carpet, and many after parties make the magic ..

                              ***                                                                           ***                                                                          

Yet - I am glad, I attended another one of those awards' luncheons this year again. 

It was in Palm Springs, earlier this year. The Palm Springs International Film Festival has positioned itself as, "The First of Film Festival Awards of the season (leading towards the Oscars)." 

Not a bad position to have ...

Situated two hours drive from Hollywood, and happening right after the New Year - why would not vacationing A Listers (plus their agents, managers and PR) attend the sunny land?

After all - JFK (president Kennedy), Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe have the same ..

So - as I was sipping champagne with actor Bradly Cooper, director Tom Hooper ("The King Speech"and "Les Miserables"). I noticed an emotional man, trying to get close to us. 

"Look Daphne, this man just won some award .,. He was crying ... You may want to talk with him .." told me one of my friends.

THANKS GOD, HE DID!

I motioned to the guy to get closer ..

"My name is Chhay ..I am from Cambodia.Yes, I won an award here for my film ..It is a true story, about the genocide of my wife's family ..It is the (horrible) story of my wife's mother .."

A tearful Chhay told us, how he had spent all his life's savings, to film this devastating story: "Since we did not have money, I needed to use my wife as the actress ..It was tough for her, to relive her family's tragedy! She was crying ..It broke my heart ..I owe so much money ..I just needed to tell the story .."

It is that moment - when I am being pulled back to lunch - that I decided to hand Chhay my private mobile number, and invited him to lunch at my vacation home. My friends reminded me, that our schedule is hectic, but something in Chhay's body language makes me drawn into him like a magnet.

                                                   ***                                                                             ***

The next day - Erbil agrees to pick up Chhay and bring him over to my place. When they arrive - my house guests and I see Chhay, filming my pool, spa, garden ..

"He asked for a permission to film ... He was so overwhelmed!" explained Erbil. It was clear that what Erbil learnt during the ride to my home from Chhay had moved him so much to allow him to film as he wished, freely.

Devastating (story) it is! Chhay is having lunch with us, describing scenes from he genocide in Cambodia. BUT then - we are getting even more emotional!! 

Chhay is telling us, "How when I finished to screen the film in Palm Springs, people in the audience got so moved ..One lady screamed: 'Here is 100$ for you and your family' ..Then - others threw 100$, 20$ bills as well ..I was crying! Yes, I was grateful. Yet .. I did not come to Palm Springs for donations ..They brought me here to get an award ..I got the award! Now - I would like to get a distribution for my film ... I did not come for charities ... I thought, that an award would bring me distribution.."

                                      ***                                                                                                 ***

Save your tears ... I am trying to help Chhay. His story just refreshed my mind, about the original reason for the film awards, before PR and "packaging agents" took over ..IT USED TO BE ALL ABOUT BRINGING MORE BUSINESS! To the client, and so many people around, generating from such a hipe.

                                               ***                                                                               ***

One - above many things - I liked Chhay's story: it is a true story, being told from a personal POV. Also - it opens our (sometimes limited minds) into  different cultures and territories.

In a way - it relates to my latest book, the autobiography of Barack Obama's family - "Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots". The book has by now publishing contracts in key markets worldwide, as well as offers for  optioning it as a film.

For more info -  visit www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnobles.com or www.pipublic.com  

Sooo ...Is Barack Obama's family Muslim?

It is few hours before the anticipated 2nd debate between president Barack Obama and GOP's nominee Mitt Romney. Recently I have been asked the same 3 questions over and over again:

A. Is Barack Obama's family Muslim?
B. If he is from a Muslim background: Does that explain his attitude towards Israel?
C. If he is from Muslim heritage: Does that have anything to do with his anger about the Anti- Muslim
    film, and connecting the murder of 4 Americans in Libya on September 11th to that film??

                                                               ***

As for questions B and C - there are many answers & views.  But my answer to the first question is simple and factual.

A. In my new book "Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots" - Sarah Obama, Barack's step grandma, is describing how her family followed Islam for generations. She is also explaining, in detail, the circumstances under which her husband Hussein (Barack's grandfather) adapted Islam, and how the religion played an important role in their marriage (READ CHAPTER 2).

Later on - Sarah describes how Hussein was buried in a full Muslim service. (READ CHAPTER 7)

And then - how her son, Barack's father, was buried in a Muslim tradition. (READ CHAPTER 8)

So what??? Everyone should be proud of his (or her) religion and roots!

This became a problem after Barack announced that he was running for president. Naturally - there was lots of interest to his extra-ordinary background and personal story when he made the announcement. Suddenly - his family members in Kenya were told to be evasive about their religion. It might have been the work of a spin doctor in Obama's campaign. It might have happened without his direct knowledge ... But that pushed Sarah and her family into an awkward position ,,,

In "Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots" - I noted an amusing moment during an interview with Sarah and two of her kids. (READ CHAPTER  13)  It is actually based on one of my TV interviews with them. When I wondered loudly: "Are you Muslim?" the chatty Sarah, all of a sudden became silent. She mumbled back something, looking at her son. Her discomfort was screaming ...Until her daughter jumped in and spilled the beans: "OK, we are Muslims! She is Muslim. He is Muslim ..."

You can find my book: "Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots" at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnobles.com, www.pipublic.com.

Clash of Two (beautiful) Cultures ...

While hosting members of Barack Obama's family at my home in the U.S., and working on their family autobiography and cooking book, I found myself opening up towards such a different culture.

Though I have traveled the world extensively, and interviewed heads of state in Africa, discovering East African culture gave me a lot of food to digest ...

Talking to Mama Sarah Obama and her family, about their roots, I found myself penning an extraordinary tale, which included elements, that are considered as criminal acts in the West.

Here are couple of examples:

A. Polygamy is an integral part of East Africa's culture until this day. Mama Sarah Obama was the 3rd wife of Hussein Onyango. The wives rotated in their role towards their husband, while Hussein was travelling. Her beloved step son, Barack Obama Sr. married Anna - a 17 years old American girl in Hawaii, while he was married (with kids) back in Kenya to a local.

While polygamy was normal in Kenya, bigamy is against the law in the West. And that clash ended Barack Obama Sr.'s marriage, as well as his opportunity to stay in the U.S. and finish his PHD from Harvard University in Boston, Mass.

B. Men in East Africa were used to beat their wives and treat them as lesser human beings. Some do it until this day. Doctor Rich Godfray, who has been travelling to Kenya and helping out the local hospitals, called me after he picked up my book. He had just visited Kenya, and was about to return there again with a colleague - a plastic surgeon ..Why? Because a woman was abused so badly, that she was now missing an eye, and part of her nose. She can not leave her little house ...

In Kenya - there are still men who believe, it is their right to beat their wives. Here - it is against the law. It is called: "Domestic Violence."

                                                                    ***

Since I was writing this autobiography (of the Obama family), from Mama Sarah Obama's point of view, I tried to understand more about their culture and values, instead of blocking myself by coming up with  quick judgement and describe their culture as "cruel."

On the contrary, when I took my time, I found out some other elements in the East African culture, that made us in the West look cruel ...

For example: How they treat their elderly with so much respect! In the West - how shall I say it nicely - we have a lot to improve in this area.

There are other interesting elements in the Obama family's life and culture that we can learn from. Like their cooking. Mama Sarah Obama - like her neighbors - does not have a refrigerator. Yes, her grand son is the President of the United States... But Mama Sarah is able to manage it without one. In their culture, because of necessity, all their food has to be  "fresh!": She grows her own vegetables and fruits in her own backyard. The milk comes from her cows. The fish from the nearby Victorian Lake. And she has free ranging chickens and other animals that she is raising for their meat. Everything is so simple, so healthy! So tasty!!!

                                                             ***

Some of the best compliments, I received about these two books, are making references as to how much the readers could not put the books down solely because of the strong empathy, they developed towards Mama Sarah Obama, during the process of reading these books. Simply put, they were able to connect easily with a woman from such a different culture, feel her pain, appreciate her struggle and share her achievements ...

So why won't we adapt this attitude and willingness to learn about other cultures (and religions) into our daily life??

Here are the links for the Obama's two books:

"Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots"

http://www.amazon.com/Mama-Sarah-Obama-Dreams-ebook/dp/B009518OB2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1348174337&sr=8-2&keywords=mama+sarah+obama

"Mama Sarah Obama: Home Cooking Recipes"

http://www.amazon.com/Mama-Sarah-Obama-Cooking-ebook/dp/B0095B4632/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348174337&sr=8-1&keywords=mama+sarah+obama

Amazing reviews for the autobiography of Barack Obama's family ...

Just checking some of the reviews for my new book, the autobiography of Barack Obama's family. What an extra-ordinary story.

I have met Barack's Kenyan family first on 2008. I realized that the family's powerful story was yet to be told. What a bi-cultural powerful saga: An incredible climb inspired by a visionary woman, against so many obstacles, heart breaking moments, tragedies ...

When I agreed to do the project and hosted members of the Obama family at my home this summer, I have been witnessing additional strong  emotions. Such strong, that it became a task to portray Mama Sarah Obama the right way: The way women in the West can identify with her dreams, hard working, wisdom, caring for her big family ...All this despite clash of cultures.

So your reviews mean the world to me!

Amazon: 5.0 out of 5 stars An eye opener about women in Africa, September 2, 2012 By  Mary F. - See all my reviews This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition) I heard about Mama Sarah Obama, of course - because of her grandson, the president of the United States of America. Whenever I watched the news and saw Mama Sarah, I could not really connect with her. In a way she was sort of being ridiculed by the reports. So when I started to read this book, I could not anticipate what I found out. This is a very smart woman. Barack Obama's grandmother is an entrepreneur. She understands more about economy and globalization than many of us. And it is her big ambition and determination that landed him (Barack Obama) eventually at the White House. From the book, I understand that he recognizes the importance of his grandmother in his life and has a tremendous respect for her. Who would not, once you read this book? And I am still emotional about the painful life that Sarah has endured and the fact that many other women in Africa are still facing it daily. 5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn't stop reading it, September 2, 2012 By  Edi Kee - See all my reviews This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition) I must say that I did not understand many things about Barack Obama, and frankly did not care, until I started to read this book. In the middle of a very political season, this is the first time I'm starting to understand the Barack Obama factor. His grandmother autobiography is a candid account, discussing the clash between two different cultures. It is funny, painful, and you just can not let it down until you finish it. 5.0 out of 5 stars This is an original content! This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition) We have all heard about Barack Obama's story from different sources. Now Sarah Obama, his grandmother, is telling her own story. She is a woman who had a big dream which ended at the White House. Mama Sarah Obama takes us through the bumpy road, from her home in East Africa into the making of the President of the United States. This book is a celebration of ambition, hard work and the importance of education. 5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful personal account of Barack Obama's Kenyan Grandma!,  September 8, 2012 By  A. Gift For You "btoomey259" (california) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition) I'm reading the powerful story of Mama Sarah Obama, and how her big dreams penetrated the psyche of her son, Barack Obama Sr., encouraging him to strive for higher education and big achievements. Ultimately, this wise woman from Kenya inspired her grandson, Barack Obama Jr., right into the White House as President of the United States! But it makes me wonder where she was during the Democratic convention? How come her grandson mentioned only his American side of his family in his speech? I'm reading this beautiful chapter in the book about Barack Obama's trip to Kenya with his sweetheart, Michelle, to get Mama Sarah Obama's blessing on his marriage and learn about his roots. Why ignore your African roots in your acceptance speech? Mama Sarah Obama seems to have had so much impact on President Barack Obama's ambition; certainly more than Eva Longoria or Scarlett Johansson. Although it's at the root of our collective American heart, maybe it's too uncomfortable for us to embrace/respect our cultural diversities and the occasional "shortcomings" of our ancestors? We ALL experience these things!! Daphne Barak presents Mama Sarah Obama's fascinating personal account of the Obama family's African history in a delightful, easy-to-read way. Be proud, educate yourself, dream big, and never forget those who helped get you here! 5.0 out of 5 stars Unwavering Dreams & Leaky Roofs - A wonderful read!, September 8, 2012 By  Hulagirl (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots (Kindle Edition) I read Mama Sarah Obama's autobiography today in a couple of hours and it was time well spent! Some of the stories actually brought tears to my eyes. Daphne Barak really made me care about this woman, the African grandmother of President Barack Obama. It opened my eyes to the  Kenyan/African culture, how African women have been treated by men, the polygamy and  domestic violence; a culture whose attitude about women's rights is the polar opposite of those  expressed by Michelle Obama at the DNC. In spite of it all, Mama Sarah has always found a  reason to be optimistic. Even when she is struggling with a leaky roof and no money to fix it,  and with family feuds similar to those we all experience, she refuses to give up her hopes and  dreams for the family she loves. Imagine - the African grandmother of President Barack Obama, rubbing elbows at a presidential inauguration with the likes of respected icons such as the late Senator Kennedy. What an adventure that must have been for this steadfast tribal wife and mother from a small village on the shores of Lake Victoria! Barak describes it all in an intimate style that made me relate to each one of Mama Sarah Obama's emotions. This is a must-read for anyone (in either party!) interested in the fascinating multi-cultural background of President Obama. Next stop - I need to find out more about those yummy Kenyan recipes! Posted September 8, 2012 A captivating tale about an African woman and her ambitions, hop A captivating tale about an African woman and her ambitions, hopes and dreams. I enjoyed  learning more about President Barack Obama's African ancestry and traditions, the good ones  (love, encouragement, food!) and the bad ones (polygamy, wife-beating). Daphne Barak's style  of planting small hints at the beginning of this powerful story just to reveal a fuller picture later,  kept me glued to the book. With all of the theories about President Barack Obama's roots,  I was curious to read it. But Barak manages to strike a nice balance between dreams, myth  and reality. She did it in a respectful way to East African culture. Even when we find out down  the road about lies and distortions, you understand them in the full context of the human beings  involved. Barack Obama's grandmother comes across as a hard-working woman who can discuss  Africa with President George W Bush, receive delegations from Muammar Gaddafi in Libya,  and advise her famous grandson "You should work hard." I enjoyed that this is truly  Mama Sarah's story and not just a glorification of her grandson and his fame. By all means,  read it. It will inspire and touch you!   Posted September 8, 2012 I read "Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams and Roots" in one I read "Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams and Roots" in one sitting and found it  fascinating! People of all cultures fascinate me; I always find it interesting which details of  their lives they want to share with us. Daphne Barak kept me hooked, following the amazing  story of a woman in Kenya, Africa, whose hope and love for her family eventually helped propel her grandson, Barack Obama, to President of the United States. Many questions about Obama's  roots are answered here. I read over and over the part about the burial of his grandfather in a  full Muslim ceremony, orchestrated by his son, Barack Obama Sr, the late father of our President. Mama Sarah relates how her family has been Muslim for generations. I laughed out loud when  she described how she tried to avoid giving real answers about the Obama family's faith! And  how her daughter, Marsat (Barack Obama's aunt), interrupted with: "OK, we are Muslims  ..." Is is so difficult for us to grasp that people within families can practice different  religions? I am Catholic. Because I have a Buddhist brother, does that make me one too?  Nonsense! Our differences make us each unique and we should not be afraid of them. Barak's  well-written, poignant telling of Mama Sarah Obama's stories drew a picture for me of an  African girl who overcame the challenges of her gender, culture and disappointments in life  to make the world a better place for her children, step-children and her extended family of  loved ones all over the world. Now I know that Barack Obama's immense charisma came  not only from his father, but from his spirited grandmother as well! I loved the book!

"Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots"

It is political conventions time in the U.S.A!

Lots of talk about Clint Eastwood and THAT empty chair, Mitt Romney's Mexican roots, Barack Obama's African roots.

A movie about Obama's roots - "2016: Obama's America" - went from one theatre in Houston to more than 1000, in only few weeks. It is almost the equal to viral ...

But my question is: How do all these events above, relate to our future? What are our priorities, as voters?

In the midst of a global financial crisis, when some countries like Greece are expected to default, we are supposed to be electing the next leader of the free world: A capable leader, to correct the declining economy in the U.S. and work shoulder to shoulder with foreign leaders, to achieve this goal. I can not remember such crucial elections, since I became a voter. Its outcome would define not only our future, but it will touch many peoples' lives around the globe.

I think, that Romney's financial skills should matter to voters more than his Mexican roots. Even when it comes to Americans from Mexican origin.

Barack Obama's roots are fascinating. The personal story of the U.S. President is extraordinary. It is a natural material for movies and books. The man who based his 2008 presidential campaign, based on the resemblance to JFK, and was supported by the Kennedy clan, has a lovely grandmother in an isolated village deep inside Kenya.

His family members there are proud Muslims. So was his late father, who managed to climb from his village all the way to Harvard University. The Obama family's tale describes a clash between two cultures. For example: Where in East Africa - polygamy is still part of the culture, where as it is against the law in the U.S. Barack Obama Sr. learnt it the hard way. While women have been beaten by their husbands in East Africa, it is against the law in the U.S. It is called here: "Domestic Violence".

Yet - does Barack's background effect his performance as a leader?  If the answer is "Yes", then - the debate about his roots is important!

If the answer is: "No", then - his personal story is powerful indeed. A great material for authors, directors ... I am one of them, so I should know ..

That is why I agreed to Penn the autobiography of Barack's grandmother.  It is a powerful tale of a woman who had a big dream ...She wanted to have education and was not allowed to ...Pushing her bright son (Barack Obama Sr.) toward the highest education, resulted in amazing achievements ...But after obstacles and tragedies, it would be her grandson, Barack Obama Jr. who would complete the dream.

 Here are the links for my book "Mama Sarah Obama: Our Dreams & Roots"

*  http://pipublic.com/  

*  http://www.amazon.com/Mama-Sarah-Obama-Dreams-ebook/dp/B009518OB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346766870&sr=8-1&keywords=mama+sarah+obama%3A+our+dreams+%26+roots

*  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mama-sarah-obama-daphne-barak/1112749042?ean=2940015137323

About roots & votes ...

It is political conventions time in the U.S.A!

Lots of talk about Clint Eastwood and THAT empty chair, Mitt Romney's Mexican roots, Barack Obama's African roots.

A movie about Obama's roots - "2016: Obama's America" - went from one theatre in Houston to more than 1000, in only few weeks. It is almost the equal to viral ...

But my question is: How do all these events above, relate to our future? What are our priorities, as voters?

In the midst of a global financial crisis, when some countries like Greece are expected to default, we are supposed to be electing the next leader of the free world: A capable leader, to correct the declining economy in the U.S. and work shoulder to shoulder with foreign leaders, to achieve this goal. I can not remember such crucial elections, since I became a voter. Its outcome would define not only our future, but it will touch many peoples' lives around the globe.

I think, that Romney's financial skills should matter to voters more than his Mexican roots. Even when it comes to Americans from Mexican origin.

Barack Obama's roots are fascinating. The personal story of the U.S. President is extraordinary. It is a natural material for movies and books. The man who based his 2008 presidential campaign, based on the resemblance to JFK, and was supported by the Kennedy clan, has a lovely grandmother in an isolated village deep inside Kenya.

His family members there are proud Muslims. So was his late father, who managed to climb from his village all the way to Harvard University. The Obama family's tale describes a clash between two cultures. For example: Where in East Africa - polygamy is still part of the culture, where as it is against the law in the U.S. Barack Obama Sr. learnt it the hard way. While women have been beaten by their husbands in East Africa, it is against the law in the U.S. It is called here: "Domestic Violence".

Yet - does Barack's background effect his performance as a leader?  If the answer is "Yes", then - the debate about his roots is important!

If the answer is: "No", then - his personal story is powerful indeed. A great material for authors, directors ... I am one of them, so I should know ..

But for voters???

The beauty of an Autobigraphy

I have just finished my third book. It turned out to be double book project.

One is the official autobiography of a woman with a dream ...A woman who inspired one of the most powerful stories of our time.

Many wrote about her. Some speculated about feelings, others focused on certain periods and details of her extraordinary life. But this is the first time this woman is telling HER story, HER life, in her own words.

It made me think about the word: "Autobiography," a word, many publishers like to use, in order to give the product more publicity and hopefully - better sales.

Autobiography literally means  "My Life." And that exactly is! Only you (each one of you) can understand the mixture of feelings, actions, ambitions, achievements, disappointments ...It means all these factors that you have experienced. You may need a professional writer or interviewer to help you put it into a certain format, but it has to be your voice.

I recently had lunch with one of the editors of The Wall Street Journal. He was very excited about my upcoming book. We discussed a certain book, written about another member of this famous family. The editor mentioned that the book described deep feelings of this personality, although the writer has never discussed any of that with the topic of the book ...

I have not read the book. Therefore I said, it might have been a good read. Yet - if this personality is so interesting, wouldn't you, the reader, want to learn about it from the personality himself (or herself)?

In an era of "New Media," where politicians and celebrities communicate directly with their audience via "Twitter," "Facebook," and other similar social mediums, I guess the answer to the questions above is: "YES! Loud and clear!!"

And that is the power of an autobiography: Someone who wants to share his (or her) story with others, tell it as he (or she) sees it fit. There may be a confusion of dates, or contradicting facts ...Yet this is the story he (or she) wants to tell. It may even give you a deeper insight into the teller's life, deeper than he (or she) meant to. And this is the beauty of an autobiography.

* My upcoming 2 books (an autobiography and a cook book of this famous family) coming next month.

Meanwhile look at my previous books: www.pipublic.com

Picture Perfect Huma Abedin

Huma Abedin is the news again ... Hillary Clinton's loyal right hand who has become a house hold name due to her husband,  nowadays disgraced congressman Anthony Weiner, sex-twitter, is making headlines because of two issues:

A)  Her Saudi Arabian origin.
B) A Hello! style photo shoot: At home with her husband and little baby, Jordan, speaking with "People" Magazine.

I know Huma well. Everyone who is friendly with Hillary Clinton - does! We used to joke that Huma is like an extension of Hillary. She is a beautiful woman, hard working, who has earned the trust of her boss, during challenging times like elections or personal issues with Bill.

If Huma were to suspect that someone was not loyal  or discreet about Hillary, this person would be removed from her inner circle at once. Loyalty has always been a priority to this talented woman. So to listen to some Republicans, speculating about her loyalty to the U.S., just because her family is from Saudi Arabia - is laughable. I would not make this an issue but because some circles are repeating these claims, I am bringing it up now.

When one throws dirt - some of it sticks. And some circles these days are trying to refer to her as a "Muslim mole!" That's what I call, paranoia.

God bless the former G.O.P. presidential candidate John McCain, for defending Huma and reminding all of us, that we are a nation of immigrants, which come from different cultures and religions. Whenever I talk with McCain, I tease him about some extremists around him.

                                                                   ***

One day, I asked the non-stop working Huma: "What about YOU? What about your private life?"
She giggled  ... Her personal life was a secondary to her being available to Hillary. When she got married to Anthony Weiner, she thought, she finally arrived: "I never knew, I could have it all..." as Barbara Streisand said it famously when he got married to James Brolin.

Weiner was an ambitious politician who eyed to become the Mayor of New York. After divorced Michael Bloomberg, New York could use a First Lady. And who would be better for that role, other than the savvy and beautiful Huma Abedin?

The picture-perfect marriage was broken up one day, when Weiner's tweets of his private parts to several girls. His initial denials pushed the sex scandals to the front pages worldwide. By then, embarrassed Huma was pregnant with her first child. Weiner was forced to resign from congress. He disappeared from the headlines.

Until now ...

Huma reportedly arranged an interview and a photo shoot with the "People" magazine. The couple looks like lovey-dovey. It is viewed by many, as an attempt for a political come back. A premature one, some view.

Maybe? Yet - what do we expect from this young woman? To keep hiding, because of her husband's humiliating conduct? Are we going to punish her twice??

The smiling-loving photo does remind indeed a political candidate, running for and office, with his supportive wife, next to him.

Who would cope with such situation better than Huma? She must have known that it would be compared to the 1992 interview of then presidential candidate Bill Clinton and "standing by my man" wife Hillary after the Jennifer Flowers scandal.

Soooo ...What?

Huma looks sunning in these photo spreads. She is smiling with Anthony. Nice photos.

Only one thing bothered me though ...Hillary would never do that! When Hillary was a first lady, she protected the privacy of the 'First Daughter' Chelsea, like a lioness would. Hillary and I discussed that. She always said: "People can attack Bill ..They can go after me ..But leave my daughter out of the picture!" 

Literally. I can not remember any official photo shoots of Bill, Hillary and young Chelsea together.

My friend, the late Benazir Bhutto managed to keep her three children out of the limelight too, although she was the first woman prime-minister of Pakistan. Nobody recognised them, when Benazir, Asif and I had lunch in New York.  Read more about it in my book "My Benazir" (www.daphnebarak.com or -www.pipublic.com)

Huma chose to include her baby son Jordan in these photo spread. What an adorable baby.  It is her judgement. Yet, it is a decision, she will not be able to reverse. Unlike Hillary, she will not be able to say: "Leave my children out of the picture .."

Marilyn, Amy, and Benazir ...

Dr. S. David Bernstein has just come with his conclusion about Marilyn Monroe's death ...

It would be 50 years, next month, to the death of the ultimate sex symbol. Almost everyone has an opinion about what happened that fateful night, August 1962: Did the vulnerable actress try to kill herself over her obsession with then President J.F.K. and his brother R.F.K.? Was it just an accidental overdose? Or - what she killed by ..The FBI? Mafia? ..

Conspiracy theories have lives of their own. Any attempt to argue against them, just fuels them more.

The latest revelation by Dr. Bernstein claims to be a proof, that Marilyn didn't have suicide on her mind a day before her death! Why? 


Because of a check, signed by her. Yes! The actress purchased a white chest of drawers worth $228.80 just 24 hours before her death. Bernstein argues that people who decide to take their own lives engage in shopping sprees. Purchasing drawers - say Bernstein - proves that Marilyn intended to use them. That means, she planned to be around ...

                                                                                  ***

It reminds me of my interview with Linda Tripp. Remember "The Most Hated Woman in America" (way before Casey Anthony)? Tripp was the White-House employee who befriended Monica Lewinsky and taped details about her affair with then President Bill Clinton. 


I asked her why she hated Bill Clinton that much. Tripp paused. Then she said: "I was Vinct Forst's assistant ... I was the last person who saw him alive ..." Forst was a top Clinton's aide who was found dead, after reportedly shooting himself. It triggered a lot of conspiracy theories. Tripp continued: "He asked me to get him a hamburger for lunch. It was his usual order. He ate it and left the office ...Few hours later - he was found dead. Daphne, a person who thinks about death would not order a hamburger ..."

                                                                                ***

While spending time with musician Amy Winehouse, it was clear to me that this talented girl had so many demons to deal with. She shared with me painful moments. Yet - there were moment of self-adoration. She talked about to be "living forever" like other musicians who died young.  Yet - she was full of life and dreams. But a year ago - she was found dead, with 3 empty bottles of Vodka, next to her body. My book "Saving Amy" which is based on the 6 months I had spent with her and her family, may explain more.

And my beloved friend Benazir Bhutto was a loving mother. She had a goal: To return to Pakistan and become its leader once again. Yet - the timing she chose had red flags all over it.  It was so risky that it had been viewed by some of my friends as "suicidal." Sadly - she was assassinated on December 27th, 2007. You may understand more about Benazir's state of mind, during her last years, in my book "My Benazir."

                                                                             ***

If we could just develope an X- machine to human beings' minds.

* Links  for "My Benazir" and "Saving Amy" are on: www.daphnebarak.com.

You can also visit: www.pipublic.com

Why I route for Mike Tyson!

I am so happy Mike Tyson has a new lifestyle and new show on Broadway!

I have known the troubled heavy weight champ for years. I was proud to say, we were friends, when it brought kind of reactions like: "You are friends! You are joking, right?"

I was not. I have always found Mike, a hungry person for education. When he was not under the influence, he would behave like a true gentleman. Yes, yes ...

So at last - after coping with the tragic death of his 4 years old daughter on May 2009  - he cleaned up. He is pursuing his acting career, after successful appearances in "Hangover" and its sequel. He is telling his story on a Broadway stage. How cool is that!

Promoting his gig, Mike is now admitting , that he has been battling addictions. Yes, he has made lots of mistakes, including mistreatment of women.

BUT NO! He keeps insisting that he did NOT rape Desiree Washington.

One can think: what is the big deal? After all - the ex-world heavy weight boxing champ had served his full sentence in prison. If he is going public with "the new, reformed Mike" - why to insist on this single account??

Why? Because he might be telling the truth.

***

I am making this story public for the first time.

After Tyson was indicted for raping Desiree Washington, I conducted the only TV interview with her father Donald, at his home. It was in a poor neighborhood. Donald shared with us videos of his daughter, a wannabe beauty Queen, as a cheer leader. The father's account was painful, but - I must say - it smelled funny. It looked like money - or lack of it - was a big factor there.

After that, then Tyson's body guard, Rudy Gonzales brought us exclusive footage of the champ, dancing with women. It featured lavish lifestyle, lots of sex and booze. BUT Rudy was convinced, Tyson was set up. Rudy stated, that he had taken care of similar situations with other girls: "After spending the night (with Mike), we sent them home with limos, bought them watches, flowers, made them feel good …"


Desiree Washington met Mike Tyson at his hotel suite in Indiana after midnight. By then, Rudy Gonzales was long gone: he was let by Tyson's management to go for the night. So there was nobody there to give Desiree a song & a dance after the sex was over.

     

When Tyson was in jail, haunted by Tyson's firm denial, and Gonzales' candid account, I called my friend, lawyer Alan Dershowitz who was working on his appeal. 


Dershowitz's claim-to-fame came when he won the appeal for his client Claus von Bülow, a British socialite of German and Danish ancestry who was accused of the attempted murder of his wife Sunny von Bulow, by administering an insulin overdose in 1980 which left her in a persistent vegetative state for the rest of her life, but his conviction in the first trial was reversed and he was found not guilty in both his retrials. A film, starring Glen Close, had made Dershowitz a household name. 


But when Dershowitz assured me: “Daphne, I am doing anything I can for Mike. Don't worry ..." I continued with my gut feeling. 

                                                                                 *** 

The hotel suite, where the alleged rape had taken place, was close to the public. Shortly after the conversation with Dershowitz, I called the hotel's duty manager, played my charm and asked to check into this suite. While my Fox TV cameraman and producer were settling in, I put on a bath rob, and tried to feel what Desiree had been going through …

According to her story, Tyson jumped on her in the bedroom area. The suite was an L shape: a living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom connected to the bedroom. I realized for a frightened girl, there was no other place but to run to the bathroom from the bedroom area. And that way, she would have locked herself in, but she would have had no way to go out and seek help.

Intrigued with this observation, I left my cameraman and producer in the bedroom area and I ran into the bathroom, and locked myself in …

WHAT DID I SEE THERE???

Not one - but two (2) phones in that locked area. I checked the phones. They were working. I called downstairs and asked the concierge for a wake up call and newspapers for the next morning. Then - I called room service and had a lovely chat about the menu options for my breakfast … And no, neither my cameraman nor my producer, who were just outside of my door, heard any of my conversations on the phone.

SO HOW COME A FRIGHTENED GIRL DIDN'T PICK UP ONE OF THESE PHONES AND ASK FOR HELP???

I called Dershowitz the next day, and told him: "Mike did not rape her!"

Dershowitz told me that he knows that too. But he added: "I had already filed the appeal .."

***

Years later - I was having lunch with Mike, and Joe and Katherine Jackson in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their son Michael had just been indicted for alleged pedophilia. They were devastated. I invited Mike to give them support. We discussed the legal system.

Then I turned to Mike and I told him about my visit to the hotel suite which changed his life and sent him to prison. His mood suddenly changed. He looked at me and said: "Daphne, I paid so many people, trusted them ...You know, I did not rape ...You know that because you - unlike them -  cared to check it out  .."