Author: Francine Brokaw

‘The Real Anthony Fauci’ by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

In his newest book, The Real Anthony Fauci, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. brings to light some of the most amazing facts about what the world has experienced during the past couple years. Once you read it, you won’t be a sheep anymore, following along with whatever the government tells you to do “for your own sake” but will instead ask questions, check into facts, and think independently about the situations. This book is about how the powers that be manipulated the population into doing things that were, quite honestly, detrimental to our physical and mental lives, and the economy of the world.

This book is filled with comments, facts, details, and graphs that explain what the health czar (aka Fauci) duped the world into doing. His blatant disregard for the truth is unconscionable. The book is a narrative that is backed up with facts.

To be honest, when I began reading the book I was dumfounded and had to go retrieve my yellow highlighter to highlight the statements that were on the printed page. By the end of the day my highlighter was almost out of ink. I’m not being facetious.

Since Fauci came into his power, “the Fauci generation” is now “the sickest generation in American history. (P xxi) The United States was one of the healthiest countries and is now one of the sickest.

Kennedy details how the misrepresentation of facts led to the world believing that the only way out of the pandemic was to have vaccinations. RFK Jr. describes this entire chapter in world history has been manipulated for personal and financial gain by many people who were complicit in duping the public. What bowled me over was the fact that there were many medications readily available that would have helped those who were getting the virus and those who had the virus, which would have helped these patients make a fast recovery. But these pharmaceuticals were intentionally kept out of the public’s reach and were, in many cases, destroyed to keep the narrative of the vaccine panacea front and center around the world.

And let’s not forget about the nursing home debacle that was led by the former New York Governor who is guilty of causing the deaths of many elderly citizens due to his callous guidelines. The guidelines in many states were more harmful to patients than they were helpful. Mr. Kennedy points out that if his elderly mother had contracted the virus there was basically nothing that could be done for her under the guidelines until she reached a critical stage of the disease. Doctors and Big Pharma have known about medicines that have been out in the world for decades and can help in recovery from the virus. But thanks to the guidelines from the powers that be, they were not able to help the population.

President Trump quickly put the two Navy medical ships into operation – one on the East coast and one on the West coast – to help with the containment and treatment of patients. But were they used to their capacity? No. It was more of a political move not to take advantage of the ships and the tents that were constructed for patients.

Make no mistake; politics was at the center of the fight against Covid. And Fauci was not the only person who was complicit in this  situation. Kennedy looks at the role Bill Gates has in the world as well as Big Pharma. Kennedy looks at several doctors who decided to take matters into their own hands for the sake of their patients. Using cocktails of already approved drugs, people were treated and, hold onto your hats, they survived. Early treatment with these established medicines was the key. But the government, and especially Fauci, had ulterior motives, which were part financially motivated as well as ego manipulated. Yes, Kennedy is not a fan of vaccinations, however he does point out in detail how other forms of medications have proven to be useful in the fight against Covid.

While I have disagreed with Mr. Kennedy on several issues, and conversely agreed with him on many issues, this is an eye-opening book that was well researched, well written, thoughtful, and meant to open the eyes of the public. Whether you agree with the vaccinations or not, this is definitely a book that will open your eyes to what has occurred in our country and indeed, the world. After reading the facts, which are presented one after another after another (I told you, you cannot sit down and read it from cover to cover at one sitting), you will see that Mr. Kennedy has uncovered many lies, deceptions, and cruelty that has been perpetrated against the public.

Besides the current pandemic, the book delves into the career Fauci has carved for himself, making him the do-all-and-be-all sage for all things medical. Whether it was HIV/AIDS or whatever Fauci has interjected himself into the causes with horrific results. His ego reaches into the stratosphere. Fauci, through his manipulations, has created mass fear and stress for years, when it comes to illnesses. Kennedy describes the outbreak of the Zika virus, Bird Flu, Swine Flu, and others as he thoughtfully and meticulously looks at Fauci’s approach to the illnesses.

This is not a book dividing democrats and republicans. It is completely bipartisan. There were bad things done on both sides. Do not think that since Mr. Kennedy has been a life-long democrat that this is an anti-republican book. It is not. It is a research document that lays out what we have all been duped into experiencing and hopefully, after reading and educating yourself, you will be wiser and more intent on taking control of your own life.  Whether you are a Fauci fan or not, it is worth your time to read what has been uncovered. I can only say that this is an honest and important book for our time.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Skyhorse 
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 480 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1510766804
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1510766808

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Killing Eve’ returns for the last time and explores the question if a soulless killing machine can reinvent herself

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Since its splashy debut in 2018, Killing Eve has been chronicling an endlessly fascinating and bizarre love-hate relationship between a ruthless, attention-seeking assassin, Villanelle (Jodie Comer), and an obsessively curious British Intelligence analyst, Eve (Sandra Oh) and the deadly and soul-crashing ripple effects on their loved ones.

The third season left us hanging on London’s Tower Bridge when the dueling duo walked away from each other, but stopped and turned back for one last glance. Ending the will-they-or-won’t-they dance is a tricky business, but going out with a bang is impossible because you simply can’t please everybody. The fourth and final season of Killing Eve promises “a messy, nuanced, and totally glorious series finale.” We shall see.

In the first three episodes we find disenchanted but purposeful Eve working for a private security firm. Liberated from her incessant curiosity about psychopaths and a boring husband, Eve is almost giddy with glee like a kid who finally gets to sit at the grown-ups’ table. Now that she’s done exploring her darker nature, she is utterly comfortable in her own skin. She is razor focused on tracking down The Twelve, a league of assassins responsible for numerous murders around the world. She is all gung-ho about chopping the head off the monster or die trying; she has nothing to lose!

Carolyn (Fiona Shaw), Eve’s former boss, works in Mallorca as a cultural attaché of the British Embassy and is hell bent on revenging the death of her son Kenny and eradicating evil altogether. Kicked out of MI6 Russian Section, she’s forced to conduct investigations into The Twelve exploiting her ‘old friends.’ This quest for revenge is more personal than ever before so the underlying doom is palpable.

The only one going the opposite direction is none other than Villanelle. Her maddening quest to be a better person for Eve wreaks havoc on innocent people (not her contract killing targets). Just because you badly want something to be real doesn’t make it so. Her childish urgency and obsession on an easy and quick fix is nothing but an anguished cry for help. Abandoned by her own mother and programmed to be a ruthless assassin with flair, she suffers from arrested psychological development. Villanelle has neither the insight into who she is nor a vision for the life she wants.

Can a soulless killing machine reinvent herself? Try as she might, she can never break free of her past and her nature. My mantra — a leopard cannot change its spot — applies here. In a survival of the fittest sense, however, a psychopath like Villanelle without a moral compass certainly has a better chance of winning the game. Having said that there is still an opportunity to prove she has indeed changed if Villanelle dies protecting Eve. How’s that for a messy and totally glorious ending! Not nuanced enough?

Season 4 of Killing Eve premieres Sunday, February 27, 2022 on BBC America and the AMC+. A weekly encore presentation airs on AMC on Mondays, beginning February 28.

About the Author

Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of thought-provoking and paradigm shifting human drama worth our precious time. She is a member of Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter.

‘The King’s Man’ on digital, DVD, and Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The prequel to the Kingsman franchise, The King’s Man, is now available on all formats. Among the stars are Ralph Fiennes, Harris Dickinson, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, and Djimon Hounsou.

This is the story of the origin of the Kingsman intelligence agency. It explores many facets of history as Orlando Oxford and his son Conrad (Fiennes and Dickinson), joined together in the journey to save democracy and freedom.  The story takes place in the beginning of the 20th century when World War I was ravaging the countries of Europe.

Many evil characters were plotting to take over. Among them was Grigori Rasputin, the close advisor to Czar Nicholas.  The film also delves into the cousins that rule a large part of the world: Czar Nicholas, King George, and Kaiser Wilhelm.

What makes this an interesting story is the depiction of the historical figures. Grand Duchess Anastasia, Queen Victoria, Archduke Ferdinand, all the Czar’s children, Lenin, Woodrow Wilson, and others come into play in the film. While the evil characters are plotting the demise of millions of people, the intelligence agency sorts out the devilish plots and save humanity.

Some of the photography in the film is interesting. It is definitely bloody and not suitable for young viewers, though. It is long (over 2 hours) and rated R.

This is the prequel to the 2014 film Kingsman: The Secret Service and the subsequent 2917 film Kingsman: The Golden Circle. It has some correlations to The Man From U.N.C.L.E. TV series (1964-1968) and subsequent  films in many ways, least of which is the fact that a tailor shop is the front for the organization.

The Kings Man is now available on digital, on DVD, on Blu-ray as well as 4K UHD. Some of the photography in the film is interesting however it is a bit long (over 2 hours). It is definitely bloody and not suitable for young viewers, though. The Kings Man is rated R.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ is coming soon

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The world’s favorite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 comes out April 8, 2022.

Plush Mirabel – Product Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The animated film Encanto is taking the world by storm. With its colorful scenery – and casita – as well as the beautiful costumes and endearing story, the movie has become an instant classic for Disney fans. At the heart of the story is Mirabel, a fifteen-year-old girl who is a little different than the rest of her family. They each have special magical powers but Mirabel does not. However even without magic, this little hero manages to save her family and her house.

The new plush doll stands about 18 inches high. Her dress is bright and colorful with beautiful embroidery depicting aspects of the story. Mirabel’s name is embroidered on the waistband and her family name is on her skirt. The background is a rich teal with fuchsia, bright green, orange, yellow, and turquoise embroidery making it exceptionally bright and colorful.

Mirabel’s face has her iconic green glasses embroidered on it and she sports a big, wide smile. Just looking at her it is almost impossible not to smile or feel happy. She is the epitome of happiness.


Her dark hair has some soft ribbon curls framing her face. Her hair is also soft and plush so this doll is appropriate for very young kids. The hair does not need brushing. It can be squished and hugged and not lose its style.

Is she soft and cuddly? Yes to both. And she is larger than many other plush dolls.

The shopDisney website has a singing Mirabel doll as well, and as of this writing the plush is sold out however please check back often to see when it will be back in stock. She is definitely worth waiting for.

This plush Mirabel will brighten up any room, bed, or bookshelf. And young fans of the movie will enjoy sleeping with her as well as taking her in the car on those errands with mom or dad. I can see this happy little doll becoming a child’s best friend. Who can resist the happiness and joy she inspires?

Mirabel is sitting on my desk as I write and whenever I look at her I have to smile. We all need some happiness and joy and Mirabel delivers. And no, Disney is not paying me for this review. I genuinely think this plush is well made, colorful, and inspiring.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

 

 

Nana – The newest Disney Baby with Pouch – product review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

We all love our plush animals. The Disney Babies Plush in Pouch collection is perfect for ages 0+ because there are no eyes or items that can be pulled off. These 10-inch plush characters represent favorite Disney films and are soft and furry and ready to hug or display.

The newest addition to the collection is baby Nana. She’s the doggy nursemaid to the Darling kids: Wendy, Michael, and John. She’s there when Peter Pan comes to take them to Never Land. Baby Nana represents the adult Saint Bernard (some think she is a Newfoundland) with her little white cap and blue strap with a bow. She looks like she is anxiously waiting to grow up so she can take care of the Darling children.

Baby Nana’s pouch is also soft, with a hidden Velcro closure. This velour fabric depicts Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Never Land, and Big Ben in a soft lilac colored background. There is a loop on the pouch to easily hang it from a hook or bedpost. Nana’s eyes are expressive and her entire appearance will make you say “aww.” She’s sweet and definitely loveable. Every thing on Nana is embroidered so little fingers won’t be able to tug and pull off items.

Once unhooked, Nana comes out of her pouch and is ready for hugs and play. She is super soft, and even her embroidery is soft. Whether she is tucked into her pouch or on her own, Baby Nana is a huggable little puppy.

Dog lovers, fans of Peter Pan, Disney Babies in Pouch collectors, and those who simply love huggable plush animals will delight with Baby Nana. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a caring dog as a nursemaid? Peter Pan was released in 1953, with several incarnations and spinoffs. This film caught the imaginations of viewers around the world. Now when your family gathers to view the movie again or for the first time, kids can hug Baby Nana and take her off to bed with them.

There are other characters in the Disney Babies in Pouch collection. Check out your favorite…but don’t forget about Nana!

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

Celebrate your favorite Disney films in a new way – VHS collection product review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Just when you thought there is not new way to highlight your favorite Disney movies, the folks at shopDisney have a surprise. Their VHS line of products reimagines the fun of some classic Disney films that are perfect for decorating any room or simply enjoying the magic of the stories.


 

The films highlighted so far in this collection are Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Toy Story, A Goody Movie, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Monsters, Inc., The Lion King, Dumbo, 101 Dalmatians, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The updated VHS boxes have the original artwork on the covers and the sides have the name of the film, so they fit right in on a bookshelf or in a home entertainment cabinet.

The magnetic case opens to reveal a surprise inside. Tucked into the case is a fun plush character to go along with the film. What a great present for a fan to celebrate their favorite movie. It’s easy to display the carton semi open to reveal the little plush, or simply closed to highlight the artwork from the movie.

The plush are not super plush (they have to be somewhat flat to fit inside the box) but they are adorable and decked out in their finest.

The plush assortment includes the Beast (adorable with a little bird perched on his head), a three-eyed Alien, Pumba (with Timon perched on his head), Dumbo (holding a feather with his trunk), Sully, Goofy, the Genie, Pooh (with his honey pot), Patch, and Quasimodo. They are each adorable so deciding which one to get will be difficult. They are stuffed with soft stuffing and are suitable for even babies as there is nothing that will easily come off of the plush characters.

Pin collectors can get the VHS replica box with two pins inside instead of the plush. ($29.99) But let’s face it, those plush are lovable.

Parents can put additional items in the boxes too. Perhaps your child just lost a tooth. Maybe add a little something from the Tooth Fairy inside the box as a special surprise. Or you might want to put tickets to a concert or something else imaginative that will add some additional excitement and fun to giving a present. Even if you don’t add anything, the little plush will be adored by everyone. And this display box will never go out of style. It is the best way to bring some Disney magic to your home.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

The trams are returning to Disneyland

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Finally, after almost 2 years, the transportation trams are returning to the Disneyland Resort. Guests will be able to give their feet a rest to and from the parks while riding on the transportation trams. Yay.

Just in time for the Food and Wine Festival, the trams return and everyone is excited. Let’s face it. Walking around the parks is exercise enough. And then add the walk to and from the parking lots, and well, guests have been able to up their steps lately. But rest assured (and I do mean “rest”) after a long and fun day in the parks you will now be able to take a load off your feet while heading back to your car.

So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets and reservations soon. It’s going to be a great spring at the Disneyland Resort.

About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Trying’ on Apple TV+ is endearing

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The dramedy Trying is a fun mix of human emotions and situations that touch the hearts of viewers with uniqueness and in appealing ways.

Jason and Nikki (Rafe Spall and Esther Smith) have been trying to have a baby. They desperately want a family but are not able to. After trying IVF, they finally agree to adopt a child. When they learn they would not get a baby but an older child, they decide that is fine. They simply want a family to love and enjoy. But the adoption process is fraught with ups and downs.

Their social worker Penny (Imelda Staunton) is on their side. She goes above and beyond to help them with the adoption board and knows they will make wonderful parents. Penny is encouraging and when things fall apart, as they often do, she is there to lift their spirits and help them make it to the next step in the process.

In the meantime Nikki’s sister Karen (Sian Brooke) is plodding along with her lover on the road to matrimony, their friends are experiencing situations in their own lives, and their parents weigh in on the adoption situation, adding more stress to Nikki and Jason’s lives. But everyone means well and what they do and say, they do and say out of love.

As the two seasons progress, everyone is on their road to happiness, except Nikki and Jason who keep getting let down by the system. But take heart. Things are about to change for them. Perseverance is key. Even when their friends are set to adopt the same child, they never let that interfere with their feelings about them. After all, they just want the best for the children who need good homes and families. But deep down they know they will be great parents and provide a child with a good foundation and a lot of love. To see the lengths these two go to is endearing.

Currently there are two seasons available on Apple TV+ and a third season has been green lit for the continuation of their stories. The humor in the show is touching. It lessens the stress of their situations and viewers are treated to some fun along the way.

Join Nikki, Jason, and their friends and families as they embark on this journey of relationships, life’s ups and downs, and most importantly, love.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

 

‘Lightyear’ is coming! Check out the new trailer

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

He’s coming back. Buzzzzzzz

Releasing June 17, 2022, the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear—the hero who inspired the toy—follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure. “Buzz’s world was always something I was excited about,” said director Angus MacLane. “In Toy Story, there seemed to be this incredible backstory to him being a Space Ranger that’s only touched upon, and I always wanted to explore that world further. So my Lighytear pitch was, ‘What was the movie that Andy saw that made him want a Buzz Lightyear toy?’ I wanted to see that movie. And now I’m lucky enough to get to make it.”