Filed under: Hot Picks, Reviews
In case you didn't know, it's rude to use your cell phone at the movies, at a play and over a meal. And while we're at it, uhm, thank you for not texting during the family dinner.This sage and obvious advice is available in 'Is it Just Me? Or is it Nuts Out There,' a new book by Whoopi Goldberg, the Academy Award-winning actress and co-host of 'The View.'
Goldberg packs a wallop of observations in this hilarious and concise must-read, which also talks about how politics has turned nasty, how complaining should be outlawed if you're not going to do anything to change the problem and how coworkers should think twice about flashing their fashion-police badge.
"What makes somebody get up in morning and think they can criticize what clothes you put on that day?'' Goldberg writes. "I mean, really. Why do casual coworkers think you and I are fair game for their fashion assessment? 'Hey, second time I've seen those pants this week.' 'That sweater has an interesting texture. What is it, ShamWow?' 'Helen, is that blouse a little young for you?' What?''
Goldberg goes on to say that such comments create a false sense of intimacy in the workplace. She asks whether you're really close enough to someone to know that your comments aren't hurting their feelings.
But she offers no advice on what to do when a guest on your talk show ticks you off so much that you walk off your own show. Well, maybe that's because the book already was published when some of the women from 'The View' walked out on Bill O'Reilly, a Fox News talk show host.
But she offers plenty of other advice and observations:
1. Politics Has Gotten Nasty: It feels like politics today is not about what's best for the people. Politics today seems to be about what's best for people. Politics today seems to be about my side shoulda won, and we're going to do everything we can do to make you look bad. And, wow, do they ever.
2. Then Maybe You Should Stop Complaining: If someone's behavior is driving you crazy, here's the thing. Recognize that you have options. Here they are. Ready? You can ignore it, you can bitch about it or you can make an attempt to fix it. It all depends on how badly you want to change the situation.
3. Places Not to Use a Cell Phone: Unless you are a doctor, turn the cell phone off when you are: on a train; driving, unless hands-free; in church; at parents' night in your kid's classroom; in the elevator; in a meeting at work; during a family dinner; at the cash register while someone waits on you; on a hotel or apartment balcony, and during sex, unless it's phone sex.
'Is It Just Me? Or is it Nuts out There?' is a worthy read chock-full of pointers on how to navigate today's society where "please'' and "thank you'' are like ancient relics.
Goldberg has won a Tony, an Emmy, an Oscar, and a Grammy. After appearing in scores of films, she is now the moderator and co-host of 'The View.' She lives in New York.