The party's (almost) over--the series finale is coming up soon. What will these two people do now? If she is able to, Kate will continue her media career--another show, another book? I don't care what she does, really, as long as she doesn't drag her kids into it. If she has fans, they'll watch her no matter what she does. I won't. There are plenty of people who have "careers" in TV and the media that I have no idea why or how they got famous --Paris Hilton, Spencer and Heidi, etc.
Jon, who knows? I kinda feel like he has been painted into a corner--although he has done some of the "painting" himself--who is going to hire this guy?
In the end, I kind of feel sorry for them both, even though they did play a huge part in their own undoing. Kate is still the children's mother--and they need their mom. Hopefully, Kate can learn from this experience and become a better mother in time. Ditto for Jon. I say this with hope and optimisim because that is my sincere wish for the Gosselin children.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Trainwreck Keeps on Truckin'
When will Jon and Kate both just SHUT UP? A divorce is hard enough without making the dirty details public. This is ridiculous. Enough already, people. Get on with your lives, Jon and Kate--give your children (and yourselves) some privacy during this difficult time. Find whatever "careers" you can WITHOUT involving your children in the process.
The media, including TLC, have expoited not only the children, but Jon and Kate as well. They're using you, guys. They know you are both weak when it comes to money. They know Kate is weak when it comes to not only the money, but the lifestyle, the fame, and the attention. Dangle those things in front of Kate and she'll do what the media want.
Many people at TLC and the production company have made far more money than either Jon or Kate has made from the series. Eileen O'Neill has made money and boosted her career in the process. What have the Gosselins really achieved? Some money, some freebies, and a ruined family. No real, long-term careers to speak of. Just a shell of a life. Was it really worth it, Jon and Kate?
The media, including TLC, have expoited not only the children, but Jon and Kate as well. They're using you, guys. They know you are both weak when it comes to money. They know Kate is weak when it comes to not only the money, but the lifestyle, the fame, and the attention. Dangle those things in front of Kate and she'll do what the media want.
Many people at TLC and the production company have made far more money than either Jon or Kate has made from the series. Eileen O'Neill has made money and boosted her career in the process. What have the Gosselins really achieved? Some money, some freebies, and a ruined family. No real, long-term careers to speak of. Just a shell of a life. Was it really worth it, Jon and Kate?
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Gosselins Spending Money Like Drunken Sailors
Wow--how many residences do the Gosselins need? Kate's Md. condo, Jon's NYC condo, the Wernersville house, the Elizabethtown house, and rumor has it, a Utah condo? This cannot be good financially. Even if some of the properties are rented (condos) they come with maintainence and condo fees, as well as the utilities for these homes (so much for "going green", eh, Gosselins?)
The vehilcles: the ginormous van, the minivan, the SUV, the sportscar, the small black sedan, ATV, motorcycle--jeez. I don't begrudge the kids their little car--they deserve something for all their work.
Kate-boob job (perhaps some facial cosmetic procedures and apparently some more lipo?) Tanning, mani-pedis, spa time--not that most "normal" moms don't deserve some "me" time--but Kate has had waaay more than her share. High-end shoes and bags, etc.
Jon--rumored to be spending $$$$ at high-end retail shops/boutiques. Also rumored to be taking some "friends" to Las Vegas later this month (WTF?) Is he gonna waste more of his kid's money on gambling, drinking, and possibly, strippers?
Wake up, Jon and Kate--nothing lasts forever--fame and fortune can be very, very fleeting and fickle. In ten years, do not expect sympathy from the public when you are trying to put Mady and Cara through college and you have to file for bankruptcy--no one will care.
The vehilcles: the ginormous van, the minivan, the SUV, the sportscar, the small black sedan, ATV, motorcycle--jeez. I don't begrudge the kids their little car--they deserve something for all their work.
Kate-boob job (perhaps some facial cosmetic procedures and apparently some more lipo?) Tanning, mani-pedis, spa time--not that most "normal" moms don't deserve some "me" time--but Kate has had waaay more than her share. High-end shoes and bags, etc.
Jon--rumored to be spending $$$$ at high-end retail shops/boutiques. Also rumored to be taking some "friends" to Las Vegas later this month (WTF?) Is he gonna waste more of his kid's money on gambling, drinking, and possibly, strippers?
Wake up, Jon and Kate--nothing lasts forever--fame and fortune can be very, very fleeting and fickle. In ten years, do not expect sympathy from the public when you are trying to put Mady and Cara through college and you have to file for bankruptcy--no one will care.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Jon and Kate--who is the better parent?
I guess it is a matter of opinion. Neither one of them is going to win a gold star in my book, and I certainly DO NOT hold either up as an example of good parenting or a role model.
Seeing Jon outside playing Frisbee with his kids shows that at least he wants them to be able to act like kids (it may be argued that it's because Jon is a kid himself). Kate is too busy focusing on what's really important to her--Kate. Kate's needs. Kate's ambition. Kate's obsession with fame and money. She is a classic narcissist in that she sees her children as extensions of herself. She thinks that what is best for her is best for them. If Kate's happy, then her kids should be happy, right? Screw what anyone else in the family wants or needs.
She also has anger issues--look at the episode with "knobgate" in it. She throws a toy down the stairs while yelling at her kids for removing a knob from a piece of furniture. She also says, "I'm sick of this shit!" (although "shit") was edited out. To three year-olds. One of whom removed a knob that could easily have become unscrewed by itself with use---a child may've just touched the knob and it could've fallen off. This has happened in my house--no big deal. Screw or glue the knob back on--end of story. But to Kate, this was an excuse to vent her anger and frustration at being a mom to sextuplets and launching the Spanish Inquisition. OK--we've all "lost it" at one time or another--but over a KNOB??? Her anger isn't really about the "knob", I know--she's angry about her "stuff" getting damaged by her kids--that says, to me, that she places a higher value over things than people.
Same thing with the gum.
And the ice cream at Disney World.
And the washable markers at the Crayola Factory.
And being in a snit over the fondant and icing at the bakery.
And not letting the kids roll on the grass at the ice-cream place.
Deep down, I do think Kate loves her kids, but in a way that she sees the children as an extension and reflection of herself. They are like cute little props in HER life-- sort of a collection of little dolls that she can dress up and show off to the world. She has a hard time letting go of her own feelings and need for control and viewing her children as complex individuals with very distinct and individual needs of their own.
Kate spanking Leah: over blowing a whistle outside. Well then, don't give your kids whistles. Whistles make noise. No other use or purpose for them. The punishment should fit the crime, and IMO, spanking was too severe for this "crime." She could've PUT THE DAMN CELL PHONE DOWN and went over to Leah and taken the whistle away from her with a reprimand. Just another example of Kate's temper and over-reacting to life's irritations.
Financially, of course, Kate is more astute and shrewd than Jon. She is concerned about the family finances---but for whom? Is it really ALL for the kids? Do they really care about living in a 6200 sq. ft house as opposed to a 3500 sq. ft. one? Did the kids want her to have a boob job (allegedly) and cosmetic dental procedures? Tanning? C'mon--of course they don't care about that stuff. They want Mommy and Daddy spending time with them, and giving them unconditional love and support. Kate seems to believe that her kids need to live like rock stars because that what SHE wants and "needs."
So, Jon lacks ambition and drive--but seems to really enjoy his kids. No, he's not perfect, either.
Kate is so worried about keeping up appearances that she often seems to not enjoy the children.
So --who is the better parent? I guess that's a matter of opinion. Jon's the "funner" parent and Kate's more of a "manager." I hope for the kid's sake they can work out a balance between them and get them through the divorce with as little emotional trauma as possible. Here's hoping.
Seeing Jon outside playing Frisbee with his kids shows that at least he wants them to be able to act like kids (it may be argued that it's because Jon is a kid himself). Kate is too busy focusing on what's really important to her--Kate. Kate's needs. Kate's ambition. Kate's obsession with fame and money. She is a classic narcissist in that she sees her children as extensions of herself. She thinks that what is best for her is best for them. If Kate's happy, then her kids should be happy, right? Screw what anyone else in the family wants or needs.
She also has anger issues--look at the episode with "knobgate" in it. She throws a toy down the stairs while yelling at her kids for removing a knob from a piece of furniture. She also says, "I'm sick of this shit!" (although "shit") was edited out. To three year-olds. One of whom removed a knob that could easily have become unscrewed by itself with use---a child may've just touched the knob and it could've fallen off. This has happened in my house--no big deal. Screw or glue the knob back on--end of story. But to Kate, this was an excuse to vent her anger and frustration at being a mom to sextuplets and launching the Spanish Inquisition. OK--we've all "lost it" at one time or another--but over a KNOB??? Her anger isn't really about the "knob", I know--she's angry about her "stuff" getting damaged by her kids--that says, to me, that she places a higher value over things than people.
Same thing with the gum.
And the ice cream at Disney World.
And the washable markers at the Crayola Factory.
And being in a snit over the fondant and icing at the bakery.
And not letting the kids roll on the grass at the ice-cream place.
Deep down, I do think Kate loves her kids, but in a way that she sees the children as an extension and reflection of herself. They are like cute little props in HER life-- sort of a collection of little dolls that she can dress up and show off to the world. She has a hard time letting go of her own feelings and need for control and viewing her children as complex individuals with very distinct and individual needs of their own.
Kate spanking Leah: over blowing a whistle outside. Well then, don't give your kids whistles. Whistles make noise. No other use or purpose for them. The punishment should fit the crime, and IMO, spanking was too severe for this "crime." She could've PUT THE DAMN CELL PHONE DOWN and went over to Leah and taken the whistle away from her with a reprimand. Just another example of Kate's temper and over-reacting to life's irritations.
Financially, of course, Kate is more astute and shrewd than Jon. She is concerned about the family finances---but for whom? Is it really ALL for the kids? Do they really care about living in a 6200 sq. ft house as opposed to a 3500 sq. ft. one? Did the kids want her to have a boob job (allegedly) and cosmetic dental procedures? Tanning? C'mon--of course they don't care about that stuff. They want Mommy and Daddy spending time with them, and giving them unconditional love and support. Kate seems to believe that her kids need to live like rock stars because that what SHE wants and "needs."
So, Jon lacks ambition and drive--but seems to really enjoy his kids. No, he's not perfect, either.
Kate is so worried about keeping up appearances that she often seems to not enjoy the children.
So --who is the better parent? I guess that's a matter of opinion. Jon's the "funner" parent and Kate's more of a "manager." I hope for the kid's sake they can work out a balance between them and get them through the divorce with as little emotional trauma as possible. Here's hoping.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Reality Ratings Gold
Reality TV thrives on any controversy or drama--it's rating gold for there to be feuds, meltdowns, shouting matches, etc. Viewers want to see drama, intrigue, backstabbing and humiliation. So, of course, the story producers of these shows want people to have some sort of conflict--they don't really want people to just "all get along." Reality shows are NOT documentaries-- they don't merely document what is happening as an objective outside observer.
So, the Jon and Kate marriage drama--real? I'd say the problems between the two are very real--but did the producers of the show find a way to make lemonade out of lemons? Abso-fricken-lutely! Will they gauge the ratings and public response weekly and produce and edit future episode accordingly? You BET!
And what about Jon and Kate? Do they care what this is doing to their marriage and their family, or is the marriage pretty much dead anyway and they're just saying "Show me the money!"?
Unfortunately, the kids will have to live with the real aftermath of this debacle--they have no choice. Will the money really make everything better for the kids?
So, the Jon and Kate marriage drama--real? I'd say the problems between the two are very real--but did the producers of the show find a way to make lemonade out of lemons? Abso-fricken-lutely! Will they gauge the ratings and public response weekly and produce and edit future episode accordingly? You BET!
And what about Jon and Kate? Do they care what this is doing to their marriage and their family, or is the marriage pretty much dead anyway and they're just saying "Show me the money!"?
Unfortunately, the kids will have to live with the real aftermath of this debacle--they have no choice. Will the money really make everything better for the kids?
Friday, May 22, 2009
Jon & Kate Plus Eight-- The Milli Vanilli of Reality Shows?
I remember the big Milli Vanilli scandal--the duo that made videos and did appearances and received an award for being the best new artists of the year--- who did not sing anything on their recordings and lip-synced their performances. They did nothing except dance and "look" the part.
That's kind of how I view the show Jon & Kate + 8. They look the part-- cute kids, made-over Mom and Dad to be more telegenic--but it seems that less and less is "real" about this reality show. Kate is never home--only for filming, it seems-- or to be snapped by photogs when she is in town. Jon is home, but is assisted by nannies, cooks, landscapers, etc. He has been reported to be out and about at bars with young women in his "free time." And now, we learn, according to the popular press, that Jon and Kate are in a sham of a marriage. That, in fact, they can barely stand each other--but they are keeping up appearances for the sake of the show (subtext--MONEY).
They have presented themselves to middle America as an average, Christian family-- dealing with a large amount of children in a short time. What is the attraction here? They have sacrificed family --their own and extended familes-- for money and fame. Where is the "Christian" in this equation? Quoting Bible verses/Scripture does not make you a Christian. Actions speak louder than words, Jon and Kate. Do the right thing, for heaven's sake.
That's kind of how I view the show Jon & Kate + 8. They look the part-- cute kids, made-over Mom and Dad to be more telegenic--but it seems that less and less is "real" about this reality show. Kate is never home--only for filming, it seems-- or to be snapped by photogs when she is in town. Jon is home, but is assisted by nannies, cooks, landscapers, etc. He has been reported to be out and about at bars with young women in his "free time." And now, we learn, according to the popular press, that Jon and Kate are in a sham of a marriage. That, in fact, they can barely stand each other--but they are keeping up appearances for the sake of the show (subtext--MONEY).
They have presented themselves to middle America as an average, Christian family-- dealing with a large amount of children in a short time. What is the attraction here? They have sacrificed family --their own and extended familes-- for money and fame. Where is the "Christian" in this equation? Quoting Bible verses/Scripture does not make you a Christian. Actions speak louder than words, Jon and Kate. Do the right thing, for heaven's sake.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Gosselins in the Media--Facts or Publicity Stunt?
My husband seems to think much of what is being said in the media about the Gosselins recently is a publicity stunt to get more viewers for the new season of the show. I tend to believe it's a little bit of both-- I think there is truth behind some of the allegations-- and I also believe that the PR firm and network are milking it for all it's worth. Either way, it's a sad situation for those kids. Marriage and children be damned--full speed ahead! After all, there's ratings to be had, money to be made!
Those that defend the Gosselins say they NEED to do the show and book tour/speaking engagements to support their family. Oh yeah? How did large families do it before the advent of reality tv? How did my grandparents do it with 11 kids? My former neighbor had six kids-- she and her husband manage more than adequately. My other neighbor is the baby of eight kids--apparently she grew up just fine, with a house and family of her own.
Kate was a nurse, and Jon had an IT job with the Commonwealth of PA. They had a respectable home-- not large, but it was in a nice family neighborhood and had a yard. What dire straits were these two in that they absolutely HAD to exploit their children's childhoods?
The other justification is COLLEGE-- how are they going to pay for eight kids?
First of all, I doubt that ALL eight will choose college, --but if they do, the financial aid formulas take into account how many minors are living at home and how many siblings are in college at the same time. Penn State is a good university and the tuition for state residents isn't that bad, relatively. Kutztown University is even cheaper and has many fine programs as well. Actually, people with larger families who do not have multiples are in potentially worse shape for receiving financial aid than the Gosselins.
So please, gimme a break about the financial reasons--we all have financial issues these days.
Defenders of Kate say she's bitchy, but so what? She is bitchy because she has eight kids! Jon is lazy! Kate does everything! OK--Kate has NEVER done it all by herself--volunteers, family (in the past), a private nurse, helpers, nannies--she's had help from the very beginning, up to and including the present. And now she's rarely home, so who is taking care of the kids?
Jon's lazy? (As per the early episodes)--Who got up and got the twins ready for school and made Queen Kate her morning coffee, placing it on her nightstand for when she woke up at 8:30? Who came home from work and did bath and bedtime duties?Who did the vacuuming? Gassed up the vehicles because Kate never pumps gas?
Things I've seen Jon do:
Actually play with his kids--from play dough, to snow boarding with Cara, to going on all eight days out with the kids, getting all of the kids ready for ski-school in Utah and taking them (while Kate had a headache--but went to the spa nonetheless)
Put together the kid's beds (while Kate bitched)
Paint Cara and Mady's new room (while Kate, yet again, bitched)
Build shelves to organize the garage
Build the carnival stands for the tup's third birthday
Move the furniture and rip out the old carpet in the old house
Get the kids up and dressed on the weekends
Help pack and loads the van for their many trips and outings
Drive hither, tither, and yon
So how exactly, is this guy "LAZY"? He does more than many fathers do. He may lack motivation or ambition, but I wouldn't use the adjective "lazy." Kate even said in an early episode, "I'm the plan maker, and you're the plan DOER (pointing to Jon)".
Defenders say that Jon knew who he was marrying when he wed Kate--hmmmm...wasn't she sickeningly sweet and girl-like in the home videos before they were married? Also, couldn't the same be said about Kate? Didn't she know who Jon was when she married him? That he really wasn't ambitious, wasn't in a hurry to have kids, etc.---why, then rush marriage and fertility treatments, Kate? Did she marry him because she new she could control him? Because his Dad was a well-known, successful dentist in town? I don't know--but they chose each other--BOTH of them.
Of course with any family, especially with a large one, someone has to "steer the ship" and be organized. But you don't have to be a degrading bitch to get the job done. If you act like Captain Bligh--there's eventually gonna be a mutiny.
Those that defend the Gosselins say they NEED to do the show and book tour/speaking engagements to support their family. Oh yeah? How did large families do it before the advent of reality tv? How did my grandparents do it with 11 kids? My former neighbor had six kids-- she and her husband manage more than adequately. My other neighbor is the baby of eight kids--apparently she grew up just fine, with a house and family of her own.
Kate was a nurse, and Jon had an IT job with the Commonwealth of PA. They had a respectable home-- not large, but it was in a nice family neighborhood and had a yard. What dire straits were these two in that they absolutely HAD to exploit their children's childhoods?
The other justification is COLLEGE-- how are they going to pay for eight kids?
First of all, I doubt that ALL eight will choose college, --but if they do, the financial aid formulas take into account how many minors are living at home and how many siblings are in college at the same time. Penn State is a good university and the tuition for state residents isn't that bad, relatively. Kutztown University is even cheaper and has many fine programs as well. Actually, people with larger families who do not have multiples are in potentially worse shape for receiving financial aid than the Gosselins.
So please, gimme a break about the financial reasons--we all have financial issues these days.
Defenders of Kate say she's bitchy, but so what? She is bitchy because she has eight kids! Jon is lazy! Kate does everything! OK--Kate has NEVER done it all by herself--volunteers, family (in the past), a private nurse, helpers, nannies--she's had help from the very beginning, up to and including the present. And now she's rarely home, so who is taking care of the kids?
Jon's lazy? (As per the early episodes)--Who got up and got the twins ready for school and made Queen Kate her morning coffee, placing it on her nightstand for when she woke up at 8:30? Who came home from work and did bath and bedtime duties?Who did the vacuuming? Gassed up the vehicles because Kate never pumps gas?
Things I've seen Jon do:
Actually play with his kids--from play dough, to snow boarding with Cara, to going on all eight days out with the kids, getting all of the kids ready for ski-school in Utah and taking them (while Kate had a headache--but went to the spa nonetheless)
Put together the kid's beds (while Kate bitched)
Paint Cara and Mady's new room (while Kate, yet again, bitched)
Build shelves to organize the garage
Build the carnival stands for the tup's third birthday
Move the furniture and rip out the old carpet in the old house
Get the kids up and dressed on the weekends
Help pack and loads the van for their many trips and outings
Drive hither, tither, and yon
So how exactly, is this guy "LAZY"? He does more than many fathers do. He may lack motivation or ambition, but I wouldn't use the adjective "lazy." Kate even said in an early episode, "I'm the plan maker, and you're the plan DOER (pointing to Jon)".
Defenders say that Jon knew who he was marrying when he wed Kate--hmmmm...wasn't she sickeningly sweet and girl-like in the home videos before they were married? Also, couldn't the same be said about Kate? Didn't she know who Jon was when she married him? That he really wasn't ambitious, wasn't in a hurry to have kids, etc.---why, then rush marriage and fertility treatments, Kate? Did she marry him because she new she could control him? Because his Dad was a well-known, successful dentist in town? I don't know--but they chose each other--BOTH of them.
Of course with any family, especially with a large one, someone has to "steer the ship" and be organized. But you don't have to be a degrading bitch to get the job done. If you act like Captain Bligh--there's eventually gonna be a mutiny.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)