8 Positive Thoughts on the Gosselins

The National Enquirer recently published an article that does not paint the Gosselin family, of Jon & Kate Plus 8 fame, in a good light. It’s interesting that they would publish such a negative article that serves no real purpose. Maybe they think people will feel better knowing the Gosselins can’t do it all on their own. I haven’t seen the article but I did read various stories about the article on the web that I feel need to be commented on.

1. Jon and Kate’s parents may have chosen not to be involved in the show. There is plenty that happens in a day or week of the family’s lives that can make up an episode so it is conceivable that the extended family does see them regularly without actually appearing on the show.

2. I would think anyone appearing on the show does get compensated somehow. I’m sure Jon & Kate saw this as an informational and financial enterprise so why wouldn’t Aunt Jodie? I can’t see why Kate would have a control issue about Jodie getting paid as it doesn’t take away from what she’ll earn, plus it opens up some stroylines. If, as I read somewhere, Jodie is getting her own show, she’ll need a compelling storyline for it to work, but there are plenty of networks that could be interested so it would not be direct competition for the Gosselins.

3. Kate does talk over Jon. Her kids are not at the age where they can be quiet and patient and listen to what each person has to say, they all talk over one another. There is constant noise and chatter so that someone does have to talk over others to be heard. I think she just does it out of habit now. Jon is an adult who certainly can have a conversation with his wife about this issue if it is something that bothers him.

4. Kate does come across as bossy. She has a tight ship to run with kids who are not at the age where they know what to do and where to be all the time. She spends the entire day with them and runs the house so she knows what needs to be done when so that everything runs well. It’s probably not a new aspect of her personality for Jon.

5. The Gosselins are entrepreneurs so when they are asked to speak, they do it for money. Former presidents do this, Suze Orman does this, the Dog Whisperer does this. It’s not being greedy nor is it illegal.

6. Everyone can change their minds about where they want to live. They are looking at land in various places but I don’t recall that they said on their show why they are looking in certain places or that they have a preference for one place over the other. I don’t know why there are seemingly factual theories as to why they are or are not looking in Pennsylvania but maybe I missed that episode. They can explore all their options and comparison shop all they want, without letting us know the thought process, without discussing it with the viewers.

7. So the National Enquirer says that the family employs a maid, a cook, or other kind of helper. The show shows her cooking and shows her acknowledging the various people who do come and help. They aren’t taking credit for things they don’t do. They never say they don’t need help. If it’s the fact that they now have the money to have hired help that bothers people, remember that they are being paid to do the show (I would have to assume this), Jon works in IT and could have had several promotions we are not aware of, and they could have other money-making entities going on (think Jessica Simpson with her records, perfumes, clothes and now beer enterprises).

8. Try to keep an open mind and realize that the network, the show producers, and the Gosselins are ultimately trying to create an informative show that a lot of people will watch and that sponsors will attach their name to. They are human, are not perfect and never claimed to be doing anything in the one-and-only right way. It’s their way.

7 Reasons the NFL Network Announcers Stink

1. It was like being at a bar or walking in a mall with 2 or 3 guys behind you talking endlessly about the 2 teams. No play-by-play, only color. Sure, they were filled with facts and opinions about the teams and the players, but most of their discussion was suitable for a pre-game show, not the actual event.

2. Announcers rarely talked about what was happening on the field as it was happening. I couldn’t cheer for Wes Welker’s run because I didn’t know who had the ball at the time.

3. Announcers never told us a play was under review. They came back from commercial and still no one was playing but the announcers didn’t explain why. The announcers didn’t look at a replay of the play that was being reviewed nor did they even discuss it at the time of the review. Only when the umpire made his announcement did I know what was going on.

4. Announcers talked over the umpire’s announcement/explanation of a call, barring me from knowing what was going on.

5. I missed the plays because I had to figure out where the graphic was that told me the down/yardage (again, the announcers weren’t telling me).

6. Huddle Cam. I know what a huddle is and that camera was never in on one and only showed a huddle from that camera once in the time I watched. It’s really an on-the-field camera, and nothing more. It was no ‘treat,’ as one of the announcers said it would be.

7. “Is that what I’m seeing? Is that what I’m seeing?” – a quote from one of the announcers. He should be telling ME what I’M seeing! And, as I recall, nothing exciting was happening. That was the capper for me. I turned the TV off shortly before 9pm so I could listen to the radio.

Reality TV Stars Get All the Free Stuff

It’s really become annoying to watch reality tv people receive things for free. Just started watching this week’s episode of Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood where Dean’s been given a bike by Specialized that he will use in an upcoming AIDS bike race. He can afford to buy his own bike but Specialized thinks that if people see Dean McDermott riding one of their bikes, others will buy them. People will, I know. And Dean may eventually auction off the bike for charity so truly needy people will benefit. But this week I cannot pay alot on my credit card bill because I have to pay an oil bill, so I’m really feeling like it would be nice if someone would give me something for free.

I also see the Gosselins (Jon & Kate Plus Eight) getting free hair transplants and tummy tucks and chalets in ski country. People see them on tv and think, wow, they have a lot going on so they offer these things to them. Granted they aren’t asking to get free stuff (like I am). Maybe it would be considered rude to not accept these things. And they do say that they are free and we do get to see their experience.

I don’t have a scintillating story that’s fit for reality tv. I don’t have a sad story that will get me on Extreme Makeover or Oprah. I’ve worked hard for everything I have. Yes, I have more things than others, but I’d still like a little special attention once in a while! Perhaps I should just watch less tv.