Jon and Kate Plus 8, Official Thread--Part 7

[Lisa loves Pooh]

BTW, here the law is that all pools must have a fence with a locked gate -- I'm sure a lot of families have one even where it isn't required. It's probably less expensive than hiring a nanny to keep the kids away from the pool -- somebody should mention this to Kate in case she wants to save some money.

On the pools, we live in Florida and had our pool built in 2004.

I am unfamiliar with PA law, but quite familiar with our law.

We have to have something that prevents the pool from being an attractive nuisance. The options are, pool screen, yard fence, or safety gate around the perimeter of the pool. We never rebuilt a section of our fence after the hurricanes--but we do have a pool screen and that is sufficient for that.

The gosselins do have a fence surround their pool. A yard face, as opposed to a baby safety fence.


Next--we have to have something that protects young children in the home from the pool. The options are, pool fence (the baby safety fence) or alarms on all access points to the pool that are at least 90 decibals.

For our door access, we have the baby fence.

For one window, whose exterior was below the required height to the pool deck to be unprotected--we had to purchase a 90 decibel alarm that is on the window. It is as loud as our home burglar alarm.

Since we do not have access to the Gosseline home, we don't know if access points to the pool from the home have an alarm, or if there is even an access point from the home to the pool.

I had thought the pool was unsafe at first glance and commented on a hater site and surprisingly many people stood up for the Gosselines based on what we could see from pictures with the above information. (except the alarms as we can't see those--I was just adding in how my law is written in my state.)

 

[madge]

I don't know who Gloria Allread is

Gloria Allred is a feminist lawyer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_Allred

but I don't agree that this is the time for Kevin and Jodi to be profiting off of the children which really waters down any message they have for protecting children.

I didn't mean to suggest that I think it's ok if Kevin & Jodi were paid. I was just asking if this was considered a paid interview, meaning were they even paid by CBS? It wasn't a big scoop or story type segment (I didn't think), it was more informational. I have no idea whether something like that is a paid interview.

 

[newtodis]

I wouldn't have stayed home from something important to watch it, but I thought it was interesting. It was some of the questions I was curious about. It wasn't a wow show, but I thought she answered more than I was expecting. She didn't seem to say her pat answers, so I assume everyone is still sober.

Tomorrow we get to watch the Duggars answer questions..which I thought was strange. Is this 'ask a question' week on the calenda?

I agree! I stayed up to watch it (yup...stayed up - barely!) and thought it was good - not great but good.

I saw the commercial for the Duggars - it immediately made me think "they're doing this so people don't complain it's just a way for Kate to get her side out" then they showed the commercial for next week's show: "Kate's Side".

I want to add that I thought the voice overs Kate did coming back from the commercial breaks were terrible! It sounded like she was in a tunnel or something - did she do them live from LA???

I thought the same...everyone on the J&K dis thread is still sober She didn't cry or try to gain sympathy either.

Kate said homework was a pain in the butt. ITA with her, I hate it. It seems like almost every weekday evening I am quizzing someone for a test, helping with homework (except for math, DH gets those) or searching for supplies for a project.

I agree - I thought about the DISers last night!

Some people I work with spend HOURS on homework with their kids. DS5 is just starting school this year and thankfully his teacher doesn't believe in a lot of homework. The school actually has a "policy" (or something like that) that the homework for each kid is 20 minutes of activity each night which is kind of nice.

I thought it was interesting to watch tonight. And in watching Kate, I have decided that while it might not be the truth, I think it's Kate truth. Meaning I think when she answered the questions she answered them honestly to what she believed to be true. If that makes any sense... True, none of the questions were hardball, but I think the answers were Kate's and to her honest answers.

I totally agree!

However, I have noticed that a few posters here no longer post on any other threads at all - or at the most, one other thread - one comment - once a month or so - yet they will post 20, 30, 40+ posts per day to only this thread.. Hmmm.. I wonder what that means? Lovers or just totally consumed??

Might want to keep your life jackets handy though - because I think the TLC/Kate&8 ship is on the verge of sinking...

Wow! You have a great memory to know where everyone posts! I wish I had that (completely honestly - no snark intended!). I can't remember what I had for breakfast most days. I fully admit that this is a thread I keep at the bottom of my screen and refresh during the day while I'm on hold with people or need a break from my "real" work. Everyone's got something...my "release" is J&K right now....better than smoking or drinking I'd say.

I don't know - I think Kate's far from being out of the public eye. TLC will come up with something for her.

Or maybe neither. Maybe this is the thread we are interested in. It's a natural choice if we like the show. I happen to enjoy this thread, the debates, etc and this is the one I decided to make time for, since I'm in front of my computer so much, it's nothing complex, that I have to think at, and there isn't much else right now on the dis I'm interested in. I post often, my posts are usually short, and hey, it builds up my post count in case there are ever prizes for the highest post count

Great - what I was trying to say but you said it so much better!

Girls.... Carol Ann is calling you guys consumed. It's intervention time.

Remember the first step is admitting you are consumed.... you can be helped.

Several of us (me included) have already admitted we will need a J&K+8 withdrawl thread when this ends....

Does anybody else wonder why there needs to be 2 adults there at all times? They don't have that kind of ratio even for daycare here, even for toddlers.

When I worked in child care centers (granted in another state and a few years ago), infants it was 2 infants to 1 adult, toddlers were 4 to 1 and bigger kids were 6 to 1. If Kate were running a day care, she would need help if that's the guidelines in her area.

With regard to the Gosselin family and after school activities: they actually have it much easier than most families because they only have two age groups. If her kids go to soccer (for instance) she would only have to go to two practice times. I know families who sit on the field all weekend, watching one child play and entertaining the other 3 (or however many kids) and then rotating. I know Kate thinks she has it tough, but in so many respects, she has no idea what REAL parenting is like.

I would think it would only be easier if they were all on the same team for everything. If they were mine, I'd be torn - I would want them to branch out and not be together for EVERYTHING but struggle with even three different teams for a sport (assuming they all want to play the same sport!).

Alright....interviews today! 212 applications for my old job (pre-promotion).....let the interviews begin! Thankfully we narrowed it down a bit but we still have a long day ahead of us!!

One question - when should this season end? I know 40 episodes but when does the J&K+8 (or K+8) season run? TLC confuses me because Cake Boss started last night but some shows (like J&K) have been on for several weeks. Just curious to see how many more shows or weeks they're trying to get from already taped footage or whatever....

OK - one more question....sorry! How did the book signing go last night?? Has anyone heard???

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Do you think he's talking about the money she took out, and that they proved to the judge she needed it to pay bills? That's how I took it. That in spite of Jon saying he didn't take it (he wasn't responsible for that much gone missing) they found that $235,000 was missing that he was responsible for. The money missing from Kate was used for their bills. Maybe that's what he means?




I don't think we'll know until the book comes out who wanted out of this marriage. We don't know if Jon did something to start the failure (and Kate felt it was bad enough she no longer wanted the marriage), or if Kate did something (which could be as simple as Jon reading about himself in the rag mags and deciding he didn't want to be that person anymore. That seems to be something they aren't ready to let us know about yet.

I'm confused as well--but often people who are not guilty, don't return above and beyond what they are responsible for just to shut someone up.

It's something I'll never understand. It would be one thing if the judge asked him to return that amount, but he didn't. So Jon wasn't legally responsible to turn in extra money and thus his statement makes absolutely no sense unless it was a preemptive strike to avoid a problem on his end down the pike.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Only gets 4 to 5 hours of sleep a night.. Sorry - I don't buy that..

Why not?

They've actually done studies/surveys whatever and most people in the US don't get that solid 8 hours of sleep. 6-7 is most common.

I worked at a tv station one time and the female head anchor--managed on just 3 hours of sleep. She'd get home at midnight and then putter around in her kitchen or whatever to wind down for the night. (Martha Stewart wannabe and made us all Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving b/c we were all working--and that was our dinner break. Very delish and quite Martha Stewart!). She would then wake up at 6am everyday.

In her case though--that was all she claimed she needed. That is the part I didn't believe.

 

[madge]

no video with this story, but here's the recap of this morning's interview on CBS:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/27/earlyshow/leisure/celebspot/main5424331.shtml

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

so it's totaly inconceivable that kate (or jon) could do exactly what most if not all parents with kids in different activities do-put the other kids in the van and let them ride along while you drop off/pick up the other(s)? sure it's a hassle but it's not impossible, and it can teach your kids that there's give and take for the entire family if you're involved in an activity-your siblings have to ride along to facilitate you being in one, you have be a rider when they are in one.

I know many parents who car pool or otherwise have help so that children can do activities that pertain to their interest instead of what is convenient to the parent.

You are right that it is possible to go it alone, but why should one parent be compelled to do it your way?

I have had times where my kids did the "same" activity--but then on game day, one would be in one location and one in entirely a different location.

I know parents who don't wish to rely on other parents. I am one of those. I guess I could if I had to. But if I could afford to pay for help, it would be my preference.

 

[madge]

the video:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5424302n&tag=cbsnewsVideoArea.0

Kevin & Jodi are skeptical of Jon... they do say that at the beginning. The pictures shown in the video are cropped/zoomed in versions of what was seen on Radar.

I don't think it was terrible. Certainly not their worst interview. Still not a fan of the timing and wonder if they were paid.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

i feel sorry for these kids-it sounds like they will forever be in the care of hired help to a great extent, and i have to wonder what it does for a child (sense of security wise) to hear one's own parent say that they can't provide solo supervision/care i would think it would be rather frightening-esp. if they are also privey to the whole money arguement and kate's recent claims that because of jon's withdrawls and the filming ban the basic bills could'nt be met-which would mean the nannies and sitters would go. i just envision very little people with very big worries that children should in no way be dealing with.

I have a hard time feeling guilty when many children in today's society on the hands of other caregivers for the majority of their day.

The argument falls short given that other children are not with their parents for MANY hours of the day--some as young as 6 weeks of age either by necessity or by choice of the parent returning to work.

I have been sick the past month and for the final 2 weeks finally had to hire a nanny as I was physically incapable for caring for my children as demonstrated by the very wrecked house my husband came home to during my extremely bad week.

I don't believe the children are absorbing all this adult discussion and then being emotionally scarred for it.

Having been a military brat all my life--I "not so fondly" remember the days of rising at 5am to get to daycare by 6am and to not be picked up until 5 or 6 pm. But I survived and never thought it meant my mother was thinking less of me or otherwise was unable to handle it all by herself.

Little things like this--that Kate gets scoffed at for are something that Americans do to one extent or another on a daily basis.

And like it or not--some people make more money and can afford such luxuries that are meant to improve the quality of life of their children.

I know one family--the one who has only 3 children but couldn't stay in anything less than a suite on DCL b/c their family is just "too big". They have live in help.

Must be nice--but for me to scoff at it would be nothing but jealousy. B/c there really is nothing inherently wrong with that. And at the time--the mom WAS a SAHM. She is now a realtor.

I just can't see raking Kate over the coals. For every mom who "manages" alone, there are several who either hire help, or use the village to assist them.

 

[madge]

I know many parents who car pool or otherwise have help so that children can do activities that pertain to their interest instead of what is convenient to the parent.

You are right that it is possible to go it alone, but why should one parent be compelled to do it your way?

I have had times where my kids did the "same" activity--but then on game day, one would be in one location and one in entirely a different location.

I know parents who don't wish to rely on other parents. I am one of those. I guess I could if I had to. But if I could afford to pay for help, it would be my preference.

I've been trying to put my finger on what's been missing about Kate's need for help ... and the part I bolded is what I think it is! Kate likes having the help, and she can afford it, so why isn't that the answer she gives? IMO, that's a much more honest and forthright answer than some of the other reasons I've heard her say.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Gloria Allred is a feminist lawyer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_Allred




I didn't mean to suggest that I think it's ok if Kevin & Jodi were paid. I was just asking if this was considered a paid interview, meaning were they even paid by CBS? It wasn't a big scoop or story type segment (I didn't think), it was more informational. I have no idea whether something like that is a paid interview.

i was thinking more that they would be what John Walsh is to crime victims and criminals after what happened to his son. No doubt that he is living well as a result (though I'm sure his preference is his grown son.)

I didn't mean to imply they were being paid for this particular interview.

But I question the genuine nature of their intentions given that Jodi used her pathetic sister as her "outlet" who subsequently published a bunch of crap about the show--and endorsed a website that subsequently MOCKS the family (without consideration that the kids might--come across it some day and miss the irony completely!)

I really think they are in it for personal fame and it is simply a matter of convenience that they are blood related and related by marriage to their future meal ticket.

(My personal opinion and it disgusts me when Jodi is revered as a Saint when those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. She didn't have an issue with the show when she was on it.)

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

One question - when should this season end? I know 40 episodes but when does the J&K+8 (or K+8) season run? TLC confuses me because Cake Boss started last night but some shows (like J&K) have been on for several weeks. Just curious to see how many more shows or weeks they're trying to get from already taped footage or whatever....

OK - one more question....sorry! How did the book signing go last night?? Has anyone heard???

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Not sure about when it "should"--but I believe they will finish up in November. Next week is beginning of sweeps (hence "Kate's Side")--and this show was a "stretcher" show to have them finish October.

They did a lot of Kate interviews to stretch and they are repackaging old footage--while I didn't see any of the shows over the summer--last night was a bunch of repackaging. Not so much "never before seen stuff"--but repackaged to make it a "new show".

 

[talulabelle]

the video:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5424302n&tag=cbsnewsVideoArea.0

Kevin & Jodi are skeptical of Jon... they do say that at the beginning. The pictures shown in the video are cropped/zoomed in versions of what was seen on Radar.

I don't think it was terrible. Certainly not their worst interview. Still not a fan of the timing and wonder if they were paid.

I think Jodi does really well on camera - Kevin , well he is more like Jon in an interview (but that is how I would probably be, for goodness sake, the guy isn't a professional...he was thrown into this)...but ya know what, I don't think they are doing this for personal gain. At this point there is nothing in for them other than to show they weren't just talking the talk earlier in the year because they were stiff armed and jilted by Kate, but they are actually going to walk the walk and follow through to make sure that this can't happen to other kids just because their parents see a quick buck to be made. I think it is noble of them. I hope they succeed.

 

[madge]

But I question the genuine nature of their intentions given that Jodi used her pathetic sister as her "outlet" who subsequently published a bunch of crap about the show--and endorsed a website that subsequently MOCKS the family (without consideration that the kids might--come across it some day and miss the irony completely!)

I think a lot of people changed their tune about Kevin and Jodi after they started speaking out on Radar, etc. The other site I read (which is an anti-Gosselin site) doesn't have much good to say about them at all, anymore. They did in the past, although not to the extent the one you're talking about did.

The whole thing is so oversaturated. I'm truly fascinated as to why that is, while trying not to contribute to the madness. LOL.

 

[talulabelle]

the video:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5424302n&tag=cbsnewsVideoArea.0

Kevin & Jodi are skeptical of Jon... they do say that at the beginning. The pictures shown in the video are cropped/zoomed in versions of what was seen on Radar.

I don't think it was terrible. Certainly not their worst interview. Still not a fan of the timing and wonder if they were paid.

CBS morning show and all 3 major netwrks new divisions will NOT pay for stories.

 

[madge]

Not sure about when it "should"--but I believe they will finish up in November. Next week is beginning of sweeps (hence "Kate's Side")--and this show was a "stretcher" show to have them finish October.

really? they're devoting an episode to Kate's side? I missed that in the recaps I read. LOL

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I've been trying to put my finger on what's been missing about Kate's need for help ... and the part I bolded is what I think it is! Kate likes having the help, and she can afford it, so why isn't that the answer she gives? IMO, that's a much more honest and forthright answer than some of the other reasons I've heard her say.

The people I know who have money to pay for the help do claim they "need" the help.

What you or I may "need" will be quite different from what someone else "needs" and I am not one to question whether or not it is a real need or not. But sometimes it is a bit funny when the two needs are compared.

What my family "needs"--a family of a lesser income can easily do without.

If she would have given the answer you highlighted in my post--that wouldn't have been welcomed, but I have never known anyone with the means be so bold as to admit that they have the money, so why not--b/c there is really no way to take that except as cocky.

And I've seen a post or two regarding that on the DISboards even and it is typically universally agreed that you just don't say stuff like that.

So I'm a bit perplexed as to why we would expect Kate to say something rude--just b/c it is honest.

I know someone with one child who has a nanny. But she teaches violin, she travels for performances, she performs each December at the Candlelight vigils. Theoretically, she shold be able to manage her solo child and could if she had to. But with the tuition she receives, it is quite affordable for her to have a competent adult available to care for and monitor her child as well as keep her busy with crafts and swim time and driving her to her own extra-curriculars so that her mother can teach.

Now is this REALLY a need--not really at all. She could manage her life without the nanny. It's only one kids, she can schedule accordingly. But it certainly makes life easier and is very considerate of her child's needs so that she doesn't have to quit doing what she loves.

Again--in theory, the true reason is they can afford the cash for a nanny. (who couldn't with $25 30-minute violin lessons?)



But again who am I to question "need"?

 

[talulabelle]

I think a lot of people changed their tune about Kevin and Jodi after they started speaking out on Radar, etc. The other site I read (which is an anti-Gosselin site) doesn't have much good to say about them at all, anymore. They did in the past, although not to the extent the one you're talking about did.

The whole thing is so oversaturated. I'm truly fascinated as to why that is, while trying not to contribute to the madness. LOL.

I think JOdi used Radar and her sisters sight as an outlet because those were the only outlets available to her at the time. She was outraged by how Kate was making the kids lives ALL show andj systematically eliminating all else (including family) from their lives if it didn't fit her ajenda for the show. At the beginiing, major outlets wouldn't have given her the time of day, because the story wasn't as huge as it is now. That was the only way she had to get her voice heard. Now people are listening.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I think a lot of people changed their tune about Kevin and Jodi after they started speaking out on Radar, etc. The other site I read (which is an anti-Gosselin site) doesn't have much good to say about them at all, anymore. They did in the past, although not to the extent the one you're talking about did.

The whole thing is so oversaturated. I'm truly fascinated as to why that is, while trying not to contribute to the madness. LOL.

That's interesting news. I don't keep up with them anymore, but that is surprising that they turned.

I mean--with the mockery--it is quite ironic that they bailed on K&J for what they did when "all they were trying to do" was expose the issues.

(I do disagree with what they did, but it doesn't make sense that the hater site bailed on them.)

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

really? they're devoting an episode to Kate's side? I missed that in the recaps I read. LOL

It was teased, yes, for next week.

An interview with some reporter, I want to say Natalie Morales?