Wednesday, January 23, 2013

'Confessions of a Prairie Bitch': Alison Arngrim's brilliant and hysterical memoir on child stardom, and childhood horrors

"I've learned that people see what they want to see and believe what they want to believe."

Little House on the Prairie's Alison Arngrim takes us back to homespun bonnets and one-room schoolhouses and, um, cocaine in her 2011 memoir, a brutally honest, year by year rundown of her unreal reality growing up in Hollywood. Alison was one of the stars of the biggest family television show of the 1970's, and arguably, the most famous pint-sized, underage villain to ever grace the small screen.

Naturally, Angrim had her issues with child stardom, and she spares no gory details. She was exposed to drugs and alcohol from a young age (she was doing LSD at age eight), she worked long hours in brutal heat and uncomfortable costumes and even once fainted in the middle of a scene, and was beat up by other children and called names for playing "the bitch" on T.V. Meanwhile, she was often left alone by her absent parents (also in show business, her mother was the voice of Casper the Ghost and Gumby) to be babysat by her older brother, and says she was molested multiple times by him. She would later become an advocate for children's rights, both on and off the set. (Angrim even came out to Pennsylvania to testify at hearings about reality T.V., spearheaded by Rep. Murt. The inquisition would ultimately result in P.A. tightening its child labor laws, which go into effect this month.)

But ironically, Angrim was part of a production that was widely regarded as very protective of children, even ahead of its time. Michael Landon fiercely guarded the children on set, and the child actors have almost all grown up to be very stable and successful adults, avoiding the typical pitfalls. Coincidence? "Mary" and "Laura" continued to act into adulthood and have families. The twins who played "Carrie" quit acting and went back to high school to live normal lives, both of them riding and breeding horses. "Albert" founded a charity in Los Angeles for troubled children. "Alisha" married a real estate agent and now appears on the Real Housewives. "Willie" is a stockbroker and never acted again. "Cassandra" was a finance reporter for CNBC and now FoxNews.

Oh, and this cute little moppet of a cowboy? Remember sad orphan "James" who ended up shot by robbers?



Yeah, he's this beautiful man now:



Be still my heart!

And of course Alison Arngrim grew up and became an advocate for children, as well as a comedian, and has made a real difference for kids. Here is Arngrim's recounting of how Michael Landon guarded his child stars:


"Everyone always asks if Michael was like a father to me, if he loved me. I have no idea if he loved me, but he went one better as far as I’m concerned. He respected me. Respect is something very hard to come by for child actors. They are often treated as dumb animals or props, objects to be moved about in service of the plot or the other actors. They’re sometimes instructed to do no more than hit their mark and “act cute”. Making silly faces and repeating inane catchphrases is encouraged. In these circumstances, not much is expected of them, and “not much” is exactly what you get. I think this contributes to the rampant lack of self-respect we see so often in ex-child stars and the resulting self-destructive behavior. If you’re never asked to meet a standard, never held accountable for anything, sure, nothing’s ever your fault, but then nothing’s ever to your credit, either. It’s pretty much like you were never even there. This was never the case for any child actor in Little House on the Prairie. Or as we like to say, “Cast of Little House: no arrests, no convictions.”

And I do believe we owe that to Michael."

Lest you think the entire book is yet another tired, depressing commentary on how brutal this industry is for someone so young, Arngrim peppers the tragedies in the book with laugh-out-loud stories and antidotes from the fanciful world of Hollywood circa 1973. In particular, her first encounter with Melissa Gilbert, then a nine-year-old little firecracker (who would later go on to act in dozens of projects and eventually be elected president of SAG), goes something like this:

Gilbert

"She [Melissa Gilbert] marched right in and introduced herself and began explaining things to us, all kinds of things: who was who, who did what, how everything worked. She was filling us in, in no uncertain terms, mind you, as to the way things were around here…
Then came her stern warning, delivered with the intensity of Edward G. Robinson, in the vocal range of Shirley Temple: “And whatever you do, you watch out for that Melissa Sue Anderson. She’s very dangerous. She’s evil, and I hate her.” Now, my aunt could not sit still for this. Melissa Sue Anderson? The girl cast to play Laura’s big sister, Mary? She was a little girl, for heaven’s sake!
My aunt chided, “Oh, honey, you don’t mean that! You don’t really hate her now, do you?” “Yes, I do!” Melissa squeaked. “I hate her, and she hates me. She tried to kill me, you know. And she’ll kill you, too, if she gets the chance!” And then she ran off.
It was as if we were suddenly in the middle of a really bad prison movie with an all-midget cast. We had just been told to “watch our backs” by someone who looked like a talking Holly Hobby doll."

Melissa and Alison became best friends and have remained so ever since.

A must-read, Arngrim's memoir is widely available on Amazon.com, including for Kindle, and even many local libraries.

618 sediments (sic) from readers:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 618   Newer›   Newest»
Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Ron Howard said that too, that Andy Griffith simply RESPECTED him. And that made all the difference.

Dmasy said...

Just bought it for my Kindle.

There is some guy at Amazon right now saying, "Well, what the heck? We have a run on a Little House book."

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Alison is vague about who or why a trust was set up, but from day one her money was put in trust. It was all handled by the accounting department on the show. When they screwed up the trust once her checks were docked for months to make up for it. She makes it sound like it was a lot more than the required Cogan fund, as she did not have enough left over to support her family and her parents had to work.

That's another thing the show did right, they made sure the child actors got THEIR money and parents couldn't take it.

Improbable Dreams said...

Great post, Admin, and it sounds like a thoughtful book. For better and worse, I've learned that lesson, too. Looking forward to the discussion.

Arngrim's memoir is wildly availableon Amazon.com... :)

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

lol widely....but amazon is pretty wild too!

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Tell me when you get to the part about Melissa Sue Andersen. Mary. Alison tried SO hard to be friends with her and Melissa treated her like crap. Alison finally made the connection that when Melissa's diva mother was around (also called out by Scotty McGreggor who played Mrs. Olsen) Melissa clamped up and was so mean. When her mother left, like when they went to the amusement park together, Melissa relaxed and had fun. Alison basically says I wish I knew what that was about but something was WRONG with that relationship. Alison also points out that Melissa's family was going through a divorce. She made a very respectable effort to try to understand why that girl was the way she was. It is touching.

Many, many people from that set have also said she was a total beeatch, but did not have the patience to find out why.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Another point of note, is that Melissa Gilbert was already rich and lived in a mansion in Encino with servants. Alison was struggling, even had to bring home food from the set to her family, and lived in a two bedroom apartment in Hollywood. Melissa preferred sleepovers THERE, it was more exciting to her, more fun, she wanted to be in a small house and be able to just walk to the grocery store and get junk food.

Just proves kids couldn't care less about mansions and money, they are excited by what they perceive as seedy apartments in Hollywood. Alison thought this was amusing, I think it is telling.

Rearranging the Deck Chairs on the Titanic said...

Wow. They do not like Administrator over at Pressi's site. Their point is that maybe Administrator should get the picture of Khate Gro$$elin, her douche of an ex-husband, and their brood off of the top of her blog since Khate is DONE-ZO.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

They don't like me because of a graphic? :-( Unless she really does have something cooking like she claims, they're right Kate is most likely done, we have much more fun talking about other interesting things going on in the world, but I need some time though to think about how to best address what this site is and what kind of graphic we should have and have had an unusually busy month what with travels and deadlines and family. The graphic was designed by a professional artist. I always really liked Pressi and that site, they are hysterical.

SarahJean said...

I can't be the only tired about hearing about the blog wars. How about everyone just get along, how about that. It's a blog! It's really just a fun place to hangout wherever you want to hang out. It is not worthy of the seriousness going on right now. Leave each other alone and just coexist. Signed, a Regular.

dont post a lot said...

Just my two cents but I think it's way too premature to remove that graphic. She's up to something. Something! You take it down I promise two days later we're going to see some promo for Mom Swap or the like, no way is she not up to no good. Burned once fear the fire. Why would anyone be upset over a graphic? It's just a graphic.

Anonymous said...

Are blogs on blogs allowed now? I can't keep up with the ever changing rules here!

OrangeCrusher1 said...

Even if she does have something in the works, it will be as short lived as all her other stah projects. Done-zoh is probably a good descriptor for KG right now. And deservedly so.

Megan J. said...

Does anybody have the tweet Alison wrote about Kate's fans? Paraphrasing, she said, in 15 yeaes of being an activist, I've never come across a group as volitile and vile as Katea's fans".
Wish I had the twwt.

Jason Bateman, YUM.

Dance Mom's commmercial (won't watch) is little girls crying. I think that's awful.

Cute story: my sister would watch LHOTP with her kids and she made up lyrics that they'd sing every time. 25 years later, my nephew went to one of her shows and she dragged him on stage to sing it. He's already a performer so he was happy to do it. Then some guy from American idol asked him to try out but he was too old and has "given up" on show biz.

JoyinVirginia said...

New post, great! I really want to read Allison s book, but.... It will have to go on the to-do list. To busy this week and next.
OT Admin, you asked before about Redskins tickets. Earlier this evening heard a story, relative's soon bought tickets to a Redskins game from someone off Craig s list, met the guy at his office and everything, thought it was legit. It was a scam, the tickets were counterfeit, the office where seller was met really was not his office. So do not get tix from a reseller or Craig s list! Your best bet will be to go thru the official FedEx field site, for next year.
Another OT, American Horror Story Asylum. I want more. I liked the finale, but I want more! Hoping someone will share their impressions tomorrow.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Sorry about that Loves, I did some swiffering to get us back on track. I am SOO exhausted by the blog wars. Enough already.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

I'm not sure how to find that tweet from Alison although that's pretty much what she said, although I also thought she said at some point the fighting on both sides was so silly.

I did find this quote from her from the hearings: "Since an adult would find it fun to be famous, they assume that a child would feel the same way."

Ex Nurse said...

As Kate slowly (oh, so-o-o slowly) melts away, Admin has kept this blog interesting. For those who have been here purely to spew their unmitigated toxic hate, I imagine that this blog isn't very satisfying anymore. I guess that is the risk you take when you run a thoughtful and civil blog that doesn't engage in Middle School mean girl tactics like vile language, name-calling and cheap shots.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Ex Nurse, thank you for that. You made me feel better.

In trying to crack the case what the heck was up with Melissa Sue Anderson, I found that Melissa Gilbert also mentioned her aloofness in her book but left it at that. In Melissa Anderson's book she didn't really talk about anyone or any emotions, it was flat, someone compared it to a DVD commentary--CREEPY. The actor who played her boyfriend John said she was religious and freaked out to kiss him and although of course he knew it would be awkward, it was a hundred times more awkward than it ever should have been and she was a real pill about it and made him feel awful.

Maybe she was just a nasty little girl, but the weird vibe with her mom makes me wonder if abuse was going on.

Ex Nurse said...

Ex Nurse, thank you for that. You made me feel better
---------------------
And, I didn't break any rules...

Starz22 said...

Cassandra Cooper Ingalls just wrote a book detailing the abuse she got from her Mother while doing LHOTP....

Melissa Francis said while she was protected by cast members...there was nothing anyone could do to protect her from her mother.
She said her success was fueled by her mothers ABUSE.

Kate's abuse to the 8 is fueled by kates greed and her wants. The 8 are abused for kates WANT to be a celebrity. Kate will do anything and everything to reach her goal....and damaging 8 kid's won't get in her way. She believe's they OWE her...just for being borne.

SendMeToTheHooskow said...

Dee3, I think MckMama is Kate Gosselin! The plagiarism, the keeping people hanging, all the lies, it's just like her.

No, I really don't think it's hating kate but they both have the same gameplan, $$$$$. Crazy read. I'm gonna start a damn blog called BS With a Hint of Truth. Heh That kept me busy for a few hours whilst dealing with insomnia. I never knew about sheeot like this before.

Improbable Dreams said...

Meagler ~ Thank you for the "mine all mine" clip! Wow, kinda sorta says it all! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg2FMWnkr4A

Dee3 ~ I'm with you: I LOVED the History Channel's "History of Mankind"! Like you, I wish they'd air the whole thing again. I missed some segments (came to the series late) and would like to see it all in sequence.

Everyone ~ If you've been to the movies lately, you might've seen previews for the History Channel's upcoming series, "The Bible." 10 hours, 10 segments, starts 3/3. Hoo boy, I'm looking forward to that!

Jane said...

SendMeToTheHooskow said... 22
Dee3, I think MckMama is Kate Gosselin! The plagiarism, the keeping people hanging, all the lies, it's just like her.
-------------

I'd never heard of McKMamma until yesterday and spent a half hour or so Interneting this. Fascinating! I can see how someone could get lost in it, in the drama and anger. The whole mess is so similar to this Kate stuff and the nasty blogs (fans and non-fans) and the outtings and lies and deceit. I'm tempted to look into it more but I think I'll hold myself back - one narcissist and her sheep is plenty.

Improbable Dreams said...

Oh, and lol, Jimmy Kimmy had a hilarious clip about all the scandalized celebrities (beyonce and her lip-synching, Lance Armstrong and his lying, a catfished football player, etc.)

It's a parady of a late-nite commericial...Shame-Wow!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8giHntiXHo

Jane said...

dont post a lot said... 11
Just my two cents but I think it's way too premature to remove that graphic. She's up to something. Something! You take it down I promise two days later we're going to see some promo for Mom Swap or the like, no way is she not up to no good. Burned once fear the fire. Why would anyone be upset over a graphic? It's just a graphic.

------------

I kind of agree - perhaps as a compromise a graphic that incorporates Kate. For sure, the top graphic will be removed and she'll announce a contract for a tv show!

Jane said...

Ex Nurse said... 18
As Kate slowly (oh, so-o-o slowly) melts away, Admin has kept this blog interesting. For those who have been here purely to spew their unmitigated toxic hate, I imagine that this blog isn't very satisfying anymore. I guess that is the risk you take when you run a thoughtful and civil blog that doesn't engage in Middle School mean girl tactics like vile language, name-calling and cheap shots.

----------

Beautifully put and so nice to see you.

There are blogs available where it's perfectly fine, even encouraged, to spew hate and act like teens raised by wolves.

Formerly Duped said...

Idk...I got a different take on the Prairie books. To me it seemed like Melissa Sue was forced by her mother to act and not to be too friendly with her 'competition.' MSA appeared to be the most stable adult. It seemed like Allison and Melissa Gilbert wrote her off right away- MG said before AA even met her how awful she was. And I didn't like the way AA described the twins as clumsy 'backward' babies.

MG's book was full of self- praise, in describing her popularity and romances etc. She admitted to her drinking, drugs and wild Hollywood lifestyle,and put her family down quite a bit- her adopted brother (who played Willie Oleson)'disappeared' from the family. I just got a bad taste from MG's book. She divorced two husbands,had an abortion, had cosmetic surgery and continues acting.Was all this necessary to reveal in a memoir?She calls herself America's Sweetheart.She was a heck of of a child actor in LH though.

While MSA's book was not really riveting, I think she enjoyed most of her Little House Days.She mentioned she would not want her kids in showbiz.

I did enjoy Melissa Francis' book although hers was also full of self-praise. Her mother , though, seemed to be a monster, and caused her sister her life perhaps.She had a lot of success as a reporter.

But AA has done a lot of good despite her difficult- horrendous- childhood ( maybe because of it) and I generally enjoyed the book.

I did find they all described the 'dark side' of Michael Landon, though.

localyocul said...

Oh yeah, I read the Melissa Francis book too! Now she DID have a narcissistic stage mother mom. That was a good book...sad too. Of Melissa Sue, Melissa G and Allison's book I found Allison's to be the best, most entertaining and most interesting. I got bored with Melissa G's privileged from birth upbringing.

A Pink Straight Jacket For Kate said...

Excellent post, Administrator.

All that glitters in show business is not gold-
is especially for kids.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...


While MSA's book was not really riveting, I think she enjoyed most of her Little House Days.She mentioned she would not want her kids in showbiz.


&&&

Just for that alone I respect her.

It definitely could have been her mom telling her not to associate with the competition, since when mom wasn't around, she suddenly was a normal playful little girl again.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...


I'd never heard of McKMamma until yesterday and spent a half hour or so Interneting this. Fascinating! I can see how someone could get lost in it, in the drama and anger. The whole mess is so similar to this Kate stuff and the nasty blogs (fans and non-fans) and the outtings and lies and deceit. I'm tempted to look into it more but I think I'll hold myself back - one narcissist and her sheep is plenty.

&&&

Exactly, you can get "lost" in it, fascinating as it is. I sort of gave myself a brief cliff notes version overview but at the same time seeing all the nastiness raised my blood pressure. I looked, then left, forever. I wish that lady the best for what it's worth.

Dmasy said...

Ex Nurse,,,I agree. Thanks.

We are evolving here. Admin is guiding us. The content is changing. There is nothing to discuss about Kate and we don't attack each other. If you have a heart full of hate, ain't much happening here!

I started the book late last night. I like her writing style. It has a lightness so far.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

I did find they all described the 'dark side' of Michael Landon, though.

&&&

He could be a real jerk, and I appreciated Alison's honesty. Little House at the time it was unclear if it would be a huge hit and so just Michael Landon was invited to a big NBC party, the rest of the cast was snubbed, and Michael felt important to be the only one invited. However Alison's dad who was a manager got them in through a friend of a friend and so it was Michael AND Alison there. Michael was PISSED that Alison was there. Come on Michael, a 10 year old little girl. He must have made her feel awful, all for his ego. Who cares if she's there?? She's 10! He also left two wives for beautiful extras on set. This happened TWICE. His kids said he was pretty neglectful too. It fascinates me that someone so rough around the edges could create a show so beautifully sweet and pure and simple with something important to say about families and fathers.

Formerly Duped said...

It was also that he was an alcoholic, drinking vodka early in the AM; shamed/scared the kids into not forgetting their lines;playing with their emotions such as having them relive sad moments like dying pets to evoke tears; was narcissistic in boosting his height with lifts and walking around shirtless; wanted things HIS way or no way(like Karen Grassle wanting to change her lines)...not to say he was not a good man, kind to the children and a a good actor.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Yes all that and more. He apparently selected Karen Grassle to play Ma on the basis she was not as pretty as him. Karen Grassle is definitely PRETTY but she is not a supermodel. She is more just like your average pretty actress. Turned out to be a fine choice as she acted the heck out of that part, but that was the Michael Landon show and everybody knew it. Alison cracked me up about how his lifts in his boots would make him walk odd. If you watch the show, he does walk like he's bow legged or has a stick up his butt. She also said he didn't wear any underwear, lol!

http://jackmblogs.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/petite-maison-dans-la-karen-grassle-little-house-on-the-prairie.jpg

NJGal51 said...

Just downloaded the book to both my Kindle and the Kindle app on my iPad and am looking forward to reading it. I admit that I still watch LH re-runs even though I've seen them so many times I can practically recite the dialogue.

On another note, I want to thank Admin for the Breaking Bad tip. I've just finished watching season 4 and am ready to begin season 5 (episodes already downloaded to iPad).

Jane said...

I think it was someone here waaaaaaaaaaay back who recommended Aaron Sorkin's tv show Sports Night. It only ran two seasons and is less about sports than about the making of a tv show and the relationships that revolve around it. If you're a Sorkin fan and love his command of language and his quickness and snarkability, you might like this. I found it on Netflix.

Anyway, thanks to whomever recommended it!

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

It sounds like Michael Landon treated the kid just like the adults. In many ways this was good, as Alison said they felt respected and were made to feel responsible which was good for them. They weren't allowed to make silly faces and be stupid, they were treated as real actors.

At the same time, it doesn't seem advisable that little children should be around drinking and drugs, cursing (like big time cursing, F bombs thrown around all the time in front of the kids), womanizing, the ego, the arrogance, the fights, the affairs.

Alison describes how in an episode where she has to fall in the creek, Michael and the director had a HUGE fight, screaming and shouting, right in front of her, about whether Alison should do the stunt or a stunt double should do it. The director stormed off and was fired. Alison obviously took it personally as she felt the whole thing was a fight over her. When it was over, Michael turned to her and said okay let's go take your mark.

Alison's shaky response: Yes, sir.

Formerly Duped said...

So these Prairie kids had dysfunctional families and a dysfunctional TV family, with hating 'siblings', a narcissistic 'father' who used his love and approval to control their performances and even their lives offset. I think the feud among the children was encouraged as well so competition in acting would ensue..jmo.

Dmasy said...

Jane, I would crawl across broken glass for good Sorkin dialogue.

West Wing is still my my admired TV show. Some of those walking/talking conversations re-play in my head. He creates complex characters who become "real" people. Josh is Josh -- not Bradley Whitford. West Wing is a treasure, Season 2 is the best. Season 1 starts slowly -- give it a chance. You won't regret a moment!

Have you seen Newsroom?

I am not a liberal. Sorkin has taken me through doorways to different perspective.

Upstater said...

Jane said... 38
I think it was someone here waaaaaaaaaaay back who recommended Aaron Sorkin's tv show Sports Night. It only ran two seasons and is less about sports than about the making of a tv show and the relationships that revolve around it. If you're a Sorkin fan and love his command of language and his quickness and snarkability, you might like this. I found it on Netflix.

Anyway, thanks to whomever recommended it!

***************************

I loved Sports Night when it first aired. I could never understand why they took it off the air. Josh Charles, Peter Krause, Felicity Huffman; love them still! Now I need to queue it in Netflix and watch it again. Thanks. A second thanks to whomever mentioned it first.

Jane said...

Dmasy said... 41
Jane, I would crawl across broken glass for good Sorkin dialogue.

West Wing is still my my admired TV show. Some of those walking/talking conversations re-play in my head. He creates complex characters who become "real" people. Josh is Josh -- not Bradley Whitford. West Wing is a treasure, Season 2 is the best. Season 1 starts slowly -- give it a chance. You won't regret a moment!

Have you seen Newsroom?

I am not a liberal. Sorkin has taken me through doorways to different perspective.
------------

I've watched West Wing umpteen times - that dialogue makes me shiver. He's a master! If you have a Twitter account, you might enjoy following "Sorkinese". Whoever owns the account tweets Sorkin quotes that are in tune with what's happening in today's news - it's great fun. And yes, love Newsroom but not as much as West Wing. That's #1 and I've never seen anything that compares. I am a liberal in most things so imagine the extent of my love LOL!

dee3 said...

Hi everyone~

Unfortunately, I don't have a kindle...all I have is a regular computer and a trac phone....and that's the extent of my technology/gadgets. In fact, I used up almost all of my phone minutes the other night when I lost the internet and called my son and he helped me over the phone....so bought some more minutes yesterday and am going over there later and either he or his fiance will put the minutes on my phone for me. I feel too unsure of myself to try and put them on myself...and they always do it for me.

I know being 60 isn't really a good excuse for being so tech-illiterate. My dad had friends in their 70's and 80's who knew how to work gadgets and do things I still don't know how to do.

The only aspect I felt immediately pretty comfortable with was the internet...only because I'd spent some time working in a newspaper archive...researching old articles for customers...so knew how to search for things with keywords.
So I will see if I can find info on LHOTP so that I can contribute on that topic.

I do remember reading some articles on Michael Landon years ago...and my recollection is that he reportedly loved curvaceous, busty blondes...married a few....and loved having numerous children...I mean, to the point of having a fixation with having as many children as possible. There is apparently a condition for this....people who want to create as many children as possible....and it was implied in one of the articles that he may have fit into this.

I love to watch old movies....and also old TV from the 50's.....and on this encore western channel...I sometimes watch episodes of "Gunsmoke" from back then. The western that comes on afterwards is "Bonanza, the lost episodes".....and good grief...how tight were the clothes that Michael Landon and Lorne Green wore? It makes me chuckle.

And speaking of "be still my heart"....boy, how hot was James Arness back in the 50's? He was apparently 6'7" tall and dwarfed many of the other actors on the set.

Jane said...

Upstater said... 42
I loved Sports Night when it first aired. I could never understand why they took it off the air. Josh Charles, Peter Krause, Felicity Huffman; love them still! Now I need to queue it in Netflix and watch it again. Thanks. A second thanks to whomever mentioned it first.
------------

I'm enjoying it and it's fun seeing some of the actors on Sports Night show up on West Wing - Josh Malina is one and the character he plays is similar on both. I don't get why it was cancelled -- I mean, look at that cast! I was watching an episode last night with William Macy.

I also enjoyed Sorkin's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip which (I think) was only on for a season? Maybe two?

dee3 said...

Speaking of that rabbit hole I fell down and somehow ended up at the MckMamma drama......when I first started using a computer and the internet...I would mainly just read things on the yahoo home page (mainly news items) and then google more information on what I'd seen there.

Well....my first trip down the rabbit hole...and into the strange and fascinating world of the internet....was when I somehow must have been looking into something I read on the yahoo home page....and then clicked on some links.......and ended up....well, I have to try and remember back because this would have been around 2005-2006....and ALL I knew about the internet was basically googling info....knew nothing of blogs, message boards or anything other than straight-up information.

Well...I learned that there was this "fan-fiction" site...where people would create their own stories based on the characters, setting, etc. of well-known authors. Apparently...there was a person (named Tara Gilesbie) who had written what came to be known as "the worst fan fiction ever written"......and it had been based on "My Immortal" and somehow connected to Harry Potter novels...I think. (I've never read or seen any of the Harry Potter stuff so not very familiar to me).

OMG...if you ever want to really laugh...see if you can find it. The writing was SO terrible that it was great...and was really hysterical to read. Then...after I got to really enjoy reading it (and I REALLY did enjoy it...it was THAT bad)...I began to learn about all the drama and hub-bub that surrounded this....all sorts of disputes on the internet regarding whether or not this Tara Gilesbie was real (her writing made her sound like a naive adolescent yearning to be a cool Goth)....or whether she was an impostor.....and there were even petitions related to this.

That was my very first foray into the bizarre and hidden world of the internet....and when I learned that LINKS (within articles) were highways that could take me there.

We've discussed the topic of "just HOW real is reality TV?"....and I guess the same could be asked about whole sections of the internet. In many instances, it's hard to know what to believe and what not to believe.


Dmasy said...

Jane -- I don't do twitter, but thanks for letting me know in case I ever do.

Here are your gifts for the day --

The new shoes Josh received from his mother.

CJ falling the the swimming pool.

Toby flinching at the 21 gun salute for the homeless veteran.

GiGi said...

I agree with other posters that Kate has something in the works. She has been too darn quiet. Just because she has something in the works doesn't mean that it will be sucessful so I'm not worried. Just look at all of her other ventures that have crashed and burned. Of course the sheeple will drool and praise their queen no matter what it is.

Dmasy said...

Dee3...you better leave a trail of breadcrumbs as you travel into your rabbit holes. We will always want to find you and get you back here!

Jane said...

Dmasy said... 47
Jane -- I don't do twitter, but thanks for letting me know in case I ever do.

Here are your gifts for the day --

The new shoes Josh received from his mother.

CJ falling the the swimming pool.

Toby flinching at the 21 gun salute for the homeless veteran.

-----------------

OMG tears! I remember and can visualize each scene. Great, memorable tv. Thank you!

dee3 said...

Improbable Dreams said... 23

Dee3 ~ I'm with you: I LOVED the History Channel's "History of Mankind"! Like you, I wish they'd air the whole thing again. I missed some segments (came to the series late) and would like to see it all in sequence.
-------------------------------------
Yes....the exact same thing happened to me. When I began watching it (the day they aired the entire series)...it was at the end of the Roman Empire and I REALLY want to see the earlier segments....the Greek empire, the Egyptian, the Phoenician, etc.

I tried to see if there was any way I could access the earlier episodes on the History Channel....and my son just gave me his username and password on their website and I'm going to see if that will allow me to watch them there.
==========

SendMeToTheHooskow said... 22
Dee3, I think MckMama is Kate Gosselin! The plagiarism, the keeping people hanging, all the lies, it's just like her.
----------
I agree...there really were a lot of similarities, I thought. The narcissism aspect, the histrionic attention-seeking, the lying and confabulating, the bragging aspect......and then the using of her own children for attention and the gratuitous use of religious references.

Do you think that in most cases like this....the truth eventually comes out? That if someone is creating or portraying a very untrue reality/life (be it on reality TV or on the internet/a blog)...that eventually the truth (or some of the truth) comes out? Or do you think it's only in a very few instances...like with KG or Mckmamma that this happens?

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said...

Dee 3, just a question -- do you have a really good firewall?

Formerly Duped said...

I wonder if there was anyone Alison could have confided in about her abuser...not Michael? Maybe some other female cast member like Karen or Kathryn?

FYI said...

Jane-The West Wing was one of my favorite shows also. So many great moments! I remember crying when they killed off Mrs. Landingham. Kathryn Joosten was a wonderful actress and played that role so well. I also watched her on Desperate Housewives and was so sad when I heard that she had passed away in real life.

I also loved when Mark Harmon appeared on the show. I'm a big fan of his, which is probably why I love NCIS.

dee3 said...

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 52
Dee 3, just a question -- do you have a really good firewall?
---------------------------
My son works for Apple and he was the one who set up the computer for me. It's a MAC, which he said is the safest one. A firewall is protection from hacking and viruses, right? He had told me to never click on any links sent to me in emails (or open any attachments) if they weren't specifically from a person I know/family. I've never gotten a virus or anything in the 6-8 years I've been using the computer.

I'm really careful about clicking on links on message boards, etc. I remember when I'd read that there was a particular KG fan site and some had said it contained a virus....so I never went to those sites.

When I was at the bank a few years ago....the woman there had advised me to not do online banking when she determined how NOT savvy I was about the internet. I don't have any of those friends lists or friends phonebooks and things that people can steal because I wouldn't even know how to set that up....so I don't have much online that someone could steal.

Basically, I've always relied on my son to make sure that everything I need...regarding safety....was something he made sure I had/have. He knows how clueless I am about this technology.

Dmasy said...

Jane and Twit -- they are going to tell us to get a room! I was coming down from a migraine a few days ago. Better, but not exactly bursting with energy. Didn't have the focus to read. I put in a West Wing DVD and floated away with the pleasure the balance between humor and drama.

Now, "I have to go feed my fish." (Sex in a silly sentence.)

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said...

Dee3, yes Macs are safer. Wish I had one. It sounds like your son takes very good care of your computer needs.

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said...

@MiloandJack
Gnite everyone....let's hope this day was a success...one of the best ...better than the rest! LOL I got rhymes N my head again! :)

Is Milo purposely annoying or does she have to work at it???

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said...

Kate's new job?

The Stir ‏@The_Stir
We're so excited to welcome @KatePlusMy8 to @The_Stir team! http://bit.ly/WilcQq #KateGosselin #Moms

Here's the website:

http://thestir.cafemom.com/

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said...

Kate's first article on The Stir:

2013 The Year of the Teenager and MORE

http://thestir.cafemom.com/column/adventures_with_my_8

FYI said...

Well it looks like Kate as a new blogging gig at The Stir.

http://thestir.cafemom.com/big_kid/149968/2013_the_year_of_the

The post was put up today--is she going to tell her tweeties about it?

Her bio on the site reads:

Kate Gosselin
My life's goal was to be a mom. So, I became a registered nurse in order to be able to provide for my future kids. Boy, oh, boy, and lots of girls -- were my prayers ever answered! By the age of 29, I was a mom to eight (count them!) healthy beautiful kids.

Since then life has gone in all sorts of crazy directions, including a hit reality show on TLC that ran for 6 seasons, three New York Times best selling books, and single mom-hood!

Since having kids, my goal in life is to be the best mom I can possibly be ... and to simply and successfully survive each day!

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said...

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 58
@MiloandJack
Gnite everyone....let's hope this day was a success...one of the best ...better than the rest! LOL I got rhymes N my head again! :)

Is Milo purposely annoying or does she have to work at it???
____________________________________________'

That should have been "naturally" annoying, not purposely.

FYI said...

The column is called "Adventures with my 8". Again, Kate can't do anything without involving her kids. Also on the site:

About This Column

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Life is always unpredictable when you're a single mom with eight kids: 12-year-old twins and 8-year-old sextuplets keep things interesting every minute of every day. But Kate Gosselin makes it work -- balancing motherhood with a crazy work schedule, the upkeep of her house, and their devious family dog -- oh and don't forget the barn full of chickens! Somehow she manages to squeeze in time to cook (which she loves) and running (which keeps her sane!). It's never easy and it never will be, but it's always an adventure -- and incredibly entertaining to read about.


Helen said...

Well Kate has a new job blogging weekly for an on line magazine called The Stir. She also hints of other projects in the works..says she's not teasing but can't reveal yet.

Jane said...

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 58
@MiloandJack
Gnite everyone....let's hope this day was a success...one of the best ...better than the rest! LOL I got rhymes N my head again! :)

Is Milo purposely annoying or does she have to work at it???

-------------
http://www.doctorslounge.com/psychiatry/diseases/thought_disorder.htm

Formal thought disorder - In psychiatry, thought disorder or formal thought disorder is a term used to describe a symptom of psychotic mental illness.

It describes a persistent underlying disturbance to conscious thought and is classified largely by its effects on speech and writing.Affected persons may show pressure of speech (speaking incessantly and quickly), derailment or flight of ideas (switching topic mid-sentence or inappropriately), thought blocking,rhyming or punning or 'word salad' when individual words may be intact but speech is incoherent.

willowmom said...

Hello everyone. Infrequent poster here, daily reader. I just saw that Kate is going to be a weekly blogger for "The Stir".

FYI said...

Kate's first blog post. Notice how she just had to mention her birthday in 2 months--let the grifting begin...

Looks like this will be a weekly blog.

2013: The Year of the Teenager and More! (PHOTO)
Posted by Kate Gosselin on January 24, 2013 at 12:31 PM

Exciting things happening in our house in 2013!

This year has already kept me way too busy! It may seem impossible to be somewhat overwhelmed so early on, but I admit it, I am. Fortunately, I like it that way. My saying is "to be busy is always better than to be bored." And I'm anything but bored so far in 2013!

As a general rule, I don't bother with New Year's resolutions. Who has the time? And to me, they feel like yet another thing on my never-ending "to-do list." Who needs that??? I do always face each new year with a fresh smile and renewed determination though ...

All too quickly that feeling is eclipsed by the sudden onset of dread ...

Since my birthday falls early in the year, my first thought is ALWAYS, "Oh no, this year I turn [insert my new age], am I still considered young?" Panic will definitely ensue this year when I turn 38 in March. That's just way too close to the big 4-0!

I'm crossing my fingers that my kids will continue to keep me young. That's what they say about kids anyway. But somehow I feel like mine are making me old! The speed at which I must move to keep our world turning makes me feel like I'm 80 years old by the end of the day! Having eight kids is sort of like having an eight-car freight train speeding past me daily. I gotta keep up and most days -- it's all I can do!

So this year I turn 38. Okay, gotta accept it, right? What else can I do? Once I accept it, I can move on and refocus on the new year with thoughts of everything that I hope to make happen this year in all categories of life -- home, family, work, and fun!

This year is going to be full of adventures for me and my eight. For starters, I'm blogging here at The Stir every week! I was asked to join the many talented writers here and I feel honored that my stressful, funny, crazy, and sometimes unbelievable life experiences as a single mom of eight will be documented right here!

Beyond this blogging opportunity, I have some other exciting projects in the works that I can't quite discuss as of yet. I am not teasing you on purpose, I'll divulge just as soon as I can!


And putting my career work aside, the new year has been whipping my butt on the home front: following a busy Christmas, a week-long family trip, and then a three-week-long home maintenance marathon led by a close family friend who is a jack of all trades and master of ALL (in which I wielded a hammer and other such tools -- learning details of plumbing, building, and repairing from a master), I am still trying to get organized and settled into 2013!

Oh, and did I forget to mention that 2013 has been officially titled "The Year of the Teenager(s)" for me! Yes, I have two girls turning 13 this year. Help! This is going to be one heck of a ride ...

More details to come on all of the above topics ... For today, I just wanted to say hello and that I'm really happy to be here!

Has 2013 overwhelmed you already too?

TxBR549Iam said...

Tweet-le, I am thinking perhaps she is a lower end product of natural selection.

Joy in Virginia, I just watched the final episode this a.m. of AHS Asylum. Ty for the non-spoiler. Ryan Murphy is a genius. I was not let down. So many fabulous actors. JL deserves another Emmy!

Anonymous said...

Stop the presses. "Crazy work schedule?" She works?

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said...

Jane said... 61

Formal thought disorder - In psychiatry, thought disorder or formal thought disorder is a term used to describe a symptom of psychotic mental illness.
________________________________________

She must be a blast to live with! She's tweeted before that even when she's sitting at her computer she's always moving in her chair., can't sit still.

Jane said...

willowmom said... 62
Hello everyone. Infrequent poster here, daily reader. I just saw that Kate is going to be a weekly blogger for "The Stir".
------------

Comments haven't been blocked....yet!
http://thestir.cafemom.com/big_kid/149968/2013_the_year_of_the

Jane said...

willowmom said... 62
Hello everyone. Infrequent poster here, daily reader. I just saw that Kate is going to be a weekly blogger for "The Stir".

---------

Oh, and now that she has something to promote she all of a sudden has time for her fans? Shameless.

dee3 said...

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 57
Dee3, yes Macs are safer. Wish I had one. It sounds like your son takes very good care of your computer needs.
------------------------
Thanks. :)
I had to order more checks for my husband earlier this week and now you do it via the internet. I was a nervous wreck having to enter the routing #, etc. I'd just been accustomed to mailing in the little re-order form all my life. EVERYTHING is done on the computer now.

I had even asked the teller at the bank window last week if it was safe to do it this way....because it made me nervous. You don't even go to a specific bank website...just to this "deluxe checks" one that must service multiple banks. Everything is so different now.

I get my sons to put my minutes on the phone because when I buy the phone cards, they always tell me that they're "non-refundable" and I worry that if I screw it up, I'll lose the money.
----------

@Dmasy~
I looked at your new avatar. Boy, you look great!
--------

I couldn't help myself. Now I'm back over there reading that "my immortal" worst fan fiction again. It's hysterical.

PatK said...

Oh, good. A weekly blogger for an obscure online magazine. That should keep her in the public's eye. Not. Anyone else sure that her submissions will read like they did on Coupon Cabin? I wonder how long of a contract they've given her. LOL

Can't wait until she can reveal these "other projects" she's got. Should be just as amazing.

Tatum said...

Might not like Kate but The Stir is anything but obscure.

FYI said...

Jane said... 72

Oh, and now that she has something to promote she all of a sudden has time for her fans? Shameless.
***************
Exactly. I wonder when she will start promoting it and will she have links on her website?

She actually could have written the same blog for her website--but I guess she needs to be paid in order to exploit her kids.

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said...

TxBR549Iam said... 68
Tweet-le, I am thinking perhaps she is a lower end product of natural selection.
_________________________________________

Yes, sort of like Neanderthal Man.

PatK said...

But, Jane, she's been BUSY for three weeks doing home repair/maintenance/projects in addition to the 20 minutes it took her to create that first blog entry all about Kate, Kate, Kate!!!

I've only seen one bad comment over there so far. I'll be part of the deal was deleting any comments against her. lol

Dmasy said...

Admin, good thing you didn't change the banner at the top just yet. Another incantation of Kate. Noooooo...

PatK said...

Well, Tatum, it's obscure to me. Never heard of it.

TxBR549Iam said...


At enf of kk's Stir bio:

"Sipping on:
Coffee with fat free creamer ... and LOTS of it!"

@@@@@@@@@@@@
Not @ coffe-mate, guess Coffemate/Nestle cut her off.
Maybe The Stir is a no-grift zone.

Dmasy said...

dee3 -- thank you. I am most proud of the circular flower bed in the background. Living here is adequate exercise! I have been "nurturing" several generations of geese. Papa Goose was banded over 15 years ago. Mama goose would never eat out of my hand, but she would get close. Papa did not return this last year, which was sad. I am feeding their great-great-great grandchildren now.

TxBR549Iam said...

Patk, The Stir is deleting comments and only keeeping the 'sunnyside 'ones for the most part. I noticed about 10 comments disappearing upon my second viesw. I won't return, so as not to add to kk traffic.

Formerly Duped said...

Why on earth would this site employ her after the CC fiasco? did they not look at the negative reactions even before RH's allegations came out? What's Kate's deal with being forever young- we all get a year older, well, annually! Oh and is it Mr Smith who is the jack of all trades family friend? and I mentioned this before-the twins are not teens till October- why so fixed on that? Enjoy their childhood- plenty of time for the teen years.

FYI said...

The Stir is part of cafemom.com. Someone refresh my memory, but isn't that the first site that started calling out Kate on her attitude on Jon+Kateplus8? If so, I find it very interesting that Kate is now blogging for a site that had boards disparaging her.

Jane said...

About Cafe Mom. This comes from a former co-worker who worked as a moderator there.

Cafe Mom pays its mods to post in non-mod names and they're required to post this way every day. They're encouraged to be positive and upbeat and support the Cafe Mom brand which inflates their numbers. So if you see lots of 'love Kate' posts, there's a good chance it's a moderator!

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said...

There are two "cafemoms." One is just cafe mom and the other is the stir cafe mom.

http://www.cafemom.com/

http://thestir.cafemom.com/

FYI said...

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 87

Yes, but The Stir is part of the Café Mom website. In the past, some articles on The Stir have not been too kind to Kate. I just find it funny that she is now blogging for a site, that in the past put her down and vilified her at times.

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said...

Kate is a twit said... 88
Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 87

Yes, but The Stir is part of the Café Mom website. In the past, some articles on The Stir have not been too kind to Kate. I just find it funny that she is now blogging for a site, that in the past put her down and vilified her at times.
________________________________________

I find that interesting. I remember reading about Cafe Mom and she certainly wasn't complimentary of Kate. Strange.

readerlady said...

Tweet -- They aren't separate "cafe moms". The Stir is part of Cafe Mom. I used to read over there quite often, even though I'm not a mom. They have some interesting articles occasionally. Won't be going there any more.

I read Allison Arngrim's book last year. I've read MSA and MG's books too, but haven't read Melissa Francis' book yet. MSAs book just details her role in LH and how she did this and looked like that. Seemed to me to be an exercise in vanity. Of course, MGs is, too, to some extent, but she also talked about the other people involved in LH and in her life. It sounds like none of the kids involved in the show had very happy childhoods.

MJ said...

Dee,
If you're interested here's a link for Amazon.com for info about Kindle for your MAC. It's super easy and so convenient to just download a book and read at your leisure. Plus... lots of free books are available, too. The program gives you access to the same books and features on your computer as it would if you were using an actual Kindle device.

Kindle for MAC:
Kindle for MAC info


Kindle for PC:
Kindle for PC info

MJ said...

Kate is a twit,

You're right, cafemom used to have a thriving board about J&K+8 and it wasn't at all complimentary. iirc, it was shut down because it became too ugly and uncontrollable.

It'll be interesting to see if Kate learned anything from her failed blogging career with CouponCabin and whether she can pull off anything of interest at this new 'job'. Job? HA How pitiful that her fans had to find out about this by word of mouth - that she couldn't announce this to them personally. I'd be PO'd if I was one of them. Is it possible that any of them might notice how low they rank on her list of priorities?

Just another forum for her exploitation of the kids.

Anonymous said...

I loved LHOTP and "Nasty Nellie was one of my favorite characters. I look forward to reading Alison's book. However, like JoyinVirginia, it will have to go on my to do list for now.

Jendi

Dmasy said...

I am reading in snatches and the book is very good. Her recollections of childhood are vivid and funny. I haven't gotten to the Little House years yet. I did not know she had a teen throb brother.

A Pink Straight Jacket For Kate said...

Too bad for "The Stir".

I can't wait to see how they kick toxic, lazy & demanding Kate off their team.

I give it 6 months, tops...

Formerly Duped said...

Dmasy- read on.There's more about AA's brother. I never had heard of him either.

About Kate and her other projects in the works.If it was one specific TV gig I doubt she would have accepted this Cafe job or mention these secret jobs.

Formerly Duped said...

oh and if you missed this:

About the author- Kate Gosselin
is a mom of 8, TV personality, runner, and writer. How does she have time to do it all? Gallons of coffee, excessive deep breaths, and tons of prayer!
More

GAG!!

FYI said...

Just did a search for "Kate Gosselin" on the Stir website. There are many, many unflattering articles about her. I guess Kate didn't do her research or she just doesn't care. I, for one, would not want to "work" at a place that has put me down in the past. Here's a link to the articles The Stir has printed about Kate in the past:

http://thestir.cafemom.com/search.php?keyword=Kate+Gosselin+

Then she posts about her "many exciting projects" and then says she can't divulge them, but she's not being a "tease". Kate, I'll believe it when I see it!

Anonymous said...

I personally don't find anything entertaining about the every day life of a woman raising eight children. Why would anyone waste their time reading a blog about it?

Marie

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Do they just not know what happened at her last job, or?? I guess she doesn't need to explain odd gaps in her resume like the mediocre do.

Dmasy said...

Marie/Anon -- you just don't understand. She is the blonde Lucy. She is living a zany, madcap, FUN life with her 6 littles and 2 tweens. We are invited to join her escapades and have FUN with her.

On second thought, Marie, you are correct. Why would anyone waste their time?

(I am glad someone brought the article over here. I haven't had to visit the site.)

Dmasy said...

Formerly Duped -- I just got to the part you were alluding to. 12% on Kindle.

Anonymous said...

Just looked at the site information for Cafemom. The reason they hired Kate is because when they have articles on their website about Kate, their traffic increases. So, having Kate as a blogger is going to drive traffic to their site, as evidenced by comments on this blog. Good or bad, Kate drives traffic. No brainer for them.

http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/cafemom.com

Marie

Improbable Dreams said...

Not an original idea within that blog post, whatsoever. Nor does she have a unique way of expressing things. What on earth did The Stir hire her for? I don't see her holding her readers' attentions for long, nor do I see her staying interested for any length of time.

The picture's old (Halloween, was it?) and her (YAWN) blog cannibalizes her own twitter feed:

"Has 2013 already overwhelmed you, too?"

And...from her tweet two days ago:

"Any1 else feel like 2013 is beating them...up?;)"

I don't see them allowing her an expense account for travel, do you?

FYI said...

Admin--of course, they know what happened with CC. There's even an article about it.

http://thestir.cafemom.com/entertainment/145172/kate_gosselin_fired_from_couponcabin

They probably just want a "name" that will bring hits to their site. By the way, Kate finally tweeted about it:

kateplusmy8
Check it out! I'm excited to be bogging for @The_Stir ! Here's my first post: http://t.co/bB3dSMuO

She tweeted this over 2 hours after the Stir announced it. To me it doesn't show any respect for her fans at all. She should have been the first to announce it, not for her fans to find out from a third party. It's just like CC all over again. They used to announce her blog posts and then later she would announce them. But her fans don't care, because they are all so excited that she has a "job"(ha ha)

Formerly Duped said...

Dmasy- I know...didn't want it to be a spoiler, but...wow.

Improbable Dreams said...

Oh, and LOL! She's bogging for The Stir!

Bogging. *shakes head* Mind-boggling, that's what it is.

@Kateplusmy8 Check it out! I'm excited to be bogging for @The_Stir ! Here's my first post: http://t.co/bB3dSMuO

FYI said...

Ha ha--I didn't even notice the typo in Kate's tweet, but Milo sure did and just had to point it out and then make an excuse for her:

miloandjack
@Kateplusmy8 @The_Stir LOL Kate...spellin just isn't our forte is it? "Bogging" was meant 2say "blogging"...we KNOW U were N a hurry! :)

JoyinVirginia said...

BR549, and any other American Horror Story Asylum fans: Jessica Lange should be declared a national treasure! She is absolutely positively fearless, an actress who is not afraid to be filmed with no makeup, in a nuns habit or in the rags of an asylum patient, no cosmetic surgery. And she looked fantastic and REAL!
I read a long interview with Ryan Murphy, she will be doing season three also! He also said Jessica has told him who she wants to work with, and he will try to accommodate her wishes. Whatever they do next season, Ryan said Jessica told him she will not wear a wimple ever again and she wants to have a glamorous wardrobe next time!
I did cry during the scene with Frances Conroy and Jessica Lange. I wanted more definitive ending for the alien story, I was not satisfied with that. Ryan Murphy said he ended things that way on purpose, he wanted the audience to use their imaginations to think about what the alien experience was and meant.
Love how Lana's story ended. Love that she and Kit became such good friends. I love that it is a story with a beginning, middle, and end and that so many things were thrown into the mix.

PatK said...

This season of AHS, was MUCH better than the first. I've read what next season may be about (due to hints in this season) and who some of the cast will be, but of course, I won't spoil.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

I don't normally care two hoots about typos but bogging??? Come on now, this isn't fish baked in paper and easter egg hunts for giggles, you're getting paid here. At least take the time to fix the error.

fidosmommy said...

Will Kate tell us that bogging is how one of her littles pronounces it? And it's so cute she had to say it herself?

Naw. Not even Kate is that ridiculous.

As to her "bogging" job, I'm only sorry it requires her to use her children as her subject.
I wish she had something else to offer the world besides 8 kids. Anything.

I realize, I really do realize, that being a parent is the most important job you will ever have. I get that. But surely most parents, even stay at home parents, have other things to talk about besides running their households and
stress relief from running their households.

One of my sorority sisters got married and had 9 children in quick order, a few twins. She did not work outside the home, but she did set aside time for church work, charity work and spending sister time with her own dear sisters.
She could have written an entire book on her average day and barely mention her 9 children.
She loved them more than life itself, but they were not her whole being, if that makes sense.
She still had a life that belonged to Kathy, the woman, not Kathy the mom or Kathy the wife.
I think she and her husband realized early on that one day the kids would be grown up and move on, and she would need to have a life. So, she built one early on. I say good for her.

What will Kate's life be once the kids are out of the house? What will she have to talk about and give her her own life? I hope some kind of employment will be a step in that direction.

OrangeCrusher1 said...

Well, well, blogging for an online magazine, wonder who vetted her with her inability to write coherently or with any substance? Interesting her comment about choosing nursing as a means to her real life's ambition - momhood. Guess we all knew that poor JonG was really just a sperm donor, she pretty much spells it out there. Let's see how long this lasts. She also does confirm some kind of family holiday vacay, AND by naming this her 'Year of the Teenager'is giving herself carte blanche to completely invade her twins' privacy in each and every blog post. POS mother.

Millicent said...

Turned out to be a fine choice as she acted the heck out of that part, but that was the Michael Landon show and everybody knew it. Alison cracked me up about how his lifts in his boots would make him walk odd. If you watch the show, he does walk like he's bow legged or has a stick up his butt.
* * * *
I remember reading or hearing about Michael's upbringing and how his mother would shame him for bedwetting by hanging the sheets (stained?) out on the clothesline so neighbors would be aware of the problem.

Speaking of wearing lifts - I watch reruns of I Love Lucy and Desi Arnaz always wore shoes/boots with a pretty good heel to them. I think it made him walk funny too.

Pity Party said...

Unless she does have something coming up, I don't how she can keep referring to herself as a TV personality. You ladies never cease to amaze me. Someone called it up thread but with just another site. I would have never thought she would get or want another bogging job. Hogs for that gem!!!! Oh well at least she got a job where she will have to create some adventures to write about since it is entitled the Adventures of Me and My 8, or something like that. She will have to stay off Twitter too because there is nothing in there that isn't old news on Twitter.

OT, but I was watching Hillary getting grilled (handled herself very well as always), and there was a little banner across the bottom that says 28 million people watched Lance Armstrong on OWN (so that is what is wrong with the network name on OWN, okay).

Millicent said...

"balancing motherhood with a crazy work schedule, the upkeep of her house, and their devious family dog -- oh and don't forget the barn full of chickens!"

Okay - what crazy work schedule? She's been unemployed since CouponCabin fired her butt awhile ago, and writing a brief weekly blog can't take more than half an hour, considering the content is all phony baloney "ain't I grand?" stuff.

I had not heard of The Spin before today. That doesn't make it obscure, just previously unknown to me. CafeMom has a more familiar ring, but I don't frequent their site, never have, and won't now either. I hope Kate works their last nerve with excessive demands and rudeness (as anyone who hires Kate deserves).

Her constant claims of how crazy her life it with 8 (count them!) children are worn out and foolish. I grew up as one of 8 children, and my mother ran a calm and ordered household. There were occasional mix-ups but never the chaos Kate is always describing.

Silver lining - only ten years until the youngest children are legally adults and hopefully can choose to have nothing further to do with their toxic mom, if that is their wish. Hang in there kids, childhood won't last forever.

fidosmommy said...

One of Michael Landon's wives was from my hometown. One of my classmates babysat for his kids when they came to town to visit grandma.
My friend said he was so nice to her, very
interactive with his children and as polite as polite could be. He also paid very well. In a time where 50 cents an hour was the norm, he was handing out $100.00 bills and spent some time with my friend around the kitchen table.
She thought he was terrific. Needless to say she was a LHOTP and Highway to Heaven fan if for no other reason than Michael Landon was in them.

Improbable Dreams said...

Ohhhhh, I think I get it now! Cafemom is an "influencer"-based blog site.

Translation: Grift-gab-get!

Right up Kate's alley!

http://www.cafemom.com/about/influencer_faq.php#3


CafeMom is free to moms, so to pay the bills we rely on advertisers. In addition to regular banner advertising, CafeMom is trying out some new things that we hope are great for moms as well as advertisers. One of the new initiatives we're trying are influencer programs.

The way it works is pretty simple: CafeMom advertisers want real moms to try their products and let other moms know what they think of them. We help the advertisers get the products into the hands of moms and then help the moms tell others what they think.

Here's some more information on how these programs work:

What is an influencer?
Influencers are moms who are connected to lots of other moms and whose opinions will be respected and valued by others.
How are the influencers chosen?
CafeMom and our advertisers choose influencers based on a number of things like the mom's level of activity on CafeMom, quality of her writing, and expertise in a particular subject. In addition, the advertiser may specify specific criteria such as mom's age, age of kids, or certain geographical regions depending on whom they are targeting with their particular campaign. Once a mom is chosen to participate, CafeMom will contact her directly via private message on CafeMom and explain the process. You don't have to participate if you are chosen, just let us know.
Do they have to write good things about the product they are trying?
No. If someone chosen to be an influencer has a bad experience with that product, they should certainly write about it. Our advertisers want to learn what real moms think about what they have to offer — and if it's not good, they want to know!
Are influencers paid?
No. While influencers do receive free products or gift cards (to buy products with), they are not compensated in any way. As much as possible, we don't want them to be biased.
How can I become one?
First, make sure to let us know you're interested in your Communication Preferences (look for the "Free Stuff From Our Sponsors" section). Then, the best things to do to be selected are: be a positive contributor to CafeMom; be a good writer (although we're not looking for the next Jane Austen); be interested in the topics that advertisers are interested in. Aside from that, just hang tight and you might get chosen!

carolina peach said...

Day-uum. Somebody hired that skinny assed biotch to write a 'bog' (her word, not mine). mebog mebog mebog mebog mebog mebog mebog

MINE, ALL MINE. Here we go again. The Me Bog Show.

(In the South, Damn and Shit have TWO syllables.)
Me-yow

Jane said...

I don't mind that Kate has a job, if you can call writing an article for Cafe Mom and having someone else heavily edit it, a job. But I do mind that she'll be talking about the kids, sharing pictures and revealing what they're doing. Mady and Cara are at an age when their friends are all over the Internet and you know they're going to read what Kate's writing. It's just more exploitation of the kids.

Julie Carson May can't be getting rich off Kate these days.

FYI said...

2 days ago I made a comment that I thought Kate may follow through with her "tweety party", only because she has to start mentioning that her birthday is in 2 months.

Lo and behold, what is the basic substance of her blog--how she is going to be turning 38 in March. (Hint, hint-my little tweeties).

What else will she write about? Probably the reason she's been so silent on twitter is that she's saving all her fun-fun-fun stuff and other amazing accomplishments for fodder for her blog. If she puts it out there on twitter, then she has nothing to write about.

Still wondering if this "tweety party" will come to fruition. If it does, she'll just use it for fodder for another blog topic.

Formerly Duped said...

Well, she could talk about her vacation,her holidays, the kids' activities...wait, that's old news. I honestly don't know what she has in her life to talk about. Running? Heard about that. Mom of 8? Yup, that too.Parenting? The globe, we know. Cooking? Yes, YUM. Time with the kids? FUN. Bash Jon...once more won't hurt. Her desires? To go to France? A new TV show? A date?A new bestseller? Her views on current affairs- oh, she doesn't read newspapers...

How often is she b bogging?

Jane said...

One of the co-founders of Cafe Mom is Andrew Shue. His wife, Elisabeth, is one of the hosts of Good Morning America. Its headquarters is in NYC which most likely means Katie will get limoed to the city for tv spots and hair frying.

Improbable Dreams said...

I really do think it's part and parcel of their "Influencer" program (as above). She's the sideshow, not the main attraction. The warm-up act, let's say.

FYI said...

Formerly Duped said... 122

According to her first blog post, she'll have a weekly blog. So I doubt she'll be tweeting much now--Her fans will have to wait in anticipation to hear about her "Adventures with my 8".

Her getting this gig is really a step down from her CC blog. Remember when she got the CC gig, there were promotions and TV appearances about it? No photoshoots for this--she, herself, provided the pictures, which were posted on her website. I guess desperate times, call for desperate measures.

Barb Gilman said...

Read up on cafemom on Wikipedia. I know Kate will love this site, read the paragraph on their revenue model....grift central!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CafeMom

Anonymous said...

The funniest thing about this new "bogging" job is, if you put her name in the Stir search box, dozens of articles come up about her, complete with comments - not exactly a flattering endorsement of the new blogger. Maybe it won't be long before she boggs off.

bm

FYI said...

Jane said... 123

Andrew Shue's wife is Amy Robach who is substituting for Robin Roberts at the present time. His sister is Elisabeth Shue who is currently appearing on CSI.

I would think if they were going to highlight Kate as one of their bloggers, it would've already happened. All her projects--CC, her website, even her twitter, were all mentioned on TV before they started. The fact that The Stir got the word out there via a tweet really seems to suggest that she is not that relevant any more to get the guest appearances she so longs for.

Improbable Dreams said...

Barb in Nebraska ~ Exactly so.

See also:CafeMom's
"Influencers." (Copy/pasted info, above).

LOL, it's not about Kate. It's about driving revenue to CafeMom via their "influencer," aka grift-and-gab program.

http://www.cafemom.com/about/influencer_faq.php#3

PatK said...

Well, "Grift" IS Katie's middle name, isn't it? This is the perfect match up.

Jane said...

Kate is a twit said... 128
Jane said... 123

Andrew Shue's wife is Amy Robach who is substituting for Robin Roberts at the present time. His sister is Elisabeth Shue who is currently appearing on CSI.

-------------

Oh duh right! I only watch GMA most mornings! Sheesh. I swear the cold is affecting my brain.

PatK said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Frankly I'm sorry to hear that. I remember you posting your real name here, not me, and how brave and stick it to Em that was. A definite take that moment. I must admit I'm confused since you posted your own name and seemed to be standing up for yourself just fine without anyone else's help. If I was supposed to do something else to get your back I wish you would have been more clear.

Ex Nurse said...

Admin--
Hoping you will let this go through, but will understand if you decide it isn't appropriate. I would post this directly on the RWA blog, but I am not going to risk being tracked by the mod.

Someone at RWA cut and pasted a response to my post at this blog and incorrectly attributed the response to me. 

This is my original post that our other poster was responding to:

"As Kate slowly (oh, so-o-o slowly) melts away, Admin has kept this blog interesting. For those who have been here purely to spew their unmitigated toxic hate, I imagine that this blog isn't very satisfying anymore. I guess that is the risk you take when you run a thoughtful and civil blog that doesn't engage in Middle School mean girl tactics like vile language, name-calling and cheap shots."

Seems like a correction and apology for the lack of due diligence by RWA would be in order. I don't appreciate being misquoted.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Franky maybe you are confused. You talk of moderation as if we won't do it. On the contrary we have been moderated for several days now. Only time we turn it off is for a few hours now and again when either I or the staff are right here poised to catch anything. When we are not around back on it goes. This seems to be working things have really calmed down. I am relieved it has helped and will only turn it off for good when I feel it's safe. That might not be for awhile and I've accepted that.

TxBR549Iam said...

JoyinVa and Patk, I just don't think I could say enough about the entire kit and kaboodle. From the storyline, directing, writing, acting...just a start. Yes, everything pulled together from beginning to end.

I read a Murphy interview, and he noted that there is no longer an Emmy for best supporting actress, so I believe there will be more than one nom for BA from AHS this year. Sarah Paulson did a fanstatic job as well.

He said Lana, in the final, was 100% Barbara Walters. As for the aliens, I love the way that ended. Jude, finally at peace. Asylum was so very dark and yet, in the end, there was light. I was so glad to see the ending relationships between Kit, Lana and Jude. Looking so forward to season 3!

Did my eyes sweat a few tears? Sure did.

ID, ty you for the info on The Stir 'influencer' program. That answers one of my questions.

GiGi said...

Kate can not get a job based on her own talent because she has NO talent! Any job she gets will alway be related to her kids. We will see if this gig lasts any longer then Coupon Cabin. Time will tell.

ncgirl said...

Will this new bog pay for Kate's marathons, personal appearances and Stevie time? Did her former Coupon Cabin boss give her a glowing recommendation? Has this new bog heard of Hoffman's book?

foxy said...

Notice in Kate's blog when she said she wanted children and lots of girls. Those poor little boys. Wait until they get older and actually see this in writing. It is always about her. We should run a pool on when her last blog will be.

Paula said...

Kate Gosselin a blogger on a "mommy blog"? LOL...if there is a "mother" less qualified to give "mommy advice", it's Kate Gosselin.

I will bet Kate's blog at The Stir won't last as long as the CC blog.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Franky, I'm very sorry. It was a decision, a call, one made many times, an attempt to ignore as had worked before, this time it did not work and ultimately proved to be the wrong one. I subsequently put it on moderation and made it clear that's where we will be for now, but even that is still not good enough. Now, others complain about moderation. Either one people don't like which puts me in a position where I can't please everyone. Hindsight is 20-20. Obviously had I known ignoring it wasn't going to work with this particular problem moderation would have gone on immediately but at the time no one had that benefit. I can only make the best calls I can with what I know. This one sucked but I hope we can all find a way to get through it and go on. I think we really enjoy each other and wouldn't let one person intent on disrupting that to change it. Part of having a big blog like this is accepting not everyone is pleased but also being willing to modify previous decisions should it become clear they aren't working. The blame shifting is bothersome. It is a troll intent on outing people. It was not me, or the Facebook group or anyone else here that ever dreamed of such viciousness and were so to speak caught like a deer in headlights--the worst possible moment to be making important decisions!

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Maybe it's the language barrier. Franky with all respect what would you like from me at this point? Are their other security measures I don't know about other than moderation? I am not willing to do trackers. What post was let gone by? Email is a great way to alert me of something we missed. I don't recall getting an email from you. By all means suggestions are welcome to make us more secure, I just don't know of anything else myself and I've been doing this three years now.

Anonymous said...

A Facebook group outed only the people who joined, not this site. Just to set the record straight. I've posted here for two years and never once was so called outed. This blog doesn't out people. The attacks are unfair and just not true. I've always been safe here.

Unknown said...

Realitytvkids.com (Administrator) said... 142
''.....Are their other security measures I don't know about other than moderation?''
~~~~~~~~~
Maybe it is time to disable the option for blog members to get each post as an email? Once something is posted, it has already gone out as an email to those who chose that option...so swiffering it from the blog doesn't erase the emails already sent out.

franky said...

replying to your mesages wth respect would be a really nice start.

Esecially those about security issues

Tatum said...

The important thing at this time is to realize that the Admin is doing every thing possible to keep this blog from allowing outings again.

My opinion and only my opinion is move on or move out. No one is making you stay here and you are just adding to the problem by your constant talking about it. There are private places you can discuss it or you can email the admin.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

How many people here really use the comments by email feature and would really miss it? This is assuming I can even disable it which I'm not sure I can. This is how blog staff gets comments so doing anything rash may just trade one problem for another. You are getting a taste of how hard it is to make decisions for a blog this size. It's not as simple as just do that and it's fixed, sadly.

Paula said...

Did anyone watch the Te'o interview on Katie Couric today? If so, what were your thoughts? Maybe it's me, but something still doesn't "feel" right about the whole sordid tale and his explanation.

Jane said...

I use comments by mail when I'm traveling or just out and about. It's a way to keep up without having to open the entire site. I do like it although I don't think it's been working for a few hours.

Dmasy said...

I was outed long before the FaceBook list of names. And, I did it to myself. I published a story I thought was humorous....something that happened on our farm involving a really "clumsy" thief.

Some obsessed person used the details and googled the story and found my location and my husband's name. That led to other details -- all unimportant.

I don't know why they would have cared.

But, I did it to myself.

Jane said...

I can certainly do just fine without comments by mail!

franky said...

Oh, as swiffered before, I was not talking a out me, talking about another poster who was supposedly "outed"

Quit swicferi.g my posts.

I am franky alain from mi
montreal..come get me cj and trolls..fb

highway of heroes in caps on fb

I gits me good trolls

PatK said...

Franky, Admin WAS being respectful. You came here first slamming her by saying she didn't care about her posters. That's probably why she "swiffered" that post.

Dmasy said...

I hit that publish too soon.

I take responsibility. But, I realize there are others who didn't make the mistake I did. They have been hurt.

It is a terrible and hate-filled action. I will never understand why someone finds satisfaction in such behavior. I don't envy their angry and, most likely, lonely life.

I won't stop participating on this blog and I won't stop making internet friends.

I guess I am just stubborn that way!!

Anonymous said...

Michael Landon was hgie.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

We have all learned a lot and I've learned with you. We know they can take the tiniest bit of info and sleuth out much more. We know private may not really be. We know apparently some of the most vile don't respond to just ignoring it. What I don't know is why they care but that's another story. We've come a long way together and I think we still have quite a bit more ways to go on this journey. And all I know is that when you get to the part about Alison Arngrims trip to Paris you will surely belly laugh as much as I did.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...


I wonder if there was anyone Alison could have confided in about her abuser...not Michael? Maybe some other female cast member like Karen or Kathryn?

&&&

**That's it. The blog will stay moderated, period, until they go away once and for all. If that's never, then that's what we'll do. Sad, sad people. I'm so sorry to all the victims.**

She went into this a little bit. She said her parents always defended her brother. She had tried to tell them before about his drug use and they blew it off. She did not think they would take her seriously. She said it was also an era where only freaks have incest problems, not nice families. She was so ashamed she just couldn't do it. She actually marched herself into therapy at a young age, 22 or so, and dealt head on with her issues. Her therapist was good and impressed someone so young wanted to tackle her demons like that. When she actually did tell them during therapy they were actually appalled and supported her. But as a child she just didn't think she would get anywhere. Alison emerged into such a go-get-em adult but as a child she said she was painfully shy and timid. That's often the case.

Once the show started her brother wasn't around as much and she was working or in school all the time and she implies the abuse stopped after she threatened to send him to jail for it. She says she sort of repressed it and buried it away, so that probably explains why she didn't approach someone on set for a nice heart to heart.

She eventually did confront her brother about the abuse and his response was disgusting....I was horrified.

Anonymous said...

Tatum said... 146
The important thing at this time is to realize that the Admin is doing every thing possible to keep this blog from allowing outings again.
My opinion and only my opinion is move on or move out. No one is making you stay here and you are just adding to the problem by your constant talking about it. There are private places you can discuss it or you can email the admin.
January 24, 2013 at 4:54 PM
___
Tatum,
Your posts sounds exactly like the tone,and language that Admin uses. Are you Admin, "Tatum?" I know you are.

Bluebird said...

Franky, qu'est-il ce passe? As-tu été accusée pour quelque chose qui ne s'est pas produit?

I've not seen any of the swiffered posts, although I vouch that Franky has not slammed Admin, it's not like her to do that. I've not read all the posts, but will stick up for a friend.

Back to Kate, I think she must be filming also, along with her bogg. She's just too quiet on her twitter.

I don't believe that Kate will last long on her newest blog. It starts off all about her and as each week passes they will see it.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

I'm not Tatum! God. I don't do "socks." I like to OWN what I say.

Tatum, you out there? :) Perhaps you could get a google account to prove it.

But I will say, I am doing the best I can. I don't need to go under a "sock" to say so. The witch hunt and accusations, from some (others have been respectful and I appreciate that) is getting ridiculous.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

A couple thoughts on the new gig.

The blog said nothing of substance other than hi don't forget it's my birthday and my kids' birthday.

The blog was heavily edited by someone.

Is Kate REALLY interested in blogging? she has to be bored with this by now. Or is this just what she can get . How much can she possibly be making for this? More than a nurse's salary?

The quietness strikes me as reserving blog fodder for her blogs, excuse me bogs, and that just rings inauthentic to me.

Some of the comments were from long time cafe posters, not just drivebys. Most of them were actually very respectful and were saying look I just don't see what she has to offer us, and I'm really sick of reality t.v. stars treated like they actually have anything worth reading. Many said they were done with that site. Again, not drivebys, but long time posters who don't appear to have a horse in the great Gosselin saga. In my eyes an accurate temperature on how the average person actually feels.

Anonymous said...

Tatum,

Respectfully the latest outing was of someone who has moved on and out. After the first outing. This has been going on awhile. As admin and others have pointed out ignoring is not stopping it.

I personally can deal with moderation AND no email AND An IP tracker until it stops completely. The victim this time has been a victim multiple times. She has done nothing wrong. Nothing. Simply wanted to discuss a meet up privately. Privately, as you suggested. She should not be harassed for doing so.

Admin, a tracker would allow you to capture the IP (s) doing this. It is a TOS violation for every carrier. First step for victims to file a complaint. The victims can then choose to pursue this further with those who are able to get info from carriers. The proper way. I realize admin you are a victim, as is this blog, by those who have strange, unknown, hurtful, unwarranted vendettas. Info on victims is now in the hands of others who would do further damage all because of snark on Kate Gosselin.

The attacks on those who are from this blog, regular posters, is what is not fair. :(

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Tatum said... 75
Might not like Kate but The Stir is anything but obscure.
January 24, 2013 at 10:47 AM

&&&

Ah here's one from "Tatum" earlier today. Since I've never even heard of The Stir in my life (although, I have heard of cafe, which is apparently the umbrella thing here of the stir), I'm not sure what the benefit is to signing in as a "sock" to say that something is not obscure, something I've never even heard of. Nice try.

As someone else said, they think we do "socks" because that's what THEY do.

Nancy said...

so really this is a nice respectful place, a great place to chat share ideas and snark on you know who ;)

So participate or leave is that so difficult to understand. If I went somewhere that I didn't like the conversations, ideas, topics or atmosphere I am outta there.

Love it here plan to stay :)

Unknown said...

Anonymous said... 158
And ANOTHER anonymous jumps in being snotty! If you're so positive that Tatum is Admin, why the hell can't you use a freaking name? Otherwise you're just another troll, trying to make trouble!

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Yes on any other day I would agree that we should just move on and generally I think talking about it just exasperates it. But right now I have reached out asking for feedback on how we can best protect ourselves.

I just don't think I want to go down the road of IP trackers and filing complaints. I would be very hesitant to, at minimum. That I think WOULD just turn it into one giant war. If there is one thing I have not wanted this blog to do, ever, and am frankly devastated it has, is to be a player in the blogs on blogs tit for tat she said he said this blog doesn't like that blog CRAP. Truly, for all the years I have worked so hard to prevent that, to suddenly be a star player on other blogs is terrible. This seemed to happen nearly overnight and if I could take back allowing that FB group that started it all, I would.

At the end of the day a long time poster shook some sense into me and said look just go moderated, if it were you you would. It's really the most fool proof way. So I ask everyone to be patient if comments don't appear right away. We'll do our best. Moderated WILL stop it--only I and the staff will see the shit stirring.

Nancy said...

What I don't understand is why did this happen overnight I watched it happen and I just don't get it, what changed, kate got boring???

ncgirl said...

There's a story that is saying Kris Jenner beat daughter Kim Kardashian as a child. It was supposedly from the diary of Robert Kardashian, Kim's late father. His widow, who he was married to two weeks before he died, is the one talking about the diary. Kim is denying it.

Audible Click said...

Unfortunately, if an IP tracker with blocking is rejected as a solution then, the blog will have to be moderated 24/7. Don't even entertain the thought that it can be moderated for awhile and the cretin who outs people will give up. That's not it's MO and that will not happen. As long as the cretin has internet access it will continue to harass, it feeds off of it. Such a shame.

Jane said...

There are other commenting systems that allow for easy blocking of username and/or ISP. Disqus is one I've worked with and is used by many of the larger sites; small ones, too. It's very user friendly.

franky said...

Audble click ..168

how succint and your name a propos

click.

Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said...

Audible Click said - (168)

You're absolutely 100% right.

Maybe I was dreaming or something but I thought there WAS a tracker here for a while. I remember clicking on it. And I thought there was some conversation about blocking some IPs also. It's the only thing that will work. The sickos have been at this for years.

Anonymous said...

Admin, I respect your feelings. IP trackers don't in and of themselves don't provide much info. You, nor any of your staff would have to file complaints. But if a victim requested the info because they were weighing their options they could request that IP and follow proper channels...somewhat like having some "right" to know their attacker. Of those I've seen outed, I don't think there is a one who would start a war.

Here's to the end of this conflict and the return to harmony.

Unknown said...

Flight of the Kiwi said... 161
''......I personally can deal with moderation AND no email AND An IP tracker until it stops completely.''
~~~~~~~
I agree! Moderation 24/7, no email, and a tracker, or anything else anyone can think of are all things I can deal with. Whatever is necessary to take back our blog, I'm for. Go for it, Admin!

Anonymous said...

Oopsie on the double negative...

NJGal51 said...

Ditto 100% what Kiwi said at 161. I think that I was gone when the latest outings happened. I miss those that have left the blog and even though I'm not in their area I would have liked to join their group to get to know them better. I won't leave this blog because I enjoy those who are still posting.

Frankie - I took a look at your FB page. Very nice.

I don't think that Kate has anything signed, sealed and delivered. If she did she wouldn't have taken a "bogging" job again. She's hoping that this will keep her relevant. I'd never heard of the stir until it was mentioned here so it is obscure to me.

fidosmommy said...

Since I've been in bed for the past umpteen hours I have missed all this. I don't have one clue what's going on.

However, I vote for the restoration of that harmony Flight of the Kiwi is talking about. The tone on here seems quite different from the norm, and I'm saddened by it. I sense fear and anger and frustration and it is certainly unsettling.

I have no problem with moderation. I don't know enough about IP trackinhg or anything else mentioned to have an opinion.

Alyce's Wonderland said...

Maybe I was dreaming or something but I thought there WAS a tracker here for a while. I remember clicking on it. And I thought there was some conversation about blocking some IPs also. It's the only thing that will work. The sickos have been at this for years.

____________________________________
And yet they continue to do it. There is so much talk of the police showing up, the person being served with lawsuits, screengrabs being made, warnings being served, etc. etc., but still it continues. It's not going to stop unless this mentally ill person or person gets help, or gets hauled into court, fined and possibly be given jail time.

Even then, how long before she's back at it again? This is an addiction, Only someone with serious psychological problems would engage in activities like this.

Anonymous said...

Realitytvkids.com (Administrator) said... 165
Yes on any other day I would agree that we should just move on and generally I think talking about it just exasperates it. But right now I have reached out asking for feedback on how we can best protect ourselves.

____
Don't you mean "exacerbates?" Exacerbate means to aggravate or to make worse. "Exasperates" means to irritate intensely or to infuriate. This is the place to come when you need a good malapropism.

Improbable Dreams said...

Anyone see the irony of a spoon-wielding, self-admitted child abuser earning a "bogging" spot at CafeMom? Well, she did create a "Stir," but not in a good way...

114 comments, many of them negative. I can only imagine the content of the ones they've apparently deleted (if the outcry on the thread is any indication).

#HIK

fidosmommy said...

From the Wikipedia article mentioned above:

CafeMom reaches 8.1 million unique visitors (ComScore, July 2011) and more than 20 million unique visitors to the CafeMom Plus Network.[18] CafeMom Plus is a network of mom-oriented websites who are in partnership with CafeMom, including: Birthday Partnership Ideas; Coupon Cabin; Education.com; and Families.com.
Revenue model

Cafemom is an ad supported website that generates revenue from over 100 different advertisers. Some of the revenue comes from typical banner type ads that are placed on the website. However, unlike other social networking sites, Cafemom also generates revenue using a slightly different approach to their advertising by allowing registered mothers to interact with a sponsor's product. In fact, most of Cafemom's revenue is generated from customised programs that allow the mothers to interact with various products. These customised campaigns will cost a company $500,000. The interaction begins when selected members of Cafemom are given trial products to sample. These products are then marketed to other mothers through comments posted on Cafemom about their experience and opinion of the product. This type of ad program generates a great deal of revenue for Cafemom while allowing them to reduce the number of ads that they need to display on the website.


fidosmommy here - so Coupon Cabin and CafeMom
are related? Interesting.

Jolie Jacquelyn said...


I'm really sorry our long time posters feel they can no longer participate. Would they come back if they felt protected, or are there other underlying issues?

What if we had to sign in using our email address? I'm not computer savvy, but I know other blogs have asked me to sign up to post.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

LOL yes I meant exacerbates. Although, exasperates ALMOST works!

please just stop said...

For those who have been outed, this is not funny. There is very private information being outed.
I daresay any of you would feel vulnerable and hurt by it. You can say you wouldn't but you would. And the thing is, the group who decided they wanted to get to know each other better in hopes of meeting at some point are all nice people. Very nice people. They have never hurt you Anna or whoever you are. Why is it so important to keep outing people over and over again. Have you ever heard of GET A LIFE?

Alyce's Wonderland said...

"I've not seen any of the swiffered posts, although I vouch that Franky has not slammed Admin, it's not like her to do that. I've not read all the posts, but will stick up for a friend."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

If it's the same "franky" who posts here, she posted on the other blog 25 minutes ago, even after admin explained what happened..

Unknown said...

Alyce's Wonderland said... 185
"I've not seen any of the swiffered posts, although I vouch that Franky has not slammed Admin,''
~~~~~~
No...you can't vouch for what Franky has said, since you admitted you haven't seen any of the swiffered posts. They were swiffered for a reason. It is foolish to vouch for something you've not seen!!

franky said...

yup, Alice, that is me..th8s franky,
ypur point is?

I am pissed off..taking a stand..u just ..um....squeal?

PatK said...

So what is your game now, franky?

Please explain. Because if you are unhappy here, why keep coming back?

franky said...

NJ
.thanks..HOH.is my (8) yrld soul-saver.

KK is so small in comparison..yet I see her evul infiltraring everywhare..

look at me syndrome...
no thoughts about tomorrow..look at me

Alyce's Wonderland said...



Alyce's Wonderland said... 185
"I've not seen any of the swiffered posts, although I vouch that Franky has not slammed Admin,''
~~~~~~
No...you can't vouch for what Franky has said, since you admitted you haven't seen any of the swiffered posts. They were swiffered for a reason. It is foolish to vouch for something you've not seen!!
January 24, 2013 at 7:51 PM

Remona...I didn't make that comment. You are responding to a comment made by Bluebird, 159.

Alyce's Wonderland said...

yup, Alice, that is me..th8s franky,
ypur point is?

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I'm not sure what "th8s franky" is, but my point,. Franky, is that admin tried to explain to you what happened. What is she supposed to do? What do you want of her? She asked that question of you, but instead of discussing it, you went elsewhere to vent. If you have a problem, why not e-mail admin and discuss it? I wasn't sure if that was really the "franky" who posts here, or someone who is posting in her name and copying the writing (spelling and grammar) style.

Alyce's Wonderland said...

Why is it so important to keep outing people over and over again. Have you ever heard of GET A LIFE?

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Unfortunately, this IS their life.

Unknown said...

Alyce's Wonderland said... 190
''Remona...I didn't make that comment. You are responding to a comment made by Bluebird, 159. ''
~~~~~~~~~~
Alyce's Wonderland, thank you for the correction!

I'll repeat what I said for Bluebird 159
No...you can't vouch for what Franky has said, since you admitted you haven't seen any of the swiffered posts. They were swiffered for a reason. It is foolish to vouch for something you've not seen!!

franky said...

oieau..cherche-moi..svp..fb

ps..us french girls stick together..the mire u say J sm evil..the more my friwnds find me on fb..highway of heroes

bwho have u all stood for latetly?

Sleepless In Seattle said...

Franky said...ps..us french girls stick together..the mire u say J sm evil..the more my friwnds find me on fb..highway of heroes

----------------------------

Translation, please?

Meagler said...

WOW! I am not sure I am completely following along, but it sounds like this blog has a stalker who is using some unsavoury means to dig up private information about people, and then positing it on this blog. Some people will cope with that kind of outing differently, so the judging does nothing but create wars.


And let me tell you, the war happening on this blog.. the stalker is smiling as they read it, so we need to stop.


An Ip tracker likely wont help,because I am going to assume this stalker has already figured out how to mask the IP of the computer's they are using. Because we dont know why this stalker is doing this, it is hard to figure out how to make it stop. As admin said, the best way is for moderation and then only a select few have to read the garbage and swiffer it away. The rest of us continue on having the conversations we love to have the Stalker's need hopefully is no longer fed.

Who knew that having a private facebook group would create some outings? I sure didnt and I also suggested to them a way to get it up and running private. One day I was even taken to task by a troll, and perhaps they outed me, I dont know, because I know some clean up was done while I was away! I think some of us got slammed before we realized what was going on, and realized just how obsessed this person can be.

Admin, as for other blogs talking about you, or this blog....At least when they are talking about you or your blog, they are not talking about somebody else, or somebody else's blog. You seem to have strong shoulders and able to manage a few blows!

They are just jellus...lol..! When other blogs were shutting down, or going days without a comment this blog was still getting hits.

Hopefully for those whose feelings have been hurt, they can find a way to forgive. For those who feel their security has been breached, dont know how it works in the USA, but in Canada report it to the local police.

I like it here. I dont post often, when I do, it can be many times, but I read almost daily, scroll past topics I dont want to be a part of, and comment on the ones I do.

When people are in disagreement, we need to come back to basics, and that is ... we came here to try and protect the Gosselin 8. Lets not lose sight of that.

I am concerned they may be heading back into the spotlight...

gamespeopleplay said...

@196--
And let me tell you, the war happening on this blog.. the stalker is smiling as they read it, so we need to stop.

##############################


Yes, he/she is doing just that. Here's what bothers me about the blog on blogs thing...

If anyone wants to leave here and venture to another blog, that's their right to do so. Nobody is under contract to this blog or any other one. It's a free world, and internet playgrounds are plentiful. However, when someone take their grievances to another blog to bash this one, and then returns here and posts, and then goes back to other blogs to trash this blog (and the administrator/moderator), then comes back...it's a very middle schoolish way of playing internet games.

gamespeopleplayPart2 said...

@197

Why even bring it up? Just adding fuel to the fire.

Ex Nurse said...

Admin said...
If there is one thing I have not wanted this blog to do, ever, and am frankly devastated it has, is to be a player in the blogs on blogs tit for tat she said he said this blog doesn't like that blog CRAP. 
--------
Deep breath, Admin!

This blog has always been the most moderate and reasonable one that is focused on the Gosselins. It isn't surprising that, as the numbers dwindle down, the few truly hateful blogs left standing are flailing around in their death throes and putting up smoke and mirrors. They have nowhere else to go.

You made a mistake, have admitted it, apologized AND taken steps to correct the problem in the future. You have done everything possible--except for being perfect. 

You have taken good care of this blog and the criticism and hyperbole over the last several days is undeserved, bizarre and downright insane. No point in trying to make sense of it. 

I have no doubt that you will come out of this stronger and smarter because your intentions are good. It pains me that you are spending even one minute stressing about disloyal two-faced people who have 'defected' from this blog. If you were my daughter, I would tell you that mean people will be punished because they have to live out their lives as themselves. I would also tell you that nothing teaches like a painful experience. Of course, you are not my daughter, so I won't say those things...wouldn't be appropriate.  ee

JoyinVirginia said...

Admin, I am fine with moderation. I know it must be a pain for you and the swiffer girls and pool boys, but if that's what it takes to keep the random droppings off the verandah, fine with me.
Future possible topic suggestion: documentary called Hoop Dreams. Favorite documentary of Shaka Smart, head coach of the VCU Rams, and also his brother the writer and film critic J.M.Tyree. I am in semi morning tonight since university of Richmond beat VCU in overtime, waaaa! It was a terrific fun game to watch.
Anyway, maybe during March Madness?, Hoop Dreams would be a good documentary to screen. It was released originally in 1994. It follows some inner city kids in Chicago who play basketball and hope to play in college and for the NBA. It concerns kids, reality, and BASKETBALL! What's not to love?
Waaaah. vcu lost. They couldn't get three point shots tonight, and U of R has the best three point shooter in the NCAA on their team.
Good grief, who cares about Ms Kreider bogging in a tits bog? Super bowl is in TEN days! NCAA March Madness will be here before you know it!
Someone asked about the teo interview with Katie Couric. I saw a little of it. He comes across as incredibly naive, but not as 100% forthcoming. The being on the phone all night thing is just bizarre to me. Maybe being the golden boy of the football team, he was very sheltered? I don't think we have the whole story. And the guy who fooled him, there is something very wrong with him.

«Oldest ‹Older   1 – 200 of 618   Newer› Newest»