Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Recap: Celebrity Apprentice Episode Five: The Sandra/Slither Effect, and Kate, you're fired!

Last time on Celebrity Apprentice, Kate stuffed her face, and it was all Vivica's fault that they lost, says Doofus. But due to some other circumstance, Shawn was fired. On the final task of the night, Kate's team put together a bizarre video starring Geraldo as Mr. Peanut and Kate as a 1950's housewife with a 1940's haircut that took all day and pretty much ruined Lorenzo's shooting schedule, and they lost to Leeza's infinitely better idea of Brandi and Kenya having a sexy cat fight. Due to some other circumstance, Lorenzo was fired.

Sig is lamenting to Kate they're really screwed now. Lorenzo was fired, and he was their strongest leader. He thinks they're up a shit creek. Kate's all nodding and giving him puppy dog eyes of sympathy. Ha, as if! We all know she's tickled pink she is still alive in this game and that somebody else, anybody but her, was fired.

Kate confronts Vivica about her calling her out in the boardroom last week, unwilling to believe that Vivica didn't blame the PM Lorenzo for their failings, as the video idea was all his. First of all I seem to remember the idea was mostly Geraldo's. You mean the same idea you fully supported, were so excited about, and then nearly sabotaged by sitting in hair and makeup so long Lorenzo didn't have time to get all the shots he needed to make it work? Really, Vivica?! Kate demands.

I like how Vivica just holds her own here and bobbles her head just like Kate. Yep, really, Kate. Really. Ha!

Kate thinks she's doing pretty good on this show. Haha, how typical of a narcissist. A narcissist will never see what everyone else sees. She has been on the losing team more often than not, and often times she played a major role in why the team failed. Time and time again she has supported ideas that crashed and burned, and time and time again she has been against ideas that were a grand success. Her PMs have chosen her to come back to every single boardroom in which her team lost except Lorenzo's, but that was because he volunteered himself. The one time she was PM she only won because Leeza and Brandi took over her duties and the other team was led by a total idiot Jonas brother too obsessed with Geraldo to focus on being a good leader. Half the contestants hate her. She mostly eats and texts and checks out a few hours into each task. She is still here only by dumb luck, because of other better contestants' circumstances completely out of her control, and possible manipulation by the producers. But in her mind she's awesome. Heh.

Geraldo is still in his Mr. Peanut costume. He's quite the eccentric.

Their task this week will be to host a guided boat tour around the harbor with a tourism boat company Circle Line.

Oh, I need to shamelessly plug The Apprentice: UK here. It's a much better more interesting version of this show, as British versions tend to be. It has like a gazillion seasons, and they're almost all on Youtube. Their version of Trump, Sir Alan Sugar, is a more sophisticated, sharp character with a compelling backstory about growing up working class in east London and selling products out of the back of his van. He is now worth 1.5 billion. Anyway, on the first season for their final task they had to do something really similar to this task only on the Thames, and it was a really fun episode. Check it out.

Crab fisherman Sig thinks his timing is perfect. He is primed to step up as project manager this week and the task is a boat ride. The kind of ironic thing about this though is his background probably will be of no help to him on this task. This task isn't really about the boat. It's not about who can captain a boat the best or who can fish the best. Of course he would win those tasks. Rather, this task is about who can throw a good party, it is irrelevant that party will be on a boat. And for that, Brandi is perfect, and sure enough, she steps up. In terms of experience with parties, she blows Sig out of the water, so to speak.

They head to their war rooms, which this time around are right on their respective boats, which are quite rocky today. Geraldo actually knows quite a bit about the company Circle Line, he could rattle off their whole history. I don't think he's exaggerating about that, and that doesn't surprise me. Although he's obnoxious and kind of crazy, I think there's no doubt he is of a higher intelligence than most. People as smart as him often spend large chunks of their lives consuming information, whether reading, watching or listening. And then they retain and file this information away. They remember it, and are able to pull it out at a drop of a hat. Somewhere along the way he read about Circle Line, maybe in the newspaper or a local magainze or whatever, and his brain filed the information away to be unearthed years later on this task. Going into this I assumed Geraldo was smart and savvy like most journalists who have made it, but I did not expect him to be this brilliant. He is a beautiful, nutty mind who wears top hats even hours after the task is over.

Sig seems to realize in short order this task actually it not up his alley at all. He doesn't know a thing about throwing parties. Uh-oh, I figured as much.

Geraldo is throwing out a host of ideas only history nerds would appreciate, like Revolutionary War or Ellis island, with actual reenactors, or 9-11. I mean, that could work for school groups, but this is supposed to be a party. Kind of hard to be comfortable throwing back drinks at a party when the theme is an overview of some of our history's bloodiest, darkest moments.

While I would like Geraldo's ideas because I'm an American history freak, Vivica and Kate are sort of giving each other "oh, helllll no" looks. Ha-ha!

Kate, or the earpiece in her ear, calmly and diplomatically explains to Geraldo that they don't need to do the history, as the boat line already covers the history. If they want to get high ratings on this task, their focus needs to be on the fun, the entertainment. She says this all quite slow as if someone were in fact saying this to her in her ear, haha. She's right, the entertainment is key. Good point, Steve. Geraldo finally agrees to drop that dumb idea, and Kate's ego explodes like a musket going off.

Brandi puts Ian on the boat version of running errands off site at various stores just so I can get you out of my hair, and makes him her accountant. Ian looks like he'd rather have a shark give him a bikini wax than be Brandi's accountant, but he has no choice but to go along with it. Most of Brandi's team likes Mardi Gras but Brandi is really unsure of that idea since it doesn't have anything to do with NYC. I think that's a fair point, but for now, she reluctantly goes along with it.

Kenya is trying, getting excited about Brandi's charity and really volunteering a lot of ideas. Brandi doesn't buy it though, she thinks Kenya would like nothing more than to take her down. That's probably true, but I think Kenya also wants to be on the winning team even if Brandi wins too. Kenya doesn't hate her so much that she will allow herself to lose to try to get Brandi fired, that's silly.

Over on Kate's team, they've settled on a Love Boat theme with a meet-and-greet thing with Sig. The Sexiest Catch, the team comes up with. That's not bad. Sig is worried this sounds too much like a porno. Lol.

The men think as long as they're going this route they should call in the Hooters girls. This is starting to sound more like Spring Break than Viking river cruise. Neither Vivica nor Kate think this is a great idea, but they sort of just let it happen. I can't stand when people on this show don't have the guts to put up a big fight about bad ideas on the task, but then save it if they need to throw someone under the bus later in the boardroom. It's a passive aggressive, cowardly way to play the game and Kate does it all the time. Kate has a good point in that the people stepping on this boat could be a bunch of married couples, and they're probably not going to appreciate a bunch of Hooters girls there. True, I wouldn't.

Geraldo also has a good point, "all in." It's true, if you're going to go sexy, go sexy. Don't limp in, pardon the pun. Whatever theme they choose they've got to be completely behind it. It's not going to work to go with a theme and then be so uncomfortable and skeptical of it they do not take it to its climax. If they're not willing to go all the way with the Hooters girls and everything, pardon the puns again, then get rid of this theme and start over. Fair enough.

At Brandi's team, Brandi and Johnny are still skeptical about Mardi Gras. Brandi decides you know what, f-it, Mardi Gras is scrapped. "Girls," she tells the team, and Ian looks up. Haha, nice touch, editors. They must have buckets of fun in their editing bays. Brandi just can't get past Mardi Gras in New York City, it makes no sense to her, and says they're changing the whole theme. It's a big risk to change their theme this late in the task, but if the theme is terrible, Brandi had to do it. A lesser project manager wouldn't have the guts to listen to their nagging gut feeling and pull the rug out like this, so kudos to her. I think Brandi is right, the Trumps likely would have been confused by Mardi Gras and it could have sunk them, so to speak.

I like Vivica, she has a sense of humor about herself. She has posed herself all sexily on the starboard side, looking out at the water as she explains in a husky voice that their furniture has been delivered and they're setting up the food. Lol, so random! I can't picture Kate being this silly and willing to let her guard down, she doesn't have the self-esteem for it.

Wow, Brandi scrapped their theme without a new one lined up? I didn't know that. Eek. They are back to brainstorming, and finally settle on Big Apple Bonanza. I don't quite know what that means. Will Little Joe be there? But I guess it sounds fun enough.


I guess Brandi thinks bonanza just means a fun party. I think she's right that their primary focus needs to be on just throwing a great party. A vague theme is better than something nonsensical. Brandi decides to "feed into" Kenya's narcissism and let her perform her song. Kenya has a song? Is it as good as this one from the Countess? It has over 7,000 thumbs downs on Youtube, lol.


You might be too old to be starring in your own music video when the next thing on your agenda for the day is to hire your kid an SAT tutor.

Poor Brandi is about to puke from being on this boat so long, ugh, that would be awful to have to work on a rocking boat all day.

It's the day of the parties, and Sig is still worried maybe the people stepping onto this boat won't like Hooters. Do they not know much about their demographic, and why didn't they ask? Kate's right, what if it's a bunch of couples? Some might be cool with it but I venture to guess most women do not want to go with their husbands to a Hooters party.

The bartenders were late so Sig ends up spending a lot of time lugging waters and ice and so on back and forth back and forth, getting angrier as the minutes pass. He finally gets so stressed he throws a hissy fit and bangs his fist on the bar. Well, that was a little scary.

Kate and Geraldo, to their credit, calmly try to bring him back down to earth and right the ship. Kate even pulls out this huge tote bag seemingly out of nowhere like she is Mary Poppins


and suggests that Sig use the big bag to transport a lot of things at once so he won't have to make so many trips. Well, she was trying to be helpful. Good for her. When Kate stays calm, feels like working, and is motivated and focused, she's not bad. She's not the best contestant here by any means, she's simply not bright enough to play in the big leagues like Leeza, Brandi, Geraldo or Vivica, but she's somewhat better than a dud like Terrel or Shawn. I think that's what makes her laziness and ineptness all the more frustrating, because she is capable of being a decent second-string team member if she applies herself. It just seems to be so hard to get her to this head space, and I don't know why that is. Maybe she's just flighty and easily bored. She can focus and work for a couple hours and she does all right, then she's off in la-la land again. That's not going to cut it.

Kate says she's worried if Sig's snapping now he could snap again at any time on this task, and where will that leave them? Sig has calmed down a bit and says wait a minute, we're supposed to be happy. Kate is doing decoupage or something or other, at least she's not stuffing her face or playing on her phone, and says you're the only one who's not happy. There is one other positive thing I will say about Kate, and that is that she never really lost it and snapped. I would not be surprised if she had. She kept it together. There were some tears, a lot of whining, and a lot of ineptness and blame shifting. But she never lost her temper like Sig has and several other contestants before him, thus far anyway. In fact she often proved to be a calming force, which means either she has really good control over her reactions to a bad situation, or is just too clueless to realize it's time to panic.

"Make me happy!" Sig tells Kate. Lol, ew. And Kate sort of just shakes her head. Heh, funny.

Because of the tight editing, we see none of the prep on Brandi's ship and cut straight to her team welcoming guests. Even though the vast majority of reality shows should be just one hour, I really, really hate the one-hour edits on this show. It doesn't work, but we've talked that to death. Shit, there's kids among Brandi's guests, some of the Trump grandkids. Does Sig's team know there could be kids along? Oops!

Brandi's cruise is a hodgepodge of boy bands, appletinis, a magician. I don't see Little Joe anywhere, but with this random mix he would fit right in. Leeza does a phenomenal job giving commentary on the various landmarks. She keeps it fun, light, and short. I didn't realize they would have to do this part too, I thought they were just supposed to be in charge of the party. Probably I'm confused because there was no time to explain that in the tight edit.

"It's like a booze cruise with knowledge," Brandi quips. Ha, that's hysterical, Brandi. You won the episode title, again.

On Kate's team, the Hooters girls are here and serving delicious bar food, and they're handing out crabs too. The edible kind, I mean. The guests here, I don't know, they look like a fair amount of computer programmers and school teachers. It's sunny but don't let a bright sunny winter day in New York fool you. It's still chilly out so most people are bundled up, and it's the middle of the day. I don't know if this sexy thing works at all. Nobody wants to be sexy when it's lunch time and 42 degrees, sunny or not.

Geraldo is going on and on about Ellis island, pontificating about oppression and Italians and Jews. Unlike Leeza, who just kept it all low key, he is like a college professor only not really actually giving you anything of substance. It was "overboard" says, Sig. He's right, everyone is bored and looks like they'd prefer to jump ship.

"Screw the terrorists, we've won!" Geraldo blurts out as he introduces the new World Trade Center. If you could visualize the hashtag awkward on real people's faces, that's what it would look like. ####AWKWARD. Everyone just sort of stands there, not sure if it's okay to drink to that, grab another crab leg, or what you do. Kate does another one of her infamous over the top "OMG!" faces. Lol.

By the way, do you know the producers hate her? They made this entire web site just for her and her notorious faces. Hehe, they be so funny.

Commercials!

Back to Brandi's party, everyone is dancing, drinking, I-an does a little breakdancing. Leeza gives all the credit to this success to Brandi, because Leeza is classy and gives credit where credit is due. Kenya performs her "song." Wait, but she's not singing. She's talking like Professor Higgins "talked" all his songs in My Fair Lady. Lol, just like the Countess "talked" her song too! What's with the Housewives and talking out a song?

Right in the middle of it Brandi walks right through the stage area with a tray of drinks. She waves, lol, that's funny, she knows darn well what she's doing. I'm embarrassed for Kenya, but with enough booze in them by now some of the crowd seems to mildly enjoy it. Except one of the Trump grandkids, who looks about five and seems both confused and horrified as Kenya at one point is sort of grinding on the floor, lol. Brandi tries to distract from this misstep and gets a conga line going, which is usually a go-to party saver. I don't know if anyone watched the Grammys, but it's always a good show and Beyonce was there of course, and I think Kenya is pulling a Single White Female on her, adopting her hairstyle, dress, career and even mannerisms. Rather creepy.

Geraldo is doing some sort of odd Q and A with the Hooters girls. Who cares, nobody goes to Hooters to actually get to know them, if you want to get to know a woman you don't buy chicken wings from her. Even Kate thinks it's time to take the microphone. Sig wanted to say a few things himself but Geraldo is too much of a force to interrupt. The thing about these sort of booze cruises too is that you really shouldn't be talking the entire time or it starts to feel like a lecture. You have to take breaks and give people time to eat, drink and talk among themselves. In the edit I've seen it's been a nearly constant droning on throughout the cruise and it's getting annoying. I think Geraldo thinks if he's not talking he's not helping anything, and that's just not the case. Sig says at the end of the day he really thinks Geraldo is great so who is he to say anything.

Sig arranged for the Coast Guard to show up and drive by, which was a really nice touch especially since that's his charity.  The guests love it. Like almost all the other celebs here except Kate, Sig talks about his charity, the Coast Guard, with passion and sincerity. He tears up as he says he has friends whom the coast guard has saved. Has Kate actually ever visited her charity yet or is that still on her to do list?

Sig thinks they knocked it out of the park. Or ocean, Captain! If people give them bad reviews on their feedback cards fine, says Sig, I have their addresses and I can go punch their teeth out. Oh, my, why do I feel like he's only half kidding? Lol.

Blue-hour timelapses, which must mean it's boardroom time, and my assessment is pretty straightforward. It's obvious Kate's team lost, but Sig really should be fired. Their theme was uncomfortable and missed the mark, and not only was Geraldo's commentary awkward and far too long, but Sig didn't stop him even when everyone knew it was getting bad. Kate and Vivica are responsible for not being more assertive about changing their bad theme, but at the end of the day the blame rests on the PM. Both the women worked and did what they were told, and Kate even tried to help calm Sig down. The only black mark Brandi's team had was Kenya's stupid talking-song, but that's not enough to sink them. And, Brandi saved that anyway with her conga line, so they won it. Once again, due to some other circumstance, Kate won't be fired.

Sig says he thinks they won. After all they brought in the Hooters girls. Were they beautiful or "just okay?" Trump asks, genuinely curious. Baw-haha! Well, there's no question he's a man. That is such a man thing to ask. As a side note, Kate looks particularly old today. Could be the makeup or the lighting. I would honestly guess she is at least 47, not a young woman still in her 30's. Tanning, surgeries and other behaviors will do that.

Kate's reservation about the Hooters girls was the demographic. Again, why didn't they know what their demographic was in the first place before deciding on the theme? Isn't that critical to deciding what to do? Heck, what if it were a bunch of kindergartners, then Brandi's theme doesn't make sense either. I don't understand why nobody seemed to know a thing about their guests. That's the first thing you should find out.

Geraldo uses big words like sophomoric, words some of the other celebs don't understand, when he says he and Sig work well together. He talks like this not because he's trying to impress like Kate would, but because that's just how he talks.

Johnny and Leeza were Brandi's best players? I get Leeza, but Johnny? I don't know if Johnny is boring or what but we barely ever see him on these tasks.

The guests liked Brandi's festive party, and especially liked Leeza commentary. The theme confused them. I know, me too, I kept looking for Little Joe myself. Kenya was polarizing, a lot of them, I'm guessing the sober ones, said her song/dance wasn't classy. Ha-ha, Vivica looks so smug about that. She totally purses her lips in an "I told you so" face. I forgot if she hates Kenya, what happened in the past on these silly reality shows sometimes sticks to my brain for no more than a couple weeks. I can more or less keep track of who hates Kate, but the other drama going on escapes me. Though I think Vivica doesn't like Kenya, if I recall.

As for Sig's team they loved Vivica, they liked the food and the atmosphere actually. But people couldn't stand Geraldo's blathering. Trump interrupts to say he simply cannot believe this. Lol, he really loves Geraldo for some odd reason. Females thought this was geared toward the men and they got left out. Good point.

The guests gave an overwhelming win to Brandi, which was obvious. Yikes, I hope nobody loses their teeth over this, especially not any of those nice school teachers aboard. Brandi is a mature winner who calmly says that's great, she's happy, and she will be giving her money to Make A Wish. She says she feels bad for the Coast Guard though and wishes they could get some of the spoils. Trump gives them twenty-five grand. All class, Brandi. All...class. Brandi has her issues and has a lot of conflict with other women on her Real Housewife show, but I am wholly convinced she is a bright, gracious, good woman who has unresolved issues she simply needs more therapy for. She is deep down not a bad person like, say, Doofus is.

There's only six minutes left in this episode, sounds like this will be a quick and dirty firing.

Kate of course says she and her boyfriend Geraldo shouldn't be fired. She very, very reluctantly admits Vivica shouldn't be fired. Steve is right in the strategy he told her, always blame the PM. It's tried and true, and statistics show they are always more likely to be fired. Of course they won't always be fired, but you have to play the percentages. Don't be stupid and go after people you can't stand like Vivica even though every bone in your grudge-filled body wants to. It's far too risky for somebody as dumb as Doofus here to try to go after somebody less obvious. So she's right, it has to be Sig.

Geraldo has a hard time blaming anyone because he likes these people. I believe that. None of these people give him a hard time, they allow him to be his crazy self and even encourage it, and he thrives in that environment. Trump asks Geraldo if he honestly is going to be friends with any of these people after the show, then Trump kind of waves his hand with a laugh and is like get real, we're too busy to maintain friendships like this, it's on to the next thing for us! Lol. From what I've heard and witnessed that's very, very true. Unless a celeb truly forms an untenable blood brother bond with someone on the set, it's unlikely they will have the time or energy to send out more than a text message or two post project. Sometimes such an existence seems rather lonely to me, since I value true friendships made in an employment capacity just as much as any other, and if I'm going to really bond with someone I'm not going to do it without the intent of maintaining what we built post-project. The fact that Leeza showed up to a party of Brandi's in L.A. months later speaks volumes about just how close those two women became, since I really don't think that's all that common in a world in which a celeb might end up working with thousands of people on hundreds of projects before your work is done on this earth.

I don't know if Geraldo's wife would be okay with a post-show friendship, Kate says. Lol, what? Oh, doofus, you flatter yourself. Trump accuses her of having a dirty mind, hehe. No, just an inflated ego. Even Trump Jr. is laughing saying Dad you were the one going there! I like the Trumps, I think there are times like this they are just a normal family.

Vivica too admits that the fault is with Sig. Leeza is smart and says once they are down to three people Trump is going to switch up the teams again, she sees it coming. They all seem to think that sucks, since everyone on Brandi's team works so well together. They've won three in a row after all.

I think some of the nautical puns are unintentional, but they're funny, as Trump says they're all in the same boat. Lol. There are an incredible amount of nautical puns out there I've realized in just writing this re-cap. I needed at least one recap where I could giggle like a schoolgirl over something stupid the whole time like nautical puns, it's that kind of day.

Sig throws out the only defense he can, that if the ladies had a problem with any of this they certainly didn't speak up, at least not very loudly. Very true, and I find that to be shitty. It's not going to get him off the hook (nautical pun!), but it's what he should point out if he has any respect for himself.

Trump wants to know if it's true they just let this bad idea happen and didn't say anything. Kate says, well, we at least made a face over the Hooters girls, so. Lol. Kate is blathering on, I think she's trying to get to the fact that in light of all the other bad ideas that they spent the whole time shooting down (oh yeah, I forgot about the 9-11 reenactors), this idea wasn't as bad as any of those and at least we got rid of the really bad ideas. Well, you still traded one bad idea for another. Trump has no patience to give her time to get to her point and cuts her off, lol. I don't think Trump has ever once allowed Kate to get to her point, he really can't stand a blatherer. Also I think Trump knows there's no way he could pin this on one person not speaking up enough about a bad idea (even though she's done it a dozen times before) when none of them spoke up, and he especially can't fire that person or persons over the people championing the idea. That wouldn't really be fair, though it kills me to say it. If he were going to do that he would have to fire the whole team, that's the only way it's fair. Trump quickly gets to the point. He really likes Sig but let's face it, he's fired.

Everyone seems very sad to see Sig go. Vivica looks tearful. Kate the sociopath realizes everyone else is sad so she acts sad too. Geraldo said he's going to give Sig's charity $40,000. Sig seems more embarrassed than grateful about it. That's nice of Geraldo I guess, though it's treading a little bit into making this all about Geraldo, and one-ups Trump. Maybe he should do that quietly, after the show, and I'd believe it.

The Trumps seem to really respect Sig and his charity and look disappointed to see him go, too.

Sig doesn't look like he's going to knock anyone's teeth out, he says the experience was humbling and that the gamble he took didn't work out. Overall, he seems like a good guy who works hard but has a few anger management issues.

The other team still can't believe the sucky team has lost three times. What's the common denominator there? Ian asks.

Raising my hand! I know, I know. Pick me, I-an! Kate!

No, Geraldo, they say. Geraldo??? I mean, I suppose, but, but, what about his minion Doofus?

Ian and Johnny still have a lot of pent up aggression toward Geraldo. I swear they sound just like us talking about Kate, only they're talking about Geraldo. Leeza is just amazed he is still here, he is like teflon. He sucks at everything, but she attributes his staying power to strategy.

And the stars align for Kate again. Here's the thing, she's terrible at this game. She's not creative, she can be lazy, she's no leader, and is constantly on the losing team. Of everyone left she is without a shadow of a doubt the worst player. But Geraldo is more front and center, vocal, smarter, bigger, has more donors, and has amassed more enemies. Thus Kate and her ineptness have flown under the radar. Most of the folks who used to pick on Kate like Brandi and Kenya don't really care anymore because they're not on her team (and thus, it's actually a good thing she stay around and screw up tasks as long as she's on the other team) and they know she's expendable, you know, whenever. People lost interest in getting rid of Kate, and she's stayed as a result.

Also, Geraldo is a bigger threat to these stronger players, so they're all focused on him right now. You have to be careful with that. On similar reality shows like Survivor, a mediocre, seemingly expendable whenever you need to contestant, can slither through and win, because there was always somebody else that really needed to go first. Sandra is a prime example, for Survivor fans. In 2003 a secretary named Sandra played season seven of Survivor. For six seasons, the six previous winners had always played very strategic, smart games, which is how they won. But Sandra was different than those other people. She was not particularly talented, bright or special or any kind of stand out, and she was about as athletic and socially adept as a slug, but there was always somebody else to vote off.


Other contestants were dumbfounded that somebody with no social game, strategy, and no physical ability won. What can I say, they kept her on the back burner way too long and have nobody but themselves to blame. Then suddenly the end arrived and they forgot to vote Sandra out! #Dolts. Dumb luck worked out for Sandra, as well as other contestants both underestimating her and saving the non-threat for later until later turned out to be the winner's circle. She won her season without a single vote ever cast against her, and then she came back and played another season and won that too. Kate made it much further than she should due to this very same phenomenon, I'll call it the Sandra Effect. Or, the Slither Effect. She is this show's Sandra. Moral of the story, don't get distracted by that loud-talking Geraldo over there for the love of all humanity, Leeza. Bottom line, Kate is long past due, well-done, goose is cooked. She needs to go and stat or they're going to have a big problem on their hands in that this doofus might actually be a finalist in this thing. Get it together, people! I like some well done reality shows for the reasons above, talking through strategies and analyzing why and how people are where they are is fun. It's a guilty pleasure.

Kate doesn't know why on earth they keep losing. Of course she doesn't, she's a narcissist. Something has got to change! she insists. After awhile this gets so predictable; I know with that kind of ego, she imagines herself the white knight who saves her team from sure destruction by stepping up as PM on the next task. Knowing the outcome ahead of time, my stomach hurts from laughing already. So let's do it!

Did Kate get a haircut in the 20 seconds it took to get these people up on some windy roof to hear about their next task? Her hair is like four inches shorter and stick straight.  Trump looks about the same shade as a tangerine at the moment, his hair about halfway to the color of straw into gold. He announces that the gale force winds prove he does not wear a wig, lol. As predicted, he switches up the teams, with Kenya going over to Kate's team. Hallelujah amen! Brandi and I shout at the same time.

They are going to make a "themed environment" whatever that is, about Trump's golf thing he has down in Miami. As you can tell, I really don't care about or understand golf. And, just as predicted, Kate the knight has stepped up to "save" her team, volunteering as PM again. She is even wearing white. She's nuts, this is a death sentence before it even started. She's already been PM before, she's checked that box. Her strategy now needs to be to avoid PM at all costs no matter what until the finals. The Sandra Effect does not work if Sandra volunteers herself to be voted off. Doofus.

Ian is going to be PM for the other team. Oh, Kate's toast.

"I'm free! Free of the monster" Kenya exclaims as she heads into the war room. Heh, that's mean but kinda funny at the same time in how over the top it is. Brand-ya or Ken-di, can't decide which one I like better to call the two of them, but they're both so immature about this.

Oh, Geraldo has been golfing there. Well, hell, he should have been PM then. Does anyone else on this team even play golf much less have been to this course in Miami? We know Kate doesn't, remember Hank having to teach her on Wife Swap? She should have pushed this off on Geraldo, said I know you've done your share as PM but nobody here knows and understands golf and golfers like you do. Flatter him, then pass the buck.

Ha-ha. Sasquatch wants to do a Sasquatch theme, that couldn't be more fitting. Kenya's all like, Kate doesn't really understand what luxury really is. Yes! Kate's a poser who thinks eating sushi and fluttering off to NYC on the weekends racking up $300 room service bills makes her just like a Dupont, minus that murder thing. Even though I don't like Kenya, I find it incredible refreshing and validating to see somebody who sees through Kate in exactly the same way the rest of us have. I guess because a lot of the sheeple keep saying we don't really "know" Kate so we can't make that judgment, and yet here is someone who does know Kate, did spend a lot of time with her in person and worked with her, and she's saying the same thing. Now what's their excuse?

Kate sends Kenya and Vivica off shopping for props. Oh, no, don't send your strongest player (Vivica) off to do that! Kenya knows what being sent off to do props means for her standing, and really doesn't want to go, but Kate makes her. Kate makes a good point I have to give her, such that if Kenya didn't want to go shopping Kenya could have volunteered for PM and called the shots herself. Hey, you get that one, Schmoops. What else ya got up there in that hallow head?

It's Braveheart redux as Ian goes into his passion for his obscure charity again. You know the one for skin diseases he feels a connection to because he loves slathering on lotion and feeling supple and feels for those who don't. I think people who talk about themselves in the third person are usually crazy. He feels if he can pull this off I-an will be one seat closer to God. He actually says this. Come on, he's not serious. Or is he? His eye twitches, which I think means he's just shitting around. I think. Oh well, whether this is real or fake he's so wonderfully nuts either way.

I'm not quite sure where Ian's team is going with all their ideas but Ian says something hysterical in that if he is going to throw someone under the bus it shouldn't be a surprise to them because hey, they got the bus schedule! Ha.

I-an is so deeply impressed by how creative he is. His gifts are so incredible he humbles himself. What luck that Kate gets herself on a season so inundated with narcissists just as big or bigger than her that she looks about as harmless as a Cabbage Patch doll. Of course.

Ian talks about getting a hole to stick a pole in, and Brandi being Brandi just can't help herself and bursts into giggles. Even Leeza starts cracking up. Leeza does what any good girlfriend would do to keep her friend in line and tells her to "stop it!" while pushing her away, then she just cracks up some more. Those two are endearing without ever even trying to be. They look like sisters.

Johnny and Brandi go off to shop but because they're not insecure they don't see it as a slam on them or their talents and happily do what is asked of them. Johnny all but promised he would track down Tiger Woods's trainer to come to the event, but now realizes he got in way over his head when the guy won't return his calls. Rookie mistake, don't say you'll do something big like that until you know you can deliver. And also as a side note, this is a perfect case in point that just because you are a celeb doesn't mean you get your calls returned. It doesn't always work like that. Real life is not the movies.

Kenya is still butt hurt that Kate sent her off to shop. Gosh, I hate to say it but there are only a few players left and somebody had to shop, and the shopping on this trip is actually way more important than it's been to many other tasks, since this task seems very much about the space and experience they are putting together. More important than making sure there were flowers on the table and cutting boards shaped like hearts at their frozen food challenge some time back anyhow; that didn't really matter. Kenya is still stuck on Kate not really understanding luxury, and that Kate needs her expertise with how to build sets. Luxury, eh? That sounds silly coming from someone wearing some of the tackiest giant earrings I've ever seen. I was prepared to scoff at Kenya claiming to be some expert about sets too, but then I checked her IMDB and realized she's done a whole host of guest appearances on various sitcoms, which almost always build their sets from scratch and rarely film on location where you make something preexisting your set, more like how Kate's show is. I doubt Kenya ever pounded a single nail into a set in her life but at least she's been around those who do. She's more qualified than Kate anyway. Maybe it was a bad idea to send her off like this after all.

Vivica says she's keeping an eye on Kenya because Kenya is a back stabber.

Ian really does have friends in all kinds of places. He has one friend making their logo for them with flowers, another friend doing some sort of rendition of Trump's face for the display that looks like a Wall Street Journal sketch. If you asked him for a friend who makes Raisin Nut bran and could deliver a whole truckload of it to the event he'd have that too. Leeza said everything really fell into place for them and it was nice to get rid of Kenya. Next to Kate, it's obvious Kenya is the most disruptive player left, even Leeza has to admit she's terrible.

Back in the studio Kate is trying to make decisions with the fabricator and Kenya is bombarding her with texts, mostly with complaints about Vivica. Lol, that's funny. Kate blames Kenya for this interruption. Or she could just put her phone down and ignore it. She doesn't have to swipe it up every time it pings like she's Pavlov's dog. Lol, Kenya is so busy arguing with Vivica about how she didn't wanna stop at Bed Bath and Beyond or Babies R Us or something that she is ignoring Kate on the other line demanding to know what time they're expected to be back.

"It was a five minute stop," Vivica says in her defense, basically shaking her head and looking away. Well if I had any confusion about how Vivica feels about Kenya it's gone.

Haha, Kate's still on the other end wanting to know what the heck is going on. This is too much.

It's the day of the event and they've gone to Trump's local golf course. Does anyone know where my pants are? Geraldo asks as people are spreading rose petals around and such. What? Random. Kenya's just like well if you're behind the bar no one will know. Lol.

Kate's display shows a wedding table, a spa, a guest room and a putting green all sort of in the same room. There's also a Sasquatch kids club off to the side with a couple colorful chairs. It kind of looks like the model you see at a luxury apartment. It's not bad looking, but it's not very interesting either.

Kate thinks it's better than expected but not perfect due to the girl drama the day before. That's her fault though. She did not have to spend more than 10 seconds shutting down that drama. Instead she let it go on all day and wasted valuable time trying to mediate. Stupid.

Johnny never did come through with his golfer but just like Ian knows the butcher, the baker and the Raisin Nut Bran maker, he also knows a golf expert who shows up to help people with their swings. Ian's setup is already infinitely better than Kate's, with a massage area, the golfer using some kind of computer to analyze your swing, and a big poster sized picture book to look at various scenes from the real thing in Florida. This competition is over before it begins.

Their flower sign is buried behind some plant somewhere so Brandi decides to move it out front and center. They play the "dopety-doh" music to let us know Ian is a nut as he comes over and looks like he's going to pop a blood vessel over her touching his flower sign. Brandi quickly gives up on this one, not worth it.

Why is Kate dressed like a sexy Interpol agent? Bizarre getup. The girls are doing a decent job telling the guests who arrive about the various amenities while Geraldo serves them up drinks that look like blue Scope mouthwash. Yum. Geraldo sees his role as "lubricating" everything else. Ewww, pick another verb please.

Kate turns on her sexy kitten persona when the Trump boys arrive with some COO. They like the Sasquatch who encourages kids to play golf, hehe. Kenya thinks their set looks like crap. Seeing more of it up close now, it does look pretty rinky dink. She is convinced she could have pulled this together but for Kate sending her shopping. She's still going on about the shopping. Good grief. Kate claims that she ended up doing all this pretty much by herself last night. Heh, I'll believe that one when I see footage of that. Notice how she doesn't claim to have done this all herself within earshot of any of the other contestants. She doesn't have the balls for that. The Trumps are just asking how it was going and she's already acting like it's the boardroom and blaming Vivica and Kenya for everything. Again, not in earshot of them of course. All this in front of the COO? Rather immature. You haven't even lost yet, Doofus!

Over at Ian's classier setup, Johnny is giving massages that look simply delicious, uhhhh. Ian is a little shaky on the details of the resort when he's explaining things to the Trumps, which is embarrassing. Brandi is shocked he flubbed that, and comes in to save the day answering their questions correctly. She says she stayed up the whole night studying. Wow, good for her. Now that I believe, and it's a perfect example of the kind of over-the-top hustle required to make it in this business. It's a good thing Brandi was there to fill in the gaps what with Ian so busy praising his magical powers and wonderfulness.

Boardroom time. I like Brandi's t-dyed looking dress thing. Kate finally got the memo she should say she thinks they won. So she's learning.

Trump seems confused about Kate's Sasquatch theme. He doesn't seem to get it. As others have pointed out so well, it seems like Kate's tactic is talking slow and pausing a lot to gauge other's reactions, then shifting course and trying something new if she judges the reactions aren't good. It's so true. Kate is just so sweet and calm and just did such a wonderful job on this task, Kenya says. Kate who? Middleton? Lol, we all know from Kenya's interviews she hates our American Kate and thinks she fucked this whole task up, so her over the top facetiousness now is amusing.

Despite Kenya being so nice Kate immediately throws her under the bus for her drama. Lol, what a bitch. Vivica and Kenya are still squawking about going to the children's store or whatever. They're really pissed at each other. Kate's sitting there still as a statue. The look on her face says I'm afraid to so much as sneeze and mess this all up, I can't believe my wonderful good fortune that these two are so caught up in each other they're not blaming me. Kate, don't forget to breathe over there! You have eight kids who need you!

Why does no one ever understand what Trump is asking when he wants to know what they think? They're always like, uh, of what, Mr. Trump? Of course he's asking what they think of their team, how the task went, and so on. Anyway, Ian flubs the name as he explains their concept. Oy vey.

Brandi says things went great, a dark cloud has been lifted from their team. Ha, she really can't help herself. Kenya says that was a low blow. Oh, well, Kenya, you get what you put out, and even the Trumps thought Kenya's comment last week about Brandi's husband cheating on her was vicious. This feud may never end. Trump doesn't seem to have a problem with Brandi's comment and in fact tells her he's proud of her. Aw.

The other team members have a hard time explaining how crazy Ian is without sounding mean. Finally Leeza says look, the guy is "intense." Ha, that's a nice way of putting it.

Ian said he would have to fire Johnny because he didn't come through for him. He had no choice but to say that.

It wasn't even close, the Trumps liked Ian's team the best for all the reasons described before. They did like the Sasquatch thing though, which was all Geraldo's idea.

What's your charity again? Trump asks Ian. Lol, it's okay, nobody knows. It sounds fake to me at times. I wonder if you could get away with catfishing through a fake charity on this show. It would be interesting to try and Ian would be just crazy enough to do it.

Kate's flabbergasted. Narcissists usually are shocked to lose, so that's no surprise. How, how did they lose?? But we had a blue and gold bathtub, Mr. Trump, for goodness sake. With rose petals! We had Sasquatch!

Trump said look your setup was rinky dink. Come on, where was the luxury? Kate quickly blames the girls for the props thing. I love this, Trump is demanding to know if she is saying they spent too much time shopping. She's reluctant, and that's because she is often shopping herself and taking too much time. What a terrible, and funny, predicament poor Doofus is in now! Her only card to play is the girls messed this up by shopping too long, but to do that she has to explain away how she didn't do the exact same thing in the past. Perfect karma. Kate has no choice but to say Vivica is the better player of the two, even though she can't stand either of them. That's the correct thing to say, although if she were a strategist, now might be the time to play a hail Mary and go after a stronger player in Vivica. Not like she has much to lose right now. If she somehow finds a way out of this and Kenya is gone, Kate's absolutely done for on the next task. If she can manage to keep Kenya around though, it might buy her another week. Not that she is even thinking this far ahead, that would be too much for her. She is shooting herself in the foot by rubber stamping all the best players. It's clear now she has no long term strategy, not a very good one anyway. She's been playing week to week like a silly little amateur.

Vivica and Kenya are still going after each other, and Kate's back to not breathing again, not even blinking, for fear of messing this up. Lol.

"Girl drama," Kate finally blurts in the middle of it, pointing in their direction. What the hell? Doofus, shut up. You actually have a teeny, tiny little chance here if this plays out just right. Don't mess it up by talking.

Lol, back in the suite Leeza and Brandi are all head bobbing feeling so validated that other people have noticed what a pain Kenya is.

"This noise gets in the way of work," Kate says, her best comment of the whole season.

"This noise gets in the way of work! Thank you, Kate!" Leeza exclaims. Lol. Well, it is nice to feel validated.

"Perfect," Brandi agrees.

Relish it Kate. This will probably be the first and only time something you said was perfect.

Kate says it was disruptive to be treated like Judge Judy all day by Kenya. Isn't anyone going to ask her why she didn't shut it down then? Why didn't she just tell them to knock it off and get back to shopping? By this point I think Kate really believes that she's got this in the bag with getting Kenya fired. Haha, dolt.

Kenya is like I'm pleasant, easy to work with, I haven't offended anyone. Haha, Vivica's just like, yeah, no. I know the outcome of this, but the way Kenya is talking I think Trump could have gotten away with firing her instead and Doofus would have lived yet another week. The Sandra/Slither Effect again! Unbelievable. Kenya's just being ridiculous now, saying Kate was responsible for all the creative side and continuing to take pot shots at Vivica. That's not true, everyone was involved in the creative. Geraldo came up with the whole Sasquatch idea for heaven sake. Even one of the Trump boys was like, well that's not really true, and Kate beams with relief. Kenya if you don't shut up Kate isn't going to be fired and then I'm really not going to like you, lol.

Geraldo's barely said a thing the whole time until finally chiming in to ask for hazard pay. Hehe! Kate's smiling like a goon now, fully convinced she's not getting fired. Oh, I love it.

Trump is being a man again and wants to know if Vivica thinks Kenya is attractive or also beautiful, whatever the hell that means. Just one of those questions men ask that a woman probably never would care about. Kenya gets some jab in about plastic surgery and Vivica's so pissed now all she can do is wag her finger at her and order her not to go there. Lol. As much as this girl fight is getting old, Vivica sure knows how to hold her own.

Geraldo said it was challenging but Kate did a good job. Trump is stuck on the fact that it wasn't luxurious, which is a clue that he is still very seriously considering firing Kate, whom he seems to think is responsible for that part of it. Doofus here of course doesn't realize that, she thinks she's home free. Haha, #dolt.

Kenya goes on about how Kate doesn't have enough world experience to understand what luxury is. You know I don't like Kate either, obviously, but Kenya is a grade A bitch. She makes Kate sound like a white trash simpleton poser. Hey, maybe Kate is all of that, but I don't think it's necessary to kick trail dust straight into her mouth while she's lying there on mile 899 of the PCT struggling for her last breath. Come on, be professional. Kenya can see to it Kate is fired without being cruel about it. Leeza or Brandi would have.

In a way the drama with the other girls worked against Kate. Trump notes how Kate had a difficult team and Kate found that tough. He doesn't exactly outright say she couldn't handle them, but that seems to be what he's implying. He also says as PM this is really on you. Kate can't argue with that, since that's been her defense this whole season. Kate, you're fired.

Part of me is whooping and breathing a sigh of relief he didn't get so distracted by Kenya's crap that he fired her instead. Another part of me isn't a big fan of how this went down, with Kenya being so incredibly nasty and vicious about it. Kate has an uncanny knack for playing victim and getting a pass for it, and Kenya played right into that. It's not a good thing.

Kate of course can't believe this is how it went down. Lol. Didn't see that coming, she says to Geraldo. Haha, I know, that's what was so entertaining about it. She hugs Geraldo and Vivica. I swear Geraldo calls her "baby." He played right into her father figure thing and frankly, she was his pawn whether he meant it callously or not. A stepping stone to him. Trump was right what he said earlier, Geraldo's not seriously going to be friends with anybody after, that's not the business he is in. And sure enough we haven't seen a single shred of evidence Geraldo has reached out to maintain this so-called "friendship." Kate at this moment is just too stupid to see it. Kenya has already run off somewhere like the troll that she is.

Kate goes down the fake elevator in a blue dress and straight hair and emerges in a pink jacket and Brazilian blowout. Lol, cool, just like the horse in the The Wizard of Oz. Ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho!


How fitting, where's her flying monkey? Kate's crying and blaming Vivica and Kenya for all this. I don't remember a contestant ever crying about getting fired before, and I've seen every season of this show. What a baby. It doesn't add up, she laments. Nothing contrary to the plan they had in mind adds up to a narcissist. Buh-bye!

2149 sediments (sic) from readers:

«Oldest   ‹Older   601 – 800 of 2149   Newer›   Newest»
AnnieD said...

Heart-breaking story from Toronto yesterday - a little 3-year old boy, clad in a t-shirt and diapers, put on his boots and let himself out of his grandmother's apartment at 4:30 am. Our city was under an extreme weather warning at the time as the temperature was -30C (-22F). Noone knew he was missing until 7:30am. Our city was put on alert to find him. Unfortunately, it was too late. He was found not too far from where he started but could not be revived. So sad for his family.

Molly12 said...

Formerly Duped said... 164
Molly12: Thanks for the idea ! How do you encourage the dog to use them instead of trying to vault up beside them? My dog is quite ornery in changing habits.
*********************************************************
It probably took less than a day for both of my dogs. I would put the dogs front paws of the first step and guide them up the stairs while standing behind. Going down was a little more challenging but stood by their side and led them down. It might help to have a treat waiting for them. Check out the internet. There are so many different types of steps or ramps to choose from.

JMO said...

AnnieD said... 190
Heart-breaking story from Toronto yesterday - a little 3-year old boy, clad in a t-shirt and diapers, put on his boots and let himself out of his grandmother's apartment at 4:30 am. Our city was under an extreme weather warning at the time as the temperature was -30C (-22F). Noone knew he was missing until 7:30am. Our city was put on alert to find him. Unfortunately, it was too late. He was found not too far from where he started but could not be revived. So sad for his family.
----------------------------------------

OMG - So sad!!

fade2black said...

Eileen O'Neill just announced her departure from Discovery/TLC.
She's leaving in May.
-------------------------------------------
Holy crap! I wonder if this could be why Kate's got her fake titty in a twist and is being so nasty on twitter. Perhaps she fears this is the end of the gravy train. One can only hope.

Tucker's Mom said...

Formerly Duped said... 192
Oh, Tucker, are you a people or animal PT? As a nurse I know the importance of PT
****
Physical Torturer of people ;-)

getofftwitter said...

I see Kate was bitchy & testy last night. As one of them on twitter said, what TLC is not jumping cause Kate spoke on TV rag? Maybe they are going to make her wait. Or did the flying monkey went home.

So, Kate had a freudian slip last night. She called someone jealous of her. This says a lot, how Kate thinks of other women like the ones on CA, and her haters/people who don't like her and the critics. Cause, we is just jellus of Kate.

I'm not one bit jealous/jellus of you Kate, I just don't like you, or the way you treated your ex, the way your kids are treated and how they are turning out, and your jealousy of the women on CA, and all the rest who have crossed your path and you got rid of.

Tucker's Mom said...

Calling people jealous on Twitter isn't taking the high road, either.
Kate wants to act all holier than thou, pointing fingers at Kenya, saying that's not how she acts.
Then, she acts like a tween, with nasty, snotty, passive aggressive responses that she should just ignore.
A 40-year old woman who gets into Twitter wars with complete strangers is pathetic.
Jealous? I don't think so.
I'm not roundly hated. I have privacy and most of all, dignity.

Millicent said...

I am just starting the ROL article about "Monster Mom's" driving record, and this line made me laugh out loud at my desk: "Then rocking her notorious reverse mullet crop, Gosselin saw her hair described as “unknown or completely bald” on the court docket sheet."

First, because ROL used the term "rocking" and second, Kate's hair being described as "unknown or completely bald." Oh my, oh my.

So I'm now wondering if Kate has been placed at the top of someone's shi* list, someone who can pull strings and get a string of negative articles published on a gossip site. If she were capable of empathy, she might be gaining a new realization about how Jon feels every time he gets bashed by ROL.

Millicent said...

AuntieAnn said:

Did you guys catch this?

"I think that my show goes back to the beginning days of reality TV."
******************
Wow, shades of Geraldo, when he proclaimed that he started the selfie trend by posting a picture of himself in his scivvies. LOL.

Seriously, she and Geraldo are interesting to compare and contrast as two narcissists: one successful and much more intelligent, the other who can't fly alone and is pretty dim-witted overall. But they share that hugely over-inflated ego.

TLC stinks said...

Why would I be jellus of someone with 8 kids and no husband?

Interesting about Eileen. This is what happens when there is new management and a new direction. She is totally responsible for the TLC freak show circus.

http://deadline.com/2015/02/eileen-oneill-leaving-discovery-1201377559/

MikeB said...

I'm still convinced that she has filming plans over spring break. She tries to hide the kids filming from everyone, even the sheeple. The only reason we knew about the Maine and Plimoth Plantation trip is because someone recognized her and tweeted where she was. The charity yard sale was promoted only a couple of days before the event. She is the lying liar that lies.

I'll believe it when she tweets something over spring break that indicates she is still in PA; otherwise I'm expecting her to be on twitter silence from March 7 to March 15 while she and Steve use the kids to get another grifted trip.

PA Dutch Mom said...

Well, we got up to a balmy 14 degrees today, with the windchill of minus 20. State College recorded the windchill at minus 30. I don't know about any of the other locals here, but I don't remember it ever being this cold.

Getting ready for snow tomorrow. This must end. Or maybe not.

TLC stinks said...

MikeB, ITA. Twitter silence is the giveaway.

PJ's momma said...

Formerly, PJ has a couple of little staircases, which were about $20 at the pet store. PJ is a dolt of the highest order. Seriously dumb. I taped a treat to a ruler and just kept coaxhing him out of the side portion with it. It didn't take long for him to figure out. He still jumps down from the couch though. We try to lift him down most of the time, but sometimes he is too fast and jumps.

I am sitting here and he just came up the ataircase to join me. It's a funny sight, seeing this ancient dachsund rising slowly, like a phoenix out of the ashes.

We had a bichon with a bad back. He did not live a long life, but he was a smart little dude and I bet yours will get the stairs quickly. The little steps are only about 3 inches for each riser.

Tucker's, you are so funny. Physical torturer indeed! I had bad plantar fasciitis and finally went to PT. I could barely walk after my first session and told the PT that I had a voodoo doll with his face on it, and I was sticking pins in the heels. He knew what he was doing and it got better....

redbirdsings said...

Millicent said...8

So I'm now wondering if Kate has been placed at the top of someone's mess list, someone who can pull strings and get a string of negative articles published on a gossip site. If she were capable of empathy, she might be gaining a new realization about how Jon feels every time he gets bashed by ROL.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Very telling the Camp Barnabas man did not have a picture with TFW. What is even more funny is he took one with Terrell Owens! Also, you know the CB man had to have talked to DT and I wonder if the CB man told him about dolt's interview? It may have been that CB didn't want her to come to them to give them the money, that CB man had it worked out to come to NYC to get it himself.

They must of had a bad experience with her when she spoke there 3 years ago. Pay for this, pay for that, pay for my pet flying monkey.
I think it is Naughty but Nice Rob and or The Donald.

It seems like the dike has just about sprung open, this is the tipping point, the straw that broke the camel's back.

The fat lady is opening her mouth to SING!!!!!!

Yep, schoompy's toast.

MikeB said...

"I think that my show goes back to the beginning days of reality TV."
------------------------------------------------
Nope, the show about Jon, the kids, and her was in the middle of the heyday of reality TV. Reality TV as a genre had already taken off with Survivor (2000), American Idol (2002), American Chopper (2003), Deadliest Catch (2005), the Duggars (2004), The Osbournes (2001) and a multitude of other shows.

While Jon & Kate were the subject of two specials on Discovery Health in 2005 & 2006, I don't really count them as reality TV. Those were supposed to be educational specials even though they set the groundwork for the series. It is a lot like Ice Road Truckers which was a one-time episode of Deadly Jobs that was developed into a series of its own later.

At the time Jon & Kate + 8 aired in 2007 the genre was already saturated and networks were looking for anything that might interest viewers. TFW needs to stop trying to rewrite history. Many, many others had already laid the groundwork for reality TV, she was just able to jump on the bandwagon at the time reality TV hit the height of its popularity.

Anonymous said...

TLC stinks...10

In the article I find this most asmusing.



The same day he announced his hire of Hoffman, Ross appeared before skeptical TV critics at Winter TV Press Tour 2015 and announced he would not continue to air the network’s ratings-grabbing tongue-in-cheek mockumentaries. Ross noted they had brought enormous ratings, and new viewers, to Discovery Channel but said he thought the programming genre had run its course


But, would that also not include TFW. After all, wasn't it just documenting their lives as they lived it?

Mockumentary indeed

franky.

reader said...

Tucker's mom said...7

Calling people jealous on Twitter isn't taking the high road, either.

********************
Kate has never taken the high road. She thinks passive aggressive is the high road.
I think when she was married to Jon, the gifts were pouring in, and the toddlers were adorable, but now, oh hell no, who in their right mind would be jealous now?

TLC stinks said...

Get this.. Eileen O'Neill never even started that new post as Global Group President for Discovery Studios but was taking a break since the announcement which was in August. Sounds like Discovery kept her on payroll until a plan was in place with goals and new management, then gave her a choice to quit or be fired. I've seen this in the corporate world all the time. She has been with the company almost 25 years so you have to get rid of those types very carefully or they will sue. Trust me. It happened at my husband's company. I am very encouraged she's out.

reader said...

Lots of marathons, 10ks and half marathons coming up. I wonder how many Kate will be entering...Running IS one of her passions.

PA Dutch Mom said...

So, Kate had a freudian slip last night. She called someone jealous of her. This says a lot, how Kate thinks of other women like the ones on CA, and her haters/people who don't like her and the critics. Cause, we is just jellus of Kate.

&&&&&&&&&&&

A Freudian slip is a slip of the tongue that often causes embarrassment to the speaker. I don't think that Kate was embarrassed! Does she ever get embarrassed (other than the time she hid in the closet)?

I remember when Ted Kennedy died, a news commentator was talking about Kennedy's sense of humor, and mentioned the time that Kennedy had made a Freudian slip on the Senate floor, when he said something about encouraging the "breast and brightest..." and then there was Hillary Clinton's "First time home-boners."

Kate's comment about being jealous was nothing more than her narcissism and out-of-control ego speaking, which resulted in a defensive mean-spirited tweet.

redbirdsings said...

The lady that died in the car crash with Bruce Jenner was in the movie, Double Trouble with Elvis. And what is crazy weird is that Elvis's longtime gf Linda Thompson was married to Bruce Jenner and Bruce Jenner hit Kim Howe's car and she died.

http://www.tmz.com/2015/02/20/bruce-jenner-crash-victim-elvis-video-kim-howe-dead/

I know there are some American Horror Story fans here.

http://www.tmz.com/2015/02/20/ameircan-horror-story-ben-woolf-hit-by-car-hospitalized-critical-care/?adid=hero1

Tucker's Mom said...

Tucker's, you are so funny. Physical torturer indeed! I had bad plantar fasciitis and finally went to PT. I could barely walk after my first session and told the PT that I had a voodoo doll with his face on it, and I was sticking pins in the heels. He knew what he was doing and it got better....
February 20, 2015 at 2:42 PM
*****
If I had a nickel for every time I was "cussed at" ;-)

Speaking of dogs, our older dog slipped on ice and has been trudging through snow this week, and hurt a back leg (he's got arthritis, too).
He was limping badly today, SO DH took him to the vet and he was diagnosed with an illiopsoas strain.

OMG! It's always something!

PA Dutch Mom said...

The fat lady is opening her mouth to SING!!!!!!

Yep, schoompy's toast.

&&&&&&&

I'll believe it when I see it. We've been saying that for years and she always manages to resurface because she is cunning and manipulative. She'll be back. It ain't over 'til it's over.

Tucker's Mom said...

MikeB said... 16
"I think that my show goes back to the beginning days of reality TV."
------------------------------------------------
Nope, the show about Jon, the kids, and her was in the middle of the heyday of reality TV. Reality TV as a genre had already taken off with Survivor (2000), American Idol (2002), American Chopper (2003), Deadliest Catch (2005), the Duggars (2004), The Osbournes (2001) and a multitude of other shows.
*****
I'd say that Survivor and The Osbourne's put reality tv on the map.
I'm not sure if I'm ashamed to say that I was addicted to The Osbournes.
Interesting point- I had NO CLUE that there was another daughter who was never seen, because Sharon and Ozzy told her that if she didn't want to film, it was no problem.

localyocul said...

TLC stinks said... 19
Get this.. Eileen O'Neill never even started that new post as Global Group President for Discovery Studios but was taking a break since the announcement which was in August. Sounds like Discovery kept her on payroll until a plan was in place with goals and new management, then gave her a choice to quit or be fired. I've seen this in the corporate world all the time. She has been with the company almost 25 years so you have to get rid of those types very carefully or they will sue. Trust me. It happened at my husband's company. I am very encouraged she's out.

(((

Yep, I've seen it too...and didn't the new guy say he wanted to get back to Discovery's roots of actual, well educational stuff?

localyocul said...

The beginning of reality tv was really the Real World...and that was in the early 90s because they were my peers as early 20 somethings

Sue_Buddy said...

TLC stinks said... 19

Very interesting. I wondered why she was gone for so long. Your explanation makes perfect sense. Wonder if she'll take another job somewhere or retire early and enjoy her millions.

FlimsyFlamsy said...

MikeB (#16), of course TFW is using fuzzy math. I'd say the current
phenomenon of reality TV began with MTV's "The Real World," which
started in 1992 -- long before Katie Irene snatched up a dentist's son
at a picnic. And as we've discussed on this blog before, 1973's
"An American Family" on PBS showed the unraveling of a family
before TFW was even born.

Rhymes with Witch said...

Goodnight Eileen......I won't see you in my dreams but Katie might.
Good riddance as far as i'm concerned.

Formerly Duped said...

PJ's momma : Thanks! My dog is smart and stubborn. But I definitely will try the dog steps and your tricks. Actually ,my husband ordered some before, but she just jumped beside them so we sent them back- I don't know why he got them since she didn't have trouble then.

Tucker: I admire your profession and it's being a Physical Torturer that helps so many people be restored to health and activity. LOL at the name, though.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

I think you are onto something TLC about this being some kind of ouster done quietly. A sort of we can fire you or you can resign. And I know we've said she's done before but I think this time
having Eileen gone has put her future in more jeopardy with that network than ever before.

JoyinVirginia said...

Prairie Mary, I admire your ability to be on Twitter and be calm and rational. So many on Twitter are not able to do that.

Rhymes with Witch said...

Formerly, I have friends who have adopted retired racing greyhounds who had no idea how to climb stairs. As Molly said, use hand over paw guidance and then a treat.
Glad to hear about the ongoing improvement.

Sue_Buddy said...

I believe it's been talked about before. The first real reality TV show was the Loud Family in 1971, and that didn't end well at all.

For any who missed the discussions here's a link:

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

FlimsyFlamsy said...

BTW, that fan's tweet to TFW about being careful on the icy roads
was, in my opinion, a feeble attempt at giving TFW an opportunity
to defend her super-duper responsible driving habits. You know,
to "set the record straight."

If TFW is stuck at home in the cold with her kids all weekend,
there could be some good times on Twitter. Come and git
yer popcorn!

Anonymous said...

I think I may have just come up with a new word!!!! ready????

Docu-mocketing!

THAT is what TLC has been doing! Oh, my, I think I need a rumspringa, this one is EPIC!

I feel vapours, where is my rumspringa, where is my hammock?

franky

Tucker's Mom said...

reader said... 20
Lots of marathons, 10ks and half marathons coming up. I wonder how many Kate will be entering...Running IS one of her passions.
February 20, 2015 at 3:07 PM
********
I went back and re-read the article interviewing Kate for Runner's World, and I'm telling you, you have to read it to appreciate just how wonderful, special, unique and amazing Kate Gosselin is.
I mean, just ask her!
The reason I went back and found it is because i just knew I'd find a gem like this:

" If I wasn't a runner for life before, I certainly am one now."

Kate interviewed for Runner's World

Tucker's Mom said...

localyocul said... 27
The beginning of reality tv was really the Real World...and that was in the early 90s because they were my peers as early 20 somethings
********
Agree, although I would argue that reality tv began with An American Family, filming the Louds, ugly divorce and all.

Lynne In RI said...

" If I wasn't a runner for life before, I certainly am one now."

((((((((((((((((((((

LOL!! I guess she doesn't have the longest liver or she would still be running for life!

I was thinking about some of the posters who used to be on this blog and wondered what happened to them. Is Walt/Kelly still around? I remember he was here, then defected to the blog that closed down, then took up with Twitter, then came back here, and just seemed to make the rounds back and forth. Has anyone heard from him?

TLC stinks said...

From Nov 2014 article. Note that new Discovery prez will be based out of L.A., not Maryland.

http://deadline.com/2014/11/dolores-gavin-edward-sabin-exit-discovery-denise-contis-1201290487/

Tucker's Mom said...

http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2015/02/doctors-experts-warn-honey-boo-boo-about-her-health-weight/

So, Mama June lost their show due to sleeping with a pedophile that molested her daughter, and is missing the limelight so much that she dragged HBB on The Doctors to talk about her obesity.
What is wrong with these women?

HBB is obese and needs medical intervention, but for chrissakes, dragging her on a national tv show to address it?

Anonymous said...

OT..Dogs and limps

My old Chihuahua mix had a knee tendon that would float, then later in life arthritis. My vet told me to make my own therapeutic bath at home. A bucket tall enough to cover the area affected, warm water and Epsom salt, and to immerse his leg and make a wave movement in the water to stimulate circulation, and after he relaxed, to try to massage his leg, she said he would let me know what felt good. I tried it and it worked, he lived to 18, sill walking

franky

Tucker's Mom said...

Anonymous said... 43
OT..Dogs and limps

My old Chihuahua mix had a knee tendon that would float, then later in life arthritis. My vet told me to make my own therapeutic bath at home. A bucket tall enough to cover the area affected, warm water and Epsom salt, and to immerse his leg and make a wave movement in the water to stimulate circulation, and after he relaxed, to try to massage his leg, she said he would let me know what felt good. I tried it and it worked, he lived to 18, sill walking

franky
****
Aw, I'm smiling just thinking about that.

Lynne In RI said...

Admin (32): "And I know we've said she's done before but I think this time having Eileen gone has put her future in more jeopardy with that network than ever before."

)))))))))))

How many people remain who are up Kate's behind? Kate Coyne and the six sheep, led by Krazy Kravitz? Are there any more?

chefsummer #Leh said...

TLC stinks said... 10
Why would I be jellus of someone with 8 kids and no husband?
______
And she has paid friends no family she is hated by most of the world.Only loved by inexperienced teens and Milo of course.

She's a joke to real celebrities she can't keep a job she has to use her kids to get a job.

We're sooooo jelly.

TLC stinks said...

In the summer of 2005, television producer Bill Hayes was sitting at his desk in Carrboro, N.C., when his partner and production manager Deanie Wilcher told him about a potential lead. Hayes and his company, Figure 8 Films, had been looking for large families to serve as documentary subjects, and the family Wilcher had found fit the bill: twin daughters and a set of sextuplets. Hayes picked up the phone and called the young Pennsylvania couple, who were excited about television and liked the idea of creating a visual memento for their eight children.

The special eventually aired on Discovery Health under the inconspicuous title Surviving Sextuplets and Twins. Eileen O'Neill, then-president of Discovery Health and herself a twin, pushed for the show to become a regular series. After a few episodes had aired, corporate cousin TLC poached the show, and a much larger audience was soon introduced to Jon and Kate Gosselin.

@@@@@@@@@@@

So my question would be: did Kate contact Wilcher?

http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2009/11/family_man.html

Lynne In RI said...

"Actually ,my husband ordered some before, but she just jumped beside them so we sent them back- I don't know why he got them since she didn't have trouble then."

(((((((((((((((((((((((

Make sure they are carpeted. My dachsie has hip problems and she wouldn't attempt the ones that are plastic with some kind of slip resistent material on the steps. However, when I spent the extra money for some really nice ones that were carpeted, there were no problems. I got mine on Amazon.

Formerly Duped said...

Thanks Rhymes, and great idea, franky.I'll try that. Sorry to hear about your dog now, Tucker ~ It's been such a bad winter for us all, 2 or 4 legged.More snow headed our way, after ice/sleet ...can't keep up!

reader said...

Tucker's Mom love your snark..I never read the article, I thought my head might actually explode.

I would love to believe that the sideshow that is TLC would change its format. Somehow I can't see it happening before they exploit and destroy a few more lives.

FlimsyFlamsy said...

So the Gosselins "liked the idea of creating a visual memento for their eight children."

If only they'd settled for making a freakin' scrapbook...

Sherry Baby said...

MsGoody2Shoes21 ‏@msgoody2shoes21 2m2 minutes ago
@Sassccha @nochanceofrain @Kateplusmy8 I would never use those words to describe anyone that have befriended me like CJ has.

____________________
If anyone here would like to be "befriended" by CJ, raise your hands!

Not all at once, though...you'll cause a misfiring of Blogger!

Rhymes with Witch said...

I was thinking about some of the posters who used to be on this blog and wondered what happened to them. 40

I wonder about aggiesmom and hippiechick.

localyocul said...

Tucker's Mom said... 39
localyocul said... 27
The beginning of reality tv was really the Real World...and that was in the early 90s because they were my peers as early 20 somethings
********
Agree, although I would argue that reality tv began with An American Family, filming the Louds, ugly divorce and all.

(((

True; I've heard of it but never watched it and don't personally remember it. I might have heard of it here actually

Tucker's Mom said...

True; I've heard of it but never watched it and don't personally remember it. I might have heard of it here actually
February 20, 2015 at 5:18 PM
******
I wasn't aware until I saw "Cinema Veritae".

Anonymous said...

song stuck in my head...

Come on Eileen

performed by Dexys Midnight Runners

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=come+on+eileen

your swan song, you're welcome

frankyu

FlimsyFlamsy said...

Former posters I've missed -- Butterfly and Dee3.

If you're still out there...hello!

Sherry Baby said...

I wonder about aggiesmom and hippiechick.

____________
Yes, and Bear's Wife and Pink, or was that hippiechick's other name, and Moose.

foxy said...

ROL is slipping big time......Honey Boo Boo, ALANA HAMILTON, is under scrutiny for her her weight by the Doctors on TV. I wonder how the former wife of Rod Stewart and George Hamilton is going to handle this.

Sherry Baby said...

So the Gosselins "liked the idea of creating a visual memento for their eight children."

If only they'd settled for making a freakin' scrapbook...

_______________________________
Lol! There was an airhead on Twitter recently who said that she would love to be on a reality show so she would have memories of her family.

prairiemary said...

Thanks JoyInVirginia, that makes me feel better. When I first signed up over a year ago, I was nearly as bad as the worst of them, it is a crowed mentality, something is said that makes you agree, so you want to also add what ticks you off, can get out of hand quickly! Then you go back and read what you said and get ashamed you said it! I am different now, though I still detest tfw, just biting my tongue before pressing the reply button:)

Formerly Duped said...

Rhymes with Witch said... 53
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

...and Pink...

Rhymes with Witch said...

Of course! She could also argue that since there are no pictures of Charlie at the Tate-La Bianca murders, then he should never have been incarcerated in the first place. Release him! 583

Has anyone else read that the much younger woman who was planning to marry him really wanted to get rich by displaying his corpse (a la Evita)? Uck.

Re: ph without the d. Don't forget her kidneys functioning at 51% and her ins co
giving her a run around re: heart surgery.

prairiemary said...

My aging small dogs won't use steps to come up to the bed, even when they know they will end up on the warm waterbed, so I just made a ramp for them, and they now have no problem. But as someone mentioned, put a rug or some carpet on the ramp, so they feel secure.

prairiemary said...

CROWD, not crowed!

Tucker's Mom said...

I have this ramp

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Hehe swingandroundabouts. It's nice to put a chemically peeled face to a name isn't it!

TLC stinks said...

Remember this ruling back in 2010?

The agency (PA Dept of Labor and Industry) ruled that the children were employed under the state's Child Labor Law because of the direction they sometimes received, because of their continued participation in the series and because the Gosselins and others were paid for the show.

It said that at least 15 percent of the gross proceeds, due to the children, must be placed in trust funds until they reach the age of 18 or unless needed for their safety, education, welfare or health.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Absolutely no doubt that trust fund is being raped by Kate to pay for everything for the kids rather than saving it for when they are 18.

getofftwitter said...

Admin: Just a thought, maybe that's why Kate was testy/bitchy last night, and calling someone jellus, that Eileen, her founder, mentor, buddy is gone. Nobody to cry to, complain to, have as a pushing force, to get a special or series going again?

I hope so!!!!!!

chefsummer #Leh said...

Since radar said KK was balding lets call her the balding Miss eagle or BME that goes good with TFM.

Tucker's Mom said...

I wonder if the reason the kids weren't doing any intros to the show is because that would be considered working, under the new PA laws.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...


I'd say that Survivor and The Osbourne's put reality tv on the map.
I'm not sure if I'm ashamed to say that I was addicted to The Osbournes.


&&&

Yes. My take on the history of reality TV is this. In the 70's was the first reality show but it didn't catch on as a genre. In the early 90's the concept started to take root with the mentioned Real World show that did incredibly well. That paved the way for a slow creep of reality shows (there was a show called Eco Challenge in the 90's too that was sort of like Survivor) until finally Survivor was developed around 2000, was a gigantic hit, and a million copy cats came up.

2000, 2001, 2001 through about 2010 right on through the writer's strike, reality T.V. was huge. The Osbournes, which I also am not ashamed to say I enjoyed, was 2002 and was probably the beginning of the idea of filming "families" as reality shows like first done in the 70s, instead of friends or contestants who don't know each other previously.

I pinpoint Breaking Bad and other similar high quality scripted shows, along with Netflix/Hulu/Amazon, which really started around 2010 and got huge in 2012-2013-2014, as the end of the reality T.V. era. You can still find plenty of reality shows, but they are no longer most network's bread and butter. The money is, thank God, in high quality scripted television. Shows are episodic now, made for binge watching, and much more like long mini series now instead of stand alone such that you need to watch a show from the beginning to end to really appreciate it (David Lynch talks about how Twin Peaks drove the network nuts because they hated how the episodes weren't stand-alone and you had to watch them all to get it, now that's all networks want what they used to hate).

Anyway, Kate came on the scene in 2006-2007. A full SIX YEARS after reality hit it big.

But narcissists rewrite history all the time, and believe their revised versions.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Yes getofftwitter.

Maybe the news about Eileen was the very icing on the cake for her no good very bad week. Things were already kind of pathetic for her this week, not going so hot, and now THIS. Poor Schmoops.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

I wonder if the reason the kids weren't doing any intros to the show is because that would be considered working, under the new PA laws.

&&&

I'm pretty sure the new laws are clear they're working regardless.

What I think is that they don't want to burn precious hours having them do voiceovers. It doesn't take 20 minutes with kids. It burns half a day to a day. They can melt down when filming painting and that's good TV but meltdowns during voiceovers cost time and time is money. If they just do it with Kate the don't have to worry about her hours, and it's faster.

Tucker's Mom said...

I pinpoint Breaking Bad and other similar high quality scripted shows, along with Netflix/Hulu/Amazon, which really started around 2010 and got huge in 2012-2013-2014, as the end of the reality T.V. era. You can still find plenty of reality shows, but they are no longer most network's bread and butter. The money is, thank God, in high quality scripted television.
*******
Totally agree- the game is changing. Streaming, binging and companies like Amazon and Netflix are creating amazing shows.
My Roku has totally changed the game for me.
I can find terrific programs that have blown my mind. The quality is amazing.

localyocul said...

getofftwitter said... 69
Admin: Just a thought, maybe that's why Kate was testy/bitchy last night, and calling someone jellus, that Eileen, her founder, mentor, buddy is gone. Nobody to cry to, complain to, have as a pushing force, to get a special or series going again?

I hope so!!!!!!

)))

Wasn't Eileen the one she was bitching to during her moose dog meltdown in Alaska?

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...


Totally agree- the game is changing. Streaming, binging and companies like Amazon and Netflix are creating amazing shows.


&&&&

Binging is such a new thing and it's changing everything and it does not bode well for Kate.

We COULDN'T binge back in the day because we had no easy way of getting a series all at once. Now that we can, people are loving it.

I also think reality TV doesn't lend itself as well to binging. I don't want to binge the Real Housewives. I can only take so much whining and fighting. I'm fine with checking in once a week. But I could binge The Fall, which I'm doing now, 4 or 5 episodes at a time and not get bored.

Tucker's Mom said...

The Fall is excellent.
I want another season of The Killing.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

The Fall is great. I was able to visit Belfast this month and was geeking out thinking about The Fall, lol.

The Killing was deliciously dark, long, and engrossing. I know some people who thought it dragged, but I loved the drag. A friend of mine played one of the private school military boys in the last season. I was so proud of him, he was great. You would never know he's actually just a fun loving constant jokester and not some deranged private school kid hehe.

I feel like it's been years since TV has been this cinematic.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

I wonder if another reason, besides ego, is to still try to play the innocent game. Sort of like little ole us we didn't know what we were doing, back in those days we all barely even knew what reality TV was, remember? We just wanted home movies that's all. We sort of just signed on the dotted line and then suddenly this strange new thing (not new Kate) called reality tV took off and here we are, imagine that!

I think she thinks it makes her look less calculated.

She knew EXACTLY what reality TV was and she knew exactly what she was doing trying to get aboard that train. Bitch please.

Anonymous said...

Lynne In RI said... 40
" If I wasn't a runner for life before, I certainly am one now."

((((((((((((((((((((

LOL!! I guess she doesn't have the longest liver or she would still be running for life!

I was thinking about some of the posters who used to be on this blog and wondered what happened to them. Is Walt/Kelly still around? I remember he was here, then defected to the blog that closed down, then took up with Twitter, then came back here, and just seemed to make the rounds back and forth. Has anyone heard from him?

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

Speaking for myself, yes, the internet/blogs go through changes, it, in itself is a fluid commodity/community. One day we all agree, next day some disagree, that is the nature of the internet.

It is not for no reason people use psedonymns.(sp)

That said, I really appreciate this here vernda, even though I have not got my hammock directly above the keg back, LOL

While this we speak of is a very important issue, we choose to talk about it with humour, because to not do so just hurts too much

I wasone of the 8....

sadly reminds me of number 9, Sci-fy show, we are the Borg, you will assimilate

franky

Anonymous said...

ok, ok ok...final confession

since youse all knows I is French-like, well maybees the epiphany of Docu-mocketing maybeee led me to imagine docu-mentaries..

oof

If actually translated would be..

Documockery too make fun of
Doumentarie to comment...yada yada

see the closeness?

I still call it

documentarie..aka...manqué, means missed

ya missed it, lol

franky

Anonymous said...

Tucker's Mom said... 71

I wonder if the reason the kids weren't doing any intros to the show is because that would be considered working, under the new PA laws.

Admin said...

What I think is that they don't want to burn precious hours having them do voiceovers. It doesn't take 20 minutes with kids. It burns half a day to a day. They can melt down when filming painting and that's good TV but meltdowns during voiceovers cost time and time is money. If they just do it with Kate the don't have to worry about her hours, and it's faster.

8888888888888888888888888888888888

And I say...

That her ego is so out of control that doing the voice-overs is another way for her to pretend she has talent and is the draw. Just like she always has to win any competion and against little kids, for crying-out-loud. God forbid her kids have the spotlight. She's working, remember. They just run in and out of camera range.

PJ

NJGal51 said...

@Kateplusmy8: Goodnight 'Shokies'...We love you! Alexis tucked him in tonight... Can you tell? #CoveredHimWithHerBlankie #PuppyLove pic.twitter.com/d4lacgz6d6

Damage control. At least he's in the house.

Over And Out said...

xxxxxxxxxxxx
@ConcernedChick @8MindBodySoul @lovemedietcoke @Kateplusmy8 <-- she probably also turned off the heat in the basement to save money..

The boys sleep downstairs. There is a bathroom downstairs. In every bathroom (and basement) there are pipes. Pipes freeze in sub-zero temperatures, and thus, if there is no heat there, she would have a mini Niagara Falls down there. Kate's not very bright, but I really think she would know enough not to turn off heat in dangerously cold weather when her children are down there and if there is a high probability of pipes freezing in those temperatures.

I would believe that with a house that size, that there are a few heating zones, and if the downstairs isn't on a separate zone she would have electric baseboard heat. It's a walk-out basement, a lower level that is carpeted and used as living space, not an underground basement for storage.

Kirkland said...

I just watched 2 episodes of Bosch on Amazon Prime. I got a free 30-day trial membership just to watch Bosch! Does anyone else here read Michael Connelly books and the Harry Bosch series? He also wrote the Mickey Haller books, which the movie Lincoln Lawyer is based on .

Anyway, I've watched 2 out of 10 episodes of Bosch, and so far so good. Titus Welliver wouldn't have been my first choice to play Bosch, but so far I'm buying it.

Interesting fact about why Harry Bosch never made it to the big screen. Turns out Michael Connelly sold the rights to Bosch years ago, and the production company never did anything with it. Connelly had to finally buy back the rights to his own character before he teamed with Amazon to film the series.

Is anyone else watching Bosch?

Over And Out said...

While I am looking over Kate's TL, I am watching The American President again, one of my favorite movies. I was reading some of the tweets from fans, wondering why this cult-like following exists, why they can't see what's in front of them, why Kate is their leader and they hold her in such high esteem.

The President said, "They want leadership. They're so thirsty for it they'll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand...they don't drink the sand because they're thirsty. They drink the sand because they don't know the difference."

Bingo. They will follow her, defend her, make excuses for her not because they have a thirst to quench for whatever reason, but because she's there.

JoyinVirginia said...

Mark Burnett has written two books, Dare to Succeed and Jump In! In the first one he tells the story of going from British army paratrooper to California male nanny to producer of Eco Challenge to taking those lessons and improving on the Survivor format that originally was a Swedish tv show (notably the first person voted off the island in the Swedish version committed suicide shortly after the episode aired) (so the first person to see the survivors voted off the US version is the company psychiatrist).
It's a fascinating story.
And the production values on Survivor are had and shoulders above any similar shows out there.
last season, most fun thing, a child and his family came to the islands where they were filming as part of a Make A Wish trip. On the finale show Jeff Probst explained how the boy presented his idea for a challenge to the production team and they ended up using it. Really cool. The boy and his family were at the finale show.
Love survivor. New season starts soon!
New season of DWTS starts soon too!

Anonymous said...

o ffs. dawg has my blankir, she is warm.

14 years ùeyla, you deserve it

damn it is
cold here...keeping me dog warm

franky

Karen Kaufman said...

She knew EXACTLY what reality TV was and she knew exactly what she was doing trying to get aboard that train. Bitch please.
---------
She had those poor children in hopes of getting free shit and being famous. I remember being horrified by Bobbi McCaughey's situation as she prepared to give birth and after the babies were born. The enormity of it all. Not agreeing with her decision to have all those babies, but trying not to judge. Crazy Schmoops has a light bulb moment and a plan is hatched to get free shit and be famous. Reality tv was part of her plan BEFORE she even conned Jon into just one more (so she could experience carrying just one child....okeeeee.......). Crazy. Ass. Bitch. Poor jon and the kids

Anonymous said...

Sherry Baby ..58

all are listening... ps, nothing other,,,peace

franky

Anonymous said...

If we are talking of where people went here on our veranda...what about Dallas?


Dang I miss our mom......???

franky

FlimsyFlamsy said...

Funny how the story of why they did the show changed from
having a visual mementos for the kids, to the more highbrow
story of educating people and giving them a glimpse into this
unusual lifestyle.

Now TFW has an entirely different spin, and it's the most hilarious
one of all -- she needs to do the show as it's the only way to keep
food on the table. But lest you think the children are suffering,
she assured us yesterday that it's F.U.N. Well, at least the first
2 letters apply.

TLC stinks said...

This is old and I did not comment about this previously, but I've held a few garage sales. For those who are convinced she skimmed money from the animal rescue, 100% agree. She had tons of items if you included all those tables inside that building; literally a quarter of what I would have and I would easily make $500-$700. Considering there was a large crowd and people were handing her $20's as a donation, she had to have cleared well over what she donated. On top of that, it would have been a nice gesture to match the amount raised to make a nice story in the local paper, considering she's such an animal "lover".

Really, her actions are outrageous. Just because her few ardent fans have no common sense, she must think no one else does either. I am glad those folks read here because I hope they begin to question her artful word play, i.e. lying. Just because she is a mother does not make her a nice person.

Anonymous said...

(Leslie)
It still bothers me that Colin came to the birthday party late with the chicken farmers daughter.
++++++++++++++++++++++
I don't remember this being said on the show. Does anybody else remember this?

Also, I don't think Eileen leaving is going to have much bearing on Kate Plus Eight. I think the new president is only interested in cutting the weird programs such as My Strange Addiction and Sex Sent Me To The ER. I think TLC basically views Kate's show as a family program. Of course we don't think that way but I am afraid they do. For instance, they just started that another reality family show called The Little Family. Kate's show is less controversially now then Nineteen and Counting. And that show is going gang busters in cranking out new episodes. Her show will never be a regular but I foresee many specials through the next decade if not longer. The ratings are very good unfortunately. Of course I hope I am wrong about this. Maybe the CPS investigation will deter filming though.

Anonymous said...

(Leslie)
I think Collin helping out on that farm is great for him. Of course I say this only if his helping is not taking away time from his father. He probably is interacting with a lot of males and is learning different things. He seems like he enjoys working hard. And it gets him out of that house and away from those six screaming females that dominate it. And that physical work would be good for him to release any frustrations that he probably has from living in film studio.

TLC stinks said...

Goodnight 'Shokies'...We love you! Alexis tucked him in tonight... Can you tell? #CoveredHimWithHerBlankie #PuppyLove pic.twitter.com/d4lacgz6d6

@@@@@@@@@@@@

Like clockwork...DAMAGE CONTROL. Why is the dog near a door anyway? Kind of drafty. Notice the neat pile of toys nearby. So staged.

Anonymous said...

(Leslie)
Remember when Kate spoke at the Southern Women's Show. Well, Jessa Duggar Seewald is now going to speak there. I really am surprised she is going because it is not a christian based show. And get this, Ben and she went to Europe for there honeymoon. And they are on the cover of People magazine this week. And tell me again, why she is famous???? I think they made a killing with all the publicity they did for their wedding. Garnering the cover of People paying big bucks too. Ben doesn't even have a job...unless you want to call working for Jim Bob a job. And I saw an episode where is was working for Jim Bob and he is not in the least a handyman. And naturally she doesn't have a job either.

reader said...

Why did she ever want a dog the poor guy never gets beyond the basement. Asinine, actually that describes a lot of what goes on in Krieder's world.
Beautiful dog, intelligent, loyal and easy to train, with a moron for an owner.

Anonymous said...

OT

anybody here with a larg-ish dog (65 pds a black Lab) who lives where stairs are a must to go outside?

my Keyla is going on 14 yrs and can not do any more stairs. she has chosen a spot on my floor ( wood floor), and I clean up after her, religiously, but all veneer of my floors is now gone. She refuses to use a pee-pad. what to do?

I have very little hair left, as I have been silently pulling it out by the handful.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

franky

and no, balconies are no longer an option, as both the door nobs have frozen and broken off in this weather. If there ever is a fire I have a hammer and a peg at the ready to break through the window. yes, it is THAT cold here

BTW. for the poster up thread who posted link about Elijah ( g-d rest his soul), ANOTHER child was found yesterday, same area. At least he made it and his crackmum was arrested.

Sheesh

Anonymous said...

The reason for the high ratings for Kreider's latest resurrection is the brutally cold and snowy winter. People are stuck indoors. And there's nothing else on.That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

PJ

Tucker's Mom said...

That said, I really appreciate this here vernda, even though I have not got my hammock directly above the keg back, LOL
*******
Makes it easier to do keg stands ;-)

Tucker's Mom said...

And I say...

That her ego is so out of control that doing the voice-overs is another way for her to pretend she has talent and is the draw. Just like she always has to win any competion and against little kids, for crying-out-loud. God forbid her kids have the spotlight. She's working, remember. They just run in and out of camera range.

PJ
*******
That's what I assumed. I don't recall any of the kids narrating once over the most recent 5 episodes.

Tucker's Mom said...

Kirkland said... 86
I just watched 2 episodes of Bosch on Amazon Prime. I got a free 30-day trial membership just to watch Bosch! Does anyone else here read Michael Connelly books and the Harry Bosch series? He also wrote the Mickey Haller books, which the movie Lincoln Lawyer is based on .
*******
I love me some Harry Bosch. I also love the actor playing him.
I watched the pilot and thought it captured the "feel" of the books and character.
I plan on watching!

FlimsyFlamsy said...

Damage Control Tweet from TFW. What did we learn?

-She likes A. All that silly talk about A & C being on her naughty list
simply isn't true! (Stand by for a tweet praising C -- it's coming)
-A is still little, and says "blankie." At almost 11? Sure she does.
-The dog is treated like a prince. A prince, I tell ya!
-She's not the mean, caustic, "sassy" shrew who showed up on
Twitter Thursday night. Is all forgiven?

But today is another day, and she's sure to step in it again. She
can't help herself.

TLC stinks said...

I agree that Kate's show is considered somewhat tame compared to other shows and it does appeal to women, TLC's demographic, but Discovery's US advertising revenue for the last seven months has been down. They may not be interested in investing in her and dealing with her demands. But, I would not surprised to see her do some updates although I hope it does not happen until the twins are 16 (and maybe the twins will just say no). I think TLC will always do reality but I think they got burned with Honey Boo Boo and that may have added fuel to get rid of Eileen O'Neill. Just go back and read her various interviews over the years unabashedly supporting the show despite the vigorous criticism. And it just galls me that she always said that they would stop filming if the family ever got uncomfortable. Well, those families become indentured to TLC with the money, freebies, and star treatment. Whatever naturalness existed at the beginning becomes tainted. It's a losing formula. Do they think people are so stupid to believe that these people are not well compensated and therefore need to clip coupons? Duh.

TLC stinks said...

I have wondered with the kids' couch interviews if she is standing off camera to intimidate them.

Anonymous said...

TLC stinks said... 107

I have wondered with the kids' couch interviews if she is standing off camera to intimidate them.

8888888888888888888888888

Oh, I wouldn't doubt that for a second. They're just better at focusing than she is. She's constantly looking off camera. Steve?

PJ

handinhand said...

That said, I really appreciate this here vernda, even though I have not got my hammock directly above the keg back, LOL
--------------------

If we're calling dibs on hammocks, I'd like to pick one near Joy in VA to see if I can catch her filling out a March Madness basketball bracket. I hope to pick up some tips from her to help me become the longest liver in my family pool this year.

Sideline Observer said...

FlimsyFlamsy said... 93

Funny how the story of why they did the show changed from
having a visual mementos for the kids, to the more highbrow
story of educating people and giving them a glimpse into this
unusual lifestyle.

Now TFW has an entirely different spin, and it's the most hilarious
one of all -- she needs to do the show as it's the only way to keep
food on the table...

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

Yeah, that is so BS.

Television was first demonstrated to the public in the late 1920s. So how does TFW explain large families in the pre-TV days? According to TFW's logic, large families then would've gone extinct from starvation. At last report, nobody in the Gilbreth family (from "Cheaper by the Dozen") looked like they were starving.

I know a guy whose father was one of twelve children (eight surviving to adulthood). Was there any TV then to help with putting food on the table? No - there was this thing called World War II to complicate everybody's quest to put food on the table. In that guy's father's case, there also were Japanese occupation troops to deal with. The four that didn't make it? Probably more due to infant mortality than starvation.

Jumping In said...

TLC stinks 97 said......

Like clockwork...DAMAGE CONTROL. Why is the dog near a door anyway? Kind of drafty. Notice the neat pile of toys nearby. So staged.
----------------------------------------------

I thought the same thing. The dog toys look as if they have never been used, just placed there as props. He doesn't look happy either, his eyes say, "I better be inside FOR REAL, not for a photo op!" And, there is no way she would allow that pristine blanket of Alexis to stay on him for 30 seconds before it was ripped off and in the washing machine.

She may have brought him inside at the urging of her children or to satisfy those who know she's an animal abuser, but she has no real
feelings for "Shokies". If she cared, his bed(s) would be away from the window and in front of the fireplace upstairs!

He's not part of the family, because there is no real family to be part of in that household. Sad.

Formerly Duped said...

Franky, good luck with your dog. Would a sling & leash work to get her down the stairs? A carpeted (moveable) ramp? I had a larger dog before my current small one, but I don't have any answers, I'm afraid. Maybe try to get her to use the pad by putting it on her 'spot' under her, mid- stream?? Idk, but good luck! I'm sure Tucker & others have better ideas
We go to great lengths for our dear furry companions!.

Dmasy said...

Is there a seating chart for the verandah?

I would like Monday afternoon between Auntie and Flimsy, please.

I will need a Poise pad under my mumu!

FYI said...

Yesterday, Kate tweeted this:


Kate Gosselin @Kateplusmy8
· Feb 19
@MiloandJack Yes! Soft and squooshie! AND we have a 2 hr delay due to ❄️ weather! YeeHaw!

She just now tweeted this:

Kate Gosselin ‏@Kateplusmy8 · 2m2 minutes ago
Good morning, friends! I'm SO glad it's Saturday! Needed a break from our 5:30 am start! Have a great day❤️!

If they had a 2 hour delay yesterday, wasn't that already a break from their 5:30 am start? Did she already forgot what she tweeted yesterday?

chefsummer #Leh said...

Why is the dog near a door
______

Probably so she could put him back out after the photo.

chefsummer #Leh said...

I have wondered with the kids' couch interviews if she is standing off camera to intimidate them.
________

Or she in the middle trying to get all the attention.

Blowing In The Wind said...

I will need a Poise pad under my mumu!

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

What color will you be wearing? We'll try to find a Poise to match.

Formerly Duped said...

Whoa, so staged! Blankie? Shokies? Baby talk will not convince us, Kate, despite your animal-lovin' ways! Shoka looks surprised at this treatment! The blanket is not wrinkled as our pooch's would be with the circling dogs do

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

The point that I made, and stand behind, is that if you are going to criticize Kate Gosselin for not having a steady job, then that criticism extends to all kinds of other folk in the entertainment industry who bounce from film to film


&&&

I have no problem with an actor or production bouncing from job to job as long as you are not using your kids to supplement your income, which Kate flat out admits she does. Kate has a job of her own about once a year, and supplements the shortfalls by working her children. Many of these actors have STEADY, RELIABLE side jobs like in restaurants to supplement. A friend of mine is in actress and has been in some of Hallmark's biggest movies, and several commercials. I bet you've seen her. She also teaches baby yoga in Venice because it's not enough to act on Hallmark and support her child. She does not put her baby out there to fill in the gaps. If she did, yes I'd have a problem.

I also have a problem with accusing Jon of bouncing around, without also admitting Kate does the same, which is what the sheeple never do.

Happy new year of the sheep!

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

I don't think Kate is there just because I think the kids would be looking to her a lot more for validation. They seem pretty comfortable answering the producer's questions, never hesitating as if someone they might offend is standing right there.

I wouldn't be surprised if TLC insisted she weren't there. They want to be free to ask them questions about Kate and get honest answers. That then begs the question are they in violation of child labor laws, since a parent or guardian is required on set now.

FYI said...

TLC stinks 97 said......

Like clockwork...DAMAGE CONTROL. Why is the dog near a door anyway? Kind of drafty. Notice the neat pile of toys nearby. So staged.
===========

Shoka is posed in front of the window and door leading out to the patio. Here are some pics from getty images, that were taken during Celebrity Wife Swap. Notice in these pictures, there are at least 2 dog beds.

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/kate-gosselin-kendra-wilkinson-season-two-of-celebrity-wife-news-photo/162814953

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/kate-gosselin-kendra-wilkinson-season-two-of-celebrity-wife-news-photo/162814946

Here's the pic Kate tweeted:

https://twitter.com/Kateplusmy8/status/568972888231043072

So when he gets to come in the house, it seems he always has to remain by the door. I don't recall ever seeing him in any other part of the house, except by the front door. If he's relegated to the basement, he should at least get to sleep with the boys in their room.

TLC stinks said...

Good point, Admin. I have not seen them looking off camera for validation like Kate does.

Sue_Buddy said...

Kirkland said... 86
I just watched 2 episodes of Bosch on Amazon Prime. I got a free 30-day trial membership just to watch Bosch! Does anyone else here read Michael Connelly books and the Harry Bosch series? He also wrote the Mickey Haller books, which the movie Lincoln Lawyer is based on .
:::::::

I'm reading a Bosch book right now. I really enjoy Michael Connelley's books. I grew up in that area and it's fun to be able to identify with the area as he mentions the various landmarks and buildings, etc. I'll be checking out Amazon. Thanks for mentioning that.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...



So when he gets to come in the house, it seems he always has to remain by the door. I don't recall ever seeing him in any other part of the house, except by the front door. If he's relegated to the basement, he should at least get to sleep with the boys in their room.

^^^

While I'm glad he's at least inside, as a dog lover whose fur baby is part of the family I shake my head.

I don't welcome a dog into our family unless that dog is part of us. If we're hanging out in the kitchen that's where he is. When we cozy up in the living room to binge watch he's cozied up on one end of the couch with his blanket or sometimes goes into his crate, which always stays open unless we're traveling, and is set up right next to the TV so he can watch the whole family. At bedtime, he sleeps with us. I decided when I got a dog there would be nowhere in the house he would be restricted to go. I don't place him in these spots or train him to follow me, he chooses to go there of his own free will, which speaks volumes about what a dog really prefers. If he really preferred to go off by himself to a drafty window far away from us, I'm sure he would do so. He's a chihuahua with his own mind! I don't have a problem with not wanting dogs on the couch or bed, etc., but this goes beyond that. It appears he's banished to some kind of entrance way, a place the family doesn't appear to be "hanging out." We have seen numerous video footage of the kids hanging out in their living room areas, and Shoka is nowhere to be found. I find that strange dog behavior.

I simply can't imagine banishing my dog off to the drafty door every night by himself, or not having him around in our "hang out" areas.

TLC stinks said...

I thought her basement was carpeted. Are you sure that tile is in the basement?

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Judging by the pictures, that spot in their house is the entrance way to the backyard area where they have the picnic tables. I'm not sure if that's part of the basement or other part of the house, I don't know the layout of their house enough to gauge that. I seem to remember seeing that area when they did their haunted house thing.

In any case, it doesn't appear to be anywhere near their main living areas. It's an ENTRANCE WAY, mud room type area. Nobody hangs out there. I feel bad if the poor thing is only allowed to putter around in that area, that's so sad.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...


I will need a Poise pad under my mumu!

&&&

Consider it done!

NJGal51 said...

Me, me, I'm a big fan of Hieronymus Bosch! I am enjoying the series on Prime.

Frankie - Have you thought about doggie diapers? When one of our boys was having incontinence problems we used the male band and it worked great.

Out of all the Temptations hits, why would Milo pick this one to post?

@MiloandJack: I WANT A LOVE I CAN SEE: http://youtu.be/TOXdAOPp3uY via @YouTube

TLC stinks said...

You guys answered my question. I hope he gets the run of the basement, but I doubt that. His beds are by the door in those pictures you linked. Geez, why can't he just sleep with the boys? Surely Shoka is trained. I also can't understand why she has a dog unless it's just for being a guard dog, but Shoka seems pretty tame. He will be the last dog in that household after he passes unless TLC pays for another dog (again). The show must go on!

Anonymous said...

(Leslie)
Now TFW has an entirely different spin, and it's the most hilarious
one of all -- she needs to do the show as it's the only way to keep
food on the table...
______________
This is NOT true!!!! Kate absolutely NEEDS her show to put food on her table...her table in Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Maine, Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina, South Dakota, Arizona, Massachusetts, etc. You get the point. This is just a mere samplings of all the places that TLC put food on her table. Without them she would be eating a salad at her kitchen counter after tossing slop on her kids' plates.

Formerly Duped said...

Maybe Kate is not present for the kids' couch interviews, but she sure as hell tells them what to say and not to say. She can always punish them when she sees the dailies or whatever they are called for reality TV. Collin's speech about his wonderful funny loving Mommy was clearly rehearsed and I also felt Hannah held back when asked what happened if they got 3 warnings for bad behavior.The kids do seem relaxed, almost comatose at times, pick at clothes or face, and fidget and yawn. I'm not sure why. Can't 10/14 yr olds sit still- sometimes it says Take One, but maybe some are filmed after many takes or late/early as someone else suggested.

Anonymous said...

(Leslie)

Shoka never gets pass the tile floors by the doors because she will not have him shedding in her house. I bet anything that is the reason she will not tolerate him in her house. Otherwise Shoka could sleep in the boys' room at night. I am sure they would love having him in there with them.

Sue_Buddy said...

I'm sure the Shoka picture was staged, especially with those toys lined up like they were. Can't Shoka can't get up and move away from the window if he's too cold? He doesn't appear to be chained to the wall. And I don't know the temp in the basement. My dog gets too warm if the temp in the house is above 68 degrees and he can sit outside forever on a cold morning and he's half Shoka's size. I'm hoping he can go in with "the boys" as Aaden (think it was Aaden) said; "We're the boys."

Anonymous said...

(Leslie)
In any case, it doesn't appear to be anywhere near their main living areas. It's an ENTRANCE WAY, mud room type area.
______
Shoka is right by the kitchen/bath area in the basement. If you opened that door that long table would be there. You are right, it is an entrance way. And it must be chilly by that door too.

readerlady said...

I don't care where I sit on the veranda, so long as it's warm and we aren't getting flippety'leven inches of snow. It's snowing buckets here, then we get to experience sleet and freezing rain this afternoon. Yesterday, I don't think the temperatures got to 0 wind chill and ambient managed to reach all the way up to 6. I'm ready for some warmth, as well as good conversation and plenty of rumspringa.

I haven't checked out "Bosch" yet, but I'm planning to. I really enjoy the books. Thanks for the recommendation, Kirkland.

Jumping In 111 said -- "He's not part of the family, because there is no real family to be part of in that household. Sad." THIS! Thank you, Jumping. No real family. I don't know who I feel sorrier for, those poor trapped kids or Shoka.

capecodmama said...

Over and out....with regard to heat in the basement, I' m sure in the finished part there is. However the boys' bedroom was built in an unfinished part. When the bedroom was revealed, I didn't see any heating vents. Because it is in a walkiut basement, they had double hung windiws and nit small basement windows. In order for that room to be warm, it would also need insulated walls. If this wasn't done, those boys are sleeping in a cold room.

Tucker's Mom said...

TLC stinks said... 94
This is old and I did not comment about this previously, but I've held a few garage sales. For those who are convinced she skimmed money from the animal rescue, 100% agree. She had tons of items if you included all those tables inside that building; literally a quarter of what I would have and I would easily make $500-$700. Considering there was a large crowd and people were handing her $20's as a donation, she had to have cleared well over what she donated. On top of that, it would have been a nice gesture to match the amount raised to make a nice story in the local paper, considering she's such an animal "lover".
******
Agree- by not putting price tags on the items, people were being overly-generous, plus, they were on camera!
People want outrageously low prices to buy things, and that's fine- mostly, I want my shit g-o-n-e.
On top of all that, consider that much of what Kate sold, she never paid for in the first place.
Mostly, it makes me prickly to give money over to someone who then donates it, without matching the donations.
No thanks, I'll donate myself.

Blowing In The Wind said...

My dog gets too warm if the temp in the house is above 68 degrees and he can sit outside forever on a cold morning and he's half Shoka's size.

----------

Same here! Mine sits and pants if it's 65 degrees. I'm cold, the dog is hot and she will move into another room where it's cooler. I'm sure if Shoka is uncomfortable and warm, he knows where to go.

Anonymous said...

(Leslie)
It is sad and unfortunate that Shoka can't join his pack in the house. But at least their are eight kids to pet him and play with him outside. Shoka is just a thing that Kate uses to promote herself, her twitter feed, and even her antiquated blog. Remember how she used to write stories from Shoka's point of view. Oh please Kate, you are not fooling anybody but yourself. And stop these stupid, staged photos attempting to show Shoka being all cozy and loved in your home. Even Milo questioned you if Shoka can get passed the tiled entry ways.

Blowing In The Wind said...

Shoka never gets pass the tile floors by the doors because she will not have him shedding in her house.

-----------

Did Kate say that the dog doesn't get past the tile floors, or is this just something that someone speculated about? Since there is now a bedroom downstairs, I wonder if he is allowed to go in there with the boys.

TLC stinks said...

She is into Zorro, maybe because he is small, but she is definitely not a dog lover. I think because the dog is big, he intimidates her.

Tucker's Mom said...

de?

my Keyla is going on 14 yrs and can not do any more stairs. she has chosen a spot on my floor ( wood floor), and I clean up after her, religiously, but all veneer of my floors is now gone. She refuses to use a pee-pad. what to do?
******
Try putting down plastic, then covering with "Astroturf" artificial grass.
There are also harnesses for dogs that you can do most of the work for them, climbing up and down stairs.
My heart goes out to you and your pup.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...


Same here! Mine sits and pants if it's 65 degrees. I'm cold, the dog is hot and she will move into another room where it's cooler. I'm sure if Shoka is uncomfortable and warm, he knows where to go.


&&&

I'm just not so sure. Even if a dog wants to be in the kitchen with you, if their owner repeatedly tells them no, your spot is over by the drafty basement door, then that's where they're going to be. Surely if he is hot he could find a cooler place closer to the family, like a cool kitchen floor, the grand entranceway, or near one of the large windows in the living room. I have such a hard time buying that a dog, who is wired to be with his pack, would choose to always be off by himself like this. Sure some dogs are more cuddly than others but I've known many German Shepherds and they've never struck me as a dog particularly apt to prefer to go off by himself. Any ones I've seen are around their family just like most dogs. They're not in your LAP, but they're around in the same room as you.

Obedience to their owner comes first, that's just how dogs are wired. Sure my dog wants to be right in my face when I'm eating, but I tell him no. So he doesn't not because he doesn't want to be in my face, but because his mom told him that's not okay. I think Shoka is not around his family because he has been told he CANNOT be. So he's adapted to a more solitary life. I can only wish I'm wrong and that isn't the case.

FlimsyFlamsy said...

Dmasy (#113), thanks for the early-morning cyber shout-out!
I'd be delighted to sit beside you, even if you are un-Poised!

TFW "needed a break" from her 5:30 start? Well, she wasn't
home Monday or Tuesday morning, and yesterday she got to
sleep in. Was she even home Wednesday morning or Thursday morning?

TFW just wants to remind "the world" (sorry, I'll need to rib her a
while with that one) that her life is VERY hard. Um, yeah.
Raise your hand if any of you readers slept in a luxury suite in
Trump Towers this week (Gladys, put your hand down -- I'm not
talking about in your dreams).

Formerly Duped said...

I don't mind where I am seated ( hammocked) I can talk dogs with many of you, nursing careers with others, local stuff and the wicked winter with some, my home and native land with the Canucks, current events with all of you, books with the reading crew, aerobics, health issues, recipes, grown- up but -still -our -babies kids, crafts...actually I think we should rotate hammocks to talk with every one!

Ex Nurse said...

I thought I already posted this, but haven't seen it. Apologies if it is a duplicate.

The ROL article said that the complaints were related to changes in the child protection laws that were recently enacted in Pennsylvania.

My guess is that it was either the expansion of who is a mandatory reporter, or the new, expanded definitions of physical and mental abuse that provoked the person to report. Several online sources said that CPS was inundated with complaints, triggered by the new law, which took effect on 12/31/2014. So, if an investigation has already been completed, the complaint was taken seriously.

Those changes are:
Mandatory reporting
Expansion of the definition on mandatory reporters to include virtually any employee or volunteer, whether paid or unpaid, that works with children. This would include babysitters, nannies, scout leaders, church employees, athletic coaches, independent contractors (ie film daddies), etc.
Child Abuse

The definition of child abuse has been amended to require that acts or failures to act be committed intentionally, knowingly or recklessly.

Includes knowingly, recklessly or intentionally committing acts of child abuse or failing to act when child abuse is being committed

A person acts knowingly when they are aware that their conduct is of that nature or that such circumstances exist and they are aware that it is practically certain that their conduct will cause such a result.

A person acts recklessly when they consciously disregard a substantial and justifiable risk that the material element exists or will result from their conduct. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that, considering the nature and intent of the conduct and the circumstances known to them, its disregard involves a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the situation.

A person acts intentionally when they consciously engage in conduct of that nature or cause such a result and are aware of such circumstances or believe or hope that they exist.

Serious physical neglect was expanded to include egregious behavior which would include situations when the behavior might have only occurred one time, but is bizarre or unimaginable and created one of the circumstances that would fall under this category of abuse.

Lower the threshold for serious mental injury to include causing or substantiallycontributing to the injury through any act or failure to act or series of such acts or failures to act.

https://www.pa-fsa.org/assets/mandated-reporters/2%204%201%201%201%20summary%20of%20changes%20to%20CPSL.pdf

Sue_Buddy said...

I'm just not so sure. Even if a dog wants to be in the kitchen with you, if their owner repeatedly tells them no, your spot is over by the drafty basement door, then that's where they're going to be.
:::::::::

Yep, and often when you're gone they go right to where they're not supposed to be. I remember a friend of mine telling me she was on her way to work, forgot something and went home. When she got inside, there was the dog, looking rather guilty, sitting in the comfy recliner where he was not allowed to sit.

I can't quite imagine, if a dog is freezing when lying by a cold window, he won't get up and move. Training a dog to stay (all night?) isn't that easy and Kate's no dog trainer.

I know my opinion on this isn't in the majority but I'm sticking to it. LOL

chefsummer #Leh said...

I have three dogs beds for my to doggies but they only sleep in their beds for naps.

My dogs likes to sleep near my feet on my bed. They like to snuggle in the AM or sniff my face till I wake up.

When they get to hot I can find them sleeping in the kitchen on in my bathtub.

chefsummer #Leh said...

Sure my dog wants to be right in my face when I'm eating, but I tell him no.
____

I wished that worked for me lol my dog don't even blink when they watch me eat or they sit under my glass table and look at me.

Tucker's Mom said...

I simply can't imagine banishing my dog off to the drafty door every night by himself, or not having him around in our "hang out" areas.
*******
I'm glad Shoka has shelter in this horrendously horrendous cold, but I, too, can't imagine not allowing my dogs to be where we are.
If any sheep has any doubt that Shoka can't be with the family in the living areas, they should consider that Zorro is always out of his cage and would be devoured by Shoka if that dog had the chance.
Good for Zorro. Not so much for Shoka.

Anonymous said...

Re my Hammock

OK, Tucker's Mom, I may have let you use it, and if that was you in the muumuu and orange crocs I dumped out of it, I am truly sorry (and Canadian,,so I mean it)

But , (I kinda sorta apologize) in my ummm um defense, um....My straw was made for here to there..( hither and yon not withstanding)

so THERE!

ummm

frankyu

Anonymous said...

I have got to start never giving a crap...Happy New Year to me, hanging head, yes born in the sheep year, OYE VAY!

baaaaahaaaahaaaa
franky

Tucker's Mom said...

I wonder if the child investigation into Kate had anything to do with the kids driving and riding in the Gator.
To me, filming and photographing three kids in the payload as the twins are in front, going at a good clip, could have triggered a complaint. As well as bragging about her child driving the Gator off the property.

FlimsyFlamsy said...

If people are going to recklessly toss folks out of their
hammocks (lookin' at you, Franky!), may I suggest we
install seatbelts? I'm willing to have a yard sale to pay for
them, as long as TLC does all the work, and then pays me
$40,000 for filming it.



Ex Nurse said...

This is my take on the word salad in the Mertz (sp?) interview:

It sounded to me like she was told that if the new episodes were "well-rated", probably with very specific benchmark numbers, there would be more filming. I am guessing that the benchmarks were met, but she has not yet been contacted or seen a contract. I will not be surprised if there is at least one more season. I was surprised to hear her "unofficial" announcement though--she is usually very tight-lipped on those types of details. So, that part does sound like she is reminding TLC--ie, begging! The payment terms if there are additional episode, may already have been spelled out.

Fleecing The Sheeple said...

Um, yeah.
Raise your hand if any of you readers slept in a luxury suite in
Trump Towers this week (Gladys, put your hand down -- I'm not
talking about in your dreams).

===========

LOL!! I don't think that Gladys would care if she slept in a suite at Trump, or in a tiny cabin in the woods with no electricity...as long as Kate was there with her, she'd be a happy camper! The two could keep each other warm and the fire would be in their hearts.

Ingrid said...

Cute dog story. My brother's dog was taught not to be on couch and chairs and was very good about it but every morning they would wake up and hear him get off the couch before they got down there to catch him at it.

Not so cute .... A girl I know built a new house and won't let her beagle inside it because 'he stinks'. Then she put a pic on facebook showing the poor thing curled in a pile of hay during our single digit temps (and below zero windchills even during the day) Some people shouldn't have pets.

Anonymous said...

Ooh! No wonder TLC hasn't called. They've got their newest fatted calf.

http://www.cafemom.com/articles/tv/181210/jill_duggar_19_kids_spinoff?utm_medium=sem2&utm_campaign=prism&utm_source=outbrain-c&utm_content=0&non_us=CA

PJ

FYI said...

capecodmama said... 134
Over and out....with regard to heat in the basement, I' m sure in the finished part there is. However the boys' bedroom was built in an unfinished part. When the bedroom was revealed, I didn't see any heating vents.
===============

It's possible that they installed under-the-floor heating and that's why there were no visible heating vents. They could have also installed heating vents in the ceiling.

When my daughter had her house remodeled(she added an addition), the family room, eating area and kitchen all had under-the-floor heating installed. The eating area has 2 French doors, and the family room has 3 very large windows(almost floor to ceiling), and the rooms are sufficiently heated.

They also keep you're feet nice and toasty, especially when you come inside after being out in the cold.

redbirdsings said...

TFW, the lying liar that lies.

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8 KJV

She is so toxic!

Dr. Lillian Glass did a huge write up about TFW on her blog. Scathing, she put excerpts of Roberts book. But, I can't find it.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to Nala. You are the lucky one to end up anywhere but where your litter-mate did.

PJ

handinhand said...

I don't think Kate is anywhere near when the kids are giving their couch interviews. She takes any chance she gets to ditch them or pawn them off on someone else for some more 'me' time.

angie said...

She is into Zorro, maybe because he is small, but she is definitely not a dog lover. I think because the dog is big, he intimidates her.
-
Kate states in her journal she doesn't like dogs.
I think Steve was the one that said they needed a set of guard dogs and TLC paid for it.
Jon left shortly thereafter, so the dogs had to go (proves to me that Jon took care of the dogs).
I can see Kate enjoying a small lap dog, but a bigger dog? no way.

Formerly Duped said...

I hope the boys' basement room is warm...I admit to worrying about that.
Although it was nice, it was pretty sparse looking and also did not see heating vents, but who knows. If those were real contractors hired by TLC surely they would have the ex-freezer room inspected by law and heat would be a must.If so, I also hope ' Shokies' gets in there by hook or by crook! Kate was waxing poetic about how much the dog gave the kids comfort and an actual shoulder to cry on.

Sue_Buddy said...

If those were real contractors hired by TLC surely they would have the ex-freezer room inspected by law and heat would be a must.
::::::

Surely, there were building codes that had to be followed and an inspection? When I had a something added to the front my house, the contractor had to follow certain building codes. The guy who was adding the storage areas under the windows seemed legit. Would he agree to be filmed doing an illegal job-no insulation, no heating vents, for a bedroom?

Sue_Buddy said...

blessing bowman ‏@BlessingBowman 36m36 minutes ago
Totally just saw @Kateplusmy8 like 5 mins ago....and yes I absolutely stalked you and the boys😂 #beautifulhumans
0 replies 0 retweets 3 favorites
Reply Retweet Favorite3
More
Fired Up 4 Kate ‏@MiloandJack 4m4 minutes ago
@BlessingBowman @Kateplusmy8 This is funny! U should have just walked up & said "hello"! Kate is very friendly...#RealMom #BeautifulPerson
::::::::::

Hahahahahahahaha.

Anonymous said...

NJGal51 said... 128
Me, me, I'm a big fan of Hieronymus Bosch! I am enjoying the series on Prime.

Frankie - Have you thought about doggie diapers? When one of our boys was having incontinence problems we used the male band and it worked great.

Out of all the Temptations hits, why would Milo pick this one to post?

@MiloandJack: I WANT A LOVE I CAN SEE: http://youtu.be/TOXdAOPp3uY via @YouTube

yes I have, lordy I swear she takes after me, hore than blind but tetue, Ustie!

I have covered said area with plstic, she just looks at me and oops

my neighbour downstairs helped her come up, ...they were moving a couch

bright side is her ears are more than perfect

franky,
thanks for asking

FlimsyFlamsy said...

Handinhand (#162), I agree that TFW is probably nowhere to be
found when those kid couch interviews are being conducted. It
probably takes several hours -- why would she hang around
the little attention sucks when there are perfectly capable crew
daddies to supervise them?

I don't think giving them her patented "stink eye" is necessary at this point. They know what might get them in trouble with Mom. But
things are starting to shift, and their candor might be their very own "commodity" to threaten her with. I think the twins are there already.

Over In TFW's County said...

I don't think Kate is anywhere near when the kids are giving their couch interviews. She takes any chance she gets to ditch them or pawn them off on someone else for some more 'me' time.

++++++++++++++

I think that she would be right there on top of them. She's a control freak. She's not going to let those kids alone to say whatever they want to say. Good grief -- can you imagine what would come out of their mouths if she weren't there to monitor everything?

Anonymous said...

FlimsyFlamsy said... 154
If people are going to recklessly toss folks out of their
hammocks (lookin' at you, Franky!), may I suggest we
install seatbelts? I'm willing to have a yard sale to pay for
them, as long as TLC does all the work, and then pays me
$40,000 for filming it.
------------------------------------

Btw, I only tossed out Auntie, and she was over it, once I woke her up.

bwahahaha
thanks for the shout out. dd is currently here and I AM ENEMY NUMBER 1 BECAUSE HER HAIRDRESSER WOULD NOT GIVE HER THE GREY LOOK, WITH BLUE TIPS,,AKA 40$ FRY YER HAIR DEAL.

sorry for yelling, caps lock, and I may have maybe talked to her hairdresser this morning, or maybe not

all I know is her natural beautifully thick blonde hair is intact. yeah!!!

ps, dd HATES ME!!!!

oh well, I will get over it, lol

franky

Suze said...

When the bedroom was revealed, I didn't see any heating vents. Because it is in a walkiut basement, they had double hung windiws and nit small basement windows. In order for that room to be warm, it would also need insulated walls. If this wasn't done, those boys are sleeping in a cold room.

*****

I remember seeing heat/cooling ducts in that area when it was for storage on one of the old shows so it would have been easy to just drop vents down thru the new ceiling when they finished it for the boys or installed under floor heat. The outside walls had plenty of space for insulation between the concrete and the drywall and since she hired a contractor to do the work, I'm sure they would have installed insulation to keep the room nice and warm.

A light bulb just went off -- since they were adding a room to the home, they would have needed to have the work inspected and insulation and proper heat/cool ventilation are all required in a living space.

Suze said...

Can't Shoka can't get up and move away from the window if he's too cold? He doesn't appear to be chained to the wall.

******

My dog could and would move around to get comfortable, but if Shoka's been trained to stay in a certain area he probably obeys and stays put.

I tend to believe Kate when she says he prefers to be outside. I imagine he's much happier outside where he's not confined to a small space and where he doesn't have to look at his family/pack having fun while he's not allowed to participate. IMO, it's cruel to treat a dog that way.


Admin said...
I think Shoka is not around his family because he has been told he CANNOT be. So he's adapted to a more solitary life. I can only wish I'm wrong and that isn't the case.

*********

Sadly, I don't think you're wrong. I think Shoka has been trained to obey and one of those commands are to not go farther in the house than the upstairs foyer or basement entryway.

Suze said...

She can always punish them when she sees the dailies or whatever they are called for reality TV.

*****

I doubt Kate sees much of anything until it airs on tv.
A family member of a friend of mine is on a reality tv show. A crew of about 4-5 ppl from a company different than the network comes to film. Just like we saw in Robert's book w/Kate's e-mails back and forth w/producers, they do have communication between the family and the producers about episode ideas and logistics, but they're not involved in creating/approving/helping with the finished product. They basically don't know what's made it into the show until they sit down and watch it themselves.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...



Sadly, I don't think you're wrong. I think Shoka has been trained to obey and one of those commands are to not go farther in the house than the upstairs foyer or basement entryway.



&&&


That's what I fear.

German Shepherds are extremely smart, extremely trainable and extremely obedient. They have been used as police dogs all over the world for a century or more for that very reason. They are not like my fur baby who when you look the other way, is up to no good or being silly or mischievous, and it's all cute because he's not my police dog or guide dog. If you teach a German Shepherd not to cross off that tile, he won't, even if he's cold or really wants to be with his family. Didn't she have a trainer actually come to the house, I swear I remember her tweeting about that. A good trainer could absolutely drill it into him where he is allowed and not allowed. I had a neighbor once who was sight impaired and her guide dog was a lovely German Shepherd. A guide dog can't be doing whatever he wants just because his owner can't see him do it. He has to obey no matter what.

I hate people who don't respect that a dog wants to be with his pack and try to train things into a dog that aren't instinct.

TLC stinks said...

I think Shoka is a beautiful dog and must have a great disposition to be around those kids.

TLC stinks said...

My finished basements always had ceiling vents. I bet the duct work is all in the ceiling with tiles. I doubt she did under floor heating unless TLC paid for it.

Nevertheless, basements always seem chilly to me.

redbirdsings said...

I love this idea! Salad in a Ball Jar!

http://youtu.be/RRemVme-3wU

Sue_Buddy said...

My dog could and would move around to get comfortable, but if Shoka's been trained to stay in a certain area he probably obeys and stays put. ::::::::::

As we all know, dogs can be very obedient and then sneak off and do something "naughty" just like the story I told, and the one above about the dog that sleeps on the couch and gets off in the morning before his owners catch him. There are a ton of Youtube videos of dogs not obeying when they think no one is watching. Dogs are going to be dogs and I truly believe if a dog is too hot or too cold, they are going to find a more comfortable spot. Shoka isn't a highly trained dog. I doubt he was trained to stay in one spot all night by the man they purchased the dog from and I HIGHLY doubt Kate trained Shoka to do anything.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Nevertheless, basements always seem chilly to me.

&&&&

Me too. Refinishing your basement was all the rage when I was a kid, I guess to try to squeeze your square footage and get that extra space. Yet I never met a basement that didn't both still smell like a basement and feel chillier than the rest of the house, no matter how much carpet and paint you put down.

I hated the way it was always the playroom at all my friends' houses which means we had to hang out down there, in the chillier, draftier part of the house.

In a couple bad ice storms we had everyone's basements got ruined with flooding. Not worth it.

Here in CA, nobody has a basement. And I don't miss it, even losing the storage.

Fleecing The Sheeple said...

They also keep you're feet nice and toasty, especially when you come inside after being out in the cold.

============

Yes. At our "old house" we had radiant heat in the floor. When we ripped up the carpet to install tile, we found that the floor was very warm. In fact, going barefoot felt good. Only problem was that the floor was so warm that the Christmas tree dried out very quickly!

TLC stinks said...

Kate is not a trainer, but I bet she's had the dog trained or she would not have taken the dog back. German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent. If only Shoka could speak!

I agree that the German Shepherds were probably Steve's idea. But I think she mistreated both dogs after Jon was kicked out because she considered them "Jon's dogs". The only reason Shoka was brought back was a storyline and to use him as a guard dog, although he seems not ferocious at all. He is just a big teddy bear. I guess he would at least bark if someone was snooping around on the property. And I do think the kids love him.

AnnieD said...

Canada's MacLean's magazine posted an article about TLC....
"TLC’s new mandate, zeroing in on people who are either cursed with unfortunate circumstances or make terrible life choices, has led to some unique and disturbing dilemmas for the network.
http://www.macleans.ca/culture/television/what-exactly-are-we-learning-from-tlc/

Sue_Buddy said...

I'm not familiar with German Shepherds but I heard they're very intelligent. They wouldn't be used as service dogs if they weren't, but as I've said, I doubt Shoka was highly trained which is what the service dogs are. Whether you can train a dog to lie on a cold floor and stay all day or all night, I'm no expert but I doubt there are reliable trainers who would train dogs to do that, especially a dog who was going to be a family pet, not put into service in the battle field, or working for border patrol or on the mean streets of big cities.

Of course maybe Kate found a trainer who would try and do that. Maybe he is related to the contractor who added a bedroom in the basement and didn't put in any insulation or heating vents.

I'm done with this. LOL Gotta run.

Rhymes with Witch said...

Congratulations to Nala. You are the lucky one to end up anywhere but where your litter-mate did. 161

I've always thought this too. Roo and I are sharing the couch. She has stretched out and is taking up more than her fair share. :)

Formerly Duped said...

I remember one old episode where Kate said she would only like to have a small lap dog while Jon said he wanted a larger breed.I guess they had cats once,but I don't know why she is suddenly saying she is an animal lover who raised baby squirrels and had pet rabbits (later eaten) All damage control? And why go loony when Mady painted Zorro on the wall, or keep him tucked in her good bra?

Tucker's Mom said...

A light bulb just went off -- since they were adding a room to the home, they would have needed to have the work inspected and insulation and proper heat/cool ventilation are all required in a living space.
******
Hmm... not sure. No room was added- one was finished. I don't know that a permit was pulled.

Call Me Crazy said...

Raise your hand if any of you readers slept in a luxury suite in Trump Towers this week (Gladys, put your hand down -- I'm not talking about in your dreams).
___________________________

Heh, heh. Here's me not raising my hand. But that's OK. It's not that I don't enjoy being in posh digs every now and again, but I much prefer reclining on a welcoming veranda among interesting and fun people, with a generous supply of conversation, laughs and rumspringa.

Rhymes with Witch said...

http://www.macleans.ca/culture/television/what-exactly-are-we-learning-from-tlc/

Annie D, thank you for this excellent article!
I will cite it when explaining why TLC is banned in this household.

handinhand said...

I really don't think Kate is all that worried by what the kids may say if she's not there. I think she knows the crew has seen a lot of her ugly parenting moments and they've probably heard a great plenty from the kids through the years.

They've got a financial skin in this game to make her look better than she behaves. They've kept her secrets every season and never aired the worst of her. There's no reason to think they'll do anything different now.

Over In TFW's County said...

Maybe he is related to the contractor who added a bedroom in the basement and didn't put in any insulation or heating vents.

+++++++++++

LOL!! Of course they installed heat in the basement. If they didn't, they would be looking at frozen water pipes right now. They would have needed a building permit when the remodel was done, and an inspector would come in to make sure that everything was up to code. Everything...plumbing, wiring, etc.

Over In TFW's County said...

Yet I never met a basement that didn't both still smell like a basement and feel chillier than the rest of the house, no matter how much carpet and paint you put down.

+++++++++++++

You haven't met mine! LOL! It neither smells like a basement, nor is it chillier than the rest of the house. You'd never know it's a basement. Of course, there are French doors to the outside, so it's not a tiny, musty space under the ground. It's just like every other room in the house, only down one level!

Wooden Spoon said...

I don't know about Shoka being highly trained to keep him off the carpet or sofa when Kate isn't looking, but I'm willing to bet he's been beaten with a wooden spoon for stepping off the tile. I'm also willing to bet just the feel of carpeting under his toes is enough to send him running with his tail between his legs to the closest tile floor he can find.

Kate doesn't "train" her kids or her pets to obey out of love and respect. She trains them to obey out of fear.

You see animals and children being trained with belts, whips and bull hooks. Those animals obey out of fear. Once in a while you might get one that just can't take it any more and strike back. Then they realize they are bigger and stronger and don't have to take the abuse. That's what I'm hoping for.

Rhymes with Witch said...

Hmm... not sure. No room was added- one was finished. I don't know that a permit was pulled. 186

live in a different state but needed permits pulled for a bathroom remodel.
Of course, if tlc's own construction crew did the work, all bets are off.

JMO said...

Ex Nurse said... 146
---------

Very interesting post! Sounds like any child abuse observed by "mandatory " reporters supercedes any confidentially agreements. signed by her staff, school, nannies, etc... all who direct contact with the kids. Don't think TFW will like that, after TLC has issued the confidentiality agreements. : )

Rhymes with Witch said...

Once in a while you might get one that just can't take it any more and strike back. 192

IIRC, that's what happened with Nala.
Lucky dog.

JMO said...

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAnnieD said... 182
Canada's MacLean's magazine posted an article about TLC....
"TLC’s new mandate, zeroing in on people who are either cursed with unfortunate circumstances or make terrible life choices, has led to some unique and disturbing dilemmas for the network.
http://www.macleans.ca/culture/television/what-exactly-are-we-learning-from-tlc/
-------------------

Great post.

redbirdsings said...

Wooden Spoon...192 said

You see animals and children being trained with belts, whips and bull hooks. Those animals obey out of fear. Once in a while you might get one that just can't take it any more and strike back. Then they realize they are bigger and stronger and don't have to take the abuse. That's what I'm hoping for.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remember years ago there was an elephant that was getting severely abused and it broke the chain and stampeded the crowd?

Rhymes with Witch said...

Sounds like any child abuse observed by "mandatory " reporters supercedes any confidentially agreements. signed by her staff, school, nannies, etc... all who direct contact with the kids. 194

I'm willing to bet that Katie tries to spin it differently; hence a rotation of young, inexperienced babysitters.
As a mandated reporter, I have always been told, when in doubt call/file. It can be done anonymously.

JMO said...

Over In TFW's County said... 169
I don't think Kate is anywhere near when the kids are giving their couch interviews. She takes any chance she gets to ditch them or pawn them off on someone else for some more 'me' time.

++++++++++++++

I think that she would be right there on top of them. She's a control freak. She's not going to let those kids alone to say whatever they want to say. Good grief -- can you imagine what would come out of their mouths if she weren't there to monitor everything?
----------------------------
I agree Over in TFW County- Not sure which recent episode, but I could clearly hear her speak in one episode while the kids were filming on couch interview. Aside from the fact that she is a control freak, she most likely has a say so over anything filmed, as she has a title, which allows her to edit things out, which she does not approve .

Formerly Duped said...

Wooden Spoon...192 said
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You mentioned bull hooks.I am an anti -circus activist and my main concern among many, is the conditions elephants live in and their training. They are such awesome in the true sense of the word, creatures and so intelligent and loyal.They are trained from babyhood with separation from their mother, pain and fear. Beating, electric prods, blow torches, The bull hook should be banned.They stand on cement and travel in the cold for hours...I could go on.. it's just heartless what circuses and some zoos do to their animals. Ringling/Barnum Bailey is especially culpable.

Ok, got that off my chest!

«Oldest ‹Older   601 – 800 of 2149   Newer› Newest»