Jon and Kate's Law: PA Rep. Murt's Child Labor Bill signed into law

Thank you, Rep. Murt, for the more than two years you devoted to this important cause.

A child on reality T.V. is working, not playing.

"Remember, the kids are just playing in front of the cameras, so." Kate Gosselin, Larry King Live, August 25, 2009.

A child on reality T.V. deserves to be paid fairly for their work.

The original TLC contracts provided for payment only to Kate and Jon, not to the children. After more than three years of filming, TLC finally established a trust fund for the children, in November 2009. The Gosselin children first appeared on screen in May 2006.

A child on reality T.V. deserves to have his or her money protected from their parents and others who may seek, either intentionally or unintentionally, to misappropriate it.

Kate's spending

A child on reality T.V. deserves to have his or her health, safety, comfort, happiness and education put before obligations to their T.V. show.

Those are just some of the reforms that Rep. Tom Murt has been working for more than two years to get Pennsylvania to understand that they need. Yesterday, Governor Tom Corbett signed House Bill 1548, which affords reality T.V. kids and regular child actors the same protections. Among the reforms, it requires trust funds be set up, a parent or guardian must be allowed within sight and sound of the children at all times (the Gosselins were filmed more than once without Kate or Jon on set), and, perhaps most importantly, requires a studio teacher on set (a licensed teacher), even on reality T.V. shows, to facilitate plenty of time for mandated schoolwork and rest. Finally, an independent set of eyes on our children who are working.

A brief explanation of the hours a kid can work, which were modeled after California's strict laws and have been a little misunderstood in the press: Babies under 6 months can be on set a maximum of 2 hours. Ages 6 months to 2 years old can be on set for four hours, but can only work on camera for two. Ages 2 to 6 can be on set 6 but work just three hours. Kids ages 6 to 9 can work 4 hours a day but are allowed to be on set for 8. Kids age 9 to 16 can be on set for 9 hours, but can only work 5. The rest of the time must be devoted to rest and schoolwork. There is a mandatory rest period of at least 12 hours between consecutive shooting days. So if the family stays up late to film a segment about fireworks until 11 p.m., the children are not permitted to start work again the next day until 11 a.m.

Should the Gosselins ever film again, Kate will find herself facing some big changes on set. Thank you, Rep. Murt! 

Horses, even those on reality t.v., have more protections than reality T.V. kids

Since 1940, the Motion Picture Association has required animal protection organizations on set. The Humane Association has written regulations for animal actors, including those on reality T.V.  

The USDA, PETA and Humane Society all conspire to protect horses from Kate.

This week, HBO's series Luck quickly shut down production after three horses died. Permanently shut down production. The American Humane Association is in the middle of an investigation of the incidents, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals had been putting pressure on HBO to give it up since they first heard of the problems.

A look at the history of Hollywood productions and animal actors shows that one of the first regulations protecting animals dates all the way back to 1940 (a year after a horse died jumping off a cliff in the film Jesse James). 1940. That's one year after Gone With The Wind came out. Elizabeth Taylor, who was 14 when she starred in National Velvet in 1944, could expect her horse to get better protection than she did. The law, enacted by the Motion Picture Association, required all productions to invite the Humane Association on all sets filming animals, and consult with an authorized representation from the organization. 

Today, most states have very detailed animal cruelty statutes that apply to motion pictures and television, and the Human Association has their own rules published in a guide that is more than 120 pages long, and even includes three full pages about animals used on reality T.V.


Here are some of the reality T.V. provisions for animals (pages 31-33, if you are interested):

• Production should assign one or more specific crew members with responsibility ONLY for the needs of the animal “contestants ” Who was specifically assigned to the needs of the Gosselin kids?   
• If animals are to be transported to a location, there should be time allowed for acclimation to the new environment and rest time following travel, prior to the start of production. How much rest did the Gosselins gets after long flights? 
•  Animals should never be left unattended or unsecured in a manner 
• that would be unsafe or uncomfortable for the animals  Animals 
• shall not be left in the care of any person who is inexperienced in the 
• proper care of the animals. How experienced was the crew with kids when the Gosselins were left with them?
• Camera angles and lighting should be done with a “stuffy” rather than 
• the live animals. Who stood in for the kids when shots were being set up? 

Many states, including California, require a set teacher on set to monitor children (set teachers do far more than just teach--they are required to know the applicable child labor laws and in some states have the power to shut down production), however there is no such oversight for reality T.V. kids.

We've come so far in protecting animals. HBO shut down Luck just like that. Why can't we be as vigilant when it comes to protecting kids? Is it because they don't have a bulldog organization like PETA behind them? Yet.

Child molester and kidnapper helped cast children in 'Super 8' and other films starring kids

Paramount Pictures admits they did not background check Jason James Murphy. He was a registered sex offender once featured on America's Most Wanted, but used an alias while working with child actors in California.

Super 8 (2011) was cast by a child molester

"It's shocking and it's devastating, not just as a filmmaker but as a father and someone who is entrusted to make sure that everyone I work with, especially children, are safe." ~ J.J. Abrams, director and producer, Super 8.

• Murphy also helped to cast children in The Three Stooges, Bad News Bears, The School of Rock and Cheaper by the Dozen 2. He sent an email to Abrams Artists Agency on Wednesday  "looking for 12-year-olds for a USC student film."
• In 1996, he molested and then abducted an 8-year-old boy from his elementary school and flew with him to New York City. A prosecutor described Murphy in court papers as "obsessed" with the boy and cited a police interview in which a female friend said Murphy "was in love with" the child and had talked openly of taking him to live in London or Australia. Murphy pleaded guilty to child molestation and kidnapping charges and was given the maximum prison sentence of five years under state law by a judge who called him "a sick young man." Later after he was caught trying to contact the victim, he was given an additional five months. 
• He registered as a sex offender in California, but never registered his alias "Jason James."
• California law prohibits sex offenders whose victims were younger than 16 from "working directly and in an unaccompanied setting with minor children on more than an incidental and occasional basis or have supervision or disciplinary power over minor children." 
• Paramount Pictures said it would change its screening process. "Moving forward, we … will also conduct background checks on all freelance employees, full time and part time, who work with minors on our productions."

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-fi-ct-casting-director-20111118,0,3505723.story

Jon: I'm 'freaked out by this'

Jon is looking into legal action over show editor arrested for child pornography


Jon says he met Bill Blankinship, arrested October 21, several times. Jon, who has already consulted a lawyer, is trying to find out what footage the ex-employee may have possessed of the children's, and expressed concern about the revealing footage Blankinship had access to. "The cameraman definitely shot the kids getting ready for bed, being showered and being changed,” Jon said.

Figure 8 headquarters

Figure 8 Films, based in North Carolina where the Blankinship arrest took place and where Jon and Kate have vacationed several times and even looked for properties once, is a small company that lists only fifteen employees currently. Its offices are located in Carrboro.

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/11/jon-gosselin-jon-kate-plus-8-editor-arrested-sexual-exploit-minor

Figure 8 calls arrest of Jon and Kate Plus 8 editor for child porn 'shocking'

In a brief statement, Figure 8 (the company that produced Jon and Kate) says Blankinship, who was contracted by them, has been fired, and [thankfully] never had direct contact with any of TLC's 'talent'


Blankinship, 56, was contracted by Figure 8 Films to edit Jon and Kate Plus 8 and other reality shows about children. He was arrested October 21 and charged with 10 counts of 2nd-degree distribution of child pornography.

According to IMDB.com, Blankinship was involved in some form in the following 23 episodes of Jon and Kate Plus 8:

1. Girls Day Out (29 June 2008) - Editor  
2. Sextuplets' 4th Birthday (7 July 2008) - Editor  
3. Wild Horses (11 August 2008) - Editor  
4. Leis & Luaus (10 November 2008) - on-line editor , Editor  
5. Twins Are Mommy for a Day (8 December 2008) - Editor  
6. All You Wanted to Know (19 January 2009) - on-line editor , Editor  
7. The Big Move (2 February 2009) - on-line editor  
8. Home Sweet Home (16 February 2009) - Editor  
9. Bye Old House (2 March 2009) - on-line editor  
10. Slopes, Sleds and Sesame (16 March 2009) - on-line editor , Editor  
11. Family Outing (23 March 2009) - on-line editor , Editor  
12. B-Ball & More (23 March 2009) - on-line editor  
13. Turning 5 & The Future! (25 May 2009) - Editor  
14. Bam! 100th Episode (8 June 2009) - on-line editor , Editor  
15. Jon & Kate Plus 8: The First 10 Years (29 June 2009) - on-line editor  
16. Renovations & Vacations (3 August 2009) - Editor  
17. Camping Out (3 August 2009) - on-line editor  
18. Beach and Kitchen Reveal (10 August 2009) - on-line editor  
19. Battleship & Barber (17 August 2009) - on-line editor , Editor  
20. Dude Ranch and Dress Up (31 August 2009) - on-line editor  
21. Movie & a Catch (14 September 2009) - on-line editor  
22. Farm to Table (21 September 2009) - on-line editor  
23. Gymnastics and Baseball (16 November 2009) - on-line editor  

BREAKING NEWS: Former Jon and Kate Plus 8 writer and editor arrested for child pornography

Blankinship's mug shot

A large bust in North Carolina included the arrest of William Johnson Blankinship, credited by TLC as Bill Blankinship, who is listed as a writer, editor and on-line editor for Jon and Kate Plus 8 from 2007-2009 and an on-line editor for Kate Plus 8 from 2010-2011.

Blankinship also worked on 19 Kids and Counting, Sister Wives and Table for 12, three other TLC shows about children.

According to authorities, "Operation Spyglass" resulted in the arrest of 24 men over five months on felony charges ranging from the possession and distribution of child pornography to indecent liberties with a minor. Several of the men will be charged with felonies and could face prison time.

http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/10/28/1600197/child-porn-effort-snares-25.html

Parents who force sick and fragile kids to work on reality tv: how much is too much?

Concerning information has been leaking out this week about the Duggar's marathon trip to Europe and Israel. According to a statement from Terem Emergency Medical Centers in Jerusalem, Josie, age 1 (born at 25 weeks and weighing just 1 pound 6 ounces and who has continued to suffer health problems), took ill and had to stay behind in the Holy Land with her mother because doctors wouldn't clear her to fly. Eventually a doctor flew home with them. A family rep is reporting that the whole incident will be made into an episode. This is not the first time the Duggars have filmed Josie during her most medically fragile moments. Cameras were welcome into the highly sensitive NICU during her stay. 

Filming in the NICU

The Duggars have also filmed their other children suffering from chicken pox.

Filming chicken pox

Some of the most questionable decisions Jon and Kate ever made was to force sick, uncomfortable kids to work anyway. Most good parents don't send sick children to school, and yet these children are made to work? With an independent set teacher around (a responsible adult who gets paid whether they force kids to work), a child wouldn't have to be cleared to work when he doesn't feel well, even if a parent thinks they can work anyway.

Rep. Murt re-elected in a landslide vote

Rep. Murt, one of the few politicos willing to campaign for the Gosselin children's right not to work their lives away on camera, has been re-elected by a landslide. Congrats!

Rep. Murt, who ran against Democrat newcomer Robert McGuckin, tonight is projected to win with over 68% of the votes--a landslide. Rep. Murt did not need to associate himself with anyone famous to win--he had this in the bag. And apparently, his views on the Gosselins did not dissuade his electorate, who have made their voices heard--reelect Murt. Makes you wonder, if all politicians never had to worry about a reelection, like Murt, what causes would they really take up? Here's to all of PA's children finally being property protected during his next term. Meanwhile, Jon tweeted to his followers tonight to get out there and vote.

Harrisburg child labor hearings

Arngrim: "Since an adult would find it fun to be famous, they assume that a child would feel the same way."

• Paul Petersen: 19 states have no child labor laws for child actors. In 49 states, children do not own the money they earn. http://pcntv.com/pcnplus/
• Adults can provide informed consent, Paul Petersen says. Children cannot.
• "The loss of privacy, separation from peers, the potential for humiliation and damage of character."
• Jon Provost: Animals on TV have better protection than children.
• Alison Arngrim: "I believe my successful outcome was not a matter of luck but certain structures being in place."Parents don't realize when they sign up that this can be a permanent "sentence." "We played characters that were not ourselves. If we were judged by strangers we had the option to say that's not me that's my character."
• Paul Petersen says of all the former child stars he has met in his lifetime, only six have ever allowed their own children to become child actors as well. "Absolutely not," is the answer he hears from most former stars, he says.

Jon Provost, Alison Arngrim, Paul Petersen.

'Nellie Olsen' and 'Timmy' from Lassie to testify at child labor hearing

Former child star Alison Arngrim of "Little House on the Prairie" is slated to testify Thursday in Harrisburg about the need for better child labor laws, especially for reality children.
The streaming video: http://pcntv.com/pcnplus/

We've been a long-time fan of Alison and love her candor, especially her openness about her experiences as a child actor. Alison speaks highly of Michael Landon, as do all the former Little House stars, and how he made the set a fun and welcoming place for the children (Melissa Gilbert even named her son Michael). It's one of the few shows where all the child actors have grown up to be seemingly happy and successful with few to any of the cliche problems child actors run into. Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson (Laura and Mary) have grown up and had families and are still acting. Jonathan Gilbert, who played Willie, became a stock broker. Matthew Laborteaux, who played Albert, founded a youth shelter in Los Angeles. The twins who played Carrie, Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush, own a ranch together and raise horses. Shannon Doherty, who played Laura's niece Jenny, has had a very successful career and appeared on DWTS with Kate. Jason Bateman, who played adopted son James, has also had a wildly successful career and has a family. James' sister Cassandra, played by Missy Francis, became a reporter for CNBC. Coincidence that all these children from the same set did so well? Or was it because of the supportive and positive environment perpetrated by Michael Landon?

In fact the set was Alison's safe haven because she says she was being molested by a relative at home. However, Alison seems to realize not all sets have a Michael Landon watching over its child actors. (Michael ironically means "angel.")

Alison has always spoken openly about how being cast as the "mean" character on the show caused her to be "hated" by so many everywhere she went. She even wrote a book about the experience, "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch." Will Mady face the same problems (or perhaps, is facing them right now) due to the way her parents and the show have relentlessly labeled her as "the difficult one"? We think Mady is wonderful, but the child has been typecast there is no doubt about that.

Rep. Murt doesn't need this for publicity

Rep. Murt doesn't need to worry about votes because the 152nd District has voted Republican in every single election it has ever held.

Hearings on reforming PA's child labor laws will be held Sept 23 in Harrisburg:
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/zontv/2010/08/gosselin_kids_new_hearing_set.html

At the urging of a reader, it's time to address the illogical and really, laughable accusation that Rep. Thomas Murt, who is pushing for more restrictive child labor laws in PA after what has happened to the Gosselin kids, is just doing this for votes, for publicity, and for the upcoming election in November.

A few points to consider:

1. Murt is a state representative up for election every two years. Because these terms are so short, most people in his shoes campaign constantly. So whether he pushed for this legislation now, six months from now, twelve months from now, or two years from now, you could always accuse anyone who is a representative of just campaigning for votes at any time throughout their term. When you are never not campaigning, than you can never do a thing without being accused of trying to get votes. If his term was six years or even four years, this might be a point worth discussing.

2. Contrary to what Kate apologists want you to think, Rep. Murt, a Republican, doesn't need votes. You've heard of red and blue states in national elections. Everyone expects that New York will always vote Democrat and Oklahoma will always vote Republican. But a swing state is a state that is "up for grabs," it could vote either Republican or Democrat. The same concept applies to Pennsylvania's districts. Rep. Murt represents the 152nd District. This District is not a "swing" District by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, a quick glance at the historical data shows that the 152nd has voted Republican in every single election it has ever held for that seat. The first election for this seat was in 1969 (prior to that it was an appointed position). After that, the seat was held by a variety of Republicans, including the present representative, Murt. There have been more than thirty-five elections since 1969 for this seat. The Republican won. Every single time.

3. Let's take a look at Rep. Murt's last election for this seat in 2007. He won by a landslide 60% of the votes. While 60% may mean you fail the test in grade school, in the political world that number is overwhelming. Presidential elections lately are usually won by narrow margins. Many elections are like this. So just to give you an idea of how significant that percentage is, the last time a president won with more than 60% of the votes was Richard Nixon's overwhelming landslide re-election in 1969 where he got 60.7% of the votes, more than three decades before the Gosselin kids were even born. Many elections since then with lesser numbers have also been called landslides. Tom's last election was of course a landslide and will likely be another landslide this year, too, so he has nothing to worry about.

4. Is there some remarkable candidate up for the seat that could change four decades of consistency for this District? Not really. Rep. Murt's opposition this year is no opposition at all. Bob McGucklin is running as the Democrat for Murt's seat. McGucklin is only 32 years old (although he looks about 22) with a new wife and baby. He is a new lawyer, and has no political experience. He has spent his entire career working for a law firm. He and Rep. Murt are both Penn Staters and are both Catholics, so he's not going to get the Penn State vote or the Catholic vote over Murt. Best wishes to Bob, this will be a good way to get his feet wet and to practice for future campaigns, but he has no chance against Murt this year Gosselins or not.

There's no way of really knowing what Murt is really thinking. But before dismissing him as yet another politician out to get votes, it's important to take a look at the history of his District and to understand that Rep. Murt could sit around all day spinning plates above his head, and he would probably win his seat every single election as long as the man remains a Republican. If Rep. Murt is just doing this for votes, hopefully someone has tapped him on the shoulder and reminded him that he doesn't need votes. Unless he's planning to join Obama's party any time soon.

One final note. Politicos like Rep. Murt are the envy of most politicians. He can champion whatever causes he is most passionate about without worrying about votes. One of the biggest complaints of our political system is that politicians only jump when there are votes in front of them. Since Murt is one of the minority in a position where votes don't matter that much, he can pursue whatever direction he wants. For whatever reason, improving child labor laws in his state is one of his passions. We hope something better comes out of this for these kids and for any kids involved in future productions in PA.

Kate drags kids on yet another filmed trip--are they following New York labor laws?

The camera crew was spotted out today with Kate, the kids, Steve and Jamie at none other than the Lancaster train station. The family and employees/friends/enablers are headed to New York City for another filmed vacation. New York City is supposed to be very hot and humid all week. Will there be a child advocate or set teacher on hand to determine whether it's too hot for the kids to work, and whether they have adequate water and shade?
http://celebrity-gossip.net/kate-gosselin/kate-gosselin-and-kids-train-station-filmers-385487

New York is no Pennsylvania. They have strict child labor laws that must be complied with whether you live there or are just on a visit, that apply to reality show children.

As required by New York State law, has TLC ....

• Applied and obtained permits issued by the New York Department of Labor? PA permits are no good there.


• Obtained a "certificate of eligibility" for the kids to work from the NY Department of Labor?


• Provided proof in the form of documentation they've established a "Coogan fund" or similar trust account where 15% of EACH child's earnings from any work they do in New York goes into said trust? Not 15% for the whole group, not 15% of PROFITS, but 15% of EACH CHILD'S EARNINGS. There's a difference.


• Provided evidence to the Department of Labor that each child is in good academic standing?

Crickets.

And since apparently our word that the kids were filming this "scene" at the train station isn't enough for some of Kate's fans, here's a photo to prove it. We circled the cameraman for the Mr. Magoos out there with bad eyes.

'Parents can be seduced by the industry'

Another excellent article about the lack of protection for reality children, which names the Gosselins.

The L.A. Times' independent investigation found that many reality show productions are not following any child labor regulations (many productions believe reality shows are exempt or that there are no laws in the first place to follow), and 17 states are without any child labor laws for child performers. Many are calling for national laws to protect all child performers, instead of leaving it up to each state.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-reality-kids-20100627,0,939452.story

'Blinded by the lights of fame and tempted by the lure of riches'

Harvard and Princeton educated sociologist says parents 'have a vested interest in making sure that five-figure per episode paychecks continue to arrive'

Yet another child development expert has spoken out against the Gosselins. (This poor professor has no idea the hate mail about to come her way for daring to suggest this is wrong!) Hilary Levey, whose impressive CV can be found here, worries that reality children are unlike child actors because they are playing themselves on TV, not just a character. "The consequences of having to perform their identity for millions are simply unknown," she says. Levey goes on to say that perhaps parents should not be able to consent to having their children filmed (and asks what parent in their right mind would consent to potty training being filmed?), and wonders whether 6-year-olds, who aren't even old enough for a Facebook account, can consent either. She's right, they cannot consent--they are six.

"Their children shouldn't have to risk a lifetime of suffering to fulfill their parents' 15 minutes of fame. Legislators and lawyers need to step in to tackle these questions and protect the best interests of children."

Commonly we hear here, we don't know how this will affect them so we should stop acting like this could hurt them. But that's the whole point Levey is trying to make--we don't know what will happen to the Gosselins as a result of all this exposure, so we are we even risking it when it comes to six-year-old children? Why take a chance?

Excellent piece: http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-06-26-levey25_ST_N.htm

Gary Coleman's $1.3 million lawsuit against his parents

Sadly former child actor Gary Coleman passed away today, and he's a reminder of what can happen when greedy parents are allowed to run all over their famous children and their money.

Some famous children do fine, that's true. We hope and pray the Gosselin kids get through this. We hope and pray their money is being protected. But we have major doubts. Ron Howard, Melissa Gilbert did fine--and also had very supportive and grounded parents not interested in their money. Kate and Jon however have demonstrated time and time again they are very interested in every last cent. But what's most frightening for the Gosselin children is how similar their careers are being handled compared to the laundry list of child stars who did not do just fine and whose money was not managed just fine.

One of the more glaring facts is that for almost the entire series, the Gosselin children were not paid at all, according to TLC themselves. At a December 10, 2009 court hearing under oath, TLC's Edward Sabin admitted their contract does not and has never provided for any payment for the kids, and "It is true the parents are responsible for payment to the children." In other words, it was left up to the parents to give them their money--and history has shown when parents are in charge of money, bad things happen. While Kate claims she has saved some money, there has never been one shred of proof their parents ever saved a dime for them during this period, or if they did as Kate claims, exactly how much she decided was adequate to stock away for eight kids who have spent their childhood working. We know absolutely no details, other than Kate's blanket assurance she's put something aside for them. On their own web site for many years, the Gosselin parents even stated that there is no college fund for the children, that information the state has one for them is false. So assuming they are not lying, their trust fund for the children is only a recent development. We hope Kate has saved everything they deserve. But why is this number such a secret? Well, it's not our business how much Kate has saved for the kids. Except, TLC was found to have violated child labor laws consistently and repeatedly. When someone is thumbing their noses at the laws of their state, when children are the victims, it should be the public's obligation to see to it they not only become in compliance with the law, but make amends for the years they were not. The children cannot stand up for themselves when it comes to money they are owed--at least not until they are adults, as Gary Coleman did. The children are so young they probably don't even realize how much money they really should be getting--give a kid $100 bill at that age and they think they're rich. We doubt the Gosselin kids know just how rich they've made their parents. Until they become of age, only the public can insist they are fairly compensated and protected.

After problems with the PA Labor Dept., TLC now reportedly sets aside in trust just 15% of their salary for all the children. When you think about this in real numbers, it's really shocking. For every $100,000 the Gosselins help their parents rake in, they only get $15,000. Divided eight ways: that's only $1,875 per child. Let's say they manage to make a million dollars in one year. The kids would each only end up getting $18,750....or, an annual salary that is below the poverty line in the United States for a family of four. An annual salary that is also below most college tuitions these days--if all this is just to save for college. A salary that will certainly be below all college tuitions by the time the twins reach college age in 2018. No wonder they need to keep working so much--college can't possibly be paid for yet.

What's most shocking of all, perhaps, is that this 15% isn't even safe from greedy parents. According to Laurie Goldberg of TLC, Jon and Kate may dip into this 15% if they need to for the children's safety, education, welfare or health. Broad terms that can include almost anything. Why aren't the children allowed to dip into their parents' 85% cut instead?

Coleman had to drag his parents through the court system for four long years before he finally got back the $1.3 they stole from his money. In the meantime, his parents sued him for defamation and breach of contract. Breach of contract? He was a child! Children can't even be bound by contracts. These suits were shot down. His parents were ordered to pay back every cent they stole.

His parents then tried to appoint a conservator over Coleman's financial and health needs--in other words, tried to circumvent Coleman and have some cronie handle this all instead. A shady move at best. A conservator is usually reserved for those incapable of understanding proceedings and assisting their attorney and the court due to mental illness or impairment, or people so sick they are in a coma. Coleman had some health problems including kidney problems, but he was mentally and physically well able to handle himself. Coleman sued for malicious prosecution for the four years of hell his parents put him through as an adult--not to mention what they did to him when he was a child. Coleman ended up estranged from his parents. The Gosselin children are certainly learning that when you have a problem with someone, you should estrange them. We'll see what happens when they're of age.

Thankfully the Gosselin children are being paid now, sort of, if you consider a salary below the poverty line payment. But what about back pay for the 130+ episodes they made prior to December 10, 2009? And what about keeping 100% of their money? They can't keep all their money just because they're a child? But when they're 18, they can? Why is this acceptable or even logical? Shouldn't children be entitled to all their money even moreso than even adults, since they are just innocent children and really should be in school and being a child and not working? 15% is a start, but is no where near satisfactory compensation for their current and back work. Still waiting for financial justice for the eight.

TLC hires lobbyist to try to stop new child labor laws

Child advocate and former exploited child star Paul Petersen has written another open letter to TLC, where he calls them out on hiring lobbyist and labor and employment attorney Scott Bishop of S. R. Wojdak & Associates to actively try to stop PA state Representative Tom Murt's new child labor bill HB 2515. Bishop is a member of both the Pennsylvania and the California bars. Bishop's firm has represented other giant corporations such as Bank of America and Microsoft. They proudly list "Discovery Communications" as one of their clients on their web site.

What's wrong, TLC? Don't you want all minors protected? What's wrong with limited hours, making sure children are paid for their work, and having an advocate on set? What are you trying to hide?

http://www.minorcon.org/tlc1.html

Petersen still has a lot of unanswered questions for TLC, including: "Where is the independent Advocate for the Gosselin Eight? Who negotiated the terms of the contract with these children? What Court approved this contract? What person…with a license to lose…is going to oversee the day-to-day production of "Kate Plus 8?" Who will guard the "health, safety and morals" of the minors?" Paul closes his letter with this: "As for the adults you employ? They can fend for themselves. They are not my concern. But when you take advantage of a child in the entertainment business you're going to hear from us…now or later."

On one good note, at least TLC knows the kids are beautiful just as they are. We hate that the kids are being filmed again, but we think their promo photo is a heck of a lot more natural than People magazine's.

Kate and kids spotted in Florida

Floridians are reporting they've seen the family filming in Orlando at Discovery Cove. And that Aaden is sick.

Isn't it a school week?

TLC, have you complied with Florida's child labor laws?

FLORIDA CHILD LABOR LAWS FOR CHILDREN IN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

• They also require permits before any shoot begins.
• Employers must provide Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation information as to each "shoot" and shall submit a "final report" upon completion of the shoot.
• The employer shall designate a Coordinator of Child Labor on each set to be the liaison with the Department.
• Minors age six to nine shall not be required to work more than 6 hours a day
• Minors ten to 16 may not work more than 7 hours a day
• Minors must have at least 12 hours of "rest" before returning to school.

According to PA law, time shooting in any other state counts toward time permitted to film in Pennsylvania. In other words, you can't run to another state and max out on your hours permitted in PA, then come back into PA and start fresh. The clock has run.

Aunt Jodi's phone interview with Dr. Beth DuPree; 15 Minutes 'Nailed it'

Just in case Kate tries to accuse Jodi again of getting paid for this or not being with her kids--Jodi and Dr. DuPree both stated she was not being paid. In addition, Jodi did the interview by phone, from her home of Elizabethtown. Kevin was at one of the children's soccer games.

Snippet of Jodi's interview with Dr. Beth DuPree which features our blog:

The full interview can be heard here: http://www.tmveastwest.com/node/63.

You have currently collectively donated $378 to A Minor Consideration in honor of Jodi and Kevin's courage. I've decided to extend the donation period to see if we can get to $500. (Of course you can always donate at another time, but we want to make a donation as a group.) Please give generously, to find out how to donate please go here (you MUST e-mail me the amount of your donation for it to count with the group or I won't know who has donated what. Donations are processed directly through AMC, not through me.)

Steve pulls Admin. by arm away from Kate; Kate silenced by 'child labor' question

Highlights:

• I asked Kate, What about the new child labor laws that may be coming down, will that affect filming? Steve then stepped toward me, grabbed my right arm tightly and pulled me away, telling me okay time to move on.
• A Barnes and Noble "security" person called her a bitch.
• At any given time the line was only about 10 people long.
• Kate showed up 15 minutes early but didn't come out to start signing books until 7:15. At 7:30 she took a break, then came back out at 7:45.
• Tony is awesome.

The recap:

Most of the pictures were taken on my Blackberry, so they're a little blurry, I apologize. I brought my other camera, but there was so much going on so fast I sort of forgot about it. When you're being pulled away by a bodyguard, you can't think about cameras.

Dodger's game tonight, so traffic was pretty messy. I knew I couldn't count on Kate staying all that long, but I thought she would at least stay an hour, so when I finally arrived about 7:25 I thought I had plenty of time to see her and get my book signed.

When I arrived at Barnes and Noble, I kept looking for the line. Where were the crowds? Where was Kate? I saw a few Barnes "security" people, employees in suit coats, roaming around, so I assumed I was in the right place. It's true, it appears this event wasn't planned way in advance. But this blog heard about it several days ago, so it wasn't completely last minute. And Third Street and Wilshire Blvd. on a Friday night is about the busiest place in L.A.

Suddenly, my retina started burning from a beaming white light. No, it wasn't Jesus. It was Kate's veneers glowing on this sign:

I was in the right place! I went up the escalator where Kate was singing books between a few bookshelves, at least two separate camera crews swarming around her. And Steve, and someone else who I think was a cop--the real bodyguard.

But where were the ... fans? Finally I discovered the line, which consisted of a mom with her two kids, one of whom was using a walking stick the sight-impaired use, and a few teenage girls. I figured I would wander around a bit see what I see, hear what I hear, before getting in line. I went around to the back and found that I could stand behind Kate's table, a few feet away, and maybe hear her--turns out I couldn't. And that's when I saw Tony! For some reason I didn't even think about him, but it makes sense he was here if they are going to use this book signing as a segment on DWTS. Tony I actually really like, and I said hi to him and asked if I could have his picture. He beamed and said of course, but why don't you get in it too! I'm cropped out because my own security is better than what Steve provides, but this is Tony's half of the picture. He is completely adorable, no?

We chatted a bit longer, he was talking to the fans and joking around with the crew, and Kate was talking to the sight-impaired boy for awhile, although that was when I was talking to Tony so I couldn't hear a thing, and then all of a sudden Kate started getting up. I looked at my blackberry clock. What? It was only 7:30! Within seconds Steve was leading Kate away. Was it over already? WTF. I didn't get to ask her my questions!

Kate was ushered behind some closed doors with Steve, Tony and the crew. Barnes and Noble people stood guard in front of the doors. I decided to hang out a few minutes and see if she would reappear.
At that point a 20-something woman approached security and asked if she could go in. They said no, only media. She said I am media, I'm with Radaronline. They still said no. I thought that was interesting, since we've long speculated that Radaronline is in her back pocket. By the way, I ultimately wasn't given a press pass either. Me and Radaronline both! We were told only photographers. Well, I guess that makes sense. Photos can't ask questions. Real people CAN! I approached the Radaronline reporter and told her what blog I was with and we had a good conversation. She agreed that Kate was very polarizing and that any time they publish a Gosselin article their hits go through the roof. She made fun of how few people were there, about 40, she guessed. The BN security guard was laughing at this. She said that Kate came 15 minutes before 7 o'clock then disappeared into that room. She came back out at 7:15 to start signing books. Now it was 7:30, and Kate had gone to take a break again. So she signed books for a full fifteen minutes before a break. Fifteen minutes of waving a pen, must be exhausting! Radar chick was really nice and promised to check out the Blog. She got tired of waiting for Kate and left.
By now maybe a dozen people had gathered with their books and there were some more teenage girls who were saying they were her biggest fans. I really didn't care so much about Kate coming back out for me, but I felt like she should for those girls. I started asking if she was coming out, and one of the security guards said there was talk she was done for the night. I couldn't believe that. A fifteen minute book signing and she was done.
Several more minutes passed and the teenage girls were starting to get upset that they missed her. "I can't believe she's not coming out again, she's a bitch," I muttered. A security guard was standing right next to me and he murmured, "She is a bitch." Haha, what a surreal moment. I realize now I should have followed up on that and asked him why he said that. But sometimes it's more fun to just leave it at that.

Just as I was about to give up they said okay, Kate's coming back out. I was next in line behind the teenagers. Steve came over and started chatting to them, and he told them they should tune in because Kate Plus 8 would be airing soon. Ha, not if Rep. Murt can help it, Steve-o! I almost asked him about child labor laws right then but I didn't want him on alert that I wasn't Kate's biggest fan.

After the girls talked to her I approached Kate with my book. She didn't say anything to me. Um. So I said, "Hi Kate, thanks for coming out here." She said you're welcome. She signed my book. She asked if I wanted my name, and I said no that's okay just your autograph. Then I said, "Kate, is it hard to keep in touch with your kids through text messages?" There was speculation on here that Kate wouldn't realize what I was asking. But let me tell you, she's not stupid. She snapped her head up, looked me square in the eye, the bitch face swept across her features, and she said, coldly and succinctly: "I keep in touch with my kids all the time."

I wouldn't say I was afraid of her, but I knew I was playing with the big girls now. I knew I was probably going to get off one more question before Steve called it quits. Originally I was going to ask her about the book, I was going to ask if she thought it was a good idea to reveal such private details about the children. But for some reason, probably because Steve was just raving about Kate Plus 8 and the crew was right there, I suddenly decided to ask her "What about all the new child labor laws that may be coming down, will that affect filming?"

I don't think that question was necessarily rude or inappropriate, and I asked it in a respectful tone. It's a legitimate question--How will you film the kids if child labor laws say you can't? And actually, I wish now I hadn't asked about text messaging--that was more just to be mean. I regret being mean. Kate is mean, but that doesn't mean I should be mean, too. I wish I had gotten off more solid questions about child labor laws. But oh well. But anyway, Kate's face went blank and she stared at me, speechless. Tony made Kate speechless by doing the Tango, I made Kate speechless by saying the secret words of the day: CHILD LABOR LAWS. Fortunately Superdud came to her rescue. Steve stepped forward, grabbed my right arm in his fingers, squeezed quite tightly and pulled me away from her. Okay, move along now, he said.

There was no need to say anything else, I got my point across. I went willingly. No, I'm not planning to sue Steve or file a report or whatever. His job is to protect Kate from having to ever answer anything off the script. He was just doing his job. He didn't hurt me, there are no bruises. I wish he didn't touch me with those little rat claws, he could have asked me to leave and I would have, but whatever. By the way, Steve is short and skinny. Kate was quite pretty I thought, with great skin and sparkling eyes. They make a great couple.

The PA Department of Labor's giant conflict of interest

"Why did the Deptartment of Labor decide to take no action against TLC or the Gosselins if things were as bad as Jodi and Kevin made it out to be?" has been the mantra of many people out there who are suspicious of Jodi and Kevin's claims. They justify the Department's investigation, which didn't even include so much as a home visit or any kind of fines for past violations, as proof Jodi and Kevin are lying.

The Kreider's allegations (which would be defamation if not true .... still waiting for a lawsuit by the Gosselins or TLC), as well as the Department of Labor signing off on what the Kreiders say they saw, are both possible. The reason? The Department of Labor has a conflict of interest in "investigating" TV/film productions.

To understand this, you must realize that film production is a lucrative industry that almost all states are trying desperately to attract. In recent decades as California has tightened child labor laws (rightly so and knowing full well it would cause some productions to leave the state), labor laws in general, and increased taxes, filmmakers have fled to other states (often Utah, or the South) and even countries (almost always Canada), to get a better deal, to be able to work longer hours, to save money. States now realize that Hollywood is no longer first on the list to shoot a movie. Any state is up for grabs with the right incentives.

Why is filming so great for a state? First, it creates jobs and revenue and cash flow. While an average crew may only consist of 100 people, there are 500 other locals behind those 100 people--from the corner restaurant that caters the meals every day, to all the people responsible for fees and permits for various locations, to the police officers who provide security and direct traffic. Production equals jobs and money, hands down. Jon and Kate brought some jobs to PA, although this isn't the main reason the state wants them.

Second, and the real reason PA loves Jon and Kate, is, "in theory," production brings good will to the state. People watch a good-looking couple from PA with cute kids living the simple life in a quiet American town and their opinion of PA goes up. People see cute pit stops like Crayola Factory and Dutch Wonderland, and tourism goes up. Even if Jon and Kate are fighting and the kids are grouchy and crying, the Strasbourg Railroad engineer still looks like he's having a great time, and people still want to visit him. In later years, people saw beautiful rural proprieties and sweeping land, and for cheap (try getting the McMansion in California for anything less than $6 million), which made PA seem like a great place to move to. Jon and Kate were nothing but good for PA's reputation.

Pennsylvania is no longer home to just a few small-time PBS productions. Blockbuster director
M. Night Shyamalan has brought millions and millions in revenue to the state throughout the past several years and is partly responsible for the huge upsurge in film production in PA. The film industry is a hot item right now for PA in a terrible economy. They have every reason to brush aside an investigation, to sweep things under the rug, and to continue to permit laws to be broken, bent and twisted so that productions can continue in their great state. They do not want to sabotage the good will they have with people like Shyamalan, Figure 8, and other filmmakers who often head to PA, by slapping them with fines, shutting them down, or passing laws that restrict them.

But doesn't this logic apply to any kind of industry the Department investigates? Don't they always have an interest in continuing any kind of operation without regulation? Actually, no. The film industry is unique. When the Department investigates mines, they have every incentive to come down hard on any violations. Mines with violations lead to cave ins and death. Death is not good for Pennsylvania. When the Department investigates a grocery store chain and finds health violations, they come down hard on those violations. Health violations cause salmonella. Salmonella is not good for Pennsylvania. But when the Department investigates a film production, there is every incentive to let them go scot free. Reality children are not going to die or get salmonella if they don't fine the production. They'll just continue to work long hours for no pay at the mercy of whoever, with most people never realizing. Only a few kids are hurt, but the rest of PA benefits. And if they fine, penalize, or otherwise punish them for any violations, that production may never come back to PA. In fact, Kate even openly expressed an interest in moving to North Carolina some time back on the show, perhaps because laws are even less strict there. If production laws are too tough in PA, filmmakers will flee PA just like they've fled California. Unfortunatly, production laws are state laws. State hopping for a better deal is not only expected, but it is a fact, a reality, it is what is happening in this industry right now.

What's the solution to this? We can only hope for some basic federal laws to protect all children and discourage state hopping. But at a minimum, an independent organization, such as SAG, should investigate film production violations. Not the state, which has a vested interest in overlooking such violations. And if you think a government organization has never been corrupt, misleading, or inadequate, Google Watergate sometime.