Strollerderby : reality shows

Courting Controversy: Is Jon and Kate Plus 8 Done?

JeanneSager — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:49:00 GMT

More proof that even bad press is good press?

News that Jon Gosselin might be cheating on the mother of his eight kids, along with an expose that calls Jon and Kate out for a multitude of pandering sins that relate directly to their parenting, helped boost Jon and Kate Plus 8's TV ratings to the highest ever in their season finale on Monday night.

The episode got the most ever viewers of any one episode in its four seasons, and knocked out NBC, the CW, CBS, and Fox among women aged eighteen to thirty-four. In fact, of any ad-supported cable show in its time slot, Jon and Kate's finale had the most viewers in almost every demographic.

So why? Is it the controversy? Oh yeah.

There's rumor swirling that the Gosselins might be calling it quits on their show. Because of all the other rumors out there, from Jon's alleged cheating to Kate's harping prompting a divorce, the Gosselins have made it clear that they're starting to tire of the public eye.

But then again, maybe not. There are several episodes already banked, including a Gosselins go green episode set to air in April.

In a Q&A on their Website, the Gosselins have said they don't pay attention to negative press. "First of all, we don’t have time to worry about what people are saying and second of all, we know that our show is benefiting so many people that we need to continue. Any flack we receive is just typical stuff that anyone on TV on a regular basis receives. Furthermore, although this is the absolute hardest job (aside from raising 8 kids, that is) that Jon and I have ever had, it is also the most amazing blessing that we can be home with our children while working and when asked, all 8 of our children agree…for now, we need to continue on…and so we will!"

They're certainly not hurting for money now - not with a $1.3 million home, book deals and dozens of speaking engagements (part of the controversy in the expose). It's very possible they could stay home now - without the cameras - and be just fine.

Do you think they will call it quits? Or do you see another year of Jon, Kate and their six kids?

Image: Discovery Store

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Family Adopts Eight Siblings Separated by Foster Care

JeanneSager — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:02:00 GMT

It's like Jon and Kate Plus Eight without Mother Nature pulling the punches. Or maybe 17 KIds and Counting without all the baby-making.

An Ohio family has added eight children to its brood completely by choice - they've adopted a set of eight siblings, who were previously split between three separate foster homes.

Oh yeah, and they already have seven kids of their own living at home.

The presiding Judge, Allan Davis, says this is the most unusual adoption he's seen in all his years on the bench in Hancock County, Ohio. But it's no less heartwarming.

The kids - whose ages range from five to seventeen - were removed from their biological parents in 2006 when social services found they were living in a deplorable conditions. There was just one bathroom in the house - and the plumbing didn't even work (imagine, no potty, and eight kids?). Dubbed mildly mentally retarded in court papers, the parents reportedly failed to complete a case plan and were unable to obtain appropriate housing for their kids - resulting in a complete loss of parental rights.

The eight kids have spent the last six months living with their new family as a sort of "trial run," to ensure it was more than a hunch that that this group must somehow form a family. (hum along with me folks. . . ). Monday, they were all in court to give the judge their own OK on officially becoming the kids of their new parents.

I'd be terrified to have that many kids, but good for these folks - for realizing siblings need to be able to stick together. I know the foster system tries as often as possible not to break up families, but in a family so large, this was likely the only chance these kids would have at a normal life.

The new, big, happy family jumped in a van to go home after the court appearance - any guesses on whether they stopped off for jerseys? They've got just enough for a rugby team.

Image: University of Nebraska

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Dr. Phil Bails Girl Arrested For Videotaped Beating of Classmate

Cole Gamble — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:00:00 GMT

The Dr. Phil show has seen fit to pony up bail for one of the girls recently arrested for beating a classmate unconscious and video taping the crime with intent to post on You Tube. When asked about the motivation, staffers for the show said it is common show policy to make financial contrubtions to former guests and hopeful future guests.

Where do I spew my bile first?

This brings up a few points in my mind:

1) Ah high school, how I miss it. Times sure have changed. Now that bullies have resources like MySpace and You Tube, kids can get ridiculed, battered and emotionally crushed without leaving the comfort of their homes. I don't want to date myself, but back in my day if someone wanted to destroy you socially they simply passed a rumor around school that you had herpes. Will it ever be so innocent again?

2) What's with the trend of video recording your crimes and posting them on You Tube? Maybe it's the era of the reality show seen to its only logical conclusion. Fame is fame, right?

3) With this following fast on the heels on Dr. Phil's Ill-advised Brittany Spears intervention/publicity stunt, is it clear to everyone now that this guy, or at least his show, is bottom-feeding? Oh, and he drives a $250,000 Lamborghini. Get over that!

By the way, my Babble Buddy Brett offered this tidbit of Dr. Phil trivia: Do you know what Dr. Phil did is doctoral thesis on? Arthritis. Hmmm, maybe you should just give me a cream for my crampy hands, Dr. Phil, and stop giving me advice.

Photo: www.blog.wired.com