This is a time of year that is about love, family, friends and most of all giving. Discuss holiday plans, recipes, gifts (the tangible and intangible) and more here.
Meanwhile, just in time for the season, Netflix and Amazon.com have released for streaming a raw and intense documentary about giving, Craigslist Joe.
In December 2011, 29-year-old Joe Garner decided to see if he could live solely off the generosity of others all month long. He empties his wallet and takes to Craigslist. The dozens and dozens of heartwarming (and often funny!) encounters Joe has with people from Craigslist moves him, and viewers, to tears. In particular, he is once invited to stay with an Iraqi family in Seattle. They tell him about their experiences, good and bad, as immigrants in the U.S. And in New York, he meets an eccentric woman named Fran with cancer. Joe quickly realizes Fran has a severe hoarding problem. Without judgement, he spends a few hours at her place clearing one small area for her to sit, bringing joy and peace to Fran. Will Joe find a place to rest his head and food to eat every day? The answer may surprise you.
Craigslist Joe is the ultimate 31-day grifting plan--and yet this grifting had a greater purpose. To see if most people really are generous, open, and good at heart. Perhaps the most moving moment of all is when Joe's mother talks about the experience. She says she wasn't going to worry about her son out there. She was confident her boy would find plenty of good people to help him. We were rooting throughout the film for Joe to prove his mom right. Thank you, Joe and Zach.
1625 sediments (sic) from readers:
«Oldest ‹Older 801 – 1000 of 1625 Newer› Newest»Correction Kate is a Twister: precious granddaughter AND grandson!
Anyone here have a tried-and-true granny's chicken soup recipe they would care to share? Crock-pot friendly, of course. Many thanks in advance! :)
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PIL, try putting in a knob of fresh ginger when you simmer your chicken stock. Homemade, of course!
I recently posted that I made a roast chicken and threw the carcass in the crock pot overnight with water and aromatics and by morning, it was some of the best stock I've ever made.
The ginger is soothing and has many health benefits. Just smelling it...ahhh.
Sometime in the past, Milo has admitted that she has never met Kate, but nevertheless, Kate is a friend because Milo has come to know Kate and everything about her through their intense and personal internet relationship.
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This is an episode for the show Catfish!
WOW. Did I really right "Kate is a Twister"?? Obviously I meant "Kate is a Twit." Heehee I guess it's too early .... lot on my mind.... ahh no excuse, still silly of me!
Let me get it right this time: Kate is a Twit, so glad you got to speak with your precious grandchildren. They are truly lucky to have you and I wish you and your family the best.
Third time's a charm :)
Working Woman said... 200
Thank you for your kind words. What those parents and family are going through is unfathomable. It makes you want to hug your kids and your grandkids, and hold them tighter.
Anonymous 189 said
Today, many mental health services (Asperger's, Autism, the Developmentally Disabled)as well as for the elderly) are administered via Medicaid; consider this while watching what is happening to Medicaid right now. You can not complain about the lack of social safety-net services on one hand and slash the funding on the other hand.
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Well said. I hope you are posting on other boards in other forums, People need to hear this message and understand it.
Another poster briefly touched on another unintended effect of the closures of the mental health facilities and the patients being sent out into the public- many ended up in prisons. If a person wont take their meds, and they commit a crime, what else is going to happen? So now the prisons have a huge population of mentally ill patients, or inmates with some degree of mental illness (treatable) but getting no treatment because the public does not believe we should 'coddle' our prisoners who got themselves in prison in the first place. The public becomes outraged at the thought that a prisoner, who committed a crime, then gets better and 'free' health care. WTF? So these people get the bare minimum, and maybe some continue to refuse their meds (seems to be a common occurrence among them, I guess they feel ok and think they dont need it anymore?)
So the government went from having them in a hospital to having them in prisons. I don't think this how it was supposed to work out.
BTW, I just heard that the China story, with the 22 kids being stabbed, they didn't die, they all survived. In my earlier post I referred to them as victims as if they passed. I wanted to correct that, and to express my relief. So happy some children survived a horrific day.
Berks resident said... 3
Sometime in the past, Milo has admitted that she has never met Kate, but nevertheless, Kate is a friend because Milo has come to know Kate and everything about her through their intense and personal internet relationship.
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This is an episode for the show Catfish!
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OMG YESSS!!!
It would be the best one ever!
WOW. Did I really right "Kate is a Twister"?? Obviously I meant "Kate is a Twit." Heehee I guess it's too early .... lot on my mind.... ahh no excuse, still silly of me!
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I think you were right the first time. Kate is a twister. She twists the truth.
Words for thought ...
Thanks to whomever posted the stats on guns. We are always being led down the path of fear (why is that?) when it comes to guns.
I was a stauch, rabid, anti-gun person -- until I started looking into the stats and the legislation that is on the books today, as well as what has been happening in our country over the last few years.
And my eyes have been OPENED. Our civil liberties are being erroded. We are almost a police state, the laws/executive orders/Acts are all on the books. When they are implemented large scale, our country as we know it will cease to exist. Taking away our guns is part of that plan. Incidents like this drive the momentum to take away guns, petitions have already been started. And taking away guns, means taking away citizens rights.
Some terms you want to google to start getting a picture of our "freedoms": NDDA, Obama's executive orders, TSA checkpoints, TSA handcuffs, drones and [insert your local state/police force], UN gun control treaty. For a start. I was shaken to the core after I started realizing what is going on.
When reading, learn to spot the difference between weird conspiracy theories and cold, hard facts. Laws on the books are facts. Place and products that exist are facts. Why are they there?
Start getting news from alternative news sites. Did anyone know that a few weeks ago a bomb was planted and detonated at a Social Security building (federal building) in Arizona??? Was wasn't this front page news on the NYT? I searched the NYT website and not one word, not one mention of a federal building being bombed. It happened, MSM didn't/barely reported it.
And, the story of this shooting is being slowly changed. There were two shooters, but now there is one. A similar story happened with the Batman movie shooting -- eyewitnesses said there was another shooter, but at some point the story changed to "lone gunman." Why? I don't know, but I read the news with a HUGE four-ton grain of salt. And always, always check alternative sources to try to get more information.
If you think something doesn't pass the sniff test or your gut is telling you something is not quite right, please LISTEN to your instincts.
I still find it hard to believe that anyone would shoot up a classroom full of five-year-olds. A disgruntled worker who was fired from his job? That I can believe, on some crazy level, yes it does make sense. A boyfriend pissed at his girlfriend? Horrible, but yes, it does make sense. A young male running through the mall yelling I am the shooter? That doesn't make sense. Why would he identify himself? Kindergartners? It doesn't make sense to me. Doesn't pass the sniff test.
And there is a fine line between "conspiracy theory" and "whistleblower." They are just about one and the same. The movement against big tobacco was labeled a conspiracy theory because the easiest way to discredit anything be it a person, viewpoint, organization, is to say it/they are CRAZY. Because no one takes a crazy person seriously, right?
heather
Thanks Reader Lady, I just remember when all of that happened, but it was so long ago forgot which administration. It is a travesty, in any event, as I personally know people who are deathly afraid of their own children as they can't get proper help for them.
IF what Kate said was true about going to her kids' school to give them hugs today, I will give her credit for that. When something like this happens and kids are involved, your first thought goes out to the kids in your life.
I will give her the benefit of the doubt on this, for now.
Beautiful poem. Thinking of the grieving parents as I read this. I just can't even imagine the sorrow and heartache, yet I am praying harder than I have ever prayed. I am not a mother yet, but I pray for the future, for a society where my children do not see such senseless violence.
Little Snowdrop
The world may never notice
If a Snowdrop doesn't bloom,
Or even pause to wonder
If the petals fall too soon.
But every life that ever forms,
Or ever comes to be,
Touches the world in some small way
For all eternity.
The little one we long for
Was swiftly here and gone.
But the love that was then planted
Is a light that still shines on.
And though our arms are empty,
Our hearts know what to do.
Every beating of our hearts
Says of our love for you.
~ Author Unknown
Heather,
Dont even go there with the NDAA act. I work with that act, and the executive orders that you are so fearful of, and some that the public doesn;t get to know about- classified. Yes, I do the 'big brother' work that freaks out Americans and guess what? Stop freaking out. We are catching terrorists- plain and simple. We save your lives. I get so tired of this rhetoric. If we could only tell people exactly what we do, everyone would stop complaining about things like the Patriot Act. All I can say is, we are saving American lives. There really is an element in this world that wants to cause harm to innocent US citizens, and they are HERE, and they are trying to get here. 9/11 is not a one time event. They will repeat it again, and again. The intel community works it a$$ off to keep you safe, but we need the resources to do it. Everyday, when I go to work, I use those *gasp* horrible "spying on american" tools - do you feel violated? You should feel safer.
I really do wish I could tell you how many captures/arrests/preventions/cell break ups my shop alone is responsible for. You might change your mind about NDAA/Patriot Act, etc.
Now to continue writing my final paper for this class- which is funnily enough, why we need the Patriot Act. :D
Working Woman,
Nice poem :)
Pity, 191: "We can thank one of our First Ladies for closing down the mental health system."
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I didn't know the wives of Presidents had legislative powers!
Oh, Newtown, my heart aches for you.
Mental illness is woefully underfunded and popularly dismissed in this nation. Pairing that with the accessibility of handguns and automatic weapons (no matter which side of the argument you come down on) is just the recipe for these types of tragedies. It's time to earnestly address these issues and not just let the rhetoric stagnate as the story, in time, fades away.
How the shooter could see that first victim and then repeat that horror over and again is hard to comprehend. I'm struck by the loss of life this time. Many of these scenarios have loss of life, yet many others wounded. Was this just a case of good aim, compliant young victims or worse. I don't know if I want to hear how this unfolded.
You should read @grandelovers2's twitter feed - Kate obviously did not.
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Go to Tweet Tunnel and read all of the old tweets. The person is obsessed with Ariana Grande, has been tweeting her NON-STOP for some time. It appears she made the whole thing up (about her cousin being killed) just to get attention, and she got it from Kate. Because Kate responded, she begged Kate to follow her.
handinhand said... 17
Oh, Newtown, my heart aches for you.
Mental illness is woefully underfunded and popularly dismissed in this nation. Pairing that with the accessibility of handguns and automatic weapons (no matter which side of the argument you come down on) is just the recipe for these types of tragedies. It's time to earnestly address these issues and not just let the rhetoric stagnate as the story, in time, fades away.
How the shooter could see that first victim and then repeat that horror over and again is hard to comprehend. I'm struck by the loss of life this time. Many of these scenarios have loss of life, yet many others wounded. Was this just a case of good aim, compliant young victims or worse. I don't know if I want to hear how this unfolded.
_________________________________________
Good points in both paragraphs. Maybe now, finally, this tragedy is the straw that will break the camel's back and as a society we will turn our attention to mental health issues. They do deserve more serious attention.
I, too, cant fathom how, after he did what did to the first victim, could continue on to the rest of the class. I am unable to process that, and like you, dont know if I ever want to know the details. This is one case I would not want to be a juror on (I know it's not going to court), and I love jury duty.
What a terrible tragedy my heart is crying
OT - soup ladies - I freeze my soups/broth in freezer bags of different sizes and freeze them flat - then just stack in the freezer
Still waiting on results of tests on DH - they gave him some antidepressants to calm him down - haven't been to ER in two weeks but yesterday he announced he was not going to keep taking them - yes tears streaming down my face made him change his mind - then CNN came on and he agreed again that stopping was not an option
Guns, oh my - have trouble understanding the need to own one (except for hunting) but that is just my Canadian upbringing I guess
RhodeIslandRenee said... 15 ... I
If I remember correctly, I think each of them have a certain cause that they devote themselves to much like NR's Just Say No campaign, Lady Bird's anti-litter campaign. While they don't have legislative power, per se, they do have the power of pillow talk. I can't think of a First Lady whose cause was deemed a failure. Oops, I forgot about Hillary's healthcare but she is still kicking and getting a lot of buzz with regard to 2016.
Working woman that was a beautiful poem
Butterfly that was very well said
Heather give it a rest.
Butterfly - thanks for everything you do - it is important and needs to be acknowledged.
I don't know if it's the same in the US, but here in Canada a very large percentage of the people in prisons have a diagnosable mental illness (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, ADHD, etc.)
Many are functionally illiterate, according to recent CBC documentaries.
In women's prisons, nearly 100% have been victims of physical and/or sexual abuse. There are treatment programs for them in prison but there have been cutbacks...money,money...
Treatment for men involves programs that have little or no connection to living outside a prison. Anger Management is a joke. I know because I taught it for two years. People know HOW to manage their anger - they choose not to, or are too mentally ill to make that choice.
Homeless people are not usually the ones who commit crimes.Equating homeless with mentally ill is wrong, IMO. Untreated mentally ill people who have been released from prison are responsible for a large number of crimes here in Canada, and I would guess in the US as well.
Pity Party I believe the name you're trying to come up with is Nancy Reagan. The decision wasn't made after a little pillow talk however but after years of discussions involving many parties. Read the following:
Ronald Reagan and the Commitment of the Mentally Ill:
Capital, Interest Groups, and the Eclipse of Social Policy
Introduction
Almost ten years after Ronald Reagan left office as president, the legacy of his administration continues to be studied. What is almost indisputable is that the changes in public policy that were implemented during the 1980s were sweeping and marked a turning point in American domestic policy. Faced with increasing competition from overseas, American business found it necessary to alter the social contract. This would require a realignment of the political economy so as to weaken labor unions and the social safety net. In Reagan, the Right found a spokesman capable of aligning conservatives, centrists, and working class whites. With this coalition, Reagan was able to bring about a number of reactionary changes in public policy (Alford, 1988).
This paper provides an illustration of this co-optation by examining the policies regarding involuntary commitment of the mentally ill. The shifts in such policies were not the result of overt attempts at change, but rather part of an overall effort to realign the political economy to be more profitable for business. The overall result was that political discourse shifted from a focus on social policy to a focus on fiscal policy. As such, social programs that necessitated financial outlays on the part of the federal government were overlooked in favour of policies that seemed less costly.
Still, the administration did not, and perhaps could not, act in isolation and without public support. But they didn't have to. By the middle of the 1970s, there was a consensus among interested groups that reform of the Mental Health Care System was n ecessary. Lobbying on the part of special interest groups and a commitment on the part of President Jimmy Carter led to passage of the Mental Health Systems Act.
http://www.sociology.org/content/vol003.004/thomas.html
Tuckers Mom...2
Thanks for the suggestion to add fresh ginger to chicken stock. I'm eager to try it. I also love the roasted flavor a carcass adds to a stock. It's becoming my favorite part of serving rotisserie chicken or turkey.
Lilly...20
I also freeze stock though I haven't tried the freezer bags. Good to know.
My posts are toggling between cooking and the horrors of yesterday. I guess it makes it a little easier to bear. Perhaps another benefit of chicken soup.
Butterfly 6 -When I posted, I hadn't read your post about the mentally ill in US prisons. It seems this is another way our countries are alike!
Our current politicians on this side of the border don't want to address this issue, and have a strong (and stupid) "Law and Order" policy that is just making things worse.
There were several posts about another blog, GWOP. There have been three posts since December 7. Not sure what went wrong there, but it appears that although it is still alive, it is not active, nor are there any "discussions." The blog brought much of the Jon and Kate story to life - sorry to see it in its decline.
Admin, I'd recommend watching this video. It explains why 24/7 coverage, in which you said you had no problem with, is so very, very wrong. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PezlFNTGWv4
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The shooting happened at 9:40. People were complaining a mere three hours later about 24/7 coverage. I said I have no problem with 24/7 coverage on one of the biggest shootings we've ever seen a mere THREE HOURS after it had happened!
Like Wyomissing and Toughkenamon?
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How do you say Wyomissing again? Someone here told me a long time ago but I've since forgotten.
How ironic that one of Reagan's sons is gay.
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None of Reagan's sons are gay. Just because he is a ballet dancer? Yikes, stereotype! They've both had long successful marriages to women. Ron is married to a woman since 1980. Michael has been married to a woman since 1975.
Sometime in the past, Milo has admitted that she has never met Kate, but nevertheless, Kate is a friend because Milo has come to know Kate and everything about her through their intense and personal internet relationship.
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Did anyone see the Catfish the TV Show episode where the guy and girl had been talking for TEN YEARS but he refused to meet her? Turns out it was because Matt was overweight and had low self esteem and really just wanted to look better when he met her--there was nothing else going on with him, no other hidden secret like they suspected.
I always thought Milo is just like him, AFRAID to meet Kate because she's afraid she can't measure up to what she thinks Kate thinks of her. She once mentioned something asking about how Kate pictures her, it was very odd, but indicative of someone worried that they can't measure up to the fantasy she thinks Kate has. Just like Matt in that Catfish episode, she would rather just keep talking to her online and let Kate have the fantasy, then risk bursting Kate's expectations by meeting in person, not measuring up, and perhaps losing her.
Thanks to whomever posted the stats on guns. We are always being led down the path of fear (why is that?) when it comes to guns.
I was a stauch, rabid, anti-gun person -- until I started looking into the stats and the legislation that is on the books today, as well as what has been happening in our country over the last few years.
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You're welcome heather you are a breath of fresh air girlfriend. If people realized how many people would die if they banned guns like they all say they want to, they wouldn't want to touch our right to have a gun. They would be horrified.
26 Moments that restored our Faith in Humanity There is hope for a country that is so filled with pain. In the light of the latest tragedy, I thought this article is extremely captivating and if you aren't moved to tears of compassion and hope, then your heart is made of stone (just kidding). It's a good article.
BTW, thanks for the kind thoughts and prayers on behalf of my co-workers cousin. The family is devastated beyond what is imaginable.
Anonymous said... 9
Words for thought ...
Thanks to whomever posted the stats on guns. We are always being led down the path of fear (why is that?) when it comes to guns.
I was a stauch, rabid, anti-gun person -- until I started looking into the stats and the legislation that is on the books today, as well as what has been happening in our country over the last few years.
And my eyes have been OPENED. Our civil liberties are being erroded. We are almost a police state, the laws/executive orders/Acts are all on the books. When they are implemented large scale, our country as we know it will cease to exist. Taking away our guns is part of that plan. Incidents like this drive the momentum to take away guns, petitions have already been started. And taking away guns, means taking away citizens rights.
Some terms you want to google to start getting a picture of our "freedoms": NDDA, Obama's executive orders, TSA checkpoints, TSA handcuffs, drones and [insert your local state/police force], UN gun control treaty. For a start. I was shaken to the core after I started realizing what is going on.
When reading, learn to spot the difference between weird conspiracy theories and cold, hard facts. Laws on the books are facts. Place and products that exist are facts. Why are they there?
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Why do you feel the constant need to tell others to "educate themselves?" You consistently imply that anyone who happens to disagree with one of your many theories is ignorant. No, sometimes people simply DISAGREE with you. It's really not difficult to fathom.
Could these anonymous persons PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pick a name. It's considerate to other posters who have difficulty figuring out which anonymous is posting. It's also the first rule of posting here. Even if if's "Pick A Name" ID! If that's not possible, then SIGN the post with something consistent, anything!
IF what Kate said was true about going to her kids' school to give them hugs today, I will give her credit for that. When something like this happens and kids are involved, your first thought goes out to the kids in your life.
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I agree, but you also have to put ahead selfish desires to just squeeze your babies and not disrupt their class. The way Kate tweeted it she made it SOUND like she swung by the school . But others pointed out it was a little too vague to tell for sure. So all I can say is I hope whenever she hugged the kids, it wasn't done in a manner that was disruptive, embarrassing, or scary for them. I think a lot of us were very skeptical she behave appropriately because unfortunately we have a history of how Kate acts in stressful situations, and it hasn't been healthy for little kids to see. Exhibit A. New Zealand sky walk thing, she ends up curled up in a ball sobbing, her parentified kids trying to comfort her.
I do not mean to be unkind at all, but there was something especially weird about the way Milo was trying to engage Kate in the wake of such a horrific event, what with her gushing over how wonderful it was of Kate to drive to her kids' school and with her "life moves on" tweet ot Kate.
I don't know Milo, and I don't claim to, and I am sure she is a great person (although I am weirded out by her infatuation). But you almost can't help but wonder if the FIRST thing she thought when she heard this news was, "Must tweet Kate and see how she feels about this! I have to see what she tweeted"
That's just the unsettling impression I get. I know that some people were talking on this blog yesterday about whether or not Kate was being truthful about going to her children's school and hugging them, etc etc, but that was clearly just an afterthought on our part.
Milo... basically tried to make this heartwrenching tragedy about Kate.
Working Woman I totally agree. I also think with her "life goes on" tweet she was trying as quickly as possible to urge Kate back on her regular schedule of tweeting stupid shit, because that's what Milo lives for. It is not in Milo's best interest to have Kate go twitter silent or to keep tweeting things about the tragedy. That does nothing to let Milo into her world. Even Kate herself is telling Milo it's NOT just another day it's NOT time to move on yet.
I think this tweet this morning from Kate is actually completely unselfish and appropriate (she didn't even mention her own kids), she is being way more appropriate than Milo: "Kate Gosselin @Kateplusmy8 The sun is shining likes its just another day;it's not.1st thought on my mind? Omg it was a REAL life nightmare..Praying 4 all of u in Ct."
I would pay to see the Milo episode of Catfish. Maybe someone should email Nev about our situation!
Milo needs to shut up.
Yes time will go on but right now those parents/spouses are in agony.
And she/he needs to realize this so Milo (STFU) plz. & get out of Kate's azz.
Also even if Reagan's sons were gay who the hell cares?
Realitytvkids.com (Administrator) said... 37
Well I did say "IF". I also wonder if Kate even knew what was going on, until her "tweeties"(especially Milo), pointed it out.
I would really like to believe that Kate didn't jump on this just to make it all about herself and her "supermom" status. But I have my doubts...
I really do wish I could tell you how many captures/arrests/preventions/cell break ups my shop alone is responsible for. You might change your mind about NDAA/Patriot Act, etc.
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Why isn't this public knowledge? If we are making such great strides why isn't the public told after the terrorists have been captured, that a threat was eliminated? I'm not talking about the plans/strategy beforehand, I'm talking about capture, mission over, LOOK WHAT WE DID TO PROTECT YOU.
Why is it news when a guy who is preparing for disasters has his home invaded by a 150 person SWAT team that "happens to be in the area" is front page on YAHOO, yet an Iraqi refugee places and detonates a bomb at a federal building and the is NOT in the MSM news?
And
Why do you feel the constant need to tell others to "educate themselves?" You consistently imply that anyone who happens to disagree with one of your many theories is ignorant. No, sometimes people simply DISAGREE with you. It's really not difficult to fathom.
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Because I thought *I* was educated as to what was going on in the world. I wasn't. My eyes were opened once I stopped depending on MSM for all of my information. And did my own research as to what our laws/orders really mean and the implications behind them. We need to get out of the opinion pieces and pablum, and look at the wording behind the legislation.
Did you know if the president wants to go to war, he can without consulting Congress? He can just pull the trigger himself, with no input from anyone. That was one of his executive orders. That, again, is not an agree//disagree, it's a fact.
The truth is, I could be stopped by a cop, YOU could be stopped, arrested, whisked away, no charges/no trial, and permanently detained. Any of us could. That's the truth. It's not a point of agree/disagree. It's a fact. But people ignore it/pretend it doesn't exist. Because we are told it makes us all "safer."
heather
Also even if Reagan's sons were gay who the hell cares?
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No one. I never understood why people think it's "ironic" for a Republican to have a gay child. That's sort of like saying it's "ironic" for a Democrat to have a straight one.
Admin, it is pronounced:
wy-o-MISS-ing
I bet Milo did tell Kate about the shooting.
Why?
Kate said herself that she doesn't pay attention to the news or current worldly events.
Thanks. When I read it I always want to start pronouncing it the way you would say Wyoming and four syllables seems like one too many.
We now know that the shooter was not admitted to the school and he was not buzzed in, according to the police press conference. Perhaps the front office/receptionist should be armed. If it's that easy to break into a school, then a state-of-the-art security system is not going to do any good.
However, what if someone tries to break in through another entrance? What is the answer?
Why isn't this public knowledge?
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Why aren't many things public knowledge?
In tragedies like this, I often think of the parents whose child may not have been feeling well, or who didn't want to go to school that day, and the parent made the decision to send the child anyway...and then something like this happens.
Or conversely, the child who should have been in school and by some act of fate, stayed home that particular day and was spared becoming a victim.
The same is true in plane crashes - a person who was supposed to be on the plane but missed the flight. Everyone was killed, and that person is safe. Was there divine intervention, or was it just the luck of the draw?
Because I thought *I* was educated as to what was going on in the world. I wasn't. My eyes were opened once I stopped depending on MSM for all of my information. And did my own research as to what our laws/orders really mean and the implications behind them.
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I'm not a big fan of the implication those with different opinions don't also depend on multiple sources for information, don't seek out sources that are not mainstream, and haven't done their own, often rather extensive, research.
This tweet from her teenage fan is almost as disturbing as the tweets from Milo.
emcr68
@Kateplusmy8 give my kiddies an extra big hug from me too today. Xoxo
If I were Kate, I would totally be freaked out by tweets like this. "My kiddies"? Really?
The more I think about it the more I'm convinced now Milo will NEVER meet Kate. Milo can't risk bursting Kate's fantasy and perhaps losing Kate. She would much rather play it safe and just be internet best friends.
Uh-oh.
miloandjack
@Kateplusmy8 Despite the horror of this day...the sun will arise again 2morrow...a new child will be born & life will go on! #LiveLifeFully
----------
Kateplusmy8
1 hour ago via TwitterrificTwitter.
The sun is shining likes its just another day;it's not.1st thought on my mind? Omg it was a REAL life nightmare..Praying 4 all of u in Ct.
*************
Good Lord. I FINALLY agree with something Kate said.
Milo disingenuously blew smoke up Kate's skirt at a very inappropriate time. Back off, Milo.
You're turning Kate off.
God bless all the innocent people that lost their lives yesterday. And God bless & protect the families, and friends they left behind.
Good Lord. I FINALLY agree with something Kate said.
Milo disingenuously blew smoke up Kate's skirt at a very inappropriate time. Back off, Milo.
You're turning Kate off.
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Amen! Frankly I almost want to cheer for Kate putting Milo in her place. Now that you've posted Kate's tweets I see that was clearly a DIRECT response to Milo telling her to back the F off. It is NOT just another day Milo life is NOT going on.
Oh God I'm saying it I'm saying it oh God: GO KATE!!!
I appreciate Kate's kind, compassionate, very selfless tweet this morning.
Sheeple who say that Kate can do no right in our eyes no matter what, very untrue. We are able to appreciate when she does put herself and her life aside and mourn for others.
Here's to keeping Newtown CT in our hearts
Did you know if the president wants to go to war, he can without consulting Congress? He can just pull the trigger himself, with no input from anyone. That was one of his executive orders. That, again, is not an agree//disagree, it's a fact.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Initially, yes, but you're omitting some of the "facts." He can send in troops for combat, but Congress must be notified within a time frame to withdraw troops, and then he must have approval of Congress to go forward and declare war. If Congress doesn't approve, there will be no funding. It would be a short-lived war.
A Pink Straight Jacket For Kate said... 54
I agree--for once, Kate tweeted something appropriate without making it about herself. I do give her kudos for that. She actually said what many are feeling...
Not only was her tweet reserved and appropriate but she finally put that creepy fan of hers in her place. What a world.
I almost hope that Milo doesn't realize that Kate was challenging her or trying to put her in her place .... all hell might break loose if she thinks Kate is upset with her!
This tweet from her teenage fan is almost as disturbing as the tweets from Milo.
emcr68
@Kateplusmy8 give my kiddies an extra big hug from me too today. Xoxo
------------
This is from the fan in Connecticut who watched Kate's kids at the race. I guess they are now "her" kiddies. There are some very brazen fans out there who imagine themselves to be part of Kate's family. How will this all end?
That's the fan holding one of the kids in her lap. Her lap! Let a fan hold a kid next thing you know they're "her" kiddies. Wtf!
I almost hope that Milo doesn't realize that Kate was challenging her or trying to put her in her place .... all hell might break loose if she thinks Kate is upset with her!
-------------
No worries. Milo is back-pedaling...
miloandjack
@Kateplusmy8 GM Kate. My sentiments as well. Can't imagine what its like 4parents/family members 2see this day & come 2grips w/sad reality!
Working Woman said... 60
I almost hope that Milo doesn't realize that Kate was challenging her or trying to put her in her place .... all hell might break loose if she thinks Kate is upset with her!
====
Milo is smoothing things over already.
@Kateplusmy8 GM Kate. My sentiments as well. Can't imagine what its like 4parents/family members 2see this day & come 2grips w/sad reality!
And changing the subject quickly by tweeting about her 92-year-old aunt in a hospice.
Well...as if our hearts R not heavy enuf...more bad news 4us 2day. Call fr hospice...my auntie has suddenly taken a turn 4the worse. :(
miloandjack
@Kateplusmy8 Despite the horror of this day...the sun will arise again 2morrow...a new child will be born & life will go on! #LiveLifeFully
I can't believe Milo had the nerve to tweet this. "Life will go on"? Yes, I'm sure that's what many parents and relatives in CT are thinking today while mourning the children they lost.
After Kate made her very appropriate comment today, Milo then backtracked a bit:
miloandjack
@Kateplusmy8 GM Kate. My sentiments as well. Can't imagine what its like 4parents/family members 2see this day & come 2grips w/sad reality!
Milo is way off base with her tweets and Kate is right on. After 9/11, yes, we did say the sun will rise tomorrow and we will go on as Americans, but this is a horse of a different color.
Blowing smoke up Kate's ass, indeed. Glad Kate didn't take that bait and took a stand with a declarative statement (for once).
I too awoke with the savage killings on my mind and it did feel more real.
Has anyone else noticed that soooo many tv reporters/anchors could barely hold it together. I saw so many of them getting choked up, even cry, and be at a loss for words. I never saw this during 9/11.
I thought about 9/11 a lot last night. I was reminded of the hospitals that stood ready on the sidewalks of lower Manhattan, gurneys lined up, doctors and nurses ready to receive mass casualties.
No victims came.
Danbury hospital's staff, having been mobilized for mass trauma, experienced the same heart wrenching realization, as they waited, emergency bays at the ready, that after 2 DOA's, there were no injured patients that would cross their threshold.
Worse, I can not begin to fathom the sinking, soul-crushing feeling that some parents had as they realized at the Volunteer Fire Dept, that there were no more children being shuttled there from the school to be reunited with their families.
Admin, I'm sorry just to clarify, that fan held one of Kate's kids on her lap???
First of all, SO incredibly disturbing of her to describe them as 'her' kids. Just. I can't even.
Secondly, I thought it bothered Kate so much when that one guy tried to get the kids to sit on his lap at that one television appearance the family went to, so much so that they determined a body guard was necessary. That's her story on the origin of Steve.
So why is it okay for some fans to do that but not others?
NO strangers should be holding the kids on their laps or referring to them as "my" kids.
That's the fan holding one of the kids in her lap. Her lap! Let a fan hold a kid next thing you know they're "her" kiddies. Wtf!
----------------
I know I'm an over-protective parent. I admit it. It's a fact of life here. However, even if I weren't, I would NEVER, in Kate's situation, let a stranger hold my kids in his/her lap. I don't care if it's a fan or not, of if a bodyguard is right there, it wouldn't happen.
@Kateplusmy8
The sun is shining likes its just another day;it's not.1st thought on my mind? Omg it was a REAL life nightmare..Praying 4 all of u in Ct.
**************
An appropriate, compassionate tweet from Kate - for once selfless!
Heather, respectfully, I think that the problem that some are having with your posts is that you seem to imply that readers here are not too smart and need to be educated. I've found that most of the people who post here are very educated, both through book knowledge and experience. Some may feel insulted when you constantly stress the need to get the facts.
This is from the fan in Connecticut who watched Kate's kids at the race. I guess they are now "her" kiddies. There are some very brazen fans out there who imagine themselves to be part of Kate's family. How will this all end?
*******
The mere fact that no harm has come to the kids, despite being offered up to the world for it's entertainment, and despite being left in the care of a young woman or two while Kate galavants hither, tither and yon with body guard, leaving kids sans security, is a miracle.
Maybe? Mayyyyyyyyybeeeeeee? This will be a wake up call for Kate to stop wantonly leaving her kids for no good reason because she needs mommy time. And stop making their life and images public in any form.
Their anonymity and privacy, what they can garner after such extreme exposure, will afford them more protection from evil like this shooter.
Get it now, Kate?
Working Woman said..88
I don't know Milo, and I don't claim to, and I am sure she is a great person (although I am weirded out by her infatuation). But you almost can't help but wonder if the FIRST thing she thought when she heard this news was, "Must tweet Kate and see how she feels about this! I have to see what she tweeted"
_________________________________________
LOL, Right?? When does an obsession become unhealthy? Has Milo reached that point (and others similar to Milo- I am not trying to pick on that one person). Is this a sign of mental illness? I am not making fun, I am genuinely curious. Is obsession with stars something to be concerned about (beyond the obvious- danger to the star). Can the fan be a danger to themselves? To their family? To random strangers? Is this obsession a problem that will snowball out of control, leading to eventual incapability of leading day to day activities? Like I said, I am a curious person by nature, I could have 12 degrees and still want to learn more! :D
I'm not giving Kate kudos for doing what comes naturally to mothers who don't have a me-first disorder.
In a week she'll be back to her old abnormal self.
Blowing In The Wind said... 70
Heather, respectfully, I think that the problem that some are having with your posts is that you seem to imply that readers here are not too smart and need to be educated. I've found that most of the people who post here are very educated, both through book knowledge and experience. Some may feel insulted when you constantly stress the need to get the facts.
___________________________________________
Blowing in the Wind,
Thank you. It's especially frustrating when she posts to get the facts and some of us actually have more facts than she does. Sigh.
Fans need to realize (and many never will) that the Gosselin children are not treasure troves that everybody oogles over and should try to get their hands on.
They are 8 and 12 year olds. They are people, with personalities, wishes, desires, rights. Gosh, I think they are great kids but I wouldn't even WANT to hold them on my lap or hug them or anything, nor would I have wanted to when they were three. That's a violation of their personal space and privacy!!
Are they, and were they, ever comfortable sitting in strangers' laps? They were exposed to strangers at such a young age, so it's possible that they were, but Kate should know that just because kids are comfortable with something, that doesn't mean it's safe or appropriate. Kids also want to go to the moon I'm sure.
YE this fan held one of the kids in her lap. Maybe someone can fin the twitter picture. It wasn't just she talked about it we have a PHOTO of it.
This fan was allowed I guess because she looked innocent enough. WHATEVER.
Tucker, I think the mentality of 9-11 to get right back out there was because there was a clear enemy, terrorism, and we couldn't let them defeat us. I have no problem with trying to get back to normal ASAP when that kind of thing happens. In this case yes it's something completely different and Milo's sun is shining tweet was incredibly inappropriate. When even Kate, queen of all narcissists, realizes that really wasn't right, it's bad.
Fans need to realize (and many never will) that the Gosselin children are not treasure troves that everybody oogles over and should try to get their hands on.
They are 8 and 12 year olds. They are people, with personalities, wishes, desires, rights.
&&&&
I've said this many times but what pisses me off the most when the fans talk about wanting to meet them, or ask about them, or want them back on T.V. they never, not once EVER, qualify it with "That is only IF the kids wants to." It's not even a consideration. They are COMMODITIES to them, robots who are not real people. It doesn't even cross their minds they might not want to sit on a fan's lap, they might not want info about them to be tweeted, might not want to be at a race event with a bunch of creepy fans in the first place, might not wish to go back on T.V., hang out with creepy fans on a cruise, or all the other creepy things the fans want from them.
I don't claim to know how each individual kid feels but I certainly wouldn't dream of asking or expecting anything for them without their feelings being taken into account. What is wrong with them? I thought we've come much further than this when it came to respecting a child as a person. They treat Kate as the gatekeeper Kate as the one who makes all the decisions without ONCE taking into account what the kids may want even if it's different than what Kate is willing to let them do. Come on fans, a couple of those kids were CRYING at that race event in Connecticut. Wake up.
butterfly,
*thank you*
I know I'm an over-protective parent. I admit it. It's a fact of life here. However, even if I weren't, I would NEVER, in Kate's situation, let a stranger hold my kids in his/her lap. I don't care if it's a fan or not, of if a bodyguard is right there, it wouldn't happen.
&&&
Oh god this doesn't even come close to being overprotective. Even UNDER protective parents wouldn't let such a thing. I don't care if it's the safest fan in the world (and how can you possibly know this anyway???), what does that teach kids about BOUNDARIES?
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER PERIOD. PERIOD!
Even animals don't let strangers of their own kind around their kids.
LOL, Right?? When does an obsession become unhealthy? Has Milo reached that point (and others similar to Milo- I am not trying to pick on that one person). Is this a sign of mental illness? I am not making fun, I am genuinely curious. Is obsession with stars something to be concerned about (beyond the obvious- danger to the star). Can the fan be a danger to themselves? To their family? To random strangers? Is this obsession a problem that will snowball out of control, leading to eventual incapability of leading day to day activities? Like I said, I am a curious person by nature, I could have 12 degrees and still want to learn more! :D
-------------
It's called Celebrity Worship Syndrome. There is some very good information about it on the internet, including the stages. According to psychologists, it is a very real illness.
Anonymous said... 43
I really do wish I could tell you how many captures/arrests/preventions/cell break ups my shop alone is responsible for. You might change your mind about NDAA/Patriot Act, etc.
___
Why isn't this public knowledge? If we are making such great strides why isn't the public told after the terrorists have been captured, that a threat was eliminated? I'm not talking about the plans/strategy beforehand, I'm talking about capture, mission over, LOOK WHAT WE DID TO PROTECT YOU.
Why is it news when a guy who is preparing for disasters has his home invaded by a 150 person SWAT team that "happens to be in the area" is front page on YAHOO, yet an Iraqi refugee places and detonates a bomb at a federal building and the is NOT in the MSM news?
And
Why do you feel the constant need to tell others to "educate themselves?" You consistently imply that anyone who happens to disagree with one of your many theories is ignorant. No, sometimes people simply DISAGREE with you. It's really not difficult to fathom.
____
Because I thought *I* was educated as to what was going on in the world. I wasn't. My eyes were opened once I stopped depending on MSM for all of my information. And did my own research as to what our laws/orders really mean and the implications behind them. We need to get out of the opinion pieces and pablum, and look at the wording behind the legislation.
Did you know if the president wants to go to war, he can without consulting Congress? He can just pull the trigger himself, with no input from anyone. That was one of his executive orders. That, again, is not an agree//disagree, it's a fact.
The truth is, I could be stopped by a cop, YOU could be stopped, arrested, whisked away, no charges/no trial, and permanently detained. Any of us could. That's the truth. It's not a point of agree/disagree. It's a fact. But people ignore it/pretend it doesn't exist. Because we are told it makes us all "safer."
heather
___________________________________________
Seriously, if you have to ask why isnt it pubic knowledge then you have little understanding of how intelligence works. Let me try to explain- In the intelligence community, we use means of gaining intelligence that we cannot let our adversaries know- otherwise, heather, they will STOP us from gaining that intelligence. For example, say a cop is undercover and sits in unmarked car watching drug deals in a park. Then, the dealer finds out about the cop in the unmarked car- so he stops his operation there and takes it elsewhere. Intelligence over. Understand now. We cannot tell the world our victories because that would give away how we got our intelligence. That will never happen. You keep going on about Legislation and laws about how the government can detain you, etc, and you dont even know the half of it, so please, just stop. Until you get a top secret clearance, and a need to know, you will never know the full extent of laws. Unless you plan terrorist activities, you are safe. The government just doesnt care about you. I promise.
I wonder if Celebrity Worship Syndrome is just one of many ways that people express a much deeper mental disturbance like severe depression maybe or schizophrenia. I.e. some people are violent, some people withdraw from society, others latch onto celebs. Is it a separate thing or just an expression of something else?
Blowing in the Wind,
Thank you, I shall look up Celebrity Worship syndrome.
Admin 77 They are COMMODITIES to them, robots who are not real people
BINGO. Dead on. Do you think Kate knows this???
My mommy (lol, still call her that) is overprotective, by anyone's standards. I am 23 and still have to text her the minute I get anywhere, whether it be a restaurant or a party, or anywhere, and the minute I get home. If she calls and I don't pick up once, she immediately calls my twin sister. She likes to be familiar with my friends and their personalities/interests, just so she knows what type of people I am associating with.
I love my mother dearly. Oftentimes, I get frustrated with how she worries, and am bothered when I accidentally forget to text her and she becomes panicked.
HOWEVER, I wouldn't change it, because I know that it's because she loves me deeply and cares about my safety and well-being above anything else (including my opinion on her behavior). This is how she shows it.
And I can say, as certain as I am sitting here right now, that she NEVER never, under any circumstance, in a million trillion years, for any amount of money or fame in the world, would have allowed a stranger to sit me on his or her lap, at any age, and refer to me as their kiddie.
Thank you, my extraordinary mother.
Admin-here's the picture of the teenage fan with the Gosselin kids:
http://twitter.com/ChaseYurgaitis/status/211994529786642433/photo/1/large
Stranger: kids come with me.
Kids: you're a stranger.
Stranger: no no I'm a fan and friend of your moms.
Would the kids go with them then?
Kateplusmy8
1 hour ago via TwitterrificTwitter.
The sun is shining likes its just another day;it's not.1st thought on my mind? Omg it was a REAL life nightmare..Praying 4 all of u in Ct.
***********************************************
Good onya Kate.
Butterfly 81. Thank for for this statement AND for all you do.
CNN is showing photos of the home of the shooter's mother. This is a gorgeous neighborhood, beautiful, large home on what looks to be a substantial piece of property. Those who want to shoot, will...mental illness of this sort is no respecter of class or wealth.
Despite previous reports, police will not confirm that although the guns belonged to her, that they were "legally" registered, whatever that means. They were not guns that would have been used in hunting, but were guns designed for offensive or defensive shooting.
Just so I'm clear...
WE are the bullies. WE harrass Kate. WE need to get lives of our and leave Kate alone.
And yet....
when was the last time one of us sat a Gosselin child on our lap and called them "my kiddies"??
Heather said...Did you know if the president wants to go to war, he can without consulting Congress? He can just pull the trigger himself, with no input from anyone. That was one of his executive orders. That, again, is not an agree//disagree, it's a fact.
______________________________________________
Not so. Here's an explanation of the War Powers Resolution enacted in 1973:
War Powers Resolution:
Presidential Compliance
Stranger: kids come with me.
Kids: you're a stranger.
Stranger: no no I'm a fan and friend of your moms.
Would the kids go with them then?
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Would she let Milo babysit the kids while she went out on the town with a "potential suitor?"
when was the last time one of us sat a Gosselin child on our lap and called them "my kiddies"??
*****
Right?
Kate can tweet imbecilic platitude all she wants, but that's nothing more than smoke and mirrors.
None of us wants to get at the kids, hold them, squeeze them, play with them. We don't know them! We KNOW we don't know them from Adam, but the fans don't see it that way.
That's where the danger lies and I hope than these obsessive fans don't turn dangerous and/or become bold one day when they decide knowing the kids virtually isn't good enough.
The world can be a dangerous place. A mother's job is to protect her children from the world, not offer them up to it..for boob tube entertainment, of all things.
I don't believe that we can entirely protect our children from someone who is determined to commit an act of evil. This school did all the right things. This maniac shot the windows out to get into the school. He was determined. I am also a believer in the 2nd amendment. I have gone thru extensive training in order to be able to carry a firearm and to use it competently and safely. My hope is that anyone considering purchasing a firearm, take all of the necessary training to make yourself comfortable in the fact that you know how to use it safely and how to keep it safe from someone taking it out of your house without your knowledge. Owning a gun is a right that comes with great responsibility.
Marie
Kokomo 92...
Well the offer to do something for Kate would get Milo so hot and bothered that I doubt she'd be able to perform the job competently.
Terrifying thought indeed.
Not so. Here's an explanation of the War Powers Resolution enacted in 1973:
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Posters upthread pointed out the inaccuracies of Heather's "facts." If you want to enlighten others, then you better be darn sure that what you put forth is correct.
Admin 86, from the far too much I've seen of these kids, they seem to be smart, logical, with good heads on their shoulders.
So I hope to Gd that they would not be fooled that way. I hope Kate would protect them so that they never could be tricked in that way.
So I hope to Gd that they would not be fooled that way. I hope Kate would protect them so that they never could be tricked in that way.
$$$
By confusing the kids by letting them sit in a fans lap she is eroding every bit of common sense and smarts they would probably normally have. That's the problem. She is blurring and eroding their common sense boundaries.
Well the offer to do something for Kate would get Milo so hot and bothered that I doubt she'd be able to perform the job competently.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
LOL!! Can you imagine the drill that Milo would put a potential suitor through when he came to pick up Kate? She'd nervously wait by the door for her to come home, peering out the window every two seconds, and if she wasn't back at the time Milo thought she should be back, Milo would call her every five minutes demanding to know where she was and what she was doing!
Admin said ... By confusing the kids by letting them sit in a fans lap she is eroding every bit of common sense and smarts they would probably normally have. That's the problem. She is blurring and eroding their common sense boundaries.
Very true. Sigh.
I imagine one of the hardest things about your children is to help them find the balance of seeing the best in others without being TOO trusting. You want your kids to think of the people around them as generally good and trustworthy, and to live life without doubting everyone and everything. Having said that, it's important to teach them common sense and, as you said, boundaries.
I imagine that that's a struggle for every mother. Kate needs to balance it better, that's for sure.
Kokomo, I am laughing at loud, which I really needed.
It is nervous, creeped-out laughter, but laughter nontheless.
Long time reader here, though this is my first post. Started coming here for the snark, stayed for the camaraderie.
This thread has really hit home, and I mean that so literally. Reading all of the posts regarding the CT shooting, then having the memories of 9/11 and the DC Sniper have really brought out the PTSD in me. I lived in Arlington, VA just 2 blocks off Route 50 during those horrific events. I had 2 children in grade school (one in Kindergarten) at the time and worked at another school. I heard and felt the plane hit the Pentagon. Yes, I did go get my children, as we did not know if there was more to come & if we might need to evacuate. A principal at one of the schools lost her husband in that attack and stayed with her school. Another hero of that awful day. After that, all the schools in the area had to put "Shelter in Place" into effect. We had to have the ability to keep the entire student body in place for up to 3 days - food, water & extra clothes (this was a preschool). By the grace of God we did not have to use it. Strangest part? The eery quiet in the skies, as Reagan National Airport was so close by - the quiet only to be broken by the sudden scrambling of a military jet (which never failed to panic me).
Then came the sniper. Weeks and weeks of keeping kids indoors. Driving 3 blocks to school - which would have otherwise seemed frivolous. Kids running as fast as they can from the front door of your home into the car, then into school. Weighing just how badly you needed to go to the grocery store. The Home Depot was just a few miles from my home at the time. Oh, and lest we forget - we also had the anthrax scare during this time.
I now live on the edge of Berks & Montgomery counties (PA), where we are in proximity to a nuclear power plant - which is always another stress inducing thought. Since moving here, I had another child, who is now in...Kindergarten. When my children got off their buses yesterday you betcha I hugged them as much as I could. My now 16-year-old immediately wanted to know where his little sister was, as he wanted to hug her, too. He was the one who was a kindergartener in 2001. Yes, he remembers it all, and up until yesterday I thought he was okay.
Now about Craigslist Joe. Haven't watched it yet myself, but up thread someone mentioned the sad irony of CT happening during this discussion. My thoughts went to Anne Frank, though living through the most heinous of times, wrote: "In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart." There's more to the quote, and there are so many others, but I would also like to believe that what she said was true. At least I pray it is true.
(p.s. Sorry for the long post!)
By confusing the kids by letting them sit in a fans lap she is eroding every bit of common sense and smarts they would probably normally have. That's the problem. She is blurring and eroding their common sense boundaries.
********
It's nuances like this that children that age can not discern. Once again, Kate is imparting far more insight and development to the children that they simply do not possess, lovely as they all are.
Crew cameras are good, but P-people cameras are bad. How does a child discern? By mimicking Kate, sure, but otherwise they can not tell the difference.
And that's just one example.
Kokomo, I am laughing at loud, which I really needed.
It is nervous, creeped-out laughter, but laughter nontheless.
%%%%%%%%%
The really creepy thing is that the scenario is not a snark. That is exactly what would happen. Once a Gladys Kravitz, always a Gladys Kravitz!
Milo would get tired waiting up for Kate. She'd tell Kate no more dates -- that next time she should just be satisfied with Grow-A-Boyfriend. Much less stress on Milo...
Yet another diehard sheeple weighs in:
"This kind of tragedy happens because of bullies like on Kate's Twitter feed. They're sickening."
Does she realize how dismissive this is of the families in Newtown? Does she realized how much this diminshed what little credibility she had?
Even Kate got it right, for once. Kate 1, sheeple 0.
Martlet said... 102
****
Welcome, great post!
Forgot about the anthrax. DH's place of work had a trailer brought in and placed in the parking lot of the building, just to receive the mail and screen it.
Yes, going shopping was terrifying and the feeling of being able to go about my normal business after those bastards were caught was wonderful.
I remember finally decorating my house for fall with mums and pumpkins and a hay bail. I felt elated and free.
I can't imagine having young children at the time. Oh, the worry!
I promise, promise, I'm not trying to shit stir, honest to goodness.
I'm just wondering with all the NEVER, NEVER, in a million years is it okay for a child to sit in a stranger's lap...how many of us have taken our child(ren) to the local mall at Christmas time to have their photo taken with Santa?
No one besides me did that? Should I feel like a horrible parent because I did? Is it even the same thing?
All I'm saying really, is that we should be careful with blanket statements that may contradict a very common action and possibly alienate others.
I get that we're talking about Kate letting a fan, a stranger, plop one of her kids on their lap for a photo that ended up on the internet and it really isn't the same thing.
I dunno, just something that jumped out at me when I read all the "Never, Never, Never". And hey, my kids are 24 and 17 now and I avoid the malls this time of year, is it even still something a lot of people are doing?
I sincerely hope no one takes offense to this comment because I really did not intend any at all.
Does she realize how dismissive this is of the families in Newtown? Does she realized how much this diminshed what little credibility she had?
==========
Wasn't this the one with the hole in her heart, blood pressure of 500/300 and failing kidneys? Did she ever have any credibility?
Kokomo, Cocktails and Dreams said... 96
Posters upthread pointed out the inaccuracies of Heather's "facts." If you want to enlighten others, then you better be darn sure that what you put forth is correct.
___________________________________________
Why the snarky reply to me?
More links:
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/political-science/17-471-american-national-security-policy-fall-2002/readings/TheWarPowersActof1973.pdf
http://www.loc.gov/law/help/war-powers.php
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/warpower.asp
http://www.policyalmanac.org/world/archive/war_powers_resolution.shtml
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/chapter-33
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/1544
===
Never mind, you don't need to reply. I've got things to do.
Santa Claus is Santa Claus, not a stranger. Kids are perfectly capable of understanding the difference.
I'm just wondering with all the NEVER, NEVER, in a million years is it okay for a child to sit in a stranger's lap...how many of us have taken our child(ren) to the local mall at Christmas time to have their photo taken with Santa?
*****
Sheri, you're a great poster here, but WHAT THE WHAT???
You can not compare taking the kid to see Santa, in front of you, in front of crowds, to leaving your kids on some strangers lap, in a far away town while you dilly dally and socialize.
Santa doesn't follow you on Twitter. Santa doesn't feel like he knows your child. Santa doesn't watch your kid in various stages of undress, pooping and peeing. Santa doesn't miss your kids on TV and want them to be filmed. At all!
Kids sit on Santa's lap, take a photo, then leave. And, the memories of that experience are for you and your child. Santa gets paid to put up with smelly, pee-stained, whining kids and then goes home and washes the stink off (hey, I love kids but could never do that for a buck!)
That's just nefarious to malign Santas like that.
Rhymes they tried to imply we were bullying here the other night. I bet it was that very same person who tweeted that. They confuse bullying with whistleblowing. They insult true victims of bullies by implying Kate is bullied. I doubt ANYONE here would have bullied this 20 year old man, or anyone. There is no evidence whatsoever this had anything to do with bullying, and all the evidence in the world it has everything to do with mental illness.
Yeah really. Santa doesn't know your kids or is stalking them. Santa is there having hundreds of kids pile through and sit on his lap. Also I would be shocked if most stores these days don't do a thorough background check of any Santa they hire. I didn't see Emily interested in any of the other kids at that race. She was interested in the GOSSELINS. FANS ARE TAKING A SPECIFIC INTEREST IN YOUR SPECIFIC KIDS, unlike a store Santa.
I'm just wondering with all the NEVER, NEVER, in a million years is it okay for a child to sit in a stranger's lap...how many of us have taken our child(ren) to the local mall at Christmas time to have their photo taken with Santa?
%%%%%%%%
Ah, but Santas don't tweet to the mothers of those children asking about "his kiddies," nor do they insert themselves into the lives of those he holds on his lap for a minute or so. There's a world of difference between fans who may or may not be unstable, but strangers nonetheless. I never heard of a Santa who, if ignored by a child's parent, becomes a danger to the mother or father.
For what it's worth...
Martlet welcome.
So many DC people here. How amazing 10 years later we can reflect on our common experiences and feelings through the sniper nightmare. I wish we had known each other then.
Tucker's Mom,
you had too many great posts, you keep hitting the nail on the head.
Sheri 107,
I can truthfully say my kid has never had a pic taken with Santa, but not for the stranger danger reason, LOL. Good point! But would you believe for about 6 years of her earliest years I avoided Toys R US and the malls at xmas time because I read that is when most child snatchings occur, and at the mall I shopped at a baby was kidnapped, so I did keep her at home in December. Oh, the joys of being a young, first time parent.
Why the snarky reply to me?
%%%%%%
Sorry, sorry, sorry! The reply was NOT to you. The "you" in my post was a generic YOU, meaning in this case, someone such as Heather who puts out facts but the "facts" are not facts! I agree with you...her "facts" about the President declaring war were not accurate!
Tucker's Mom,
Santa doesn't follow me on Twitter? Then how does he know if I am naughty or nice? ;)
Some of you have mentioned Pioneer Woman. She has a show on Food Network and I just'sort of' watched 2 episodes while running at the gym. I didn't listen, but was really struck by how happy she seems. She never stopped smiling the entire hour, and her beaming was brighter when the family was around. She is truly crazy about them all and it shows. It was so nice to see.
Santa has to have a background check before kiddos sit on his lap.......everyone who works with kids does, even at churches.
All of you sharing your DC sniper area experiences, so fascinating to hear first hand accounts- this is way better than a documentary. Sorry you all went through it, but it is interesting to hear you share your experiences. Sounds like it was war zone, stress levels must have been immensely high. I cannot imagine.
They insult true victims of bullies by implying Kate is bullied. 112
Admin, I agree wholeheartedly. There is no evidence (to date) that this young man was bullied.
What has come out so far indicates serious mental health issues.
butterfly said... 118
Tucker's Mom,
Santa doesn't follow me on Twitter? Then how does he know if I am naughty or nice? ;)
******
butterfly, it sounds like you're fighting the good fight. You deserve a rumspringa and a couple whoopie pies!
Kokomo, Cocktails and Dreams said... 117
Why the snarky reply to me?
%%%%%%
Sorry, sorry, sorry! The reply was NOT to you. The "you" in my post was a generic YOU, meaning in this case, someone such as Heather who puts out facts but the "facts" are not facts! I agree with you...her "facts" about the President declaring war were not accurate!
________________________________
Oh! Thanks for the reply then. :)
Wow, okay. I just said it popped into my head.
You know, I was going to post that as Anon but thought I'd own it, like you all insist is better for the blog "community". But now I see exactly why some decide to post that way.
I think it's time for me to say, "So long and thanks for all the fish."
It was really nice to "meet" so many like minded people, I've really enjoyed and learned a lot from all the conversations.
As I said, I meant absolutely no offense to anyone, I'm sorry so many of you took it that way anyway.
Whoa there Santa lover! No one took offense. We just didn't see it as the same thing at all and were confused how it could possibly be compared to anything at all like a fan. It's not personal for goodness sake.
As I said, I meant absolutely no offense to anyone, I'm sorry so many of you took it that way anyway.
*****
Sheri, we disagree, that's all! No one dislikes you now, if I may speak for us here. You were respectful and not offensive. I just thought it a silly comparison and hey, I've been in the minority here more than once, but I will not take my ball and go home. There's just too much to gain, despite our disagreeing at times.
I said my piece and it's done. There's no harm or foul here.
Please reconsider. You've been a great part of the community.
Think about it.
Thanks.
Martlet, welcome. Please stay. Your post was thoughtful. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
Sheri, you asked a question. Others answered it, but I don't see where one person was snarky or took offense at it. It was just pointed out that one cannot compare sitting on Santa's lap for a photo in a mall with having your kids sit on an internet fan's lap who then takes it further and considers them their "kiddies."
No reason to leave!
Butterfly...thank you for the mention of ''Murder by Proxy: How America Went Postal". I am going to try to find it.
One of my sisters works for the Post Office....nearing retirement after almost 30 years. She told us that the very FIRST thing she does at a new assignment is to find a ''hidey hole''....a secure place to go to, ''just in case''. What a world, what a world.
I think it's time for me to say, "So long and thanks for all the fish."
*****
Is that like the saying, "fish and guests both stink after 3 days"?.
I laughed so hard when I first heard that one!
Weighing in on 24-hour news coverage -- we are kinda' news "freaks" in this home. I don't object to wall-to-wall coverage of crisis events.
However, I do think this shooting is a good example of a large flaw in instant and continuous coverage. There is intense competition among the stations to keep us glued to their network. The newscasters must have something to say....something, anything. That time has to be filled.
They seem to grab at any tid bit that lands on the news desk.
That urgency to be the fastest with the most info leads to much mis-information. I have lost count of the "confirmed facts" (FOX was using that phrase often) that have evolved into non-facts.
This afternoon they are actually saying that the shooter's mother was not a teacher at the school and did not even work there. Waiting and delayed announcements might just reduce confusion and false accusations. (Anyone wonder if the older son will file a lawsuit?)
The chief of State police who is leading the press conferences has been professional and has not released a single detail that hasn't been triple confirmed. And, he has shared very little information.
I am still watching and listening. The news is heartbreaking.
The newscasters must have something to say....something, anything. That time has to be filled.
They seem to grab at any tid bit that lands on the news desk.
*****
Oh, the poor brother, Ryan. Holy crap, can you imagine that you've been reported as the insane shooter of children and you're at work all day?
Yes, the story unfolds and I take it that "facts" will change.
What's tedious is the coverage today, with the stations grabbing any expert and filling time with drivel drivel drivel.
Yup, they've got to fill time because this tragedy is going to take the entire weekend's news cycle.
I'm watching food tv stations and half pipe. I hope to turn on some Christmas music tomorrow and do more baking and goody making.
They wouldn't report 24/7 if people didn't watch. I'd say they're giving customers what they want actually! If no one tuned in they would report on something else.
Sheri, I apologize if my response was unkind. I was doing it on my phone and am terrible on that thing and just try to get stuff out in as few words as possible. You made a good point about Santa and how people don't think about plopping their kids on his lap.
The posts about letting kids talk to strangers made me think of something that happened with me.
A few years ago, I took my daughter,son, and a friend of my son to Chicago on Amtrak. There was a single dad with two young girls ( maybe 4 and 6)also on the train. The two girls were sitting in front of me and my daughter and their dad was directly across the aisle from them.
About two hours into the trip, the train stopped suddenly, and after maybe 45 minutes we were told that someone either jumped in front of the train or was lying on the tracks and was killed. So we were stuck on the train for five hours waiting while the police took care of what they had to and a new crew was brought in to take us the rest of the way.
While we were waiting, my daughter and I were playing cards, and the two little girls kept peeking over their seats at us, giggling. The older one asked what we were doing, and she wanted to play too. I asked her dad if he minded and he said it was up to me, apologizing for his daughter "bothering" me. She sat between my daughter and me and played the game with us for awhile, and talked our heads off!
Her dad even took a picture of the three of us for her.
We finally made it to Chicago, said goodbye to the girls and their dad, with the dad again apologizing for his kids. I told him I didn't mind at all, in fact it probably helped my sanity because I never had any time to get panicky about being stuck on the train.
The next day we went to the Shedd Aquarium, and I was standing there looking at some fish when all of a sudden I feel little arms wrapped around my legs. Looked down, and it was the little girl from the train! Her dad came running up, apologizing again. He said she spotted me across the room and took off towards me before he could stop her.
She was very disappointed that we wouldn't hang out with them, she wanted to spend the rest of her vacation with us.
So the point of that long post is...I'd like to know some thoughts on that, was the dad wrong to let his young daughter talk to me, sit with me and play cards? Was I wrong to agree to let her? Not being snarky at all, but I really didn't think anything of it at the time and actually thought it was cute that she wanted to hang out with us in Chicago. Now I'm looking at it from a different perspective and wondering if I should have encouraged her to talk to me beyond the peeking over the seat and giggling when I smiled or said Hi to her. I also didn't think anything of the dad taking our picture, I thought it was cute that he was recording memories for his little girls. But now I'm wondering if he was wrong. You can't make your kids scared and paranoid over strangers, but then again you don't want them to be overly friendly.
As far as the 24-hr news coverage, I can completely empathize with those who just want to get away from that. It's heartbreaking to keep hearing about the horrifying details. But I guess they figure, we can turn ou televions off, call a friend, go out to dinner, etc, if we need a break.
All of which I have had to do.
People are curious and want answers regarding suh a senseless act. So it's understandable that there would be such coverage.
I hope that everybody is hanging in there as more and more of the truth comes out. Xoxo
Working Woman
Lauren, I think your story captures the lovely, warm community feeling that we all want. The little girl's daddy was right there, being responsible. When we eliminate kindness and spontaneous friendliness from our lives, we will lose more than safety.
I guess strangers who have taken a specific interest in your specific kid is really apples and oranges to random acts of kindness or good encounters with random people who have not been stalking your kids.
Lauren, what a story!
It seems like those girls fell in love with you :)
As I've said, I am nowhere near being a parent, so all I can say is this: you were not constantly tweeting this man asking about his kids; you had not witnessed many of his kids private moments on Tav: you did not have an ulterior motive (his kids were not famous as the Gosselins kind of are).
So it does seem different to me. You were merely a kind woman who his kids took to. Their father saw that you were great with your own daughter.
It's wonderful that you made such am impact on them. Thanks for sharing!
Working Woman
I see not a word of encouragement from Kate to Milo about her Auntie. When will they see how selfish she is. I really do hope that her Auntie gets better,but it doesn't good.
Lauren, my first thought was if you mentioned the day and time you would be at the aquarium. If not, in a city the size of Chicago, the odds that you and the father would be there at the same time are off the charts. If you did mention it and he knew you would be there, then why did he choose to go there at exactly the same time?
I know that's not what you asked in your post, but that's how my mind works. Sorry.
I have a story that would never happen today. It probably wasn't safe in the 70's either, but we did not worry about such things then.
I was shopping in a local fair-sized mall in Indianapolis. I needed to visit the ladies room.
There was a father standing near the restroom door. He was holding the hand of his (probably) 8-year-old daughter. As I approached, he asked me if I would mind accompanying the little girl into the ladies room. I think I agreed willingly to walk in with her. She did what she needed to and I walked her back to her dad before using the facility myself. He was grateful.
Today?? Wouldn't and shouldn't happen. That dad would not trust a stranger. I would have to consider the liability of caring for an unknown child. We are a different (and probably wiser) society....and we have family restrooms.
Lauren said... 135
''....Now I'm looking at it from a different perspective and wondering if I should have encouraged her to talk to me beyond the peeking over the seat and giggling when I smiled or said Hi to her. I also didn't think anything of the dad taking our picture, I thought it was cute that he was recording memories for his little girls. But now I'm wondering if he was wrong. You can't make your kids scared and paranoid over strangers, but then again you don't want them to be overly friendly.''
~~~~~~
Lauren, I think that your first perspective was the correct one. In my opinion, you should use your plain ole common sense. Situations vary. Some things are appropriate, and others are not. In my case, if I feel comfortable with the situation, it is ok. If I feel uneasy...even if I'm not sure why, everything stops!
I don't question myself at all when I remember my toddlers flinging themselves into the arms of any man they saw in an Air Force uniform when their daddy was in Vietnam. In fact, I was grateful for the men who picked them up and hugged them, while looking over their shoulders at me and mouthing ''Vietnam?'' Just common sense....for what it's worth.
Another story from the news- a student was arrested in Okla for plotting a school shooting massacre, and bombing. Why??
The old restroom dilemma. I was still taking my son into the ladies room when he was seven or eight. There was no way I was going to let him go into a men's room alone or with a strange male. What was surprising was the reaction of the other women there. Nobody minded or complained. I remember one older woman patted me on the shoulder and said, "Honey, we're parents. We've all been there."
HOWEVER, I must add that I, unlike KK, have common sense!!
Especially when women's rooms have stalls and you never see anything I don't care if you want to bring your teenager in there for heaven sake.
Dmasy said... 142
I have a story that would never happen today. It probably wasn't safe in the 70's either, but we did not worry about such things then.
I was shopping in a local fair-sized mall in Indianapolis. I needed to visit the ladies room.
There was a father standing near the restroom door. He was holding the hand of his (probably) 8-year-old daughter. As I approached, he asked me if I would mind accompanying the little girl into the ladies room. I think I agreed willingly to walk in with her. She did what she needed to and I walked her back to her dad before using the facility myself. He was grateful.
Today?? Wouldn't and shouldn't happen. That dad would not trust a stranger. I would have to consider the liability of caring for an unknown child. We are a different (and probably wiser) society....and we have family restrooms.
_____________________________________
OMG- my ex-hub would ask strangers to take his daughter into the restroom and when I found out, I freaked out and gave him a new one! I could not believe he would trust a stranger with his kid. In a bathroom. Jeez.
Fleecing, I never talked to the dad much, just his chatty little girls! I was under the impression that they were stopping in Chicago on the way home to I think Arizona. (This happened 5 or 6 years ago) The only thing I mentioned to the dad is that my son had an appointment to visit Columbia University, and that was just because he had a laptop and I asked him to look up the number for us so we could call and reschedule since we obviously weren't going to make it on time that day.
Other than that, there was no conversation about either of our plans, where we were staying, etc.
Just a one in a million coincidence that we met up again the next day.
Kate Gosselin @Kateplusmy8
RT @kirstenGxxx Awwww @Kateplusmy8 I'm watching the show alexis:I'm weird Aaden:ur not weird ur cute aw so cute,bald head island ep:) LOVE
___________________________________________
Kate's "building" Christmas presents and watching K+8 episodes. I think that's so weird. She's really living in the past. Not healthy.
Working Woman said... 97
Admin 86, from the far too much I've seen of these kids, they seem to be smart, logical, with good heads on their shoulders.
==============================================
Perhaps, but I've also seen them act overly trusting towards strangers. I recall many episodes where this was evident.
During one of their excursions, maybe Sesame Place, Jon was lauding the fact that where most kids are afraid of the costumed characters, his kids run towards them, arms outstretched. When Kara and Mady's room at the old house was under construction, Kate said that the kids think everyone that comes to the house is there to play with them. Time and again the kids were shown making fast friends with people they barely knew. And lest we forget, the revolving door of 'Daddys' that came to film them.
Those kids were maternally mistreated and starved for attention. They were comfortable with anyone who walked through the door. At those ages, that wasn't normal.
OT alert!
Calling parents or grandparents of young girls. Mine wants a new "baby" for Christmas. No, not the human kind (thank goodness). A baby doll. There are so many out there and I was looking at the Cabbage Patch kids or newborns. Do four years olds really like those, or would they find them weird?
I am not a needy sheeple asking a dumb question. I hate to spend money on something that's going to be cast aside because it's got a rather homely, somewhat pitiful face! I think they're kind of cute, but would a pre-schooler like them?
Thanks, and back to your regular programming!
Not to generalize at all, but whether its true or false, women seemed to viewed by society as less dangerous and less violent. I would guess that a man would be more likely to trust his child with a woman who was a stranger than vice versa.
Of course there are women who have committed crimes too and you can never be too careful. I just feel that in general women are viewed as less of a threat or danger in that way.
Working Woman
SHeri, I understand your point. Yes maybe background checks are done on men who play Santa Clause and maybe not. Background checks are also done on Boyscout leaders. These days you really have to think about letting your child sit on a strange man's lap and exactly what type of man wants to play Santa. Hey, it's reality that pedophiles put themselves in positions that have access to children. Don't worry about offending anyone, just do what you feel is right for you and your children.
Marie
Handing I agree with you. The kids have often displayed indiscriminate affection. Or showing affection to a variety of strangers with no sense of boundaries. Very dangerous. Dwindle I think knows a lot about it if I recall.
Heather, for what it's worth, I appreciate your posts.
OMG- my ex-hub would ask strangers to take his daughter into the restroom and when I found out, I freaked out and gave him a new one!
----
----
A new daughter? :)
Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 150
Kate Gosselin @Kateplusmy8
RT @kirstenGxxx Awwww @Kateplusmy8 I'm watching the show alexis:I'm weird Aaden:ur not weird ur cute aw so cute,bald head island ep:) LOVE
___________________________________________
''I think that's so weird. She's really living in the past. Not healthy. ''
~~~~~~~~~~
KK re-tweeted that comment from kirsten. Still, she IS living in the past, and I agree...not healthy!
rainbowsandunicorns,
LOL, I meant tore him a new one. No new kids!!
Remona, thanks for the clarification.
My issue really is not so much that something could happen while someone is sitting on a stranger, or Santa's, lap. I doubt Emily or Santa are doing something deviant to the kid with everyone right there all around them. I've never even heard of a single incident of that possibly happening.
My issue is what that act teaches a child about boundaries, and the confusion it establishes, therefore creating dangerous FUTURE situations. I have never in my life heard of a kid confused about boundaries when it comes to Santa Claus in the mall. You wait in line once a year, go up to him, sit, chat, and then do it again next year. It's a one year thing and very specific and organized. There is no other situation similar to it that would confuse a kid about what is safe and what is not. I think worst case scenerio, most kids would understand that if you see some stranger on the street dressed as Santa who is creepily trying to lure you into his car, it's not the same thing at all as when you go to the organized Santa event at the mall. It's your responsibility to explain to kids this is the "real" Santa not anyone else.
BUT, letting the kids sit on Emily's lap completely eroded the line between stranger and friend. There probably WOULD be confusion if they saw someone like Emily on the street trying to lure them into the car. They were taught that in all situations, fans are safe and okay. THey were tuaght that, without background checks, without even really knowing someone, as long as they say they are a fan and follow Mommy on twitter, they are okay. Mady even gave a shoutout once to Mom's twitter friends. She has no CLUE any of them could be dangerous because Kate has not taught her as such. It can't be overstated that it was wrong, creepy, and incredibly dangerous.
It's called Celebrity Worship Syndrome
********
What's it called when you have absolutely no interest in any celebrity at all? I'm only
interested in Kate long enough to see her enter celebrity oblivion. I don't even recognize the names of the newest few classes of celebs.
By the way CNN isn't doing 24/7 coverage. They're actually spending quite a bit of time talking about Syria. It's barely been 24 hours. In any case, I can just turn it off if I've had enough.
What's it called when you have absolutely no interest in any celebrity at all?
&&&
Normal.
Yeah I have to say, I can't stand ow celebrities are so built up in our culture.
We complain that many of them have diva attitudes and are spoiled. While it is never excusable to treat people poorly, the public worships them SO muh and acts like they walk on water so much that you almost can't fault them for getting too big for their britches at times.
Obviously I wish the best for every celebrity and appreciate that they provide entertainment and give up a lot of their privacy to do so. But, I look at it like they are people, just like all of us.
I care more about who my sister and brother are dating than I do about Taylor Swifts latest beau or who Justin Bieber was last seen with.
I just don't get the celebrity obsession thing. There are doctors and police men who save thousands of lives every year -- why don't they get that same level of glory?
Working Woman
Kate has always been willing to hand her kids off to anyone who was around. You know, having eight kids is pretty exhausting.
No background checks.
She got a bodyguard under the flimsy guise it was all for the kids. And then HE lets them sit on a stranger's lap (per the twit pic).
What a joke.
Just saw a photo of a dad, covering his child's face with his jacket from the cameras. Good for him.
Lauren, an Amtrak story. Our kids love train travel since one of them is not a good flyer. We've made numerous trips to Florida. On one such excursion, they made an announcement that a cow was on the tracks and there would be a delay until they could get it safely off to greener pastures. Everyone was groaning and the attendant said there was nothing she could do. CSX owned the tracks and it was their call.
My son said to her, "why don't you just put a boy cow carrying flowers and candy on the other side of the tracks? The cow would probably move itself in a hurry." Everyone within earshot cracked up and word must have gotten around because when we got off the train, the gentleman helping us with baggage said, "Son, we tried that, but it didn't work. The cow wanted roses, not daisies."
Martlet -- Welcome and thanks for the informative and thoughtful post.
Sheri -- Please stay. NO ONE was rude or nasty or snarky to you. They answered your question and, mostly, disagreed with you. You raised an interesting point and I think those who responded did a good job of explaining why they didn't agree with your premise. You've been an interesting poster. Please continue to present your perspective.
Lauren -- I'm not a parent, but I'll comment on your question. I don't think you or the father did anything wrong. You were traveling with children, other children gravitated to you and your kids. The father was right there to supervise your interactions. IF the father had gone off and left the kids unsupervised with you, then I think that's a whole 'nother ball game. There is a fine line between "stranger danger" awareness and making the child so frightened of interacting with anyone they don't know. This could, in some circumstances, endanger the child almost as much as being overly trusting and friendly. Just an illustration -- couple of months ago, I was grocery shopping. A little girl standing near my grocery cart dropped her stuffed toy and I nearly ran over it. I picked it up and handed it to her and gave her a little pat on the head at the same time. She shrieked at the top of her lungs "Mommy, that lady touched me!". The mother had been standing there and seen the whole thing. She looked mortified and I was looking for a hole to crawl into. I left her as she was trying to explain to her daughter that a small pat on the head wasn't something she needed to fear. But where do you draw the line?
Some of the confusion and erroneous "facts" and assumptions from yesterday are finally being straightened out. The confusion over which brother was the shooter is understandable, since Adam was apparently carrying ID with Ryan's name on it. I've deliberately avoided watching much of the TV coverage, but I did catch a bit of an interview with a law enforcement official last night. He said that the type of weapons used were not automatic or semi-automatics. That &*(#*$@ had to take aim and pull the trigger each time he shot one of those precious babies. Only a very sick and evil person could do that.
Butterfly -- THANK YOU!
My son said to her, "why don't you just put a boy cow carrying flowers and candy on the other side of the tracks? The cow would probably move itself in a hurry."
******
Simple wisdom of a child. How precious!
My daughter was a lovely child, not bragging, just the truth. She was a cutie, as I'm sure all your kids are/were.
Strangers, especially the elderly whom you could just tell were starved to be near a baby and hold one and enjoy a child again, would approach us/her at public places. They would talk to her and touch her, try to get her to interact. I had to find a kind way to tell them that she was not supposed to go to strangers or talk to them.
I didn't want to hurt their feelings, but that's part of the deal when you're a parent protecting your child from strangers who may or may not mean them harm.
I think Kate felt like she knew the CT girl at the race and was somehow comfortable leaving the kids with her.
It helped that the girl is attractive; I doubt very much that Kate would be as comfortable leaving her kids with some of her fans who are less conventionally attractive. I can think of one who has pics of herself all over and she looks a little "off." Appearances and veneers, you know? I think Kate is very tuned into that.
Readerlady,
I thought one of the guns was a glock 9mm, which is a semi-automatic. Did that detail change? I dont know, but anyway, if he used that then he didnt need to pull the trigger for each and every shot. I dont event want to think about this. Kindergartners hold the biggest part of my heart. It is by far my favorite age of children. I dont want to contemplate how he assassinated those angels. I just want to believe it was quick.
Berks Neighbor...Thank you for that link. I was in tears. The amount of compassion in most people is truly inspiring.
Working Woman...Beautiful poem.
Aggiemom...Just saw on ESPN2 that the Aggies lost their coach to Texas Tech. Didn't realize he was only there for a year. He said he wouldn't be coaching the Aggies in their bowl game. Previously, he was at Houston for only two years. It will be interesting to see how long he's at TT.
"I thought one of the guns was a glock 9mm, which is a semi-automatic. Did that detail change?"
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
The whole weapons thing has been so confusing. It was said that an assault rifle was found in his car. Today it was confirmed by the police that all three weapons were found near the body, and yes, one was a semi-automatic, according to the police.
Butterfly -- I don't know a thing about guns. One was a Glock and one was a Sig Sauer, according to the paper this morning. All I know is that the LEO said they weren't semi or automatic weapons. I know what you mean. I work mostly with K and 1st graders. They are so cute and so trusting and so innocent at that age. I'm going to have nightmares for weeks.
That's the problem, the kids aren't old enough to understand this fan is ok, but the next one isn't.
Readerlady,
I understand, I only about the glock because we use that gun to get qualified and it can be set to fire one round at a time, or to keep firing.
Sleepless,
yes, so many details of this story keep changing, it seems everything that came out just changed 2 hours later! So confusing. I thinks this is the worst example I have seen of this happening, but I dont follow too many stories in the news.
Disclaimer-
Let me just clear though- I am no expert on weapons.
Some of those dear children were shot up to 11 times. Unfathomable.
I am reading all of these stories of heroism, the young teacher who hid her students in the closet and lost her life barricading, the teacher who made sure to tell her students she loved them, and so on...
It feels like the tears will never stop.
Thinking of all the extraordinary lives we lost, each so special in its own way.
Even when things seem bad, we are all blessed. Blessed to take each breath, blessed with our loved ones, blessed with the support and smiles we give to one another.
When you are feeling down or having a bad day, please remember that, although I have never met any of you, you make me smile at least once a day. And each and every one of you who post, I would miss your stories, shared experiences, and your input deeply if you were to stop. That includes you, Sherri.
Hubby has NEVER seen Miracle on 34th Street. Really, never. I think we need something heartwarming in our home right now. I am forcing him to sit down and watch the original.
He thinks he needs a beer to go with the viewing!
Visiting the local jail one Sunday, I saw a little boy who was waiting with his grandma and
aunts to talk to his mother on the phone behind the glass. He saw my oxygen tank and was fascinated with it. He started playing with it
and discovered that the plastic thing fit over the on/off valve and turned! What joy! He stood at my feet and turned my oxygen on and off
for slmost 2 hours while we waited. Meanwhile, his grandma and his aunts kept leaving the building to walk around outside, leaving the boy with me. They never even talked to him or
gave him the time of day. I was stunned. Of course, what was going to happen to him in a sheriff's office by a woman on oxygen? Not much. But still, it shocked me that they were so blase about it. A family member needed to stay inside to monitor my actions with him, as well as his actions in general.
Somebody tweeted Kate earlier about the Bald Head Island episode, when Alexis calls herself weird and Aaden replies that she is not weird, but is cute (aw).
Funny, when I discuss memories, I associate them with who I was with, how I was feeling at the time, what I was going through, etc.
Kate and her fans (and probably her precious children) associate those types of cute memories with EPISODES.
Creepy. Creepy and disturbing.
This is a thought that I've actually never had before, funnily enough: viewers of Kate plus 8 probably know more about how those kids interacted with one another than Kate does. So many of those moments were candid and Kate was off to the side, yelling at Jon or masterminding. We saw more than she probably ever did. That disturbs me greatly.
The names have been released. There is no Joey or Joseph. Kate is so dumb.
You know, there are some jobs that you know you risk you life; police, military, even government officials, but not teachers. You dont think of going to school as a life-risking occupation. Teachers dont kiss their families good bye in the mornings, with the thought they may not come home, like a firefighter. These teachers truly are heroic. They were not prepared for this. I admire them for doing everything in their power to protect the children. Bless all teachers, so under-appreciated, I think, in our society. Thank you all for teaching. And for the Sandy Hook teachers, heroes. Every last one of them.
Sorry I think I missed something - who said something about "Joey" or "Joseph"?
Reports now are that the shooter's mother, who is divorced from his father, lived an affluent life, receiving $240,000 in alimony from her ex. She never was employed by the school system, but rather worked in finance. How could the media screw that up so badly? CNN also reported that she no longer worked, but took time off to care for her son. No reason was given. When this happened, reports were that he had a learning disability, but his friends say that he was very, very smart, a "genius." No more about the weapons, other than that she was fascinated with guns.
It's come to the point where you just cannot believe anything. I've never seen such incompetent reporting.
The names of the victims were released. They were all six and seven year olds. All of the shooting took place within a two minute period.
Oops - make that $240,000 a year in alimony. I have no idea where they got that figure.
The babies were 1st graders. Two classes? That school is never going to be the same. Was this guy going to go from classroom to classroom? ANd if his mother didnt work there, why did he target the school?
I might change the subject of masters' thesis to killing sprees and mental health, this subject really needs exploration, and the school massacres need to end (not that my paper will end it- LOL).
Oh, and I think the murderer's mother is being reported now as a possible survivalist/prepper, worried about the financial collapse? But, of course, that could change in 2 hours, when more details emerge.
Midnight Madness,
He shot 26 people in multiple locations in 2 minutes?? Are they sure about that?
Anonymous said... 185
Sorry I think I missed something - who said something about "Joey" or "Joseph"?
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Posts from last night. Start at 167. Sheeple on Twitter lied about losing a cousin in the shooting, only to get sympathy from Kate and to beg for Kate to follow her.
Midnight Madness,
He shot 26 people in multiple locations in 2 minutes?? Are they sure about that?
*************
Apparently. There was an expert on with a map of the school and showed the area where the shooting was done. It was only in two or so rooms, the shooting started (according to tapes) at 9:36 a.m., with the last shot fired at 9:38 a.m.
A movie premier is being postponed ""Due to the terrible tragedy in Newtown, Conn., and out of honor and respect for the families of the victims whose lives were senselessly taken, we are postponing (Saturday's) Pittsburgh premiere of 'Jack Reacher,' " the studio said in a statement Friday night. "Our hearts go out to all those who lost loved ones." ~~~ SOOOOO who was saying "Batman" couldnt being postponed cuz they would lose millions??? People before profits. A little compassion goes a long way.
I rest my case.
Midnight Madness said... 191
Midnight Madness,
He shot 26 people in multiple locations in 2 minutes?? Are they sure about that?
*************
Apparently. There was an expert on with a map of the school and showed the area where the shooting was done. It was only in two or so rooms, the shooting started (according to tapes) at 9:36 a.m., with the last shot fired at 9:38 a.m.
________________________________________
Wow- those teachers had to think fast then. That is unbelievable. How do you process information that fast? I mean, that's freak-out scenario time and they acted in a positive manner to protect the children. I am even more impressed now. Whatever training teachers get, sign me up.
Has it ever occured to anybody that maybe, just maybe, in spite of her flaws (which EVERYBODY has), Kate is in fact a wonderful person with a great heart?
Question (194)
Define "wonderful"
Define "great"
I'm not sure we're using the same dictionary.
Mim...171 said:
I think Kate felt like she knew the CT girl at the race and was somehow comfortable leaving the kids with her.
It helped that the girl is attractive; I doubt very much that Kate would be as comfortable leaving her kids with some of her fans who are less conventionally attractive.
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Inneresting and thought provoking, Mim.
Improbable,
Those words may have been strong, and I am not a fan either. BUT she does seem to be truly heartsick over what happened. I know everybody is, and that's not just her, but she is sometimes presented as heartless and as only thinking of herself.
I don't know, I'm just saying maybe there's more to her than that... not definitely, but maybe
Has it ever occured to anybody that maybe, just maybe, in spite of her flaws (which EVERYBODY has), Kate is in fact a wonderful person with a great heart?
Not for one tiny second.
Flaws are FINE. Wonderful people usually don't estrange family members, exploit children and accept donations when they are millionaires.
I'm sure her heart beats fine.
Wonderful? bwahahahahaha
Question... said... 197
Improbable,
Those words may have been strong, and I am not a fan either. BUT she does seem to be truly heartsick over what happened. I know everybody is, and that's not just her, but she is sometimes presented as heartless and as only thinking of herself.
I don't know, I'm just saying maybe there's more to her than that... not definitely, but maybe
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She is viewed as heartless, greedy, cruel and self entitled because that is what we saw for years on her "realist reality" show. I gave her kudos today but I know she hasn't changed and never will. She is mentally ill and can't/won't see a therapist which is sad because she has damaged her children.
Question at 197 ~Worth considering!! So what you're suggesting is that (maybe) this tragedy might've tapped into a part of Kate that we haven't yet seen? I'll buy that.
I don't, however, think any sentiments she tweets today will define with 100 accuracy the whole of her existence. They could suggest a breakthrough, I dunno. They might be an anomaly or the outpouring of a life heretofore hidden. Hope springs eternal.
Thing is, I'm one of those people who looks for patterns of behavior over time. These are Tweets we're talking about her. And as they say, actions speak much louder than words...
Has it ever occured to anybody that maybe, just maybe, in spite of her flaws (which EVERYBODY has), Kate is in fact a wonderful person with a great heart?
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No. Her track record speaks for itself. It's the proverbial case of a leopard not changing its spots.
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