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 1001 – 1200 of 1625 Newer› Newest»Look, I don't think on a day-to-day basis she has the best attitude and she has certainy made some choices I wouldn't make.
But I was just asking if you think that means she is not kind at heart. Maybe, if somebody needed her, she would be there for them in a second.
I'm just saying, it could be. But I respect others who may feel certain that it's not the case at all.
What penny said.
People with wonderful hearts don't bilk parishioners while simultaneously purchasing a million dollar home. They just don't. They tell those people that if they want to do so, they donate that money to the charity of their choice. The same holds true with accepting gifts from fans.
People with wonderful hearts don't seize every opportunity they can to throw their ex-husbands under the bus. They try their darndest not to be a parental alienator.
People with wonderful hearts don't proclaim that they are addicted to giving back, but then throw everything to the wind when a new "hobby" comes along. The find a charity group or groups, stick with it, publicize it, and work to promote it.
And on it goes...
Someone with a kind heart doesn't pick their child up by the hair and throw them into a crib. Someone with a kind heart doesn't beat their kids with a wooden spoon, or abuse animals or treat their fans like they are shit on the bottom of her shoe. People with a kind heart don't shut their kids off from their grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins. A mother who has a kind heart doesn't keep throwing their children's father under the bus at every opportunity. I could go on and on.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/moments-that-restored-our-faith-in-humanity-this-y
I really hope that link works, you will smile, I promise. So heartwarming!!
To add on to my last comment....ONE 'nice' tweet from Kate about the school shootings doesn't mean much considering her previous behaviors.
I dont think Kate has a kind heart either, but I do think she was touched by this tragedy. SOmething finally got to her. It happens to the best of us :)
If somebody needed her, she'd be there in a second?
Are you kidding? Only if there is something in it for HER.
Describing a child abuser and exploiter as merely flawed is pretty absurd. If that's how one views child abuse I don't know what to say to them.
There are flaws, and then there is evil.
Butterfly yes--I don't think Kate is pure evil all the time every second. You'd have to be a true serial killer not to be upset about 20 babies dying. Kate is not that far gone. I think she's rather out of touch and I doubt she's following this as closely as most, but when her sheeple alerted her to the tragedy she was genuinely moved by it in my opinion. Her tweet this morning putting Milo in her place proved that. I would be truly very concerned if she didn't react in this manner. I'd be frightened.
Question -- It would be possible for Kate to change my opinion of her.
But, not with ONE appropriate tweet.
She would have to dig a bit deeper than that to convince me that she has an unselfish heart.
(Saturday's) Pittsburgh premiere
**********
Read carefully. Pittsburgh premiere. Not the whole country!!!!!! You don't lose millions just by stopping a premiere in one small city. People were calling for Batman to shut down nationwide. Think about all the minimum wage workers who work in film for once paid by that studio. Losing millions does hurt hard working Americans. They don't get paid out of the sky.
capecodmama said... 173
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 was doing a happy dance concerning this issue, but given the recent tragedy refrained from saying it here. Since you gave me a shout-out, I will post about it.
The coach that left TAMU for TTU was serving them as their OC, not head coach.
Kliff Kingsbury was a fabulous qb at TTU from 98-02, and later played professionally. After that, landed at U of H under the supervision of Sumlin. This past yr, both coaches were hired at TAMU, where Kingsbury mentored the first freshman towards the Heisman. At U of H, he mentored Keenan as well.
Why I am doing a happy dance you ask?? Because I am a TTU grad!!
KK is glad to be back in Raiderland; he is in the process of hiring a lot of the young men that were on the field with him when he played (they also have impressive coaching records).
KK will not be coaching at the bowl game. The Ags will be fine, hopefully they will hire a great replacement.
It's funny, I watched all the TAMU games this season, went to one, and never, NEVER, did KK wear maroon! He wore black or white, which are Tech's colors.
It's good to have the boy back home!
Of course, child abuse is beyond "flawed." It's heartbreaking, sickening, one of the worst things imaginable.
To be honest, I stopped following it because the possibility made me sick.
But are we sure everything is legit? This isn't to be challenging, this is because I don't know most of the info that is out that, and that is quite a serious accusation to make of someone
But you ladies bring up very valid points. Maybe I'm feeling too charitable lately..
In the same way good people have their moments where they say something or do something they shouldn't, so too do bad people have their moments where they say or do something kind or nice.
People are not black and white and no one ever suggested otherwise when it came to Kate. Any time she has done something kind or good, although it hasn't been often, we've said so. You judge a person for their whole, or at least I do, not for the parts. If you do 10 good things and one bad thing, I'm going to think of you as a good person. But if you do 10 bad things and one good thing, I'm going to see you as bad.
I dont think Kate has a kind heart either, but I do think she was touched by this tragedy. SOmething finally got to her. It happens to the best of us :)
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Or else she is putting on a really good act in view of the fact that she totally messed up on the SuperFunSandy tweet. Maybe Milo told her not to do that again, she'd look bad. Why didn't she show any concern for the hurricane victims? Everything during that time was all about her.
It's not difficult to fake concern. You tweet what you think others want to hear. She's a manipulator. She's had enough practice.
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.
LOL Ok, Milo.
After further consideration...NO. I do not believe she has a "great heart."
Witness the fact that her friend/confidante/fan/?? Milo, has been tweeting nonstop posts about her dear old aunt who's lying in a hospice bed, dying at this very moment.
And what do we hear from Kate, in response to Milo's obvious distress?
Crickets.
Well, thank you all for respectfully addressing the question I posed ...
I guess it's just that with the way Kate normally acts, it's so easy to just think of her as a selfish negative nellie.
When she behaves kindly and appropriately, I wonder if maybe I am too hard on her and feel guilty about it. I think of how her kids probably feel like she is a fantastic person. And sometimes I do feel bad, and wonder if there is a lot of good that I just don't see. That's all.
When she behaves kindly and appropriately, I wonder if maybe I am too hard on her and feel guilty about it.
&&&
Everyone was very kind about her nice tweet today. No need to feel guilty. When she's good she's good and we say so.
I think of how her kids probably feel like she is a fantastic person.
&&&
They probably do. For now. Which is why few have ever suggested that Kate not see her kids despite the sheeple constantly wanting the same for Jon. Kids love their parents no matter how flawed. When they start to see her as a person and not just mom, they may change their mind, at which point I do hope they seek therapy without shame. There's nothing we can do about that but hope that their support system is strong.
And sometimes I do feel bad, and wonder if there is a lot of good that I just don't see. That's all.
&&&
If it looks like a child exploiter it probably is a child exploiter. Although I think it's very sweet you have such an open heart, in all sincerity.
Anna 18 ...
I believe that was my most you are referring to.
I am not sure why you are calling me "Milo" and I don't know what to make of that...
was just trying to say that I love reading all of the different perspectives on this blog and that's what makes it so great. I'm pretty sure Milo doesn't like us too much.
I just saw that Craigslist Joe is the 16th most popular streaming title on Netflix right now. That's incredible. I think a lot of people out there are looking for something to heal a broken heart. I hope Joe Garner knows how much his film has meant to us. Especially now.
Which is why few have ever suggested that Kate not see her kids
That's NOT true. There's tons of posts and comments from people who think those kids should be taken away from her. Where have you been??
That's NOT true. There's tons of posts and comments from people who think those kids should be taken away from her. Where have you been??
&&&
Right here, I've read every post here since day one. And that's simply not true. Yes I realize a few people have said that but not the vast majority. I personally have never said that.
I urge you to point me to more than two posts saying that in the past six months. Go for it.
Amanda in Alaska, you don't have to get snarky. Admin didn't say that nobody had ever said that, she said that "few" people have. I don't recall seeing those types of suggestions, that say that the kids should be taken away from her, all that often
Hand, thank you for the recipe. I'm too sick to make it right now, so my sister volunteered to do it. Bless her heart. When it's finished, she'll stick her head in the door here and drop it off. She doesn't want to be any closer to the flu germs than necessary and I don't blame her. This is nasty stuff! The soup sounds wonderful. Thanks so much!
By the way Im talking about here, on this blog. I don't associate with, follow or want anything to do with what is said on twitter on either side.
Really? Go to any of your Robert Gosselin Book threads.
Those kids need to be removed from her 'care'.
Just because YOU didn't say it Admin does not mean it hasn't been said NUMEROUS times.
Go look.
Question, I appreciate your thought-provoking questions, but I have to say that I just don't agree that there is the possibility that Kate has a good heart.
Others have already talked about her grifting and begging for money at churches while she had the money flowing in and was purchasing a one million dollar home. There are also the issues of how we saw her act and talk to others on her TV show.
Then there are the issues of the awful things she would say in multiple magazine articles and on TV talk shows. In my opinion, she has shown herself over and over again, to be self-centered, nasty, and heartless.
Then there are the issues of how she treats the children and the abuse, physically and emotionally, that she has heaped on them. One nice tweet, which very well may have been for show to improve her image, does not change all of the rest.
Amanda in Alaska, even if Admin mispoke, you could probably mention that to her in a nicer way ... let's keep it pleasant
Why? She treats some of you like crap. I mean if you don't AGREE with the ADMIN, she deletes others who post support and leaves up the attacks. It's all carefully crafted to whatever agenda the owner is in the mood for that day.
Sheri, wait for me! buh bye
That was when people just found out about the CHILD ABUSE and were shocked and dismayed. When people calmed down, realized it happened a long time ago, and realized there was no evidence it was happening now, those calls stopped nearly completely. People were also mostly calling for social workers to investigate, not necessarily to take the kids. TONS of families have social workers helping them without ever taking the kids.
Get over yourself Amanda. You came in here with a stick up your butt and no one has been disrespectful to you. Sheri is a nice poster who left for no good reason in a childish huff. No one was talking about St Nick and out of nowhere she got her panties in a bunch about it. People were being nice to her even though they didnt agree with her nutty comparison.
I and the blog girls, they also do a lot of the deleting, delete posts that break the rules. Anyone here can attest I don't go around deleting posts I don't agree with. Good heavens I don't think but one or two posts the past two days have been deleted and I think each of us has a different take on this whole terrible thing! I also delete trolls such as yourself, but often do leave up the responses because I feel the people here who are capable of following just four simple rules have earned the right to defend themselves. So in that sense you're absolutely right, I delete rule breakers and do leave up the responses.
Amanda in Alaska, good riddance. You only seem to come here to insult and start trouble. No loss to this blog.
Question, you are new here, right? I don't recall seeing you post before. Welcome, and thank you for your very respectful posts, even if we may disagree. I hope you keep posting here, hon.
When Kate puts a call out there for anyone who ever gave her money at those church events, she'd like to pay them back given she is doing so well, then I'll reconsider her heart.
Oops - make that $240,000 a year in alimony. I have no idea where they got that figure.
&&&
That's pretty insane. Is that figure accurate? I know someone worth 6 million who only paid half that to their ex a year.
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.
&&&
And Kate fell for it immediately! Geez everyone here immediately knew that was bogus.
Butterfly #13
Thank you. I've never had a problem with the Patriot Act and think some who complain about it would be the first to sue should something happen to them or their loved ones.
On the other hand, I totally disagee with Obama's middle of the night bill that anyone can be arrrested for whatever reason without any charges and held indefinetely.
SaveThe8FromEvilKate then
SaveThe9FromEvilKate and now permanently
SaveTheWorldFromEvilKate
admin said,
The names have been released. There is no Joey or Joseph. Kate is so dumb.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Not only is there no Joey or Joseph, but the tweeter said that HE (or "baby girl" in one tweet) was five years old, then six years old in another. When questioned, she said that he was five, but would be six soon. The birth dates were also released. There was no victim who was five years old and no Joey. The whole thing was bogus.
What sick mind would make up something like this, just to get attention from Kate and other celebrities? Kate didn't even bother to check her timeline, or her million and one tweets to another celebrity for whom she has a bizarre obsession. At least Kate didn't take the bait and follow her.
Amanda, admin doesn't treat any of us like crap, not that I see. YOU are treating us like crap.
Amanda there wouldn't be 1,032 comments here if people honestly felt they were being treated like crap. I love the atmosphere here. Admin called it a safe place yesterday and I like that description that's how I feel.
Admin -- That's pretty close to what Jon was reportedly paying just after the divorce.
Amanda in alaska said... 32
''Why? She treats some of you like crap. I mean if you don't AGREE with the ADMIN, she deletes others who post support and leaves up the attacks. It's all carefully crafted to whatever agenda the owner is in the mood for that day.''
~~~~~~~~~
Amanda, you simply are NOT correct. I, personally have disagreed with Admin more than a few times. She has never treated me ''like crap''...nor has she ever deleted one single time I have disagreed with her. Of course, the difference is that when I disagree with Admin (or any other poster on this blog), I disagree, and say why I disagree politely. Something you, throwing your snotty little hissy fit, have not done!
I may be cynical but I thought Kate's tweet about the shooting tragedy might be insincere or at the most, shallow. I feel terrible to say this, but she got a lot of flack for her FUN Sandy and the 9-11 ignorance, late Veterans' Day mention etc. Good PR? Her tweet seemed heartfelt, but still doesn't change my mind about her true nature or motives.
Anonymous said... 13
(Saturday's) Pittsburgh premiere
**********
Read carefully. Pittsburgh premiere. Not the whole country!!!!!! You don't lose millions just by stopping a premiere in one small city. People were calling for Batman to shut down nationwide. Think about all the minimum wage workers who work in film for once paid by that studio. Losing millions does hurt hard working Americans. They don't get paid out of the sky.
__________________________________
LOL!!! Minimum wage workers who worked on the film? Yeah, they already got paid by the time the movie was released. Movie theater workers? The theater is not being shut down, only the one movie would not be played- for 1 night!! Now really- who would lose money? The movie moguls.
People before profits!!!
SaveTheWorldFromEvilKate said... 40
That Obama 'middle of the night bill' was actually Bush's bill and Obama just extended it. I can see why people would be concerned, I truly do, but really no one is threatened by it anymore (now that 9/11 paranoia has blown over). The police and FBI are looking for suspects who they believe are going to harm the public, or the government in some way. Yes, after 9/11 there was profiling and many innocent Americans were held strictly because of muslim fear mongering, but we mostly have gotten over that. So, dont think because you caught speeding, or even robbing a bank, you will get held in some dark, nameless cell somewhere, out of contact with family and legal council. :) It's not that extreme. Now, post on FB that you are a jihadist and plan to do something bad, well, no promises from there. LOL
See the reason I don't think it was Kate just trying to create good PR is because she specifically put Milo in her place. There was this vague undertone of OMG NO MILO it's not just another day!
It really was quite distinct and calculated. She really seemed as floored as were someone would call for us to move on so soon. That's why I think it wasn't just a PR tweet designed to do her duty and leave it at that. She was actually responding to someone being absurdly inappropriate with sort of a "WTF."
Well, from what Admin and others have posted, perhaps I came to a hasty conclusion about Kate's tweet, based on my dislike for her and all she stands for.
I didn't see her tweet about the CT tragedy, just read about it here, and I am sorry that I jumped to the conclusion that it might be just for show.
Also, I agree with others that I don't feel like Admin treats me or anyone else like crap. This is a popular blog for a reason. Not only because of the connections we have made with each other, but because of the fair and unbiased way that Admin runs it.
Besides, Admin lets me go off topic quite often just to talk about my gorgeous grandsons, and she hasn't deleted me yet! Lol!!!!
To anonymous,
You tell me to read carefully- well you need to read MORE carefully. No where in post did I write that the movie "Reach" was being pulled nation wide, I actually posted the quote verbatim from the news, and then I made a comment a Batman. Thank you for not putting words in my mouth.
make that movie title "Jack Reacher" - am multi tasking
OT for a sec,
Does anyone use an indoor antenna on their TV's? I am shopping for one and they range in price. Why spend more if you don't have to #luvsaving$$
Oprah, what are you talking about? Butterfly has been a respected poster here for awhile and I enjoy her posts. What is your point?
LoveMyGrandsons, I think the point is that it's time for some swiffering!
hgentry619
Had to put some fluff in my brownies today.... Bet @Kateplusmy8 and her Gosselings would like these http://t.co/2AANWIRj
kateplusmy8
@hgentry619 woah, lady... Tell me how to make THOSE happen??! Gorgeous!
Kate's writing a cookbook and she doesn't know how to "fluff" a brownie? Spare me!
kateplusmy8
@hgentry619 woah, lady... Tell me how to make THOSE happen??! Gorgeous!
Kate's writing a cookbook and she doesn't know how to "fluff" a brownie?
&&&
LOL, meanwhile, back at the ranch.
aggiemom...Thanks for the coaching info. Sounds like both teams will be in good hands. Glad you approve of the hiring.
Kate still doesn't know how to spell "Whoa", but that tweet at least shows she learned how to spell "gorgeous" correctly, instead of "georgous". Tiny steps.
If anyone cares, Oprah's special on the Six Little McGhees airs at 10 pm EST on the OWN network. Repeat at midnight.
Amanda, Admin and I've disagreed on several things, but she's never treated me like crap and she's certainly never deleted any of my posts. You're the one who's treating people like crap.
How do you "fluff" a brownie? Hey -- I never claimed to be a master baker, nor am I writing a cookbook. I don't bake brownies, I just eat them, LOL.
Formerly Duped said... 46
I may be cynical but I thought Kate's tweet about the shooting tragedy might be insincere or at the most, shallow. I feel terrible to say this, but she got a lot of flack for her FUN Sandy and the 9-11 ignorance, late Veterans' Day mention etc. Good PR? Her tweet seemed heartfelt, but still doesn't change my mind about her true nature or motives.
====
My thoughts exactly. Kate is a player. She manipulates her tweeties and her tweets. She knows the jig is up with her phoney tv career and she knows that her fairy god mother is a pain in ass who is of no more value to her. She's dumping her as well she should this time, but Milo can go on the heap with the rest of her discards.
This horrible tragedy played right into her hand. Children died. Kate's a mother, but not only that, a mother of eight. It obviously makes HER more sorrowful than any other mother. What else is new?
She's a narcissist. She's thinking about herself right now and what's the best way to play this?? Oh I know. I'll act all compassionate. That's what I'll do!
I'm not buying it. Sounds harsh I know, but once bitten and all that.
Butterfly,
Please respond to my question, if its within your abilities (security clearance restriction).
How does intelligence handle students coming to the US on student visas but don't actually register for classes. Or register for classes the first term/semester only but don't continue to register. Its seems to me that these students disappear off the grid.
P.S. I will understand if you are unable to respond.
Amy2,
It is a problem on the radar of the DHS and FBI, now. The DHS and ICE know that is a loophole in our immigration system that terrorists have exploited. That is about all I can say. I hope that our government addresses it policy and makes the appropriate changes, ie track visa expiration dates and follow up with that applicant by tracking them down to see of they are still here or have left the country. That would be a huge help.
Butterfly, Thank you. I feel better knowing that these agencies are looking into this problem.
Lauren 935. When we see children the same ages as our grandchildren and we speak with them it feeds our souls. It's like being close to our own for a few minutes. We are appreciative when parents allow us to interesct for a small moment. My GM used to say, "I'm hungry to see you." Now I understand what she meant.
And I don't think we can wait until next weekend to see them. I'm so very hungry to see them and hold them.
LovemyGrandsons, you are such a kind soul. Thank you for the warm welcome.
I am a frequent reader but don't really post very often.
Butterfly #47
You just changed my mind a little bit about the "middle of the night bill", along with an event that happened in the state I live in just last week. Terrorism, of the kill all infidels type, is still alive and well and some of our gov. officials are supporting these organizations due to "PC laws" among other reasons.
I believe in profiling (not very PC of me, I know) when it comes to terrorism. I'm still not crazy about people being held without charges though. I never thought I would get held indefinetely if I were to get a speeding ticket, that may be something more for Kate however, lol. All kidding aside, I understand where you're coming from.
Again, thank you for what you do.
On another note, Amanda in Alaska #32. I can't remember if I ever said it here, but I don't think Kate should have custody of the children. I think supervised visitation would be a good idea considering her prior abuse of the kids both mentally and physically. I believe she is still abusing the kids. The physical abuse may not me obvious, but the emotional abuse certainly is and they deserve protection from that as they are not able to defend themselves.
If I don't make it back before, a Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year too. Happy Holidays for those of different faiths and beliefs.
miloandjack
@Kateplusmy8 Kate have U talked/discussed this tragedy yet w/twins? Im sure a different convo necessary 4tups? Hard discussion! :(
--------------------------
None of your business, Milo. None. Don't answer her, Kate! :)
Oh my goodness! Thank you Tucker, Readerlady, Butterfly, Dmasy, and of course Admin (my apologies if I missed anyone, so much going on in here). You ladies really know how to roll out the welcome mat! Strange the things that bring people together. Of course I will really feel like one of the gang when someone offers me a Rumspringa!
Re: My first post: I rarely feel the need to talk about the events of 9/11, the DC Snipers, etc. Faced with more senseless acts of terror, it all just comes flooding back. I think everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing when the planes struck (not unlike the JFK assassination). Our entire nation was affected - no matter where you were or who you were. You want to make sense of the senseless, and you just cannot. My continued prayers to the families, teachers and friends of those babies in Newtown.
I just watched the Six Little McGhees, and I enjoyed it. I'm not sure I'll watch the series, but to me, the parents seemed open, honest, and 'normal.' They showed the doctor kind of getting onto the mother, and later showed the mother totally ignoring the doctor. They didn't try to sugar-coat it at all. I noticed that they were surrounded by family, and that they both worked! Anyone else watch? I'm interested in the opinion of others.
Welcome Martley! I look forward to reading your posts. :)
Sleepless in Seattle said...
miloandjack
@Kateplusmy8 Kate have U talked/discussed this tragedy yet w/twins? Im sure a different convo necessary 4tups? Hard discussion! :(
--------------------------
None of your business, Milo. None. Don't answer her, Kate! :)
OMG OMG. Milo dear, please focus on how YOU are going to talk to YOUR kids about this tragedy. Kate will do what she needs to do. It's not your right to know.
And please, please I beg of you, Milo, do not ask her how her kids are dealing with it, who was the most upset, etc.
Martlet strange huh? I think i've gone entire years without thinking about D.C. We discussed it once here awhile back but other than that I haven't talked about it in maybe 7 years. It's weird how it can feel like yesterday when something scary happens. And none of us were even direct victims (although I do consider all DC area residents indirect victims because of the terror they put us through). I can remember how they fear felt VIVIDLY, the clutch your heart in your throat afraid to go outside fear I never felt before and hopefully, never will again. I cannot imagine how people in war torn countries do that day in and day out.
None of your business, Milo. None. Don't answer her, Kate! :)
&&&
If Kate doesn't answer I will give her a gold star. Butt the F OUT, Milo. It's none of your business what anyone says about this to their children, let alone how they reacted. How dare you ask such an intrusive question.
Remona I'm not really interested in it but I Tivoed the later showing to watch when I get a chance because I know it will probably end up being a blog post. I figure I should be aware of it given the nature of this blog. I'll let you know my thoughts. So is it an actual series? The way it's set up makes it seem like a one time thing.
OT answer to Butterfly, I had indoor digital antenna before I got cable in kitchen. I got the least expensive one at Lowes. I made sure I could return it if it didn't work. The signal did not come thru brick wall of the house, so I mounted antenna high up by a window, it worked fine. I think it cost less than $15.
I think Milo thrives on this attention as much as Kate does. She could easily send Kate a private message on twitter or email her with all these assinine questions.
Remona,
I saw about 5-10 minutes of the McGees. The parents seem to be working together and are appreciative of the help they are receiving. No matter what I saw on the screen my mind kept going back to why are these children on TV? Money. No matter what HOM family is on TV, I'm turned off by the entire idea thanks to the Gosselin disaster.
BTW in my local newspaper there was a small write-up about the McGees TV show. The writer brought up the Dionne Quints, Octomom and called J/K+8 'the Gosselin trainwreck. Ouch.
Martlet, Admin, everyone else, it has been really interesting to read your recollections of the DC sniper terror. And it was domestic terrorism. The Richmond VA Times Dispatch newspaper did an indepth series on it a few months ago, because of the ten year anniversary. It is amazing how large an area was affected, and how vivid the memories are.
Butterfly, I admire the work you and others do to keep our country safe.
Yes, Admin, it is a series. It said that there would be two shows next week, back to back. I will warn you, those kids had SNOTTY noses, and a couple of times, my stomach flopped! It reminded me when my own kids runny noses made my stomach flop many years ago. (And those runny noses and what the doctor said to the mother--which she ignored--was one of the reasons I thought it seemed honest and 'normal')
Amy2 said... 77
''I saw about 5-10 minutes of the McGees. The parents seem to be working together and are appreciative of the help they are receiving. No matter what I saw on the screen my mind kept going back to why are these children on TV? Money. No matter what HOM family is on TV, I'm turned off by the entire idea thanks to the Gosselin disaster.''
~~~~~~~~~
Amy, I know exactly what you mean. As I watched the show, I found myself hoping that they had agreed to do a limited number of shows, because the money would help. Then...they could go on with their lives and maybe just do a special now and then. Both parents (and the people surrounding them) were SO different than anything with KK...I think that is why the word ''normal'' keeps popping into my mind.
Admin 72
I cannot imagine how people in war torn countries do that day in and day out.
*********
(Don't think I am doing this right. Still on the learning curve)
My sentiments/sediments exactly. I had actually seen the 1940's House prior to it being posted here. Each time the family went into the bomb shelter it made my heart beat faster. Partly because I am claustrophobic, but mostly because immediately following the attack on the Pentagon I remember sitting in the basement wondering if we were going to get bombed next. As a mother, your first instinct is to protect your children, but there is just no way to take that away from them.
My parents lived in DC at the time, and to visit we would be able to drive right past the White House. Immediately after 9/11 there were armed guards stationed on the roadway. Not too long after they closed that road completely. Also there was a strong military presence on street corners downtown, and even some scary looking large guns that were as big as a car. Maybe they were some sort of ground to air launchers, I really don't know much about those things.
Does anyone else remember the guidelines for sheltering in place at home? Water supply for each member of the house, nonperishable food stockpiles, batteries, duct tape and heavy duty trash bags to seal windows in case of chemical attack, etc.? I still don't feel right if I don't have those items around. Just in case. Of course now I also have the K1 Potassium Iodide tablets that were distributed here in case of a problem at the nuclear power plant. Oy. So, no, though I have the things they tell me to have on hand, I cannot imagine ever actually having to experience using them for the intended purpose. God willing I will never have to.
P.S. Butterfly, I'm glad you have our backs!
I would necessarily be surprised if Kate did in some form say she's handle the situation with her kids. I mean, after all, this is the woman who announced other issues with her kids on a radio show and what have you. Come on she has no sense of any boundary really not when it comes to her kids. She put them out there for one reason and one reason only: money.
The reason her kids latch onto anyone is her own doing because either they've seen her model said behavior or she's encouraged it simple as that.
I have some belief despite the tragedies of what took place and how people look at it and tragedies are things that need to be looked at, circumstances, situations all need to be revisited or looked at if only for humanity to come to a full graps of what some people are capable of. It was long ago, a person I exchange with said something to me that made me realize as it is something even I personally struggle with, that at heart I still think people ARE good that most people you meet: the grandmother's at the store who smile at your kids or just about most people you pass to and from I still have this tinge of hope that people are still good at heart whether or not now that's been challenged by one person's actions I still think that I am not going to let this one person whom obviously was off the rails for whatever reason, that I don't think I will let it deminish my personally young hope that people are still good.
It's just something that personally anyway I have to try and believe it. It would be nice.
Then again I think when our circumstances are maybe challenged by horrific actions of others: kids on a train or whatever the situation, I also learned from the same person who said I don't really know you that well, but I think as true as it is in some cases people never truly know what anyone is capable of or necessarily from the standpoint of a screen I coud still be Joe Blow for all anyone knows. Admin could be Frank from down the street I wouldn't know. I think what is important if you question whether or not to get to know someone I think from a certain degree, personally anyway I go by how people treat you. Kind words even on a screen can carry a lot of weight, good weight.
Especially at the holidays I think people face challenges in their lives--you could be you know homeless or some dumb rich reality star no matter what circumstance you're in I think basically even now with those facing a difficult Christmas for me it's going to be more important to look at the displays around me as I navigate to buy someone special a gift that I think this year the true gift could be showing someone you don't really know that people are still good.
And anyway, I don't I haven't stepped on anyone's toes or bothered anybody with my ramblings I haven't meant it if I have and I'd be happy to take it down if asked.
Marie said... 82
"I don't think I will let it deminish my personally young hope that people are still good."
********
I believe that you have the right spirit, Marie.
Marie, I enjoy reading musings like yours.
eaderlady said... 44
Admin -- That's pretty close to what Jon was reportedly paying just after the divorce.
&&&
Actually Jon never paid alimony, neither did Kate. They both agreed not to. He did pay child support. But child support is different and separate. Few people would be able to secure this much alimony unless they're really living like the 1%.
If that was her alimony, that means her husband was probably making a ton of money. Any updates on this?
Rifle in Conn. massacre similar to DC sniper
http://news.yahoo.com/rifle-conn-massacre-similar-dc-022700609.html
If that was her alimony, that means her husband was probably making a ton of money. Any updates on this?
-------------
He is with GE Energy in the financial/taxes department. That's not too shabby an income. Did you see her house? It's an upper middle-class affluent neighborhood.
I haven't checked at Robert Hoffman's site for awhile. The current post is the Thanksgiving message from 11/13.
What are we to think?
Perhaps the original test languishing on my Kindle is the only version of this book that will be published?
Robert, if you read here, could you please give us an update of some sort.
Good morning all - clear glass crockpot has had stew started at 6:30 this morning - so pretty with carrots, rutabega, sweet potato and beef - will add green/red peppers later
Today is joy to the world on CBC - it is broadcast from all over Europe all day - hope some of you can enjoy some of this incredible music day
myhandsomekitty
@MiloandJack are you related to kate gosselin??
---------------
She WISHES! Actually, she hopes and prayers and dreams about it! All she wants for Christmas is Kate Gosselin under her tree...and every day forever after!
Kate Gosselin@Kateplusmy8
@HandNparker no no I can't. I could barely get through the list of names. 6 and 7 year olds...omg it's just too close to home!
This sounds more like typical Kate. Maybe I'm being overly sensitive. But how is it any closer to home for you than it is for any parent who has children, of any age?
I know the 6 and 7-year-olds who lost their lives are close in age with her sextuplets, but that doesn't mean that it's closer to home for her than it is for a parent with a 20-year-old child.
Again, I know I am sensitive. But this tweet strikes me as an example of turning this around and involving herself. As far as I'm concerned, EVERY parent in the US feels that this is close to home, and it's NOT more so for her.
I'll tell you who this is REALLY close to home for: parents who have lost their child in a previous school shooting, like Columbine or Virginia Tech. I can't imagine the horrific memories and emotions that are stirred upon hearing this news. That's who is especially impacted - NOT a woman whose kids were hours and hours away, safe and sound (thank goodness).
Am I being too hard on her? If so, I sincerely apologize. It just rubbed me the wrong way. Please be honest.
Christmas fun - young couple are renovating house across the road but haven't moved in yet - last night we snuck over and erected a 3 foot reindeer on their porch - no power to plug it in - darn - but it is going to drive them crazy cause they won't know whodunnit - hope you got a smile out of this ....
This sounds more like typical Kate. Maybe I'm being overly sensitive. But how is it any closer to home for you than it is for any parent who has children, of any age?
------------
I thought she meant that (geographically) it was too close to home - only two states away. It just makes sense, knowing the way that she "thinks." It's in "her" area, or so she thinks, on the East Coast, not a country away.
Maybe I'm wrong. Who knows what she meant?
Sleigh bells, thanks for responding.
mmm, I don't know, I personally think she meant is metohprically ... when people say "close to home" as in "directing impacting or of personal concern to them."
PA isn't geographically close to CT .. I mean it's only a couple of states but it's several hours away. Maybe I'm wrong though.
Metaphorically I mean
smy8
@HandNparker no no I can't. I could barely get through the list of names. 6 and 7 year olds...omg it's just too close to home!
&&&
Did she notice there was no Joey or Joseph?
I think her appropriate tweet the other day covered it and she needs to leave well enough alone now. It does have the implication she is "feeling" this tragedy more than others, which is obnoxious.
Admin, exactly, and that's why it bugs me. Does sh think that because she has EIGHT kids who she could never imagine losing, that it makes it especially har fror her, harder than for parents who have one or two children? Baloney, EVERY parent is heartbroken.
To me, this is consistent with "I'm-a-mom-moreso-than-everyone-else-is-because-I-have-more-kids" persona.
Every PERSON with a heart is heartbroken.
I don't like her I feel things deeper when bad things happen to kids ridiculous attitude, but whatever, she doesn't matter.
Here we go, any parent of elementary school age kids could feel this hits ” close to home”, because of kids ages. A few years ago three was a gunman who went into a one room Amish school inPennsylvania and killed the girls, this may have brought up memories of that tragedy for anyone in that area. Figuratively and literally, statement could be interpreted.
Any parent who has children who may hear of this on news, from a friend, seeing a paper with the headline or pictures, has to think about how to reassure their children.
PA isn't geographically close to CT .. I mean it's only a couple of states but it's several hours away. Maybe I'm wrong though.
-------
You're right, although since I'm in northeastern PA, I consider it close and drive through that area quite often on my way to Boston. Danbury is only two-and-a-half hours away which to her, would be much closer than Colorado or California. I don't know, that was just my first thought when I read it. With her, it's anyone's guess.
I think her appropriate tweet the other day covered it and she needs to leave well enough alone now. It does have the implication she is "feeling" this tragedy more than others, which is obnoxious.
------------
I agree. It starts to wear thin. She did fine the other day, now leave well enough alone. I really do think she's trying to make up for the superfunsandy thing, over-compensating, but at the same time, too much of this and it becomes meaningless.
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- A man was arrested Saturday after firing about 50 shots in the parking lot of a Southern California shopping mall, prompting a lockdown of stores crowded with holiday shoppers.
------
I think I'm staying away from malls until after the first of the year. Of course, if the world ends on December 21, none of us will have to worry about it anymore! Maybe we should hit the "after Christmas" sales on the 20th this year.
Gosh I can't wait for Dec 22 so this "end of the world" talk stops. Hehe no dig to you Sleigh Bells, it just reminded me.
Have you heard that kids have been killing themselves over this "doomsday" business? It's tragic.
It's JUST A MYTH. It's devastating that the media has that kind of impact, where these kids are hearing it and actually believing it, and concluding that they may as well kill themselves rather than sticking around for the end of it all.
Seriously, does anyone here actually believe this? I don't want to step on any toes, but the constant talk of it does get bothersome. Think back to the millinium, when the world was supposedly going to end. There have been at least a few other apocolypse myths during my lifetime.
It wears thin and, truly, it does scare young people who don't know better.
Btw by "constant talk" I don't mean on this blog at all, I mean in general. Just to clarify :)
http://slog.thestranger.com/blogs/slog/
Scroll down to the article titled "I Am Adam Lanza's Mother".
Sorry, don't know how to make it clickable.
A very thought provoking article written by the mother of a troubled child.
A heartwarming story of grief--and the healing power of pie! It's inspiration, I think, for those of us who wish there was something we could do, in light of the tragedy in Newtown...
Eldon woman hopes to help heal grief with her pies (via http://www.desmoinesregister.com/)
Beth Howard, the so-called “pie evangelist,” is taking her renowned baked goods on the road to Newtown, Conn.
The Eldon resident and author of “Making Piece: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Pie” threw out the idea on Facebook on Friday after learning of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School that left 26 dead. Overnight, she managed to secure a driving partner and over $2,000 in donations for gas and supplies. On Saturday morning, she loaded up her RV with her local Aldi’s entire stock of Granny Smith apples and headed east.
“I’m choked up like everybody else,” Howard said shortly after crossing the Illinois border. “As my mother would say, ‘Don’t get sad, get busy.’ It helps to be moving towards something.”
Howard expects to arrive in New Jersey today, where she will bake her first batch of pies, and then move on to Connecticut to distribute them. Already, she’s secured baking supply donations from Costco, and a friend is organizing ovens. Howard said she hopes to stay for a week in Newtown and possibly teach pie-making classes to some local children, similar to a program she did with at-risk youth in Ottumwa.
“The impact of that is so incredibly positive,” Howard said.
In 2009, Howard’s husband, Marcus Iken, died suddenly of a ruptured aorta.
“When you’re grieving, it’s so helpful to have something to focus on besides your grief,” she said. “In my own grief, at my lowest point in my entire life, I found that I still had something left to give.”
Howard said that as donations continue to flood in, anything beyond the cost of her pie supplies will go to a Newtown-area charity.
Pie-making, she said, fulfills a desire to contribute in a hands-on way. “I think people just feel helpless and need something to focus on. It seems so trite — we’re going to go make pie. But I wrote a whole book about how pie heals grief; I feel like I’m practicing what I preach.”
Pie is comforting, she explained: “I’ve seen it work its magic healing powers, so that’s why I felt strongly about driving a thousand miles to do this.”
You can follow Beth's progress on FB (The World Needs More Pie) and/or donate a small slice of your holiday budget to support this worthwhile project. All leftover funds will be contributed to Newtown charities, in support of ongoing grief counseling, etc. Visit www.theworldneedsmorepie.com to donate through PayPal.
My brother-in-law (husband to the sister of the famous squirrel gravy) absolutes believe the 12/21 end. He "preaches" to the rest of the family. I usually don't know what to say in response.
Here We Go -- I agree. I have been through a few of these scares in my lifetime. Still here....
Kate has to make this about her because everything is about her. If you read her tweets her narcissism is always apparent. She cannot empathize in a normal way. A fan is sad because she lost a grandparent? Kate says I lost my dear grandpa. Back pain? Kate has sciatica too. She always says she was just doing the same thing or thinking the same thing or somehow is better or worse. It is always about her in some way as we saw with Sandy. She can't relate at all without making it about her.
Lauren - WOW. That poor woman. I pray for her and for her son, that he gets the help that he needs. She is brave for speaking out about it.
Here we go 103 - I completely agree. The doomsday rumor has been debunked several times. It's just fun for some people to wonder about it I guess, and see what happens. But I also hate how it's genuinely frightening children who have not been around for other supposed "end of the word" myths.
We are going to be fine on Dec 21, 2012, in my humble opinion.
Lauren said... 105
http://slog.thestranger.com/blogs/slog/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That was an excellent article- thank you. It makes us realize often parents are not to blame for the actions of their children. This mother
knew her son needed help and she sought it- right at the brink of the boy outgrowing her in strength, and when his thoughts of violence and revenge increased.Very thought-provoking.
Reminds me of the book January First about a child who is a schizophrenic, and also of my own dear friend who late in life(40's) had a son- now an eight-year old who has ADHD/ODD. He is violent and disruptive, but to her, her own dear child, and one who needs help. At this young age, he destroys things, soils himself, bites, kicks,punches, throws chairs, tips tables, is aggressive to animals and kids and teachers, parents, anyone. He is drugged at the moment but rapidly outgrowing the calming effects.
Kate feels it. We all feel it. My son, who has a 2 year old, won't talk about it, which is also the feeling of his sister, who is an elementary school teacher. In an odd way I am grateful to be visiting my children this weekend for our Chanukah celebration; it is comforting to simply be in their presence in this time of national grieving.
Kate would be wise to stop the twitter chat; it will just demean whatever she truly feels, and lead to more senseless cyberspace remarks. Silence would be golden.
To those of the Christian belief that wonder what to say to doomsayers concerning the end of the world on 12/21/12"
But of that day and that hour knows no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Mark 13:32
Another good book is "We Need to Talk about Kevin", a fiction about the mother of a teen who commits mass murder at the school. The book shows how the boy showed signs of sociopathy even as a baby, and how it changed his mother's interaction with him and the vicious circle that ensued.
This blog is amazing- it is the mother of boy who is mentally ill and she is crying out for help. She sees Adam Lanza and all the other spree killers in her son's future.
It is a good read- It really touches on our conversation that these tragedies are not about gun control, but mental health.
http://anarchistsoccermom.blogspot.com/2012/12/thinking-unthinkable.html
Oops, Lauren already posted it!! It is good, highly recommend it. Thanks, Lauren :)
Here we go... said... 103
Gosh I can't wait for Dec 22 so this "end of the world" talk stops. Hehe no dig to you Sleigh Bells, it just reminded me.
Have you heard that kids have been killing themselves over this "doomsday" business? It's tragic.
It's JUST A MYTH. It's devastating that the media has that kind of impact, where these kids are hearing it and actually believing it, and concluding that they may as well kill themselves rather than sticking around for the end of it all.
Seriously, does anyone here actually believe this? I don't want to step on any toes, but the constant talk of it does get bothersome. Think back to the millinium, when the world was supposedly going to end. There have been at least a few other apocolypse myths during my lifetime.
It wears thin and, truly, it does scare young people who don't know better
_____________________________________________
It's nowhere near as bad as 1999/2000. OMG people would not stop w/end of the world stuff....sheesh.. I am just enjoying it this time, taking it all with a smile so I can look back and say I survived 2 end-of-the-worlds :D
Maybe I should get a t-shirt
Oh my gosh, just liked we discussed - from that woman's blog- "I don’t believe my son belongs in jail. The chaotic environment exacerbates Michael’s sensitivity to sensory stimuli and doesn’t deal with the underlying pathology. But it seems like the United States is using prison as the solution of choice for mentally ill people. According to Human Rights Watch, the number of mentally ill inmates in U.S. prisons quadrupled from 2000 to 2006, and it continues to rise—in fact, the rate of inmate mental illness is five times greater (56 percent) than in the non-incarcerated population. (http://www.hrw.org/news/2006/09/05/us-number-mentally-ill-prisons-quadrupled)
With state-run treatment centers and hospitals shuttered, prison is now the last resort for the mentally ill—Rikers Island, the LA County Jail, and Cook County Jail in Illinois housed the nation’s largest treatment centers in 2011 "
This is a problem. I am so glad awareness is being made. I wish the cost wasn't so high.
Nineteen minutes by Jodi Picoult is also good. it's about a fictional high school shooting, as seen from various perspectives.
Formally Duped, Nineteen Minutes is a great book. I was on a huge Jodi Picoult kick a few years back. Thank you for recommending it.
The only thing I don't like about it is, it uses bullying to justify school shootings, to a certain degree.
Bullying is terrible (I mean real bullying, not what Kate endures). It ruins lives. It is NOT an excuse to end dozens of innocent lives.
People say the Columbine shooters with bullied. So all 12 of the lives they took, including 1 tacher, and the countless others injured,bullied them? even though they basically walked around killing everyone they could? I just don't buy it.
I feel that bullying leads to anger and feelings like you don't belong. But there are ways to cope, people to confide in. Why does that justify ending young lives, many of whom were NOT involved in the bullying in the slightest?
There's a difference between labeling something as a precursor, and suggesting that it justifies it. In the book 19 minutes, if I remember correctly (and perhaps I don't, it's been at least 5 yrs, so please forgive me if I am wrong), the parts from Peter's perspective actually acts like his rampage was justified because he was mistreated.
Same with the way some talk about the Columbine students, as if the bullying made it understandle. No, it doesn't. It made for a clearer motive, perhaps, but it does not excuse wreaking that kind of havoc on a school, a community, and those innocent families.
Bullying is heartbreaking. I hope we see a day where it is unheard of. But I don't believe that a student who does not already have underlying mental health problems would go on a killing spree, ending the lives of innocents, because of it.
Oh yeah, Nineteen Minutes was good too. It was on my daughter's reading list so I read it as well.
localyocul said... 113
Another good book is "We Need to Talk about Kevin", a fiction about the mother of a teen who commits mass murder at the school. The book shows how the boy showed signs of sociopathy even as a baby, and how it changed his mother's interaction with him and the vicious circle that ensued.
*************************************
This is an excellent read. It's one of those books that keep you thinking even after you've read it. They also made a movie which I have not yet seen.
Upstater said... 121
localyocul said... 113
Another good book is "We Need to Talk about Kevin", a fiction about the mother of a teen who commits mass murder at the school. The book shows how the boy showed signs of sociopathy even as a baby, and how it changed his mother's interaction with him and the vicious circle that ensued.
*************************************
This is an excellent read. It's one of those books that keep you thinking even after you've read it. They also made a movie which I have not yet seen.
________________________________________
Dang it, it's on netflix, but not streaming, checking amazon now.
Lauren and Butterfly, thank you for that link. She described her situation so compellingly. I know someone who needs to read those words. Thank you very much.
Upstater said... 121
The movie is unbelievable. It shows us what happens when a mother doesn't bond with her child. It is done in such an incredibly personal way that you can actually understand and feel why this mother never bonded with her son. They were both to blame. Fascinating human study.
Haha I remembered there was a movie made too and checked Netflix and was disappointed it wasn't streaming.
I was looking back at some posts over the last couple days. I just checked back. I don't remember who specifically asked, but I had commented how Newtown children have been patients of mine, and was asked if I am a pediatrician. I am a pediatric nurse practitioner, and essentially practice as a pediatrician would. I left private practice and went back to the hospital at Yale. You never think things like this will happen in your backyard. A physician of mine lives down the street from the school and his kids almost went to that school but the way the street was divided, his kids were sent to another elementary school. Lucky! I also have worked closely with another pediatrician who lives in Newtown. I think I am still numb. It's weird, it feels like I am reading about something happening far far away, not next door.
Amazon has it on instant video. Going to watch now...
There was a bomb threat called into a church in Newtown this morning. This world is sick!
Kate's Superfunsandy tweet was obviously sarcastic.
It still gets mentioned here and I truly feel like she was just complaining that her night consisted of watching Disney with her kids, rather than actually suggesting a tragic storm was fun.
I'm not a fan and feel that she deserves flack for a lot of other stuff. But I do feel bad for her about that tweet, because I do feel it was taken out of context.
Maybe that particular instance should just be dropped :)
I saw an interview on tv this morning on one of the news channels with a retired Psychology professor and officer at one of the military academies. He stressed very strongly that violent, killing, shooting video games are desensitizing many vulnerable young people and training them to be successful killers. He said the games 'trained' them to not react and but to fire repeatedly. He used to teach about this exact thing and sees how it has played out in way too many of the mass shootings by young people. It made a lot of sense and he was very convincing. It's something to think about.
As for Kate's tweet... I think her narcissism is showing again in saying 6-7 yr old hit too close to home (because hers are 8, 12) rather than geographically close. She should have stopped while she was ahead.
@HandNparker (she tweets reality celebs)
@Kateplusmy8 it made my kids messes seem like a very minor thing today. I apologize for ever judging u. #heartcheckforme
@Kateplusmy8
I thank u 4 ur apology.Brings tears2my eyes actually. It really puts life into perspective.All aspects of it. #onlylovematters
@HandNparker
they have the dispatch recording out. Don't listen. I did but stopped. Too devestating.
@Kateplusmy8
no no I can't. I could barely get through the list of names. 6 and 7 year olds...omg it's just too close to home!
Butterfly, Here we go, I am beyond exasperated with the end of the Mayan calendar means the end of the world stuff! I had forgotten about the year 2000 hysteria, but you are right, that was wary over the top with people thinking civilization would end. At this point I am laughing mostly, especially at the horrendous SyFy channel movie ”The twelve Disasters of Christmas”. Acting was ok but the poor actors were trapped in a ridiculous plot and cheesy special effects. I wish Mystery Science Theater 3000 was still on, Crow T. Robot and company would have had fun with this one.
Formally Duped, I agree with you about "Nineteen minutes" by Jodi Picoult. I read it shortly after it came out and remember how good it was. I highly recommend it.
Kate's Superfunsandy tweet was obviously sarcastic.
It still gets mentioned here and I truly feel like she was just complaining that her night consisted of watching Disney with her kids, rather than actually suggesting a tragic storm was fun.
I'm not a fan and feel that she deserves flack for a lot of other stuff. But I do feel bad for her about that tweet, because I do feel it was taken out of context.
***********
If Kate's tweet about Sandy was misunderstood, she should have corrected it. She didn't. I don't think she felt bad about how it was interpreted. IMO, she deserves all the criticism she's gotten about it, here and all over the internet.
And, please pick a name, Anon.
It doesn't matter if it was sarcastic it was inappropriate. All she had to do was delete it. Simple as that. She chose not to even after people were upset.
Another new name here - welcome, Martlet!
I, too, do not believe that the world is ending on 12/21 or 12/22. This is just as crazy as the whole year 2000 media reports.
remember the Prince song "Party like it's 1999"? I really started to become almost angry at how often it was played- starting YEARS before- ugh.
I could never hear that again and it would still be too soon. That and 'Y2K'
JoyinVirginia,
I watched that movie, LOL!! Cheesy, even for syfy, almost had to turn it off. At least it wasnt distracting me from working on my homework. I have been switching back and forth between Syfy and History 2 for all the End of the World shows. Good background noise. Strictly entertainment for me.
I don't remember Y2K being about the end of the world, just that computers would shut down bringing modern life to a screeching halt - Not life itself, but the technological world.
Admin 134, I suppose that's true. She could have further explained the super fun sandy comment since it was such a sensitive topic.
Thank you all for being respectful in your disagreements. I just consider that to be frustrating about twitter or any written forum, it is difficult to sense tone and people can interpret things in was they were not intended. Sometimes I feel bad about that, that's all.
For some reason I am not able to post under a name :(
Feel free to call me Philly :)
I just spent a few minutes this morning to send emails to my Senators and Representatives, asking them to please seriously address the problems with Mental Health in our country....begging them to fund and not cut programs that might possibly help troubled children like those in the linked blog of the mother that someone (sorry...I don't remember the poster..was it Butterfly?) linked here.
http://anarchistsoccermom.blogspot.com/2012/12/thinking-unthinkable.html
Here is a link to find your Senator/Representative. (As IF most, if not all of you, already know!!)
www.opencongress.org/people/zipcodelookup
Remona Blue said... 45
Amanda in alaska said... 32
''Why? She treats some of you like crap. I mean if you don't AGREE with the ADMIN, she deletes others who post support and leaves up the attacks. It's all carefully crafted to whatever agenda the owner is in the mood for that day.''
~~~~~~~~~
Amanda, you simply are NOT correct. I, personally have disagreed with Admin more than a few times. She has never treated me ''like crap''...nor has she ever deleted one single time I have disagreed with her. Of course, the difference is that when I disagree with Admin (or any other poster on this blog), I disagree, and say why I disagree politely. Something you, throwing your snotty little hissy fit, have not done!
**************
Disagree "politely?" You are far and away one of the nastiest posters on this blog. Is referring to someone's opinion as a "snotty little hissy fit" part of your polite disagreement?
Hi. I am a long time reader, posted maybe 3 times here. I enjoy this blog very much. Amanda, I have never seen the Admin here be rude or treat anyone like 'crap'. Only the obvious worshipers of Kate, who have gotten a not too nice response when they have left not too nice postings. So that 'charge' is simply not true.
As far as Kate having a kind heart? I remember when their kids were still very young and Kate and Jon had gotten so much in donations, someone told her about a family at their church who was in great need. Kate wrote about it, how she 'prayed' on it, and 'agonized' over it, finally writing a $50 donation. The donations Jon and Kate got were so plentiful, the only thing left for them to pay was their house note, for practically the first three years after the tups were born. IF they paid that at all. Kind heart? No.
I also recall how even today she takes her kids clothes to consignment. Many of their clothes are GIVEN to her. This is a woman who cannot bring herself to help the less fortunate. She just cannot GIVE the clothing to charity. Unless it is filmed, of course. Or publicly on Twitter for all the world to read. Kind heart? No.
She, along with all of us, IS most likely touched in some way by the horrific deaths of so many people, so many children. But kind hearted? No, sorry.
The very reason I enjoy this blog so much is that there are so many people posting here with HUGE hearts and truly care about people. One can read it and feel it.
Amanda is Right said... 140
''Disagree "politely?" You are far and away one of the nastiest posters on this blog. Is referring to someone's opinion as a "snotty little hissy fit" part of your polite disagreement?''
~~~~~~~~
Hey...when you're right, you're right!! I disagree politely with some and am as hateful as I want to be when someone comes in and throws a ''snotty hissy fit''. Am I sorry? Hell no. Deal with it!!
Paper Plates Forever! Yay! said... 124
Upstater said... 121
The movie is unbelievable. It shows us what happens when a mother doesn't bond with her child. It is done in such an incredibly personal way that you can actually understand and feel why this mother never bonded with her son. They were both to blame. Fascinating human study.
******************************
Thanks Paper Plates. It sounds like the movie is just as good as the book. I would also call the book a fascinating human study. Now I really need to go and watch the movie.
Philly -- I agree with you that KK was probably being sarcastic when she tweeted #superfunSandy. It still was inappropriate, to say the least. I think it is an excellent example of just how tone deaf she is to the social niceties and to other people's concerns and problems. It doesn't exist in KK's world unless it directly affects her. Anyone else can just go hang.
Remona Blue -- YOU GO GIRL!!
Oh my goodness - remona I'm with you
fidosmommy said... 137
I don't remember Y2K being about the end of the world, just that computers would shut down bringing modern life to a screeching halt - Not life itself, but the technological world.
______________________________________
I meant Y2K as another thing that I was tired of hearing about at that time :)
along w/ 1999/2000 and that Prince song - sorry for the confusion.
The superfun tweet told us two things about Kate. One that she is not aware of her world and what is appropriate. And two, even if she is not aware, when people tell her she IS being inappropriate, that she's too darn stubborn, arrogant and inconsiderate to fix it with a SIMPLE delete button. That's all people asked and she wouldn't do it. Says quite a bit about her level of sociopathy.
'Atta girl, Remona!
For those of you with Kindles or who downloaded the Kindle app to your computer or ipad or iphone, there are a couple of free cookbooks y'all might be interested in downloading today. One is a book of poke cake recipes and the other is healthy crockpot meals. Go to www.freebooksy.com and scroll about halfway down the first page. Links to those 2 books will be there. You might also want to check out the other freebies listed there, in whatever genre floats your boat.
Agreed, I do feel that she lacks social graces and common senses. I guess even the possibility that it COULD have been interpreted that way should have been enough to prevent her from tweeting that during the storm.
Amanda, and Amanda is right, my posts and the posts in response exemplify how to disagree or bring up a point politely, without insulting anyone or being condescending.
It's so easy to be kind and to respectfully disagree with someone, or to bring something to their attention. I will never understand those who choose to be impolite and offensive.
Philly
Remona,
2 thumbs up!
Philly,
Welcome!
Readerlady,
Thank you!! I shall consider my two new cookbooks a christmas gift from you ;)
Sharing is caring
The twit's tweets said... 130
I saw an interview on tv this morning on one of the news channels with a retired Psychology professor and officer at one of the military academies. He stressed very strongly that violent, killing, shooting video games are desensitizing many vulnerable young people and training them to be successful killers. He said the games 'trained' them to not react and but to fire repeatedly. He used to teach about this exact thing and sees how it has played out in way too many of the mass shootings by young people. It made a lot of sense and he was very convincing. It's something to think about.
====
While I agree many of the games that are the biggest sellers are violent and could very well desensitize a lot of people who play them, did he point out that the age group of the biggest purchasers/players of those games have also been exposed to violence of some kind since they were born? Since 1981 - the age group I assume he's referring to - the US has been involved in some conflict with various countries and factions from the Gulf War to the War on Terror. People from the age of 1 to 31 have grown up exposed to killing, murdering and violence on the news, on the internet, in movies, and in video games. All forms of media factor in to the desensitization theory.
Parents Magazine Parents Magazine @parentsmagazine
Ideas for what to say to your kids about the Sandy Hook tragedy before they go to school tomorrow: http://bit.ly/T0NcFU
Fired Up 4 Kate Fired Up 4 Kate @MiloandJack
@Kateplusmy8 @parentsmagazine Good tips here Kate. Was already concerned HOW U will handle this..8kids.8unique views U will need 2deal with!
I have a real hard time buying the video game theory. This has been thrown out there since Columbine and before. Millions and millions of people, myself included, play video games with no ill effects. Moreover, video games have a good rating system and parents need to take responsibility for their kids and not let them play games not appropriate for them, same with movies, same with TV. Most do.
Nosy busy buddy strikes again said... 155
Parents Magazine Parents Magazine @parentsmagazine
Ideas for what to say to your kids about the Sandy Hook tragedy before they go to school tomorrow: http://bit.ly/T0NcFU
Fired Up 4 Kate Fired Up 4 Kate @MiloandJack
@Kateplusmy8 @parentsmagazine Good tips here Kate. Was already concerned HOW U will handle this..8kids.8unique views U will need 2deal with!
====
Milo seems obsessed with this.
Fired Up 4 Kate Fired Up 4 Kate @MiloandJack
@Kateplusmy8 @parentsmagazine Good tips here Kate. Was already concerned HOW U will handle this..8kids.8unique views U will need 2deal with!
&&&
WHY is she concerned? I don't get it. They are not her kids to be concerned about. They are Kate and Jon's kids and they can handle their concerns and gasp, even eight unique views! Also why not concerned for what Jon will say to them? They may be with him and he might be the one to comfort them. I love the assumption only Kate will have to handle this.
Fired Up 4 Kate @MiloandJack
@Kateplusmy8 I have total confidence that U will handle reassuring ur kids N best manner possible as U do know them better than anyone else!
Fired Up 4 Kate @MiloandJack
@Kateplusmy8 @parentsmagazine Very important2note body language when they talk abt it..&be a "fly on the wall" & listen 2convos btween kids.
..&be a "fly on the wall" & listen 2convos btween kids.
&&&&
Um, what? Stalk your kids? How about just let your kids enjoy the weekend? Good Lord, the drama.
Milo really needs to butt out about the G8 and Kate needs to tell her so. This is no business of hers.
Fired Up 4 Kate @MiloandJack
@Kateplusmy8 @parentsmagazine Very important2note body language when they talk abt it..&be a "fly on the wall" & listen 2convos btween kids.
**************************************************
She's entered the realm of beyond ridiculousness. It makes my skin crawl to read her over the top posts.
Call me a crazy conspiracy theorist, but I tend to think that there's a very good possibility that these tweets by Milo are pre-arranged with KG behind the scenes. It gives Kate the opening to bring the topic back up and bring it back to HER kids. 'Cause you know, it's all about Kate, ALL the time.
It was really interesting, though chilling, to read about the massacre in Bath Township, Michigan in 1927, which I had never heard of before until now--no idea how I missed this one, never before heard it talked about.
This was in 1927, way before video games TV modern weapons and all our modern technologies that many people blame for killings. It's completely disturbing. He wanted to kill far more kids but half his explosives never went off.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath_School_disaster
Realitytvkids.com (Administrator) said... 156
I have a real hard time buying the video game theory. This has been thrown out there since Columbine and before. Millions and millions of people, myself included, play video games with no ill effects. Moreover, video games have a good rating system and parents need to take responsibility for their kids and not let them play games not appropriate for them, same with movies, same with TV. Most do.
====
I agree Admin. I was waiting for someone to come forward and blame video games ... and sure enough.
They have an excellent rating system. One of my kids plays Call of Duty, and he sat in tears on Friday watching the events unfolding at Newtown, horrified and saddened.
"WHY is she concerned? I don't get it. They are not her kids to be concerned about."
Exactly--and why isn't she worrying about her own kids instead? Supposedly her own kids are teenagers, but still she should be worrying abou them, not Kate's kids.
Milo is getting creepier and creepier. It's almost as if she believes she is now part of Kate's family, and she's entitled to know everything and anything about them.
This is something that should be talked about between children and their parents and their teachers, not some stranger on twitter.
Milo seems to think Kate doesn't know how to handle this. At least that's the impression she's giving. If I were Kate (heaven forbid) I would be really pissed. Maybe she'll finally tell her to stuff it. It's time.
Call me a crazy conspiracy theorist, but I tend to think that there's a very good possibility that these tweets by Milo are pre-arranged with KG behind the scenes. It gives Kate the opening to bring the topic back up and bring it back to HER kids. 'Cause you know, it's all about Kate, ALL the time.
&&&
Kind of. My theory is that Milo has self-appointed herself protector and guider of Kate. If she feels Kate needs to do or say certain things she tries to gently and sometimes not so gently tweet her in that direction. In this case, for some reason she feels that Kate needs to talk about how the kids are feeling, I guess because she thinks that will make Kate more relatable or something. So she is pushing more and more and more with these nosy questions and baiting tweets to get Kate on this topic. When Kate ignores her, she pushes all the harder. She really believes it's good for Kate to address it and won't quit until it happens.
I refuse to believe the intern theory. You'd have to be nuts to hire someone tweeting these kinds of things. An intern would tweet much more benign things and wouldn't act like such a freak.
Worry about your own kids first, then if you must worry about the kids in your family, church and your kids' friends. Why you would worry about some random D list celebrity's children is beyond me. There are plenty of other kids that actually have relevance to you to be worried about.
Fired Up 4 Kate @MiloandJack
@Kateplusmy8 @parentsmagazine Very important2note body language when they talk abt it..&be a "fly on the wall" & listen 2convos btween kids.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Hmm I'm gonna go with crying. This is way past the point of being humorous or entertaining.
Does Milo care half as much about speaking with her OWN kids about the shooting? Seriously, do you think she calls her kids Alexis and Joel? Do you think she makes her kids use the word "hairpain" when they travel?
I swear, it's not just that she's obsessed with Kate. I believe she wishes the Gosselin kids were her kids.
Does she have no sense of boundaries? Almost 30 people brutally lost their lives, most of them young children. How about wondering how their families and siblings are doing, rather than fixating on how Kate will tell her children?
It's unimaginable. It's frightening, to be honest.
Admin, if Kate does NOT at least politely tell Milo that that is a private matter, that belongs are her Top 10 Worst moments. If she responds or even allows it on her twitter page, it's enabling it.
Red herrings and weird theories are irritating when I think it's pretty clear the two main problems here are mental health and guns. We may disagree how to handle those, but people seem to be focusing on the right things, which is good.
This is the first disaster where I've really seen a serious focus on mental health even before guns. It started a little bit after the Batman movie tragedy, but this time it's gotten really serious. This is really good. Plugging up some holes while letting the others flow free does no good.
I will flip a shit if Kate breathes one word about how these kids are handling it. So far she's not mentioning it. Let's see if she can restrain herself even despite Milo's nagging.
Kate is a twit said... 166
Milo is getting creepier and creepier. It's almost as if she believes she is now part of Kate's family, and she's entitled to know everything and anything about them.
====
I know Milo has said she (he?) has never met Kate but she could be lying. Maybe she IS a relative of Kate's? Why hasn't Kate blocked her by now or told her to have a nice day, now get lost? She doesn't hesitate to say it to anyone else.
15 year old and close family friend was having the hardest time at church today. Love that guy, gave him the biggest hug and kiss. You should def be concerned if you have teens. They are experiencing their first "innocence lost" moment where they are old enough to realize it. For sure all kids need supportive adults, but don't discount teens--they are old enough to understand, which makes it scarier for some of them. I remember that eyes wide open moment during Columbine when I was a teen. If Milo is busy worrying about Kate's kids at the expense of her own, that's sad.
Auntie because I think Milo sends her free crap. She even tweets once in awhile asking her if she got something, watch for it. Someone here suggested that and it makes perfect sense.
Also bear this in mind, 97% of kids play video games at least somewhat. 97%!!!! And I bet it's nearly 100% now that you can pretty much get any game on your smartphone. So basically, the odds that a shooter has played video games at some point in his past are astronomical. Nearly all kids have. That's sort of like trying to connect kids who swim in pools, or kids who wear sneakers, to killings. Too many kids do it to draw any meaningful connection to it.
Someone here suggested that and it makes perfect sense.
====
Admin - lol I think that someone was me. I mentioned it quite a while ago but it got lost in the shuffle.
SeeSaw said... 167
''Milo seems to think Kate doesn't know how to handle this. At least that's the impression she's giving.''
~~~~~~~~
I think you're right, SeeSaw. I do believe that Milo realizes that KK has no common sense...or no sense at all, and is attempting to 'help' KK realize what the 'normal' person would do. However, it is also creepy as hell, intrusive, and none of her business. The thing that is the most annoying to ME, is her obvious opinion that KK is the only parent those children have. As I was reading the c/p twitter comments, I found myself hoping against hope that JON has the children this weekend. I totally trust JON to talk to, explain, and answer questions from his children. It's too bad that not many of us (apparently including Milo) believe that KK is as capable as Jon is!
Admin, I can see if they were trying to make a connection with super super violent video games, but not all kids are into those. I was into the Mariokart games and there was this Aladdin video game that I loved ha, but never ones that involved shooting or violent killings or anything like that. Maybe that's what the difference is.
Fired Up 4 Kate @MiloandJack
@EmCr68 @Kateplusmy8 Yes Emily..nice2see U as a young person state that! Thru Kate's twittter I've come 2know some of them especially Kate!
___________________________________________
This woman needs some kind of intervention.
Emily Creighton@EmCr68
There ARE good people in this world too, it's time to start glorifying them. Everyone should want to do random acts of kindness more often.
Kate retweeted this.
Kate, quick: name 3 random acts of kindness you've done in the past 37 years. And ... go!!
Posters, can anyone come up with 1 random act of kindess they witnessed from Kate on her "realest" reality show? Anyone?
My concern with the violent video games is how the the kids who have severe psychological problems relate to them. I think they relate to them differently than the regular kid.
I wonder if Milo makes her husband wear a stringy, fried bleach blonde wig to bed every night. Seriously, can't help but wonder.
Okay, my head is out of the gutter now.
I just don't think even a violent video game causes kids to kill. There's already a system in place to prevent kids from accessing them--they cannot buy them and parents should not let them play them if they see M for mature on the cover. I don't know what else to do about that. They aren't going to stop making violent video games. Or movies, or TV shows. You could also go to the shooting range and practicing shooting a bunch of things, which is far more realistic than driving a swag car in grand theft auto and pressing the L1 button to off some pedestrian. Some of the games are surprisingly well done. In particular the Uncharted series has a script as strong as any A list movie. Grand Theft Auto 4 the quintessential Grant Theft Auto has a remarkable story about immigrants and the underworld of crime in the big city. Red Dead Redemption tells the tale of the Old West and is surprisingly educational, as are the Assassins Creed series which does an amazing job taking you back to places like Italy and most recently, Colonial U.S. (amazing!!!). All allow you to kill people in some form but all have stories far beyond that. I think Sillimom is also one of our gamers out there.
Have you heard that kids have been killing themselves over this "doomsday" business? It's tragic
103.
Wow. I have a friend who went of a cruise to Belize and Mexico last month. She spoke with numerous Mayan people, all of whom told her
that the WORLD IS NOT ENDING.
Their calendar starts over.
Why hasn't Kate blocked her by now or told her to have a nice day, now get lost? She doesn't hesitate to say it to anyone else. 173
Fired Up/Milo has been a fan for quite some time, I think she started at Baby Mama's if not before. I think she has reached the level of
"obsessed" but cannot figure out why kate doesn't tell her to stop.
Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 182
''My concern with the violent video games is how the the kids who have severe psychological problems relate to them. I think they relate to them differently than the regular kid.''
~~~~~~~~~~
I think that is a very valid point, one that I had not considered! Kids w/problems absolutely don't relate to MANY things in the same way other kids do, and violent video games may affect the 'troubled kids' in a really adverse way. Thank you for expanding my thinking about this issue!
Oh one cool thing Red Dead Redemption did, which I thought was great, was any time you did something mean or bad, you would grow more notorious and the sheriff would be more likely to chase you, which is really annoying to be interrupted to try to escape the law. The same thing happened in Grand Theft if you hurt someone innocent, the cops would chase you all over town.
But in Red Dead if you do good things, like saving a kidnapped kid or rescuing someone who was about to be hanged, you would get "fame" points and that unlocks a lot of stuff and makes the law act nice to you and so on. They also make it impossible to shoot your family or friends, your weapons won't fire if you point it at them. So a lot of these games actually build in societal norms and provide incentives to behave appropriately. Of course that never is talked about when trying to blame video games. How do you blame Grand Theft Auto when if you shot someone innocent the cops hunt you down and throw you in jail and you lose all your weapons and money? Games have come so far from the days where you just shot things.
Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 182
My concern with the violent video games is how the the kids who have severe psychological problems relate to them. I think they relate to them differently than the regular kid.
_________________________________________
Valid point. Those kids maybe be attracted to those games. Those of us in the military often tease the Marines for attracting a certain type of personality- the type that wants to grab a gun and go shoot the enemy. We don't accuse a branch of the military for making these individuals. I think they are drawn to where they can express what they already are. Violent videos games may be an outlet for those tendencies that already exist. Conjecture on my part.
Someone with psychological issues shouldn't be doing a LOT of things. Anything could set them off. Look at the nurse, even a prank call.
Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB said... 182
''My concern with the violent video games is how the the kids who have severe psychological problems relate to them. I think they relate to them differently than the regular kid.''
This is a great point. Some children with extreme psychological problems may also relate to the shootings themselves different than everybody else.
When these times of tragedies occur, most people are beyond devastated and cannot wrap their minds aroud how someone could carry out something so horrid.
There have been cases though, of mentally ill individuals becoming obsessed with old massacres, preoccupied with the shooter's MO, how many they killed, how they did it, etc. The VT shooter was supposedly obsessed with the Columbine shooters. After the Aurora killing, there were other threats made by others to carry out something similar.
So I agree, that people who have those kinds of issues are impacted different in general by violence, whether it be in the form of a video game or real life.
Philly said... 183
I wonder if Milo makes her husband wear a stringy, fried bleach blonde wig to bed every night. Seriously, can't help but wonder.
&&&&&&&&&
I honestly wouldn't put it past her.
Admin,
Isnt Grand Theft Auto the game where you get points if you run over a hooker? Or it opens a door or something? I dont play video games, so am clueless, but seems that would be bad. Again, I could be completely wrong, this memory is from over 10 years ago when the game first came out.
It's hard for a layman to predict what anyone mentally ill will become fixated on. For the UT tower sniper shootings it seemed his parents divorce had a big effect on him. He was brilliant but eventually got in trouble with the military and it was downhill from there. He even wrote a letter saying please examine my brain after I die and try to figure me out.
To me this just goes straight back to mental health. Every time it goes back to mental health. Get to the ROOT of the problem and we might be able to stop these things.
Admin,
Isnt Grand Theft Auto the game where you get points if you run over a hooker? Or it opens a door or something?
&&&
I've only ever played 4 so I can only speak to that. No you NEVER got points for killing a hooker. Ever! I don't even recall any mission that ever required you to hurt a woman. You have a few women friends but you DATE them not hurt them. It is a violent game but it does NOT encourage random violence, hurting women, kids (there are NO kids in the game, period), cops, or anyone innocent. I believe they have crafted the game to conform more with societal norms after a lot of pressure.
Why do you think the mental health issue gets overlooked?
Do you think possibly because of the stigma that some people still have regarding mental health? I do feel that's decreased in recent years.
I was a psyc major was until recently, was planning on becoming a clinical psychology, so this stuff fascinates me. Not in a pleasant way, I'll make that clear.
Maybe some people just can't or don't wish to be helped :( Maybe it's hard for them to admit that they need help, to them they are in the right in how they view things and everyone else is wrong.
Possibly mental health issues can be detected too late.
I don't know, but I truly wish these things didn't have to happen for these issues to be discussed.
A clinical psychologist I meant :)
There are so many reasons.
We have a great respect for autonomy in this country. There is great tension between trying to help someone mentally ill, and allowing someone to be there own person and make their own decisions.
We even see this tension on a much smaller scale with Kate. A lot of us would like to see her made to get mental health treatment and to never be able to put her kids on tv again. But this country gives you a lot of freedom to choose what you want. She doesn't have to get treatment if she doesn't want to, and she can put her kids back on TV if the opportunity is there. Even if I don't agree with it, do I want to live in a country that gives others THAT much power over what I want for myself and my family? Eh, I don't know about that. It may be a small scale example, but it's one of the many reasons why we don't FORCE our way typically into people's issues.
I don't know about anyone else, but I have not discussed one word of this tragedy with my boys, who are 6 and 7. They are not aware of it, and I don't think I will be making them aware of it.
Am I just as devastated and heart broken as everyone else? Absolutely! But I don't see the point in frightening my boys.
I don't know - may be right or wrong, but just the way I am feeling right now.
Alberta Girl (can't post under my name on my phone).
It gets even more conflicting once the person turns 18, and it is up to them to pursue or continue with mental health treatment.
I do know a good amount about narcissism, my grandmother was textbook, even more so than Kate. But that is an illness where, I am not sure narcissists realize their condition at all.
People who are clinically depressed, for example, DO realize it for the most part and therefore are often willing to seek help.
That can factor into it to, the nature of the mental illness.
I don't know about anyone else, but I have not discussed one word of this tragedy with my boys, who are 6 and 7. They are not aware of it, and I don't think I will be making them aware of it.
Am I just as devastated and heart broken as everyone else? Absolutely! But I don't see the point in frightening my boys.
&&&
Apparently you are not alone. Many people in church today said they had not told their kids (most of them had young kids) and were asking the pastor not to mention it specifically. He said a general prayer about hope in bad times, we prayed for the kids in OUR church and all kids, then the kids went off to Sunday school and he gave a sermon about the tragedy. The kids who hadn't been told would never suspect anything was wrong.
Realitytvkids.com (Administrator) said... 176
Also bear this in mind, 97% of kids play video games at least somewhat. 97%!!!! And I bet it's nearly 100% now that you can pretty much get any game on your smartphone. So basically, the odds that a shooter has played video games at some point in his past are astronomical. Nearly all kids have. That's sort of like trying to connect kids who swim in pools, or kids who wear sneakers, to killings. Too many kids do it to draw any meaningful connection to it.
and
I just don't think even a violent video game causes kids to kill. There's already a system in place to prevent kids from accessing them--they cannot buy them and parents should not let them play them if they see M for mature on the cover.
***********
I agree Admin. The Psych professor who was interviewed was stressing the obsession many of the mass shooters have had with the violent-shooting-killing video games, not casual players, and the repetition of the actions and the many, many hours they play these games. He also talked about how parents must be more involved in monitoring what their kids are doing. I don't believe a well-adjusted person would have any problem playing a violent video game, but it's the ones who are struggling psychologically who are at risk and who escape into them for whatever reasons. I've never played any of the games he was talking about and I don't know how their obsessive play might affect someone who is already vulnerable.
New comments are not allowed.