Kate on Leno Tonight

Kate will be on Jay Leno tonight at 10 PM, EST. Be there or be squa...er...home with your kids caring about them first, foremost and always, like you said you are.

Jon Gosselin Spotting

Reading area opthalmologist Adam Altman sent me this picture tonight. It was taken earlier this evening when he ran into Jon Gosselin at Third & Spruce Cafe' in West Reading. Adam said Jon was sincere, gracious and friendly when asked to take the picture.

Adam is married to my friend Robin, who writes a hilarious blog. Read back through some of her entries and you are sure to at least giggle, if not fall on the floor painfully clutching your ribs. And if you like her humor be sure to buy her book, Shrink Rap: An Irreverent Take on Child Psychiatry. Robin is a child shrink, parent and standup comic, all of which qualify her to write a very funny (and really quite helpful) book on parenting.

Hmm...book on parenting. Wonder if a certain neighbor who lives on the other side of Penn Avenue, and who will be hitting the road with her very own talk show which will require her to spend lots of time away from her children in the spring, and to whom parenting comes first, foremost, and always, might like a copy?

Kate~A Most Fascinating Person~One of Ten!

Kate Gosselin is one of Barbara Walter's Ten Most Fascinating People of 2009 on her annual special, tonight at 10PM EST on ABC-TV. Will this be another example of how Kate says she's taking the high road rather than embarrassing herself "like a certain someone" while she's embarrassing herself and taking the low road by making not-so-subtle stabs at her husband on national television? Or will this be another example of Kate being on national television like she was on the Ellen Degeneres Show taped in California, talking about how she's being a regular mom at home with her kids instead of jet-setting all over being on national television like a certain someone? Or will this be another calculated foot in the door toward her own talk show on national television, which if she gets she will have to do from the humble town of Wernersville PA if she plans to do it without jet setting all over the world while her children are home again with the nannies? One thing's for sure, Kate - if you want the attention to stop, stop feeding the beast. It will be interesting to see tonight's display of good mothering and taking the high road. Watch it and then come back to discuss.

Ding Dong, the Show is Dead!

Ding dong, the show is dead.

This will give both Jon and Kate an opportunity to pursue whatever vocations they'd like to without involving the kids. Maybe Kate will get her own TV talk show. Who knows about Jon? Maybe he'll retreat into obscurity, where he's often wished he could escape back into. Or maybe he'll pursue some form of entertainment employment of his own (hopefully without collaborating with people like Michael Lohan ~ doesn't the fact that he is not a success and that his own very troubled daughter calls him a "scumbag" give you a clue?) Whatever. Now the kids have an opportunity for some privacy ~ and time and space for healing ~ during the rest of their childhoods.

The kids have never been old or mature enough to be capable of the level of informed consent their parents were. Later, in their adulthoods, if they want to go back into the entertainment business or even capitalize on the fame they once had as children, more power to them. But for now, let the kids be kids.

Good job Jon Gosselin!

Happy Holidays to Eight

According to online news this morning, Jon and Kate will both be spending Christmas day with their little ones. Good job, both of you, for doing this for the kids. May you have a sweet-memory filled, acrimonious-free day.

And good for you, Jon, for coming out of the showbix fog you seem to have gotten lost in during the earlier part of this year. You are not only being a better father because of it, you're being a better person too.

Read the interview here.

Shame on TLC

Here's the description of tomorrow night's hour-long episode. You'd never know the turmoil this family is going through from the promos TLC has been playing ad nauseum all weekend. It's all one big happy family, the Gosselins and TLC. Or Kate and TLC, that is:

"Jon & Kate Plus 8 Viewers' Top Moments: Kate takes a walk down memory lane as she looks back at viewers' favorite moments from Jon & Kate plus 8 and helps the audience countdown some of the best moments on the show." (Played to perky happy-wappy music, of course.)

Jon is suing TLC and TLC is suing Jon. Meanwhile TLC continues to squeeze more episodes (ie: more revenue) out of this family until they get all the legal details settled. What I wonder about both sides is, if you really care so much about the kids, why don't you call A Minor Consideration in to testify? Let the real experts ~ adults who have experienced being on television as children, as well as the real-life long term outcomes ~ tell it like it really is.

Is There a Doctor in The House?

I've pondered the subject of Jon's father, Dr. Gosselin, for some time. Everything I've heard points toward Jon growing up in a good home. Jon came from a close, loving family. His father was a doctor and Jon went to high school in the wealthiest school district in Berks County. Jon's father role-modeled philanthropy in the community and beyond. How is it that Jon allowed himself to be swept up into a relationship with someone who not only demanded the best of every matchy-matchy thing for the kids but also managed, over time, to systematically cut every member of Jon's family (and some of her own) out of their lives and the lives of the children?

My dental hygienist worked for Dr. Gosselin, and she told me about one time when Jon and Kate brought the twins in for a checkup, back in the pre-sextuplets days. Some locals are open about their dislike of Kate, but this gal wasn't, and I got the feeling it was only because we were talking in an office setting in which I was having my teeth cleaned at the time. She had a way of couching her words to get the meaning across without crossing the line into unprofessionalism. She said that Jon was laid back and casual and Kate was...well, she didn't want to say demanding, but Kate knew what she wanted and she made it clear she expected to get it. Like many other locals I've asked about what Kate is really like, she confirmed that the real-life Kate is more blunt and less considerate than the Kate we've seen on the show.

Last week I was talking with someone else in the medical profession who knew Dr. Gosselin personally. According to her, Dr. Gosselin was hard-working, honest, and a good person. She told me that although Dr. Gosselin was retired, he re-opened his practice after Jon and Kate's sextuplets were born to help provide for his grandchildren financially. He died of a heart attack which some attribute to the stress of trying to help his son's family. [NOTE: A blog reader who was a patient of Dr. Gosselin challenges this story. Her words: "Jon's father did not retire and come back to practice after the tups were born. My kids were patients of his, and continue to be patients of Dr Gordos ( his partner).....he was practicing all along until he had a heart attack."]

During a recent visit to verify that one of my children didn't have swine flu, I asked our pediatrician what she thought of Jon and Kate. Like many locals, she was brimming with opinions. She told me that she knew Dr. Gosselin, Jon's father, and he was a fine man - kind, smart, classy. He was a pediatric dentist who was great with kids, cared about the quality of his work, and gave of his time and resources to help needy kids who couldn't afford dental work. (If I am correct he helped kids with cleft palates, but don't quote me on this.) She said Dr. Gosselin would have been horrified if he'd lived to see what's happened to his son's family. To quote her, "He would have taken Jon to the side a long time ago and put an end to all of this mess."

Now, there's always a chance that all of these impressions of Dr. Gosselin are incorrect. We all know about cases where the neighborhood icon turns out to be a pedophile/serial killer/polygamist/big fat old ratfink. But, considering the smarts of the women who told me that Dr. Gosselin was a great guy, I'm betting he was.

So what happened to Jon? How did he end up so codependent as to allow himself to be streamrolled over by Kate? And to the degree that she actually ended his relationships with the people he loved most? Forget the National Enquirer. Local inquiring minds want to know.

My Bad

Like I said a couple of posts ago, sometimes I just can't help myself.

The next post will be more thoughtful. I promise.

Cutting Jon Slack, No Slack For Kate

Those who have been reading this blog for some time may wonder why I seem to cut Jon more slack than I do Kate. Why do I defend him and not her? The reason is my years of work as a therapist with victims of PTSD caused by childhood abuse, domestic violence and other emotional trauma has led me to view Jon as a victim of emotional abuse.

I believe that Jon is a victim of domestic violence and that the violence started way before even the twins were born. Everyone I've talked to - and it's been several people - who worked with Kate at the hospital years before the kids came along have spoken about how high maintenence, demanding, and controlling she was. She's always been the same old Kate we've seen on the show, only more so, at least before she recently started putting some spin control on it and started acting (as opposed to being "reality") nice (or pitiable) when the cameras are on. And she's still the same old Kate when the camera's aren't on - demanding, narcisistic, and just plain mean. In short, abusive of whoever she wants to be abusive to, unless she wants something from them or she thinks they can further her "career."

It looks to me like Jon never stood a chance. When they met he was younger than Kate, naive, and malleable. The first time Kate saw him at a picnic and decided she wanted him, he was a goner, and she has proudly stated that it didn't even matter to her that he already had a girlfriend at the time. One doesn't have to look far to see her abuse of Jon because years of it are permanently recorded on the show, in episode after episode - putdowns, nasty jokes at his expense, slapping him. If she thought it was okay to treat him that way on camera, in full view of the world, imagine how she treated him in private, without anyone watching. Reports from locals who have been in their Wernersville home say that she screams, throws things and is nasty, mean and cruel, and I believe it. One person told me that a friend who was employed (I won't say what for but I will say it involved household work, not child care) by the Gosselins refused to work there when Kate was home because Kate was so abusive and horrible, but she loved working at the home when Jon was there because he was pleasant and kind. Kate behaves this way in front of the children, either unaware that she is role-modeling unhealthy adult relationship patterns in front of them, or not caring.

Imagine years of emotional abuse in the form of putdowns about everything that makes you you - your appearance, your humor, your thoughts and your feelings. Then imagine your partner being rewarded for abusing you, in the form of national attention and big paychecks. Attempts to assert yourself verbally are ignored or bulldozed over until you know it's no use even trying. Everyone sees her treating you that way and no one speaks up about it or acts as though it is unusual or unwarranted. In short, it is accepted as normal and if you don't like it, there's something wrong with you.

This is the world of the emotionally controlled and abused, and I believe this is the world of Jon Gosselin for all the years he was under the control of Kate. He said, after the public became aware that the relationship had been a sham for some time, that maybe he'd been too passive, and now it was time for him to assert himself. Well, Hell Yes, but by the time he did, it was too little and too late.

Underneath all the tabloid drama, I believe that Jon is basically a good person who waited too long to take control of his own life and has made some unfortunate social choices, but underneath it all, loves his children and has not intentionally hurt anyone. Unfortunately, even though I'm one who tries to be fair and give everyone the benefit of the doubt, I cannot say the same for Kate.

I realize I may be in the minority in the above beliefs, but this is my opinion. Your comments are welcome.

Jon & Kate, Give This Some Consideration!

Love the new cover of O.K.! Magazine...

Only problem is, it's way too late.

A Minor Consideration should have been called in as a consultant to the show a couple of years ago. A lot of heartache could have been prevented.

But it's still not too late. TLC, Jon, and Kate, call Paul Petersen, the head of AMC, now! He's an expert on child performers as well as having been one himself, and he's a heck of a nice guy besides.

There's still time to save these kids from further trauma and psychological damage.

In twenty years, when your kids are thanking you for their loving childhoods instead of suing you and crying about you on their therapists' couches, you'll be glad you did.

Another Letter To Jon Gosselin From A Neighbor

Dear Jon,

Great quote from you to E.T. online news on the Internet today:

"What she does on TV, that's her career. I'm happy for her career," the father of eight told "ET." "I hope she can be happy for my career [and] we can have a career on TV, kind of together, but our kids will come off."

C'mon Jon, make it true!

Hugs,
Your neighbor,
Polly

Faster Than a Speeding Kate Gosselin

The story I heard was last Thursday night Jon was "flirting it up" with a server at Wyomissing's Viva, and then after the bar closed he took two (implied hot) girls out to breakfast at 2:30 AM. The following morning he was in Phila at 9 AM for a walk on autism. Then that afternoon he was back in the Reading area, where he "eyed up" the waitresses while having lunch at Hooters.

Here's what bothers me about these reports. What is "flirting it up?" What is "eyeing up?" What's wrong with meeting new people and going out to eat with them after the bars close? And although I am certainly far from a fan of Hooters, let's face it, it ain't about owls.

At this point I really question if Jon can go anywhere without people looking to see if he's trying to stick Mr. Happy somewhere it shouldn't be.

Here's what really offends me: Kate's driver going over 100 MPH to lose photogs the other day, with Kate and the kids in the vehicle. Guess what, Kate? You can't promote yourself all over America and then come home - even to little Wernersville PA - and expect to be invisible. What do you want? Do you want to be a brand, with the photographers and lack of privacy that lifestyle entails? Or do you want to be a regular citizen who can go places without being followed? By now you surely know you can't have it both ways. But whichever way you want it, don't endanger your kids' lives and the life of their mother by playing stupid games with your children inside four tons of steel hurtling at 105 miles per hour.

Free The Gosselin Eight!

Jon's on Larry King Live right now and he's saying all the right things...the kids and family are a priority, his values got off track, etc. Yippee, Jon! Keep up the great work! If you stick to this, in twenty years you are going to be so glad you did, not only for your own sake, but more importantly, for the sake of your children.

A Note To Jon Gosselin

Dear Jon,

I hope this isn't about you being squeezed out of J&K+8, having your income threatened, possibly losing the opportunity to do "fun" things like utilizing hookers in Vegas, or trying to finally show Kate once and for all who really wears the pants.

I hope this is about the welfare of your children.

I hope this is about you valuing the mental health of your children over money.

I hope this is about you wanting to get rid of the cameras and get back to human values that are most important...having fun together, quiet play time, sharing feelings, appreciation of nature, developing family traditions, being goofy just for the fun of it, role-modeling parents who may no longer be in love or even be married but who still treat each other with dignity and respect anyway, appreciating what you have instead of always having to have the best of every high end rich label thing, giving to others who are less fortunate than you, helping your children develop good human values, and settling in to enjoy the wonderful life this small community has to offer you, to name a few...all with no cameras.

I hope.

Sincerely,
Your Wernersville Neighbor

Kate Is Enough: The Kate Gosselin Story

Sometimes I just can't help myself.

:)

Delaware Fan Interview at Gosselins~ August 30, 2009

It was a busy day out on H------ Road, consider neither Kate nor Jon were at home. I don't know if the kids were inside with a nanny or not. The only signs of life were the dogs running around the lawn once in a while. A fan from Delaware was a good sport about answering my questions until a car came up behind me and forced me to drive on down the road. ( video was up temporarily but is no longer available) The Gosselins have the nicest fans.

There were no tabloid photogs today, unless they were well-concealed in the bushes. Sorry about the singing, it's a driving habit, and I also promise not to clear my throat next time. Question requests for the fans, anyone?

Why Not?!?

http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=428392&GT1=28103

Why? Would there be something wrong with quitting? Don't you have enough money? Don't you want your children to go back to being themselves instead of going into ham mode whenever anyone's around? Don't you want the cameras, paparazi and critics to fade away? Don't you want to be able to go anywhere you want without people wanting something - autographs, pictures, scoops, fame - from you? Don't you want to be able to trust that your friends are really your friends and not just hanging around because you're (in)famous? Don't you want to be able to walk outside and relax without wondering if photogs are hiding in the bushes? Don't you want to have a life where your personal business is finally, once again, your own?

Why not?

Kate to Co-Host The View

Kate is slated to co-host The View on two days in September, as part of a series of guest hosts who are replacing Elisabeth H who recently gave birth. Maybe the reports are true that Kate is trying to set herself up for her own talk show. Would you watch The Kate Gosselin Show if she gets her way?

http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=428261&GT1=28103
Should be interesting to see how she fares on The View. Just imagine the humorous comments standup veterans Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Bahar may come up with for their temporary co-host. My guess s that Whoopi will behave because she's probably never even seen J&K+8, but if Kate's challenged by Joy Bahar my money's on Joy.

Gosselin Fans Interview 8/23/09

Yesterday there were no fans at the Gosselin property, at least when I drove by in the afternoon, but today there were several, standing in front on the road and walking in the field next to their spread. One group of fans declined to be interviewed but a couple from the Phila area was willing to talk with me. (video was on YouTube but is no longer available) I was going to end the interview with some silly questions including those submitted by my blog reader Fifth, but a car came up behind me and I had to skedaddle. The police weren't there today but when traffic starts to lag they come out and give tickets to get the vehicles moving. The top end of the property can be seen from a distance, but there's no visibility on the road from the lower end so cars parked around the curve can be a traffic hazard, especially with fans milling about the side of the road.



The negative things being said about J&K in the tabloids haven't caused a lag in fan attendance from what I've seen. Most of the fans seem to view Jon as a friendly, accessible guy who they'd enjoy having a chat with, and they're right. He sometimes comes down to say hello to the fans as well as the press congregating at the end of the driveway and along the road. As far as I know the only time Kate came down was once when she made a show of taking out the trash, and Jon has never brought any of the kids down. Sometimes you can see the kids playing up at the house but the impression I get is that both Jon and Kate try to create as much normalcy for them as possible when they are going about their daily lives at home. It's got to be incredibly difficult. How awful it must be to stop in at supermarkets and convenience stores and see your face on the cover with headlines like "He's A Dirtball." In my opinion that's the kind of personal invasion and attack that could cause trauma in the person being written about, not to mention his immature, defenseless children.

Jon Gosselin's Hanky Panky No Longer Newsworthy

I finally have this blog set up, totally dedicated to J&K stuff. Please feel free to join in and add to the discussion.

It's a sad day when the subject of my last entry isn't even newsworthy anymore. The story behind my "blind" post was that Jon hooked up with babysitter Stephanie Santoro, who also bartended part time at Legends (I have to get over there and check this place out one of these days) and is an aspiring model (blah blah blah, who under the age of 25 isn't?) They entered his garage apartment at about 3 AM (this is what I heard anyway) thinking no photogs were around. But there was indeed one photog lurking in the bushes, and when the young woman stood in the door of Jon's apartment, you could hear Jon yelling at her from the background to get out of the doorway where she might be seen. The photog then tried to sell the picture for a great deal of money but only got $10,000.

When I posted about it, the photog was in negotiations to sell the picture of the babysitter in the doorway. My source thought it would go for a lot more than $10,000, and if that event had taken place a few months ago no doubt he would've been right. Now, unfortunately, the spectacle of Jon liberating Mr Happy is just no longer such a big deal.

Remember the good old days when a single shot of Jon leaving a bar with some unknown young chickipoo from Legends could yield $60,000? That's how much the photog reportedly got for the first picture of Jon in the car with Deanna Hummel, otherwise known as The Schoolteacher. Then Deanna's brother supposedly made a mint being interviewed about how he heard them having sex through the walls in the Reading PA apartment he shared with Deanna. Said brother even planned to sell the infamous supposedly seed-strewn mattress to the highest bidder on eBay (Ewwww. Insert nasty visual here.)

Since Kate filed for divorce, Jon's been making plenty of time with the ladies, if the tabs are to be believed. First Ms Hummel, then Hailey Glassman, the daughter of the plastic surgeon who did Kate's tummy tuck, then Star Magazine reporter Kate Major (aka Kate II,) who quit her job so as not to create a conflict of interest. Then Kate II attacked Jon when he publicly denied being romantically interested in her. Then there was the early morning sneaking into Jon's garage apartment with the babysitter/bartender/aspiring model from Legends.

Popular opinion here is that Jon was with all of them and has had to step quickly to cover his tracks. He denied his relationship with Deanna even though they dated for months and were even photographed vacationing together. (Wow Deanna, that had to hurt.) Then he hooked up with Hailey. He had to tell Kate II he was single in order to be with her. Then he had to say he wasn't with Kate II to preserve his relationship with Hailey. Then there was the early morning rendezvous with Stephanie. Then he denied being with Kate II or Stephanie and said Hailey is his one true love. And of course, since he's still legally married, he could be impacting his divorce settlement and custody agreement by being with any of them.

If Jon's actually been with all four of the women, that's a lot of juggling going on. Let's hope he's using protection. The last thing he needs is Jon & Kate Plus Eight Plus Another Baby Mama.

Not So Blind Gosselin Gossip Item ~ 8/2/09

Sunday, August 2, 2009
A little birdie, but a totally credible little birdie, told me that a certain famous male neighbor did something really idiotic Saturday night*, without knowing a photographer was on a clandestine stakeout, catching it all on film. Now, like RIGHT NOW, the photog is trying to capitalize on the incriminating photos. Why? Because tomorrow, Sept 3, 2009, is the premiere of the sixth season of Jon & Kate + 8, and what the film depicts doesn't mesh with certain family values espoused by TLC, the network airing the show.

The photog has already been offered $10,000 for the pictures, but that's too low. Why, when a photo of Jon Gosselin leaving a bar with an unknown female (now known as "the schoolteacher") brings $80,000, and a photo of Kate slapping her child's behind brings $125,000, should he settle for just $10,000? C'mon, bloodthirsty tabloids, you can do better than that!

*This belongs in the "stupidest thing a celebrity ever did while knowing they were being watched 24/7" category, as well as the "I hate doing the show but can't man up to my overbearing wife or give up the perks like free trips to Europe for private rides on yachts of the rich and famous" category. It fits best in the category of "I hate the show but can't say No to it, so I'm going to do everything I can to screw it up so it has to go off the air."

Leah J. Utas said...
Oh, yes $10K is an insult.Say, doesn't this behaviour help with the ratings?
August 3, 2009 9:04:00 AM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Hi Dear Leah. Yes, it probably would. It seems the worse the situation gets, the more people have to slow down to see the accident. Now it's 10:20 in the morning the day of the season premiere, and the pictures and the exclusive scoop should be sold within the next half hour. If they go to the tabloids, everyone will see them. If they go to TLC, Jon, or someone invested in squashing them, they will disappear without a ripple. This is like watching a soap opera, at least here in Wernersville.
August 3, 2009 10:22:00 AM EDT

No Drama Mama said...
Isn't it ironic that the Gosselins do something stupid around the time of a much needed ratings boost? Gotta keep that gravy train chugging along......
August 3, 2009 11:48:00 AM EDT

Lynn W. said...
Wonder just how much TLC paid the photographer for the pictures? I sure haven't seen anything online or in any of the blogs. Can you give us any hints? Inquiring minds, you know. Keep up the Wernersville Watch.
August 4, 2009 5:16:00 PM EDT

Miranda said...
Lynn W. go to radaronline.comThere is just one pic, the woman is wearing a red shirt not a dress though.It actually IS in a few blogs, the only thing is...nothing Jon does is all that surprising anymore!!Even though Jon is acting rather immature; I still like him WAY more than Kate. Poor poor Kate. Having her kitchen remodeled (for free) is just so stressful, she has to go stay at the beach for two weeks (for free).Somehow, everything she does manages to be given to her for free, yet it still stresses her out. DRAMA queen, diva, child exploiter.If I had a nickel for each time she A) visits the spa -or- B) makes up a new word, I could retire in no time!
August 4, 2009 6:52:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
I went to radar online and that is indeed the story. What they didn't tell you was that Jon could be heard inside in the background, yelling for her to pull her head in because there might be photogs out there lurking in the bushes (and yes, there was. Just one. But that's all it took.)The National Inquirer bought the photo of her in the doorway for $10,000. They won't cop to it but it appears they own Radar too, because a few times when they've bought stories or photos they immediately put them on radar so no one could scoop them before their hard copy (the magazine) comes out. The full story will be in Friday's Inquirer.Gee, I hope they remember to mention that Jon was staggering drunk, according to my source. And let's not forget to add that he was driving at high rates of speed."The important thing is the kids." Hmmm, let's see...sex with bar pickups in your own home while the kids are sleeping and you know you're probably being photographed, driving drunk, breaking the speed limit while intoxicated, this helps the kids how...?About Kate. They bought the house from the doctor who delivered out first child. The doctor and his family are extremely nice, responsible people. Her comments about the house when she bought it were awful, and she neglected to mention that it had been vacant for several months before the Gosselins moved in. It's a country property, so of course it wasn't spotless. Dust and rodents do take over even in the city but esp in rural areas. Then last night Kate was at it again with her comments about the kitchen. You'd think five seasons of being on the air would have taught her some manners, but apparently not.
August 4, 2009 7:41:00 PM EDT

The Fifth Sparrow said...
Caught up on your older posts about the Gosselins. You are so lucky to live near them. Most people have to run away to join a circus.Came across this satire of Kate:http://tvmanonline.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/houston-tv-production-company-tvman-inc-bans-selling-stuff-for-your-kids/
August 5, 2009 1:17:00 AM EDT

Lynn W. said...
Thanks for the links. The 2 blogs I read don't have photos and I didn't read every message. Don't regularly check Radaronline either. Off I go.
August 5, 2009 2:29:00 AM EDT

Robin said...
I'm quitting my job and following Jon around all day. I hope he does bad stuff all the time.I've still never watched the show! I don't want anything to sully my revulsion.
August 9, 2009 9:48:00 PM EDT

Penny For Your Gosselin Thoughts ~ 7/3/0/09

Thursday, July 30, 2009

My friend Al found this rare Gosselin artifact and listed it on eBay. God knows he needs to do something with his time while he's standing out on Heffner Road, waiting for Kate to either hit the kids in public or Jon to boink a young innocent schoolteacher on the lawn. Please bid, early and often. We must give Al a purpose in life.




Robin said...


I find it hilarious that the first bid will be 2 cents. For a penny. Boy, he'll be raking it in! Hope he has a day job.July 30, 2009 10:31:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said... That's one way to look at it, Robin. The other is that he's doubling his money. And although it's against eBay policy, I also like to think he'll make some profit on the postage. :)


July 30, 2009 11:48:00 PM EDT

The Fifth Sparrow said... Hi, wandered over from Bag Lady's Blather.When I saw it was an authentic Gosselin artifact my eyes did an involuntary roll.You see, I used to be a fan. Back before the skunk hair, the freebie jeebies and the other insanity. I drove away from the train wreck some time ago, naively assuming my boycott of the show would result in its immediate cancellation by TLC. I still view the tabloid blurbs though...(Is there a Betty Ford Centre for Gosselin Addiction?)When I clicked the link, I laughed out loud. Al is a very, very funny man. Hope his auction makes at least as Kate does in an hour.

August 4, 2009 2:05:00 PM EDT


Werny Gal said...

Thanks for visiting, Fifth. If you wander back through my posts you'll see several devoted to that train wreck which is the Gosselins. It's very odd hearing so much about a family who basically have nothing to do with the locals. At least, Kate. Jon does go out and get his par-tay on, and this Friday's National Enquirer will have the scoop on some nautiness he was up to this past Sat night.

August 4, 2009 3:03:00 PM EDT

"The Talk Of The Town" ~ 7/16/09

Thursday, July 16, 2009
Kate Gosselin has called her hair "the talk of the town" and claimed it's requested at salons across the country.

That

frickin'

Angelina

can

make

any

haircut

look

good.

Gwynneth?

Not

so

much.

For more fun photoshopped pix of celebs in The Kate, go here.

Discuss.

Robin said...
This just proves that Angelina is the most beautiful woman in the universe, in case there were any doubters.
July 16, 2009 8:44:00 PM EDT

Leah J. Utas said...
Don't watch so I have limited business commenting, but I must ask KG:How can anyone see your hairstyle when your head is so far up your ass?
July 17, 2009 8:33:00 AM EDT

Anonymous said...
I can see why you people don't think Kate Gosselin is attractive when you believe Angelina Jolie is the most beautiful woman in the universe. Yes, I'm a doubter. So is my husband. We're not fans of Jolie the Jezabel. She's a skank.Amusing photoshopping, though.
July 20, 2009 8:24:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
This is your fourth comment here, Anon, and not a pleasant one in the bunch. How about introducing yourself? Or do you prefer to just hit and run?
July 20, 2009 9:13:00 PM EDT

Why Do the Gosselins Never Learn? ~ 6/26/09

Friday, June 26, 2009
Yesterday Jon Gosselin was spotted on his lawn, by a photog with a telephoto lens, smoking something that looked suspiciously like the evil weed. Although the papparazis weren't close enough to give it the smell test, it was a hand rolled smoke, and not his usual cigarette brand.



Kate was shopping at the Park City Mall in Lancaster. She was approached by a fan who wanted to take her picture in the parking lot, and her reaction was to scream, "Don't you dare touch my car!"



Jon has been caught with his girlfriend, caught getting blasted at the bars, and the road in front of his house is lined with papparazi from all over the US and the UK. He is now getting divorced and he and Kate are working out child custody details. Yet he still continues to take incredible risks. Kate has been called a bitch so many times her picture is now probably next to the word in the dictionary, and she has said Jon literally won't talk to her anymore. Kate says salons all over the country have customers asking for her haircut (I doubt it!) and she has been trying unsuccessfully to sell her talk show idea. Despite tons of feedback about her unearned sense of entitlement, her narcissism hasn't seemed to slow down one iota.



How totally self-defeating can two people get?

Leah J. Utas said...
This is a fascinating trainwreck. If one can shunt aside the terrible toll it must be taking on their children if not now, then certainly somewhere down the road. I haven't watched their abomination of a television show as I have no patience with contrived reality, but I cannot help but be interested in how low they will go.Yeah, it's sick.
June 26, 2009 12:22:00 PM EDT

Robin said...
I think they would squirm on the ground like worms and eat their own shit if it would get the show ratings. That's how low they would go, Guys.
June 28, 2009 9:55:00 PM EDT

Twice as Nice said...
Those two make my blood boil. Don't ya think they have made ENOUGH money already to take care of the kids? They love to say "I'm doing it for my kids, it's all for the kids." Sorry I don't buy that one. It is for KATE and JON. Kate loves the attention and money and Jon loves all the new "toys". Quit spending the college money. The kids were just fine in the old house. It was the parents that wanted the new house. It just drives me crazy that these two have gotten away with as much as they have. I was wondering why Kate said she had to file after seeing what Jon did over the weekend. Now I see it must of been the joint he was smoking in front of everyone that put her over the edge.Have a great week.
July 1, 2009 9:35:00 AM EDT

The Girl from the Ghetto said...
Did you hear their announcement this week, that they were no longer going to comment publically on what people were saying about them? LOL. No one has been talking about them because of MJ's death. So they had to make a media announcement basically just to get attention. Those two get kill me. No one cares about them anymore, and I love it.
July 2, 2009 2:13:00 PM EDT

Anonymous said...
Wow, how do you have the nerve to comment negatively on Kate's hair? Take a glimpse in the mirror at your own out-of-date appearance (from which decade did you purchase those glasses frames and aquire YOUR hairstyle?!). July 10, 2009 9:47:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Wow Anon, you must be having a very bad day! I wasn't half as hard on Kate as you were on me. The difference between Kate and is, I don't go around calling my hair “the talk of the town” and claiming erroneously that my hair is being requested at salons all over the country. Glad you love her so much. She certainly needs someone on her side.
July 11, 2009 6:16:00 PM EDT

Robin said...
Anon, my friend Werny Gal is beautiful. And even better, she doesn't mooch off others, and go around bragging about herself. If you think Kate is stylish, you might need those early cataracts removed.
July 16, 2009 8:42:00 PM EDT

Anonymous said...
Robin, when you have kids added to your marriage equation, you will earn the right to comment about Kate's predicament. A moocher is someone who has the tendency to ask for help from others while making no effort to help themselves. Kate does not fall in this category. After the sextuplets were born, Jon could not hold a job. Yes, she took all the help offered to her, just like any mom wanting to provide for her children would do. You don't have children. You don't know what it can be like not to be able to come & go as you please and take whichever career opportunities you may come across when you have small children at home to care for. You can't just walk out the door and get any job shift you want. I have the feeling you'll be the type to pawn them off on your mom to provide care while you go to work. Or perhaps you'll drop them off at a daycare facility. At least Kate is assertive, knows what she wants, and is the primary caregiver for her children, which is a more difficult job than you realize. (So difficult, that Jon wanted out.)
July 20, 2009 8:16:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Anon, you are being very presumptuous. Or should I call you "Kate"?
July 20, 2009 9:10:00 PM EDT

Anonymous said...
Well, yea, Werny Gal, it pisses me off that a "councelor" who claims to specialize in helping women with distorted body images and relationship problems would be so nasty to fellow women. Stop and think... you're putting down women in this blog for being assertive. It's very odd & sad. This is why women have self image problems and struggle with abusive relationships -- society calls them a bitch if they speak up for themselves.
July 20, 2009 11:40:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Actually, I think I was making fun of one woman's fascination with her own hair. :)
July 21, 2009 6:02:00 AM EDT

ICExploitation said...
Anon - Kate did not accept anything she received. Yes, any Mother in that situation, should be grateful for anything she receives. Yet, Kate had the audacity to refuse things that were not to her liking. I cannot confirm any of these stories of ungratefulness, but I do now what I have seen. All of the first episodes from the specials show a nursery with 6 matching cribs. Have you ever seen any of the kids in "hand me downs"?
July 21, 2009 4:47:00 PM EDT

Robin said...
Anon, I have kids. Yet, I felt that after having 2 kids, perhaps I should stop so that I could continue to work, and my husband and I could give them the time and care they deserve. I never thought of having fertility treatments to have a whole litter of the little buggers, and then live off the situation! Brilliant! Werny Gal's not mocking Kate as an assertive woman. She's mocking the silliness of being so holier-than-thou and entitled.
August 9, 2009 9:58:00 PM EDT

Eight Minus Jon & Kate ~ 6/22/09

Monday, June 22, 2009
8:57 PMTLC's been heavily promoting tonight's episode of J&K+8 all week, and then today there was a big spoiler. Divorce papers were filed in Bucks County, PA, for Jon & Kate Gosselin. I drove by their house yesterday and it was one big tranny mess of photogs, papparazi and rubberneckers dying to get a glimpse of some salacious activity, like maybe Jon doing a coed on the lawn or Kate beating the children with a wire hanger. No such luck. The garage door was open and once in a while a kid or two ran around the lawn a little.



Two minutes after my drive-by, Jon walked down the lawn and had an impromptu press conference with the pappas and r-neckers. They asked what tonight's big announcement would be, and he would only reply that they had to watch the show tonight. Why then were divorce papers filed today, rather than waiting until tomorrow when it wouldn't spoil the show they've been hawking all week? Who knows. No one ever said anything about the Gosselins made sense, right?



If I'd hung around and had a chance to ask Jon a question or two before I drove off, I would have asked him these:1) Why, if it's all about the kids, are you getting a one-bedroom apartment in New York City? How can your kids visit you in a one bedroom apartment? And why are you getting an apartment three hours from your kids?2) Why were you looking at a one bedroom apartment at Trump Plaza that rents for $3400 a month, when you could get Berks County's finest for probably a max of $1000, and be a half hour from your children?3) What financial renumeration are your children getting for having their lives and their psychological and emotional health invaded? California is the only state which has any laws regarding making sure the children are provided for financially when they grow up. You and Kate wouldn't even have the show if it wasn't for your eight little beauties. You both live opulent lives with a great house and property and cars and expensive surgeries and clothes and now expensive apartments. Are the kids getting eight-tenths of the money, being put away as investments for their futures? Or are you taking advantage of PA's lack of child protection regarding child actors and neglecting to provide for their futures?



Well, the show starts in three minutes. I'm going to go watch the announcement that the Gosselins are getting a divorce.



9:50 PM

The papers were filed in Montgomery County today, even though the Gosselins live in Berks County. My question was, why did they file today, when it spoiled the announcement on the show? But now I know, because it's 9:50 PM, ten minutes before the end of the show, and the announcement about the divorce paper being filed was just flashed on the screen. Obviously, they filed at the end of the day, in another county, to coincide with the text which was previously edited into the show to be aired tonight. So much for "reality" TV.


Leah J. Utas said...
Abomination. Divorce played for maximum ratings.But then, what would one expect?I have never bought into "reality" shows as I don't believe a real "reality" show would be allowed as it wouldn't be entertaining.You posed some good questions. I feel for those kids.
June 23, 2009 8:00:00 AM EDT

Werny Gal said...
I know, Leah, it's so crazy! Jon's comment was, "We interview separately, we'll film different things. Me and the kids, her and the kids."Kate's comment was, "How does the show go on? The show MUST go on!"Wouldn't it have been great if Jon and Kate had said "How can our family go on? The family MUST go on!" Too bad ending the show and saving their marriage and getting those poor kids back to a normal life wasn't their choice.
June 23, 2009 11:06:00 AM EDT

Kathi D said...
I see the show is on "hiatus" now. Let's hope it's permanent. Of course, the network stopped it, not the parents.I always wonder why, with all that property, they always seem to be playing on the driveway in front, in full view of cameras, etc.? (I don't really wonder. I know it's because they like being on the cover of magazines.)
June 23, 2009 2:58:00 PM EDT

BILLJ said...
The Gosselins should have had the courage to seek help from a therapist/counselor, even Dr. Phil, to keep this family a whole ten -- that is, if they really care about the kids more than themselves. The first advice they would have received is to get the children off a TV program. Instead we have Jon relishing a "new life" of freedom at 32 and Kate promising not to be alone for very long. It adds up to a very sad portrait of life among some of our totally self-absorbed fellow citizens.
June 23, 2009 10:05:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Tonight it came out in the news that Jon and kate haven't been together as a couple for two years. The whole show has been a sham for at least that long, even their renewing their marriage vows in Hawiai. I hope the money is worth the heartache. And that they'll have plenty put aside for all the therapy and rehabs their eight children will need fifteen years from now. What a mess.
June 23, 2009 11:19:00 PM EDT

Robin said...
I'm shocked that they're getting divorced. They seem like such normal, down-to-earth people. Hahahaha! Oh, dear. That was a good one.
June 24, 2009 10:50:00 PM EDT

Letter To My Neighbors Jon & Kate Gosselin ~ 5/25/09

Monday, May 25, 2009
Dear Jon & Kate,I decided to actually watch some Jon & Kate + 8 after receiving so many comments and emails after my last post on you, my famous neighbors. My desire to learn about the show has been more than satisfied with the J&K marathon that TLC’s been playing this weekend, obviously to boost ratings for tonight’s debut of Season 5.

I’ve been watching on and off all weekend and taping what I’ve missed, since I do have a life and can’t spend all of a three day holiday weekend watching you on TLC. I just finished watching the Season 5 debut and gawd help me, I’m actually somewhat enthralled. Your responses to the tabloid rumors were engrossing. Jon, I agree totally. No one has actually seen you boinking in public, so no one can prove it. Of course women and men can just be friends. And Kate, I was impressed with your addressing the rumors head-on. You go gal. And I have to admit, I love your kids. Your children are smart, loving, well behaved and adorable. A little loud, but adorable.

Jon, tonight you said you have a different kind of career than most people have, because this is your career and this is your life. That may be true, but since you’re not fulfilled, how about going back to having a regular job, like you did before? Better yet, since you don’t need the money, volunteer somewhere meaningful to you. Not everyone is fulfilled staying home with the kids all the time. I personally couldn’t do it either, and if I had to I probably would’ve burst an arteriole artery a long time ago. On the other hand, my husband would love nothing more than to pitter around the house all day, neatening up and organizing to his heart’s content. Since you can’t escape your fame, how about using it to benefit a local organization that serves children who aren’t as fortunate as yours? There are lots of great agencies and organizations in Berks County that would love your support.

Kate, you said that Jon doesn’t want to do everything at home, yet he doesn’t feel very good about you right now, so he likes it when you travel. You also acknowledged (and good for you, because you have to admit you have a problem before you can fix it, right?) that you’ve been very hard on him. Then you asked, rhetorically, what’s the solution? Well, how about while Jon goes out and does something more personally meaningful to him, you stay home? You don’t need to sell your books: They are selling themselves. Stay home and plan some fun things to do with your kids when the cameras aren’t around. May I suggest making mudpies or otherwise making a good old-fashioned mess, like most kids love to do? They won’t die of germs, you’ll get adorable pictures, and they’ll have happy memories forever, I promise. As a bonus, they won’t be OCD when they grow up, like a certain role model they clearly love and adore.Last of all,





Kate, about the bitchy thang. Tonight you really yelled at one of the boys, (I think it was Aaden,) more than we’ve heard before. My theory about most parents is that if they act badly in public (you know, like those awful parents who hit their kids in Wal-Mart) that it’s probably much worse in private, where they know no one can see them. One of the allegations the tabs have made against you is that while we see an extremely snippy Kate on the show, in real life you’re a totally out-of-control raving screaming Momster. If the report is true that it’s sometimes been hard for the TLC crew to film even twenty two minutes of airable material because of all the screaming and fighting going on in your home, you are not only in pain yourselves, but your children are being hurt by learning negative lessons about communication and adult relationships, not to mention the emotional confusion and skewed reality of having to pretend to be happy while the camera’s filming. Really, no one could handle all that’s on your plate without having occasional meltdowns, even those without television cameras in their faces three or four full days a week. Clinical depression can be caused by sleep deprivation and physical and emotional exhaustion even in someone who has no history of depression in their family. IMO, an anti-depressant might be a good idea, not only for you, but peripherally for your partner and children as well. Remember, a day without serenity is like a day without sunshine. Sometimes it's just the responsible thing to do. (Yes, I am a psychotherapist. I just don’t play one on TV.)





I would like to offer one more general piece of advice (not that you asked, but since I’m on a roll.) How about driving down to Penn Avenue and saying Hello to some of your neighbors? Stop in at the Cone and enjoy some ice cream. Browse Five & Divine and make chitchat with the locals. Take the kids up to the South Mountain park to play on the big jungle gym set or bat some tennis balls around (keys to the courts are available for only $5 up at the Township office.) And ~ here’s a novel idea ~ do it all without the TLC crew, or calling ahead to ensure freebies. You'll not only enjoy your new little town, but your fellow Wernersvillians will become more protective of you (and less gossipy about you!) when they have been given actual human beings to care about and become attached to. Remember, everything doesn't have to be an episode. Just pile into that big ugly blue van and Go! Just have fun together, just for the hell of it, like a real family.


See you at the supermarket, neighbors,


Werny Gal



Kathi D said...
You are so right about all of it. I feel a little silly to be so involved with this family, but it makes me sad that it's being treated as a "show" when it's actually their life. As a psychotherapist, do you see what I see, that Jon has been treated as the 9th child for so long that he is rebelling? I have a feeling that if Kate would treat him like a man and a husband, he wouldn't need to run away. The kids clearly want nothing more than their mom and dad and each other.
May 26, 2009 1:14:00 AM EDT

Leah J. Utas said...
I can't comment on the show, but I have to say I enjoyed your post.My guess is you've articulated what a lot of viewers think. They've put themselves out in the public eye and have become public figures. They are fair game.Has this family remained isolated from the townspeople? It sounds like it.Anyway, this was a good read and thoughtful.
May 26, 2009 8:27:00 AM EDT

Werny Gal said...
HI and Welcome, Kathy. Yes, Jon has been immasculated and infantalized. I do suspect that he's a little less mature than Kate anyway, but she doesn't help him step up to the plate by continually putting him down and telling him what to do. Hearing what an idiot your partner thinks you are several times a day for years would wear anyone down. If they didn't have kids I'd suggest they divorce, unless she learns how to utilize her wit (and she IS witty) without putting the other person down. She does it to the children, too, although not as badly (from what we're shown) and at least she balances it with affection with the kids. She could benefit from some communication skills counseling, and if her unhappiness stems from having learned her communication patterns in her early life (as I personally suspect it does, because of the estrangement from her parents - not that I'm blaming them because who knows the real story - and also because people who knew her and have worked with her say she was always this way, even before the kiddies came along) she could also benefit from working through some childhood issues that are impacting her negatively today. She would be happier, it would improve her relationship with Jon, and they would begin to model a more positive, loving adult relationship for the kids.I agree about Jon rebelling like a 9th child. If you want someone to betray you, treat them as untrustworthy. Eventually they will meet your expectations. Geez, aren't you glad you asked? ;)
May 26, 2009 10:19:00 AM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Yes, dear Leah, they do not mix. They are pretty isolated in their big house, although Kate does go to Target and Jon buys gas at the little Hess gas station in Wernersville. It would help if they stepped out for a pizza or ice cream. In about two weeks the town is having our annual Trolley Day, where cute little old fashioned trolleys drive around town and the shops have open houses. They could go - sans cameras - and say Hi and smile at people and just be part of the experience. They could take a friend or two (if they still have any that are unconnected to the show) to help with the kids and just have fun. You know, like us normal folks.
May 26, 2009 10:24:00 AM EDT

Robin said...
I refuse to ever watch it. You can't make me. Waaaah!
May 26, 2009 11:48:00 AM EDT

Werny Gal said...
That's what you think, Robin, heh heh heh. I'll get you my pretty, and your big husband and your two little sons too...(insert visual of flying monkeys and long green fingernails here)
May 26, 2009 4:03:00 PM EDT

Queen of the Road said...
I'm with Robin. I can't understand therapists watching this. Don't we deal with this stuff enough all day? Now maybe, if someone paid me to watch the show...
May 29, 2009 5:28:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
HI Doreen, thanks for dropping by. I atually find the public response to the show and the whole tabloid experience to be more fascinating that the actual Gosselins. At what point does "reality" become Reality? What is the line when someone signs up to be the subject of reality TV? How much is true and how much is tabloid fiction? How much privacy can one really exopcet when they sign up for these things? How come some reality TV subjects are able to maintain their dignity while others totally lose theirs? Can you have a reality show about regular people, since once you have a show about them they're no longer regular people anymore? And why do so many people care so much? It's all one big tranny mess and I find it very interesting, from a pop culture perspective.
May 31, 2009 7:25:00 PM EDT

TVsnarkalot said...
I love your blog and this letter.But I must say, your LINKS are OFF THE HOOK!!!
June 2, 2009 1:02:00 AM EDT

maureen said...
What do you think of the effect will be of these children growing up on camera? I have watched tolieting, tantrums, their mother making fun of them and other private moments that have been recorded for TV viewing and on DVD. I worry that most children may have unpleasant or uncomfortable moments but normally they would forget them, but here they are available for viewing over and over, not to mention available for classmates and strangers to view and comment on. What are your thoughts on this?
June 2, 2009 8:27:00 AM EDT

Werny Gal said...
TVSnark, that video on J&K is hilarious! There's so much material to work with, isn't there? It would make a great comedy film. I picture Reese Witherspoon as Kate. Thanks for visiting and glad you like my links!Maureen, you wouldn't believe the things I hear from people who have first-hand experience with them. At this point I am feeling very badly for those kids. I think the whole show is a complete sham, mostly propelled by Kate but of course agreed upon by TLC, just to keep the money rolling in. You have the house, the teeth, the surgically-induced flat belly, the new boobs, the tons of freebies, the fame and the millions now, Kate, isn't that enough?The kids are going to have this following them for the rest of their lives. And they had no choice.I wish the Gosselins would move away and the Roloffs would move in. I love me some Roloffs. They have managed to remain nice people throughout all of their seasons on TLC.
June 2, 2009 11:18:00 AM EDT

Miranda said...
Wow, thanks for the inside scoop!I was very surprised with Jon & Kate bought their new house and property. Kate loves warm weather, tanning, and sending the kids outside to play so they leave her alone. Kate belongs in California. She acts like a spoiled Beverly Hills wanna-be, she might as well live for real...It is kind of sad to see how she's so dismissive of her children. It's like she wanted 'babies' but doesn't want to be a mother when it's inconvenient for her.In a way, it's good for me to watch her. I feel constant pressure from family to have children, but I don't want them. I'm easily tired out (but unlike Kate I have an excuse, I'm on meds for Epilepsy). If I had kids, I'd probably be telling them to leave me alone, I'm exhausted! There is so much pressure to have a "normal" life with a husband and children, no one ever talks about the upsides of being single and childless. I have a great life, lots of freedom!Well, thanks for letting me ramble on and ON! LOVE your blog!
June 2, 2009 6:51:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Welcome, and thanks, Miranda. Parenthood is definitely not for everyone, and some people just shouldn't have kids. (I'm not saying Kate shouldn't have, I'm just saying some people aren't well equipped to be parents. That's why we have so much abuse and related problems in our culture.) I agree, society does expect adults, especially women, to have babies in order to be fulfilled. If you don't want kids or it wouldn't fit your lifestyle for whatever reason, I say don't bow to the pressure! There are real advantages to remaining childless, like having more disposable income, free for trips and vacations, more time to focus on your relationship with your partner, etc. In my case it's way too late, since hubby and I have two bouncing teenage boys, but in your case...Enjoy!
June 2, 2009 8:14:00 PM EDT

TLCexploitsChildren said...
If they would only read and heed your spot on advice. So many folks have recently asking her to re-evaluate her behavior and what she's doing to her family. I agree about Jon rebelling like a 9th child. If you want someone to betray you, treat them as untrustworthy. Eventually they will meet your expectations.So true. She says such horrid things to her husband and children and it's no wonder how they behave with that sort of reinforcement.
June 2, 2009 10:46:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
I agree, TLCExploitsChildren, it is pretty sad. I think all this crap coming out is maybe the best thing that could happen for that family. Maybe it's time to give up the sham and get out of the spotlight, and try to get back to normal, if they ever even knew what that was. Thanks for visiting.
June 2, 2009 11:25:00 PM EDT

ShisoandRice said...
Interesting that as a therapist you completely ignore the huge elephant in the room that is Kate's Narcissistic Personality Disorder.It is the overwhelming cause of all the issues in that family and household.
June 3, 2009 11:50:00 AM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Hi Shiso and thanks for visiting. Believe me, I do have lots of opinions and thoughts that I haven't expressed here. Although I did suggest that antidepressant meds might help in my opinion, I wouldn't clinically diagnose anyone on my blog. I can't say I disagree with you tho! ;)
June 3, 2009 12:04:00 PM EDT

Anonymous said...
Free the Gosselin 8 - their kids are miserable, whiny, nervous, anxious, tantrum throwing, etc., and Kate Gosselin could care less -she has sacrificed their innocence at the altar of financial gain. she is a horrible, hateful, manipulative shrew and he is a lazy, spoiled pimp! They are scum of the earth trash
June 3, 2009 12:15:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Thanks for visiting, Anon, next time I hope you'll tell us how you REALLY feel!Hey, if you lived there, wouldn't you be miserable, whiny, nervous, anxious, tantrum throwing, etc too? I know I would. Hell, I'm that way just from reading the tabloids!
June 3, 2009 12:33:00 PM EDT

Nancy/PA said...
Excellent post. As I've been watching J&K over the years, I just knew he wouldn't be able to put up with her constant emasculation forever. He is a man, after all -- yes, immature, but a man nonetheless. Kate went after him when he was young and stupid, solely for the fact she wanted an Asian BF. What Kate wants, Kate gets.
June 3, 2009 6:13:00 PM EDT

GG in Pa said...
I really enjoyed your letter! As a professional, do you think that these 8 kids will ever be able to lead "normal" lives? Even if the plug was pulled on their show soon? I just wonder if the damage is already done...
June 3, 2009 6:50:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Howdy and Welcome, Nancy and GG.Nancy, I did think Kate's comment about how Jon's former girlfriend was gone the day after he met her (at the picnic) was interesting. Did you happen to catch that one? It was like she had no regard for him being in a relationship. She just thought he was hot, and that was that. And she sounded so braggy. What was up with that?GG, in my opinion it depends on the personality of the child, as well as many other circumstances. I always compare them to the Roloffs, who seem so well- adjusted. They have managed to become rich and famous thru their reality TV experience, yet they are still good, real people. It appears to me that the outcome depends largely on the behaviors and views of the adults in charge. I'm sure some of them will be more hurt than others. And the same with J&K. I have a feeling Jon could quit the show tomorrow and go about his merry life and be back to normal in a year. Kate, on the other hand, is going to be dealing with this big whole mess for some time to come, IMO. What do you think?
June 3, 2009 7:25:00 PM EDT

miblue1 said...
Kates verbal abuse is hard to watch- those children cringe and flinch--like they know in advance the wrath of their mother..I feel so sorry for them.If their father can not bear the stress how does anyone expect those children to bear up under all this stress..and Kate if you think those tups have no idea what is going on---think again.Children know more then we give them credit for...if this is what we see on tv WHAT are they hiding behind closed doors?I hope Paul Peterson keeps dogging them he might be their only warrior in this fight to free them from the gravy train that these two greedy parents have sent racing down the track.
June 3, 2009 10:46:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
HI Mi, I LOVE Paul Peterson. The show is very hard for me to watch for exactly the reason you are stating. I still haven't seen all the episodes. It is painful. And aren't those kids just the best - so smart, thoughtful and loving?
June 3, 2009 10:54:00 PM EDT

thegirlfromtheghetto said...
I know you already know how I feel. I'm ready for it to be over, so those kids can get some peace. If mommy needs to keep marketing herself, that is fine, but I am not longer watching this show, because it is simply no longer entertaining in any way.
June 6, 2009 2:47:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
I understand, Girl. I couldn't believe it when I went to the store today and there were SEVEN rags with stories about them on the front covers. I thought last week was bad but I think this week's number of covers breaks all previous records. If I were a parent splayed out on a tabloid like that, I wouldn't take my kids to the store for fear of running into the awful stories. The twins can read, but the six little ones aren't stupid either. What a sad and sordid mess.
June 6, 2009 5:52:00 PM EDT

Stalking Jon & Kate Gosselin the Small Town Way ~ 4/19/09

Sunday, April 19, 2009
A couple of posts ago I wrote about our Wernersville Neighbors, Jon and Kate Gosselin. They and their sizable brood live a couple of miles from us on a beautiful property they bought, coincidentally, from the obstetrician who delivered our first son. Last week my friend Amy visited from Ohio and I took her out to see J&Ks house. She's a huge J&K fan, has seen every episode, and knows everyone who's ever been on the show. (This is compared to me, who has seen maybe a total of three episodes and just doesn't get what the fuss is all about.) Before embarking on our journey to the home we stopped in at a couple of local establishments to query within about any recent Gosselin Gossip I may have missed on my daily errand-runnings. Here are some of the hot tidbits we picked up.

J&K have not yet been spotted at one local business, although the producers did stop in and say they might be coming by and if so, cameras would be following closely behind. (I guess because the business is public property because it's partially funded through the govenment, so the cameras can enter any time they wish.) One employee there, who shall remain nameless, stated that if the cameras come in the front door she's going out the back. It was generally hoped that if the producers do plan on following the Gosselins into said establishment, the least they can do is provide a preliminary phone call the day previous to the visit so the employees have an opportunity to dress nicely for the occasion.

Another person (who I'll call Pat. Okay, that's her real name) said that she went to a yard sale held by J&K when they lived in Wyomissing, prior to the move to Elizabethtown (previous to their most recent move to Wernersville.) The yard saler said that Kate, who was (wo)manning the yardsale tables, had her undies all in a bundle because Jon refused to sweep the sidewalk, which Jon was understandably reluctant to do as there was a yard sale in progress. (This was before they were famous, so Pat just thought Kate was somewhat bossy.) At one point Pat complimented Kate on a state-of-the-art snuggly for sale, to which Kate whined that someone had given it to her, but had only given her one, whereas she had six babies, and what was she to do with only one lousy snuggly? [Pat's comment to me was that while Kate complained about the brazen inconsideracy of the stingy snuggly-giver, Pat wondered what Kate would ever be able to do with six snugglies anyway: Wear two on her chest, two on her back, and one on each ankle?]*

In one establishment we ran into someone who used to be close to Kate and babysat the six when they were babies. She said she doesn't know why Kate stopped calling her for help but she said she grew to love the babies (now four yrs old) and still misses them. She says things (well, okay, Kate) changed after television cameras entered the Gosselin's lives.**

Amy and I were all aglow with our luck at running into actual human beings who had had real interactions with our famous yet elusive subjects. We continued on our journey two miles out of town and both drew our breath when we rounded the corner and saw the property. It is truly beautiful, idyllic really.


***
We stopped the car to enjoy the view and take a couple of pictures when I noticed another car had pulled up behind us and was doing the same rude rubbernecking we were so deliciously guilty of. There was a white van which looked like it belonged to something like a security company parked at the end of the driveway and a man got out and was looking through the tall metal gate. At that point there was a flurry of activity coming down the yard and Amy and I both broke into shrieks of inane hysterical laughter as we saw Jon zooming toward us on a pimped out golf cart. I put the car into drive and we pretended to not give a rat's ass about seeing Jon in person as we drove by hopefully appearing nonchalant but secretly clutching each other's hands while shrieking under our breath, "Didyouseethat? OhmygawdwasthatJon? OhmygawdthatwasJon! Jezezwashepissed! HaHahahahahaha!"

For those of you who have propagated or spread the rumors that Jon is gonadless, let me set you straight. The man has some fire in him as evidenced by his face which gets very red when he is furious. I don't know if he was pissed at the white truck in his driveway, at us, or at the car behind us, but in any case it sure wasn't pretty.

That was so much fun that after Amy and I drove by, we turned around and drove slowly in front of the house again, back toward my home. By that time Jon was talking with the white-van guy at the end of the driveway inside the gate. Then, after Amy and I went back into town and had Thai for lunch, we drove back out to the house for more! (Don't worry, we changed vehicles so as to not appear to be stalkers. I mean, driving by slowly taking pictures gawking and giggling uncontrollably the same day in the same vehicle twice? Well now, that would be just plain rude.)



My friend Amy's hands taking pictures. By this time the white truck had been allowed inside the property. The guy on the right with the black knit hat on is Jon.

When we drove to the house in the second vehicle, Jon and all of the kids were outside playing in the driveway. The children were all wearing different colored coats and some of them were riding little trikes and bikes around and around. I have to say they were adorable, kind of like multicolored spinning muchkins only not creepy, and although I have no idea who was who, Amy could be heard next to me gasping, "Oh, that's Mady! Oh look, there's Joel! That's Alexis!" ****

I'm sure I'll have more news for you the next time I take another J&K fanatic out to see their house. Meanwhile I'll try working on those pictures tomorrow. Maybe Blogger will be feeling a little more amenable to our insatiable tabloidish desires by then.

*I realize the potential for J&K rumors is ginormous and so I assure you that "Pat" is a real person and she and I have been friends for years.
**I heard this first person from the former babysitter, who is someone I have had many conversations with and whom I have no reason to believe would make this up.
***Click on each image to see it blown up. If you're really OCD for J&K you can print them out, blow them up, and make a living room mural out of them.
****Blogger is being a pain in the ass and refuses to let me post all of the pictures I risked my reputation as a classy, considerate and sensitive person to take just for you.

Leah J. Utas said...
An entertaining post. I know nothing of these people, but I got a kick out of your quest.
April 19, 2009 11:45:00 AM EDT

MCarey65 said...
OMG! What a hoot! You changed vehicles, way to think ahead, must be in the "stalker 101" course. Sounds like fun. Make a living room mural, good one. Not for me, I am not a fan of these people but I love your commentary on them. Thanks for the laugh!
April 19, 2009 1:58:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Thanks gals. I'm still not privy to what the fuss is all about, but I do get a giggle out of people's reactions when I show them the property. So far I've shown it to four or five fans and/or haters and they have all oohed and ahhed quite gratifyingly. Maybe I should start thinking like Kate and charge for tours...woohoo, retirement here I come! :^) MCarey, now that's I've passed Stalking 101 maybe it's time to move on to 102: Different hats, wigs, sunglasses...this could get expensive. Definitely time to start charging.
April 19, 2009 3:20:00 PM EDT

iluvobx said...
Thank you for the wonderful laugh that I had. The pictures are great! Please we must have more of your delicious sense of humor. How much would you charge? Would being chased by Jon on a pimped up golf cart be extra$$?
April 19, 2009 4:49:00 PM EDT

Robin said...
You crack me up!!! I love the car changing. Next, you and Amy should go to Afghanistan and search for terrorists.As you know, I despise this entitled, sanctimonious, creepy couple. News flash for Jon - the reason you're able to afford a zillion dollar estate you've done nothing to earn, is that people care enough to look at your stupid house. Duh.
April 19, 2009 6:04:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Oh dear, Robin, that makes me an accomplice to their lazyass lifestyle. Shit. Guilty as charged. Well, a gal's got to do something to keep busy in a small town. Whaddaya want?Iluvobx, I'll post more pictures soon. Glad I gave you a giggle. I find the whole thing hilarious myself. (p.s if that's "I love the Outer Banks" I'm with you on that.)
April 19, 2009 6:29:00 PM EDT

ThePaginator said...
I posted under the wrong post. Sorry.Thanks for sharing. You are funny and sound like a great person to "hang" with.
April 19, 2009 6:43:00 PM EDT

iluvobx said... You are correct. Ocracoke to be exact. I love that island. About the only place I have ever been where the sign on the door says:No dripping bathing suits and you can go barefoot in the restaurants.
April 19, 2009 7:36:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
iLuv, I looked up Ocracoke and it looks very cool. Paginator, your blog is hilarious. That image of Octamom makes me want to hurl. What is it with her lips? They must be plastic surged onto her face, which is rather odd considering she has no money and is on welfare. Is she already working deals like J&K (for lasik eye surgery, hair plugs, spa treatments, etc)? It concerns me that more sad women might see this sort of thing and decide to have litters. Let's hope not, right?
April 19, 2009 8:22:00 PM EDT

mamaholly said...
thanks for this amusing look at life in Wernersville! It's great to know that there are people who are out there who would do EXACTLY the same thing that I would do, without really ever admitting that I would!
April 20, 2009 5:05:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Thanks for stopping by, MamaHolly. I am ALL about the guilty pleasures...Reality shows on Bravo TV, once in a great while a trashy Lifetime movie, and the occasional J&K stalkings. A gal's got to have fun, right?
April 20, 2009 5:13:00 PM EDT

ThePaginator said...
Thanks but that's not my blog, just one I'm linked to!
April 20, 2009 9:42:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Ohhhhh, I'm glad you told me, I didn't realize it worked that way. Whenever I saw a link like that, I just assumed it was always the person's blog.
April 21, 2009 8:13:00 AM EDT

Sharla said...
Thanks so much for the pictures and the stories. I love that one about the snugglie and how Kate expected six.
April 22, 2009 7:23:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Thanks for visiting, Sharla. I've had a lot of fun bloging about J&K and will probably do so again, since I hear so much about them and readers seem to like it too.
April 23, 2009 10:14:00 AM EDT

lindahoyt said...
THAT was just so hilarious! Thank you so much for writing it...sadly, I would totally do the same thing, if I were a neighbor! I loved your descriptions! You are so funny!
April 25, 2009 6:08:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Thanks for visiting, Linda. I'll let y'all know when I've got more hot scoop. :^)
April 25, 2009 7:40:00 PM EDT

makita579 said...
Haha! Love your little adventure! Really, if it's possible, could you let me know what road this compound is on? I'm in Wyomissing area, and would love to take a Sunday drive. LOL! Thanks!
April 25, 2009 11:46:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
HI makita, thanks for dropping by. I don't want to put the address here so please email me.
April 26, 2009 12:02:00 AM EDT

Stephanie said...
Thanks for sharing your adventure! I totally would spy on them, but I don't know if I would be able to admit it. Lol. I love hearing Jon and Kate gossip.
April 26, 2009 5:06:00 PM EDT

ThirtyWhat said...
HOW FUN! I have to go to Pennsylvania in September to be Maid of Honor in a wedding ... and I'm thinking I might need to drive past the Gosselin Compound. Although, I'll only have one vehicle ... so I'll have to make sure to get a good picture the first time around! LOL
April 27, 2009 4:26:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
That's funny, 30what. I'm sure you'd have fun and it's a beautiful property. You wouldn't believe all the emails I've gotten, including one from US magazine, about my blog post. And guess what?!? I didn't even tell HALF the stuff I know about them because I'm trying to maintain SOME sense of dignity and decorum! What a hoot!
April 27, 2009 4:51:00 PM EDT

CarolS461 said...
Great post! THANKS! Good thinking to drive by in a different car, too.Being a counselor yourself, maybe you could offer them some complimentary sessions? What do you think about their whole dysfunctional set up? A lot of people say Mady is a brat. I feel sorry for her because her behavior is NOT her fault. She is being raised by two clueless people. YES, she has issues that need to be professionally addressed, rather than being beaten with a red plastic spoon! Have you seen the video with Jon carrying the red spoon? Or the one where Kate asks Hannah if she "needs to get the red spoon?"Keep up informed about what's going on there, OK? LOVE the pictures of the property, too!
April 29, 2009 12:42:00 PM EDT

thegirlfromtheghetto said...
I love that you guys did this, and i'm so sad I wasn't tagging along. Isn't their house just gorgeous? Wow, I mean, wow, no wonder they aren't shooting it fromt he front.
May 3, 2009 12:03:00 PM EDT

Anonymous said...
A mental health councelor gawking at a family in peril -- how disturbing and pathetic?! What a horrible role model you are for your clients.
July 10, 2009 9:19:00 PM EDT

Werny Gal said...
Thanks for stopping by, Anon. If you've read my posts, you'd know that I am aware this family is in peril, and I am concerned, esp for the children. As for the role model thing...who are you?
July 11, 2009 6:10:00 PM EDT