Kate plus 8, & John everyother weekend.

UPDATE:
So, when I wrote the whole “Trouble in ‘paradise’?”, entry about the famous family, John & Kate plus 8, all the rumors were still rumors, and no one had any proof.

Until a couple of weeks ago, the whole controversial story was somewhat hidden, not being told. But when the story started making headlines and appearing on every magazine cover, every entertainment show, and with their fifth season debuting, John & Kate were at the top of their peak. With nearly 10million viewers tuning into the first episode of their fifth season, everyone was expecting drama, explanations, and wanted to see if this whole ordeal was affecting the kids.

Not even five minutes into the first episode, Kate and John, who usually do the interviews together, but did them apart for the show, addressed the issues. While I was watching the show, I felt they were being extremely honest, and open about the whole situation.

I learned more then I thought I would. I knew they were going too (and had too); address the issues that they are going through. Like I said in part one of this blog, John was rumored to be cheating on Kate with a college girl. He never actually admitted to it on his show, but he did say that he made some horrible mistakes that affected not only him, but his wife and kids. He also admitted that he would have some explaining to do when his kids got older. All Kate said about the situation was, “He's made some very poor decisions, and you know we all have to live with them.” [1]

Also, both Kate and John admitted to not always being there together. When Kate is off doing a book tour or a talk show, John is at home with kids (with an extra nanny of course), and while John is off having a midlife crisis, and skiing with his best friends (and rumored girlfriend), Kate is at home taking care of the kids. So, it’s safe to say that they’re both pulling their weight.

As for the rumors of Kate being an evil mother, who is obsessed with making money, and looking good- that’s still up in the air. Of course she addressed these issues saying how she loves them to death, and they are her world, etc, there’s a big part of me still saying that she’s in it for the money.

However, most of the episode was full of giggles from the happy, but oblivious sextuplet children, while they were having their fifth birthday party. Just on schedule, John wasn’t there to help plan, decorate, or lend a hand for the whole set up of the party. Kate had to rely on the camera men and crew to hang stuff in the big pavilion. Then, once the party started, John came rolling in, in his new sports car, not even acknowledging that Kate was there. No hello, no eye contact, not even a glance in her direction.

Before the birthday party ended, the eight kids all stood in a straight line, with each parent on one side, and took their annual birthday party picture. While Kate was discussing this, her emotional side came pouring out. She stated, “...parents of multiples have triple the divorce rate and thinking we could beat that. I don't know if I can say that. Very swiftly we turned into two very different people. I've tried for six months to figure what the problem is or remedy the problem. I don't know. It's so complicated.” [1]

While the episode came to the end, John & Kate and the eight children decided to have a ‘family’ barbecue in their backyard. While they were showing these images of a ‘happy’ family time, they were also playing a voiceover of John & Kate discussing their future. They both agreed that they were moving in different directions, and were going to be there for the kids, whenever they needed them.

Since my first blog on this topic, my views have changed. I’m no longer a John fan, but I still can’t stand Kate. I’m not sure what parents’ side I’m on, but I’m definitely rooting for the whole family to be normal and happy again.

But, when it comes down to it, I really think, and so do many others, that these two adults will end up spliting up for good. In my opinion, this may help their relationship. They could possibly remain 'friends' for their kids, and not have the awkward run ins.

Also, here’s a very good and interesting video all about Kate. It pretty much sums up what we’ve been talking about in class. If a women is strong, and is able to tell a man what to do, and knows what she wants, everyone calls her a ‘a female dog’. After having that lesson, I do agree that I was a bit harsh on Kate in my first blog. I do have more sympathy for her, and now that I’ve seen her cry and show some emotion that isn’t anger, I finally realize that she is human, and all she wants is happiness in her family.

Video:

http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/jon-and-kate-controversy/18577411

SIDENOTE: Kate has announced that she will be coming out with a new cookbook to add to her accomplishments.

[1] “Jon and Kate Plus 8 Season 5 Recap: What Did Jon Gosselin Do?”, nowpublic.com, May 25-2009, June 12-2009
http://www.nowpublic.com/culture/jon-and-kate-plus-8-season-5-recap-what-did-jon-gosselin-do

Brains vs. Beauty

Growing up as kid, my mother would always buy me a Betty & Veronica comic book for road trips. This would entertain me for hours, leaving piece and quite for the car ride.

Of course my favourite books were the Betty & Veronica ones, and not the more manly ones like the original Archie and Jughead. Being a girl, it was very easy to relate to Betty, being a blonde and sporty girl, unlike Veronica, mostly fascinated with money, shopping and clothes. But, these two very different girls were always obsessing over one thing: ARCHIE.

For 68 years, these two apparently ‘best friends’ have been feuding over the same red head guy.

When archiecomics.com announced that Archie will finally choose between his high school sweethearts, many consistent readers thought he would chose the girl-next-door, Betty, over the snob, rich girl, Veronica.

However, when Veronica wrote to her own blog, saying, “I am so excited, I am getting married to Archie. There is so much to do, so many plans to make. I wonder if Betty wants to be my Maid of Honour? I bet she is so happy for me!” [1]

Reading the viewers comments on Ronnie’s blog, many people are very upset with this decision. Comments saying, “I cannot BELIEVE you would want to marry a klutz like Archie!” to, “It took him, what, 30 years to propose? Have some self respect and dump the loser already...” and, “NO! You don't deserve to be with Archie, you don't love him, Betty does”. [1]

Now, going over to the much loved Betty’s blog, she writes in her blog titled, The Saddest Girl in the World, “I am so sad; I don't even know what to say.” [2]

Her comments are very different then her soon-to-be ex bff. With people leaving her comforting messages like, “I really, really feel bad for you, Betty :( :( :(. I can't believe he chose Ronnie over you!! There is no way that marriage is going to last. Maybe he'll come to his senses and not marry her”, and “Archie is an idiot who should have picked you”, to, “You are the most awesome character ever! You're sweet, pretty, you're a good student - anyone who doesn't choose you is a loser for it.” [2]

After being broadcasted all over television programs and radio stations, shocking pretty much everyone who reads, or has read them, many people still think Archie will end up with Betty at the end. The rumor is, that Archie will arrive at the church, but will change his mind for Betty, and they will end up driving into the sunset, leaving Veronica and the entire Riverdale town waiting at the alter.

My opinion: Archie only chose Veronica for her lifestyle. She’s never had to work, do chores, and has a mansion to live in, filled with multiple closets. The Lodge family has many vacation homes & boats. Unlike the Cooper family, they work very hard for their paycheck, making Betty work a part-time job, while volunteering, playing sports, and doing many other extra-curricular activities. Betty is the kind of girl that’s not afraid to get her hands dirty; unlike Veronica who uses Archie and makes him do all the dirty work for her.

With many comments like, “Veronica is the gal you marry the first time. Later, when you want a real relationship, you marry a Betty” and “Sexy doesn’t last; wholesome does”, you wonder why the creators and writers for the Archie comic chose Veronica over Betty. [3]

But when I saw comments like, “It's about time the brunette wins over the blonde!”, or “Choose money over real love”, and “Maybe he took the recession into consideration...” it made me realize that Veronica did have some fans. However Betty still had the majority on her side. [3]

In the six-part story, Archie and the gang will finally graduate from Riverdale High school, and then will fast-forward to college graduation. Before getting engaged, this comic might even show the klutzy red-head having a part-time job (which he always refused to have).

This also brings up the question, who will be Archie’s best man? With only two possible men in mind, he must choose between the rude and competitive Reggie, and the kind-hearted, jokester Jughead. Numerous websites indicate that the viewers want Jughead to receive the role.

Even though I haven’t read the comic in a little over 5 years, I was shocked, yet excited for it to come out, so I could read the engagement of the year.

Let’s just say, even though it’s a comic book, and the characters aren’t real, many of us believe that Archie is make a horrible decision, and can’t wait to see what happens in the future.

[1] “I’m Getting Married”, archiecomics.com, May 27-2009, Veronica’s Blog, June 11-2009
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/veronicas_blog/

[2] “The Saddest Girl in the World”, archiecomics.com, May 27-2009, Betty’s Blog, June 11-2009
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/betty/

[3] “Poor Betty! Archie will propose to Veronica”, msnbc.com, May 30-2009, June 11-2009
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30983247/

No surprise here.

Miley Cyrus has yet again shocked her fans. When a very racial photo got leaked to the internet, the OCA (a group dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well being of Asian Pacific Americans) were very fast to comment.
“A terrible example for her many young fans, by mocking and denigrating individuals of Asian descent.” [1]
With that image floating around all over the net, many parents are taking action towards their children, not letting them watch or purchase anything Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana. This isn’t the first time that her personal images have been leaked, where she shocked her fans worldwide. But for this certain situation, Miley Cyrus was not far along to comment back to the OCA.
After apologizing, and informing that is not in anyway meant to be racist, she also added, “I was simply making a goofy face. When did that become newsworthy? It seems someone is trying to make something out of nothing to me.” [1]
She also believes that if it was anyone else and not her, that this ordeal would be overlooked and forgotten. For once, I actually agree with this teen celebrity.
I am in no way, a fan of Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus, so it takes me a lot to agree with her. Say it was me or you that took that picture- no one, would take that in an offensive way. The OCA would never bother with it, and you would probably get a lot of comments on Facebook or Myspace on how much fun you’re having.
I think she is being accused unfairly of this situation. But knowing her past, she should have learned to think before she acted. She needs to grow up for the sake of her fans, mature, and try to get back the respect of all the parents around the world that she lost it too.

[1] "Cyrus Defends Herself in Racist Photo Fracas" article. The Associate Press. Written early 2009. April 26, 2009

Real-life on Television

For more than 20 years, one television series has caught many Canadian hearts. When I turn on one of my favourite shows, my mom always reminds me that she grew up watching this program, just not with these characters. The Degrassi series is the most popular and highest rated show on Canadian television programming, and from the looks of it, its not going anywhere.

Playing With Time (a small Canadian production company), created all four seasons of the Degrassi series. Starting with 'The Kids of Degrassi Street' (aired 1979-1985), followed by 'Degrassi Jr. High' (1986-1989), growing to 'Degrassi High' (1989-1991), then moving on to the popular 'Degrassi: The Next Generation' (2001-present), this very blunt show has been making fans and enemies for many years.

All four series, centre on a group of kids growing up in Toronto, Ontario, showing the struggles and obstacles of being a teen. Each week, the episode focuses on a different character, looking closely on the drama in their life. From fighting with your parents, to losing your virginity, Degrassi is one of those shows that have definitely opened the eyes of Canadian viewers. This show is certainly not afraid to raise awareness to what teens are actually thinking and going through.

This Canadian show is one of the few that has taken many risks. These kids may have gone through more then the normal teenager, but life at Degrassi is never a dull moment. One week there’s a school shooting, where two people die, next week the head cheerleader is pregnant with the bad boy’s baby. Then, the star quarterback is questioning his sexuality, while the popular girl is going crazy, starving and cutting herself. With many dark scenes shown on the streets of Degrassi, there are a numerous cheerful moments as well. Degrassi has never once been scared to touch any subject.

With many events happening in the shows history, many fans have been shocked at how open and controversial Degrassi has been. Many adults don’t want their child watching, for the reason that they’ll grow up to soon and mimic the actors that portray ‘bad’ characters.
This is one of the only shows that I know that have opened the topic of discussion about the real issues that teenagers go through. With multiple pregnancy scares, school lockdowns, rape, eating disorders, cancer, school rivalries, teacher & student relationships and gang fights, Degrassi has opened the eyes of many Canadians.

Being a frequent watcher of Degrassi: The Next Generation, I feel the writers and producers actually feel the emotion of what a regular teenager goes through on a daily basis. They capture exactly what runs through every individuals (aged 14 to 20) head.

The Degrassi series has been a hit all over Canada. Just recently it has been airing in the States, making it a new series to fall in love with. With multiple Canadian awards won, the most important award for the Degrassi cast is the ‘Teen Choice Award’, given by teens in America. With shows like Gossip Girl, 90210, and The O.C, Degrassi is one of the most real-life dramas that kids can relate too. Instead of worrying about what they’re going to wear tomorrow, the kids of Degrassi worry about decisions that will affect their life forever.

This series also opens up many doors for struggling Canadian teen actors. By forcing these teenagers to play difficult and interesting characters, the producers are testing just how much ability and motivation these young actors have.

“It has put me in a great place to continue finding work based on the publicity generated by the show, but also Degrassi has trained me to become a well-rounded, efficient actor. It’s not easy for teen girls to find roles that are compelling and complex like Paige. I’ve been so fortunate to tackle issues such as rape and coming to terms with exploring sexual orientation.”, says Lauren Collins who plays the famous popular girl, Paige Michalchuck. [1]

Whether it’s a fight in the cafeteria, or an intimate moment between two teenagers, I feel Degrassi is the best show to watch while growing up. Sure it can be influential to some in a bad way, but for others it shows how the character feels, and makes them not want to go through that experience. Degrassi has touched every aspect of a teenager growing up, and I’m looking forward to what they’ll bring to the tables next season!

SIDENOTE: If you walk around Toronto long enough, you may just see some of these young actors.

[1] “A Conversation with Lauren Collins”. Thetvaddict.com. May 11, 2006. April 21, 2009.
http://thetvaddict.com/2006/05/11/thetvaddictcom-exclusive-interview-lauren-collins/

Trouble in 'paradise' ?

Instead of board games, or just talking, many families now spend their time in front of the televisions, watching reality shows. What better show to watch with your family, then 'John and Kate plus 8'? This show is full with cuddles, discipline, and love. However, like you've heard before, never believe what you see on TV! It's all filled with lies, misleading lives, and time consuming time.

This TLC show follows the lives of the Gosselin family. First off, there’s John (the husband/dad), who never gets to say what he’s thinking because of his wife. Some may say he’s wrapped around her little finger, or just plain embarrassed about his wife’s complaining. Next, of course there’s Kate (the wife/mom). She’s the head of the house, the boss, and the one who wears the pants in her marriage. Then, last but not least, the kids. One set of twins (who are 8), and one set of sextuplets (who are 4), steal the show away with their bright smiles, cute commentary, and sibling relationships. Seams like a happy and normal family, right?

But with popularity booming, John and Kate seem to have different ideas for the future. Kate, who is believed to be ‘money-hungry’, exploiting her kids anyhow and anywhere they go, wants to continue the show, letting the camera’s in their house for another season. Whereas John, is fed up with only being known as ‘John and Kate plus 8’, and not just John Gosselin, wants to take a break, and maybe in the future pick up for another season. Everyone knows who will win this battle... (Kate).

However, recent blogs have been reporting that John has been seen out at college parties, making out with college girls. Do I smell trouble? Don’t get me wrong, I love a good marriage. But with John taking all of Kate’s attitude, with her complaining every second of the show, I’m personally glad to see John stand up to her. Though, he could have made his move in a more classy way, thinking about the kids, John has gotten my respect.

With the reported split in the limelight, Kate is also being attacked for abusing her kid’s popularity (as I said before). Before bringing her bundle of joys home, she created a sob story, asking for the communities help. Days later, volunteers started to return with packages of diapers and numerous gift certificates. Then, once the show hit 3 million viewers, Kate started requesting $10.00 a picture, for the whole family. With numerous trips, (Hawaii, Disneyland, Skiing in Utah, etc.), many sites have reported that the Gosselins didn’t have to pay a cent. Kate has even said, “They get the publicity of the trip; we get the trip.” [1]

Being a constant veiwer, Kate should really start thinking before she talks. With remarks like that, my first intincts is that she’s mooching off of her kids cuteness.

After three seasons, Kate decided to get into the writing industry. With her first book released on November 1st, 2008, ‘Multiple Blessings’ entered the New York Times best-seller the week after its release. With not even a year since her book was released, she already has plans for another one. ‘Eight Little Faces’, Kate’s new book, will be released in April 2009.

With others desperate to meet these famous children, many others have different opinions. CNN broadcasted a speacial with Paul Peterson (a former child actor) reporting. He had many interesting facts and wanted to make sure that he got his point of view across. Here’s a clip from the CNN presentation:

[2]

Among many videos and blogs, each bringing out the negative and positive of the show, Peterson still wants the show to get canceled. Since he has experience growing up innormal life as a teenager and so on, especially if the television program shows the kids being bathed.

“The images will never go away”, says Peterson. “I can’t think of anything more vulnerable. Imagine the Gosselin girls in 10 years, getting taunted and teased by their classmates, showing naked images of them.” [3]

With all this controversy, I can’t help but not look at the whole family a different way. When I watch the show, Kate pisses me off so much, I fast forward through every part that she’s talking. And while they used to have family, and friends who came over to visit or help out, they never have company, excluding the camera men.

Many of their friends have gone to writing blogs, expressing how Kate didn’t want to share the limelight. The famous Aunt Jodie, apparently got kicked off the show for being portrayed as the ‘nice mom’, while Kate is more of the ‘Get your homework done now!’ mom. Once veiwers wanted to see Aunt Jodie more and more, Kate got jealous, and asked producers to show less of her, making her leave the show for good.

Overall, the show was cute when they kids were babies. But now that they’re growing up, its wrong that the kids don’t have the chance to grow up like normal kids should. It’s time for John to stand up to his wife, and actually tell her what he’s thinking. And it’s time for Kate to forget about the money, and think about her children’s lives, and how this business is affecting them in the long run.

[1]“John & Kate Plus 8 Under Attack: Are They Exploiting Their Kids?” Glamour Magazine. March 2, 2009. March 26, 2009.http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/blogs/storked/2009/03/jon-kate-8-under-attack.html

[2]“CNN Headline News- John & Kate Plus 8” CNN Television. October 19, 2008. Youtube.com. March 31, 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q370dVhn2bc

[3]“Reality Check: Cancel John & Kate!” The Enquirer. September 21, 2008. Musings from the Moon. March 31, 2009. http://blog.psychic-wisdom.net/2008/09/21/jon-and-kate-plus-8-in-the-national-enquirer/

Viva La COPY ?

If you were anywhere near a radio last summer, you must have heard (and maybe got sick of) the song ‘Viva La Vida’ by Coldplay. With a catchy beginning, these four guys from England were positive that they had a number one hit in the bucket. It wasn’t until guitarist Joe Satriani heard the song, and listened closely to the beginning instrumental of their song. After getting email after email from friends and family asking if he had heard the song, and people complaining that Coldplay ripped him off, Satriani called his lawyer and filed court papers. Coldplay’s new summer hit was nominated for 7 Grammy’s and Song of the Year (for Viva La Vida) but were being questioned for their artistic writing skills.

After filing the papers against Coldplay, Satriani decided to take them to court, wanting a jury trial, and seeking ‘any and all’ profits from the number one Billboard Hot 100 hit.

Stariani’s song never made it as a hit. Do I sense some jealousy?

Of course, Coldplay denied any copying on their part. They went to their homepage, and made an apology out to Satriani, saying that the similarities between these songs are total coincidental.

“Joe Satriani is a great musician, but he did not write or have any influence on the song Viva La Vida. We respectfully ask him to accept our assurances of this and wish him well with all future endeavors. Coldplay.” [1]

While Coldplay was all sweet and innocent, Joe Satriani’s reply was, “a dagger went right through my heart” when he heard Coldplay’s single for the first time. [2]

If I was Satriani, I would be upset too. This instrumental in his song ‘If I Could Fly’ took him over 10 years to write. “Thinking about it, loving it, nursing it, and then finally recording it and standing on stages the world over playing it - and then somebody comes along and plays the exact same song and calls it their own,” is what striked Satriani the hardest. [2]

Many bloggers and music lovers were shocked at Satriani for over-reacting about this whole situation. But he wasn’t ready to sit back and let them rise to the top. Afterall, the best thing an artist can do is try and protect his song and music.

So, what does ‘copyright infringement’ exactly mean? According to the US Copyright Office, "As a general matter, copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner." [3]

In my opinion, it’s obvious that Coldplay copied Satriani. Even if it was a mistake, or it was on purpose, Coldplay made their hit sound like Satriani’s guitar instrumental.

Now, for the moment of truth- the songs. Listen for yourself, and you decided whether Coldplay copied Joe Satriani’s song.

[4]

[1] “Joe Satriani- A statement from the band”. Coldplay Official Website. December 9, 2008. March 26, 2009.

http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=242

[2] “Joe Satriani Speaks About Coldplay Lawsuit”. MusicRadar.com. December 7, 2008. March 26, 2009

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/joe-satriani-speaks-about-coldplay-lawsuit-185914/2

[3] “Copyright Infringement”. Lost Quilt Come Home Page. March 27, 2009

http://www.lostquilt.com/CopyrightInfringement.html

[4] "Joe Satriani *IF I COULD FLY* & Coldplay *VIVA LA VIDA* Experimental Morph/Remix" Youtube.com . December 29, 2008. March 27, 2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tWjja5HIWU

1st Picture From: Coldplay Fansite. 2008.

http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.100xr.com/100_XR/Artists/C/Coldplay/Coldplay-band-2005.jpg&imgrefurl=http://current.com/items/89596508/i_coldplay_sono_i_pi_scaricati_da_itunes.htm&usg=__xPSAxSW69JgUFQWmfRZeuP2UaIk=&h=300&w=340&sz=21&hl=en&start=10&tbnid=zcw2S0mL__lM9M:&tbnh=105&tbnw=119&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcoldplay%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den

2nd Picture From: Joe Satriani Fansite. No Date.

http://philspector.wordpress.com/2008/

Gossip Girl goes for a run.

Taylor Momsen (Gossip Girl starlet), is just living a normal day with the paparazzi following her around (linked video below). Like most celebrities, the paparazzi get in the way, making her take another route to get out of the building. Since all paparazzi are pushy and won't ever stop, she has to show off her gymnastic moves to get away from the crazy men. With running down the stairs, jumping from railing to railing, then jumping over a car and swinging on a pipe, Taylor then climbs over a wall to get to safety. After all the excitement, she drives away in a black SUV, thanking the paparazzi.

Although, all the gymnastic moves may be quite ridiculous, this is just some of the steps that each celebrity has to face daily. Once you watch the video, you may notice right away that Taylor is wearing a black work-out top, and some funky blue sneakers, (which the camera gets a good glance at both), you may realize that they are both Nike.

As I was watching this, I was astonished to find the paparazzi caring so much about a teen television star. But after watching it a couple of times, and doing some research, I found out that this isn't just Taylor's work out day where she got caught by the paparazzi, but it's also Nike's new commercial. Seriously.
Nike hired a bunch of professional paparazzi, got a stunt devil, and recruited one of television's new up and comer actresses to promote the shoe brand. This video is very realistic, but also downplays the paparazzi, making them seem less aggressive and considerate to the celebrity's life, which we all know that they're not. If this was the real world, the paparazzi would have been swinging, jumping and climbing with Taylor, just to get the winning shot.

All in all, this a very good advertisement. Instead of broadcasting the cars, jewelry, and men/women who average Joe's like us are never capable of getting, this commercial shows the ugly side of stardom and what the stars face daily.

Nike Commercial Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kHdNkAPBdw

Picture From:

On the set of Gossip Girl, 2008.

http://www.gossipgirlinsider.com/images/gallery/momsen-taylor.jpg