It’s Not Worth It

In my blog yesterday, I urged Jon and Kate Gosselin to give up their reality television show, “Jon and Kate Plus 8” and retreat to private life for the sake of their children. I intended that to be my last word, so to speak, on the topic. However, People.com has a story today that underscores my point from yesterday’s musings.

In an interview with People.com, Kate expresses outrage about the latest tabloid rumors alleging that she is having an extramarital affair with a member of her security team. She as much as admits that the Gosselin’s situation in the public eye has left them “essentially, alone and friendless. It’s terrible.” Kate and Jon also state that rumors of Jon’s alleged affair have added tension and stress to their marriage. Furthermore, Kate claims “she does not know what she can do to stop the insanity.”

I simply cannot understand Kate Gosselin’s position that she is powerless to stop the paparazzi creating what she insists are lies about her and her family. A return to normal life may not happen overnight, but it is obvious to me that the first step is to give up their reality show and begin rebuilding their relationships and marriage in private. Therefore, from someone who enjoys your show, I say again, “Say Goodbye to Television, Jon and Kate.”

Say Goodbye to Television, Jon and Kate

There has been much speculation recently about the state of Jon and Kate Gosselin’s marriage. Jon and Kate are the parents of twins and sextuplets whose lives are chronicled in the reality show, “Jon and Kate Plus 8”. You can hardly pick up a magazine or turn on an entertainment news show without seeing reporting on Jon Gosselin’s rumored affair. Blogs have been abuzz with the rumors and everyone seems to have an opinion. The public is weighing in and taking sides. Debates abound – Has Jon been cheating? Is he justified due to how Kate treats him? Is Jon a cad? Will the Gosselin’s divorce?

The Gosselin’s have been elevated to celebrity status and as a result have relinquished much of their privacy. Paparazzi reportedly park outside the Gosselin’s new $1.3 million estate in Pennsylvania and follow Jon, the father of 8. He states that this intrusion into his private life has prevented him from pursuing normal activities without them being misinterpreted.

I’m not going to pass judgment on either of the Gosselin parents or presume to know whether the rumors are true or not. Instead, I say to Jon and Kate Gosselin, “Say goodbye to television.” In recent interviews, both Jon and Kate state that in the midst of the latest personal challenges, their focus is on their children. All the more reason to pack up their interview set and retreat to private life. It is naïve to think that the rumors swirling around their marriage will not ultimately affect their children. It will be impossible to shield the Gosselin 8 from what people are saying about their parents. One day, if not today or tomorrow, these young kids will be confronted with the gossip. These small children do not have the coping mechanism to just shrug off such hurtful comments, reports and pictures.

Right or wrong, Jon and Kate Gosselin face intense scrutiny from the media and the viewing audience. Innocent actions may be misinterpreted. People may wrongly judge. As parents, I’m sure they want to protect their children. The only way to effectively do so is to stop being front page news. The interest in their personal lives will not stop as long as they are on a reality television show. Therefore, say goodbye to television, Jon and Kate.

How Much Money Can You Save at the Grocery Store?

Saving 97% at the grocery store? Seems improbable, doesn’t it? Not so. A recent CNN news story highlights a Virginia woman who accomplished just such a feat. (http://blogs.app.com/inthemoney/) She bought approximately $150 worth of groceries and after applying coupons, she paid just nine dollars and change. I, myself, am commited to using coupons and weekly grocery store specials. I save about 20% on average so you can understand my curiousity about how this woman saved a whopping 97%!

After watching the news clip, I had more questions than answers. She said she combines coupons with weekly specials. I do the same. In the example, she bought a product which was on sale for $1 and she had a $1 coupon. I never find coupons that provide such a high percentage of savings on a product, even when the grocery store discounts it. She also stated that although some of the coupons are from the newspaper, most of them are from rebates. When she gets the rebate, usually a coupon is included. I also send in rebates but for things such as appliances. I rarely see rebates on grocery items. Lastly, I never see coupons for things such as meat, fish, fruits and veggies. How do you save 97% and eat fresh food? Given all this, I think 40-50% savings is a great goal. My question is, is this a realistic goal for a young family?