By ERIC FISHER
The World Series champions certainly don’t look like world beaters these days. The World Series rematch with the Tampa Bay Rays this week reminded us how far the Phillies went last year and how far they still need to go in order to return to the Series this season.
It should be acknowledged that the World Series championship changed the Phillies’ definition of success. The Phillies are no longer judged by whether or not they make the playoffs. Expectations are higher. It’s not if the Phillies make the playoffs, but how far they go.
So, yes, the Phillies are in first place. Yes, they have a winning record. But, no, they’re not playing very well. They lost six straight games, including the final six of a horrendous 1-8 homestand, before winning their series opener at Tampa Bay.
Some may chalk up the Phillies’ slump to injuries. Closer Brad Lidge was sidelined until Thursday, Ryan Howard has been hospitalized twice in the past week and first-half MVP Raul Ibanez is on the disabled list.
But the Phillies’ woes go beyond injuries. Perhaps their recent slump was a product of facing teams from the superior American League East. They lost two of three to Boston, then were swept by both Toronto and Baltimore.
But anyone who thinks the Phillies’ problems will disappear after this weekend’s series in Toronto ends the Phillies’ stretch against the AL East isn’t watching very carefully.
Injuries and the opposition may have contributed to the Phillies’ slide, but the problems started long before the injuries started to mount. For example, the Phillies, who have the best road record in the major leagues, have not won a series at home against a team other than the putrid Washington Nationals.
The Phillies say they are searching for answers to their inconsistency. I suggest they look in the mirror.
One player who needs to look in the mirror and hold himself accountable is Jimmy Rollins. Just two years removed from being the National League MVP, Rollins is limping along with a .214 average (through Wednesday’s game).
Rollins’ on-base percentage was just .257 entering Thursday’s games. That’s an abysmal number for a leadoff hitter. If Rollins doesn’t improve, manager Charlie Manuel should move him down in the batting order.
But even moving Rollins in the lineup doesn’t answer the Phillies’ biggest question: their pitching staff.
When Brett Myers was lost for the season due to a hip injury that required surgery, it was a big blow to the rotation. One of general manager Ruben Amaro’s main tasks will be to acquire a No. 2 starter before July 31, the non-waiver trade deadline.
Amaro, however, might also need to bolster the bullpen. The bullpen made the difference for the Phillies last season. Brad Lidge’s perfect save record received all the attention, but Ryan Madson and J.C. Romero were tremendous in the setup roles. Add in a fine season from Chad Durbin and the Phillies may have had the best bullpen in baseball.
The psychological advantage of knowing your bullpen can preserve a lead can’t be overestimated. The Phillies knew that if they held a lead entering the seventh inning, they were almost assured of leaving the ballpark with a “W.”
But that’s not the case this year. Through Wednesday, the bullpen had already blown 12 save opportunities, six of them by Lidge. Even when they don’t get a save opportunity, the relievers haven’t been very good. Wednesday night in Tampa, the bullpen – with some help from a bonehead play by Rollins – turned a one-run game into a six-run deficit.
So what’s the problem? Aside from Lidge, whose problems may be related to his knee injury or confidence problem (or both), the bullpen’s problems are related to the starters’ problems.
Even when the Phillies were winning more frequently, the bullpen was getting a lot of work. The Phillies won a lot of games earlier this season with their offense. But lost in those slugfests was that the bullpen was logging lots of innings.
Madson has been excellent most of the season. Many people attribute his recent slide, including a horrific ninth-inning blown save last Saturday, to stepping into the closer’s role.
Here’s another theory: Madson was due to struggle regardless of which role he was filling. He’s already made 36 appearances this season.
Durbin has made 34 appearances. Clay Condrey, who had pitched very well for the first two months of the season, began to break down before being placed on the disabled list this week. Condrey has made 33 appearances. Left-hander Scott Eyre, with 25 appearances, is also on the disabled list.
Getting a No. 2 starter should reduce the number of innings pitched by the bullpen. It would also help if Lidge finds his old form and Romero finds the plate, but that might not be enough to solve this problem.
The problem with the bullpen fatigue is it might not go away. The relievers’ arms may already have been worn down by making so many appearances.
In other words, the damage may already have been done.
June 26, 2009
PHILS’ WOES WON’T FADE AWAY
OUR VIEW: BREAKING DOWN KATE’S COMPLAINT
The complaint filed by reality TV star Kate Gosselin asking for divorce from husband Jon Gosselin says that Kate will file an affidavit at a hearing alleging that they “lived separate and apart for at least two years.”
However, this allegation does not mean that they were living in separate homes.
In Pennsylvania, “separate and apart” means that the couple did not act as married people would act. A party can show being “separate and apart” from a spouse by “cessation of cohabitation, whether living in the same residence or not.”
Basically, this phrase means that the marital relationship had broken down.
In a previous case, Frey v. Frey, which was in Pennsylvania Superior Court, a husband was able to show that he lived separate and apart from his wife because “they slept in separate beds, ate almost all their meals separately, and took vacations together only for the benefit of their daughter.”
The husband proved that he lived separate and apart from his wife even though they lived in the same home. After the husband proved that they lived separate and apart, he was able to obtain the separation date he specified.
“Separate and apart” is vague and can include sporadic contact that might occur between people who are married.
In addition to alleging that she and Jon lived separate and apart, Kate alleges that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
Pennsylvania law defines “irretrievably broken” as “estrangement due to marital difficulties with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.” Basically, the marriage has problems and the husband and wife cannot reconcile their differences.
After receiving the complaint, the court can grant the divorce if Jon does not deny the allegations that Kate has made, or if he does deny one or more the allegations, the court can determine that the parties have lived separate and apart for at least two years and that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
Additionally, Kate is asking for a divorce under the “mutual consent” section of the divorce code, which does not have the separate and apart requirement.
For mutual consent, the marriage must be irretrievably broken and both parties must file an affidavit that they consent to the divorce.
The reason that Kate is making these allegations about living separate and apart, and that the marriage is irretrievably broken in the divorce complaint is that she wants to obtain a no-fault divorce.
Ultimately, what “separate and apart” specifically entails in this case cannot be determined. If the parties agree to a divorce, Kate might not have to explain what she means.
YOU CAN HELP KIDS BY NOT WATCHING
By ASHLEY DOS SANTOS
It’s finally happened – the once happy and loveable “Jon & Kate Plus 8″ is taking the plunge into the realm of dysfunctional TV families.
Kate Gosselin, now one of the most talked about TV moms in history, filed divorce papers on June 22 after making the statement, “Over the course of this weekend, Jon’s activities have left me no choice but to file legal procedures in order to protect myself and our children.”
Should someone who has exposed their entire family to a TV crew, producers and millions of viewers over the past two years really be making statements about “protecting” their children?
By filing for divorce, Kate may have been protecting her kids – but she was also protecting the guaranteed mega-boost in ratings that night for her hit reality series.
TLC has finally begun to see how their reality show may be a bit too real.
They announced a halt in the show’s production while the family’s “transition” takes place, thereby removing their eight unsuspecting children from the media spotlight.
Of course, the lights can only be dimmed for so long, as the series will be back up and running on Aug. 3. This gives the kids just under two months to adjust to a complete upheaval in their world as they have always known it.
Will this situation finally make TV producers, or Americans themselves, realize what these shows can do to good people?
Of course not.
America has come way too far with the show and all of its drama to give it up now.
TLC’s promotional spots alone have been laying it on thick, and for good reason. Studio execs have managed to successfully create a nationwide addiction in “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” with everyone from “The Today Show” to actor Ryan Reynolds weighing in on the family-turned-statistic.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Reynolds stated, “I wanna see ‘Jon & Kate Plus 8: The Musical,’” he says. “Jon versus Kate. I wanna see four kids on one side and four kids on the other, snapping menacingly to music as they walk toward one another.”
His sardonic take on the situation may seem comical, if not improbable. But I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss his idea. Monday night’s episode brought a series – and network – best of 10.6 million viewers. Magazines featuring Jon/Kate covers have seen their sales skyrocket.
This family of ten has become a money-making machine of millions within two short years.
The Gosselins are now a textbook case of reality TV going too far. These eight children will grow up with reruns and magazine articles chronicling the demise of their parents’ marriage for the foreseeable future.
It’s safe to assume that if episodes of Fox’s “Temptation Island,” which aired in 2001, are still on television today, the Gosselins’ family drama will play out for quite some time.
But the truth is, there may never be a “too far” for reality TV. If the ruin of a 10-year marriage with 8 small casualties isn’t enough to draw a line, then the line may actually be nonexistent.
Although TLC has declared that they are concerned about the well-being of the Gosselins, TV networks’ number one concern is and always will be increasing their ratings to make money.
And as viewers have demonstrated in droves, Americans need drama-filled reality shows to satisfy their ongoing addictions.
By postponing production of the show for 1½ months, TLC and the Gosselins are simply anteing up on the anticipation for new episodes come Labor Day weekend. A brilliant ploy for yet another ratings boost at the expense of children too young to protest on their own behalf.
Kate’s brother came out on Tuesday begging for people to stop watching the show for the sake of the kids. No viewers means no ratings, which means no cameras in the children’s faces.
But let’s be honest. Asking TLC to put a stop to everything “Jon and Kate” is like asking McDonald’s to stop making the Big Mac. Until America develops a distaste for family ruin – or for delicious hamburgers – reality TV will continue to go “too far”.
The buck does not stop with the Gosselins or even their show’s producers – it lies squarely on the shoulders of their ratings-boosting, gossip-seeking fans.
—
Ashley Dos Santos serves as a senior account executive at Crosby~Volmer International Communications in Washington D.C. She received her bachelor of arts degree in women & gender studies and romance languages from Dartmouth College.
THIS IS GOING TO GET UGLY
By MOLLY DAVIS
The marriage of Jon and Kate is over.
And so is their union to TLC, for now.
After the couple announced on their show on June 22 that they were separating, TLC released a statement that it would stop production of the series — and that it was the network’s decision.
“TLC continues to support the Gosselin family and will work closely with them to determine the best way to continue to tell their story as they navigate through this difficult time,” the network’s statement said.
“The measures are taken in order to give the family ‘time off to regroup’ during the hiatus. Then ‘a modified schedule will be in place to support the family’s transition.’
There were 40 shows slated to run — only six have been aired.
Good riddance.
And I mean that in the nicest possible way.
Hopefully, they can sort out their separation in peace and quiet.
At least from the public.
I’m sure Kate’s mouth will be running on overdrive.
I do not envy her soon-to-be ex-hubby.
The court document indicated that Kate and Jon have been “separate and apart for two years.” However, lawyers for the couple say the document’s language is common for no-fault divorce cases and the Gosselins have lived together.
However, if the Gosselins were apart for two years, the show was all staged.
Wedding vows renewed in Hawaii?
Fake.
Free vacation, check.
Just add that to the list of free wares and services the family has received.
It’s a very long list.
Speaking of perks, Kate was caught on camera outside a grocery store, getting into her brand-new Land Cruiser.
Reporters were bombarding her with questions about the show being staged.
And Kate says she’ll be “flexible” — but only if she gets what she wants.
She wants the kids for every holiday and birthday.
Let’s be honest.
No divorce can be completely amicable.
But I would not want to meet Kate in court.
The porcupine-headed Kate said she was forced to file the papers because “Jon’s actions this weekend left me with no other choice.”
What did he do?
Rumors are that she was furious Jon held an impromptu press conference with the
Paps — who she hates — and fans outside their home.
Kate reportedly charges $20 per autograph.
Yuck.
That’s disgusting.
Really, how hard is it to give 30 seconds of your time, lift your hand and sign a piece of paper?
I bet her adoring fans would even provide the pen.
And he — GASP — had the audacity to sign autographs for free!
How could he?
It’s for your kid’s future, you selfish oaf.
Kate should be charged fines every time she walks out of the house with that haircut.
I thought maybe he was out with another woman or some other unforgivable offense.
But no.
She finally had enough — not because of his rumored cheating — but because he didn’t charge for his John Hancock.
Although my moral compass isn’t always pointed up, I don’t think that would push
me over the edge.
Walking in on my hubby with another woman would have done it for me.
In any case, it’s bound to get ugly.
Round goes one to?
Kate.
Ding ding.
June 23, 2009
DIVORCE IS BEST FOR GOSSELINS
By MOLLY DAVIS
It’s separate couches for Jon and Kate.
On Monday night, the Gosselins announced they are splitting.
I was not surprised.
Neither was anyone else, because People magazine broke the story about 7 hours before the show aired.
The papers were filed on Monday in Montgomery County.
Of course, they waited until the day of the one-hour special show to file.
Did they do that for ratings?
It would seem so – people won’t rubberneck – I mean, tune in – if the show is a drama-free zone.
I’d hoped the big announcement was going to be that the show was ending.
No such luck.
And although the estranged couple claimed they “don’t hate each other,” they took some swipes at each other.
Jon: “I don’t hate her, BUT…”
Kate weighed in that “Jon won’t talk to me” with a sneer.
Earth to Kate!
He won’t talk to you because you talk AT him, not TO him.
The back biting was comparable to a tween mean girl with a grudge.
During their separate interviews, Jon seemed relaxed.
Feet up, reclined, and rockin’ diamond studs, sideburns, skull T-shirt and sporting chucks.
Kate’s tanned gams were greasier than Gwyneth Paltrow’s on Letterman, although she looked a bit more tense.
Both have undergone major outward changes, but have remained the same inside.
Therein lies the problem.
You can alter your appearance, but not your personality.
Kate seems OK with the spotlight – Jon is not.
He is passive; she is aggressive.
Neither should be miserable, and this is probably the best possible outcome.
People who say they should get counseling and try to work it out should mind their own business.
It happens, people, and no amount of religion or couples therapy can fix a broken relationship.
Period.
They are intelligent people, and obviously exhausted their options as far as their union is concerned.
No one should stay together for the wrong reasons, and “for the children” is the most overused statemtent in the English language.
They bother deserve to be happy, and if it’s not with each other, so be it.
Now Jon can talk freely.
No more being interrupted by Kate’s obtrusive hand in front of his face mid-sentence.
And he is excited to “only be 32 years old.”
He may be starting his pimp/player days a bit late in the game, but he has pierced ears and hair plugs, so he’s all set.
I don’t know many women who are enthused to be a stepmom to eight kiddies, but go for it.
Throw into the mix that he’s unemployed, is supposedly a cheater, and you’ve got the man of your dreams!
What a catch.
Jon seemed relieved.
Kate had tissues.
I switched over to Team Kate for a few minutes during the episode.
She seemed genuinely upset, and although she is a bossy nightmare, I don’t relish seeing her in pain.
The special also focused on the kids (surprise) getting crooked play houses.
Now the kids have a place to retreat when the tension in the big house gets out of hand.
They can thank the show’s sponsors for their sanity.
The brood all voiced that they wanted to live in their new “homes.”
I don’t blame them.
Because Jon and Kate are going to “share” their current abode.
The arrangement will be whomever has the kids will stay in the house, and the other parent will have to vacate the premises.
If Kate had it her way, Jon would be staying in the dog house, or maybe in Cara’s Haunted Crooked house in the backyard.
So both will have their swingin’ single pads.
Maybe they should rename it “Jon and Kate Sharing 8.”
This is show biz, and reality TV must go on.
June 18, 2009
JON GOES AWOL ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY
By MOLLY DAVIS
And then there were nine.
Plus the police.
Kate Gosselin spent her 10th wedding anniversary weekend with her kids — and the popo.
The mom of eight summoned Wernersville cops to her estate because pesky photographers were hanging around outside.
Which is ironic.
Since at the time of her complaint, a TLC camera crew was busy filming Kate and kids at play for their show.
Speaking of her nuptials, Jon was nowhere to be found.
The absentee hubby missed out on the fun-filming festivities — no photos or rumors have popped up to explain how or where he spent the past weekend.
But since it was reported that he spent Kate’s birthday skiing with supposed gal pal Deanna Hummel, I’ll give you three guesses.
And the first two don’t count.
The big question — did he buy his estranged bride a gift?
Photos showed Kate receiving a huge bouquet of flowers on Saturday.
Whether or not they were from Jon, no one knows.
And since Kate has now taken a hostile stance toward the media – well, the ones that don’t pay her or give her free goodies – the pubic is in the dark.
I do know that the 10th anniversary is a milestone.
I asked my mom what one would receive for such an occasion, and she informed me that the traditional 10th Wedding Anniversary gift is tin, aluminum, or diamonds.
That leaves the present open to interpretation.
Now, I understand diamonds.
Every girl speaks the language of jewelry.
But what on earth can you buy in the way of an aluminum offering?
Can you even buy something in aluminum?
Cookware?
They have more than enough KitchenAid and Cuisinart swag to outfit all eight of their children’s kitchens when they eventually fly the coop.
How about tin?
I had to Google this one.
The results returned “Wrought Iron Flair Gifts,” such as a plaque with “heavy gage” tin words touting a “unique way to express yourself.”
I don‘t think there is enough space on this dinky little tablet for Jon‘s commemorative inscription.
He would have to use a billboard.
An R-rated one, at that.
Maybe it could be made of aluminum siding.
A gift that keeps on giving – a sort of creative two-for-one special that will live on and on…
At least longer than their 15 minutes
GIVE KATE A BREAK!
By MOLLY DAVIS
An ex-employee of Jon and Kate Gosselin has come forward with some shocking allegations about Kate’s hair-trigger temper.
Has her cockatoo-do gone from her head to her hands?
Sorry, I just can’t resist taking shots at the reverse mullet that resides on her cranium.
Back to the story.
So that’s what the former staffer is spilling to the press.
The once-worker declares that “Kate Gosselin is a regular boozer who has angrily paddled her kids with a kitchen utensil” and that she saw Kate “getting cozy with bodyguard Steve Nield, the silver-haired hunk with who she’s been rumored to be romantically involved…”
Whoa.
The drama meter just jumped a notch.
Maybe two or three notches.
I’m pretty sure Kate indulging in a glass of wine doesn’t classify her as a “boozer,” and if the story is indeed true, how she chooses to discipline her kids is hers and hers alone.
I personally wouldn’t use a plastic mixing spoon, but to each his own.
On the heels of this story come the photos of the octo mom smacking littlest sextuplet Lea on the behind.
In Touch splashed the pix, taken on June 13 outside their home, on the cover.
According to the accompanying story, Lea blew a whistle after being asked to stop.
Kate allegedly grabbed her arm and spanked her.
On the butt.
Abusive?
No way.
Acceptable?
Absolutely.
If you are a parent or a child, and can honestly say you have never been on the giving or receiving end of a slap, you are either lying or you live in a bubble.
There is a big difference between corporal punishment and an occasional disciplinary pop on the tush in the midst of a tantrum.
But this, like everything else, about Jon and Kate, will be blown out of proportion.
Poor Kate.
I am starting to empathize with her a little more everyday.
Although she may not be the most likable woman in the world, in my eyes, she is doing the best she can.
Would anyone do better?
With EIGHT children?
Spend a week in her shoes and then get back to me.
WHO MAKES THE GRADE?
By ERIC FISHER
June is a time for the NBA and NHL finals, the U.S. Open and the start of summer vacation. It’s also, however, a time for report cards. Whether that’s a good time or bad time of the year depends on your grades.
Which sports figures will get their report card displayed on their family’s refrigerator? Which ones will be attending summer school?
It’s time to find out. Mr. Fisher is ready to hand out grades.
Andy Reid: A-. Andy showed tremendous improvement from November through January. He continued to demonstrate improvement with an excellent draft project and free agent signings. We’ll be expecting big things from Andy during the 2009-10 school year.
Ray Shero. A+. Ray did an incredible job from February through the end of the school year. He has a wonderful talent for recognizing what needs to be done, then recruiting others to help him.
Kobe Bryant: A. Kobe receives an “A” for his outstanding performance. Unfortunately, the “A” would be equally appropriate if it stood for “arrogance.” He needs to stop reminding other students and staff of his extraordinary talent.
Phil Jackson: A. Phil receives an “A” for his outstanding performance. Unfortunately, the “A” would be equally appropriate if it stood for “arrogance.” He needs to stop bragging about his outstanding projects, especially because he always seems to have the best student in the school in his group.
Raul Ibanez: A+. Raul has been an absolute pleasure to have in class since transferring from Seattle. He has performed beyond the wildest expectations.
Donovan McNabb: B. Donovan improved dramatically after the incident last November when he had to spend half the day seated in the corner. His performance got much better, but I can’t give him an “A.” (Note to principal: I expect Donovan’s mother, Wilma, to call to set up a meeting to renegotiate his grade.)
Allen Iverson: D. Allen remains very talented, but his past reliance on his ability has caused him to develop some very bad habits. Also, he doesn’t get along well with others unless they do things his way.
Brad Lidge: B-. Brad’s decline since last year’s A+ performance leaves us perplexed. Hopefully, some time off will enable Brad to figure out what’s wrong and return to his previous form.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: C-. Dale continues to struggle in almost all facets of his education. We’re hoping that separating him from his cousin Tony will enhance Dale’s performance.
Danica Patrick: C+. Danica still seems to think she can get by on her looks. Also, she needs to curb her quick temper. She has been involved in “incidents” with several of her classmates. Danica has spoken of moving to a bigger and better school, but she really should become proficient at this level before moving up to the next one.
Charlie Manuel: A-. Charlie has done a wonderful job. His fun-loving demeanor makes him a pleasure to have in class. Charlie needs to work on his speaking, particularly public speaking. Othewise, he’s doing very well. Students and teachers enjoy having Charlie as an integral part of our class.
Andre Iguodala. B-. Andre is a very good student, but he’s not quite as good as he seems to think. Andre shows flashes of brilliance, but he must develop more consistency to move into the elite club in which he already seems to consider himself a member.
Hershey Bears: A. Another championship year for this group. I know that “upper school” teacher Bruce Boudreau is looking forward to working with this group during the next few years.
James Harrison: A. James has developed into one of the best students in the school. He would be on track to be class valedictorian except that, to put it bluntly, his demeanor leaves a bit to be desired. His comments about the president certainly didn’t help his image, but there’s no denying his excellent performance.
Ruben Amaro: A-. Ruben was always a good “helper,” but he’s continued to excel this year while taking more of a leadership role. He’s still got some work to do this summer, however, to solidify this grade.
Cole Hamels: A-. Cole did tremendous work last fall, but he seemed to rest on his laurels as the year progressed. To his credit, Cole admitted that he was unprepared this spring. He recognized the source of his problems and has worked hard to overcome them.
Samuel Dalembert: D. Sam’s stubbornness is getting in the way of his progress. Unfortunately, the nickname “Sammy D” is taking on new meaning. Quite frankly, a change in scenery may be beneficial.
Roger Federer: A. Roger continues to be at the top of his class. He struggled with some self-doubt earlier this year, but that successful trip to France seems to have boosted his confidence. Not only does he excel, but he does so with style and grace. Nobody has a bad word to say about Roger. We’ll miss him dearly when he graduates.
OUR VIEW: THE RIGHT STUFF
The recent jokes that David Letterman made about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her children has elicited a strong response from Palin, and strong reaction from people who support her. The joke about Palin’s children should not have been made at all. The children of political figures of either party should be off limits to comedians.
The Herald dislikes the joke about Palin herself, however, because it feeds into a popular stereotype that Palin is somehow inexperienced, gets by on her looks or does not belong on the national stage.
This joke misses the mark because if Palin were president right now, she likely could do a better job running the country than President Obama.
It is true that Palin does not have much experience in economics or foreign policy, and when running as a vice presidential candidate, she did not come up with completely discernible views on either subject.
However, it is safe to say Palin would not pursue economic policies that would put the country trillions of dollars in debt. She would not have nationalized car companies. She would not be looking to massively raise taxes to pay for irresponsible spending. She would not be pursuing a health-care plan that also will cost trillions and may actually make the quality of health care worse. Despite what her critics say about her, Palin could easily have avoided these simple and obvious pitfalls.
Although critics have derided Palin’s lack of experience, her tenure as Alaska governor does provide an accurate forecast about what she would have done if she had the opportunity to be president. Although there have been minor instances in which Palin may have condoned wasteful spending, she did not embark on the wholesale irresponsibility now being practiced in Washington. As president, Palin would have at least tried to reduce the deficit, rather than increase wasteful spending with abandon.
If Palin were elected president, she would not have much foreign policy experience. But she does have the courage to challenge what she does not believe is right, as she showed when she took on the Republican Party in Alaska. In dealing with the current situation in Iran, Palin would not have been timid in backing the protestors calling for more democracy. She has the right instincts to deal with this situation.
Palin also favored domestic energy production, which would have brought energy prices down. She does not have an environmental agenda that calls for higher energy prices to promote other forms of energy that may not work and may not prove cost effective on a large scale, all the while driving up people’s energy bills.
It is true that Obama is better than Palin in answering questions one on one with television interviewers. This skill is one that Palin probably will never be able to match. But when Palin and Obama each gave prepared speeches during the campaign, Palin was at least as good, if not better. On the issues, that really matter, though, Palin would be able to run the United States much more effectively than the current administration.
Of course, Palin never was nominated to be president. But if she ever does get that chance, people should look past her problems in dealing with television interviews. She has the ability to lead the country in the right direction.
June 11, 2009
SHOW CAN BE SALVAGED — IF KATE DUMPS JON
By MOLLY DAVIS
Are Jon & Kate already separated?
It seems so…
At least for now.
While the Gosselin’s furiously deny rumors of division, Kate is still in North Carolina with the sextuplets and her infamous cockatoo hairdo.
Minus hair-plugged Jon, who stayed in PA with twins Mady and Cara.
The show is smelling more and more like a sham.
If the pair are trying to appear to be working out their problems for the sake of staying gainfully employed by TLC, they’re not fooling anyone.
Tabloids are reporting that the TLC Network, who for all and intents and purposes own the couple for now, and searching for an apartment for Jon.
The alleged bachelor pad will be located near to the couple’s $1.5 million home in Wernersville so Jon can be close by and on call for production crews.
Cameras caught up with Jon last week in his backyard, where they asked him “What’s happening with your marriage?”
His answer?
“You have to watch the show to find out.”
Hmmm… Interesting.
Was that a sarcastic retort?
Or a plug for the show?
He also said “Read the article in People.”
Are the couple getting loot for magazine interviews as well?
It definitely keeps viewers tuning in every week.
Which is the point.
I personally feel that the show has run its course.
The kids are now 5-years-old, and although still adorable, there is little left of interest.
Unless Kate REALLY dumps Jon and goes on the search for a new man.
That would be fun to watch.
As long as she wears a bikini during the show.
And berates her suitors, just like she did her hubby.The men would have to be thick skinned, though.
‘Cause this bachelorette would put them through the wringer.
I can picture it now.
FIRST DATE:
Kate G.: “Are we actually eating here?”
Guy X: “It’s a nice…”
(Kate doesn’t let him finish the sentence – What, did you actually think she would? That’s funny…)
Kate G.: “HELLO!!! I only eat organic! Do you even know me? No, you don’t. You’re wrong, as usual.”
Exit potential partner, who runs screaming for his life.
Next!
