Businesses who use video to get more online traffic find it to be an effective tool.  Visually connecting with your market is one of the best ways to catch your customers interest.  In fact, your competitors are probably already using video to their benefit.  Therefore, I am sure that you can see the importance of being able to harness the power of video editing.

In fact, video is used for connecting individuals together for business, family and for entertainment.  So, it is important to know how to, not only capture those moments on video…but, to be able to know how to edit those videos effectively & professionally; and, to preserve them in formats that are useful to the increasingly technological world that we live in.

Understanding how those cameras work and how to render and upload those videos can appear to be overwhelming.  Reading manuals isn’t for everyone…some people learn better from training tutorials and this program called Video Editing Simplified, VES, is done in a wonderful way that breaks down tips, techniques and transitions or special effects into usable videos that actually make it easy to understand.

Each of these 40 training tutorials are from 2 to 14 minutes in length.  They show you what to do with the files and how to edit them to make them interesting and to smoothly showcase your videos in a way that accomplishes your goals whether it be for preserving personal family moments, entertainment, or for business purposes.  Check out the VES program and see if it doesn’t provide you with the information that you need for editing your digital videos; this program can make you look like a technical genius.

That show, called Two and a Half Men, has stopped production on their show for the rest of the season; since Charlie has made a public statement on interviews that disparages the producers of the show, television show creator Chuck Lorre, Alcoholic Anonymous, his ex wife, and women in general.   He says horribly vile things about Chuck Lorre and shows nothing but contempt for women, in my opinion, when he says things about women such as he has fame and those women have nothing and that all they will ever have is that night with him and that he will forget about them as soon as they leave.  He says that he is “special” and will never be one of the AA because they are a “bootleg cult”.  Seriously? 

It comes across through many of these examples that he considers himself above everyone else.  He believes that he alone cured his (in his opinion) so called disease with his own mind.  He has made recent statements to the fact that he is in control of his partying.   The truth of the matter is that he couldn’t be more wrong.  He has been in legal trouble for alleged domestic violence, he has had custody issues with his ex-wife who does try to support him in public while at the same time  tries to shield their daughters from the horror of these out of control antics that are harming him physically, emotionally, spiritually,professionally, and financially. His young sons with his second wife are very young…but they will grow up with the legacy of their father’s public displays as well.

People who work with individuals who struggle with addictions will give you all of the facts on how addicts fool themselves into thinking that they are “in control” and the rest of the world is the one with a problem.  Charlie may not live on the streets, he might not be homeless, he might not be stealing to support his habits…but he is in denial about his lifestyle choices and the effect that it is having on those who care about him (meaning his friends and family).

He has children that are growing up; and they are now, and will continue to be affected by his behavior and the choices that he makes.  He has a famous brother Emilio Estevez and then of course, there is his father Martin Sheen they have stepped up and said they continue to love him, support him and pray for him.  He has ex-wives who love him enough to try to work through their issues to maintain some sort of relationship for their children. Who can help an adult who is in a situation such as this? Can he be forced to get help through an emergency order? Is he having some sort of emotional breakdown or is he just acting out because of the damage caused by his partying?  He appears to feel all powerful and that no one has the right to tell him no, or draw a line in the sand regarding his conduct.   He has fans that he asks to support him; even though he is acting in ways that are hard to support.  He wants them to help him fight against the injustice of it all…saying that his fans are his people…not “theirs”.

In response, to the decision of his show stopping production, he slams the powers that be for stopping it…saying that they are keeping money from him, his family, and the crew of the show.   In my opinion however, if they continued to produce the show they would be irresponsible…enablers of a man who seems to be bent on self-destruction.  A week or two ago, there were articles that claimed that Charlie said that he only partied when he was bored and not working.  When he was working, he says, he was fine.   There are consequences to behaviors…and recent pictures of him show him possibly having had his teeth affected by his conduct.

Relationships suffer, professional connections become damaged and finances can become scarce because of a persons addictions.  In his case, this doesn’t just affect Charlie…he has a whole crew that is going to suffer consequences because of this situation.   A professional intervention needs to happen, because even though he says he is clean…that doesn’t mean he is stable.   I say, if he isn’t careful to get medical help, put his rehab knowledge and education to heart, and live addiction free…he is going to be bored to DEATH; and, we will be reading Charlie’s very sad obituary.

That would be a terrible waste of life; how much better to see him find his way to health and wellness and use his experience to help others in the same situation?  People who do not have fame, fortune or money deal with addictions too and the consequences are no less severe for them or their loved ones.

What are your thoughts? Do you love someone who struggles with addictions?  What have you done to survive the ups and downs?  Where did you find help?

Twitter is not a place to be a wallflower.  You have to speak with others, comment on things that they say; break the ice with someone you may not be familiar with.  You are in charge of who you accept into your Twitter stream or conversation by who you follow and who you allow to follow you.  Choose wisely based on what you are trying to accomplish on Twitter.  In other words, choose people to interact with who interest you, don’t offend you and last but not least people who support your personal growth as a person, business owner or in an area of impact that you wish to be a part of.

The most successful people who use Twitter still understand it’s basic component and that is the power of connection whether it be connecting to other Twitter users have a social relationship or to bring people together for a common cause, interest or purpose…Twitter is a boon.  People who are already interested in your “business” aspect are predisposed to interact with you.  If your business is to get a message out on a certain subject…there are people out there who are predisposed to interact with you.  It is the same.   Most importantly Twitter is about relationships.  People who love Twitter get that.  They harness that understanding to meet, greet and connect with like-minded people.

Like any positive and productive and long-standing relationship it needs time, attention and respect.  Twitter not working for you?  Think about how you are using it.  Are you talking at people, or with people?  Are you exchanging thoughts/ideas or interactions that not only benefit you but benefit others in a way that they can appreciate you?

So whatever you are about, wanting to share, hoping to achieve, wishing to impact; let’s remember that you need to be aware of not only “minding your own business” on Twitter; but consider some other issues as well.   Take the time to support, encourage, draw out and interact with those people who you can enjoy some spending time with and be your authentic self; just like in your real, everyday offline life!  Twitter is your social network whether you use it to connect to famous celebrities, find friendship, support social causes, spotlight non-profits, proclaim your faith, or brand your business and gain customers.  Whatever you use Twitter for, just remember that your words have impact as do your connections & relationships; make the best of it.

      This is not ok.  The reason that it is not ok is because our country is increasingly finding out that our kids are in trouble.  They often have relationship issues, drug/alcohol abuse issues, eating disorders, trust issues and more.   Many of their role models have not been good ones; and finding good leadership for them to learn from is difficult.  Teen years are challenging at best when it is natural for them to try to discover who they are and what freedoms they can enjoy.

       They are in trouble in school, at home, out with their friends, in trouble with the law, they are isolated, angry, hurt, sad, frustrated, fearful and many are finding it hard to trust anyone or anything to be there for them.  Yet at the same time, there is resistence or open rebellion when it comes to accepting advice or rules meant to help them, keep them safe and meant to guide or direct them.  This not only creates difficulty in having a healthy, loving and respectful relationship between parent and child it also puts the child/teen at risk of being influenced by others who have no real vested interest in making sure that the child/teen is happy, healthy, productive and well-balanced in their life.

       One of the situations that came to my attention was a situation in which a school in the US runs a health clinic.  At the beginning of the year, a parent signed a consent form allowing the child/teen to go to the clinic if the need arose for treatment.  This would have allowed that student to receive care for a headache, a physical, birth control, and a multi-tude of other services.  One of those other services appears to be pregnancy counseling and get this…the facilatation of setting up and transporting the student off school grounds to receive an abortion-without informing or getting the consent of the legal parent of said student.   This did in fact happen, a student was put in a taxi from my understanding of the news report and sent off to receive an abortion.  Evidently by signing that generic consent form this “allowed” the high school student to receive such services.   This is outrageous; it is not like that student had a hangnail removed…this student made a life altering decision; one that will impact her physically, spiritually and emotionally…without parental involvement.

       That is or should be unacceptable to most families.  It is as if the school assumed a superior level of authority over the parents in an area of life that should have been left up to the student, her parents, the student’s boyfriend and his parents and if they could not handle the situation then, and only then, maybe the court system.  

        Parental rights and parental authority are under attack in this country.  We see it at every level of society from commercials on television and radio, to the internet, to entertainment such as music videos, movies, and television shows…the parents are made out to be interferring, control freaks, laughable buffoons to be made fun of, and if at all necessary someone to distance themselves from.   Yet when kids get out of control behaviorally, emotionally or physically…many other venues from the schools, to law enforcement to businesses want the parents to “handle or correct” the situation with their children/teens.   You can’t expect parents to be an authority figure to their kids if you are putting down, reducing the effects of parental authority/control, or are in some way ridiculing parental involvement in their kids lives.  

       It is hard when parents are often told how they can and cannot discipline or correct their children.  The respect for parental authority is challenged in court and in the classroom.  It doesn’t help when many families are broken or in fact have never formed legally in the first place.  Kids get conflicting sets of rules and expectations and often in those situations are told by whatever person in authority over them at the time tears down or directly tells the child/teen that they do not have to listen to or respect the other parent’s rules or expectations if they differ from their own.

       In the news also is the case of a father who took his child to church against the wishes of the mother.  When the mother and father were together they agreed to raise the child in the Jewish faith.  When the parents were no longer together…the father decided to go back to his Christian faith and take his child to court.  Now the court says he can not expose the child to his faith.  Who has more authority with the child; the mother, the father, or the court.  Evidently the court does.  

        This is why in previous generations there were warnings about “mixed marriages” when it came to beliefs or what the old timers called being unequally yolked or joined together.  It is hard to have a respectful blending of beliefs and raise children in those kind of relationships.  Can it be done?  It seems only if the couple agrees to expose them to differing viewpoints…because in this particular case, the court says no, the father may not take his child to his church to educate the child about his beliefs.   Is this right or wrong?

        I have a friend who has a special needs child who is in his 30′s who lives in an assisted living type of home.  That individual developed some complications with his health years ago and almost died.  The parent in that situation had to fight tooth and nail to keep authority over the medical treatment of her son.  Again this past week, her parental authority was challenged.  

        The doctor in charge wanted to medicate her child to battle some health issues that a lifestyle change would also help to fascilitate his return to health.  It looked as if the powers that be would escalate the struggle to the next level and would have even gone beyond harsh words and a pushy agenda in gaining the upper hand in who was in control over the medical decisions regarding the young man.   The parent had to push to “temporarily” removed him from the environment and stressed that the same goal of reducing the health risk to her son could be achieved by changes to his diet and exercise plan on a daily basis.   This is going to come down to what they can achieve and the documentation of her approach.  If it doesn’t work the way that the parent knows to be true; then the facility will try to enforce their plan of medication which in his case can have an extremely dire affect upon his health because of the side effects.

         All of these situations and more every day are jeparodizing the importance of the role that parents play in shaping the lives of their children.  We who have children have to step up to the plate and demand that we be given the opportunity to raise our children to the best of our ability with full legal, moral, physical and spiritual authority; unless we prove that we are not capable of handling that authority.  Parental authority/parental rights should only be challenged or threatened in cases of abuse/neglect/or endangerment.

        What are your thoughts on this subject?  Do you have an experience that you would like to share?

        For a man who until now has lead a pretty private life in the public eye…he has gained more attention in the last week, than he has ever wanted.  Yet, just days ago…he put out a muddled attempt to squash the rumors from the media microscope by admitting to transgressions and sins.  He claims to not being true to the values and behaviors that his family deserves.  That sounds like an admission of some of the rumors; however, it is not clear and it is damaging to be assuming anything.  However, it is not enough for some people to hear that vagueness.  They want intimate details in the tabloid society that we live in.  That is harmful to all involved.

        His wife’s actions regarding the accident were questioned.  More rumors swirl about renogotiating prenups and the like.  Women coming out of the woodwork alledging affairs with Tiger.  People in his sphere of a social life in Vegas claim that he lived his life there in ways that made people wonder if he was being more than friendly with pretty women; whether he was or not.

         At least one of the women that the tabloids accused of having an affair with Tiger has denied it and hired an attorney to represent her.  She was going to give a press conference and then it was suddenly cancelled.  One of the other somen supposedly has proof of the alledged affair. 

          One thing is for sure, this is a situation that has people by the throats.  Some are interested because Tiger is notoriously private…as well is his wife, about their life.  Others just like to have their nose in someone else’s business.  Still others, have suspected ulterior motives.  Then, there are those who make jokes at the expense of those involved.

            Really and truly, no one has a right to know these personal and private details except those who are directly involved.  If it is true, then there is a family that is damaged and will either survive with great effort or be destroyed by the fall out.  There are young children involved who will someday grow up and read what is written.   A wife who may or may not have known about these alledged rumored and or factual affairs.  For those who are innocent in this situation, I would hope that people would respect them. 

           It is a terrible thing to witness a family in crisis.  If he in fact had these affairs, Tiger and his wife Elin will have to work their way through it.  If there truly are women involved intimately…then, they will have to all be dealing with the after-effects.  There are physical things to consider such as diseases, stress, depression…feelings of self-esteem and self-worth.  Jobs could be at stake.  Reputations lost; and role models such as Tiger can do alot of harm to those younger people who look to sports figures and celebrities as someone to aspire to.

        A few years ago, Tiger lost his father…who was, in many ways, his mentor and his rock.  A man who has achieved as much in his area of  sports expertise, as Tiger has in the field of golf knows how to work hard and stay focused.  If he truly values his family and his marriage…he will take the time to focus on repairing the damage that has been done in the last week personally, professionally and spiritually.   Failure does not rest easy on someone who is so driven to perfect himself in some areas of his life.  Whatever failures he has apologised for creating regarding his values and his behaviors he can overcome…as long as his wife, family, friends, and business relationships are willing to heal. 

        I say, wish them well, get out of their way…and pray for them all.  This is not a science project to be studied under a microscope; this is not entertainment…it is real people, who have real lives, and real important things to lose.  Does the public really need to know every last detail; shouldn’t it be dealt with in private?

   When i saw the performance, I felt like i was visually assaulted by images that I do not agree with morally; and, I felt that it was totally inappropriate.   Evidently I am not the only one, on a online poll approximately 63% said that they felt it was inappropriate for network television.   Mr. Lambert has been making provative statements in interviews about how female performers have pushed the envelope onstage sexually …and it appears, to me, that he feels that it is up to him to do the same, if that AMA performance is any indication.   I don’t think that we need either male/female performers to push the envelop sexually in performances.  I happen to believe it is inappropriate no matter who does it; nothing against Adam Lambert personally, it is just my opinion.

    Articles online seem to imply that ABC was not informed during rehearsals that there would be a male to male kiss.  Some say that they weren’t aware of  the simulated oral sex being in the performance; although another witness disagrees about that…saying it happened in rehearsal, only not quite as elaborate.   However, I can’t help but feel that ABC made a poor judgement call just  by allowing the performance in the first place, by allowing a song to have the visuals associated with S & M bondage on their stage; even if the kiss was impromptu and the other performance issues as well.  

       It appears that ABC has decided that they made a mistake as well, seeing as how Adam Lambert was scheduled to appear on Good Morning America after his AMA performance and ABC has since cancelled that appearance.  Another network took advantage of that and has booked him to appear on their morning show; he will sing two songs.  ABC has allegedly said that they feel his performance would be inappropriate for their morning viewers.  I agree.  Hopefully the other network considers the possible repercussions; because, young children are at home watching this program.  Especially during this holiday season when kids are getting days off from school. 

    I feel that Mr. Lambert is trying so hard to shove his perceived lifestyle and his image onto the viewing public that he has become offensive to many…and no amount of talent is going to overcome that; if the viewers feel disrespected or put upon.   There are some who are praising his artistic talent…and his bravery if you will.  I however feel that he will eventually push his agenda so hard that he will wear out his welcome in many venues.   The music industry is a business…and when your personal views or behavior starts to affect the businesses bottom line…then the powers that be are forced to make prudent decisions.  If Adam Lambert decides that his agenda of promoting his gay image/lifestyle is more important than having his musical career flourish then i guess he will deal with the consequences of that if the business owners decide that it is no longer profitable for him to make appearances.  Then again, some people love controversy no matter what it is based on. 

      You see, sponsors are the ones who will get the complaints; already ABC allegedly had over 1500 complaints regarding Mr. Lamberts performance.    I suspect that many more grumbled privately than those who actually complained formally to the network.  Networks need sponsors to do these programs.   They will pull out of programs where Mr. Lambert is scheduled to perform, if the sponsors feel that they will loose support from their potential customers.   Eventually there could be a backlash; and the events that Mr. Lambert is scheduled to perform at, will become fewer and farther apart.  If that happens; and it could, then I hope the shock value that Mr. Lambert seems so intent upon exposing us all to is enough for him to take comfort in.    When instead, he could have possibly had a real successful career had he relied upon his singing talent instead of his ability to make people cringe inwardly because he tried force us to accept his musical performance that demeaned other performers onstage in a sexual way, as being acceptable to the mainstream viewer.

           When David announced details  on the show about the alledged blackmail attempt (which he reported to the authorities) David was applauded by some supporters as “being manly”; or, being proactive and taking the reins in the attempt to spin the public’s perception of the whole sordid situation.   I personally dont find it manly to sleep with co-workers casually and then make a joke out of it for public consumption on television.   

             There are some people who are “standing by their Letterman” no matter what.   When I hear them talking it makes me wonder what their personal values are…and I also wonder about the individuals that they are in a relationship are thinking.  Hmmm…if my significant other thinks it is ok for David Letterman to cheat in his relationship and sleep with his co-workers…then what is my significant other doing when I am not around…that is the kind of thoughts that would be running through my mind if my significant other was speaking out in support of David’s bad behavior. 

         Another thing, while David has spoken in jest about such matters…he has that smirk on his face (in my opinion)…which just doesn’t sit well with me.  It makes me think he is callous in his treatment of others or worse…that he is loving all of the chaos that this mess is causing and is giving him more attention and ratings than he could have hoped for.  Either way, I don’t like watching his cheesy grin while he devalues his relationship with Regina or those other woman by turning it into some kind of “hip” monologue to “entertain” people with.  

            There is some concern that all of the jokes that David (and others) are cracking in public is going to create a backlash for David and his image.  I say, are you serious?  Ok, so none of the women he had relationships with on his staff are complaining.   Still, some women’s organizations are complaining about his attitude toward women in the workplace.   Ok, so his wife has not made a public statement about her feelings on the situation.  Ok, some really big stars and supporters are saying …yeah well, David is the man, because he confronted the issue through his television show.  David has done plenty of bashing of other men, who were in similiar positions as him regarding inappropriate or immoral sexual behavior over the years. 

        I just want to say that I don’t find any of this a laughing matter…it really rather offends me that he is cracking jokes about such a serious situation; one that is causing hurt for so many people.  For those who are spiritually minded, this is a huge concern as it goes against most religious guidelines for proper or appropriate behavior; in fact, it is considered a sin by many. 

         Maybe David thinks this is the appropriate way to address the situation by laughing at it.  Hmmm…or maybe not.  Maybe he is attempting to put a spin on the damage or as they say, he is doing damage control.  Except…really, for a man who waited so many years to remarry…to have a young son…wouldn’t you think he would be concerned about how this is affecting those closest to him?  I have heard him apologize to his staff, and acknowledge that his actions have deeply hurt his wife Regina.  I heard him say that if one is responsible for causing that kind of hurt that they need to repair the damage.  It is easier said than done.

          Ok Dave…I am going to speak your language and give you some free advice.  Here are the top 10  ten reasons that you, David Letterman, need to stop laughing and making jokes about your actions in this situation.

Reason #10

People might think you would do it all over again-because you thanked your staff for standing by you when you got “yourself” into something stupid!   Hello…you got alot of people into something stupid.

Reason #9

You could lose your job over the situation.

Reason #8

You could lose viewers in the long run (even though the immediate numbers are up).

Reason #7

You could lose sponsors for the show-which in turn could cause you to lose your job.

Reason #6

You could have damaged marriages & family relationships for the people on your staff.

Reason #5

You have given your child plenty of counseling material for years to come-plus ammunition for school bullies to taunt your young son Harry…he may not always respect you, like you appear to have respected your father.

Reason #4

You have given your wife reason to doubt and mistrust your actions with present & future staff-this may have destroyed the trustibility in your marriage-costing you companionship, love, support, and half of your financial legacy.

Reason #3

You have damaged your relationship with your wife & mother of your only child-yes you were not married but you were in a relationship with her during the time of this alledged behavior.

Reason #2

You look like an insensitive jerk by laughing at a situation that affects thousands & thousands of your viewer’s marriages and relationships each and every day.

Reason #1

The other half of the story isn’t out yet…and there will be more information to come out.  The more you laugh now the more there could be to explain later…to the public, to those you have personal relationships with and to the authorities in a court room.  Your name will not just be known for your comedic skills and talents…it will be forever associated with sex, scandal, back room relationships…and negative publicity.  Your so called friends and supporters will distance themselves from you quicker than quick if the publicity takes a negative turn.   Oh and by the way, it just isn’t funny David Letterman!

        Patricia has played the character of Carlotta Vega on that show for over a decade.  I remember early on her appearances on that show, that she played a housekeeper, of sorts, for one of the main characters, Dorian Lord.  She played a strong role in voicing what should have been Dorian’s conscious when that character got herself into questionable situations by manipulating others.  Eventually, Patricia’s character Carlotta bought a restaurant and continued the role of adviser to many of the shows characters as they experienced problems in their “lives”.  Always her religious wisdoms and values showed through.

        I have quit watching soap operas and many other shows because of my personal beliefs.  I get tired of being “forced”, simply because there doesn’t appear to be many other choices, to watch entertainment shows that continue to erode and chip away at traditional family values or Christian values.   Our family recently gave up television because of many of these issues when the digital conversion took place.

          The problem that Patricia is now voicing is that she was allegedly  given a script or a direction in which she, as her character, was expected to be supportive of a gay storyline  which Patricia says is not authentic to who Patricia is as a Christian; nor would the Christian character Carlotta  realistically support a situation like that.   Patricia has said it is not the gay storyline that she objects to; but rather, the way that her character’s storyline was written.   Christian’s, for the most part, do not condone same sex relationships, as it goes against scripture in the Bible.  The Bible calls homosexuality, or the physical expression of romantic love between two people of the same sex, an abomination. 

           Is it right, fair, or legal for an employer to demand an employee to go against their personal religious beliefs in a job environment?   And, if it IS legal, who should a person obey…their employer or God?

         After hearing that Patricia is alleging that she has been let go of her character and replaced with another actress I started wondering about making a stand in a person’s workplace, when expected in the workplace to violate one’s personal beliefs.  I don’t know about the legality of such issues…but, I do know that it would be especially difficult or impossible to make myself  do or perform any work related job when I felt that it went against my beliefs as a Christian.   In my heart, and here on the blog, I support Patricia and her efforts to put her convictions out there as a testimony to her faith. 

          I wonder, have any of my readers had an experience at work  where they felt conflicted about something the boss expected them to do in their work environment, based on their religious beliefs?  How did you handle that situation? 

         I just can’t seem to get into the mind set of paying  a large amount of money, per person mind you (I have a big family) only to be crowded, charged more than I can afford for food and drinks, and jostled around by those hustling to and fro from one entertaining event or ride to another.   Some of these places also have waterparks attached to them. 

            Safety is a big issue…not only physical safety…but, a personal awareness of those who are around your family members.  Remember, you don’t know each of the other people surrounding you…you don’t have a clue who has a criminal background or boundary issues.  Keeping an eye on those who are vulnerable such as the elderly, young children or teens who are vulnerable to manipulation by persuasive or charismatic people is important.  Just because this is an entertainment/amusement park doesn’t mean you can relax your normal responsibility towards physical, emotional or sexual safety.  It can be a bit stressful. 

           Oh, there are some events that I force myself to go to for the kids, spend more money than is wise to spend…only to hear whinning because they ONLY got to ride the rides X amount of times.  I am forced to listen to more whinning as they see this shinny thing, or smell this wonderful treat (that is terribly unhealthy) that they are not allowed to have.   Other people’s children are running around and screaming and pushing and crying; trying to manipulate to get what they want.   Those who run the games and the rides are sometimes unsavory looking characters that  I wouldn’t let near my family, at any other time.   Other workers are just normal everyday people looking to earn a living…sometimes, looks don’t reveal the intention behind the smile and the polite demeanor.   You can’t judge a book by it’s cover…so you have to follow your instincts.  If you are uncomfortable …move on and teach your children to do the same.

            I feel that I need to keep my eye on each and every member of the family so that no one becomes seperated in the crowd…that just is not safe.  After all, people with ulterior motives hang out at these events too.  I don’t want my family to be affected by someone with evil intent on their hearts and minds.  Too many children (and adults) are assaulted, faced with violence, become a victim of a crime, or come up missing when they are in environments that have loose boundaries and where people tend to blend into the crowd becoming anonymous.   The old saying applies well here, it is better to be safe than sorry.  No one wants to be that person on the evening news…who has had a child taken, become the victim of a crime, or who has been injured because the amusement ride has broken down due to poor maintence and caused injury, to those who were on it at the time.

          I admit, that it is a time of frustration in the family.  Children want to go, do, and spend.    They are not aware of all of the dangers; they only see an opportunity to go have fun.   It is up to you as a parent to think of these things and try to prevent those things that you can prevent.   Kids want total freedom to just wander around with some of their friends…but, my husband and I do not feel that in today’s world that is a safe option.  So we compromise (alot)…no one is truly Happy…but, we all try to find a middle ground where we each get a little of what we want.  I spend more than I want and less than they want, we go do more than I wish and less than they do, they get to choose their rides within the financial guidelines we set at the beginning…and, I stand near the ride praying the whole time that this ride that has my child in it’s grips is safe and the operator knows what he/she is doing; all in all, it seems to work in a masochistic kind of way.   So, it is mid July…here we go again!

         I have listened to news reports that have made a mockery out of the trauma that they are going through by covering each and every mundane thing that they do together and seperately with the children.   It is unfortunate, but this happens to millions of families around the world every day; it isn’t meant for public consumption.   Lately,the media reports was all about suspected infidelity and book tours.  Now in the last week or two, “the announcement” of a life changing decision was used to build up suspense for the weekly show.  For real, people…doesn’t it feel a little like being a spectator for a disaster?  Waiting and wondering how things are going to unfold, who will come out a survivor, and then, what paths each individual will take on their journey if, this all ends badly? 

         What started out as a show of entertainment and a way to support their family has consummed them.  The publicity has to have turned into a kind of sword that now is only causing more pain.   I can’t help it, i wouldnt watch the show….not because they are not interesting, not because i have taken sides with one or the other of the couple…but, merely because I do not consider this to be entertainment…i happen to think that by watch the show we are actually becoming part of the problem and hurting them as a family.  Please, let them heal in their own way…out of the eyes of the viewers.

         Kate’s own brother and sister in law are begging people to stop watching the show out of concern for each of the family  members.  I am sorry, but Jon and Kate Plus Eight is no longer entertainment…it is a family tragedy!  There are people who love and care about what happens to each of them and this is painful to watch.    Are we going to be forced to hear in the media of divisions of their property, custody issues over the children, visitation difficulties and blending of families sometime into the future of this family when and if they decide to move on with other relationships?  Really, can’t we all just stop paying attention in this obsessive way and respect them enough to let them work out family issues in private to minimize damage to one another, the children and the friends and extended family members?    Should people watch or stop watching this show; what is your opinion?