Atlanta Weather

Partly cloudy

68° F

Pollen 0

Air quality 71

| Traffic

AJC.com > Opinion > Woman to Woman > Archives > 2007 > December > 29 > Entry

Should “Zoey 101” be shelved because star Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant?

Andrea Cornell Sarvady, a left-leaning columnist, writes the commentary this week and Shaunti Feldhahn, a right-leaning columnist, responds.

Commentary

By Andrea Cornell Sarvady

In case you were visiting Mars over the holidays, let me catch you up: Jamie Lynn Spears, sister of tabloid-fave Britney and the 16 year old star of “Zoey 101” just added to Center for Disease Control statistics showing teen pregnancy on the rise after a fourteen year downturn. A pregnant underage star? No wonder some parents are demanding that the already completed fourth season of her show, due to premiere in February, be shelved.

Nickelodeon may have no choice but to scrap the final season, though it’s a shame—bright and unpretentious, Zoey is a great character, even if her real-life counterpart has fallen far. In either case, the news is everywhere, forcing parents to have tough conversations with their tweens, whose disappointment echoes that felt by sports fans when baseball’s steroid scandal broke.

In addition to an awkward sex talk, a lesson in differentiating between private and public personas is equally valuable here. As parents we need to ask ourselves: have we encouraged our kids to infuse celebrity with more credibility than it deserves?

Underplayed in the recent Hannah Montana concert crisis: after online brokers cruelly snatched up vast amounts of seats, many parents opted to pay exorbitant prices rather than disappoint their Hannah acolyte. Previous generations of parents merely rolled their eyes at pop star obsessions—why is ours trying so hard to join the fan club?

Jamie Lynn’s pregnancy is a trainwreck, even if her own mother prefers to treat it as a public event, selling her story to a tabloid for a million dollars. Distressing to be sure, but nothing many of us haven’t grown to expect from Hollywood—and nothing girls raised with other dreams will want to emulate. After her initial shock, my own eleven-year-old quipped, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the sister, does it?”

On the hunt for a role model who won’t transform into the butt of a cynical joke? Try looking in the mirror. If we convey enough enthusiasm for our own lives, maybe our children won’t need to worship images as carefully constructed as movie sets—and just as false.

Rebuttal

By Shaunti Feldhahn

Kids will view entertainers as role models whether we want them to or not. And in this case, Jamie Lynn Spears’ show was purposely designed to create a good role model. It is massively popular among 9 to 14-year-olds, and pre-teens and teens around the country talked about little but her pregnancy in the days after it was announced. So like it or not, Nickelodeon’s choice for the show will have a defining impact.

The entire point of Zoey 101 was to show a decent girl confronting real-life situations and largely making good choices — and seeing the consequences when she and others don’t. If Nickelodeon now chooses to keep the show, tens of millions of kids will absorb the biggest lesson of all: A role model can make a terrible choice to have underage sex, end up pregnant, and life will go on as normal — nothing will really change. In other words: in real life, there aren’t consequences after all. What a recipe for instilling cynicism in this entire watching generation!

It’s already difficult to help kids understand that single parenthood changes everything when actresses like Nicole Ritchie purposefully choose it. The average teen doesn’t grasp that non-millionaire single parents have a complete change in life expectations - and often endure struggle, exhaustion and poverty.

Nickelodeon is reportedly considering a response special on love and sex, but that is not enough. The studio should keep the same compassionate tone with which they’ve responded to the Spears family, but they must shelve Zoey 101 and tell millions of watching kids why prioritizing the right message is worth the financial loss. And it would bring such good out of a bad situation if Jamie Lynn herself would be the message-bearer - if she would look into the camera and tell her audience that she’d made a life-changing mistake and was accepting the consequences.

Nickelodeon’s website says it is, “the most-watched television network by kids in the United States… [and its] ‘kids first’ philosophy is the key element to its business successes.” In this difficult situation, the only real way to be “kids first” is to ask Jamie Lynn to publicly step aside as a role model.

Post your commentCommenting open from 7a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F. | Read other comments (183)
Comments

Commenting is now closed for this entry.

By Hand

December 29, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Hi!!! replica handbags http://forums.vogue.com.au/member.php?u=72298 replica handbags

By lovelyliz

December 30, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

With the exception of Nickelodeon’s big hit shows, there isn’t that muuh that interests the tweenies, just ask my 11 year old niece who doesn’t care for most of it.

Whether the network pulls Zoey 101 is up to them and probaby dependent on the ratings. Let the parents decide whether to let their kids watch. Let the kids decide if they want to watch and let the network decide the fate of this programming.

By concerned mom

December 30, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

When we went back to school this year there were two visibly pregnant girls in my daughters school. One was in sixth grade the other in eigth. The other day, during lunch, the eigth grade child shows up and the front office allows her and her mother to go to the lunchroom, where her class is, and show off the baby. The teachers all took turns fawning over and holding this baby. One teacher actually told her she did good. What kind of example is this to the other children? If this was to be allowed at all it should have been after school when the other students were gone.

By Denise Noe

December 30, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

Should Jamie Lynn Spears have aborted her pregnancy? She might have done so before word got out. Perhaps if she had done that, there would be no question about continuing her television program. We walk a fine line here. We want to discourage adolescent boys and girls from engaging in partnered sex and we want to discourage adolescent girls from getting pregnant but we have to be careful not to actively encourage abortion.

By Kari

December 30, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

tsk,tsk, The Spears girls should be more careful, A few yrs. apart in ur childrens ages is more helpful in the long-run, My kids happen to be 9 yrs. apart, sure they argue…however,we don’t have to pay a ‘sitter, and in a few yrs. our son will be off to either College, a job, or hopefully both! Our daughter is still at the age where she’d like us around her (except when at school) But, we look foreward to traveling & leisure time as we approach or 40’s…that’s not old! Sorry 4 ramblin’ Tryin’ 2 B a good Mom, Kari

By Kaitlyn

December 30, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

will there be more Zoey 101 after the movie on Jan. 4 2008 because she is pregnant?

By Rick

December 30, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Who cares? The more we discuss Jamie Lynn and the older train wreck, known as Britney, the longer we keep them in the spotlight. Stop talking about them and they will quickly fade from our collective minds and we can move onto more important topics like the upcoming presidential elections and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Forgot about those did you? We need to get our priorities in order and stop talking about the stuff that truly, in the grand scheme of life, doesnt matter (like Britney and Jamie Lynn)!

By hannah

December 30, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

zozy 101 should come back whne jamie is not prenet i love that show. if zozy 101 does not come back paple a going to be really made.

By Responsible Mother

December 30, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

I agree…the whole thing with Jamie Lynn is a HUGE trainwreck ! This fiasco sends all kinds of wrong messages to our young & impressionable daughters and sons!

Even my 9 yr old daughter came home from school saying “Mommy guess what? Zoey 101 is going to have a baby…that is so cool” and “She will have to take a little break from Nickelodeon when her tummy gets big, but she can come back on the show & bring her baby with her”. Needless to say this resulted in a hour conversation about all of the many reasons it is NOT cool and that it is NEVER okay for a child/teen to have a baby even if they do get married, because it not only goes against the bible, but can be very dangerous to her health.

I am so disgusted with both of the Spears girls ! As if Britany wasn’t doing a bang up job enough with her life & children…..then 16yr old Jamie Lynn shows our children that not only is having “PREMARITAL” sex cool, but that having “UNPROTECTED” sex is cool too. Her mother better pray that her daughter’s unplanned pregnancy is all that she gets from this and that she doesn’t end up with some kind of STD.

By pogo

December 30, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

The only thing I have to add to this disappointing topic: Why do we talk about the trash in Hollyweird. Out of curiousity I watched that TMZ show where there was a segment showing papparazzi (sp?) chasing the elder Spears (who obviously wanted the attention). It was a pathetic show.

IF WE STOP WATCHING and READING this trash the paparrazi will go away. If I was famous and had to content with those idiots chasing me to get photos to sell to the papers, etc., then I WOULD BE CRAZY, TOO.

Let’s get some priorities in order. Entertainment news has become just as trashy as those tabs in the grocery store checkouts. PLEASE, PEOPLE, STOP BUYING AND DIGESTING THIS CRAP!

LOOK AROUND THE WORLD THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY THINGS THAT ARE FAR MORE SERIOUS AND DEMAND OUR ATTENTION. Hollywood is not entertainment anymore. It’s pure trash.

By Brian

December 30, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Goodbye Zoey 101. You made your choice of irresponsibility and now I will make the responsible choice. Your outa’ here!

By Responsible Grandparent

December 30, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

I totally agree. I refuse to let my grandchildren watch this program after Jamie Lynn Spears appears to following in her trashy sister’s footsteps. Ugh!

By MVBO Supporter

December 30, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Maybe there is a Judge somewhere that can make her apologize to her fans for disappointing them.

By hipnoj

December 30, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbesite.com >smoothing looping movie clips in flash 8

By hipnoj

December 30, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbesite.com >smoothing looping movie clips in flash 8

By hipnoj

December 30, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbesite.com >smoothing looping movie clips in flash 8

By hipnoj

December 30, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbesite.com >smoothing looping movie clips in flash 8

By hipnoj

December 30, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbesite.com >smoothing looping movie clips in flash 8

By deana

December 30, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

I think Jamie Spears should not continue her role on Zoey 101. The problem with all this media, TV programs and Actors/Actress behavior is it is telling kids you get rewarded for bad decisions. In the real world this is not true. Most kids watching see the worse your behavior the more attention and rewards. The problem is no matter how much I talk to my child if she see this everywhere around her I sorta seem outdated. However, most kids who get pregnant at a young age don’t have nannies lots of money. Most of theses kids will end up on welfare, some have children taken away, not finish school and even worse.

By ayoungmom

December 30, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

ALL RIGHT I FEEL THIS WAY I’M 23 YRS. OLD I NOTICE ALOT OF TEENAGERS HAVING BABIES SOME FOR OLDER MEN WHAT DO THEY SEE IN HAVING SEX WITH AN OLDER MAN IN THEIR 40’S NOW IN ZOEY CASE SHE IS A ROLE MODEL TRUE BUT SO AM I TO MY YOUNGER FAMLY MEMBERS BUT THAT DID NOT STOP ME FROM LIVING MY LIFE. I THINK THAT ZOEY IS NOT A BAD PERSON FOR HAVIN A BABY BUT THE THING IS I THINK SHES JUST SETTIN A BAD EXAMPLE TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW IN HER SHOES THE APPLE MAY HAVE NOT FELL FAR FROM THE TREE BUT COME ON GIVE THE POOR KID A BREAK SHE MIGHT BE A BETTER MOMMMY THAT BRITNEY WE CAN ONLY WISH HER LUCK AND THE BEST AND THE THING ABOUT SCHOOL AND THE STUDENT BRING THEIR CHILD TO SCHOOL WAS WRONG A BABY HAS NO PLACE AT SCHOOL, AND ITS CRAZY TO BRING A NEWBORN TO A SCHOOL DO THEY REALIZE HOW MANY GREMS GO IN AND OUT OF THAT SCHOOL EVERY DAY COME ON KIDS GET A CLUE UNDER STAND THE DANGERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR SURROUNDINGS HOW DAMM DUMB YOU GOTTA BE TO KNOW THAT ANYTHING THAT A NEWBORN CATCHES CAN HURT THEY BAD. I MEAN HOW MANY OF THESE KIDS HAVING KIDS KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF A REAL BABY THEY NEED TO NOT THINK IT A BABY DOLL OR A CHECK FROM THE GOVERMENT CASUE IT’S COSTING PEOPLE LOTS OF MONEY TO TAKE CARE OF THESE KIDS FOR YOUNG ADULTS. I MEAN DO YALL PARENTS TAKE CARE OF THESE KIDS WHILE YOU TRY TO FINISH SCHOOL OR DO YOU JUST DROP OUT THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE WORLD TODAY IS TO MANY DRUGS AND SEX LEAD UP TO THINGS LIKE THIS, THE INFANT BIRTH DEATH RATE IS HIGH BUT THE MAIN REASON IS BECAUSE MOTHERS DON’T CARE ABOUT HOW THEIR YOUNG DAUGHTER IS RAZING A KID THAT THEY FEEL THEIR CHILD SHAMED THEM BUT THAT NOT THE THING THE PARENTS PUSH THEIR KIDS IN TO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS EITHER ITS SPORTS OR CHEERLEADING SOME PARENTS NEED TO GET A CLUE TOO JUST CAUSE YOUR KID IS A STAR IN YOUR EYES WHAT ABOUT WHEN THEY ARE AWAY FROM YOUR VIEW THEY DRINK AND SMOKE AND DO ANYTHING THEY CAN TO FEEL THAT EMPTY HOLE INSIDE AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS THINGS LIKE BABIES FOLLOW SO PLEASE PARENTS KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR KIDS AND KNOW THEY ARE SAFE AND NOT BREAKING THE LAW AND SO THINGS LIKE JAMIE (ZOEY)’S LIFE STYLE DON’T HAPPEN TO THEM ALSO YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A STAR TO MAKE A NAME FOR YOUR SELF OR HAVE A BABY,ITS HOW YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE EVERYDAY AND YOUNG ADULTS PLEASE BE CAREFUL JUST CAUSE THAT CUTE GUY /GIRL SAYS THEY LOVES YOU DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU NEED TO SLEEP WITH THEM AND AND CARRY AN CHILD ON YOU SIDE FOR YEARS TO COME. DO THE RIGHT THING WRAP IT UP OR DON’T JUST DO IT,AND NO MEANS NO OK.THANK YOU FOR LISTENING

By Someone

December 30, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

There is no reason for Nickelodeon to take Zoey 101 off the air. ZOEY is still a good role model that children can continue to watch and look up to. Jamie Lynn made a mistake, but she seems to be accepting responsibility for it. Children need to understand the difference between the television character and real life - the television character is still a good, wholesome teen with good values and a good head on her shoulders.

And by the way, a new episode of Zoey 101 airs next Friday.

By Natalie

December 30, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

I believe everybody needs to lay off this girl. I’m sure everyone that has posted something on this board has at some point in time in their life messed up. You may not have got caught but you know when you were wrong. I had a beautiful little girl when I was seventeen who in no manner was ever a mistake. A little unexpected and a little sooner than what I would have liked but all children are a blessing and should be treated as one. I think Nick should simply put her on vacation when the time is right and allow her to then come back. After all, most mothers out there in the world do have a job now.

By Wayne

December 30, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Whether or not Nick chooses to kill off the Zoey show will have a direct impact on whether or not my children are allowed to watch Nick any longer. I will be the adult here even if Nick chooses not to.

By Heathen

December 30, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

You people only complaining about the fact that she’s not married (oh NO! THE BIBLE! God will smite us all) make me sick. Stop being so whiny about terrible role models and your religious response and BE YOUR OWN ROLE MODEL to your child. And leave God out of this.

By Heathen

December 30, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

You people only complaining about the fact that she’s not married (oh NO! THE BIBLE! God will smite us all) make me sick. Stop being so whiny about terrible role models and your religious response and BE YOUR OWN ROLE MODEL to your child. And leave God out of this.

By Rene smith

December 30, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

There should be no question…The show should be cancelled.

Children can only see through a childs eye.

I have five children and I should not have to explain to them why Jamie Lynn should have not been having pre-marital sex.

Jamie Lynn is not the role model I want for my children.

By Rene S.

December 30, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

There is no question that the show should be taken off the air.

Children can only see through a child’s eye.

I have five children, and I should not have to be explaining to them why Jamie Lynn should not be having pre-marital sex.

Zoey 101 will be cancelled in my home.

By korent

December 30, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbesite.com >smoothing looping movie clips in flash 8

By korent

December 30, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbesite.com >smoothing looping movie clips in flash 8

By korent

December 30, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbesite.com >smoothing looping movie clips in flash 8

By korent

December 30, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbesite.com >smoothing looping movie clips in flash 8

By f(x) = 36x^2

December 30, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

The person in question is an actress not a role model. Her personal life is absolutely none of your business. How dare any of you suggest that someone should lose her job because of someting involving her personal life. It is illegal to fire someone because they become pregnant, yet that is exactly what you are demanding. What a bunch of sanctimonious prats.

Here’s a very simple solution: If you don’t want your child watching this show, then stop them from watching them. Use the Parental Block feature available on almost every cable box (Nickelodeon is a cable channel, I believe…) and encourage all of your friends who are also parents to do the same.

If enough parents feel like you do, then revenues will fall off and Nickelodeon may make the decision to cancel said programing.

This way, the market will decide whether or not the show survives, not hystrionic parents who think they somehow deserve to demand the cancellation of a program because they have abdicated their parenting responsibilities and let a television character become their children’s “role model”.

By Rebecca

December 30, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

It is an unfortunate event that happened to Ms. Jamie Spears. Yet it is an opportunity to show the “real” world to those who think that every problem can be solved in under 30 mins. Why not use this to enhance what happens when one has umprotected, unplanned sex. All the kids on Zoey 101 are old enough to know about sex. Why not incorporate it into the show. There are MANY ways to do this tastefully and yet get a message across that problems cannot always be solved in a half hour show. I feel saddened that Ms. Jamie Spears will have to take abuse, and criticism from the media and her peers. All I can say is that I hope all those who hassle her have PERFECT lives. Good Luck, Rebecca

By Medical_girl

December 30, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

When are we going to teach our children problems can’t just be swept under the rug and ignored? Ending Zoey 101 would be like sweeping the problem under the rug. As creative as the writers have been, this is the perfect chance for them to earn their money by coming up with a storeyline which shows the consequences of bad choices that are permanent. Our children are much smarter than we ever were at their age. It’s time we treated them that way and explained the choice she made of having premarital sex was not only a bad one, but will effect her for the rest of her life. Even Zoey had to grow up and as children grow up they make choices in their lives that will effect others as well.

They can shoot episodes around her, have Zoey off doing charity work in some foreign country, shoot above the belly, there are creative ways to work around the pregnancy, but it needs to be addressed in the show at some point, and would be a perfect story about life consequences. Parents that’s have a problem with it can keep their children from watching Zoey 101, but use it as a learning experience in real life, as it is.

By momofasevenyearoldfan

December 30, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

My daughter and I love the show. Nick shouldn’t cancel the show, but do like British tv shows do and either spin off with another girl on the show or replace her with another actress. Afterall she doesn’t match her demographic anymore and she’s a mother now. This would be a lesson to our girls not to worship the actresses. The show can continue with a new Zoey. That would definitely show the power of consequence.

By f(x) = 36x^2

December 30, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

The show can continue with a new Zoey. That would definitely show the power of consequence.

Again - which part of “It is illegal to fire someone from her job for being pregnant” do you not understand?

By assaisen

December 30, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

hey come on people lay off the kid, gezz. just because one kid gose out and gets knocked up dosent mean that every kid is too. i am 14 and im know that thats wrong . kids make our own dissinsions in life, restricking what we whatch wont make anything better or worse. its how we are raised that makes a difrance,

By esa

December 30, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

By all means, lets further stigmatize teenagers for doing what teenagers do. Only by adding huge amounts of shame and derision to an already difficult situation can we expect children to make an incredibly difficult decision.

I long for the day when abortions will decline sharply because people with unplanned pregnancies stop listening to the mindless condemnation from the religious right and feeling ashamed of themselves and instead make an informed decision without carrying the the self-hatred others seek to promote.

By Aubrey George

December 30, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

PLEASE NO dont cancel zoey 101!!! PLEASE DONT just wait till she has the baby. i know she made a mistake and she is definatly NOT turnin into brittney give the girl a freakin BREAK it was an accident - SHe said it herself it was that jerk casey who tricked her hes made other women prego earlyer this year CUT HER A BREAK plaese!

By hipnoj

December 30, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

http://www-teen-nudist-to.doulbesite.com >stupid girls lyrics http://www-hant--tv-kom.doulbesite.com >tampa sunday classic car http://www-gooberz-org-pl.doulbesite.com >the national sleep association http://all--passwords-actiongirls-co.doulbesite.com >husband insurance covers wife http://pbso-org-pbsoevents.doulbesite.com >hot girls tennes skirts http://mysatin-com-password.doulbesite.com >funeral parlos massachusets http://www-mysmartauto-jackpot-com.doulbesite.com >girls with dicks http://mcdowell--hotmail-com--yaho.doulbesite.com >escorts for singles adult vacation http://www-live-strip-de.doulbesite.com >strap on http://www-infotrac-com-galegroup.doulbesite.com >walt disney cartoon classics here mickey

By hipnoj

December 31, 2007 3:23 AM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbeworld.com >naked nude women fishing pics.

By hipnoj

December 31, 2007 3:23 AM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbeworld.com >naked nude women fishing pics.

By hipnoj

December 31, 2007 3:23 AM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbeworld.com >naked nude women fishing pics.

By hipnoj

December 31, 2007 3:23 AM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbeworld.com >naked nude women fishing pics.

By korent

December 31, 2007 4:53 AM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbeworld.com >naked nude women fishing pics.

By korent

December 31, 2007 4:53 AM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbeworld.com >naked nude women fishing pics.

By korent

December 31, 2007 4:53 AM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbeworld.com >naked nude women fishing pics.

By korent

December 31, 2007 4:54 AM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbeworld.com >naked nude women fishing pics.

By korent

December 31, 2007 4:54 AM | Link to this

http://index1.doulbeworld.com >naked nude women fishing pics.

By Gale

December 31, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

I think people should turn off the TV and read. I cannot even read some of the posts because the grammar and spelling is so bad. At best, this is a discussion opportunity for parents to discuss age-appropriate sex with children. 10 and 11 is not too soon to talk about sex with children, and it is a terrible age for them to find out the hard way.

By Monica

December 31, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

F(x),

While it may be illegal to fire someone for being pregnant, in some jobs, it is legal to fire someone for immoral behavior. The “Sprout” channel (formerly PBS kids) fired one of their stars because they discovered that she was also doing porn on the side.

Also, they could still provide some sort of job for Jamie Lynn, just not the star of a “wholesome” program.

Natalie, yes, I have made mistakes. I feel for the girl. I was terrified when I had a baby at 30; I can’t imagine having a baby at 16. On a large scale, getting pregnant at an unmarried 16 is not the worst thing that someone could do! However, there are consequences for every decision that we make. What better way to illustrate that to tween America than by cancelling or recasting someone in a show because of making decisions?

By Archie

December 31, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Zoey 101 should be shelved but the role played by Ms Spears should be recast. I do think the Spears’ family has been unfairly treated by the media, however, the Spears’ family has made some big mistakes and all people have to deal with the consequences of their personal mistakes.

By Jeff

December 31, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

In regards to ‘teenagers doing what teenagers do’:

My dog will chew my clothes if they are left on the floor. Does that mean that I don’t both punish the dog when it happens as well as generally try to keep my clothes off the floor?

Punishment is generally not 100% effective. Neither is prevention. But a combination of both has been SHOWN to produce the best results.

By kimberly

December 31, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Who the heck cares? If your child is so ga-ga over a Nickelodeon character that you can’t direct her attention and interest to more meaningful things, you’re not trying very hard. The world around us is filled with examples of good, bad, and not-so-smart. As with everything your child observes, there is a lesson in there somewhere. Share it and move on.

By korent

December 31, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

http://movie-brazzers.doulbeworld.com >katie cassidy artist http://psearch-bot-grak-yahoo-it-yah.doulbeworld.com >blojobpics http://www-www-girl4you-com.doulbeworld.com >guess who movie pposters http://hiqozigily.doulbeworld.com >rinker materials uniforms http://free-sybian-video.doulbeworld.com >nipple fetish http://penisvergroter.doulbeworld.com >town of westwood assessing dept http://bangbabes-girls-victoria.doulbeworld.com >girls latin school alumni association http://www-mom-boy-movies-com.doulbeworld.com >exotic lingerie http://rebecca-twigley-uncut.doulbeworld.com >i am infatuated with a girl http://clear-transparent-fetish-r.doulbeworld.com >gay bars in michigan

By korent

December 31, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

http://movie-brazzers.doulbeworld.com >katie cassidy artist http://psearch-bot-grak-yahoo-it-yah.doulbeworld.com >blojobpics http://www-www-girl4you-com.doulbeworld.com >guess who movie pposters http://hiqozigily.doulbeworld.com >rinker materials uniforms http://free-sybian-video.doulbeworld.com >nipple fetish http://penisvergroter.doulbeworld.com >town of westwood assessing dept http://bangbabes-girls-victoria.doulbeworld.com >girls latin school alumni association http://www-mom-boy-movies-com.doulbeworld.com >exotic lingerie http://rebecca-twigley-uncut.doulbeworld.com >i am infatuated with a girl http://clear-transparent-fetish-r.doulbeworld.com >gay bars in michigan

By korent

December 31, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

http://movie-brazzers.doulbeworld.com >katie cassidy artist http://psearch-bot-grak-yahoo-it-yah.doulbeworld.com >blojobpics http://www-www-girl4you-com.doulbeworld.com >guess who movie pposters http://hiqozigily.doulbeworld.com >rinker materials uniforms http://free-sybian-video.doulbeworld.com >nipple fetish http://penisvergroter.doulbeworld.com >town of westwood assessing dept http://bangbabes-girls-victoria.doulbeworld.com >girls latin school alumni association http://www-mom-boy-movies-com.doulbeworld.com >exotic lingerie http://rebecca-twigley-uncut.doulbeworld.com >i am infatuated with a girl http://clear-transparent-fetish-r.doulbeworld.com >gay bars in michigan

By korent

December 31, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

http://movie-brazzers.doulbeworld.com >katie cassidy artist http://psearch-bot-grak-yahoo-it-yah.doulbeworld.com >blojobpics http://www-www-girl4you-com.doulbeworld.com >guess who movie pposters http://hiqozigily.doulbeworld.com >rinker materials uniforms http://free-sybian-video.doulbeworld.com >nipple fetish http://penisvergroter.doulbeworld.com >town of westwood assessing dept http://bangbabes-girls-victoria.doulbeworld.com >girls latin school alumni association http://www-mom-boy-movies-com.doulbeworld.com >exotic lingerie http://rebecca-twigley-uncut.doulbeworld.com >i am infatuated with a girl http://clear-transparent-fetish-r.doulbeworld.com >gay bars in michigan

By korent

December 31, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

http://movie-brazzers.doulbeworld.com >katie cassidy artist http://psearch-bot-grak-yahoo-it-yah.doulbeworld.com >blojobpics http://www-www-girl4you-com.doulbeworld.com >guess who movie pposters http://hiqozigily.doulbeworld.com >rinker materials uniforms http://free-sybian-video.doulbeworld.com >nipple fetish http://penisvergroter.doulbeworld.com >town of westwood assessing dept http://bangbabes-girls-victoria.doulbeworld.com >girls latin school alumni association http://www-mom-boy-movies-com.doulbeworld.com >exotic lingerie http://rebecca-twigley-uncut.doulbeworld.com >i am infatuated with a girl http://clear-transparent-fetish-r.doulbeworld.com >gay bars in michigan

By NetBanker

December 31, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Well said, Kimberly! That pretty much expresses my opinion.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Be safe tonight and Happy New Year to all!

By NetBanker

December 31, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Now here’s a topic I’d love to see our columnists discuss the ethics/morality of:

‘Wombs for rent’: The latest job outsourcing to India

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/stories/2007/12/31/outsourcedwombs1231.html?cxntnid=amn123107e

By Amber

December 31, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

You Should NOT Cancel Her Show Just Because She Got PREGNANT Her Mother Lynne Spears Should NOT Have Let Casey Sleep Over It’s Not All Jamie’s Fault Casey N Lynne Are Both To Blame So PLEASE DONT Cancel Her Show Me and My Lil Sis Love Her Show

By chuck

December 31, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Happy New Year!!

Of course the show should be cancelled. Nickleodean ADVERTISES the show as good and wholesome entertainment for young girls and pushes Zoie as a role model. They should cancel the show, retool it with a new actress, and bring it back next year. I agree with fx to a degree that the market should decide it so I sent an email to the network and to advertisers of the network. If they get enough of those the show will disappear and hopefully put us all out of the Spears family misery.

BTW, I hope mother and baby are well. The best thing she could do is put the baby up for adoption.

By hipnoj

December 31, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

http://index1.nukysy.com >extreme funny sports pics

By hipnoj

December 31, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

http://index1.nukysy.com >extreme funny sports pics

By hipnoj

December 31, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

http://index1.nukysy.com >extreme funny sports pics

By korent

December 31, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

http://index1.nukysy.com >extreme funny sports pics

By hipnoj

December 31, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

http://i-love-matures-com-previews.nukysy.com >installing floor tile on the diaganal http://2love-com-ru.nukysy.com >strip wrestling gallaries http://wwwgrupo-eiffel-com.nukysy.com >rape stories videos http://www-mundo-mylittle-pony-com.nukysy.com >substitute teachers pay in massachusetts http://www-porno-red-tube.nukysy.com >local sex offenders list http://www-mastimovies4u.nukysy.com >greggy girl http://galleries-aebn-net-be.nukysy.com >lupus movies http://aol-com-juno-com-yahoo-com-hotm.nukysy.com >movie-town cinemas http://directors--sbcglobal-com--y.nukysy.com >swingers lexington ky http://www-spelspel-se.nukysy.com >nudist candid exposed family teen

By hipnoj

December 31, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

http://i-love-matures-com-previews.nukysy.com >installing floor tile on the diaganal http://2love-com-ru.nukysy.com >strip wrestling gallaries http://wwwgrupo-eiffel-com.nukysy.com >rape stories videos http://www-mundo-mylittle-pony-com.nukysy.com >substitute teachers pay in massachusetts http://www-porno-red-tube.nukysy.com >local sex offenders list http://www-mastimovies4u.nukysy.com >greggy girl http://galleries-aebn-net-be.nukysy.com >lupus movies http://aol-com-juno-com-yahoo-com-hotm.nukysy.com >movie-town cinemas http://directors--sbcglobal-com--y.nukysy.com >swingers lexington ky http://www-spelspel-se.nukysy.com >nudist candid exposed family teen

By hipnoj

December 31, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

http://i-love-matures-com-previews.nukysy.com >installing floor tile on the diaganal http://2love-com-ru.nukysy.com >strip wrestling gallaries http://wwwgrupo-eiffel-com.nukysy.com >rape stories videos http://www-mundo-mylittle-pony-com.nukysy.com >substitute teachers pay in massachusetts http://www-porno-red-tube.nukysy.com >local sex offenders list http://www-mastimovies4u.nukysy.com >greggy girl http://galleries-aebn-net-be.nukysy.com >lupus movies http://aol-com-juno-com-yahoo-com-hotm.nukysy.com >movie-town cinemas http://directors--sbcglobal-com--y.nukysy.com >swingers lexington ky http://www-spelspel-se.nukysy.com >nudist candid exposed family teen

By hipnoj

December 31, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

http://i-love-matures-com-previews.nukysy.com >installing floor tile on the diaganal http://2love-com-ru.nukysy.com >strip wrestling gallaries http://wwwgrupo-eiffel-com.nukysy.com >rape stories videos http://www-mundo-mylittle-pony-com.nukysy.com >substitute teachers pay in massachusetts http://www-porno-red-tube.nukysy.com >local sex offenders list http://www-mastimovies4u.nukysy.com >greggy girl http://galleries-aebn-net-be.nukysy.com >lupus movies http://aol-com-juno-com-yahoo-com-hotm.nukysy.com >movie-town cinemas http://directors--sbcglobal-com--y.nukysy.com >swingers lexington ky http://www-spelspel-se.nukysy.com >nudist candid exposed family teen

By korent

January 1, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this

http://hhpt-www-youtube-bogel.nukysy.com >degrassi home http://nude-http-lady-d-org.nukysy.com >high resolution nude pictures http://nick-com-mr-bean.nukysy.com >empire video distributors http://www-body-love-com.nukysy.com >when is the movie last holiday coming to dvd http://mowifit-com-password.nukysy.com >peruvian reverse painted glass placemats http://mail-snodgrasscpa-com-ush1-fin.nukysy.com >nassau county ny property appraiser http://easywork-greatpay-com-forum.nukysy.com >top selling workout video http://www-karateshotokan-net.nukysy.com >great asses from miami http://www-flightlevel-350-com.nukysy.com >green feces in adults http://www-recitafederal.nukysy.com >boston massacre

By f(x) = 36x^2

January 1, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

While it may be illegal to fire someone for being pregnant, in some jobs, it is legal to fire someone for immoral behavior. The “Sprout” channel (formerly PBS kids) fired one of their stars because they discovered that she was also doing porn on the side.

As this smacked of internet hyperbolic hysteria, I felt compelled to do a little research. As I thought, the actress in question, one Melanie Martinez, was not fired for “doing porn”. She has never done “porn”. She was fired because she appeared in two satirical PSA’s spoofing abstinence-only sex education. After her release, PBS’s ombudsman criticized the decision on the grounds that it impinged on freedom of expression.

Second, it is not legal to fire someone for behaving immorally unless there is a clause in the contract that specifies what behaviors are not acceptable. And while it’s entirely possible that there IS a morals clause in Jamie Lynn Spears’s contract, I suspect the network would be on very shaky legal grounds attempting to invoke it because of something already protected by federal employment law.

By RF

January 1, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

One of the reports I watched said the network already has the next season filmed anyway, so I doubt there’ll be any issue at least for the next four months. After that, I suspect the network will probably throw out some rumors about firing her and wait for the public response to decide.

Kimberly makes the best point. If your child is THAT absorbed in a television character, you need to think about how your life and your child’s life is structured and turn off the idiot box. Parents are still the best role models and I hope this situation will prompt some parents to spend more time with their teenagers talking seriously about sex and its consequences.

And what about the ,ahem, dare I say the word, father? We need to be getting him on the interviews and asking why he didn’t choose to use protection!!! I wouldn’t mind seeing my teenager read an article about him and his bad choices!

By hipnoj

January 1, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

http://index1.npols.com >honeysuckle candy sticks

By The Other Jack

January 1, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Interesting conversation.

Kids are absorbed in TV. It makes no difference how many people on this forum demand that actresses and/or personalities not be considered role models. They are role models for many kids, no matter whether anyone likes it or not.

She is now a 16 year old Mom. Her life will never be the same. But she is a very wealthy 16 year old. She will have the child and then pay a personal trainer to get her back in shape and will be able to afford total and complete care for her child. Other than the pain of childbirth and the sickness associated with pregnancy, she will have no consequences for her actions.

But children all over the country will associate themselves with her. They will see this beautiful baby and the mother quickly slimmed down and will identify with that. So an unmarried 16 year old can have a baby and see how well she has recovered and see how well the child is cared for and ISN”T IT CUTE!!!!

So wouldn’t it be great to have a little baby like that? If the truth were known, I wonder how many illegitimate and uncared for children will result from this? In my opinion, even one is too many.

Oh yea, as far as children not being able to tell the difference between actors and the characters they play: Most adults still believe what politicians tell them before an election. Talk about gullible!!

By korent

January 1, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

http://index1.npols.com >honeysuckle candy sticks

By korent

January 1, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

http://index1.npols.com >honeysuckle candy sticks

By korent

January 1, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

http://index1.npols.com >honeysuckle candy sticks

By korent

January 2, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

http://index1.astoru.com >gay prostitutes watergate porter goss

By korent

January 2, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

http://index1.astoru.com >gay prostitutes watergate porter goss

By f(x) = 36x^2

January 2, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Other than the pain of childbirth and the sickness associated with pregnancy, she will have no consequences for her actions.

Pray tell, what “consequences”, other than now being a mother, do you think she should suffer? It is not illegal for a teen mother to have a baby, is it? Are you suggesting that there be “consequences” imposed on someone you don’t know simply because of your personal sense of morality?

By JokesOn

January 2, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Other than the pain of childbirth and the sickness associated with pregnancy, she will have no consequences for her actions.

That is a pretty inaccurate statement if one looks to her sister as a benchmark. There have been plenty of consequences for britany’s bad choices and she has tons more dollars than little sis.

I somehow doubt that anyone needs to implement unnatural consequences given reality has a way of working that out on its own; not to mention the cockiness of being others judges.

Kids are absorbed in TV. It makes no difference how many people on this forum demand that actresses and/or personalities not be considered role models. They are role models for many kids, no matter whether anyone likes it or not.

That may be true for those that let the TV raise their kids, but not for those that have an active role in their child’s lives. Your blanket statement is stating that parents have no control over their kids perception of value, reality and morals.

By JustAThought

January 2, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Why can’t the writers of Zoey 101 write this pregnancy into later scripts, with the Spear’s character on Skid-Row(not the band), with a child, lamenting I should have had that abortion after all?.

Or at least lamenting the lack of Safe Sex sex? (Should have made him wear that condom).

This could be turned into such an educational experience for the show’s characters.

But I think I will pass on the Spears Girls’ Mom’s Parenting Book.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

By f(x) = 36x^2

Pray tell, what “consequences”, other than now being a mother, do you think she should suffer?

Please try your best to comprehend my entire post. What I am saying is that this wealthy television star will not suffer the consequences that many of her fans would surely be subjected to by following her example.

It is not illegal for a teen mother to have a baby, is it? Are you suggesting that there be “consequences” imposed on someone you don’t know simply because of your personal sense of morality?

My own personal sense of morality? Can you please try to answer my post without preaching at me?

Try to consider: when a 16 year old American girl becomes pregnant by a man (boy) that she is not married to, there are normally huge consequences. Her life will never be the same. What 16 year old girl do you know that would rather care for a child 24/7 than participate in the normal high school events that all her friends would be participating in?

I sincerely hope that you are not saying that the normal and healthy growth process of a teen aged girl should include having a child at the halfway point in her teen life.

The girl’s consequences have nothing to do with religion, morality or anything that I would wish or want. I has to do with 3 AM feedings and baby setters to finally give the poor girl a break.

It has to do with another very demanding mouth to feed, disposable diapers, and a baby raising a baby. It has to do with ending many of the hopes and dreams that this girl has wanted but will now, never be able to achieve.

These are not consequences that I would wish on anyone. Why would you? It is obvious that you support the “barefoot and pregnant” mantra that hasn’t been popular since the 1930s. Step into the 21st century and join the rest of us.

If the idea of Morality bothers you so much, please refrain from preaching just a few minutes to consider that there are reasons other than morality why 16 year old children should not be having babies.

You need to get over your morality paranoia. I didn’t say a word about it, but you are so obsessed with preaching at anyone who might even mention the word that you are willing to accuse me of basing my post on the subject when I didn’t even mention it.

Lighten up, man.

By Jack

January 2, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

What a fantastic subject the ladies have selected this week. BFD. Haven’t other actresses been pregnant and still filmed until near the end of their term, a la “King Of Queens”

Hope everyone had a good New Year and may 2008 be better than 2007.

Love & kisses to all the ladies.

By rock1998

January 2, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I think it’s very sad and wrong about having pregnantcy so young.the world is just about money now.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

JokesOn

That is a pretty inaccurate statement if one looks to her sister as a benchmark. There have been plenty of consequences for britany’s bad choices and she has tons more dollars than little sis.

LOL. Not exactly. Brittany was actually married to Kevin Federline when she had her first child. She was also 25 years old. I know this because I took the 30 seconds to go to Wikipedia. The consequences she has suffered have had much more to do with drug abuse and alcohol addition.

I somehow doubt that anyone needs to implement unnatural consequences given reality has a way of working that out on its own; not to mention the cockiness of being others judges.

As I said in the last post, please try to get past your penchant to preach and consider that there are actually real and dire consequences when children have children. Those consequences have nothing to do with what I want or believe or anything written in any religious text.

That may be true for those that let the TV raise their kids, but not for those that have an active role in their child’s lives. Your blanket statement is stating that parents have no control over their kids perception of value, reality and morals.

My “blanket statement” stated a fact. Are you actually saying that all parents have control over their kids? I hope you are not saying that there are no parents that use TV as an instant baby setter.

Again, I understand that you REALLY want to preach and judge others for preaching or judging others. I have seen you twist things I say into all sorts of contortions to try and claim that I am judging anyone. I find it comical, sad and sort of disturbing.

I didn’t invent children and I didn’t invent 3AM feedings. I didn’t invent Pampers or paying for them. I didn’t invent the responsibility of caring for an infant. Again, get past the preaching and try your level best to actually address the issues I am discussing.

By f(x) = 36x^2

January 2, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Really, TOJ? Really? From a few sentences, the theme of which was basically “We shouldn’t punish expectant teen mothers because their lives are already difficult enough as it is”, you conclude that I am not only in favor of teenage pregnancy, but that I also believe that all women should be barefoot and pregnant? Really?

I have to know - are you this irrational and hystrionic in real life as you are on this blog?

By Jack

January 2, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

If she were to have the big “A” (and that should be her choice) would the show still be canceled since Mommy Dearest spilled the beans for money?

They canceled Dog because he used the “N” word in a private conversation with his son who also sold the info for money.

Sad state of affairs when you are sold out by your immediate family because of money.

By John in Tampa, FLA

January 2, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Forget canceling Spears…someone needs to cancel Korent!!!

By NetBanker

January 2, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Nickleodean ADVERTISES the show as good and wholesome entertainment for young girls and pushes Zoie as a role model. Based on this comment and a few others what this really seems to be coming down to is that too many teens and people are unable to distinguish between the lives of thesbians and the characters they play. Zoey IS a role model while Jamie Lynn Spears is not. What I’m ‘hearing’ is people suggesting that the valuable or viable lessons from Zoey in the 4th season of the show (already filmed) will be completely negated by the actress’s personal actions off camera.

The other comment I have read mutliple times is that they had unprotected sex. Has this been confirmed by Jamie Lynn or whats-his-name or are all y’all just assuming? I honestly don’t know because this story has zero meaning in my personal life, but I would be interested to know if the condemnation for unprotected sex (which I do agree is stupid) is warranted or not.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

f(x) = 36x^2

Really, TOJ?

Yes.

Really?

Yes, really.

From a few sentences, the theme of which was basically “We shouldn’t punish expectant teen mothers because their lives are already difficult enough as it is”,

Wow. That’s what you got out of:
What I am saying is that this wealthy television star will not suffer the consequences that many of her fans would surely be subjected to by following her example.

I don’t know exactly what to say about that. I’m sorry I didn’t respond how you wanted me to respond.

you conclude that I am not only in favor of teenage pregnancy, but that I also believe that all women should be barefoot and pregnant?

Teen pregnancy is exactly “barefoot and pregnant”. You wrote this: It is not illegal for a teen mother to have a baby, is it? Are you suggesting that there be “consequences” imposed on someone you don’t know simply because of your personal sense of morality?

Maybe it’s me, but that appeared to only address the question of morality, (a subject that I had not even addressed), and ignore all the other consequences other than the legal aspects of children having children. Again, sorry I’m just not giving you the answers you want.

Really?

Yes, really.

I have to know - are you this irrational and hystrionic in real life as you are on this blog?

And of course my obvious question to you, are you this judgmental and evasive in real life as you are on this blog? You might also notice that I spelled judgmental and evasive correctly. Histrionic doesn’t have a “y” in it. Don’t use the big words if you can’t spell them.

(Just having fun here. LOL Again, lighten up. It’s a New Year)

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

John in Tampa, FLA

Forget canceling Spears…someone needs to cancel Korent!!!

Amen brother, say it again!

It’s more like Low rent. (lorent)

By f(x) = 36x^2

January 2, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Ah, pointing out spelling mistakes - the last refuge of internet blowhards.

Actually, TOJ, what I said as well was “Pray tell, what “consequences”, other than now being a mother, do you think she should suffer?”

I’m fairly certain that “other than now being a mother” encompasses all of those difficulties from being a teenage single mother that you mentioned. You seemed to imply that there should be additional consequences other than those, hence my question to you.

The only point you’ve managed to convey is the patently obvious observation that it’s easier for single mothers with money to be single mothers than it is for those without it. Do you have an opinion on the actual topic, or would you rather just continue to rant about how deliberately misunderstood you are?

I’m guessing the latter, but hey - like you said, it’s a New Year. Maybe you’ll surprise us all.

By HeeHaw

January 2, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

I’m guessing the latter, but hey - like you said, it’s a New Year. Maybe you’ll surprise us all.

Well, I am not banking on it. But feel free to be Optimistic.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Jack

That whole “Dog” show was pretty creepy. It was like “Trailer Trash Makes Big - The Movie”. Hearing him use the “N” word was certainly no surprise. And his spawn being so slimy as to destroy his own father’s career, just to “get at him.” It was like a bad movie. You expected everything to happen that happened.

I watched it a couple of times, just because I am crazy about Hawaii. That show should have been shot in lower Alabama or something, but never in Hawaii.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

f(x) = 36x^2

Ah, pointing out spelling mistakes - the last refuge of internet blowhards.

LOL. Hey Pal. You gotta lighten up. This is supposed to be fun. Do you let life bother you this much? I’ll bet you can create some un-Godly road rage when you really apply yourself.

Actually, TOJ, what I said as well was “Pray tell, what “consequences”, other than now being a mother, do you think she should suffer?”

That isn’t what you wrote at all, but upon clarification, apparently, we agree. No teenager should be subjected to the responsibilities of parenthood.

My concern about girls like Ms. Spears having children is that children do look to TV stars as role models whether we like it or not.

It doesn’t take much of an excuse for a young girl to ignore the very real consequences of unsafe sex. Watching a 16 year old TV star that made an unwise decision can often be just that excuse, especially when the money the TV star has access to, negates the actual responsibilities that the young fan would be subjected to.

You seemed to imply that there should be additional consequences other than those, hence my question to you.

No. Along with your leap to say that I was judging based on my own morality, you also felt the need to invent that idea. Before you start to call names and foam at the mouth again, please read exactly what I said and point out where I even implied any such thing.

The only point you’ve managed to convey is the patently obvious observation that it’s easier for single mothers with money to be single mothers than it is for those without it. Do you have an opinion on the actual topic, or would you rather just continue to rant about how deliberately misunderstood you are?

Ah. So now you have appointed yourself the hall monitor for the blog. Cool. Can you do anything about all this damned spam?

I’m guessing the latter, but hey - like you said, it’s a New Year. Maybe you’ll surprise us all.

Nah. I’m probably going to keep giving you answers that you are just not going to like. It is just so much fun to watch you lose your sh*t.

By chuck

January 2, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Good afternoon. I hope everyone feels well today, because personally, I feel like crap…a bad case of the flu. This is pretty much a stupid topic as usual so I wanted to go back to something we were talking about a couple of weeks ago.

fx, we were talking about Christianity and you claimed that Episcopalians had no particular concept of SALVATION. I then pointed out the teachings of your church concerning salvation through Christ and you never responded. Do you still claim your statement to be true?

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

f(x) = 36x^2

Actually, TOJ, what I said as well was “Pray tell, what “consequences”, other than now being a mother, do you think she should suffer?”

My mistake, that is what you wrote, And I answered that statement with this:

Please try your best to comprehend my entire post. What I am saying is that this wealthy television star will not suffer the consequences that many of her fans would surely be subjected to by following her example.

Was that not clear?

By JokesOn

January 2, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

My “blanket statement” stated a fact.

Which I can use your words in reply: Are you actually saying that parents cannot have control over their kids?

You answered already: children do look to TV stars as role models whether we like it or not.

You can sit blindly, but most of the people I know raise their kids to be aware of reality/fiction. Example: When Britany Spears first began acting trashy, none of my or my friends daughters approved, on their own. This too, for those of us that raise our children, will be a non-issue.

Nah. I’m probably going to keep giving you answers that you are just not going to like. It is just so much fun to watch you lose your sht.*

Because that is your only real purpose: causing sh*t.

By Jack

January 2, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Not very nice cutting people down for living in modular homes. Beats living under a bridge. They are doing what they can to survive.

By JokesOn

January 2, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t take much of an excuse for a young girl to ignore the very real consequences of unsafe sex. Watching a 16 year old TV star that made an unwise decision can often be just that excuse, especially when the money the TV star has access to, negates the actual responsibilities that the young fan would be subjected to.

I would bet that in spite (and maybe because) of the money, her kids turn out worse than big sis’s. Any kids keeping up with it may actually learn something that their uninvolved parents missed versus hiding her away as if it never happened.

By f(x) = 36x^2

January 2, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

fx, we were talking about Christianity and you claimed that Episcopalians had no particular concept of SALVATION. I then pointed out the teachings of your church concerning salvation through Christ and you never responded. Do you still claim your statement to be true

Actually, Chuck, I said that Episcopaleans don’t have the evangelical concept of “Being Saved”, in other words, a single event in which you dedicate your life to Christ, have your name written in the book of life, etc. Doctrinally, grace is conferred upon an infant during Baptism. It CAN be re-affirmed when the child is a teen - I was Confirmed at 16, which is typical - but that is not required by the church.

So, no - there is no equivalent singular experience that equates to the common evangelical term used when someone says something like “Have you been Saved?”. A traditional Episcopalean would never refer to him or herself as being “Born Again”, because that concept is simply not part of traditional Episcopal theology.

There are some charismatic groups that embrace some Evangelical traditions, and no doubt there ARE Episcopaleans who might feel that they have “Been Saved” or “Been Born Again”, it just isn’t a part of church Doctrine.

By f(x) = 36x^2

January 2, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Was that not clear?

No, it was a typical TOJ “How dare you not understand my post!” response.

You crack me up, man, truly! All these things you accuse everyone else of are things that basically only you are guilty of.

Quality entertainment.

By f(x) = 36x^2

January 2, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Chuck,

If you’re interested, you might look a bit at The Book of Common Prayer which is used by all churches in the Anglican Communion (with a few differences - this is the American version).

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

JokesOn

You can sit blindly, but most of the people I know raise their kids to be aware of reality/fiction.

LOL I can set blindly? I swear, no tent evangelist has anything on you. I have never seen anyone that loves to judge others more than you. When have I said anything about me or my children? Wipe the drool off your chin and please, Oh God, please read what I have written before you start foaming at the mouth and wagging your finger. Too much to ask?

Example: When Britany Spears first began acting trashy, none of my or my friends daughters approved, on their own.

They didn’t? Wow! Unbelievable. Gosh, all my friends totally approved of all of her actions. All my friends that were parents actually encouraged their kids to do dangerous narcotics and parade in public with short skirts and no panties. In fact, when all my friend’s daughters appeared on National TV, they were all hammered and we were glad!

LOL. But seriously, do you ever actually stop and read the crap that you post? Do you really think that anyone approved of Britteny Spears or what she did? But I’ll tell you what: If it makes you feel even more self-righteous, or (forbid the thought) that you might feel better about yourself, please believe whatever you want. LOL.

This too, for those of us that raise our children, will be a non-issue.

I’ll bet you are the bestest parent in the whole wide world. Gosh, someday I hope I can be as righteous are you Mr. JokesOn.

You are my hero.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

f(x) = 36x^2

Well, I’m glad you are entertained.

Now, isn’t this better once you control your widdle temper?

Now if JokesOn would get off the pulpit from hell, all will be fine.

By Troglodyke

January 2, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I think people should turn off the TV and read. I cannot even read some of the posts because the grammar and spelling is so bad.

Geez, you are not kidding. What are kids learning in school these days? Why aren’t proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation taught? It’s shameful. An occasional typo on a blog is understandable, but people, learn to read and write properly! It’s important.

At best, this is a discussion opportunity for parents to discuss age-appropriate sex with children. 10 and 11 is not too soon to talk about sex with children, and it is a terrible age for them to find out the hard way.

Absolutely. Parents who refuse to talk about this to their kids just make me angry. Either they don’t discuss it at all, or they say stupid crap like “don’t do it until you are married” and leave it at that. What a joke. Hello…but kids are going to want to know WHY, and you’d better have a plausible answer for them.

The problem is NOT that she had sex before marriage. It’s that she had sex before she was mature enough to understand the consequences. I am against teenage sex because most teens are not mature enough to handle it. It has nothing to do with marriage.

Those of you who think it does, would you honestly want your 16-year-old to get married just so he or she can have sex? Why punish both kids with a lifetime of misery? This is a divorce waiting to happen.

By Troglodyke

January 2, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Should Jamie Lynn Spears have aborted her pregnancy? She might have done so before word got out. Perhaps if she had done that, there would be no question about continuing her television program. We walk a fine line here. We want to discourage adolescent boys and girls from engaging in partnered sex and we want to discourage adolescent girls from getting pregnant but we have to be careful not to actively encourage abortion.

Where does teaching kids about birth control come in?

Many ARE going to have sex. Adults who oppose abortion should fully embrace birth control. Why don’t they?

This girl was NOT emotionally or otherwise mature enough to be having sex. She did NOT understand the consequences. And for her, there won’t be any! It’s sickening.

By JokesOn

January 2, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

When have I said anything about me or my children?

I will post it for the blind again: They are role models for many kids, no matter whether anyone likes it or not.

I am figuring that maybe you simply do not know the meaning of no matter whether anyone likes it or not.

I have never seen anyone that loves to judge others more than you.

Yet here you sit judging the ability of all kid’s and their parents not to mention spears and the producers of the show.

Gosh, all my friends totally approved of all of her actions.

That explains a lot.

I’ll bet you are the bestest parent in the whole wide world. Gosh, someday I hope I can be as righteous are you Mr. JokesOn.

You are my hero.

Seeing as you cannot differentiate between fictional characters and non-fictional (look to previous posts and your love of chuck as reference) that does not mean much. Keep striving to be un-a$$ like. I am rooting for you.

By JokesOn

January 2, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Now if JokesOn would get off the pulpit from hell, all will be fine.

So, now your wellness depends on me. Well shoooot (using best redneck accent).

Try taking your own advice: Wipe the snot from your nose, dry your tears of rage, take a deep breath and remember this is only a blog in which you have participated very little in. (and release…)

By Troglodyke

January 2, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

My dog will chew my clothes if they are left on the floor. Does that mean that I don’t both punish the dog when it happens as well as generally try to keep my clothes off the floor?

You should NOT punish your dog for your mistake. Dogs should never be punished after the fact. It does NOT train them, it only confuses them. Yes, keep your clothes picked up, and/or crate/confine the dog properly until you have taught him. And if you forget and something gets chewed, blame yourself and make a note to do better next time.

Once the act is over, punishment does not help the dog.

For punishment to be effective for dogs, it has to occur just as the behavior is starting, and it has to be strong enough to stop the behavior, but not so over-the-top that the dog becomes terrified. Dogs can learn to make appropriate choices, but they don’t come hardwired to do so when it comes to things like this, because our clothes are appealing as chew toys. So punishing them for making a “bad choice” before they’ve been given alternatives is a poor choice on our parts.

I agree with your premise that punishment can be very effective when applied correctly, especially with children.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

JokesOn

When have I said anything about me or my children?

I will post it for the blind again: They are role models for many kids, no matter whether anyone likes it or not.

OK. What about that says anything about me or my children? I thought you were just having reading comprehension problems but apparently it is a matter of reality comprehension. But whatever, give it shot: explain how my children or me are mentioned in that statement.

I am figuring that maybe you simply do not know the meaning of no matter whether anyone likes it or not.

No. I wrote it. Are you trying to say that since I said “anyone” that I am referring to me or my kids? To be honest, as slim as that is, considering most of your answers, that is practically “Einstein” for you. So you got it, Pal. When I say: They are role models for many kids, no matter whether anyone likes it or not, I’m talking about my kids and me.

It is actually an experimental language that allows subjects to be discussed that are not actually mentioned in the text. You are the very first to understand the concept. Congratulations.

Yet here you sit judging the ability of all kid’s and their parents not to mention spears and the producers of the show.

All kids, their parents and the producers of the show.

I see. LOL.

I would ask you to point out where I judged anyone, but after you posted “They are role models for many kids, no matter whether anyone likes it or not.” As a statement about my own kids, I honestly don’t think you are even smart enough to understand anything I am saying.

So whatever you think is cool with me. Make up whatever you want. Make yourself happy, Man. Whatever it takes.

Gosh, all my friends totally approved of all of her actions.

That explains a lot.

And your not understanding that I was making fun of you when I said it explains even more.

Seeing as you cannot differentiate between fictional characters and non-fictional (look to previous posts and your love of chuck as reference) that does not mean much. Keep striving to be un-a$$ like. I am rooting for you.

Have a great day, JokesOn. Now I remember why I didn’t answer your posts. Fx is just judgmental and a jerk. You have a totally different set of problems. He probably has a triple digit IQ. (Normal is 100) I’m beginning to wonder if you even have a double digit IQ.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

JokesOn

Try taking your own advice: Wipe the snot from your nose,

I have had a little bit of a head cold, but right now, at this point, my nose is clear.

dry your tears of rage,

I have had tears in my eyes all day, Pal. I have had a lot of fun today. And yes, it was at your expense. Sorry about that.

take a deep breath and remember this is only a blog in which you have participated very little in. (and release…)

Thanks, Mister JokesOn. That really means a lot to me. Is this the way that you talk to your kids? I’m just trying to learn how to be as perfect as you.

By lozen

January 2, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Netbanker: * … this story has zero meaning in my personal life.* Mine too! Happy new year.

By JokesOn

January 2, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Now I remember why I didn’t answer your posts. Fx is just judgmental and a jerk. You have a totally different set of problems. He probably has a triple digit IQ. (Normal is 100) I’m beginning to wonder if you even have a double digit IQ.

More inane judgment from our friend that likes to bring up Nazis every post to try to pick fights. Hey - Lighten up. Your just a kid with lots to learn is all.

So whatever you think is cool with me. Make up whatever you want. Make yourself happy, Man. Whatever it takes.

Not everyone lives by the same rules as you do.

And your not understanding that I was making fun of you when I said it explains even more.

Oh, I got it. 4th grade is not entirely fresh in my mind, but I do recall the lame attempts at humor and insult. I decided to leave you there screaming your little red-face off like I did back then. Now clean the yellow-froth from you mouth.

See, what you do not understand is that you have show that you have nothing to offer anyone. You have yet to provide a real argument that was not based in hysteria, freaking out at every turn. So to get interaction, you must pi$$ them off and get them to fight with you. I pointed it out Loooong ago, and everyone has fled your presence once they realized it too (and your troll-predictors have been quite harsh - think about that for a sec if your ADHD allows it).

I like watching your freak-out sessions. You are whiley, but with every topic, not just the “men vs women” topics.

By JokesOn

January 2, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Is this the way that you talk to your kids? Nope. Just stupid adults that should have had better parents…Hey NOW I see your interest/point regarding the spears story: That was your life and you were the kid with the TV-babysitter that did not know the difference between fiction/reality! Heck, if you are what is produced by these shows raising our kids: Please for the love of god stop the show!

I’m just trying to learn how to be as perfect as you.

Is that sarcasm from 5th grade I hear again? Keep acting like the fool at recess.

By korent

January 2, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

http://www-double-xxx-com.astoru.com >free nude men webcam http://johnsonoutdoor-com-homepage.astoru.com >gay cruising parks http://upskirt-pictures-rapidshare-co.astoru.com >justice league unlimited video game http://www-truck-shop.astoru.com >nannycams http://www-pregnantcoeds-com-members--.astoru.com >teen became a father http://www-celebrities-porno-com.astoru.com >get free copies of w-2 documents http://wwwwebcam-com.astoru.com >maturesexdates.cm http://www-18asians-com.astoru.com >bluegrass soccer games lexington ky http://private-hardcore-com-free.astoru.com >ring around the rosie 2006 movie http://aluminium-sections-uk.astoru.com >homosassa riverside resort

By JokesOn

January 2, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

TOJ, As much as your ranting entertains me I have to get back to the adults on my other blog for a bit. I’ll drop by tomorrow and make sure that someone changed you after messing yourself.

Have a great day and remember…wash that face;) No on likes a sour-pu$$.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

jokesOn

Wow, man. You really let me have it. I’ll bet that felt great. Good for you!!!

By NetBanker

January 2, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

~waving~ Hey Lozen! Happy New Year to you too! I hope you had a Merry Christmas. As I was discussing with friends at Christmas the sad thing about the Jamie Lynn story, as well as too many others, is that even if you don’t give a hoot it’s darn near impossible not to know about it. Unless you don’t read, listen to radio, watch TV, or interact with other humans you end up being bombarded with inane information. I’d rather more people be unable to escape news stories about solutions to traffic congestion than Hollywood’s trashy side.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

JokesOn

This is why I went for weeks without answering your posts. I don’t mind being “told off” by an imbecile, but it just makes you look so stupid that I felt bad.

I’m feeling sorry for you again, so in spite of your screaming from the sidelines like you have done for weeks, I’m going to need to cut you off again.

Have a good January, Joke.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

jokesOn

No on likes a sour-pu$$.

No on? LOL

By chuck

January 2, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Hmmm. Where are all the usual far left liberals when we have a question that blatantly shows that the obvious answers are in direct opposition to their ideals.

Too bad y’all can’t throw out your usual “keep your religious beliefs to yourself and let me live my life” type comments.

But, hey. Next week will have a whole new question and you’ll be right back at it.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

NetBanker

Good points. I had no idea that Brittany Spears even had a kid sister. And I tend to agree with many on here that say that the story is not important and then I go to Publix and read the magazine covers while I am standing in line at the counter. They must sell those things.

I liked the old style trash mags that had great headlines like “B-52 Found On Moon.” At least that shows some imagination.

At least cable news seems to be backing off this stuff. I’m sure once we put the next crook in the White House that all the star scandals will start making news again.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Chuck

Too bad y’all can’t throw out your usual “keep your religious beliefs to yourself and let me live my life” type comments.

Oh they already have. JokesOn and fx lit into me this morning for daring to suggest that there are real consequences for a teen aged girl having a baby out of wedlock.

They both went slobbering nuts, accusing me of judging girls, parents, producers, just everybody. fx was smart enough to know when to quit, but as usual, JokesOn was a joke, yet again.

They don’t come here to discuss issues, they only come here to preach, condemn and judge. They are what you might call FUNDIES.

By anon

January 2, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Too bad y’all can’t throw out your usual “keep your religious beliefs to yourself and let me live my life” type comments.

More proof that you two want the world to live by your religious beliefs. Next time you deny it, remember this post.

By NetBanker

January 2, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

I liked the old style trash mags that had great headlines like “B-52 Found On Moon.” Oh yes, I remember those. We used to pick them up to take on road trips and to the beach so we could have a good laugh along the way. I recall my mother buying one specifically for my brother because he bore a bit of a resemblence to “The Goat Boy who eats tin cans”

By HeeHaw

January 2, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

There was a B-52 found on the moon? Let me google that, that sounds interesting.

By chuck

January 2, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

the 4:15 post was not mine. Obviously some immature little name stealer lowlife.

fx, from the site you cited:

The Candidate(s) will now be presented.

Presenters I present these persons for Confirmation.

or I present these persons to be received into this Communion.

or I present these persons who desire to reaffirm their baptismal vows.

The Bishop asks the candidates

Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil?

Candidate I do.

Bishop

Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?

Candidate

I do, and with God’s grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord.

Sounds like exactly what I said.

By chuck

January 2, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

BTW name stealer…you really need to get a life.

By The Other Jack

January 3, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

Netbanker

I recall my mother buying one specifically for my brother because he bore a bit of a resemblence to “The Goat Boy who eats tin cans”

Wow. That is brutal.

The Star was a big one for all those stories. I just went and looked up the magazine. It is all about celebrities. Does anyone still do the “good stories” about pig men and space aliens?

OK. Here’s my idea: put out a supermarket rag that incorporates the old and the new:

Here are the headlines:

Brittney Spear’s a* found on moon. If not removed, it could knock the moon out of orbit.

Tom Cruise is really a space alien. Katy is shocked when she sees their two headed baby.

Brad Pitt dumps Angelina when he discovers that those large lips are really just swollen and infected from her secret life as a Hollywood Butt kisser.

Huh? Huh? Huh?

I ready to look for investors.

By SKINFAN

January 3, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Oh My Lord!!! Do you folks see some of the comments on this blog??!! IT IS NOT O.K. for a child to have a baby…EVER!! Any man who is in his 40’s who has sex with a child is and should be tried and convicted for his act. PERIOD. What happened to innocence? ZOEY is pregnant. Yes kids are having sex, heck we had sex when we were young too, but she and the young man need to be held accountable and the studio has a responsibility to let the young viewers know that there is a price for one’s actions and PARENTS NEED TO BACK THAT UP!! Stop trying to be a friend to the child and be an adult. I can’t beleive what I’m reading from the adults here….

By GOB

January 3, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

TOJ - It was actually the Weekly World News, not the Star. It is still around, but I dont think Publix or Kroger sell it.

By hipnoj

January 3, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

http://hptb-www-woodbine-ca.blackrom.com >goldwing express blue grass band http://www-conejitascolombianas-com.blackrom.com >what is glass made of http://www-bohn-nl.blackrom.com >friday movie poster http://tugjob-com-ybr-sbc.blackrom.com >true brew westport mass http://www-axa-assurance-fr.blackrom.com >theres this girl i dont know comes by every year or so lyrics http://www-cdgirl-com.blackrom.com >boysandgirlsclubsny http://www-desperados-tv-lang-en.blackrom.com >true brew westport mass http://www-farmsex-nl.blackrom.com >dominaring black lesbians http://www-pbandjdance-com.blackrom.com >stling balls and c** torture http://conny-com-torrent.blackrom.com >llove sex

By imwhoim

January 3, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Having had a child at the age of 16 and kept him I have very mixed feelings about this whole situation. I agree with SKINFAN that yes, there needs to be consequences, but isn’t giving up the rest of your childhood, being publicly scorned and for the most part humiliated by people that you don’t even know a consequence? I have no doubt that she is hearing the publics reactions and that she does feel shame, I know I did. I had friends that were no longer allowed to be my friend because their parents didn’t want that influence around them. Little did the parents know or even care to realize, I was the first to tell anyone that would listen to be careful not to get pregnant. I now feel as though if I could talk to at least 1 teenage girl and let her know how important it is not to get pregnant and to live her life before she settles down, has a child, and it actually resonates and helps her to make a better decision about safe sex, then I will feel fulfilled. I am by no means condoning the fact that this 16 year old “role model” is pregnant, however, I do not think that it is a situation to be swept under the rug and not talked about. I believe that parents should take this opportunity to discuss their beliefs on premarital sex (and not be hipocritical), their hopes for their children on the subject of sex (i.e. wait until you’re married) but most importantly discuss safe sex. Face facts, as teens, our offspring are going to do what they want. We can hope that we have lead them in the right direction and taught them all we can and instilled morals into them, but at the end of the day they are their own people with their own minds and hormones. There is nothing wrong with teaching them ways to prevent pregnancy and disease. My son is a “tween” now and we watch Zoey 101. We have discussed at almost nauseum the fact that Jaime Lynn as well as myself made poor decisions when we were 16. I have done the best with the hand I’ve been dealt and my son is happy, healthy, smart, and the best aspect of my life.

By JokesOn

January 3, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

imwhoim,

Thank you for posting. Your post echoes what I have been arguing against here: That this issue of spears being pregnant does not just get swept under the rug and forgot about. Instead of simply canceling her show, or replacing her; people could use it as a launching pad for those conversations so desperately needed between parents and their children in order to prevent their kids from missing their childhood.

Unfortunately some people see facing reality as a form of acceptance in these situations.

By NetBanker

January 3, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

ZOEY is pregnant.* No, she isn’t. Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant. Zoey is a fictional character on TV who doesn’t really exist.

…the studio has a responsibility to let the young viewers know that there is a price for one’s actions and PARENTS NEED TO BACK THAT UP!! The studio has zero responsibility of treaching young viewers about accountability and paying a price for one’s actions. That is the job of PARENTS…not schools, not day care, and not TV/Movie studios.

By NetBanker

January 3, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

ZOEY is pregnant.* No, she isn’t. Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant. Zoey is a fictional character on TV who doesn’t really exist.

…the studio has a responsibility to let the young viewers know that there is a price for one’s actions and PARENTS NEED TO BACK THAT UP!! The studio has zero responsibility of treaching young viewers about accountability and paying a price for one’s actions. That is the job of PARENTS…not schools, not day care, and not TV/Movie studios.

By lozen

January 3, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Hope everyone had great holidays, spent in politically correct ways of course ; -). I enjoyed sleeping late, lounging around, reading, listening to music, watching movies, working out, exchanging gifts, eating sweets without guilt, having great meals with friends and family. Even atheists enjoy holidays! So it’s a new year! I made one new year’s resolution: to drink more champagne this year.
Aren’t you all tired of this subject? The only interesting comment so far is from someone who asked about the father of her child. What are the consequences for him? Let’s invite him on the show and ask him a few questions!

By The Other Jack

January 3, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

GOB

That is a good one, but I do remember that the Star also did it. those were very entertaining.

By The Other Jack

January 3, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Netbanker

The studio has zero responsibility of treaching young viewers about accountability and paying a price for one’s actions. That is the job of PARENTS…not schools, not day care, and not TV/Movie studios.

In a perfect world, you are absolutely correct. But this is not a perfect world and the sad reality is that many parents will not teach their children.

I haven’t seen that show, but I know that many children’s shows are constantly teaching children about a lot of things that they will encounter in their life.

How do you feel about children and young teen oriented shows teaching kids about global warming and the “Green Movement?” I can’t imagine that you would have a problem with that.

I also can’t imagine why you would have a problem with such shows teaching young teens about the real consequences of having unprotected sex. Is saving the rain forest really that much more important than saving the teen’s future and dreams?

It might be to you, but it’s not your future or your dreams that will be given up for that mistake.

It is not the responsibility of the show to teach about global warming, but almost all of them are doing it. So why in the world, wouldn’t you support that show using this as an example to show teens what a real life with a real baby is all about?

That teenage girl, getting up for the 3AM feeding is going to care very little about the rain forest.

By No name please

January 3, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

…But this is not a perfect world and the sad reality is that many parents will not teach their children.

I made this very argument in many discussions supporting comprehensive (as opposed to selective) sex education in public schools, and for ease and availability of birth control for everyone who wants it. I was then reamed by those who think the parents and ONLY the parents have any business teaching children anything, even though, clearly, this approach leaves a void, the consequences of which are often placed in some measure upon the taxpayers and society at large.

That being said, I don’t give a rat’s fuzzy about this lame TV show or the latest celebrity gossip. The rapidly-mounting national debt and the long-term effects of this ongoing war in Iraq and its many casualties will likely affect our children’s lives and futures in ways most would rather not talk about. Will the columnists and bloggers talk about that? Nah. Much easier just to rage against the sl-t.

By Miracles Do Occur

January 3, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Thank you, Lord, for blessings received.

Best wishes to all the good people on W2W.

By lozen

January 3, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

No name please. I agree. Why do we constantly discuss lame stuff that doesn’t matter on this blog? Because it’s called “Woman to Woman” and they still follow that anachronistic idea that women are only interested in certain soft topics like love, home decorating, celebrity gossip, etc.?????

By Archie

January 3, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

I think TOJ’s 12:31 pm post is a good post. His post does not sound like a conservative vs liberal but that of practical vs impractical. My wife did discuss Zoey with my child and there is no ban on watching that show so Kimberly is right that you can use the situation to teach but I think TOJ is right that many people period could care less about the rainforest. You can’t gloss over teen pregnancy and Ms Spears is not a slut but you have to call wrong, wrong. I have not spent a lot of time thinking about this topic either, and I too, think it’s kind of lame but I see too much of the attitude that it’s liberal vs conservative and quite frankly, I don’t think in political terms when dealing with my family I think about what’s practical and whatever category that falls in so be it. Basically I think there are some good points made on both sides and really it’s not even necessary to argue because one can execute more than one point of view at a time.

By Archie

January 3, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Also let me say if the father of Spears’ child is on the show with her then his role should be recast too. Sex is a grown folk activity whether one likes that or not and the fact that teens engage in it does not change that fact. Young men have to be taught that they will face some consequences as well as the young women.

I don’t agree with Shanti’s last sentence because it’s a bit extreme but Andrea kinda glosses over things too much and does not really answer the topic question. To me this is a topic where opposing views can come together in a way.

By JokesOn

January 3, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

I have not spent a lot of time thinking about this topic either, and I too, think it’s kind of lame…

Although I do not care for the show or the person in any meaningful manner, I do think this is a fine topic. It addresses the conflict between ideal situations, realistic ones, socialization and asks if they all can coexist. No one thinks that all the shows, for children or adults, should be of the “Leave It To Beaver” ‘ideal’ types or stark realities that scare/condone certain behaviors. When those two collide though, we get into difficult waters.

By lozen

January 3, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

I caught a few minutes of one of the morning entertainment shows while on vacation and the hosts were interviewing some teens and an adult (I think she had written a book about teen sex). The teens said if parents knew what was going on with their kids, they wouldn’t let them out of the house. They said it’s considered uncool to be a virgin these days and everybody in their school is having sex. But oral sex mostly and they don’t consider that sex! I kept wanting someone to ask: do the boys perform, or is it just the girls doing it for the guys. Apparently teens still worry about pregnancy more than disease and that is very bad. Pregnancy can be taken care of in various ways, HIV is a death sentence. As old timers here know, I believe teen sex is a very natural thing. The thing that makes it a problem is living in a puritanical society that pretends teens don’t have sex. Instead of dealing with it and having ways to cope with the results, we stick our heads in the sand and live in fantasy. On the show, the teens said they believe parents know what’s going on, they just think other kids may do it but theirs won’t. Ha, ha, ha. Give them the information they need. Tell them if you want them to wait until marriage (and expect them to get married pretty young if they listen to you). But don’t expect them to wait until they finish college or grad school before they have sex!

By JokesOn

January 3, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Archie,

Question for you: I do not think the father is on the show, but lets say that he is the HS quarterback in his school and class president. Should he have to vacate those roles because he is considered a role model by children in his town? How about if she was the lead in a HS play? Or your babysitter?

It seems to be easily dismissed when discussing tv roles. But if you put it in a context that we can understand, it becomes tricky (for me anyways) pretty fast.

By lozen

January 3, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

JokesOn, let’s just say what if it’s your daughter or your son? I’ve seen strict catholics who were 100 percent against abortion change their minds (just this once) when their kid is the future mommy or daddy. But, from what I’ve read, it’s mostly older guys impregnating teen girls.

By JokesOn

January 3, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

JokesOn, let’s just say what if it’s your daughter or your son?

You did not provide a specific question, so I am guessing you are asking me to address the ones I posted to archie.

I would make sure they were completely informed on what decisions they had, and support them through their choice. I would be sure to explain what my choice would be, but would leave it at that and no more.

If they were thrown off the team/show/etc without having legal provisions in a contract stating that a defined level of morality must be kept, I would fight it; if that is what my child wished.

By Archie

January 3, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

If she were my babysitter I would have a problem with that situation. I think HS quarterback is different than being on tv in front of millions and having your personal situation straight out in the news. Someone would have to outright make it public knowledge similar to the way it was done in this case. If she was the lead in a HS play I say the same thing as I did about the quarterback. I don’t know any quarterbacks in Georgia high schools since I live in SC. Point blank I don’t think the quarterback or high school actor should have to vacate those roles. Good questions JokesOn but the situation you describe is not on the same level as the topic. I have a question, should Tom Brady get to endorse a cable channel? I ask that because Brady is a celebrity and a quarterback and Brady had two children out-of-wedlock last year. I personally like Tom Brady and he is a grown man so I would not have a problem with him endorsing a product. I don’t believe celebrities are role models but no one gets to do everything they want without consequences. But don’t expect them to wait until they finish college or grad school before they have sex! Some people have waited that long!!! When you look at disease,pregnancy,sexual addiction, it does not hurt if one has a rules-based view of sex. I don’t agree with a puritan view but you need to have some rules that you live by. Sex is not a play thing because so many marriages and lives have been destroyed by disease,sexual addiction, or even a pregnancy.

By JokesOn

January 3, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

But, from what I’ve read, it’s mostly older guys impregnating teen girls.

I agree. I also cannot remember ever hearing of a female senor in HS dating a freshman. Once I dated a girl for all of two weeks in that situation (girl was senor and I a freshman) and she got teased about having to drive and etc.

By Archie

January 3, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Having sex as a teen has a lot to with peer pressure moreso than any natural urges. My coworker who is much older than I was pregnant as a teenager and she said she did it because she thought,thought,thought her friend had copulated but her friend had lied to her. Peer pressure created a lot of anxiety for me as far as teen sex but I did not engage in any sex in high school and I can definitely say the wait or whatever it was did not ruin me as I have had some sex in my adult years. To teenagers reading this I will simply say life gets better and you don’t miss anything by waiting to have sex and please study all the information given to you.

By JokesOn

January 3, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Archie,

How about “The Brady Bunch” now that it has come out that there was some girl/girl experimentation between Jan and Marsha? Or the Mrs. Brady/Greg thing?

Seems we can easily dismiss those since they all have grown, or is it simply that we understand there are the people and then there are the roles?

Good questions JokesOn but the situation you describe is not on the same level as the topic. I have a question, should Tom Brady get to endorse a cable channel?

They may not be at the same level (viewers) but the people in the roles I described are one and the same: they are not actors. Also, the people associated with them probably more influenced than the kids watching zoey.

By Archie

January 3, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

You kinda of lost me with your 3:49 pm post JokesOn. I know nothing about the Brady bunch. High school quarterback and a young lady with a lead role in a high school play are not the same as this Zoey character. A parallel to Zoey would be Tom Brady or Halle Berry who are both public figures and both of those people had or will have a child out of wedlock. Frankly, a better parallel would be another teenager that is a public,public figure on a national scale.

I think a question to ask is how much information is too much information? Brandy Norwood also had an out-of-wedlock child but Brandy was a grown woman when the pregnancy occurred. Rather than just debate about Spears’ behavior why not let’s debate if we the public need to know certain things about these people. Anyway JokesOn clarify what you’re asking and I will answer it.

By JokesOn

January 3, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Rather than just debate about Spears’ behavior why not let’s debate if we the public need to know certain things about these people.

I agree.

As for the Brady Bunch reference: There have been MANY scandals in shows and people (kids too) paid it no mind what-so-ever.

Got really busy here, so I will try to talk more tomorrow.

By NetBanker

January 3, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

the sad reality is that many parents will not teach their children. But they’re perfectly willing to have schools and TV teach their children and complain about the job being done. I don’t care if studios provide programming that teaches children/tweens/teens lessons about pregnancy or the rain forest. I stand by my point that it is not their responsibility to do deliver anything other than entertainment. If parents want Zoey cancelled because of Jamie Lynn’s pregnancy then contact them to say so. They shouldn’t just expect a business to pull an entire season or complain about them not doing so if they don’t tell the studio exactly how they feel. And if they don’t get the result they want they need to realize that the studio is a business with contracts to employees and advertisers that are not negated by one person’s pregnancy even if that person is the main character on the show.

By RamblinLonghorn

January 3, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

God forbid the little bimbos in training read a book.

By NetBanker

January 3, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

I made one new year’s resolution: to drink more champagne this year. That is a great resolution, Lozen! I love champagne…and downed quite a bit of it on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. My fav is Veuve Clicquot…it’s somewhat pricey, but not in the league of Cristal expensive. Give it a try if you like dry champagnes rather than sweet.

I think JokesOn’s question about the quarterback is pretty darn valid given that someone people actually know is generally more a role model than a fictional character. Since we are in The South we all pretty much know that ain’t nothin’ gonna happen to the star quarterback on the HS football team if he gets some girl pregnant. The fact of the matter is we still live in a fairly misogynistic society that places the majority of the blame and consequences on the teen girl rather than the boy. It’s easier for the boy to escape consequences because you can’t look at a boy/man and know that he’s impregnated a girl/woman, but there’s no mistaking a pregnant female.

And maybe that should be the discussion here. Should there be some visible consequence for boys/men who get teen girls pregnant? Should they have to wear “The Scarlet Letter?” Or maybe one of those pregnancy suits so they can know what it feels like to bear that weight and be stared at in public?

By The Other Jack

January 4, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Archie

It would be very easy to condemn modern society for teens having sex so frequently. I went to school in the 60s and 70s and we were trying to boink anything and everything.

I went through the “my girlfriend is late” nightmare for almost an entire month. I wasn’t afraid of what society would say. I was pretty sure her dad would have killed me and buried my body in the woods behind their house.

Maybe that’s the issue. With so many broken homes, there are just not that many paternal Dads around to break out the old 12 guage.

By Jack

January 4, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Ditto on your 9:52 TOJ.

By JokesOn

January 4, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

And maybe that should be the discussion here. Should there be some visible consequence for boys/men who get teen girls pregnant? Should they have to wear “The Scarlet Letter?” Or maybe one of those pregnancy suits so they can know what it feels like to bear that weight and be stared at in public?

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was some simple way to do that without creating a total quagmire.

It, as usual, comes down to parents not doing their job and we, as people of the government, really cannot do anything but clean up the messes after they occur.

Given that, the next question is what can we do to clean up the messes and minimize the negative impacts, while remaining fiscally positive but refraining from enabling the behavior.

Quite a massive task that is created by parents not performing at par (to be grown-ups).

By JokesOn

January 4, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

I was pretty sure her dad would have killed me and buried my body in the woods behind their house.

Maybe that’s the issue. With so many broken homes, there are just not that many paternal Dads around to break out the old 12 guage.

Nice notion. If you look at your example though there is one major flaw: It did not stop you from performing the act. You still fooled around with her in spite of fearing the shotgun and I think that is totally relevant.

I think a much larger contribution is that kids now have plenty of places to fool around. Mom and dad are at work, or their friends parents are, or their other friend is 19+ and has an apartment, etc.

Tighter leashes one both sexes sounds more like the solution, which is affected by broken homes as well as many other factors.

By The Other Jack

January 4, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Jack

I didn’t post at 9:52. I hope you are talking about my 9:30 post

By JokesOn

January 4, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I didn’t post at 9:52. I hope you are talking about my 9:30 post

Too funny. I guess the up-skirt caught his eye;)

By Jack

January 4, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Sorry, my eyes are a bit fuzzy this morning. I’m needing my reading glasses more and more these days.

By The Other Jack

January 4, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Jack

Weird year so far. One of my resolutions was to get up an hour earlier but my alarm clock took a hit during one of the storms last week. But I have been waking up an hour earlier without it.

Even after a party that lasted until 3 AM, I woke up 3 hours later, wide awake and ready to go.

I should have resolved to grow my hair back. LOL

By Jack

January 4, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

As a parent telling Romeo & Juliet to stay apart is futile. The more you say no the more determined they get. BTW I never look at links because Big Brother is watching.

By NetBanker

January 4, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

I think a much larger contribution is that kids now have plenty of places to fool around. Mom and dad are at work, or their friends parents are, or their other friend is 19+ and has an apartment, etc. Very good point, JokesOn. Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s there were very few households in my neighborhood that had 2 working parents which meant that kids didn’t have an empty house available. Even if they did there was always some mother looking out the window or seeing what was going on while working in the garden or hanging up/taking in the laundry. Another difference in eras is that when one of those mothers called to let the parents know that their child might have been doing something wrong the response was a “Thank you for letting me know” while today I suspect the response is more likely to be “Mind your own damn business and stop spying on my kid.”

By Jack

January 4, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Remember that news special on the kids from Rockdale County? They had lots of fun while Mom & dad were at work.

By Caucus Carcass

January 4, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

I think Brittany Spears is dislexic, because she admitted that she was trying to moon the paparazzi in that limo when she shot that beaver….

By JokesOn

January 4, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

NetBanker,

So, if what we covered is accurate and there is no going back to one parent working/one parent staying at home, and government shouldn’t or cannot do the job what possible solutions are left? Beside evolving;)

By lozen

January 4, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Well, this blog has died a slow and painful death! The topics are more and more inane. It’s not worth wading through the spam. Almost all the good folks who were interesting to talk with are gone. Bruno got rid of quite a few and TOJ finished it off. I checked in a few times this week and decided I don’t want to participate in the pi—ing contest between TOJ and JokesOn. And so it goes… a couple of rotten apples….

 

Do Good Locally » Find nonprofit causes near you

Find more causes » List your nonprofit

Kudzu Services » Find the right people for the job