The Duggars: In the Media and TLC

[Churchhoney]

Ugh, the Duggars posted this on their Facebook page. God and Jebus are getting all the credit, despite doing sweet fuck all.

 

God and Jesus don't have very good aim, since to get this guy released they had to release four other people, too.

 

And then of course there's the little matter of his wife's allegations of abuse and porn addiction against this guy. I'm guessing the Duggs' unadulterated joy over his release tells us a bit about how they really feel about Anna and Josh.

[SometimesBites]

Hi guys. Couldn't decide whether to share this in the Josh thread or here; I decided here since it also addresses JB and Big Daddy Seewald's support of Josh directly after the molestation bomb dropped. So it's older--filmed back at the end of May, but it is VERY well argued. They hit several points quite clearly. Whatever your politics might be otherwise, The Young Turks got this right.

[NoThyme]

You don't have to imagine it, you just described Saudi Arabia. And every other ultra-Conservative Islamic society.

 

The likes of Huckabee and the Duggers, I always think, really want Christian sharia.

 

We can hope 60 Minutes is working on a Gothard expose.

Vernicious thank you for clearly pointing this out. In all honesty, I was a bit nervous to come out and say that they want woman to live like many are forced to live in some Middle Eastern countries. I truly think that they use some of the same recruitment techniques used to convert people to extremist groups. It is brainwashing. When people are forced to blindly follow another person, to accept what they are told without question, are actually punished if they begin to question it is brainwashing. That is how the Duggar children have been raised. What makes it worse is that the Duggars makes their money spotlighting their family and their beliefs. Even if the parents wanted to go back to how they were raised they can't as everything they've built is due to the life they publicly portray. They are in with the right wing politicians and are celebrities in their religion. The truth is the more publicity they get the more money their home church gets from supporters plus the money from TLC. JB is a very rich and sly man. He has built an small empire with multiple houses and businesses as well as a couple of planes. I am surprised 60 minutes or some group hasn't done an expose of them, their religion and laws.

[kandinski]

Vernicious thank you for clearly pointing this out. In all honesty, I was a bit nervous to come out and say that they want woman to live like many are forced to live in some Middle Eastern countries. I truly think that they use some of the same recruitment techniques used to convert people to extremist groups. It is brainwashing. When people are forced to blindly follow another person, to accept what they are told without question, are actually punished if they begin to question it is brainwashing. That is how the Duggar children have been raised. What makes it worse is that the Duggars makes their money spotlighting their family and their beliefs. Even if the parents wanted to go back to how they were raised they can't as everything they've built is due to the life they publicly portray. They are in with the right wing politicians and are celebrities in their religion. The truth is the more publicity they get the more money their home church gets from supporters plus the money from TLC. JB is a very rich and sly man. He has built an small empire with multiple houses and businesses as well as a couple of planes. I am surprised 60 minutes or some group hasn't done an expose of them, their religion and laws.

Especially with Jill and Dericks begging bowl ministry,why isnt someone investigating them,or maybe they are we just dont know.

[kokapetl]

There's photos of the TTH "treehouse" on pickles Facebook. It's more of a jetty looking thing being built around a tree in the ditch out front.

[Barbie]

There's photos of the TTH "treehouse" on pickles Facebook. It's more of a jetty looking thing being built around a tree in the ditch out front.

I think that it looks to close to the road for the little kids "those precious grandbabies"

[JoanArc]

 

 

Looks potentially dangerous to me.

[GeeGolly]

Looks like a ramp so far ...

[Mollie]

Maybe it will be wheelchair accessible.

[kokapetl]

Maybe it will be wheelchair accessible.

That'll be useful when the first child falls 5 metres and breaks their neck.

[Absolom]

That's so odd looking.  I hope it isn't finished and they plan on adding railings.  Whatever is it's purpose though except as episode fodder?  A real tree house could have been nice.

Edited January 18, 2016 by Absolom

[Vaysh]

That piece of land is so strange looking to me. They've lived in that house for what, a decade now? Yet there is nothing there. No garden, no landscaping, no pathways, no nothing. Just a big barn of a house on top of a mound of dirt with a few scattered trees to the side. What's the point of buying that much land if you're not going to use it for anything? They could've turned it into a nice low-maintenace park with shade and evergreens and a bit of shielding shrubbery to stop any random passersby from taking pictures of their house. One would think some privacy at least would be a priority when your kids are on television.

[Churchhoney]

That's so odd looking.  I hope it isn't finished and they plan on adding railings.  Whatever is it's purpose though except as episode fodder?  A real tree house could have been nice.

 

They've got fairly small trees. It may be that a substantial-sized treehouse actually elevated in a tree isn't feasible. In the treehouse world, there are lots of platform-type treehouses among trees and sometimes anchored onto those trees because they're safer and more feasible to build -- they can be much bigger. And they often start with ramps, because that's how you get into the house and it's often an integral part of the structure. I'm sure this will have sides and a roof of some kind.

 

That said, I'm sure it's production-driven. Although maybe some of the kids have said they'd like a treehouse -- because who wouldn't like a retreat from the TTH? I suggest that Jana pack up her furniture, chat up somebody at the lumber yard who'll sneak into the compound after hours and put a little stove and an electrical hookup on there, and then move in as soon as the walls are up. She can put marbles on the ramp for Jim bob.

[louannems]

Well, I assume that's only the base and the finished product will have railings and stairs leading up to a cool 2nd floor with a look out tower and a cozy reading nook. And a curvy, long slide coming off the top on the outside. But we all know what happens when U-ASS-U-ME!

[Missy Vixen]

They've got fairly small trees. It may be that a substantial-sized treehouse actually elevated in a tree isn't feasible. In the treehouse world, there are lots of platform-type treehouses among trees and sometimes anchored onto those trees because they're safer and more feasible to build -- they can be much bigger. And they often start with ramps, because that's how you get into the house and it's often an integral part of the structure. I'm sure this will have sides and a roof of some kind.

 

The treehouse in question is not being built by anyone who knows what they're doing. I predict some type of epic collapse and resulting injuries. (And screaming headlines/video.)

.

[Churchhoney]

The treehouse in question is not being built by anyone who knows what they're doing. I predict some type of epic collapse and resulting injuries. (And screaming headlines/video.)

.

 

May well be true!    I was sort of thinking that this whole thing was producer driven, in which case TLC would have a hand in directing the building, the same way they did with the TTH, which has prevented it from falling down. (so far, anyway)   

 

I mean, who among the actual Duggars would have initiated this project? JIzm Bob? Drugged-out Momma? I doubt it.

[Missy Vixen]

May well be true!    I was sort of thinking that this whole thing was producer driven, in which case TLC would have a hand in directing the building, the same way they did with the TTH, which has prevented it from falling down. (so far, anyway)   

 

Let's issue a challenge to TLC: I'll bet they don't have the balls to invite the Property Brothers' crew or anyone who has knowledge of modern building codes (BESIDES the Benham Brothers) to inspect the TTH and that ridiculous treehouse. On camera. I wouldn't let anyone I cared about stay overnight in the TTH; beside the chance of encountering Joshley Madison, they've already shown by the "bedroom" Bin was staying in that they don't give a damn about building codes or safety. (No escape route in case of fire from that bedroom, for starters.)

 

Actually, the thought they may care about anything but profit/ratings at TLC is laughable.

Edited January 18, 2016 by Missy Vixen

[MyPeopleAreNordic]

The tree house (and I realize that's most likely just the beginning of it and not the finished project) looks terrifying.

[Churchhoney]

Well, I hate to be the one defending anything on the Duggar property. But while I haven't seen a lot of treehouses being constructed, I've seen a few -- and they all look terrifying in the early stages. (and a lot look terrifying forever -- on purpose, in fact)

 

That's sort of the nature of a treehouse. It starts out as a bunch of sticks stuck up somewhere holding some sort of platform on high, where you feel as if no sticks or platform should really be. And in the end, what a treehouse is -- and what you want it to be -- is a bunch of sticks stuck up somewhere holding a platform on high, where no sticks or platform should really be.

 

If they have any help or instructions for building this treehouse, it will probably be just fine. I don't think much of TLC-the-network's ethics. But I also think the TLC producers probably do want the structure they're filming to at least stand up.

[JoanArc]

 

She can put marbles on the ramp for Jim bob.

More like a drawbridge.

[JoanArc]

 

And let us not forget the surrounding cell tower

Really, that's near the house?

 

 

A house that is an auditorium rather than a welcoming home and a yard that is left to look ghetto is just one more piece of evidence of the the obvious dearth of Duggar smarts and creativity.

Honestly, it's one of the most un-homey homes I've seen, especially on TV.

[Churchhoney]

More like a drawbridge.;

 

I don't know. I kind of like the idea of him charging across the ramp, taken by surprise, scrambling like a lunatic on the hundreds of glassy marbles, and then falling onto his head into the ravine, with a big stick angled into his eye.

 

Something in that image just really appeals to me. Can't imagine what. ;  )

I've never thought about that. Arkansas is very well-known for its arboretums and parks. They could have really created a beautiful arboretum across the entire property. They wouldn't even need to pay for upkeep if they allowed local flower gardeners to rent plots. 

 

You mean let heathens with rakes and hoes within viewing distance (and spitting distance and storm the gates with flaming torches distance) of the TTH? Sounds Daynjerss to me, Ethel.

[GeeGolly]

I don't know. I kind of like the idea of him charging across the ramp, taken by surprise, scrambling like a lunatic on the hundreds of glassy marbles, and then falling onto his head into the ravine, with a big stick angled into his eye.

 

Something in that image just really appeals to me. Can't imagine what. ;  )

 

You mean let heathens with rakes and hoes within viewing distance (and spitting distance and storm the gates with flaming torches distance) of the TTH? Sounds Daynjerss to me, Ethel.

And they might wear bikini tops and shorts. We can't have that!

[Missy Vixen]

And they might wear bikini tops and shorts. We can't have that!

OMG! What if someone decides to MOW THE FRONT LAWN IN A BIKINI?

 

J-Chelle would call the National Guard -- right after she put on HER bikini and wrestled that lawn mower away!

Edited January 19, 2016 by Missy Vixen

[Barb23]

Well, I assume that's only the base and the finished product will have railings and stairs leading up to a cool 2nd floor with a look out tower and a cozy reading nook. And a curvy, long slide coming off the top on the outside. But we all know what happens when U-ASS-U-ME!

Your description sounds great but remember this is the Duggars - no reading nook for them. Maybe a Prayer Closet instead?

[Vermicious Knid]

Flagellation Closet? Or is that a different type of fundy?

[MunichNark]

Everything about their house is very generic, isn't it? Their decorating, their rooms, their garden or lack thereof.......none of them seems to care, or is allowed to care.

 

Having greenery would, of course, mean somebody has to be responsible and that is something they aren't capable of being

[Missy Vixen]

Hopefully, this is the correct forum to post this in. If it is not, mods, I apologize and perhaps it could be moved.

 

Posters have discussed the Duggars' incessant Instagramming of fast food and other items on their accounts. If anyone would like a short read on the phenomenon of reality stars and others getting paid for posting photos of what they're eating or shopping for, here it is. In other words, the Duggars are not doing this for fun. It's an income stream.

 

http://jezebel.com/heres-how-much-celebrities-make-in-the-instagram-produc-1740632946

[GeeGolly]

Everything about their house is very generic, isn't it? Their decorating, their rooms, their garden or lack thereof.......none of them seems to care, or is allowed to care.

 

Having greenery would, of course, mean somebody has to be responsible and that is something they aren't capable of being

Their decorating consists of what TLC did, with some added family pictures and taped up quotes. With the exception of the girls' dorm which Michelle's "best friend" helped them redo. I bet the artificial greenery that TLC brought in is covered with 10(?) year old grime. It doesn't look like they have touched anything since they've moved in.

[Almost 3000]

Their decorating consists of what TLC did, with some added family pictures and taped up quotes. With the exception of the girls' dorm which Michelle's "best friend" helped them redo. I bet the artificial greenery that TLC brought in is covered with 10(?) year old grime. It doesn't look like they have touched anything since they've moved in.

Well Michelle did do that helpful tutorial on recovering bar stools.

[Tabbygirl521]

Well Michelle did do that helpful tutorial on recovering bar stools.

I read this as "recovering her stools" and assumed it was something practical to do with plumbing.

[mimionthebeach]

I'm guessing Grandma Yetta gets so sick of her patriarch's constant pawing her and kissing for the cameras. Look at the man's hand on her again in this pic - as if she's an errant puppy who might not remain in her 'STAY!' position. That man just grosses me out like no other.

And you know the hand we can't see is holding her firmly to heel.

[Joe Jitsu913]

That links dead now, here's the original.

I guess the party couldn't refuse JimBob access due to membership and his former state senator thing, and everyone else is his guest.

Michelle's top is very Grandma Yetta.

Aww...look at Jim Blob holding onto Michelle. It's like he's worried some heathen might woo Michelle and steal her and her possum mullet away forever. Bless his heart. Or maybe he's afraid her Magical Mullet™ will sprout wings and allow her to fly away from Gothardland.

[Barb23]

Plastic plants and bible verses sum up Duggar decor. Not ONE piece of nonreligious art. And if you can recall the hovel the patriarch had them in before the TLC $ Train arrived, Ma had taken a cheap looking piece of ruffle and draped it around a bunch of wall hung pics of the blessings as infants. A regular Martha Stewart is that one. Fundie style.

Can anyone dig up a photo showing this? Or is it shown on the original special?

[louannems]

Well Michelle did do that helpful tutorial on recovering bar stools.

Yes, but recovering the bar stool was only done to make a TV episode. No camera rolling, no more recovering. We've recently seen micropreemie Josie sitting on a spikey, non-cushioned bar stool!

[galax-arena]

Hopefully, this is the correct forum to post this in. If it is not, mods, I apologize and perhaps it could be moved.

 

Posters have discussed the Duggars' incessant Instagramming of fast food and other items on their accounts. If anyone would like a short read on the phenomenon of reality stars and others getting paid for posting photos of what they're eating or shopping for, here it is. In other words, the Duggars are not doing this for fun. It's an income stream.

 

http://jezebel.com/heres-how-much-celebrities-make-in-the-instagram-produc-1740632946

Remember how ugly Josh's food photos were? If a company was actually paying him for that, I hope they got a refund!

[Missy Vixen]

The patriarch had them all squashed into a tiny, CRAPPY rental home that they had to vacate because it was slated for demolition, so the episode, if memory serves, included the big move to the auditorium. There was at least one shot of the ruffle-ized photo wall in the about-to-be demolished rental home. Ma and Pa took the quivers to watch the hovel's demolition.

Imagine how lavish a home could have been had in Arkansas for the $250,000 Jim Boob blew on his Senate campaign.

[kokapetl]

I think all the pre "& counting" specials are on YouTube, they weren't part of the series and so they weren't re-aired endlessly, so TLC doesn't seem to care.

[Barb23]

Too bad, because they were real gems. Frumpers galore and Mullet's weird short curls in front of her ears, with longish roadkill down her back.

Not to mention the horrific lipstick.

[Joe Jitsu913]

Not to mention the horrific lipstick.

With the grotesque red blush and clown collars.

[louannems]

And all the boys always wearing church pants and matching polo shirts, every single button buttoned.

[kokapetl]

Too bad, because they were real gems. Frumpers galore and Mullet's weird short curls in front of her ears, with longish roadkill down her back.

There's a photo of Michelle in hospital after I think Jennie's birth, and the mullet literally looks like a dead animal sitting on the pillow next to her head.

[Barb23]

Forgot what thread it was mentioned in, but poster said Duggars & friends are supposed to be going to an abortion rally via the Stinkbus in DC tomorrow. I hope they rethink their plans. I'm in Maryland & a blizzard is heading our way tomorrow afternoon/evening with predictions of 1-2 feet of snow when it ends on Sunday. I can see these idiots coming (with no winter gear) & hoping to leave by the time the snow starts. We are talking Duggar time here & they don't have the Joshley estate to crash at nor can I see Boob dusting off his wallet for them to stay in a pricey Motel 6 on the outskirts of DC. Of course, they don't even think of the safety of their own family & others on the road. I can picture the news showing a barely empty highway with the Stinkbus in a snow drift telling us how stupid these people are.

[Lemur]

Forgot what thread it was mentioned in, but poster said Duggars & friends are supposed to be going to an abortion rally via the Stinkbus in DC tomorrow. I hope they rethink their plans. I'm in Maryland & a blizzard is heading our way tomorrow afternoon/evening with predictions of 1-2 feet of snow when it ends on Sunday. I can see these idiots coming (with no winter gear) & hoping to leave by the time the snow starts. We are talking Duggar time here & they don't have the Joshley estate to crash at nor can I see Boob dusting off his wallet for them to stay in a pricey Motel 6 on the outskirts of DC. Of course, they don't even think of the safety of their own family & others on the road. I can picture the news showing a barely empty highway with the Stinkbus in a snow drift telling us how stupid these people are.

 

So, let's just say they don't get out of town on time ... and the Stinkbus gets snowed in on I-85.

 

How long before they devolve into cannabalism?

[kokapetl]

JimChelle would be reliant on Jana and Jinger doing the work. Jinger doesn't eat, Jana is probably bad in a Sophie's Choice situation.

[MonicaM]

Forgot what thread it was mentioned in, but poster said Duggars & friends are supposed to be going to an abortion rally via the Stinkbus in DC tomorrow. I hope they rethink their plans. I'm in Maryland & a blizzard is heading our way tomorrow afternoon/evening with predictions of 1-2 feet of snow when it ends on Sunday. I can see these idiots coming (with no winter gear) & hoping to leave by the time the snow starts. We are talking Duggar time here & they don't have the Joshley estate to crash at nor can I see Boob dusting off his wallet for them to stay in a pricey Motel 6 on the outskirts of DC. Of course, they don't even think of the safety of their own family & others on the road. I can picture the news showing a barely empty highway with the Stinkbus in a snow drift telling us how stupid these people are.

I seriously doubt the Duggar's are taking that kind of trip at their own expense.  My guess is that some right wing religious organization is underwriting their travel expenses, so they'll stay in something a lot nicer than a Motel 6, and they won't care if the trip gets extended due to weather.  

 

The Duggar's have two financial rules.  Number two is "buy used and save the difference".  Number one is "never pay for anything yourself unless you are desperate!!".  

[Missy Vixen]

So, let's just say they don't get out of town on time ... and the Stinkbus gets snowed in on I-85.

 

How long before they devolve into cannabalism?

$20 to the local food bank says that they're filming the entire thing. After all, TLC must have content!

[Sew Sumi]

Let's not start unfounded rumors. I said that there was a rally in DC and WONDERED if they would be going, especially in light of the incoming blizzard. We don't know if they're going or not. But the blizzard isn't coming in until the afternoon, so the rally will be over. Now, they could get caught on the road in it, but if I live on the other side of the country and knew about this storm a week ago, I'm sure the Duggars checked the forecast and possibly reconsidered any plans they might have had to go. 

 

IOW, I doubt we'll see any pictures of them in DC. 

[kokapetl]

I doubt the stink bus isn't jam packed above it's legal capacity, how cold would it need to be to take off the humid fecal sauna edge in that thing?

[Aja]

It's not totally unreasonable to assume they would at least try to go, though, since they are literally obsessed with my personal uterus.