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Friday, February 22, 2008

Lowe's Pulls Out Of Big Brother

Hmmm. A reader sent me this link to an article this afternoon concerning the decision by home improvement chain, Lowe's, to stop advertising on Big Brother. Their decision is a result of Executive Director of Autism United, John Gilmore, and his demand for an apology from CBS concerning houseguest Adam Jasinski's "retard" comment. CBS refused to issue an apology and said that they decided to go ahead and air the segment but to also include Sheila's retaliatory comments.

I'm sorry but this controversy is growing a little long in the tooth though -- at least when it comes to folks demanding an apology from CBS. Don't get me wrong. I find Adam's use of the term "retard" absolutely atrocious. But why is that CBS' fault? Sure, they aired him saying that. They also aired Sheila's negative reaction to him saying that. Those of us who watch the feeds also know that Sheila didn't hide from nobody else in the house the fact that he said it and I don't recall anybody standing behind Adam on this one.

To put it mildly, the United Autism Foundation isn't even a real foundation. In case you're not aware of this, the group that Adam claimed to have worked for was this site. Please note the sketchy name of the website compared to the actual name of the foundation. Let me also tell you that earlier in the week there were goods for sale on the site (Adam's stapler, Adam's pen, Adam's t-shirt, etc) but those have been removed. Another website with a different web address is this one. Try clicking on some of those links on that site. See what happens? Now click on the "Donate" button on the upper right of that page. Now you're really seeing what I'm talking about aren't you?

Let's take a look at another piece of this puzzle. Below is a letter from the supposed President of this United Autism Foundation in response to an email of complaint that was sent through this page. It's a little long but it's worth the read.


Good afternoon,

This email is an Official Apology for any and all irresponsible, misleading and unprofessional comments made by Adam Jasinski on Big Brother 9, a CBS Reality TV Show, about children and adults who have been diagnosed with Autism.

In the name of the United Autism Foundation, I would like to apologize for all disrespectful comments made by Adam Jasinski on Big Brother 9 to the entire Autism Community as well as all children, adults and families who are affected by Autism.

I am aware that Adam Jasinski hurt many people in our country, but please understand that Adam does not represent the United Autism Foundation with his personal point of views or his personal believes.

Please accept my apologies and please keep in mind that the United Autism Foundation is committed to help special needs children in order to improve our society today. UNIAF is committed to support our community, and we need your support to make a difference.

The United Autism foundation is not all about Adam Jasinski - UNIAF is trying to create awareness in order to help and support all those who have been diagnosed with autism.

At the time when Big Brother started, Adam Jasinski was no longer employed by UNIAF since we had to downsize the foundation because of the lack of financial support in early January 2008. Adam wanted to volunteer and mentioned that if he is going to Big Brother he would like to get attention in order to get funds for the foundation.

Unfortunately I was not aware what he was planning to say on the show. Obviously he cannot represent or even work for the United Autism Foundation after his Big Brother time. The foundation suffered tremendous because of his remarks - Adam caused more damage to the foundation than doing anything positive.

AGAIN, I AM SORRY AND I DEEPLY APOLOGIZE FOR THOSE COMMENTS MADE BY ADAM JASINSKI ON BIG BROTHER 9.

Respectfully,
Olaf Hampel
President
United Autism Foundation


What are your thoughts after reading that letter combined with everything else you've read in this post so far? That's what I thought.

Now let me ask you this. Would you have rather CBS not aired him saying that at all? Of course, that would mean that Sheila's reaction wouldn't have been aired either. Tto add to that, the chances of him being outed as a fraud might have been greatly diminished. Adam Jasinski and his cohort(s) should have much more to answer to than his use of a derogatory term.

While I don't feel that CBS should be issuing an apology for Adam's use of the word "retard", I do believe that CBS should issue an apology for not doing their due diligence well enough. The person(s) who checked into Adam Jasinski's background should be fired -- no questions asked. The fact that he's on Big Brother earning a guaranteed weekly stipend that could be used to perhaps further perpetuate fraud when he is evicted is outrageous.

What are your thoughts on all of this? Fire away in the comments below!

ETA on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - Adam has been fired. From the UNIAF website:

The UNITED AUTISM FOUNDATION does not agree with any and all irresponsible comments made by Adam Jasinski about children and adults who have been diagnosed with autism.

AUTISM is one of the fastest growing disorders in the country. Unfortunately, Adam Jasinski made some comments, which are not acceptable and we deeply apologize to all those who are affected by this overseen disorder.

UNIAF is trying to create awareness and help all those who have been diagnosed with autism. UNIAF does not agree with any personal comments made by Adam Jasinski. Mr. Jasinski will no longer work for or represent the United Autism Foundation since he caused tremendous damage to UNIAF.

Posted by HamsterDame at February 22, 2008 03:00 PM

Comments

I just dont get how a guy that worked for this company then ask to volunteer for this organazation. Say what he said. You would think by his previous actions he cares/beleives for the cause. wierd

Posted by: Shawn at February 22, 2008 03:21 PM

I guess Sheila's initial instinct was right, although not necessarily for the right reasons. Now Adam has gone from appearing insensitive to down-right shady. And he'll probably be as stunned by the fallout when he gets out of the house as Whamber was last season.

HD, thanks so much for the info!

Posted by: Briget at February 22, 2008 03:36 PM

Looks like a fake charity, doesn't it? I don't know what the exact percentage is, but apparently it is perfectly legal to set up a charity, solicit contributions, and keep something like 80% or 85% to be used for anything at all as long as a token amount goes to the cause that the "charity" supposedly represents. Nobody with a legit organization is gonna call the people that they want to help "retards."

Posted by: gray at February 22, 2008 04:08 PM

If you google UNIAF the top link is UNIAF.org, and all it says when you click on it is some generic looking graphics that say the site will go live when Adam is released from Big Brother. WTF? This to me, is way worse than Whamber's remarks. Amber's remarks were hurtful, but it was just plain ignorance on her part. She wasn't attempting to scam people out of money! I hope this gets the media attention that Amber's anti-semitic words got. Thank you for posting this HD!

Posted by: Stephie at February 22, 2008 04:51 PM

Sure seems like Adam is shady in and out of the house. Ignoring the first big blow up that Sheila had when he called her ma... I have not had a good feeling about him. Just something about the way he acts and talks made me uneasy, as in - would not want to be caught in a dark alley by him. This just confirms, Women's intuition can be a good indicator.

HD thanks for the links so we can have a better picture of what is really going on.

Posted by: Sleepyeye9 at February 22, 2008 04:53 PM

I am really appauled at this and your last post regarding Natalies dance. Not at you HD, just this situation. This BB is so far out there, it is unbelievable!!!!!
I thought it was disgusting when Ericka was on the table and had Boogie? licking something off her, but this group crosses all lines. What a bunch of sick twists. The HG's that is!!
And you are right, whom ever did the checks into Adam, I would hope is gone by now. Just the info alone deserves a penalty eviction! Bring back Parker!
This season bothers me. Trying my best to get into it, but everyday there is a new crop of filth to look at on any site, or some other dirty little secret getting out.(James porn past, Nats a stripper and gives BJ's in front of anyone, including her own family who may be watching, Allisons a gambling fool, Ryan's a racist, Adam is a fraud.) Whats next?? Is this part of the game? Doubt it.
I really worry that CBS will shit can the entire BB game. Someone please tell me that won't happen!

Posted by: diff at February 22, 2008 05:02 PM

Go to the CBS community forums and read the posts about the supposed foundation Adam worked for. It's bogus per the state of Florida. All links on their website go back to Adam's bb9 page and it's a solicitation for funds!

Olaf couldn't be traced nor could anything legit be found about the foundation. If you read his 'letter' you'll notice a number of grammatical and spelling errors -- also not something a legit organization would publish and very similar to what was issued just a few days after the beginning of all of this talk.

From HD - Of course it's bogus. That was the point of this post.

An article from Miami's CBS affiliate on the matter at hand: Click here to read

Posted by: bbsak at February 22, 2008 05:56 PM

HD, I totally agree with your words:

"I do believe that CBS should issue an apology for not doing their due diligence well enough. The person(s) who checked into Adam Jasinski's background should be fired -- no questions asked."

And I think that Sheila's initial reaction to Adam was sheer, right-on "women's instinct." Clearly, she could have expressed herself a little more tactfully. But imagine arriving in the BB house, and learning you had to sleep with this guy every night!

It would be better (and more interesting!) if BB9 had more diversity, age-wise, ethnicity-wise, etc. I guess I'm still nostalgic for BB1, although I don't miss the part where the public evicted the houseguests.

All in all, I'd say that CBS/BB9 was aiming for an especially trashy show, and it's getting one.

Posted by: Annie Dee at February 22, 2008 06:15 PM

A major part of the appeal of Big Brother is that the show presents people as they are. What they say, what they do--it's an experiment in watching other people's behavior. Sometimes, that behavior isn't what we'd like it to be. People should no more be blaming CBS for that than they should blame their local TV news for covering a shooting. If it happened, it happened. Adam is sketchy to say the least, and there won't be many people who disagree after seeing his behavior. But boycott the show? I would sooner boycott honesty itself.

Posted by: PJ at February 22, 2008 06:43 PM

I just read that Amanda just fainted and went into seizures for low blood sugar! WTF!!! REad Jokers Update! Happened at 6:35 pacific!

Posted by: Lisa at February 22, 2008 06:49 PM

Amanda just passed out due to hypoglycemia brought on by slop and then had a seizure.

Posted by: smokey at February 22, 2008 06:50 PM

Off the subject here but have you seen the gay porn and pics of JAMES???

From HD - Yes, I have! It's been brought up many times in the comments here too. LOL! BTW, hey there! :)

Posted by: staci at February 22, 2008 06:57 PM

well, adam will gain notoriety but just not for what he wants when he gets out. BURN!

Posted by: calie44 at February 22, 2008 07:12 PM

lol hey lady, hope all is well. I guess I am out of the loop! I just found it. I will have to pay better attention.

From HD - No worries girlfriend! LOL

Posted by: staci at February 22, 2008 07:23 PM

Adam's comment at the start of the show was so out of place for someone in his position it struck me as bizzare. Then I hear some of his life stories from the feeds and I begin to think this guy is just out there. Then these stories about the foundation and its web page that seems to only sell or have you donate stuff is more bizarre. I would expect pictures of how the foundation is helping people. This just seems so fishy. I hope some media outlets do some diggins on this Olaf Hampel guy. Wouldn't it be funny to see Adam evicted from the house right into jail? LOL!!!!

Posted by: BBFANTO at February 22, 2008 10:11 PM

Well, to hear Adam talk on the feeds, he sells himself for money, runs girls, sells drugs, and works with retards. Maybe he really means the people he sells to are retards. I've worked with autistic children before. Most I've seen have normal intelligence. The one child I worked with that didn't wasn't diagnosed correctly for several years. Early childhood education minimizes the handicap in many autistic children. I think Adam's organization is fraudulent. If it was real, he would know that a large proportion of autistic people are able to lead normal lives.

Posted by: sandic at February 23, 2008 12:05 AM

ITA with you. Adam J has more to worry about than an apology. I do believe that BB9/CBS should kick him out of the house. Knowing that he is a fraud and that they are taking part in fraudulous matters should be enough to oust him from the house. I think either Jacob or Parker should be brought back as Sheilas' partner. CBS would do well and would show some dignity if they get this guy out of the house. He is doing damage to the integrity of the game. I also think he should not receive any monetary gains from this fraud that he is perpetrating. IMO the person or persons who do background checks on these people should be chastised and given a strict warning if not downright loosing their position, downsizing is a fit punishment imo. I wouldn't want anyone to loose their livelihood over a man like this. But something should be done to make whomever is in charge of this dept or job come to attention at what carelessness in doing their job can lead up to. BB9 could well do without Adam in the house, but can CBS continue to be bombarded because of this man? ONLY they can answer that.
From all I have read, Adam J. will be going to jail or at the least be arrested when he leaves the house for some pretty serious crimes. Every time he is on the screen I want to shake him. He is a disgrace. Enough drama is to be had in the house without all of the mess this man made outside of the house adding to it. He really must go. This is all JMHO...Peace and Love :)

Posted by: gerry at February 23, 2008 12:48 AM

I totally agree with Gerry. These HGs are the lowest of the low, with maybe 1-2 exceptions. And Adam should be evicted, right now, no question about it. He is a criminal, pure and simple.

I know the comment I'm going to make right now will not be a popular one, but bring back EvelDick! He has redeeming value and was playing a game. Who among this cast are actually playing the game, as opposed to, for the most part, trying to get air time any way they can, including getting totally smashed to the point of passing out (James), having explicit sex, parading around the house nude or nearly nude time and again, etc.

Maybe I wouldn't choose to play the game the way that Dick did, by saying the things he said. But I would think most people would agree that he was very entertaining. Yes, he was at times hateful and then other times he had an endearing and sensitive nature, then he could be hysterically funny.

This version of BB is not entertaining in a good way and, in fact, makes me kind of ill; and even though I continue to watch (but for how much longer I'm not sure), it's not the obsession of BB8. I would absolutely take any of the HGs from BB8 over this cast!

Posted by: Pat at February 23, 2008 11:51 AM

I'm glad that someone who is paying the bills (Lowes) is taking a position about this low life and his comments. I did not like them either and the only thing that CBS cares about is ratings and selling commercials. Yes, this is one ho of a season on BB.

Posted by: rca at February 23, 2008 12:05 PM

I totally agree with Pat's comments this BB is so bad.Ed was at times crude but he was the show and the ratings showed that.This cast do not know how to play the game and I can't believe that BB would put a cast in that know nothing about the game "SAD".I hope this isn't ruined for BB10 and BB have learned something from this??I won't comment on James until he gets out and can defend himself I think some of the things he does say are offensive but I also think he says things to act cool and isn't thinking IMO.Thank you HD for all the infro that u go out of your way so we know WTF is going on:) again your site is the best.Hope everyone is having a good day.
Peace&love Donna

Posted by: donna at February 23, 2008 04:57 PM

I have a daughter with Autism, and Adam's remarks, I take it as ignorance on his part. I don't blame CBS for this. They have no control on what people say and do. He is the one who made the remark and he will pay the consequences for it. I suspect he will no longer be working for this foundation, if it is a true foundation for Austism.I really have never heard of this foundation but there are good sites for this like Autism Speaks and autism society of america.That does give information about this. I think that Lowe's is going a little overboard on this. In reality there are people out there that say stupid things about what they don't really know about and yes they take advantage of others. I love my daughter and I am very proud of her accompishments, I tell her everyday how smart she is and how blessed I am to have her in my life. So the Adam's in this world can say whatever they want, I can just turn the other cheek.

Posted by: Linda at February 23, 2008 06:49 PM

HD - Even after reading your post, there are many who still don't "get" it. Shawn, the first poster, is just one example. So - - there will likely be those taken in by the scam, down the road. Why, instead of refusing to apologize, didn't CBS call this website and foundation out for what it is? Why did Lowe's allow itself to fold because of the public allegations of a con? If CBS won't 'reveal' it for what it is, and if Lowe's will buy into its allegations, then what will prevent the ordinary schmuck from donating?

From HD - No idea Coleen. No idea.

Posted by: Coleen with one "l" at February 25, 2008 01:09 PM

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