The Bravo Thread

[mezzoforte]

Until about an hour ago, I'd been up in the air as to whether we really needed a Bravo thread.

Then I checked Gawker and realized we absolutely do. THIS must be discussed.

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/u_GHgQ9PSII" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And also, THIS.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q295/GraceChristine/062911_luann_de_lesseps_600110629130052110629164923.jpg

The housewives have taught me many lessons through the years, but chief among them: white chicks choose the worst weaves.

[HejiraNYC]

...and the worst plastic surgeons.

http://popbytes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/jill-zarin-plastic-surgery1.jpg

Although I have to admit that the NY plastic surgeons tend to exercise a bit more restraints than the practitioners on the other coast.

Great idea for a thread! Must rush home to watch the Countess!

By the way, I get my shirts made by the same tailor that Jill and Bobb-ay Zarin visited in the episode a couple of weeks ago - Mohan (where Jill insisted on having her initial monogrammed on his shirts :rolleyes: ). I'm going to have to get some inside dish when I go back there next week.

[Amlyn]

Great idea Grace. Bravo is my go to network nowadays, especially in the summer. I'm obsessed with most things Bravo.

I can't wait for Flipping Out to start up again next week. That's one of my top favs.

[HejiraNYC]

Great idea Grace. Bravo is my go to network nowadays, especially in the summer. I'm obsessed with most things Bravo.

I can't wait for Flipping Out to start up again next week. That's one of my top favs.

This is the show that makes me thankful I don't live in southern California.

Here is what I've wondered: Is Zoila really his maid in real life? Surely she gets paid decently to appear on the show (in the six figures easily). So when they are not filming, does she really continue to clean toilets and take out the trash? She's a celebrity, er, Bravolebrity, for crikeys sake! She probably even has her own agent and management.

I think a new season of Millionaire Matchmaker starts up soon. I luvs me some MM and Patti Stanger! That is what I'm most looking forward to.

[Amlyn]

This is the show that makes me thankful I don't live in southern California.

Here is what I've wondered: Is Zoila really his maid in real life? Surely she gets paid decently to appear on the show (in the six figures easily). So when they are not filming, does she really continue to clean toilets and take out the trash? She's a celebrity, er, Bravolebrity, for crikeys sake! She probably even has her own agent and management.

I think a new season of Millionaire Matchmaker starts up soon. I luvs me some MM and Patti Stanger! That is what I'm most looking forward to.

Good question! I wonder. I really wish there was a way to secretly film some of these people. I mean this stuff is "reality" only up to a point. I think Zoila might really live with him, although I might tend to agree with you that she's not really the housekeeper.

MM is good. I've been coming around on that one. Did anyone see the RHONJ this week? I don't even know where to begin on that one other than saying Teresa looks like she stole an outfit from the It's a Small World ride last time she was in Orlando.

[HejiraNYC]

MM is good. I've been coming around on that one. Did anyone see the RHONJ this week? I don't even know where to begin on that one other than saying Teresa looks like she stole an outfit from the It's a Small World ride last time she was in Orlando.

OMG, I love how Teresa presumed that they (the NJ housewives) were too classy for the Catskills, especially when she said stuff like "They looked at us like they've never shopped at Bloomingdales," or "when we walked in, it was like 5th Avenue." As Danielle Staub would say, "Puhlease!" Unless she was referring to 5th Ave. in East Orange, I think she was delusional. Here she is living like she's a countess, yet her husband makes pizzas for a living. I guess bankruptcy just wasn't the learning experience it was supposed to be.

And am I the only one believes that there is no singing career for a "wench" like Melissa Gorga?

[Amlyn]

OMG, I love how Teresa presumed that they (the NJ housewives) were too classy for the Catskills, especially when she said stuff like "They looked at us like they've never shopped at Bloomingdales," or "when we walked in, it was like 5th Avenue." As Danielle Staub would say, "Puhlease!" Unless she was referring to 5th Ave. in East Orange, I think she was delusional. Here she is living like she's a countess, yet her husband makes pizzas for a living. I guess bankruptcy just wasn't the learning experience it was supposed to be.

And am I the only one believes that there is no singing career for a "wench" like Melissa Gorga?

I agree with everything you said!!! And I'm not getting the Melissa can sing love either. Maybe she needs to go on the Voice.

Some other tidbits...Someone i know was driving down to LBI a few weeks ago and was stuck in a traffic snarl and low and behold at the front of the pack was Teresa and Joe driving...at like 20 mph with a camera crew beside them. She said Teresa was driving (I assume because Joe lost his license) and that it was just so painful because there was no concern for the traffic that was being caused. My friend who told me this also has a lot of connections around NJ and told me that she heard that Joe was about to go serve some hard time.

I work about 5 mins from the Brownstone. I went to a wedding there once too for a family friend about 9 years ago. I saw them recently and they told me that they were not the nicest people to deal with. Gave them lots of problems about paying the bill not all in cash or something. Who walks around with 40k in cash to pay for a wedding? Well, those who aren't well, you know....

Here's the thing...if it wasn't for this show, NONE of these people would be household names. I mean, yeah, sometimes it's entertaining. But when you really stop to think about it, it's pretty beyond pathetic. Not that I would ever stop watching!

[HejiraNYC]

I agree with everything you said!!! And I'm not getting the Melissa can sing love either. Maybe she needs to go on the Voice.

Some other tidbits...Someone i know was driving down to LBI a few weeks ago and was stuck in a traffic snarl and low and behold at the front of the pack was Teresa and Joe driving...at like 20 mph with a camera crew beside them. She said Teresa was driving (I assume because Joe lost his license) and that it was just so painful because there was no concern for the traffic that was being caused. My friend who told me this also has a lot of connections around NJ and told me that she heard that Joe was about to go serve some hard time.

I work about 5 mins from the Brownstone. I went to a wedding there once too for a family friend about 9 years ago. I saw them recently and they told me that they were not the nicest people to deal with. Gave them lots of problems about paying the bill not all in cash or something. Who walks around with 40k in cash to pay for a wedding? Well, those who aren't well, you know....

Here's the thing...if it wasn't for this show, NONE of these people would be household names. I mean, yeah, sometimes it's entertaining. But when you really stop to think about it, it's pretty beyond pathetic. Not that I would ever stop watching!

Joe serving hard time? For what? He wasn't driving drunk. Sober people crash into trees all the time. In fact, he crashed his car and was so startled that he had run over to a neighbor's house and drink a fifth of vodka to calm his nerves. Yes, that's the first thing I would do- drink. Call 911 or the police? Puhlease. That's for sissies! :rolleyes:

There is definitely something amiss with the Brownstone. The calculus just doesn't add up. Yes, I get that it must be a profitable business. For one family. But there are multiple families living high on the hog in their McMansions, Bentleys and Range Rovers from a catering hall that looks kinda low-scale and tacky (even by NJ standards). And I've read about some of the Manzo connections that have been indicted on all kinds of criminal activity. And what the heck does a meathead like Chris Laurita do for a living to also live so high on the hog? They are all connected somehow... They would have to cater weddings every single day to support that standard of living for so many people. I'm not saying there is any organized crime going on... but... I'm just sayin'... It seems ironic that Caroline would be so critical of Danielle's history considering she's probably in the thick of some unsavory doings of her own...

[Amlyn]

Joe serving hard time? For what? He wasn't driving drunk. Sober people crash into trees all the time. In fact, he crashed his car and was so startled that he had run over to a neighbor's house and drink a fifth of vodka to calm his nerves. Yes, that's the first thing I would do- drink. Call 911 or the police? Puhlease. That's for sissies! :rolleyes:

There is definitely something amiss with the Brownstone. The calculus just doesn't add up. Yes, I get that it must be a profitable business. For one family. But there are multiple families living high on the hog in their McMansions, Bentleys and Range Rovers from a catering hall that looks kinda low-scale and tacky (even by NJ standards). And I've read about some of the Manzo connections that have been indicted on all kinds of criminal activity. And what the heck does a meathead like Chris Laurita do for a living to also live so high on the hog? They are all connected somehow... They would have to cater weddings every single day to support that standard of living for so many people. I'm not saying there is any organized crime going on... but... I'm just sayin'... It seems ironic that Caroline would be so critical of Danielle's history considering she's probably in the thick of some unsavory doings of her own...

I don't know more about Joe, other than I think he's in more trouble than that drinking incident. Which was a total headscratcher with what happened after you smashed a car.

Yeah, i have no clue was really goes on. I'm sure the family that is on the show is making decent money. Jacqueline even alluded to the fact that her daughter made enough to pay for her car for a year.

The sad thing is they probably were decent people before this show. I mean sure, issues were there, but this show has just made everyone's head the size of Texas. Look at Jill from NYC. Before when you quoted the episoe where she went with Bobby to pick out suits...poor guy couldn't get a word in edge wise. It's nuts!!

[skcin]

Here's the thing...if it wasn't for this show, NONE of these people would be household names. I mean, yeah, sometimes it's entertaining. But when you really stop to think about it, it's pretty beyond pathetic. Not that I would ever stop watching!

I can't watch this sh*t. These people are nobody. NOBODY. Same for those Jersey morons. I am guilty of watching reality TV, but it's usually competition shows - Food Network Star, Top Chef, Project Runway, Amazing Race, American Idol, etc. Anyway...


At this point, my current Bravo shows are pretty much just the various incarnations of Top Chef. :shrug:

[Beachwood Mac]

Joe serving hard time? For what? He wasn't driving drunk. Sober people crash into trees all the time. In fact, he crashed his car and was so startled that he had run over to a neighbor's house and drink a fifth of vodka to calm his nerves. Yes, that's the first thing I would do- drink. Call 911 or the police? Puhlease. That's for sissies! :rolleyes:



The hard time is for marrying and impregnating someone from the gorilla family...his wife. :laugh: Seriously, her hairline starts just above her eyebrows.

I won't admit to watching this show. Instead I will claim I read all about it on the survivorsucks website. The hard time he is facing stems from lying on his financials when they were foreclosing on his house. He also used a fake driver's license and, I believe, used a relatives birth certificate to obtain it when his license was suspended.

[mezzoforte]

This is the show that makes me thankful I don't live in southern California.

Here is what I've wondered: Is Zoila really his maid in real life? Surely she gets paid decently to appear on the show (in the six figures easily). So when they are not filming, does she really continue to clean toilets and take out the trash? She's a celebrity, er, Bravolebrity, for crikeys sake! She probably even has her own agent and management.

I think a new season of Millionaire Matchmaker starts up soon. I luvs me some MM and Patti Stanger! That is what I'm most looking forward to.

Honestly, I doubt it's anywhere close to that; reality TV stars are paid a lot less than you'd think. The cast of RHONY were each paid only $8000 for the entire first season, and I would guess Zoila earns less than that. She doesn't have much to bargain with--whereas Bravo risks losing viewers if a popular housewife walks, a maid could be replaced relatively seamlessly. Nor can she supplement her income substantially with appearances or book deals, as the housewives do. I think it's actually plausible that she's still a maid.

I don't know more about Joe, other than I think he's in more trouble than that drinking incident. Which was a total headscratcher with what happened after you smashed a car.

Yeah, i have no clue was really goes on. I'm sure the family that is on the show is making decent money. Jacqueline even alluded to the fact that her daughter made enough to pay for her car for a year.

The sad thing is they probably were decent people before this show. I mean sure, issues were there, but this show has just made everyone's head the size of Texas. Look at Jill from NYC. Before when you quoted the episoe where she went with Bobby to pick out suits...poor guy couldn't get a word in edge wise. It's nuts!!

Well, yes and no. I do think that only a specific type of person wants to be on a candid reality show. You'd have to be something of an egomaniac to believe that America not only should care about the minutia of your life, but will also fall in love with you for it.
That sad, some of their heads do appear to inflate exponentially with each season--NeNe, Sonja, and Jill being the prime examples.
Ah, Jill Zarin! How I adored you in season 1! I wanted you to be the Jewish mother I never had! And now you've gone off and joined ranks with Countess LuMan and Kelly "Satchels of gold" Bensimon and done terrible things to your perfectly nice face.:distress:

[DefDumbandBlond]

Haha I love the Real Housewives.....series. Except for DC and Miami which were f*cking boring as hell. Sonja on NY is my fave, partly because she loves me haha! :D

[Heartboy]

I can't watch this sh*t. These people are nobody. NOBODY.
I have to disagree esp when it comes to Kim & Kyle Richards! :shrug:

just sayin' ;)

[HejiraNYC]

Honestly, I doubt it's anywhere close to that; reality TV stars are paid a lot less than you'd think. The cast of RHONY were each paid only $8000 for the entire first season, and I would guess Zoila earns less than that. She doesn't have much to bargain with--whereas Bravo risks losing viewers if a popular housewife walks, a maid could be replaced relatively seamlessly. Nor can she supplement her income substantially with appearances or book deals, as the housewives do. I think it's actually plausible that she's still a maid.

That was per episode, not the entire season! I believe I read that the going rate now is $30,000 per episode, which puts them on a par with actors on scripted network shows. So it's no wonder these shows are re-broadcast 20 times per week- that's a big investment to recoup. I suspect Zoila has to get at least in the low five-figures per episode. After all, she is a featured "character" and is in the opening credits. I do wonder whether the husbands and kids get paid, e.g., Simon, Albie, Donn, Slade, etc.

Okay... so what do you think about Million Dollar Design? I think it's painful to watch. Not only because it haunts me with memories about my own (ongoing) construction nightmare. It's just that interior design is just inherently not interesting enough to make into a reality series. I kid you not... there was actually this "tense" scene where one designer and his partner (professionally and personally) are fighting because one wants to put a floor lamp next to the couch, and the other wants to put an end table with a table lamp. It even featured that "fight music" soundtrack in the background. Really? You would think they were fighting over custody of the kids or something.

[HejiraNYC]

Haha I love the Real Housewives.....series. Except for DC and Miami which were f*cking boring as hell. Sonja on NY is my fave, partly because she loves me haha! :D

Sonya really rode off the rails this season. I thought she was sweet and sensible last season, but this season she is queen of the mean girls.

[TulaneNO02]

I work about 5 mins from the Brownstone. I went to a wedding there once too for a family friend about 9 years ago. I saw them recently and they told me that they were not the nicest people to deal with. Gave them lots of problems about paying the bill not all in cash or something. Who walks around with 40k in cash to pay for a wedding? Well, those who aren't well, you know....

My brother and sister-in-law had their wedding reception at the Brownstone shortly before RHONJ began and they actually had a positive experience working with the Manzos. Being from out-of-state, I'd never heard of the place until the wedding, but I thought that the Brownstone was a really cool reception venue and the food was awesome.

Sidenote: my family is not wealthy, nor are they mafia. :cool:

[DefDumbandBlond]

Sonya really rode off the rails this season. I thought she was sweet and sensible last season, but this season she is queen of the mean girls.

Yeah she has her moments but she's really sweet off the cameras. :)

[mezzoforte]

So, who saw RHONY tonight? I only watched like ten minutes as I'm supposed to be studying for my practice LSAT tomorrow:o. (Right now I wish more of my knowledge were in logical reasoning, less in Bravo.)

I can't comment on much, but can say with absolute certainty: bad feng shui does not drive anyone millions of dollars in debt. Turning your bed to face the direction of prosperity will not relieve anyone of debts.

That was per episode, not the entire season! I believe I read that the going rate now is $30,000 per episode, which puts them on a par with actors on scripted network shows. So it's no wonder these shows are re-broadcast 20 times per week- that's a big investment to recoup. I suspect Zoila has to get at least in the low five-figures per episode. After all, she is a featured "character" and is in the opening credits. I do wonder whether the husbands and kids get paid, e.g., Simon, Albie, Donn, Slade, etc.

Okay... so what do you think about Million Dollar Design? I think it's painful to watch. Not only because it haunts me with memories about my own (ongoing) construction nightmare. It's just that interior design is just inherently not interesting enough to make into a reality series. I kid you not... there was actually this "tense" scene where one designer and his partner (professionally and personally) are fighting because one wants to put a floor lamp next to the couch, and the other wants to put an end table with a table lamp. It even featured that "fight music" soundtrack in the background. Really? You would think they were fighting over custody of the kids or something.

Not according to Jill Zarin (http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/cindy_adams/item_0jIUjSMvAZzKfHOrKurJbI#ixzz1Qp4hENMm):
"Our first season I got $8,000, which ended up less than $1,000 per episode. We did six, but they then cut them into 9 1/2. Unfortunately, I can't tell you exactly how much we're getting now because there's a confidentiality."

She might be lying, I suppose, but I can believe it. They've since gotten a huge salary bump, but the 30K figure has been disputed; some say it's 10K.

The Jersey cast are still locked into a 3-year contract for $3,333 per episode (http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-06-08/entertainment/27066540_1_real-housewives-housewives-of-orange-county-big-drama).

(I would love to un-know this.)

Yeah she has her moments but she's really sweet off the cameras. :)

You've met Sonja? How?

[Amlyn]

And now you've gone off and joined ranks with Countess LuMan and Kelly "Satchels of gold" Bensimon and done terrible things to your perfectly nice face.:distress:

OMG...I love it! From now on thats what she will be referred to by me. hehe

Okay... so what do you think about Million Dollar Design? I think it's painful to watch. Not only because it haunts me with memories about my own (ongoing) construction nightmare. It's just that interior design is just inherently not interesting enough to make into a reality series. I kid you not... there was actually this "tense" scene where one designer and his partner (professionally and personally) are fighting because one wants to put a floor lamp next to the couch, and the other wants to put an end table with a table lamp. It even featured that "fight music" soundtrack in the background. Really? You would think they were fighting over custody of the kids or something.

I'm trying really hard to get into this. I can't put my finger on exactly what isn't gelling with me over this show, but there's something there. Could be the arrogance level. I mean these people make some of the real housewives seem humble. I realize these people do design jobs that equate to more than i'll see in 10 years of working, but still, i mean are you the be all and end all cause you can match a rug with a sofa?

I loved Million Dollar Agents (or whatever it's really called) because I guess you got to see a little more of them having to sell their soul to make their deals. A little sweat for their prize money. I just don't feel the same about this crop yet of Million Dollar bravolebrites. We'll see. It's still early on for them.


My brother and sister-in-law had their wedding reception at the Brownstone shortly before RHONJ began and they actually had a positive experience working with the Manzos. Being from out-of-state, I'd never heard of the place until the wedding, but I thought that the Brownstone was a really cool reception venue and the food was awesome.

Sidenote: my family is not wealthy, nor are they mafia. :cool:

Honestly, the wedding i went to was back in 2002, so i don't remember the food or anything. I did think the place was very nice...especially given that it in a rather not so nice area.

So, who saw RHONY tonight?
I watched. Kelly is getting on my nerves...surprise, suprise. She does this thing where she tries to corner you and make you feel about 3 inches tall but her attempting to school you on her topic of disapproval de jour usually makes no sense and then she doesn't even give you a chance to respond. It comes across as ignorant and condescending. And she seems to keep doing that to Alex. Ugh. Did i ever share that I saw her last year at Newark airport? I was picking up my friend lets say it was the Sunday after T-giving. I went inside cause I was early and i went to grab something at Starbucks. These two tweenish girls were standing in front of me and one looked familiar. Finally I looked over and noticed Kelly standing at the end of the counter frantically pounding away at her Blackberry. Her older daughter did all the ordering and paying and I was trying very hard not to gawk cause I was respecting the fact that this woman and her two kids were flying home from a holiday with family (or actually I think it was Florida), but I digress. About 15 mins later when i went to meet my friend down in baggage claim, i noticed the same older daughter trying to pull her luggage off the belt and was struggling. She looked up and turned around looking for her mom and Kelly just wandered right past the belt where her kids were and her oldest yells, "Mooooommmmm...helllloooo.......are you crazeeee????" Oh man...took every ounce of my public manners to not just go...."YEAH she is!!" I snatched a photo of her with my phone that pretty much sucks and once they were out of earshot I called my mom to tell her. It was funny.

Oh, and i once saw the thug that was Danielle's sidekick in the parking garage at the mall. Let's just say that I don't think he got paid by Bravo. His car looked like something you'd find after it was ransacked in a bad neigborhood in the worst section of NYC.

[skcin]

I have to disagree esp when it comes to Kim & Kyle Richards! :shrug:

just sayin' ;)

I have no idea who these people are. And I think that's a good thing. :laugh:

Okay... so what do you think about Million Dollar Design? I think it's painful to watch. Not only because it haunts me with memories about my own (ongoing) construction nightmare. It's just that interior design is just inherently not interesting enough to make into a reality series. I kid you not... there was actually this "tense" scene where one designer and his partner (professionally and personally) are fighting because one wants to put a floor lamp next to the couch, and the other wants to put an end table with a table lamp. It even featured that "fight music" soundtrack in the background. Really? You would think they were fighting over custody of the kids or something.

Not doing it for me either. If it's going to be about interior design, I much prefer shows like HGTV's Next Design Star - at least there are interesting challenges, many different people & various rooms/settings. As opposed to "what kind of rug is right for this space?!"

[HejiraNYC]

Not according to Jill Zarin (http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/cindy_adams/item_0jIUjSMvAZzKfHOrKurJbI#ixzz1Qp4hENMm):
"Our first season I got $8,000, which ended up less than $1,000 per episode. We did six, but they then cut them into 9 1/2. Unfortunately, I can't tell you exactly how much we're getting now because there's a confidentiality."

She might be lying, I suppose, but I can believe it. They've since gotten a huge salary bump, but the 30K figure has been disputed; some say it's 10K.

The Jersey cast are still locked into a 3-year contract for $3,333 per episode (http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-06-08/entertainment/27066540_1_real-housewives-housewives-of-orange-county-big-drama).

Well color me corrected. I think. I don't buy for a second that the housewives would go through all that aggravation and pressure for less than $1000 per episode. And at the time Bethenny actually needed a full time income. And I have a really hard time believing that the RHONJ are only getting $3333 per episode too! If Andy Cohen convinced these broads to work for peanuts to be on cable TV's top rated programs, he is an evil genius.

Speaking of Bethenny, has anyone actually tasted or seen one those Skinny Girl Margaritas. She got paid $120 million for it? Really? :shocked:

[HejiraNYC]

I'm trying really hard to get into this. I can't put my finger on exactly what isn't gelling with me over this show, but there's something there. Could be the arrogance level. I mean these people make some of the real housewives seem humble. I realize these people do design jobs that equate to more than i'll see in 10 years of working, but still, i mean are you the be all and end all cause you can match a rug with a sofa?

I loved Million Dollar Agents (or whatever it's really called) because I guess you got to see a little more of them having to sell their soul to make their deals. A little sweat for their prize money. I just don't feel the same about this crop yet of Million Dollar bravolebrites. We'll see. It's still early on for them.

It seems that it is supposed to be high drama when the rug comes back in the wrong color, or when the client has bad taste and the designer has to diplomatically correct it. But it's just not dramatic. And I think it's one thing if any of these designers were somehow interesting, intelligent or funny. But they are all 100% haughty douchebags. And they all fancy themselves to be these incredibly valuable artistes. I'm not saying that interior decorating is not challenging work, but they're not exactly curing disease or painting the Mona Lisa. The hard work actually lies with the contractors who have to do the heavy lifting in the literal and figurative sense. Walking into a construction site with a hard hat and Louboutin stillettos is not hard work.



I watched. Kelly is getting on my nerves...surprise, suprise. She does this thing where she tries to corner you and make you feel about 3 inches tall but her attempting to school you on her topic of disapproval de jour usually makes no sense and then she doesn't even give you a chance to respond. It comes across as ignorant and condescending. And she seems to keep doing that to Alex. Ugh. Did i ever share that I saw her last year at Newark airport? I was picking up my friend lets say it was the Sunday after T-giving. I went inside cause I was early and i went to grab something at Starbucks. These two tweenish girls were standing in front of me and one looked familiar. Finally I looked over and noticed Kelly standing at the end of the counter frantically pounding away at her Blackberry. Her older daughter did all the ordering and paying and I was trying very hard not to gawk cause I was respecting the fact that this woman and her two kids were flying home from a holiday with family (or actually I think it was Florida), but I digress. About 15 mins later when i went to meet my friend down in baggage claim, i noticed the same older daughter trying to pull her luggage off the belt and was struggling. She looked up and turned around looking for her mom and Kelly just wandered right past the belt where her kids were and her oldest yells, "Mooooommmmm...helllloooo.......are you crazeeee????" Oh man...took every ounce of my public manners to not just go...."YEAH she is!!" I snatched a photo of her with my phone that pretty much sucks and once they were out of earshot I called my mom to tell her. It was funny.

Ooh, I haven't watched yet. But yeah, Kelly is the perennially annoying wack job, although I have to admit that she has been surprisingly coherent this season, especially compared to last season and "Scary Island." But I absolutely loathe it when she goes around saying, "That's not normal. That's not what normal people do. It's not normal behavior. You're being weird," as if she ever had a "normal" moment or thought in her entire life. Still, I think of all the NYC housewives, I can least stand Alex, who is such a poseur, and everybody else knows it. If it wasn't for the show, none of these women would give two flying Fig Newtons about Alex. So I'm glad (from what I saw in the previews) that both Alex and Simon get put in their place!


Oh, and i once saw the thug that was Danielle's sidekick in the parking garage at the mall. Let's just say that I don't think he got paid by Bravo. His car looked like something you'd find after it was ransacked in a bad neigborhood in the worst section of NYC.

Rick Springfield circa 1982 called; he wants his hair back.

[Amlyn]

Speaking of Bethenny, has anyone actually tasted or seen one those Skinny Girl Margaritas. She got paid $120 million for it? Really? :shocked:

I actually enjoy it. Pretty good.

]

Ooh, I haven't watched yet. But yeah, Kelly is the perennially annoying wack job, although I have to admit that she has been surprisingly coherent this season, especially compared to last season and "Scary Island." But I absolutely loathe it when she goes around saying, "That's not normal. That's not what normal people do. It's not normal behavior. You're being weird," as if she ever had a "normal" moment or thought in her entire life.
Exactly. Pot, meet kettle.


Rick Springfield circa 1982 called; he wants his hair back. Yes! That's so right on the money.

[mezzoforte]

I watched. Kelly is getting on my nerves...surprise, suprise. She does this thing where she tries to corner you and make you feel about 3 inches tall but her attempting to school you on her topic of disapproval de jour usually makes no sense and then she doesn't even give you a chance to respond. It comes across as ignorant and condescending. And she seems to keep doing that to Alex. Ugh. Did i ever share that I saw her last year at Newark airport? I was picking up my friend lets say it was the Sunday after T-giving. I went inside cause I was early and i went to grab something at Starbucks. These two tweenish girls were standing in front of me and one looked familiar. Finally I looked over and noticed Kelly standing at the end of the counter frantically pounding away at her Blackberry. Her older daughter did all the ordering and paying and I was trying very hard not to gawk cause I was respecting the fact that this woman and her two kids were flying home from a holiday with family (or actually I think it was Florida), but I digress. About 15 mins later when i went to meet my friend down in baggage claim, i noticed the same older daughter trying to pull her luggage off the belt and was struggling. She looked up and turned around looking for her mom and Kelly just wandered right past the belt where her kids were and her oldest yells, "Mooooommmmm...helllloooo.......are you crazeeee????" Oh man...took every ounce of my public manners to not just go...."YEAH she is!!" I snatched a photo of her with my phone that pretty much sucks and once they were out of earshot I called my mom to tell her. It was funny.

Oh, and i once saw the thug that was Danielle's sidekick in the parking garage at the mall. Let's just say that I don't think he got paid by Bravo. His car looked like something you'd find after it was ransacked in a bad neigborhood in the worst section of NYC.

:lol:I kind of wish you'd said it!
Of course, those kids probably don't need any more reminders that their mom has jellybeans for brains...

I have no idea who these people are. And I think that's a good thing. :laugh:


Pah! Jill Zarin is a national treasure.

Well color me corrected. I think. I don't buy for a second that the housewives would go through all that aggravation and pressure for less than $1000 per episode. And at the time Bethenny actually needed a full time income. And I have a really hard time believing that the RHONJ are only getting $3333 per episode too! If Andy Cohen convinced these broads to work for peanuts to be on cable TV's top rated programs, he is an evil genius.

Speaking of Bethenny, has anyone actually tasted or seen one those Skinny Girl Margaritas. She got paid $120 million for it? Really? :shocked:

I'm a little iffy on Skinny Girl, but have you tried Ramona Pinot Grigio? It's actually pretty good.


Ooh, I haven't watched yet. But yeah, Kelly is the perennially annoying wack job, although I have to admit that she has been surprisingly coherent this season, especially compared to last season and "Scary Island." But I absolutely loathe it when she goes around saying, "That's not normal. That's not what normal people do. It's not normal behavior. You're being weird," as if she ever had a "normal" moment or thought in her entire life. Still, I think of all the NYC housewives, I can least stand Alex, who is such a poseur, and everybody else knows it. If it wasn't for the show, none of these women would give two flying Fig Newtons about Alex. So I'm glad (from what I saw in the previews) that both Alex and Simon get put in their place!


I know, right?
It actually really bothers me when others attack Alex for being "weird." Sure, she's a little awkward, but every other housewives has either a substance abuse problem or mild form of psychosis.

This week Kelly, Jil, and LuAnn guide us, once again, through *very serious topic* of cyber-bullying (buzzword of the month?).:rolleyes:
Bullying is a serious issue. A sassy tweet from Simon is not. It actually really bothers me that they would milk a current hot topic to portray themselves as victims and Simon as "dangerous and threatening."

[fumidesigns]

this is pure bs and truly confirms that there is waaaaaaaaaaay too much money out there for me to not having any!

*looks up*

GOD PLEASE SMELL DOWN ON ME THIS SEPT FOR FASHION WEEK!!!!

[carrie721]

Until about an hour ago, I'd been up in the air as to whether we really needed a Bravo thread.

Then I checked Gawker and realized we absolutely do. THIS must be discussed.

that song was so much cooler back when it was called "hypnotize."

this is pure bs and truly confirms that there is waaaaaaaaaaay too much money out there for me to not having any!

*looks up*

GOD PLEASE SMELL DOWN ON ME THIS SEPT FOR FASHION WEEK!!!!

you meant smile, right? i really hope you meant smile.

[Heartboy]

[QUOTE=skcin;997735]I have no idea who these people are. And I think that's a good thing. :laugh:



Are you a fan of the Disney movies of the 70's? They were the Lindsay and Hilary's of the 70's except for the skanky and troubled parts.

If you're talking about most of the woman on these shows, I don't know of them as well.

[GoldDustOrphan]

Kim Richards was a hugely popular child/teen star during the 70s and early '80. She was the star of Disney's Escape from Witch Mountain and it's sequel. I grew up watching up her.
Atlanta housewife Burruss was the first African-American woman ever to win ASCAP's Songwriter of the Year award in 2000. She won for Songwriter of the year in the Rhythm & Soul category. She's a Grammy-winner as well.
Fortune Brands purchased Skinnygirl for a $120 mil. Can't get away from it in Boston.

These shows are the new soap operas - disposable trash that can be funny and mildly diverting. The people who star are of no greater or lesser value than the average bigoted steroid-using rapists that pass for professional athletes these days.

[olive]

the only reason i watch , http://giggythepom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/dish-101204-jiggy.jpg

[BTFLCHLD]

A guest, John Benjamin Hickey, on Sunday's Watch What Happens Live, referred to RHNJ Jacqueline Laurita‎ as Steve Nicks. YAH - I am not the only one!!

http://static.tvguide.com/MediaBin/Galleries/Shows/M_R/Ra_Rh/Real_Housewives_New_Jersey/crops/real-housewives-nj17.jpg

[jannieC]

I kid you not... there was actually this "tense" scene where one designer and his partner (professionally and personally) are fighting because one wants to put a floor lamp next to the couch, and the other wants to put an end table with a table lamp. It even featured that "fight music" soundtrack in the background. Really? You would think they were fighting over custody of the kids or something.

I am really looking forward to meeting you- lol.

[HejiraNYC]

I am really looking forward to meeting you- lol.

Likewise, oh moderator of us all. :xoxo:

[GODDESS6]

HOLY ****!!!~

"Real Housewives"Russell Armstrong Commits Suicide




Russell Armstrong, the estranged husband of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong, was found dead of an apparent suicide ...sources tell TMZ.

Our sources say Armstrong hanged himself. He was found hanging in his bedroom on Mulholland Drive.

We're told L.A. City Fire Department arrived at his home and pronounced him dead at 8:16 PM Monday. Sources say a roommate found Russell and called 911.

We're told authorities have not found a suicide note.

Taylor filed for divorce last month, after she claimed Russell physically abused her. We're told authorities informed her of Russell's death last night.

He was 47 years old.


26 minutes ago BY TMZ STAFF.


Russell ArmstrongDistraught Over Divorce and'Tremendous Financial Problems'



"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Russell Armstrong was at his wits end over his impending divorce from Taylor in the days leading to his death -- and he was inundated with debt.

Russell's lawyer Ronald Richards tells TMZ, Russell had been staying at a friend's house on Mulholland Drive in L.A. -- the same house where authorities found his body hanging last night.

Richards tells us, "I feel bad because his credit cards weren't working ... He had tremendous financial problems."

Richards adds, "He was also extremely bummed out about the divorce with Taylor. As far as a will, even if he does have a will, they don't have any assets, so I'm not sure what there would be left to leave. I am extremely saddened ... I had no idea he was depressed."

As we previously reported, Russell -- an investor who made his money in the 90s during the dot com boom -- filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2005, claiming he had less than $50,000 in assets ... and debt somewhere between $1 and $10 million.

http://www.tmz.com/2011/08/16/real-housewives-russell-armstrong-dead-dies-suicide-dies-hang-taylor-armstrong/

i knew he & taylor have both been accused of shady business dealings & now w/ these latest abuse allegation from not only taylor, but 2 other women, i just never thought it would come to this

[fumidesigns]

HOLY ****!!!~

"Real Housewives"Russell Armstrong Commits Suicide




Russell Armstrong, the estranged husband of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong, was found dead of an apparent suicide ...sources tell TMZ.

Our sources say Armstrong hanged himself. He was found hanging in his bedroom on Mulholland Drive.

We're told L.A. City Fire Department arrived at his home and pronounced him dead at 8:16 PM Monday. Sources say a roommate found Russell and called 911.

We're told authorities have not found a suicide note.

Taylor filed for divorce last month, after she claimed Russell physically abused her. We're told authorities informed her of Russell's death last night.

He was 47 years old.


26 minutes ago BY TMZ STAFF.


Russell ArmstrongDistraught Over Divorce and'Tremendous Financial Problems'



"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Russell Armstrong was at his wits end over his impending divorce from Taylor in the days leading to his death -- and he was inundated with debt.

Russell's lawyer Ronald Richards tells TMZ, Russell had been staying at a friend's house on Mulholland Drive in L.A. -- the same house where authorities found his body hanging last night.

Richards tells us, "I feel bad because his credit cards weren't working ... He had tremendous financial problems."

Richards adds, "He was also extremely bummed out about the divorce with Taylor. As far as a will, even if he does have a will, they don't have any assets, so I'm not sure what there would be left to leave. I am extremely saddened ... I had no idea he was depressed."

As we previously reported, Russell -- an investor who made his money in the 90s during the dot com boom -- filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2005, claiming he had less than $50,000 in assets ... and debt somewhere between $1 and $10 million.

http://www.tmz.com/2011/08/16/real-housewives-russell-armstrong-dead-dies-suicide-dies-hang-taylor-armstrong/

i knew he & taylor have both been accused of shady business dealings & now w/ these latest abuse allegation from not only taylor, but 2 other women, i just never thought it would come to this

that's so fk'd up! and they have a daughter! smh!!!! poor lil girl!

[GODDESS6]

that's so fk'd up! and they have a daughter! smh!!!! poor lil girl!

i know, poor little kennedy:distress:~ she is the first one i thought of~ i am just floored by this~ there has been a 'housewives' death of an ex husband before (tammy knickerbocker of the OC) he died of a heart attack~ this death is so WOW~ i don't mean to sound morbid, but w/ all the past abuse allegations against women & his son, i really thought russell more the type to try an off a spouse/girlfriend in a fit of rage & not take his own life~ everything must have caught up w/ him all at once~

seeing taylor wasn't a favorite after andy cohen outed her many names & lying & portraying herself as an heir to the FORD fortune, i was shocked she outed russell, not for the abuse, she should have for that, but alot of his shady business dealings were done w/ taylor's hand in it all as well~

[fumidesigns]

i know, poor little kennedy:distress:~ she is the first one i thought of~ i am just floored by this~ there has been a 'housewives' death of an ex husband before (tammy knickerbocker of the OC) he died of a heart attack~ this death is so WOW~ i don't mean to sound morbid, but w/ all the past abuse allegations against women & his son, i really thought russell more the type to try an off a spouse/girlfriend in a fit of rage & not take his own life~ everything must have caught up w/ him all at once~

seeing taylor wasn't a favorite after andy cohen outed her many names & lying & portraying herself as an heir to the FORD fortune, i was shocked she outed russell, not for the abuse, she should have for that, but alot of his shady business dealings were done w/ taylor's hand in it all as well~

i didn't know about all of this. smh @ being a broke beverly hills housewife

[Amlyn]

Wow...i'm totally in shock. You unplug from the internet for a few hours and you miss this and a whole lot more.

So sad for his little girl. And just as we are about to embark on Taylor and him splitting up in the 2nd season starting in a few weeks. I wonder if Bravo is going to push back the launch.

[mezzoforte]

Wow...i'm totally in shock. You unplug from the internet for a few hours and you miss this and a whole lot more.

So sad for his little girl. And just as we are about to embark on Taylor and him splitting up in the 2nd season starting in a few weeks. I wonder if Bravo is going to push back the launch.

They'll have to massively edit. The season would have heavily featured an unflattering portrait of Russell and his imploding marriage. Given the circumstances, that would be too tacky even for Bravo (I hope).

I feel terrible for Kennedy in all of this, as well as his older children. I can't imagine...

[HejiraNYC]

Wow...i'm totally in shock. You unplug from the internet for a few hours and you miss this and a whole lot more.

So sad for his little girl. And just as we are about to embark on Taylor and him splitting up in the 2nd season starting in a few weeks. I wonder if Bravo is going to push back the launch.

Are you kidding? Andy Cohen must be doing a happy dance right now. This guarantees huge ratings for the show, and the timing could not be more perfect.

Okay... I feel terrible for his family and everyone close to him. But sadly he pretty much dug the hole that collapsed on top of him. Perhaps he should have used his first bankruptcy as a lesson about living within ones own means and living a modest life. Was it necessary to take on a materialistic duck-billed trophy wife who spends $20,000 on a 3-year-old's birthday party? And lo and behold, once the gravy train went into collections, Taylor jumped. Figures. BH and OC must be chock full of these fakes who hide their bulging debts and foreclosures behind facades of perfectly manicured lawns and fake tans (Alexis and Jim Bellino, I'm looking in your direction!). I realize these Housewives shows are supposed to show sneering examples of the most vile humans walking amongst us, but one would hope that there is at least some shred of humanity or some shred of decency that ultimately saves them from their own self-destruction. In his case, apparently not. I hear there's trouble in shangri-la.

[HejiraNYC]

They'll have to massively edit. The season would have heavily featured an unflattering portrait of Russell and his imploding marriage. Given the circumstances, that would be too tacky even for Bravo (I hope).

I feel terrible for Kennedy in all of this, as well as his older children. I can't imagine...

Remember when Kandi's boyfriend was killed? They forged on as planned, and even staged the reunion shows within a few weeks of the tragedy. I love Andy Cohen... but you've gotta admit he's kinda dead inside.

[fumidesigns]

Remember when Kandi's boyfriend was killed? They forged on as planned, and even staged the reunion shows within a few weeks of the tragedy. I love Andy Cohen... but you've gotta admit he's kinda dead inside.

I was just about to say this! All they did was post that the man died on episodes. Now everything the woman said and her mama said they'd have to be reminded of. Smh! Glad kandi is doing well now tho

[SummerlongBoots]

Real Housewife Taylor Armstrong "Devastated" by Estranged Husband's Suicide


Colleagues and friends have already spoken out and offered condolences in the wake of the shocking and tragic suicide of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Russell Armstrong.

And now Taylor Armstrong, his estranged wife and the mother of his youngest child, is breaking her silence.


"Taylor Armstrong is devastated by the tragic events that have unfolded," her rep told E! News. "She requests privacy at this time so that she may comfort her young daughter."

Taylor and Russell have a 5-year-old daughter, Kennedy, who frequently featured on the first season of the Bravo show. In addition, Armstrong is also survived by two sons, eldest Aiden and middle child Griffin, born from his first marriage and a former fiancée, respectively.

"Her thoughts and prayers are also with Russell's 11- and 13-year-old sons," Taylor's rep said.

The 47-year-old venture capitalist was found by a roommate in his Mulholland Drive home last night after taking his own life in an apparent suicide by hanging, though no formal cause of death has yet been declared. The coroner is expected to begin officially examining his body tomorrow.


Read more: http://www.eonline.com/news/real_housewife_taylor_armstrong/258416#ixzz1VDrvlNY5

[gldstwmn]

From TMZ:

Silence is golden for "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" -- TMZ has learned, Bravo just instructed the entire cast ... NO talking to the media about Russell Armstrong's suicide ... whatsoever.

Sources connected with the show tell TMZ, each cast member received both a phone call and an email from Bravo just hours after news broke about Russell's death -- ordering them to keep their mouths shut.

But the new directive isn't holding up production -- we're told, shooting is set to resume tomorrow as scheduled.

Right now, it's unclear if Taylor will also be returning to work at the same time.

[GODDESS6]

8/16/2011 5:52 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF.


Taylor ArmstrongEyewitness When Husband'sBody Was Discovered



"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong was at her estranged husband's house when his body was discovered, TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Taylor tell us, she and Russell had been regularly communicating and were supposed to meet on Monday afternoon, but he was a no show. She became worried and began calling his friends, but none of them had heard from him.

Taylor became increasingly alarmed and began frantically texting and phoning Russell, to no avail.

On Monday evening, Taylor and a friend went to the home where Russell was staying. They found the owner of the home on the property. While Taylor watched, the owner peered through Russell's bedroom window and saw his lifeless body hanging.

As TMZ first reported, the owner called 911 and Russell was declared dead at 8:16 PM. Taylor believes Russell had been dead for hours.

We're told Taylor stayed at the house for hours after the body was found.

[BTFLCHLD]

interesting. in the midst of divorce; frantic and worried. sounds like there were indicators of his mindset. very unfortunate there wasn't an intervention. and if there were attempts, they were obviously unsuccessful. sad. hope he found peace.

[fringed n fab]

Are you kidding? Andy Cohen must be doing a happy dance right now. This guarantees huge ratings for the show, and the timing could not be more perfect.
Okay... I feel terrible for his family and everyone close to him. But sadly he pretty much dug the hole that collapsed on top of him. Perhaps he should have used his first bankruptcy as a lesson about living within ones own means and living a modest life. Was it necessary to take on a materialistic duck-billed trophy wife who spends $20,000 on a 3-year-old's birthday party? And lo and behold, once the gravy train went into collections, Taylor jumped. Figures. BH and OC must be chock full of these fakes who hide their bulging debts and foreclosures behind facades of perfectly manicured lawns and fake tans (Alexis and Jim Bellino, I'm looking in your direction!). I realize these Housewives shows are supposed to show sneering examples of the most vile humans walking amongst us, but one would hope that there is at least some shred of humanity or some shred of decency that ultimately saves them from their own self-destruction. In his case, apparently not. I hear there's trouble in shangri-la.

I agree with you on the ratings, that's a sad fact for these shows. And why it's hard to accept Andy and Bravo's sincere disappointment in something like this. :shrug:

I don't watch or care about most of these "reality" scripted shows, but I did watch HW of BH and it was the only HW show I got into. But geez, are those some of the most fake acting people and lifestyles out there? I could never get glitzed up nightly, going to party after party being kissed on the cheek by people who couldn't give a sh*t about you really. I just could never be around fake people as that. No matter how many millions you might have in the bank. Real everyday people do not act so false as that. Why is Hollywood so phony?

[fringed n fab]

I also found it ridiculous her spending thousands of dollars on a childs birthday party, clearly one a kid wasn't even interested in. Kids need a nice cake and some friends and some punch and games and they're happy. You don't need a 60,000 birthday tab for them. :shrug:

[GODDESS6]

I also found it ridiculous her spending thousands of dollars on a childs birthday party, clearly one a kid wasn't even interested in. Kids need a nice cake and some friends and some punch and games and they're happy. You don't need a 60,000 birthday tab for them. :shrug:

i know right?, that party was for taylor not kennedy~ kennedy would rather play on the swing w/ her nanny~ taylor was the one dancing on the tables having photos taken of herself~

[HejiraNYC]

I agree with you on the ratings, that's a sad fact for these shows. And why it's hard to accept Andy and Bravo's sincere disappointment in something like this. :shrug:

I don't watch or care about most of these "reality" scripted shows, but I did watch HW of BH and it was the only HW show I got into. But geez, are those some of the most fake acting people and lifestyles out there? I could never get glitzed up nightly, going to party after party being kissed on the cheek by people who couldn't give a sh*t about you really. I just could never be around fake people as that. No matter how many millions you might have in the bank. Real everyday people do not act so false as that. Why is Hollywood so phony?

I think of all of the HW shows in the franchise, the BH cast is actually, relatively speaking, the most "real" of the bunch. These are some seriously wealthy broads (with the exception of Taylor, Kim and Kyle, that is). I think the Orange County cast is the most nauseating. Every single last one of them (except Vickie) is involved in some kind of get-rich-quick scheme or involved in "businesses" like flipping houses or "designing" (i.e., pimping their names onto) clothing, handbags and jewelry that no retail store would ever touch. It's all flash and no cash. Fake, fake, fake. Nevertheless... for whatever reason, they can deliver the most fun, trashy drama on TV. I'm a fan.

[GODDESS6]

I think of all of the HW shows in the franchise, the BH cast is actually, relatively speaking, the most "real" of the bunch. These are some seriously wealthy broads (with the exception of Taylor, Kim and Kyle, that is). I think the Orange County cast is the most nauseating. Every single last one of them (except Vickie) is involved in some kind of get-rich-quick scheme or involved in "businesses" like flipping houses or "designing" (i.e., pimping their names onto) clothing, handbags and jewelry that no retail store would ever touch. It's all flash and no cash. Fake, fake, fake. Nevertheless... for whatever reason, they can deliver the most fun, trashy drama on TV. I'm a fan.

i'm a fan as well, i watch all the franchise cities~ BH & OC being my favorites~

[gldstwmn]

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/08/russell-armstrong-gay-secrets-about-be-exposed-claims-insider

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Russell Armstrong had secrets about his sexual preference that were about to be revealed, and RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned that some were already discovered by his estranged wife, Taylor Armstrong.

According to sources close to the 47-year-old, he was bisexual and worried that a tell-all book was going to out him, along with Taylor.

"About six months ago Taylor confided in a close friend that she'd found history for a gay website called Adam4Adam.com on Russell's laptop," the insider told RadarOnline.com.

"He was also spending a lot of time at the gym, but his body wasn't changing, which she claims led her to believe he was meeting with men he'd met off the website and not spending time working out as he claimed."

The insider also tells RadarOnline.com that when Russell was approached for comment about the impending tell-all book, it included great detail about what he liked in the bedroom.

"Not only was it going to come out that Russell was bisexual, but there were people on the record that were going to talk about the kind of sex he liked," the source said. "He was into S&M type stuff; choking, rough-housing and slapping."

The businessman had a history of violence in his past, including allegations of abuse by Taylor and restraining orders filed against him by his ex-wife and an ex-girlfriend.

As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Russell's ex-wife attributes his suicide to his relationship with Taylor and the pressures of being on the hit Bravo TV show, along with immense financial hardship.

Russell was found hanged in the bedroom of a friend's home on Monday night and pronounced dead at 8:16 p.m. by the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

The new season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is set to premiere on Bravo on September 5. It’s not know how Bravo will deal with the tragedy.

[GODDESS6]

New allegations that Russell was bisexual and into S&M will be coming out soon also.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/russell-armstrong-suicide-latest-real-hou sewives-curse/story?id=14318388

The suicide of Russell Armstrong, ex-husband of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong was the latest--and most shocking--tragedies to strike the seemingly cursed cast of the Bravo TV franchise.

At least 10 failed marriages, two bankruptcies, a foreclosure, and two deaths have plagued the glamorous women of the show since the series began in 2006. Yesterday, it was reported Taylor Armstrong, whose marriage to Russell collapsed during the filming of season two of the show, was one of the people to discover her husband's body at his Los Angeles home. Armstrong, 47, reportedly hanged himself.

At the time of his death, Armstrong was more than $1.5 million in debt as a result of trying to keep up with expectations for the lavish lifestyle portrayed on the show, his lawyer told ABCNews.com.

"These couples join these shows, and then they keep trying to outdo each other and they end up spending all their money trying to sustain a lifestyle that's unrealistic and wasn't there prior to the show," said Ronald Richards, Armstrong's attorney. "The weekly social events, the dinners and all the BS, trying to pretend you have unlimited resources in Beverly Hills is tough. When every night is a potential sound bite or posting on a website, you end up getting addicted to it, you go out all the time."

Justin Ravitz, senior editor at US Weekly, said that trouble seems to follow the casts of the show, who are under more pressure than most reality stars because of the pressure to be over-the-top.

"When you become a reality star, it puts everything under a microscope. If you have unhealthy relationships with your husband or your kid, where maybe you use money to try and make things better, all that's going to be magnified," Ravitz said.

Some of the calamities--including relationship meltdowns and financial disasters--can be fun for viewers, Ravitz said, noting that there's a certain degree of satisfaction in seeing the rich brought down to a more human level.

The $11 million bankruptcy filing of New Jersey housewife Teresa Guidice, for instance, made headlines around the country as the shopping-obsessed star and her husband headed to court to try and keep their lavish mansion in one of the most exclusive towns in New Jersey. Now, the two are being prosecuted for bankruptcy fraud in New Jersey courts.

"With Teresa, there's definitely a comeuppance issue," Ravitz said. "They lived so lavishly in New Jersey that there's some schadenfreude in [the bankruptcy]."

Contessa LuAnn de Lesseps, of the "Real Housewives of New York City," was rich, married to a French nobleman, and somewhat condescending, so when her husband left her for a younger woman, de Lesseps suddenly seemed more sympathetic to viewers, Ravitz said. When she came back the next season with a younger man and a new career as a singer, viewers cheered her on.

"It's like we raise them, knock them down, and then raise them back up again," Ravitz said.

Before Armstrong's suicide, another death plagued the cast of the show. In 2009, cast member Kandi Burress lost her fiancé, A.J. Jewel, when he was struck in the head and killed by people fighting outside of an Atlanta nightclub. Audiences who had cheered the couple on during their engagement were sympathetic, Ravitz said, as the show followed her dealing with the tragedy.

[DefDumbandBlond]

It was sad to hear about, my mom and I were both pretty shocked yesterday. I can only hope although it's doubtful now with the book sh*t :rolleyes: that the media give Taylor & her family the privacy she deserves.

[GODDESS6]

w/out russell i guess we will never know for sure if these latest allegations are true, & really who cares~ but something taylor said about russell more than once last season strikes me as odd now~ there were a few times, she said something to the effect that russell would never be caught doing this or that because he was a strapping, bull riding, cowboy man type from texas~ maybe it's nothing, but it makes one wonder now that these rumours have been slung around, why she was trying to convince the ladies that he was all man~

it's still profoundly sad~
RIP russell

[fringed n fab]

He always seemed so quiet.

[GODDESS6]

He always seemed so quiet.

he did, his scenes w/ his daughter were sweet & precious~ you could see how much they loved ea other~ makes me so sad for that little girl~

[fumidesigns]

He always seemed so quiet.

those r the ones! always!

sad that the rumours r flying now tho. i feel bad for that lil girl still. she's so young. babies don't deserve this........really no one does, but especially not kids.

[skcin]

Anyone watching Top Chef Just Desserts? Next week is a Willy Wonka-inspired episode.

[HejiraNYC]

Anyone watching Top Chef Just Desserts? Next week is a Willy Wonka-inspired episode.

I am insanely jealous of people who get to sit around and judge desserts for a living. Really? They pay you to do that? One of the chefs made a saffron cake. I mean, how rare is that? A little glass vial containing a few stigmas of saffron at the local supermarket is like $30.00 :eek:

[skcin]

I am insanely jealous of people who get to sit around and judge desserts for a living. Really? They pay you to do that? One of the chefs made a saffron cake. I mean, how rare is that? A little glass vial containing a few stigmas of saffron at the local supermarket is like $30.00 :eek:

I know, right? I also can't help but wonder how none of them are overweight. Not just this particular show, but food critics in general. I mean, I know they don't eat the entire cake or the whole meal if they're judging more than one, but good god man!

[HejiraNYC]

I know, right? I also can't help but wonder how none of them are overweight. Not just this particular show, but food critics in general. I mean, I know they don't eat the entire cake or the whole meal if they're judging more than one, but good god man!

...except Tom Colicchio. :lol:

I recall reading an interview with Padma Lakshmi which addressed this very topic. She pretty much says that she doesn't eat anything else the rest of the day and that she works out like a fiend. Also, I believe she said that she still gains weight over the course of filming a season of shows and that she spends the down time dieting. I saw James Oseland at a party a month ago. There is a reason why they only shoot him sitting at a table; he's got a thin frame but a bit quite a paunch, which was accentuated by a non-flattering T-shirt. I guess vanity is the price you pay for being able to gorge on the finest cuisine on earth.

[skcin]

^ Ha. Big Daddy Tom. :laugh: Interesting about Oseland - it's easy to hide a gut behind a dinner table on tv. I figured that they must gain some weight, but Padma & Gail appear to be in fantastic shape. They must work their asses off.

Oh, and by Gail I mean Gail Simmons. Not Gael Greene. Not that she looks bad for an old bat. :p

[HejiraNYC]

Bravo Confirms 'Real Housewives Of New York' Cast Shakeup

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/18/bravo-confirms-real-housewives-exit_n_968326.html?ref=mostpopular

First Posted: 9/18/11 08:43 AM ET Updated: 9/18/11 12:00 PM ET

It's official: Bravo's "Real Housewives of New York" is going to be very different next season.

The network confirmed the news -- first reported by HuffPost Celebrity -- that staple "Housewives" Jill Zarin, Alex McCord, Kelly Bensimon and Cindy Barshop will not appear regularly on the fifth season of the hit reality show.

"Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan and LuAnn DeLesseps will be returning for season five of 'The Real Housewives of New York.' We’ve had a fabulous run with all the ladies and appreciate them sharing their lives with our viewers. It is a friendly departure among the other ladies and we continue to have on-going discussions with them," a Bravo spokesperson said in a statement.

According to sources, the axed cast members were notified of the news last Thursday, and that they were blindsided by Bravo's decision.

“[Bravo] wanted to mix things up with fresh blood,” an insider told me. “Add ladies to the cast that better represented New York -- aggressive, powerful, glamorous and very wealthy. Next season 'New York' will have the glamour of the 'Sex and the City' movies rather than the twitter wars and bickering.”

***********************************

I am not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, I really did not care for Kelly, Cindy or Alex. However, the bickering on this show is world class! Jill Zarin is annoying, but she knows how to stir up the shizz with the best of them. None of them is more quintessential New York than Jill.

[olive]

they were fired because they genuinely don't like each other and they can not and will not get along.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2011/09/fired-nyc-housewife-women-genuinely-didnt-like-each-other-anymore/

[skcin]

Oooooh....scandalous!



BTW - the Willy Wonka ep. of Just Desserts? Fantastic. And I so don't care that Matthew went. His exit interview was laughable - "this proves that I can hang with the big boys!" Um, no. This proves that you CAN'T. :rolleyes:

[skcin]

New shows:

Mad Fashion with Chris March. Might be fun.
http://www.bravotv.com/mad-fashion

Fashion Hunters. Hmmmm. Well, I Love Pawn Stars, American Pickers, etc. so this seems like it would be right up my alley, but I don't know...
http://www.bravotv.com/fashion-hunters/season-1/about

[Amlyn]

Just went to bravotv.com and front and center smack at top of their home page was the pic of Rachel Zoe and Stevie.

Made me smile.

:)