November 29, 2011 | 1:44 am

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills RECAP

Posted by Ilana Angel

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Remember when the housewives were fun?  Remember when they laughed at themselves, were silly, and gave us a peek into their lives, and it was a life we could see for ourselves?  Me too.  Those days are gone and this week on RHOBH it became very clear that those days are never coming back.

We start off with Lisa and Pandora picking out the final wedding invitation. Last week Lisa tweeted that she did not pick the boxed invite, but then we saw that she did.  Granted it was smaller than the original one we saw, but it’s still pretentions and with postage over $150 a piece, which is gross.

Lisa is truly beautiful and has a killer body, so I don’t understand whey she feels the need to wear clothes that are so tight, and shoes that are so high. She would walk better if she went one size bigger on the clothes and one inch shorter on the shoes. She’s simply too old for her current look.

On to Adrienne, she is designing her own shoe line and I use the word designing very loosely.  She pulls out her favorite designer shoes, and tells her team to copy it.  Fascinating really that she went with this approach with the cameras rolling.  Not the way I would have gone, but that’s just me.

Sidebar:  Adrienne is sweet girl, but she has a level of immaturity that I don’t really understand.  From her clothing choices, to her designing practices, to how she handles her friendships, is all a little young for me. Plus, forgive me but it must be said, side ponytails are simply not cute.

The next scene is so wrong I can’t wrap my head around it.  They show Russell and Taylor in therapy.  I’m not going to comment as it is inappropriate, but I will say that I think it is disgusting, rude to his children, and a sell out for Bravo to show it.  I also think Taylor is a liar.

I was not there, and do not know these people, but I do not think Taylor was physically abused by her husband.  I think they were both emotionally abused by each other, and I think he took his own life because he knew she was going to destroy him and his reputation.  Just my take.

Back at Lisa’s, they are sampling dinner for the wedding.  Pandora does not want housewives drama, the wedding planner is divine, Lisa tries to eat cotton candy like Taylor, but misses the grossness of it, and the caterer is whoring out his company on every surface in the kitchen.

Kyle and Brandi go out for a manicure, just the two of them, since Taylor bailed.  I don’t trust Kyle.  She is back peddling on her bad behavior but who cares? Deeo down she is insincere and not a good friend to anyone other than her sister, and even then not so much.

Brandi talks about her divorce, and then tells Kyle she wants to plan a party for the girls with a porn star come and teach the ladies to orally pleasure their partners. Dear Lord are they for real?  Who does that?  The skank level is very high in both BH and ATL this week.

Adrienne is having a fashion show and party as her house for her new imitation show line.  She is talking to the party planner and is it just me or is Adrienne wearing Mom jeans?  They are high and wide, and like all of her wardrobe, out of date by a couple of decades.  Such a shame.

Adrienne is getting ready and we find out she has a stylist.  Really?  He better start clarifying that he only works with her for parties, because if he is putting out her day clothes, he will never get another client.  Adrienne clearly is a member of the Kardashian Too Much Makeup Club.

Taylor is in the car with Russell and again I am skipping over it. It is wrong on so many levels that he is on this show, while Taylor tries to ruin his reputation.  I know it’s been said before, but does Bravo not feel any moral obligation to his children?  Clearly they are of no concern to them.

Sidebar:  Taylor’s dress is perfect, Kyle’s dress is embarrassing.  Lisa’s dress is too small.  Brandi’s dress is fine.  Camille’s dress is divine.  Kim is a no show. Dana is non-existent and clearly has no real place on this show.  She seems fun but it’s just not translating to the screen.

Lisa arrives and within a minute of walking through the front door, Adrienne pulls her aside and tells her she is pissed off that the bachelorette party for Pandora is at Planet Hollywood not The Palms.  I am finding it hard to deal with Adrienne.  She is a baby and needs to grow up.

Camille is my current favorite Beverly Hills housewife. That means nothing really since liking this show is bound to make you crazy and indecisive.  I change my mind each week with who I like but for a while Camille has been on top and Klye Has been on the bottom. 

The fashion show stars and Adrienne stumbles through her speech.  It was as if she did not know what the organization she was supporting did.  The fashion show happens, but Adrienne’s shoes are hidden under the gowns and the show is an epic fail if you ask me.  Where are the shoes?

I watched the entire hour waiting to be entertained, but nothing.  Then, just as I’m about to shut off the TV, there is the preview for next week and we see that Taylor is going to be drunk.  That my friends will be worth the price of admission.  Sadly, we all know that will be good.

I can honestly recall when I used to watch these shows and think the women were great.  Now I just think they are pathetic, with a smidge of entertaining thrown in on rare occasions.  At the end of the day they are a train wreck and nothing about this show is keeping it real.

November 28, 2011 | 10:16 am

Real Housewives of Atlanta - Ridiculous!

Posted by Ilana Angel

This show is the most interesting of the housewives.  These ladies live a life that I like to watch because I am unfamiliar with it.  The southern and African American aspects are new to me, but the best thing about these women is that unlike any other city in the franchise, they will not pretend to be friends when they are not.

I really love these women and think Phaedra and NeNe are two of the best things to ever happen to reality television.  That said, this week was painful.  It crossed a lot of lines for me I found myself questioning if I really wanted to invest my time in watching it.  Of course I’m not going to stop, but come on Bravo.  This was a disgusting show.

We start with Phaedra going to visit Kim.  I must question my own sanity when I tell you that Kim is becoming the most appealing woman on this show. How did that happen?  Bravo is clearly editing her in a way that will make us like her more so we will watch her new spinoff.  It’s working.  I will watch her show and I think I’ll actually like it. Who knew?

Kim calls out Phaedra for the fight at the baby shower and says that Peter, at 65, is too old to be fighting at a party.  Hilarious.  Meanwhile, Peter is meeting with Mal to work out their issues from the wedding.  The exchange was stupid and both were ridiculous.  Mal tells Peter that Cynthia wanted to kill herself before the wedding.  So lame.

I understand Peter’s position about Mal trying to hide the marriage certificate.  We all saw her shenanigans, and I get it’s her sister and she was worried, but she crossed a line.  Mal made a mistake and Peter is angry, but Cynthia is week and needs to stop being such a wimp.  These three are a mess and that they allow us to see their dysfunction is odd.

After this many years on television, would you not be careful in what dirty laundry you show the world?  This is not the smartest group of ladies.  Over with Kandi, she is planning her 35th birthday party. She is with Sheree and Phaedra and between the three of then I sometimes can’t tell if they have strong accents or simply do not know how to speak English.

Phaedra Parks needs her own show.  She cracks me up and I look forward to her scenes because I know she will say something entertaining. I feel the same way about NeNe.  Poor NeNe.  She is getting blamed for everything and it’s too bad.  I like her and think she is getting a raw deal from the ladies.  She is sweet and I think she should not trust Kandi.

NeNe and Kandi are shopping for shoes with Derek the hairdresser is wearing the highest heels I’ve ever seen a man wear.  I have never seen so many men in heels as I’ve seen in Atlanta. God bless them for owning it and strutting their stuff.  NeNe is going to go to Kandi’s party and she will simply stay away from the people she does not like.

Kim and Kroy are meeting with a nurse to discuss circumcision.  Kim says she is worried because her son’s penis is his future.  Love it.  Kroy is changing a diaper on the fake baby and it’s very sweet.  I really like Kroy and I am happy for Kim.  I’m not placing any bets on how long it will last, but I’m pulling for them and think this might be the real thing.

NeNe goes to visit Cynthia and I’m glad they are still friends.  I think it’s an authentic friendship and that’s great.  Peter is on the phone and we hear his investor’s check has bounced and he is $40k in the hole with his new business.  Peter is, for lack of a better word, a loser.  Why she married him when there were so many red flags is unclear.

We hear from NeNe that she slept with Gregg and it was great.  I want them to be together and so I hope it works out.  I don’t know where they are at now, or if they are together, but I hope so.  Peter is talking to NeNe about how he wanted his wedding day to be perfect and blames Mal for ruining it. Maybe it was his hiding his financial troubles that ruined it?

Sheree takes Phaedra to see the construction on her Chateau.  Phaedra seems to have an obsession with butts, and not just hers.  For someone who talks about etiquette and manners, she sure is quick to jump to the ass talk. The chateau is coming along slowly and Phaedra lets the contractor know she is watching, and ready for court if he does not hurry up.

Mal and her husband are at Cynthia’s new agency.  He’s gorgeous and Mal is still sulking.  Cynthia throws her sister and her marriage under the bus and it’s sad.  Cynthia is a moron and her sister needs to realize she cannot help her.  They remind me of the two sisters in The Bodyguard and Cynthia is Whitney Houston.  These two are a mess, but I’m with Mal.

It’s time for Kandi’s party, but not before we once again have to listen to Kim pee.  That is getting old already. Kandi is getting ready and her hair and makeup look horrible. Phaedra shows up, with her taser, and the party is on. Cynthia looks gorgeous then Laurence shows up and it’s over.  He is the prettiest one there.  These men in partial drag are fabulous.

NeNe shows up and the room divides.  Sheree says she does not care NeNe is there but she cannot take her eyes off of her.  Sheree is talking about how she is a grown up, but she is annoyed and you can tell.  Phaedra calls the two groups Crips and Bloods, which is funny.  Kandi says she does not like being in the middle, which is funny since she causes so much drama.

Phaedra gives Kandi a stripper for her birthday and this man is beyond description.  He is very well endowed and has the ability to pleasure himself due to his rather insane gift.  If was nasty, inappropriate in front of Kandi’s mom, and a truly ridiculous move on Phaedra’s part.  However, having him there and watching NeNe’s face was worth it.

I would have died if he was brought to a party I was throwing.  Seriously bad move.  I have no interest in seeing this man’s special gifts and Phaedra, the southern belle, should be ashamed of herself.  Kandi’s mom is pissed off and she storms out of the party.  I felt bad for Kandi that she is being cussed out by her mom, but still, I felt bad for Momma Joyce.

This week was a waste of my time and I could have done without it.  Next week looks like it will be interesting, if interesting means watching people’s lives fall apart.  I like these women but they are not fun anymore. They are mean and nasty to each other and don’t seem to realize we are watching, and they do not look good.  I’m again sad for all of their kids.

The money and fame of reality stardom is enticing, but these women are mothers and that this is what they put out there for their kids to see is mind boggling to me.  Can Phaedra be mad when her son becomes a stripper? What about Cynthia when her daughter wants to marry an old man? Time for a reality check so these ladies can start keeping it real.

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November 27, 2011 | 10:55 pm

Blogging Needs Decency and Regulations

Posted by Ilana Angel

It has been an interesting week in the blogosphere.  I am reeling from what has been written both on my blog and on Twitter.  The level of hate and bad behavior that has been caused is quite remarkable.  I never would have imagined that I would be faced with such hate.

As a Jewish writer, who writes on a Jewish based website, I have been personally attacked many times.  Religion is a dangerous thing to write about as people are committed to their convictions.  I am one who believes in faith, and so it is difficult for me when my beliefs are questioned.

In times of trouble I lean on faith. In 45 years of a full and blessed life, God has not asked me to deal with anything I could not manage. I have a relationship with God and he guides me through the challenges of life. Well not guide really, but gently pushes me along the path.

It’s usually the right path, but there have been times in my life when I have gone the wrong way and he still pushed me, which is comforting because even though I knew I may be making a mistake, he is with me, watching my back, and there to catch me should I fall, and I have fallen.

Writing Keeping the Faith is something I enjoy and am very proud of. It is my take on the world, and sharing my opinions has been fun, scary, enlightening, educational, and at the end of the day, my truth.  My child will be able to look back at these posts and really know me.

I love my child more than I can explain, or even understand.  My entire heart is wrapped around this remarkable human being.  He is what makes my soul sing.  I am able to see God because of him, and I am sure that is how most loving and caring mothers think about their children.

I always wanted to be a mother. It was my childhood dream and there was a time in my life when I thought it would never happen for me.  I was the victim of a violent crime and I truly thought my life would not include motherhood.  That I am able to be a mother is a miracle.

I have survived many things in my life and am stronger and wiser because of the challenges God has asked me to overcome.  I never would have thought in a million years that the one thing that might break my spirit would be a bunch of mean spirited and hate hurling women on the Internet.

Keeping it Real is a blog about television.  It’s a fun, snarky, sarcastic and entertaining look at a medium that I love.  TV is fun to watch, and fun to write about, especially reality television. This week however, it stopped being fun and came dark, nasty, scary and dangerous.

I wrote an expose of sorts on a woman that I feel is crossing the line in terms of reality television blogging.  She is mean and hurtful and there are many, many documented cases of her attacking and hurting people in a way that they have not been able to recover from.  I had enough.

Maybe it’s because I work at a faith based publication, or maybe because I reference faith and God, but people came to me for help.  I listened and tried to be supportive as a decent human being, but they needed more from me.  These people needed someone to be their voice.

It was with a little hesitation, but belief in doing the right thing, that I wrote the blog.  I wanted to help.  This is not about a few crazy women with too much time on their hands.  This is a network of hate that needs to be stopped.  Why are there no rules and regulations for us?

How is it that a woman writing in her basement can randomly select lives to ruin, and have no accountability?  My blogs were not intended to hurt, but to help.  When given the choice to stand up for the right thing, or be quiet, I chose the only option if I wanted to be true to my faith.

The Talmud tells us “Whoever saves one life saves the world.”  If I did not try to help women who reached out, how could I explain to God that I turned a blind eye?  We also say, “If I am not for myself who will be for me? Yet, if I am for myself only, what am I? And if not now, when?

I am a blogger.  This is my job and so I want to stand up for myself and my work, in addition to needing to stand up for those who can’t do it for themselves, and it must be now because now is when things are bad.  This is my life that is being attacked.  My work, my family, my livelihood.

My child has done nothing, yet he is being attacked.  I have no criminal record, yet it being said that I do.  My employer has supported my voice being heard, and they are being attacked for my blog.  It’s not okay with me, and while I cannot fight battles for eveyone, I can fight my own.

I am not going to go away or shut up when it comes to these women, and until they are held accountable for ruining the reputation of what I do for a living, and what other women do for work and for fun, I am not going to be quiet.  Eventually somebody who can help will listen.

I panicked for a minute, but that has passed.  I’m not afraid of bullies, threats, or lawsuits.  I am afraid of a world where people can hide behind a computer screen and attack innocent people, and nobody helps the victims.  If I can help, just a little, for just one person, I will.

It’s time for decency.  We all have opinions and should be able to share them without fear.  I take responsibility for my part and apologize for any harm I have caused.  I imagine this will get worse before it gets better, but know that I am in it now and my goal remains the same.  Peace.

This is a blog about television and so it’s odd that I would be writing about faith, but I did not know how to address the situation without bringing faith into it as that is how I deal with struggles in my life.  It’s just television and for it to get this ugly is shocking and wrong on a lot of levels.

I am here to listen and if it means I am to be advocate, then I will do the best I can because there must be rules, regulations and repercussions.  At the end of the day this is upsetting, exhausting and unfortunate, but it is happening and so I keeping the faith so I can keep it real.

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November 22, 2011 | 2:09 am

Dancing With The Stars - UPDATED

Posted by Ilana Angel

The finals are finally here and let me just say that it feels like this season has been on forever.  It’s been fun though and I am happy Ricki and JR are in the finals.  If Rob Kardashian, who I actually think is quite sweet, wins this show I will lose my faith in humanity.  I get that he has worked hard, but a Kardashian simply cannot take home the coveted trophy.

Ricki danced first and pulled the poor fat me card which was lame.  She looks great and needs to let it go. What I didn’t know about Ricki is that she is a talk show actor and a host.  This information was provided courtesy of Brooke Burke Charvet, who may be the dumbest woman on television.  I believe Ricki is an actor and a talk show host.  You’re welcome Brooke.

Rob dances next and it’s just okay.  The Kardashian family is cheering him on, including his porn star sister Kim.  That she was able to put aside her divorce drama to support her little brother is sweet.  By sweet of course I mean I could care less about this family and that they are famous at all is troubling.  I have signed the end the Kardashians on TV petition.

JR is next and his dance is just okay, but he is terrific.  I just like him so much and Karina is insane.  Her body is perfection and I like watching them dance.  He came in third in the first round but I’m not counting him out just yet.  He is a better dancer than Rob and so I am putting my faith in humanity that JR is not ranked below a Kardashian.

Ricki’s freestyle was good, but not great for me.  Her costume was nice, and I must say I laughed out loud when Derek told her to shut her face in the video package, but I want something modern and fresh, but this was more classic and old fashioned.  It was good, and she could totally win, but the freestyle should be the most exciting dance and this was not.

Rob was up next and his freestyle was slow moving to start and I was bored.  It picked up but I was not interested.  The song choice was not a winner for me and if the freestyle is what makes a champion, then this lost it for him.  Cheryl’s final dance with Drew Lachey was perfection, and this was just okay.  I don’t get why the judges loved it so much. A perfect 30? Really?

JR goes last and I loved his dance.  It was fun and fast, which was great, and also had complicated lifts and was very different from the regular dances of the season.  He also scored a perfect 30 from the judges and was in my opinion, the winner of the freestyle dance.  I want him to win and really hope he kills it tomorrow and comes out the overall winner.

All three of the finalists have a shot at the championship and at this point it’s just as much of a popularity contest than a dance competition.  I voted for JR to win and I hope he does.  He was entertaining and fun all season and if you look at an overall performance, he has deserved it.  We’ll see what happens tonight. No Kardashian America!  Keep it Real!

And the winner is….... JR Martinez.  THANK GOD!  I wanted him to win from the beginning and I voted for him a lot.  I would have been surprised if Rob Kardashian had won.  By surprised of course I mean grossed out.  Someone tweeted that Rob was on Dancing With The Stars longer than Kim was married, which is hilarious.  JR deserved the win and I’m happy for him.  It’s also nice for Karina who has been there from the beginning and never won.  Ricki Lake came in 3rd place which is great, although I thought she would beat out Rob.  It was a great season and I enjoyed it.  From the very first dance weeks ago, to the show ending with Brooke speaking with her mouth full of confetti, it was fun.  I’d like to see Teresa Guidice dancing.  Or any housewife really.  If they pick another Kardashian I will be annoyed.  Until next season, thanks to Tom Bergeron for being fabulous and always keeping it real.

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November 22, 2011 | 12:06 am

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills:  The Recap

Posted by Ilana Angel

This show gets harder to watch each week.  By harder of course I mean with each week there is less to like about any of these women.  They are a disgusting group and I am embarrassed for them, since clearly they have no shame.  I find them all repulsive but Taylor takes the cake.

This week starts with the end of Lisa’s tea party, and Camille putting Taylor’s abuse out in the open.  I don’tI buy Taylor’s broken jaw story and when Camille sold her out she didn’t even bat an eyelash.  She seemed to be caught in a lie more than anything else.

Camille leaves, Taylor fake cries then makes up with Lisa in a painfully awkward way.  Taylor is in need of some serious medication and some acting lessons because her fake crying is laughable.  Lisa is sucked into the game, while Kyle is ready to stir the pot at any given moment.

We see Kim moving in with Ken and it’s creepy.  They seem nervous together and while I want to be happy for her, these two are using together and so any remote chance that I could be on their side is gone.  These two need to be on Celebrity Rehab not the Housewives.  Not a cute pair.

Over at Kyle’s, she is “making” grapes.  Really?  Who makes grapes?  Her pal Faye comes over and I’m surprised by how much she looks like a monkey.  She claims to be an abuse specialist and it’s stupid.  Kyle is a gossip and a drama queen and she is desperate to be relevant.

Lisa’s daughter is going to Vegas for her bachelorette party and it is going to be at The Hard Rock Casino.  Adrienne is going to be pissed about that.  Meanwhile Camille is having lunch with Kyle and Adrienne. Adrienne sticks her tongue out when she drinks and it’s disgusting.

I like Camille very much this season. I think Adrienne is a spoiled brat in desperate need of a makeover, and Kyle is a busybody who has a boring life and is in desperate need of fame.  Kyle, much like the last bachelorette Ashley, is always picking her teeth with her tongue.

It’s time for Kennedy’s 5th birthday party.  This child never seems to be happy which is sad.  That Taylor is putting on this fake and pretentious party for her child is disgusting.  She is a fame whore who married for money and cares about nothing but how fabulous her life looks.

The party is ridiculous and a kid does not care about all this crap.  Give them some candy, a cake, a couple of friends and some bubbles and they are good to go.  This was for the cameras and I’m ashamed for her.  Another ridiculous thing about this party was Dana.  She can go.

Can someone, anyone, explain to me why Taylor does not wear a bra? Ace Young from American Idol, a million years ago, is there and he is apparently hammered.  He cannot sing, needs to wash his hair, and is flirting with Taylor. Taylor is a skank, and by skank of course I mean whore.

Lisa is planning Pandora’s wedding and once again in a dress that is too small.  They are choosing invitations and the one they love is ugly.  Wedding planner Kevin Lee is back and he is fabulous.  Lisa is planning the party as if it’s for her and try as she might to seem real, she is fake.

Watching Russell at the birthday party is sad.  We will never know what really happened in their marriage, and we certainly can’t trust Taylor’s side of the story, but I cannot look at this show and not blame her.  I truly believe her appearance on this show is what did him in.

Brandi shows up to the party and it’s awkward.  I like her but this show was a mistake for her, and they don’t take her seriously, but if one of the new chicks is going to come back, let it be Brandi.  She is fun and Dana is forgettable.  If given a chance, Brandi could be great.

Taylor is bitching about Camille to Kyle and Kyle is listening intently so she can then gossip about it later.  Taylor is crazy.  She says she never should have shared personal information with Camille, but the fact is she shared it with all the ladies and with us.  This is her fault.

Adrienne arrives in a shirt that looks like she made it herself.  As we predicted, she is pissed off that Lisa is planning the bachelorette party at planet Hollywood not The Palms.  Who cares?  Kyle is worried about all the infighting in the group.  Right.  She’s happy as can be.

Kim is talking about her Disney life, again, when Brandi goes over to say hi.  The music is hilarious.  It’s a gunfight at the saloon and I can’t stop laughing.  Brandi tries to make peace but Kim is a bitch.  She’s still mad at Brandi for putting her drug addiction out on the table.

Sidebar:  I wonder if an addiction to crystal meth can cause you to mistake the sound of a horse for the sound of a cat.  Kim is an Arabian horse who meows.  I love Kim and she is entertaining as hell but this poor girl needs to get some help.  I feel sad for her and wish her well.

That this show continues to paint Russell as a monster is pathetic.  For Dana to bash Russell is sad since she told me they were friends.  I worry for Kennedy that she will grow up and see her mother ruined the reputation of her father. She might hate her mom when she grows up.

Ace sings for Kennedy and it’s a crap fest.  He sounded horrible and the song was stupid.  Are they kidding?  Ace is wasted and cannot hold a note.  Kennedy could care less about this mess her mother has put on for her.  Then Taylor and Russell give Kennedy a horse for a present.

Sidebar: Ellen Barkin on Watch what happens Live was perfection and I freaking love her.  She is a real Real Housewife of New York city and those trolls could learn something from her.  By troll of course I mean Ramona.  Rock on Ellen.  You can follow her @ellenbarkin and me @ilanaangel.

Dear Lord.  I want to scream. The only thing crazier than Taylor talking about her life is listening to Kyle talk about Taylor’s life. Other than Camille, I don’t like any of the women this year.  This show is a clusterf*%$ and I hate that I watch it.  Nobody is keeping it real.

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November 20, 2011 | 10:12 pm

Real Housewives of Atlanta:  Kandi is Not So Sweet

Posted by Ilana Angel

We start off this week with Sheree and her new house.  How in the world does this woman have enough money to build a “chateau” in a fancy shmancy neighborhood?  Furthermore, how drunk does she think we all are that we believe she was born anywhere near 1975?  She is a loon, and focusing on the “necessities” only, like a library, ballroom, massage room and theater. Dear Lord this woman is too much.

Over at Phaedra’s, she went from being pregnant and certain she would whoop her child, to being so desperately in love with her baby that she can’t bear to hear him cry.  She is super cute with her son, who I must say is absolutely delicious.  That is one beautiful baby.  Meanwhile Apollo is now the strict one with the baby.  He is also getting into a little trouble, which is a shame and shouldn’t be a big deal.

He was stopped because the cops thought he was someone else, but in the end he has a criminal past and so every time something routine happens, it’s blown out of proportion.  I feel bad for him because he is trying to live a life that society does not think he deserves to be living, and that is a lot of pressure.  I do not know what his issues from the past are, but they are weighing heavy on him and his marriage.

Over at Cynthia’s house, she is having dinner with her daughter, her impossibly handsome baby daddy Leon, and her really creepy husband Peter. We find out that Peter is going to open another bar.  He tells us he is good at it, but we already know he sucks at it, so whatever.  There is still friction between Cynthia’s mom, sister and Peter, but he could care less.  There is something very unsettling about Peter.

Kim is having lunch with Sheree and lets us know that other than their fight in the street when Sheree tried to pull off her wig, they are tight and have been for a decade.  Whatever.  Kim is only friendly with Sheree because she does not have a friendship with NeNe.  Kim is talking about her new house and Sheree is clearly jealous.  I don’t get these two chicks or their convenient and forced friendship.

NeNe is getting her son ready to go to his dad’s for the weekend.  Her son is very sweet and I wanted to hug him.  I really like NeNe and even though there is a backlash against her, I still like her and she is my favorite Atlanta housewife.  It was sad to watch her stand on the front porch and see her son leave.  I find myself wanting to hug NeNe too.  I hope she comes out of this happy, healthy and whole.

Phaedra and Kandi are shopping for a baby shower gift for and Kandi once again is a passive aggressive gossip.  She tries to make us think she does not want to get involved, or care about other people’s business, but she is all up in their crap like her life depends on it.  Kandi is a gossip and totally fake. She went from the classy one, to the trashy one and I don’t care for her too much.  She smiles while she stabs you in the back.

It’s the day of Kim’s baby shower, and she has invited 130 of her closest friends to celebrate with her and Kroy, who by the way is truly fabulous with Kim’s daughter’s.  It’s very cute to see and again let me say that is one yummy little dog.  The shower is over the top and pretentious, even for Kim. Before I go on, let’s just take a moment to say that the yellow tri-color stands of her wig are beyond ugly.  Seriously ugly.

Kandi shows up at the shower and we hear she has not spoken to Kim for her entire pregnancy.  Not surprising since we know Kandi is not really a good friend.  Phaedra points out Kim was very judgmental of her shower, yet went even more pretentious for herself.  Meow.  Poor Phaedra has to listen to Kim’s dad pitch himself for a job and God love her, Phaedra has perfect manners.  I freaking love this chick.

Kandi is stirring the pot, again with Sheree by talking about Cynthia.  We hear that Poppa Smurf Peter gave an interview and trashed all the ladies. Cynthia and Peter arrive for the last 20 minutes, didn’t bring a gift and you know things are going to get ugly. I like the ugly stuff with these chicks. Phaedra and Sheree are calling Peter out on all the crap he said in the interview and Peter is not backing apologizing.

Apollo is pissed off that Peter disrespected his wife and is clearly annoyed, then Peter brings up the incident with Apollo and the police and it is on. Peter is being a total ass and poor Apollo is trying hard to stay in control, and it’s sad.  I feel bad for Apollo and think Peter is a schmuck.  Cynthia is clearly embarrassed and the cops are now in the room.  Apollo was great and I loved him tonight.  Peter, not so much.

The promos for this week were much more entertaining than the actual show, but it was still good.  A party is never the same without Nene and it’s sad that Kim did not invite her.  I don’t get how she is friends with Sheree and not NeNe.  They will make up eventually and NeNe will have been left out.  I like these girls but how they treat each other is sad and immature. They need to grow up and start keeping it real.

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November 16, 2011 | 9:50 am

Dancing With The Stars:  Hope is Out and Rob is the Only Popular Kardashian

Posted by Ilana Angel

Hard to believe this season is almost over.  It’s gone by fast.  Probably because there were so many people I didn’t care about, that seeing them get the boot went by in a steady flow.  The final four was a mix of expected and surprises.  I picked JR and Ricki to be in the finals week one, but am totally surprised that Rob Kardashian and Hope Solo are still in it.

I think Maks is an ass, and Hope is boring, so I wanted them to go early. Hope was not a great dancer so she should is lucky she hung on.  I think Rob is a fame whore, and his sister Kim is a regular whore, so I didn’t care if he went home either. The difference between Rob and Hope is that Rob can actually dance, so it makes sense Hope was sent packing.

Important to note that even though I am happy Hope finally got the boot, watching the video about her childhood made me cry.  She is an inspiration and hero to little kids who are going through family struggles.  She proves that you can create your own destiny and become whatever you want.  I think her dancing sucks, but she is an amazing human being and I admire her.

Sidebar: I just want to put it out there that I don’t think the singers on this show are very good.  I get that they learn new songs each week, and it’s a hard job, but there is a homeless guy on the corner of Laurel Canyon and Ventura singing Christmas carols, and he sounds better. There are millions of unemployed and talented singers in LA and it’s time for a change.

Let’s just talk about the Kardashians for another minute.  I’m not a fan. Even their voices annoy me, but with that said, I think Khloe is hilarious, the best of the bunch, and the only one worthy of a TV show as she really is quite entertaining.  Kourteney is useless, the two little ones are boring, Kris is insane and Kim is a porn star, with no clear talent, even in bed.

There is a large backlash building on the Internet to get rid of the Kardashian family on television.  Petitions, and letter writing campaigns, which all stem from Kim and her fake marriage for money.  I almost feel bad for them but in the end I don’t.  They had a nice run and managed to turn their 15 minutes into what seems like forever, so they should be proud.

With that said, I really like Rob Kardashian.  I didn’t in the beginning, but he has won me over.  He is so sweet, and trying so hard, and he has earned his spot in the finals.  I am so happy he is there.  For him to make it is quite remarkable.  He started the show getting votes because of his family, and now he is in the finals in spite of his family.  Bravo Rob.

I can’t write about Dancing With The Stars without commenting on Brooke. I cannot stand her voice, her stupid questions, her lack of personality and apparently missing sense of humor.  If we learned one thing this season, it was that the co-host of DWTS should be Carson Kressley.  He is an entertainer, funny, charming, smart and the only real choice.

The four young men who were the spotlight performers were really good and their video package was great.  I was proud of them and hope they had the best time.  As for The Muppets, they are perfection.  I have always loved the Muppets and it’s so great that a new generation of kids will get to know and love them, and us old timers can have them back.

The finals are set with Ricki Lake, JR Martinez, and Rob Kardashian.  I think this is a great group and next week will be fun because they can all dance. I’m ready for this season to be over, but I’ve enjoyed it.  The mirrored ball trophy could go to any of the finalists and that will make it fun to watch. I’m wonder if Kim will come for Rob.  Probably not, that would be keeping it real.

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November 15, 2011 | 2:03 am

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills:  Spitting on Russell Armstrong’s Grave

Posted by Ilana Angel

Before I blog about this train wreck, I want to say I am sick of this show.  Each week I think it can’t get any worse in terms of their behavior, and then they outdo themselves.  These women are fame whores with no regard for each other.  This week’s episode it yet another example of Bravo’s attitude towards a man who took his own life. That they are creating this legacy for his children is shameful.

We begin at Kim’s house, where Kyle is meeting her new boyfriend.  The same boyfriend who currently has a profile up on match.com.  I almost feel bad for the guy that he has put his life out on the line for everyone to attack. By everyone, of course I include myself.  This guy looks creepy, but when he hugged Kyle goodbye I liked him.  No chick is worth what he will go through.

Kyle is crying like a baby and it’s just odd.  I get that it’s her sister and she’s worried, but there is an insincerity to her crocodile tears that make me think she is more bitchy than loving.  Kyle is selfish, and a fame whore, and I think her concern for his sister is more for the camera than anything else.  I also happen to think she stole the house in the desert from Kim.

Adrienne and Paul are out for his birthday dinner.  This couple makes me crazy, and her unfiltered hatred for her husband is upsetting.  Why he allows her to humiliate him is fascinating.  Even more confusing is why Adrienne refuses to brush her hair, and wears clothes from the 80’s.  I used to think their banter was cute, but she can no longer hide her dislike of him.

She rattles off a list of things you need to do to make a marriage work, yet she does not do any of the things she lists.  On her husband’s birthday, she decided she is going to talk about Taylor.  Whatever.  It is in such poor taste that they are showing these scenes of the ladies talking about Russell. Kyle talking to husband is boring and I’m skipping over it.

Taylor is at an event with Russell and it makes me sick.  I’m not sure why I have such a reaction to seeing him, but I do.  It makes me want to cry that his children will watch this show, to be able to see their dad, only to see he is painted as a truly horrible human being.  Taylor is nominated for an award, which she loses.  Yes, Taylor is a loser.  Literally.

The pretentious double kiss that these chicks do is dumb.  We don’t do that here so I’m not sure why they insist on it.  Kyle “accidentally” tells Lisa about the event she was not invited to.  By accidentally of course I mean Bravo scripted it. Lisa’s feelings are hurt and I feel sorry for her, for a second, until I remember what a complete bitch she is.

Lisa is hosting a tea for the ladies and invites Taylor, but not the new girls Brandi or Dana.  She is once again in a dress that is too small.  Taylor arrives and the train is moving forward and ready to crash.  Taylor is a mess and Lisa is looking to pick a fight.  Does anyone else think Taylor this season is acting like Alex in NYC last season?  Trying to have a voice?

Lisa keeps asking Taylor why she came to the tea, which is odd.  Has Lisa forgotten she invited her?  Alex, I mean Taylor, is going off on Lisa, telling her all the things she has said and done to hurt her.  Lisa is defensive, Taylor is having an episode, the other ladies are sitting quietly, and Kyle is sticking her nose into business that she should simply shut up about.

Taylor’s mouth makes her look like a duck.  Best line of the whole night, “If you can’t be my friend, just please don’t be my enemy.”  It’s classic weak girl standing up to the bully.  I feel heartbroken for Taylor, but truly sad for Kennedy.  That her father took his own life, and this is the view of life that Taylor is showing her daughter is completely screwed up.

Taylor is screaming, Lisa is denying, and nothing is being resolved.  It’s hard to pick a side on this one because neither one of them seems sincere.  Taylor is having a nervous breakdown, and Lisa has a tone of dismissal that is annoying.  Then it happens.  Taylor turns off the tears and has a bi-polar moment.  She is now in total bitch mode and looking to take people down.

Taylor tries to get the other ladies to turn on Lisa but it’s not happening, so she bails.  She heads out and finds Paul loitering at the gate.  Taylor starts spewing her crap to Paul, and back in the house, everyone is now questioning whether Taylor is telling the truth about Russell, or making up the stories of abuse.  This poor man will never rest in peace as long as this show is on.

Sidebar:  Isn’t it interesting that when this show airs, and we see what a conniving and fake person Kyle is, she starts tweeting things about her daughter that are super cute?  Really?  You act like a bitch, and we are supposed to not think badly of you because of the all the cuteness with your little girl?  We’re not dumb Kyle.  You are mean. Own it.

The ladies all turn on Taylor in my opinion, and call out her marriage.  She seems annoyed by it, which is odd since she has been trashing her husband for a year.  Camille puts it out in the open that Russell hits Taylor.  This show is a clusterf**k.  I feel sorry for all of their children, and I feel pathetic that I watch this crap fest.  It is crossing boundaries.

Like all good train wrecks, I simply cannot stop watching. Every one of these women has serious problems in their lives and even with their money, and beautiful homes, I cannot imagine anything that would make me want to have their life.  Remember the first season of Orange County when it was campy and fun to see how the other side lived?  Those days are gone.

These women are more concerned with fame than they are with leaving an important legacy for their kids. There is nothing appealing about these women or the lives they lead.  It’s time for Beverly Hills to go away, or be recast, because watching them ruin their lives is not any fun for us. Bravo should do the right thing, and start keeping it real.

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