June 10, 2010 | 7:16 am

The Private Lives of Shawn and Larry King

Posted by Ilana Angel

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Shawn and Larry King

There are reports today that Shawn King, the wife of CNN’s Larry King, overdosed on pills, and that perhaps it was a suicide attempt.  Clearly it was a slow news day, since this apparently happened a month ago, while she was at their home in Utah.  I wonder if anyone thought about their kids, before they decided to print that story.

I don’t know what she did or why.  What we can assume,  is that they are going through a hard time. Filing for divorce is never an easy decision, particularly when there are children involved.  Furthermore, the decision to end a marriage when you are in the public eye, must be brutal, because you know the vultures are going to come out.

They have two young children.  I can only imagine how horrible it must be for a child to see a story that his mother tried to kill herself.  Kids don’t get it, and even if they don’t see it until they are older, it’s still hurtful.  Did we all benefit from knowing this sad little bit of information?  Not so much.  It crosses a line.

I’m not sure if Mr. and Mrs. King are together or not.  I wish them well, and I hope whatever they decide to do, makes them both happy.  If they take care of themselves, they will be able to take care of their kids.  To Shawn, feel better.  Take whatever you need to take to get though this difficult time, and remember that it will be a little easier, if you keep the faith.

June 9, 2010 | 12:38 am

Tom Arnold Is A Mensch

Posted by Ilana Angel

Tom Arnold

People assume Tom Arnold converted to Judaism, but the fact is, the high profile actor and comedian, was born a Jew.  Though it’s hardly a well-known part of his average Joe persona, Arnold’s mother and her family were Jewish.

In an interview with The Jewish Journal, Arnold said that while he was not raised in a Jewish home, it’s who he is now, and truly was all along.  He even had a Bar Mitzvah in his 30’s.

Arnold was born and raised in Iowa, one of seven kids.  His mother, an alcoholic, abandoned him as a child, then died in her 40’s, after marrying seven times.  Arnold has spoken publically about being molested as a child by a babysitter, and his difficult childhood.

Surprisingly, his experiences haven’t made him bitter.  At this stage of his life, with over 20 years of sobriety, after years of battling addiction, Arnold has embraced his Jewish heritage, and says he finally feels settled.

He credits his happiness to a nice Jewish girl, his wife Ashley.  Arnold had been married three times, and had even tried JDate, but he was tired of failing, so he “swore off dating”.  It wasn’t that he was not built for marriage, but rather, that he was marrying the wrong women.

Historically, he chose to be with women who were “somehow broken”, so he could fix them. Then, at a Passover Seder, Arnold met Ashley Groussman.  She was a gorgeous Jewish girl, who came from a great family, and she was not broken.  What she was able to do, was see him for exactly what he was:  a mensch.

Arnold credits his good friend, director James Cameron, for helping him overcome his fear of loving again.  Cameron told Arnold, “Nobody gets to tell anyone else how many times they get to be happy”.

Arnold embraces his spiritual life with the help of his rabbi, Mark Borovitz. Borovitz is the spiritual leader at Beit T’Shuvah, which is both a residential treatment center, and a full-service congregation inLos Angeles.  Borovitz is also a recovering addict, having fought his own battles to come out the winner. 

Tom says, “Sobriety is connected to faith.  Life is complicated, and there are too many things that just don’t make sense.  It’s easier to deal with anything that comes your way, if you can hand it over to something bigger than yourself.”

Borovitz recently asked Arnold to jump in the ring for a celebrity charity boxing match, and Arnold quickly agreed, eager to help other recovering addicts. Only after he said yes, did he find out that the match would be against the Rabbi himself.  “It’s a lose lose proposition”, said Arnold. “I’ll either be the hero who won the fight, or the schmuck who hit his Rabbi.” 

Arnold is happy.  He is married to a wonderful woman, connected to his faith, and present in his life.  You can’t help but like Tom Arnold, and walk away from meeting him, wishing him well, and really meaning it. He is an actor, a comedian, a husband, a son, a friend, and a mensch.  Will I meet my Tom Arnold?  I’m keeping the faith.

The fight of the century is taking place on Wednesday June 16, at The Beverly Hills Hotel, to benefit Beit T’Shuvah..  You can get tickets, by contacting Barbara Friedman at 310-204-5200 ext. 204 or barbara@beitthshuvahla.org

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June 8, 2010 | 12:38 pm

The Real Housewives of New Jersey – Don’t Shoosh Me!

Posted by Ilana Angel

Whack-a-doodle

This show used to be fun to watch.  They were a great bunch of ladies, and even though they were wealthy, and lead privileged lives, they were relatable.  You could picture them as your neighbor and friend.  That was then, and this is now.

Danielle has sucked the joy out of watching this show.  Just as Jill ruined the show for New York City, Danielle has turned a weekly romp through reality heaven, to a schlep through hell.  This chick is crazy, but don’t call her crazy, because it makes her crazy.

I cringe when I watch this show now.  Danielle is so over the top, that it looks like a farce, not the fake reality that we all love.  All that said, I’m still watching. It’s just transitioned from fluff that is a release, to the heaviness of a crash, you can’t turn away from.

And so we begin….Teresa is taking Gia to an acting class, because she has a movie audition coming up. She arrives late, because that is how Teresa rolls.  Gia goes in with the other kids, while Teresa sits in the lobby with the other parents.

It’s funny because she is talking like Gia is the only kid who rocks.  She says how Gia knows all her lines, but cut to the audition, and Gia has to read everything because she’s forgotten.  It’s cute really.  We all brag about our kids, it’s charming, but here, with the funny Bravo music, and the faces of the other parents, it’s comedy gold.

At The Brownstone, Christopher has gotten a promotion, and is working along side his dad.  Lauren is still working there, helping with the brides.  Caroline and her family have worked for 30 years to make the Brownstone a success.  Caroline and Albert are disappointed that Danielle is trying to taint their name.

Jacqueline is getting a pedicure, when Kim G. walks in.  They are neighbors, but not really friends.  Kim G. of course wants to talk about Danielle.  Kim G. is embarrassed by what happened at The Brownstone, and Jacqueline just starts laughing.  She’s been down this road before, and is happy to have it be someone else’s mess.

Danielle is getting ready for her birthday party, which Kim G. has planned.  It’s hilarious because she refers to her as “her good friend”, when just last week she said she did not really know her, and was not friends with her, because she was friends with Caroline.  Get your stories straight Danielle. 

I don’t get why Kim G. would want to mix in the same circles as Danielle.  They are getting ready for the party, and Kim G. wants to make sure Danielle’s thug/felon friend Danny, is not coming.  Danielle says he is not, and wants us all to know that she is a gay advocate.

Really?  If someone calls someone else a fa@#$%, but it’s to protect your honor, then it’s okay?  And by telling that person to not use the slur, it makes you an advocate?  Danielle is the worse thing to happen to gay advocacy in a million years.

Furthermore, when Kim G. tells her the name calling needs to stop, because Christopher is her son’s best friend, she says that Kim needs to watch her “legencies”.  I believe what she meant, and would have said if she were educated, was “allegiance”.

The party is packed, and you’ve got to wonder who all these people are.  I find it highly unlikely that they are all her friends.  In fact, at one point she walks past a group of people, and they look at her as if they’ve never seen her before, which they probably have not.  Bravo bought her some friends.  Cute.

Outside, Danielle is crying, and yelling at Kim G. and her mother, when they are the ones throwing her a party.  She is ungrateful, uneducated, and unattractive.  If she really had friends, they would tell her that white eye shadow never works, and you can actually see the needle marks from all her Botox.  That is what a friend does.  Just saying.

Dina has a new assistant, and is working on her Ladybug Foundation.  You cannot watch this show, and not be blown away each week, by how beautiful this woman is.  Stunning.  She is sad however, missing her daughter on the show, stressed out, and feeling the need to tell Danielle she gave her a chance, but now needs to be done with her.

Back at the management office, Gia’s “people”, think she needs to work on getting rid her Jersey accent.  It’s funny because Teresa does not think they have accents.  I love this chick, love her kids, and love the accent.  She is hardcore Jersey, and it’s fabulous.  Teresa and Gia decide the accent stays.

Danielle is at home, talking to herself, acknowledging that she is talking to herself, answering herself, and having a full on conversation with the voices in her head.  They say that talking to yourself, is the first sign of insanity.  In this case, it appears to be sign number 12. 

Kim G. has come over for a visit.  Gold bless this woman for trying, or for at least putting up with Danielle to get more time on television.  Danielle is talking about the terrorist hate page that Jacqueline’s daughter put on Facebook, and how it is not only a terrorist plot, but it’s comparable to the KKK.

Oh.  My.  God.  Does this whackadoodle actually want us to believe that the Facebook page of an 18 year old girl, who let’s face is, is not the sharpest tool in the shed, is the same as the activities of the clan against African Americans? Bravo has an obligation to her children, all gay Americans, and now all African Americans, to get her the hell off of television.

Ashley wrote “Bye” on the Facebook posting, and Danielle thinks it’s a death threat.  By telling her she is going to hell, and then saying “bye”, it means she is plotting to kill her?  Honestly Bravo, we have been so supportive of you and these shows, but this is now testing our patience.  Make it end.

Teresa and Jacqueline are having lunch with Ashley, to find out what was going on.  Turns out, Danielle and Ashley have been having a Facebook war for weeks.  Really?  Danielle is 47, and Ashley is 18.  Grow up Danielle.  You are dealing with a child, and you need to leave her alone.

Danielle is now shopping with Danny.  She thinks if she buys him a suit, he will watch his language.  So true.  I have never heard a man in a suit swear.  Except for about 45 million times, never seen it happen.  Brilliant plan Danielle.  Put him in a suit, and he will be a gentleman.  You’re so smart.  Funny that Danny is her go to person now.

Dina calls Danielle to meet for a drink, and Caroline is having people over for dinner.  Teresa is late, but you’ve got to let it go because she has 4 kids.  Danielle and Dina are getting ready, and heading out to meet.  Bravo to Bravo for allowing us, for a brief moment, to feel like we are watching The Sopranos.

They play the menacing music, they show the ladies driving, while cutting back and forth from the car, to dinner, to Danielle checking in with her thug, to make sure he is the parking lot, incase she needs him.  It’s brilliant, and if Danielle were not so crazy, it would be good television.  The problem is, she is a bag full of nuts.

At drinks, Dina is explaining herself in a way that is calm and respectful.  Dina starts off by saying the need to talk is about her and her feelings, but Danielle turns it to be about her.  Dina wants to talk, and Danielle is dragging all of her crap out.  Dina shooshes her, so she can finish, and Danielle loses her mind.  Don’t shoosh me!

Next week will be part two of their “meeting”, we will see Danielle giving stripper pole lessons, and so the madness will go on.  This week we found out that there is a sex tape of Danielle that is being released by Hustler.  Oddly enough, she seems quite Hustler don’t you think?

At some point, Bravo is going to have a problem on their hands.  They are dealing with a woman who is not well.  It’s one thing to watch a train wreck, but even this is too much.  You feel bad watching, uncomfortable laughing, and that is not good television.  Wrap it up Bravo.  We’re keeping the faith.

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June 8, 2010 | 7:48 am

The Bachelorette & The Rabbi’s Daughter

Posted by Ilana Angel

Bachelorette Heather

Let me begin by saying I love The Bachelor/Bachelorette shows.  Not only do I love them, but I believe the process can work.  There have been contestants over the years I have loved, and others, not so much.  I have never however, had such a dislike of any contestant, as I have for the current bachelorette, Ali.

You can agree or not, you can love Ali or not.  These are just my opinions, and lucky for me, I’ve got a blog and get to put them out there.  So here we go:  The show starts with Ali going on a helicopter ride with Roberto.  Really?  Does she think we do not remember that last year she said she missed out on family vacations because of her fear of flying?

She is not afraid of flying.  She figured the quickest way to the heart of Jake, a pilot, was to pretend she was scared, so he could protect her, and cure her fear.  He would be the hero, fall in love with the damsel in distress, and keep her on the show long enough to secure her coming back.  Not buying it.  Epic fail.

Roberto is handsome and charming. They are going to walk a tight rope, between two buildings.  Seriously?  She says going through something stressful like that, shows you who a person is, and that’s important.  Really? Remember when she bagged on Vienna, for saying the exact same thing about her bungee jumping with Jake?  Whatever.

Roberto tells Ali he’s been to Italy, and she says, “Wow.  You’ve been everywhere!”  This girl is painful.  She then pulls out the skank card, and says she can always tell whether she can “be with someone”, by how they cuddle.  I think Roberto is really great, and I want to save him, by telling him to run.

The next date, is with a group of the guys, to shoot a music video with The Barenaked Ladies.  Frank is in love, and mortified to watch her kiss everyone. John C. is in the one scene that has no kiss or contact with her.  Jonathan, the weatherman, loses his mind.  They have a kiss, and he cries because he is so moved by the whole thing. 

This poor guy is heartbreaking, and needs to go home before his head explodes.  Jesse kisses her, Chris M. kisses her, and Chris L. kisses her.  Everybody kissed her.  One man after the other, kissing in front of a camera.  That sounds like……

Justin, walks the two miles to Ali’s house for a surprise visit.  He is a celebrity whore, who wants to be famous, and that is the only reason he is there. He has a lot in common with Ali.  Hunter is next with a one-on-one date.  They are staying in, and cooking dinner.  He is super sweet, and will be a great dad and a wonderful husband.  She sends him home.  He’s a lucky boy.

Justin pleads his case, and Ali compares him to Vienna.  Blah.  Blah.  Blah.  Steve wants some time, so he sets up a little picnic, with champagne.  He can’t get it open, and it’s charming. Meanwhile, the boys are complaining about Justin, and everyone wants him out of the house, because he’s not real.  The men are being mean girls, and it’s entertaining.

Roberto goes to Ali and tells her Justin is a snake.  She tells him Justin walked to her house.  Roberto runs to the guys, and tattle tells.  They all bag on Justin.  They’re just pissed off they didn’t think of it first.  Justin admits it, and owns it.  Best line of the night is Craid R., the lawyer, saying he does bull$%#@ detecting for a living.  Justin cries because everyone is being so mean to him.

Rose ceremony:  Hunter is already gone, and the other two given the boot, are Steve and John C., both of whom are shocked, and pissed off.  I watch this show because I love it, and because I like to watch the men get sent packing, which in this season, is a good thing.  They picked the wrong girl to be the bachelorette, and I feel stronger about it each week.

I’ve got a better bachelorette for you Her name is Heather, she is 5’7”, has long red hair, and brown eyes.  She lives in Los Angeles, is 30 years old, and her picture is posted with this blog.  She is a great cook, loves movies, concerts, and Andy Griffith.  She would like to meet a nice Jewish guy, get married, and have a baby.  In that order.

The best part is that her dad is a Rabbi, so if you marry her, she can get a deal on the officiating.  If you’re interested, drop me a note and I will put you in touch. Every time I blog about the Bachelorette, I am going to name my own bachelorette.  If you’re interested in being next week’s featured single, write me.  Let’s find love at the Jewish Journal.

At the end of the day, I don’t care about Ali.  It’s just television, and no matter how much I dislike her, I won’t stop watching this fabulous show.  I’m in until Ali chooses her victim.  It will end, The Bachelor Pad will begin, and all will be well in the world of reality television.  As for my friend Heather, the man of her dreams will get in touch, so I’m keeping the faith.

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June 6, 2010 | 11:45 pm

A Teenager, A Single Mom, A Headache & A Goal

Posted by Ilana Angel

I love my son.  He is a remarkable young man, and I am over the moon for him.  Always have been.  He is smart, funny, charming, and caring.  It’s been him and I for a long time, and he has a sweet and protective heart.  I know that he loves me, and that is a great feeling.

Being a single parent is hard.  I never really think about it, because it’s the only way I have parented since having my son.  I have no regrets about getting divorced, and if I had a chance to go back and stay in my marriage, I would pass.  I am blessed as a mother. I’m just suddenly, really tired.

I would like someone to explain to me how a child, who is so completely fantastic, is not able to eat a meal without making a mess.  Or perhaps you can explain how he thinks if he leaves clean clothes crumpled on the floor of his room, they will not be wrinkled in the morning.

How can he think that the clothes will walk over to the hamper on their own?  How can he think money grows on trees?  How can he take 20 minutes to empty a dishwasher?  How is any of this possible?  Is is because he is a boy?  A teenager? 

I have had a headache for three days. This morning, for no apparent reason, I yelled at my son to clean his room.  I feel just horrible about it, but once it’s out there, there is nothing I can do to take it back.  He is a good kid, and I let my own crap, spill over to him.

Here’s the thing, I’m tired.  I’m tired of doing everything alone.  I’m tired of ending my day without an adult to talk to about things with.  I’m tired of wondering if the choices I make are right.  I’m tired of worrying about all the things that parents worry about, all by myself.  Being a single parent is hard. 

Stress is exhausting.  I worry about how I will pay for college, about my son going to high school, and facing high school things, like drugs and sex.  I’m tired of the only person I have to talk to about it, being someone who is paid to listen, rather than someone with a vested interest.

I try very hard to be strong.  I work hard to show my son that I have it all together.  I try to protect him from my stress and worry.  Today though, I faltered, and he saw that I am a little scared.  In the end, he comforted me, which was both lovely, and crushing.

My goal has always been to be a good mother.  From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to be a good mom.  There is nothing I would not do for my kid.  I protect him, nurture him, support him, and love him unconditionally.  Today, for the first time in a very long time, my life feels exhausting.

Will he ever know how much I love him?  Will he ever understand how hard it was to do it on my own, and the sacrifices I made?  Will he know I feel guilty that he did not grow up with his family intact?  If it’s just me, then who will explain all these things when I am gone?

I have a wonderful family, and fantastic friends. I love them all very much.  My life is blessed. I feel very lucky to be a mom, have a job, and be happy.  What I’m struggling with today, is being tired.  I am not lonely, I am however alone, and that is scary.

I am a fighter, and a survivor.  I am proud of all I have accomplished, and proud of the man I am raising.  My goal is that when my son is a parent, he looks back at his childhood, and thinks I was a good mother.  I want him to love me because he chooses to, not because he is obligated to.

I love my son, and I tell him everyday.  We share everything, more than other parents and children and I know, because it’s just him and I.  I hope he understands how much I love him.  When I screw up, it’s just me to clean the mess.  He has to trust that I’m sorry. I imagine it’s hard when he gets everything from one person. 

The teenage years will be a struggle, but I’m up for the challenge.  Telling my son that I love him, and having him know how much, is my goal.  Getting rid of my headache, is my hope.  It will all be fine.  I will share all my stories with him.  I will get it all done.  I will always have faith.  Today, I am working to keep the faith.

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June 4, 2010 | 9:30 am

The Real Housewives of New York City, Crazytown Goes On Hiatus

Posted by Ilana Angel

Ramona & Mario, The Happy Couple

We start off the season finale at The Pierre Hotel, for a walk through with Ramona and her wedding planner.  She picks her room, is very excited, and so the “wedding” finally comes.  She is so giddy and cute, that I find myself very happy for her.  I guess 17 is the milestone anniversary.

Jill and Bethenny are at lunch.  It’s weird and awkward.  Jill is anxious, and Bethenny is clearly over it, and was probably asked to throw Jill a bone by the producers.  Jill does a brilliant impression of Kelly, by acting as if she has no idea of what she has done, or said.

It’s fascinating to me that these women are unable to acknowledge what they do and say, when it’s all on tape.  They may not remember, but we do. Editing can do a lot to paint you as someone you are not, but their words have stronger power than the editors.  They are crazy, and we have proof.

Bethenny keeps it together, and let’s Jill know that she is not the friend she once was, and it’s been crushing.  Jill of course says she feels the same way.  Then Jill, right in front of us, hops on the Kelly train to Crazytown, and the lies and delusion start to flow like Pinot Grigio at Ramona’s house.

Jill is slobbering, and doing the ugly cry.  She then explains to us that Bethenny has no reason to not be her friend.  Really?  Is there cocktail service on this train?  If Jill thinks she has done nothing to make Bethenny want to walk away, rather than deal with her madness, she is a loon.

Jill says she will be fine if they are not friends.  Lie.  She asks Bethenny is she wants to be friends, or have it just be over.  When Bethenny takes literally one second to think, Jill shouts out that she is not going to beg her to be her friend.  Look at yourself Jill.  You need to start begging.

Jill plays dumb, and says she does not know what happened between her and the entire group.  Really?  It’s sad because she gave us the impression she had changed, and wanted to right her wrong.  In the end, not so much.  Bethenny is calling her out, and all she can say is that she is not perfect.

Jill says she tries to do the right thing every day.  She wakes up with the best of intentions.  Bethenny points out that Jill is not only having problems with her, but with most of the ladies.  Jill falls apart and start balling, while Bethenny, completely composed, sits like a lady.

There is only so much a person can take, and Bethenny has clearly hit her limit.  Jill is saying that Bethenny is right, and she needs to eliminate all the toxic people from her life.  What?  Jill is agreeing with Bethenny on things that Bethenny never said.  Jill, she is saying the YOU are the toxic one.

Jill is complaining about everyone, blaming everyone, and Bethenny is sitting, eating her lunch.  It’s fabulous.  Bethenny wraps it up, says she is done, and is ready to go. Jill says she has grown as a person, will now be a better friend, and try to not hold grudges.  Whatever.

Jill has crossed over the dark side.  By the dark side, of course I mean Crazytown, where Kelly lives.  It’s a land where everyone forgets what they said, or did.  They live as is there are no repercussions for their actions, or lasting memories of their words.  Plus, all the furniture is made out of candy.

It’s the launch party for the Countless and her song.  She looks gorgeous. The night is all about her, but Jill wants to talk about her lunch with Bethenny.  I thought she learned her lesson, and was a changed woman?  It’s the biggest night, for her only friend, and she wants to open baggage.

Jill will never change.  LuAnn talks about how her new boyfriend is coming, and Jill says it’s working out because HER psychic who predicted it.  The Crazytown meth whore arrives and she looks like a tranny.  Seriously, it’s time for this group of ladies to go away.

LuAnn’s boyfriend Jacques arrives, and he looks like a young Dustin Hoffman.  He is French, and very cute, and I think he had a great vibe.  They look sweet together, so good for her.  He is charming and lovely, saying hello to all the ladies.  LuAnn looks so proud and happy.

Jacques makes a b-line for Jill, and is telling her he’s heard so much about her.  She responds in perfect Jill fashion, by saying she’s had a bad day.  Sometimes I just want to hit her.  By sometimes, of course I mean most of the time we see her now.  She is incapable of talking about anything but Jill.

LuAnn goes to sit with the girls, to see what they thought of her new man. Jill wants to talk about whether of not she invited Alex.  She has learned nothing and Countless will eventually tire of her.  The Countless sings her song, with her synthesizing mike, and I dug it. Jacques is dancing, and I like him too.

Jen, the newest lady, says she likes the song, and LuAnn is like early Madonna, Oh. My. God.  Please cancel this show.  The ladies are talking about Ramona’s upcoming wedding, and if they are all going.  Jill is not sure, and Sonja calls Jill on her crap and says she was out of line coming to St. John.

Countless is talking over Sonja, Sonja tells her to shut up and let her speak, LuAnn agrees she is talking over her, tells her she is right, then talks over her again to say she is sorry.  Countless is hilarious.  Sonja is hammered, and we are reminded that she is fabulous.

LuAnn shuts it down, and says they need to move on.  Kelly, the Mayor of Crazytown, raises her glass, and says money can’t buy you friends.  What money can buy, is a relationship with a bunch of people you don’t know, and put you on television.  It would appear Bravo can buy you friends.

Bethenny is packing up her apartment, as she prepares to move in with Jason, and start her life as a wife and mom.  They are cute, and I think her show will be entertaining.  I’m looking forward to watching it.  I’m hoping it’s funny and light, so we can recover from all the darkness and drama of Jill.

Ramona is getting her hair and make up done, because it’s vow renewal time.  I like Ramona.  I like Avery, her daughter.  I would advise her however, to work on her 14 year old twinge of a whine that she’s got going.  She sounds negative, about everything, and it’s annoying.  Teenager annoying.

Ramona is getting ready, when Jill comes by to say hello.  Let’s just stop for a minute.  Jill has arrived, at a fancy wedding, and she is carrying a large beach bag that has her picture on it!  She is carrying around a bag, with her own picture on it.  Did anyone else see this?  She is a whack job.

Ramona is getting ready, and it’s all about her, but Jill wants to talk about Jill.  Ramona calls her on her crap, and tells Jill she needs to not be so self absorbed.  That goes right over her head, and she responds with the question, how could SHE miss the wedding.  Again, all about her.

Alex and Simon walk into the wedding.  Simon goes over to Jill and says hello.  She says hello to them both, then looks into the camera and says that she is a grown up, and went over to say hello to them.  Does she not know we can see her?  Simon approached her.  She did not go and say hi to them.

Again, Bravo, please take this show away from her.  It’s not cool anymore.  Bethenny arrives and she is wearing a dress with feathers, and she is worried about PETA.  Sonja informs us that she shoots birds, and has a hat, that has feathers from all the birds she shot.  This chick is made for TV.

Crazy arrives, and Jill tells her she needs to adjust her boobs.  She looks more and more like a man every time we see her.  Kelly has not been in the door one minute, when Jill is up in her face, talking about her lunch with Bethenny.  She is beyond out of control.

Ramona is upstairs having a moment with Avery, and it’s lovely.  Meanwhile, downstairs, Jill is trashing her party.  Complaining that they are not serving food, and they have been waiting.  Honest to God, this woman has lost her mind.  I truly think there is something wrong with her.  With all of them.

The event planner comes to tell them to be seated, and Jen Gilbert, is horrible.  She turns to Kelly and asks if she would pay for someone like that to plan her party.  Jen went from being the sweet new one, to a catty, gross, bitch, just like the rest of them.  Cancel this show already.

Ramona and Avery are fighting about how the dog is going to walk down the aisle, and it’s hilarious.  It takes this serious moment for them, and puts it all into perspective, and I think it’s great.  It was a moment that made her just a woman, with a teenager, and I loved it.

The ladies are seated in two teams, on either side of the aisle.  Good versus evil.  It’s funny.  Ramona makes her ridiculous entrance, for her ridiculous wedding renewal, and as her and Mario, start to speak their vows, all I can think is that I love them and their ceremony.

It was beautiful.  I don’t care that it’s a random 17 years.  Couples should do this every year.  Even if it’s just in their living rooms, and it’s just two people, this should be done in all marriages, as a reminder to why people got married to begin with.

Both Ramona and Mario said beautiful vows, and I will admit that I cried.  I actually cried during their vows.  I loved them both, loved Avery, loved the ceremony, loved it all.  Whatever you think about this woman, she is in love with her husband, respects their life together, and is a class act.

Jill is congratulating Ramona, and instead of saying how wonderful it was, she says she is glad SHE came. Shut up Jill.  Kelly gives Ramona a book of the bikini beach pictures she took in St. John.  Who brings a gift to a wedding and makes the bride open it right there?

Bethenny has a moment of friendship and love with Ramona and Alex.  She thanks them for their support, and it’s sweet.  They came out of the year as friends, which is interesting, because that’s not how they went in.  Ramona tells Countless to start the party by singing her song. The lip-syncing begins.

Alex tries to talk to Jill and have a nice exchange, but Jill blows her off.  These chicks are so high school.  It’s sad really.  Jill hugs Bethenny and pretends they are friends.  She tells her they can get past it.  Bethenny tells her she’s got a lot of changing to do, and Jill responds that she can’t change.

Dear Lord.  I think she actually cannot hear anyone speak but herself.  That’s a difficult way to live your life.  It’s exhausting watching these ladies, so I can just imagine how tired they must all be living their lives.  This show was too much this year, and I hope it does not come back.

Next weeks reunion show looks great.  It will be interesting to see how Bravo handles this show, now that the women involved are falling apart.  We have New Jersey, and then Beverly Hills.  At some point, this will run its course and be over.  Will New York be the first one to dismantle?  I’m keeping the faith.

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June 3, 2010 | 1:52 am

Broadway For Dummies: Lesson #1: Don’t Go If You’re Homophobic

Posted by Ilana Angel

Last night I went to see the Broadway classic, “A Chorus Line”, at The Pantages Theater in Los Angeles.  I went with my teenage son, and we were both looking forward to seeing it, as neither one of us ever had.  The tickets were a generous gift from friends, and so we headed out for a night at the theater.

As we were walking into the theater, I heard a man behind me using profanity, and yelling.  I turned around to see what was happening, and the man was clearly upset.  I overheard him speaking to someone he was with, telling him that a man has used a derogatory slur.

I asked him what was going on, and he explained to me that as he was walking into the theater, two of the gentlemen he was with held hands.  An older man walked passed them and said, loud enough for all of them to hear, “I hate fa$%^#s”.  He actually said it out loud.

Not only did he say it out loud, he said it loud enough for the men he was referring to, to hear him.  It was really sad.  I was sad for the men, sad for the idiot who said it, and sad for my son that he heard it.  It’s upsetting when people let hurtful things slip out, but this, was not that.

This was an idiot, who made a deliberate decision, to hurt a complete stranger, for no other reason than he was different from him.  It made me sick.  I was upset for the couple, but proud of their friend for standing up to a bully, and calling him out on his ignorance.

I hugged the young man who had the slur directed at him, and told him he can love whoever he wants.  I then reminded my fabulous son, that he too could love whomever he wanted, and I would love him and his boyfriend if he were gay.  I also reminded him, that his boyfriend would need to be Jewish.

I don’t understand the need some people have to be so hateful.  It reminded me of last week, when the woman at Target told me that kids with Down’s Syndrome, were being punished by God for their parents sins.  What kind of a world do we live in, that these opinions exist?

The most upsetting thing was not that they were a gay couple, but that they were yet another two, gorgeous men, that are not available to me.  It’s not surprising that the last couple of men I’ve met, on my search for love, have been gorgeous, charming, funny, smart and gay.  That’s how I roll.

I went up to the couple after the show, and asked them to read my blog today.  Tony and Matt were the delicious couple who mistakenly thought that as Americans, they were allowed to hold hands in a public place.  Silly boys.  Don’t you know gay people don’t get the same rights?  Its only 2010, what are they thinking?  (Insert sarcastic laugh, and eye rolling, here.)

I also went up to the man who uttered the slur, introduced myself, gave him my card, and told him to read my blog today.  To you Sir, I want to let you know, incase you were unclear, you are an idiot. A hate filled, sad little man, who is lucky I never heard you say it, because I would have lost it.

Matt and Tony were at the theater with their friend Michael.  Yet another gorgeous guy, who will never date me.  To Michael, I want you to know that I was proud of you for being brave, and making your disgust at the idiot clear.  Others may have kept quiet, but you were a man, and stood up for what was right.  Bravo.

When we were walking away from the theater, you thanked me for my support.  It was lovely of you to say, but not necessary.  You don’t need to thank me for being a decent human being.  I was not being supportive Sweetie, I was being decent.

Whether people are gay or straight, conservative or liberal, Christian or Jewish, it just does not matter.  It is not our obligation to point out how we are different, but rather to be kind to each other. It is our responsibility to treat each other as human beings, and all human beings are deserving of respect, freedom, and joy.

We won’t worry too much about the idiot.  He was surprised to see gay people at A Chorus Line?  Clearly he’s not that bright.  To anyone who does not like gay people, you should probably stay away from the theater.  I imagine this was not an isolated case of homosexuals at the theater.  I’m just saying. 

To everyone who thinks being gay is wrong, you’re wrong.  To anyone who thinks it’s okay to be rude, you’re wrong.  To Tony, Matt, Michael, and every gay and lesbian person, who has been unfairly judged, there are people who love and respect you.  We support the quest for equality, and must all keep the faith.

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June 2, 2010 | 5:23 pm

Real Housewives of NYC Favorite, Sonja Morgan, Is Fabulous, But A Drunk Driver

Posted by Ilana Angel

Sonja Morgan's Mug Shot

My beloved Sonja Morgan was arrested during the wee hours of the morning, following the Memorial Day holiday, for driving while drunk.  Not only did she fail a field sobriety test, she was also cited for “driving without a fastened seatbelt, failure to keep right, and failure to stop at a stop sign”.

She was arrested at 2:30 in the morning, in the Hamptons.  Poor Sonja.  By poor Sonja, of course I mean, she is an idiot.  She is my favorite housewife, and even with this glitch, she will continue to be my favorite.  I feel confident that I can forgive her for this lapse in judgment. 

I will forever think she is a moron, but I will still love her.  Drunk driving breaks my heart.  That a woman who has been given a national platform, where she has appeared to be the sane one in a flock of crazies, is willing to through it away by being an idiot, is fascinating.

I’m glad she is okay, and relieved she did not harm anyone.  I’m sure she will recover from this scandal, and be no worse for the wear.  At the end of the day, it may not change her life that much.  She’ll suffer some immediate humiliation.  Then Bravo will allow her to show remorse, and ask us all for forgiveness.

I wish Sonja well.  It’s a shame that it happened, but hopefully she will use it as a chance to learn, and teach.  I love you Sonja.  Even though you are a drunk, you’re still the best thing to happen to The Real Housewives of New York City.  Money can’t buy you class, but it can buy you a great attorney.  Keep the Faith.

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