Real Housewives of DC: A @#%! Goat Rodeo!

173 Comments

1. 1
   sarcasatire
   Posted August 11, 2010 at 1:59 am

   Hilarity ensues! Laughter abounds! Great recap and screenshots..

   Goat Rodeo is also my new favorite line. I’m going to use it for really inappropriate settings like when referring to baptisms and graduations. It’s apropos of everything!

   Mary is a hot mess. She looks better in regular shots than she does her talking head interviews. Then, bitch looks run down. Or, her age. Whatevs..

   Stacie’s intro dress is so needing to be drenched in pig’s blood. No words..

   Lynda’s got some hips. Michaele’s got some drug problem. The 6th housewife’s got some nerve. And Cat’s got some history. I read that she made out with Prince Harry (cougar, WHA?) and is already divorcing her husband of one year. Guess she wasn’t photogenic..

   I also think Tyra is a hot mess and wouldn’t be offended if anyone dissed her. I was more offended by Mary’s finger-waggin’ “uh-huh, girlfreeend. That’s right, girl. We beed tooooo intergrate cuz of our present administratin’. Mmm-hmm..yea, honey-chile…that’s right, boo.” She’s obviously never had a black friend before or she would know the difference between black people on 90′s sitcoms and black people who went in real life. Who went to Harvard. Not talking about Barack, I’m talking about Stacie.

   Word on the street is Lynda, “I provide models for visiting Sheiks” is an undercover madame. I mean, who goes to DC to look for fashion models? Methinks, she keeps the diplomats from getting too lonely, amirite?

2. 2
   sarcasatire
   Posted August 11, 2010 at 2:02 am

   forgive my typos, dammit! It’s turtle time!

3. 3
   whoochile
   Posted August 11, 2010 at 5:59 am

   Loved this recap! You totally got me on the pug screen grab.

4. 4
   wasabipeas
   Posted August 11, 2010 at 5:59 am

   Well I thought the show was kinda boring, but your recap was SPECTACULAR! Will tune in each week just to keep up with you!

5. 5
   Prodigall Cheez
   Posted August 11, 2010 at 6:07 am

   “Mommy Dearest” screencap. Oh, thank you for that! More later – work calls!

   Awesome, awesome recap!!

6. 6
   chemgal
   Posted August 11, 2010 at 6:14 am

   “Hitler’s color wheel” and “talk to me after a drive through Dallas, etc” – coffee flying out of my nose!

   I too didn’t much like the show but after reading the recap, wished I had DVR’d it and could go back.

   Edwina Rodgers could eat Mic’s husband for lunch and use her as a toothpick. That scene is hilarity in its own considering Mic (who successfully lobbied for wineries – once!) was comparing herself to one of the most powerful lobbyist in DC. The only thing Mic could offer her was advice on the use of bobby pins verses a strap to properly hold your goat rodeo hat on and not look like a 5 year old at a 4 year olds birthday party.

   My issue with Stacie is she got way too upset with Cat at the party. Because Cat doesn’t like Tyra (and who does? Except for those of us who love the fodder she supplies The Soup with.) and Obama, she’s a racist. I am hoping they don’t focus on that angle, but its bravo, and if they sense the chance to enhance and encourage a “cat” fight, of course they will. I would rather see her running her business.

   BTW – did any of you housewife fans know that one of Lynne Curtin’s disasters is preggers?

7. 7
   Baxter
   Posted August 11, 2010 at 6:27 am

   chemgal- say it ain’t so!!!!!! Not another Lynne spawn. Nothing good can come from it.

   sarcasatire- Completely agree! Top modeling agency in DC? Who the hell needs models there? That would be like saying, “Top swimsuit store in Alaska”

   I’m sorry I cheated and read the comments first. I’m sure bBitz did an awesome job recapping.

8. 8
   Prodigal Cheez
   Posted August 11, 2010 at 6:51 am

   Literally LAUGHING MY ASS OFF!! “Mommy Dearest” screencap – Oh, thank you for that!!!

   @chemgal, I just read that about Lynne’s daughter. Is it evil to say I hope it’s a girl and the twit names it Lacey?? LOL.

   Mic is mess. I keep calling her Little Miss Thorazine in my head. That party at Stacie’s was hilarious – I was cracking up at Mary. She was totally digging Cat but trying to keep it on the DL, haha! I love hypocrisy, especially when it’s fueled by non-stop maintenance drinking.

   More later – work calls. Dammit!

   Awesome, awesome recap!!!! Thank you!!!

9. 9
   Baxter
   Posted August 11, 2010 at 7:29 am

   bBitz great recap!! For not watching this show before you did a great job zeroing in on the vapid traits of these “ladies”

   When I saw some promos for this the DC wives were saying their show would be different because they have educated discussions on politics and get into real issues. Well if educated political discussion means liking a president because he RSVP’d to a wedding or implying someone is racist because they don’t like Obama or Tyra then wow they nailed it. They should be on CNN not Bravo.

   I’m not sure about this show. It was a bit boring. I don’t know about this group of women meshing together very well. It just seems too forced right

10. 10
    njgasmifan
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 8:05 am

    I initially vowed not to get caught up in another housewives show – but of course I caved and watched. And now I am so glad I did – Bbitz, you are going to be a great leader for our little goat rodeo! And I’m thrilled to see so many of my fav posters here as well.

    It’s hard to tell about the women from just one epi – editing comes into play – but I think Mic is batshit crazy. Good, every housewives franchise needs one.

    Hang onto your saddle girls, it’ll be an interesting rodeo! Thanks Bbitz – xoxoxo

11. 11
    SteelMagnolia
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 8:12 am

    Loved loved loved your recap! I haven’t read any of your recaps before, but I have to say I’m thrilled you are recapping this trainwreck of a show. You have the perfect blend of snark and humor needed to do it justice. Thought the ladies were nuts, but I intend to keep watching and of course reading the recaps.

12. 12
    shantigal
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 8:29 am

    Awesome recap BBitz. Too many guffaws to rehash them all. I lovingly hate all of ‘em. I thought Bravo had already dug to the bottom of the well, but no! They just hadn’t been to DC yet. Strapping the saddle on my goat and ready for the ride.

    @cheez – hahaha Lacey Curtain hahahaha

13. 13
    shantigal
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 8:30 am

    B – I meant I lovingly hate all of the women, not your captions.

14. 14
    MegC
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 9:03 am

    I was so excited for a new Housewives show, but I found it to be a little boring. But it’s like the opening of a new restaurant. You have to give it time….

    I always like to pick my favorite right away, and so far my favorite is Stacie. She seems normal, sweet, and sassy. I think Cat was being a tad rude at her dinner party, but I also think that Cat thought she was just being funny, and she was a bit tipsy. Also I have a hard time understanding the words coming out of her mouth. I know you’re British, but could you enunciate???

15. 15
    kdognatl
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 9:12 am

    Great recap BB and the screen caps were HI-larious!! And Sarcasatire you said it great! I def think Mic is on something. And I agree Stacie was a little too sensitive. I don’t think Cat is racist, just a prick, and she looked like a man in that wig and sunglasses during her photo shoot. Oh and I hate Tyra too, lol. Wow, so Cat is getting a divorce? Is that why no hubby in intro? Yah, they suck, but I will continue to watch.

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    skatt
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 9:18 am

    Oh Njgasmifan, Every time you think you’ve gotten out, Miss Andy PULLS YOU BACK IN.

    ProCheez/Chemgal: I was laughing my ass off at the cooking party scene too. (If we cannot all agree that Tyra Banks is a hotmess, then all The Soups work WILL have been in vain!!!) I mean, Stacie thinks Obama shits rainbows and Cat loves Bush on the basis of an R.S.V.P. as much as anything else. What if Obama had R.S.V.P.’d too? Would she be an Independent?

    Lovin’ it.

17. 17
    Jason
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 9:22 am

    Fabulous recap! Don’t you think Mary’s face is held together by bubblegum injections instead of a ton of Botox?

    Also, Virginia wine country is VERY real, and the state produces some amazing wines (most tend to be in the $25+ range). The soil and climate is actually very close to that of Bordeaux, and wines have been cultivated in VA ever since Thomas Jefferson established Monticello. Take a drive through rolling wine country near Leesburg or even better, near Charlottesville – beautiful country, excellent wine and food. Of course, the rest of the state is just hillbilly-ville.

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    Jason
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 9:34 am

    Oh, and Kat, if GWBush wasn’t too busy attending your Marmite-laden Chavvy wedding or whatever, and actually doing something about the economy in 2008 while it shed 7 million jobs, maybe we wouldn’t be in the shitter right now.

19. 19
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 10:22 am

    @Baxter and chegal: Stacey never implied that Cat was racist. She merely said on the show and on her bravotv blog that Cat had poor dinner ettiquette but was adamant in saying that she did not think Cat was racist. Let’s be careful with saying that when people of color are offended by the actions of others, they are pulling the race card. So not true. In a later clip, Stacie goes on to say that perhaps Cat was uncomfortable being in a Black environment, which again, doesn’t imply racism. I have plenty of friends who feel uncomfortable the minute they go from ‘majority’ to ‘minority’ in a social setting.

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    sarcasatire
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 10:27 am

    @Jason: I heart you. Marmite and chavs… ahh, you just decribed the perfect wedding. HaHA!!!!!!

21. 21
    Faye
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 11:21 am

    Well! Look at you! Big deal. Kennedy pool parties were nothing. Tell me you survived Sunday drives in Dallas, after-party rides through Chappaquiddick and plane flights over Martha’s Vineyard – then I’ll be impressed.
    Bbitz, will you accept this rose? All kinds of wrong and all kinds of hilarious at the same time

    Is anyone else curious how someone as thin and “fashionable” as Mic managed to find a too tight first lady of the church Easter suit to wear to the goat rodeo?

    Mary looks like the result of a drunken one night threesome with Stockard Channing, Blair Warner, and Melody Scott Thomas with her original nose

22. 22
    Yanksfan
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 11:39 am

    LOL @Faye! It’s almost like Mary got too much Restalyne or derma fillers in her face before taping. Her face is too tight and shiny. Like NJgasmfan I tried to resist but will probably be watching this season much to my husband’s dismay. Thanks BBitz…can’t wait for the next one!

23. 23
    Jason
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 11:50 am

    Genius recap!

24. 24
    Baxter
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 12:21 pm

    sarcasatire- Stacie said that Cat brought up both Obama and Tyra who are both black which she hopes wasn’t the reason she disliked them. Which to me implies racism. I didn’t read her blog so I can only speak to what I saw on the show.

    I think Cat was rude for bringing up her feelings on Tyra in front of the Chef since he works for her. I think it put him in a very uncomfortable positon. Although I couldn’t agree with Cat more.

25. 25
    Prodigal Cheez
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 1:37 pm

    Cat doesn’t just hate Black Americans, she hates all fat-ass, tacky hat-wearing, cheesy polo-playing Americans. And so do I, which means Cat is officially my favorite cast-member so far.

    Besides that haggard bitch probably can’t even vote, so who cares what she thinks? Stacie needs to grow a set and quit whining to the camera, if she has something to say than she should just say it – If Cat and Mary can get a load on and blindly stumble through racially charged territory, than her Harvard degree ought to give her enough juice to articulate and deliver a good conversation-stopping slam.

    I agree though, it was in bad taste to insult the chef’s former employers, friends, whatever. And Stacie was right, she’s going to blow her husband’s career to shit if she keeps shooting her mouth off like that, LOL.

    Cat in her promo shots totally reminded me of Michael Cain in “Dressed to Kill”.

    @njgasm – I had every intention of not watching this one too, but here I am!! LOL – I’m glad you’re in! And the rest of the RH girls too – the NJ franchise is getting harder and harder to watch, but this one looks pretty good so far! I swear, the recaps and commenters are the only reason I watch this garbage!

    FWIW – I think Mary has a fingerprint scanner on her closet to keep her husband out of it, LOL.

    Bbitz – Thank you for the “Designing Women” reference – I love that show!!!! I didn’t even need to check the reference? Awesome or sad? Don’t answer that…

26. 26
    LAC
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    Very funny recap! Oh my Gods, these broads…as a black woman, if I could count the number of times drunk white chicks try the head shaking “no, she diin’t!” routine in my presense, I could afford to live in Virginia Wine Country. Holla!!!!!

    It is a train wreck and sad how all these women grasp on to the slightest connection to the White House. I had a colleague who worked at the White House Counsel office on detail – can I invite President Obama and his family over to my house for a canape?

    The descriptions of Mic (I get freaking tired of trying to spell that pencil’s name too) are priceless. And what is up with the Dwight wannabe? I would not want him styling or touching my hair, even if the salon was integrated (eye roll). And speaking of stupid, Mary looks like her plastic surgery is fighting a losing battle with her wine intake. I like ole flinty Lynn and Mary so far. Cat…meh… I hate bitchy english broads who think that they are clever because their accents. Sounds like we will also be hearing about her vajayjay because of this ick title book she has coming out.

27. 27
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 2:16 pm

    @Baxter: Stacie saying she hopes that Obama and Tyra being black isn’t the reason Cat dislikes them. While I still consider this a leap to saying she called Cat a racist, I am thinking it wasn’t Cat’s dislike of Tyra that made things so awkward, but her ‘interpretation’ of Tyra that did.
    Either way, I read her blog and she said she ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT think Cat is racist. (yes, she hit caps lock to emphasize her point)

    @chemgal: I also hope that Bravo does not drag out this storyline, but somethings tells me they will. They will probably keep interspersing bits of Stacie’s post-dinner interview throughout the season. Well, until more important matters take center stage…like, the gatecrashers!

28. 28
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 2:20 pm

    @LAC: The term Stylist in the Northeast means Fashion Stylist. I thought that was obvious when he showed up with a rack of clothes for Michaele.. (I assist stylists and costume designers in NYC, so I keep thinking this is general knowledge, but perhaps most people think hairstylist when the hear the word.)

29. 29
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    @LAC: “as a black woman, if I could count the number of times drunk white chicks try the head shaking “no, she diin’t!” routine in my presense, I could afford to live in Virginia Wine Country. Holla!!!!!
    ”

    You and me, both!! I once had a Chilean dude do it to me in Brazil. Damn you, MTV!!!! haha

30. 30
    Faye
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    Cat may not be a racist but she is a Brenda Vaccaro doing Camilla Parker Bowles sounding snob and what she did was just rude .. not because it was Obama and Tyra but because like someone mentioned earlier, the Chef was standing there and made it clear that Tyra was his friend and client. She should have zipped it right then and there ..

    If anyone is uncomfortable around minorities and don’t know you can just hold a normal conversation without speaking loudly and slowly to them, it’s Ms. Mary Channing Warner Scott Thomas. She is the type of stupid white woman that says hello to everyone in the room and then gets to the lone black woman and shouts “WAAT UP GIRLFRIEND” Instead of saying “how’s your family been doing” she says “YO, how ma’ home-biscuit LeRoy been hanging” and instead of holding an insightful debate on the BP Oil Spill she asks “Chiiiile, have you heard that new song by Jay-Z” and then breaks out doing the that awkward move your hips clap off beat motion.

    She is the type that every time you mention her name, it’s followed with “Bless her heart” Which is the universal phrase in the black community when you think someone was not born retarded, however,they have someone evolved into a complete retard “Look at Mary in that nice red dress, bless her heart”

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    sarcasatire
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 3:03 pm

    @ Faye: Brilliant!! I cracked up at your Mary interpretation, it’s is so spot on. And how annoying are those women (and men)? Especially when they feel compelled to speak to you using what they think are hip-hop hand gestures but are really just offensive to paraplegics. I used to get angry at the stereotyping but now I laugh a little inside. They are so socially inept that I end up feeling pity for them. Now, there’s a term for it. “Bless her heart!” love it! (funny, my fam is from the South so I’ve heard it used before but now will add it to my vernacular, thanks to you!)

32. 32
    cmw
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    “ICHIBAN! A pug who’s 3 times the size he should be and looks like he’s just swallowed a ham.”

    LOL, luv the recap!! Can’t wait to finish this one and look forward to reading your recaps in the coming season.

33. 33
    Prodigal Cheez
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 4:11 pm

    @LAC – “Cat…meh… I hate bitchy english broads who think that they are clever because their accents. ”

    In reality I agree with you, but in Real Housewife Land I have to respect the kind of girl who manages to totally insult and offend the first two women who host her at their events, LOL. I pretty much hate anyone who makes the choice to live in America, then spends their time denigrating our entire culture. Especially the British, who’s asses we kicked the first time; and who would probably be speaking German if it wasn’t for the good old USA, haha.

    At any rate, I wish Bravo would have passed on the Salami’s and added Stacie’s friend instead. She seemed really hip and cool, and in the know – like, how did she hook up with Janet Jackson’s chef? And get him to throw a cooking lesson?

34. 34
    Faye
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 4:48 pm

    @Prodigal Cheez – I agree..Mic and Tic Salami’s schtick is going to get real old real fast…bless they hearts

35. 35
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 5:19 pm

    “Especially the British, who’s asses we kicked the first time; and who would probably be speaking German if it wasn’t for the good old USA”

    Funny, I said this exact quote, almost verbatim, on another site a few days ago!

36. 36
    chemgal
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 6:42 pm

    @sarcasatire, as stated earlier, Stacie did say during interviews (and forgive me, don’t have the episode on dvr to go back and get verbatim) that the two people cat didn’t like happened to be black and she wondered …. (here’s where my ability to remember exact wording, but to me it implied she thought Cat in general hates black people) And in my personal experience as a white woman who is not at all impressed with our current President (not thrilled with W either-and I was just as vocal about that) I am immediately TOLD by people that I am a racist as that might be the only reason I don’t feel he is doing a good job. Of course, I am usually told by rich white New Englanders that I’m a racist, not a Harvard educated successful black woman, so perhaps my radar is off.

    I like Cat and that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. She seems to be the only one who is in on the joke – and realizes that they are all the punchline. She didn’t bring Tyra up and didn’t realize the chef had her as a client until after she said she didn’t like her. I think due to a few drinks, she tried to make it better explaining why she didn’t like her and while I got that it was Tyra’s melodramatic outbursts and not her blackness, something got lost in Cat’s attempts at an American accent.

    What may be the good thing to come out of this show is to highlight how whites that are not comfortable with blacks (Mary) act verses someone who doesn’t really give a shit (Cat) what color you are. Having grown up 1/2 Jewish and in an “integrated” part of NJ, I was shocked when I moved and found myself surrounded by rich, uber liberal whites who talked the talk of being unconcerned about color, creed or religion, but where actually uncomfortable when they were around anyone except other rich, uber liberal whites. And get a few drinks in these folks and its n-word this, spic, kike, etc.

    I wish we actually got to see the guy cook so I could have learned something!

37. 37
    Pam Marinelli
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 6:56 pm

    Ah the bitch is back!!!!!! So psyched you decided to recap this show I was afraid of withdrawing after the bachelorette. If it can’t be bachelor pad God let it be TRH of DC! Loving your Rachel Zoe reference …it was MAJOR! and Sabrina the Teenage Witch reference!
    Let the good times roll!

38. 38
    Coleen Schaefer
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 6:57 pm

    I have to say that its not just whites who talk to black people all”hey Girrll”. I worked with a black girl who was college eduacted who would talk to white customers all proper “hi, how are you today? is there anything I can help you with” and as soon as a black customer came in would immediately switch to ” how you doin?”. I have to say it threw me off as to why she didn’t speak the same to both races. I have a friend from Jamaica who would speak in a mostly american accent until another Jamaican came about but mostly because they could understand her accent and meaning of certain words.

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    chemgal
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    Coleen, its jews too. my mother turns all yenta and the yiddish comes out the second she is with her family.

40. 40
    Susanl
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    I watch this one along with NJ and ATL just for the recaps. Great! Love the captions and cracked up at the Anthony Bouvier comparison. What’s up with Lynda’s eyebrows? Can we compare with Danielle? Love the name dropping, Tyra (coo!coo!) and Janet Jackson…ohhh…I’m impressed…NOT. I wonder if Stacie would still be impressed by Obama if she realized her yet to be born great-great grandchildren will be paying for the trillions he has dumped on them. Oh and BTW he is 1/2 black and 1/2 white. People seem to forget about his mother. Can Mary drink any more? I love how she was watching her husband model while drinking a bottle of wine. This show is going to be as much fun to laugh at as all the rest of the Housewives series.

41. 41
    Dawn
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 7:31 pm

    Three words: Texas Pineapple Country.

    I’m crying…

42. 42
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 8:28 pm

    @Coleen: Here is the difference. A college-educated Black person can speak in a casual dialect amongst their peers and no one will question their intellect. Let that same person speak in a casual dialect amongst certain Caucasians and the Caucasians will believe it’s because these Black people don’t know any better, that they aren’t educated.
    The saddest thing about America, amongst the white population in particular, is that for a minority to fully integrate into society and be considered ‘equal’, one must assimilate, wholly and completely.
    In my job, I am often the only minority on set (photo/film, etc.). Or the only Black person; there may be an Asian person, or a Latina. And even if they/we are born into other cultures, being accepted into American culture is an exercise in how ‘comfortable’ you make certain white people feel by not confronting them with your differences. If it’s not relatable, it’s doesn’t really have a place anywhere but on the periphery of their existence. Doesn’t mean they are racist or intolerant..just that they prefer to be at ease and are most at ease with things that they know.

    Now, the opposite is true within cultures. Most people feel at ease with things that they know, and love to fall into more comfortable patterns of speech, dialects, and slang. Jewish, Latina, British..it happens with all of my friends when the group becomes largely populated by one ethnic group. Personally, I love this but only because I gravitate towards and embrace differences. In America, however, this is the exception, not the rule.

43. 43
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 8:33 pm

    “Now, the opposite is true within cultures.”
    Should read: “The same is true within cultural and ethnic groups.” But I’m sure you’ve already noted that!

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    RealityCheck
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 10:30 pm

    Great Recap!

    Most people have either forgotten or don’t know that the prior Mayor of DC (Marion Barry) did get re-elected after being filmed smoking crack with a prositute. Hmmm…have an affair with White House Aide and get impeached. Get caught smoking crack and get re-elected???

    @Jason…Yes, Virginia wine country is very real. But the hillybilly-ville comment shows a uneducated view of the state that is the birthplace of the most US Presidents.

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    Pixielated
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 10:59 pm

    Susanl, try reading David Stockman’s comments to get an insight into who ramped up our national debt, mmkay? Might as well get the opinion of a Regan Republican before blaming Democrats for everything.

    P.S. Sorry, I cannot like anybody who has a high regard for GW Bush.

46. 46
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 11:12 pm

    @Reality Check: The difference is that Congress did not want to impeach the president for sex with an aide. (Why do people keep forgetting what the case was really about????) What Clinton went on the chopping block for was lying under oath! “I..did not..have sexual relations..with that woman.” Was under oath, and when the dress appeared with his, um..DNA on it, he was indicted for perjury.

    Marion Barry (who, is mentioned on page 1 of this recap, thanks Bbitz!) was arrested for doing drugs. But until a law states that a convicted felon cannot run for office, then people can and will elect who they like. Also, the shame of a basehead mayor of the smallest district (geez, it’s not even a state!) in the country is not one iota of the size of the embarassment that had befallen the USA on a wolrdwide scale when it was discovered that the leader of the free world liked his cigar tips.. wet. *shudder*

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    Prodigal Cheez
    Posted August 11, 2010 at 11:44 pm

    “A college-educated Black person can speak in a casual dialect amongst their peers and no one will question their intellect.”

    I consider my black friends and former classmates my peers. I hope they do the same in regards to me…

    “Let that same person speak in a casual dialect amongst certain Caucasians and the Caucasians will believe it’s because these Black people don’t know any better, that they aren’t educated.”

    I am personally offended and hurt by this statement. First of all, I identify myself as white; second of all I think the biggest mistake people make when creating a dialogue about racial issues is starting out with generalizations like this one. Both sides are guilty of it, so I’m not pointing fingers; but I am pointing out that “educating” me about your point of view by making a statement that puts me on the defensive is counter-productive and minimizing to me.

    I also do not entirely agree that this is the case, it certainly wasn’t when Barack Obama did it during the election campaign. I feel pretty comfortable making the statement that white people understood that he was using cultural commonality to relate to young people in a vernacular language, that has transcended the racial divide incidentally. Eminem would be an example of that, and an articulate one at that – as is Ice-T, Jay-Z, Usher, Justin Timberlake and Flo Rida to name a few.

    “The saddest thing about America, amongst the white population in particular, is that for a minority to fully integrate into society and be considered ‘equal’, one must assimilate, wholly and completely.”

    The thing I am proudest of in America right now is the fact that a black president sits in the White House, and won an election on policy issues and cultural rhetoric that was actually not race-based in the least. A WHOLE LOT of white people voted that man into office, and I think that counts for something. I’m not stupid, I know ignorance and intolerance still exist – and unfortunately not just between black and white factions. I have a Jewish husband that is very worried about the global economic backlash right now because names like Goldman-Sachs, Lehman Brothers, and Bernard Madoff engender some very old and dangerous misconceptions about who controls financial markets – you may have heard of a little grassroots political party called the NAZI’s? You’d be surprised how many are around these days.

    “In my job, I am often the only minority on set (photo/film, etc.). Or the only Black person; there may be an Asian person, or a Latina. And even if they/we are born into other cultures, being accepted into American culture is an exercise in how ‘comfortable’ you make certain white people feel by not confronting them with your differences. If it’s not relatable, it’s doesn’t really have a place anywhere but on the periphery of their existence. Doesn’t mean they are racist or intolerant.. just that they prefer to be at ease and are most at ease with things that they know.”

    Honestly, where do you get off making a statement like that? So, you are telling me that there is a systematic behavior taking place among minorities in which white people are being coddled and cozened into acceptance of differences because you are all lying to us on some level? I demand proof.

    @sarcasatire – I want to be clear here, I am NOT personally attacking you. I am questioning and disagreeing with your statements. I don’t know how the Real Housewives comments sections have become hotbeds of racial dissonance. I am disappointed that what was once a group of people (whose racial, cultural makeup I am largely unaware of) who all genuinely liked and related to each other has gotten so far afield from the original intent of these recaps. I can’t really say if that’s a good or a bad thing – maybe its something that has to happen. I do know that it’s a bad thing for ME, because I come here for social interaction and entertainment and I’ve been avoiding it because I am feeling uncomfortable about the direction things are moving in.

    I can’t not respond to this stuff, I tried to ignore it and not read certain commenters – because everyone has a right to be here, but it’s pervasive. I apologize to every one else if I’m out of line, or adding to the discomfort.

    For the record, I thought Mary acted like an ignorant ass at the dinner party and Stacie was absolutely entitled to feel offended because it WAS utterly offensive. However, Mary is a drunken ass, and probably offends everyone at some point because she has the lethal combination of being stupid and having no brain to mouth filter. And to Stacie’s credit, I think she understood that and is clearly leagues and leagues above Mary on the DC food-chain.

48. 48
    Pixielated
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 1:11 am

    I guess it’s natural for a show about Washington, DC to engender political (including racial) discussions, but I am sort of amazed that this brainless show has done so.

    I am personally most offended that people like these dim bulb, cardboard cutout freaks exist in America, and that Bravo has seen fit to legitimize them by giving them a TV series (or several), but whatevs.

49. 49
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 1:11 am

    @Prodigal cheez:
    First off, please read very clearly the statement that you are picking apart. I said “CERTAIN caucasians’..I am not generalizing and saying it’s everyone. Certain mushrooms are poisonous. Am I now saying don’t eat funghi because it will kill you?

    Certain people do feel comfortable with their own, or those who are different, but not too different from them and for you to deny that is ridiculous. Also, if it doesn’t apply to you, why be personally offended by it? I don’t take personally things that I feel have nothing to do with me. Nor, do I deny its veracity just because I’m not guilty of said behavior.

    Growing up in America, do you honestly believe that immigrants (which is why I included jewish, asians, and latinos..this isn’t a White and Black issue, so stop trying to make it one!), do you believe that immigrants do not have to assimilate in order to be fully integrated into American culture? This includes learning the english language, changing their style of dress, and also many of their customs. If you disagree with this, then I don’t know what to say. But I’d recommend you read Zadie Smith’s “White Teeth.” It takes place in Britain but the message is the same. (If you have time, also pick up ‘On Beauty’ which explores a similar theme here in the USA)

    I don’t know where you grew up, but I was born and raised in NYC amongst every culture under the sun and have friends of all races and nationalities. My grandmother is biracial (like Obama) and so are many of my cousins due to my aunts/uncles marrying different cultures. I am well educated, well read, well traveled, and having lived abroad, I speak 3 languages. Four, if you include sign language.

    Growing up with such diversity, I saw plain and clear that amongst ‘certain’ people, (perhaps the rich uber-white liberals that Chemgal mentioned?), there seems to be an acceptance only of people that they feel comfortable around..and that is people like themselves. When I say acceptance, I mean friendships, not tolerance at work or while casually interacting. I mean, where people can comfortably embrace others of different cultures. When people see others as too different they then believe that they have nothing in common with them, cannot relate, and the desire to connect on a deeper level dissolves.

50. 50
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 1:14 am

    I’m sure, Pcheez, that you also took the time to read the last paragraph where I said the same is true of ALL cultures. It’s just that majority rules!
    I’ve stated that this is why people drop the formalities amongst their ‘kind’, as Chemgal has also confirmed, because they are more comfortable amongst people that they are like. They feel more at ease. The only difference is that, as a minority, there are fewer places where one can do this, fewer places where a minority, becomes the majority. And that is usually at home/amongst family, in certain neighborhoods, and in places of worship. However, being caucasian in America means you also feel comfortable practically anywhere you are the majority, which also extends beyond the places listed above to even include workplaces and public spaces, as well.

    Did you hear about the protestation of a mosque near Ground Zero? Now because of the actions of a few, muslims are not tolerated to openly practice their religion in a largely upscale, predominately white community. (Btw, thankfully our mayor shot them down and Jon Stewart took the piss out of them, as well)
    Did you hear about Trump Hotel firing an employee for sporting a small, neat afro because it was too ethnic? She was told that guests, should not be “shocked’ when they step off of the elevator.” In other words, assimilate. Get a flat iron, or a weave. Go watch Good Hair if you don’t think that this is a form of assimilation and seeking acceptance.
    I used to wear an ethnic headress…more progressive muslim. I was told by several places that I applied to bartend that I could not cover my hair. Now, in addition to making drinks I was serving appetizers, so why did they not want me to cover my hair? Because with my skin color and the headdress, it some of our clietele uncomfortable.

    I have a good friend who is Sikh. Her parents are traditional and she used to be, as well. But as we progressed in high school, she started to want to fit in, in other words, assimilate in order to be accepted. So, first she changed her dress, then cut and dyed her hair, then started using the same terminology that was common in the group she wanted to be a part of. Why does this sound so uncommon to you, pcheez, when people do it everyday?
    You know what happened to the only people who have actively not assimilated into American culture? They now live on reservations. Let them drum and rain dance all they want..just not on the same street where I buy my Starbucks.

51. 51
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 1:15 am

    @PCheez, you say:”I am disappointed that what was once a group of people (whose racial, cultural makeup I am largely unaware of) who all genuinely liked and related to each other has gotten so far afield from the original intent of these recaps. I can’t really say if that’s a good or a bad thing – maybe its something that has to happen. I do know that it’s a bad thing for ME, because I come here for social interaction and entertainment and I’ve been avoiding it because I am feeling uncomfortable about the direction things are moving in.”

    This also hurts me, because it tells me you feel more comfortable when not confronted by our differences. Exactly my point!!! Why should racial discussion be so uncomfortable? This is exactly my point..we should just assimilate; pretend these things don’t affect us, that they don’t exist in our country, smile and have vapid conversations about the housewives dresses and bank accounts, instead of exploring how the antics of the cast is somewhat indicative of our reality in America, a much more intelligent discussion. Personally, I welcome the perspective of those who were raised differently than I, who have different experiences..this is how we evolve, isn’t it?
    I didn’t find any comments particularly harsh and I think we were all getting along quite well, even those that didn’t agree with one another. Am I wrong in my assumption?

52. 52
    Pixielated
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 1:30 am

    “Certain people do feel comfortable with their own, or those who are different, but not too different from them and for you to deny that is ridiculous.”

    From what you have said, Sarcasatire, African-Americans mostly fall into this category. It’s odd that this long discussion has developed about white people not being comfortable with minorities, when it also seems clear that the reverse is true.

    We all have “public” and “private” faces. I just hope we feel comfortable enough with our friends, whatever their race/culture, to show our “private” faces to them.

    Speaking of assimilating, in France, it is illegal to wear any sort of religious headdress. They are proud of their secular state and do not allow religious expression in public, even clothing (supposedly, though I don’t know if it extends to yarmulkes, Catholic nuns and priests, etc.).

53. 53
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 1:38 am

    @Chemgal: “What may be the good thing to come out of this show is to highlight how whites that are not comfortable with blacks (Mary) act verses someone who doesn’t really give a shit (Cat) what color you are. Having grown up 1/2 Jewish and in an “integrated” part of NJ, I was shocked when I moved and found myself surrounded by rich, uber liberal whites who talked the talk of being unconcerned about color, creed or religion, but where actually uncomfortable when they were around anyone except other rich, uber liberal whites. And get a few drinks in these folks and its n-word this, spic, kike, etc.”

    This was the only point I was driving at..the comfort in being around those who are like you. Like your Jewish family members, The Jamaican in @Coleen’s workplace, and those ‘rich uber liberal whites’. And if immigrants and ethnic people have desires of upward social mobility, they must assimilate..even Cat knows this, with her affected high-British accent.

    What I do resent @ Prodigal Cheez, is that when Mary does something that you yourself called offensive, you chalk it up to her being drunk and stupid. Well, in ‘vino veritas’ (in wine there is truth), so all she did was show us a side of her she hides while sober. But just because it’s hidden, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

    @Pixelated..all cultures fall into that category, must I repeat it ad nauseum? My point is that minorities have fewer places where they are the majority, so in workplaces and public faces they must assimilate to the customs of the majority (which in the case of America is white Americans), so as not to appear too different.

    Your example of France only reinforces my point, so thank you.

54. 54
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 1:44 am

    @sarcasatire wrote: ““Now, the opposite is true within cultures.”
    Should read: ‘The same is true within cultural and ethnic groups.’ But I’m sure you’ve already noted that!”

    I wrote this right beneath the statement the @PCheez is responding to, therefore I am acknowleding that all cultures do that. I’m just say that majority rules! In certain Arab countries, can female tourists run around half naked if local women are covered up? If they do, it is considered disrespectful towards the culture of the country. Therefore, assimilate to to customs of majority and there will be less conflict, less discomfort, less offense.

55. 55
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 2:08 am

    @PCheez: One last thing..and I promis, I’ll drop it,

    Assimilation comes in many forms, I provided ‘proof’ that you requested of people being told to assimilate to make others comfortable, here are some reasons/justifications why they do it:

    two of my Black friends, Amanda and Abigail, have mentioned on separate occasions that they are happy their names aren’t ethnic because it helps them move ahead in life. They believe ethnic names on a resume would lessen the chances of an interview/job, no matter their qualifications.

    I disagreed with it, having an ethnic name myself, and considering ethnic names like Oprah Lucrecia and Condaleeza Shameka, what’s in a name?

    @Baxter spoke( on Bethenny Getting Married recap) about how working for a recruitment agency, how the resume would get tossed 9 times out of 10 in the name is considered too ethnic or ‘different.’
    @Chemgal joined the discussion and mentioned how in Freakonomics, the writer statistically determined how having a name like ‘Naveah” was guaranteed to impede success.”

    Still not convinced?

    Well, ask the countless Asian kids who went to my school named Jun-qua and Xui-Xui but gave themselves American names like Grace and Lucy to fit in. And how amongst themselves the US-born proudly referred to themselves as ABC’s – American Born Chinese, in order to distinguish themselves from the FOB’s- Fresh Off the Boats, who hadn’t yet gotten the hang of ‘American fashion, lingo, or culture.’

56. 56
    Pixielated
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 2:15 am

    I think you long ago got to the point of “ad nauseam.”

57. 57
    Prodigal Cheez
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 2:29 am

    “Also, if it doesn’t apply to you, why be personally offended by it? I don’t take personally things that I feel have nothing to do with me.”

    Give me a break, your pain and disillusionment with “mainstream, white America” is driving this entire discussion. You’re entitled to feel however you want, and probably have good reason, but at least own it.

    “Growing up in America, do you honestly believe that immigrants (which is why I included jewish, asians, and latinos..this isn’t a White and Black issue, so stop trying to make it one!), do you believe that immigrants do not have to assimilate in order to be fully integrated into American culture? This includes learning the english language, changing their style of dress, and also many of their customs. If you disagree with this, then I don’t know what to say. But I’d recommend you read Zadie Smith’s “White Teeth.” It takes place in Britain but the message is the same. (If you have time, also pick up ‘On Beauty’ which explores a similar theme here in the USA)”

    I believe immigrants SHOULD assimilate, they came here for a reason and if they want to work, interact and participate in American culture then they damn well better understand it, and understand it well enough to communicate effectively with the people who pay the taxes here. As for being pressured to dress differently and not having the freedom to practice their own customs, what bullshit that is. And please don’t tell me what I should or shouldn’t read; I’m not looking for a structured discourse on cultural delineations from YOU.

    “(which is why I included jewish, asians, and latinos..this isn’t a White and Black issue, so stop trying to make it one!)”

    It is predominantly fixated around the black/white issue. I’m not playing games with this, I respect the issue enough to play it straight.

    “I am well educated, well read, well traveled, and having lived abroad, I speak 3 languages. Four, if you include sign language.”

    You may be all of those things and more, but you are also arrogant and dismissive.

    “Did you hear about the protestation of a mosque near Ground Zero? Now because of the actions of a few, muslims are not tolerated to openly practice their religion in a largely upscale, predominately white community. (Btw, thankfully our mayor shot them down and Jon Stewart took the piss out of them, as well).”

    Good. Because frankly it’s insensitive and inappropriate for Ground Zero survivors to have to confront a fucking mosque at the site of the biggest mass murder in American history, which was committed in the name of Allah. I don’t have anything against Islam as a religion, but I sure as shit have a problem with the idea that a bunch of fucking terrorists, who HATE ALL OF US, would come and say a prayer to our destruction at that particular place. And NO, I’m not saying all Muslims are terrorists, but it’s ridiculous to think that that wouldn’t happen. Put the goddamn mosque someplace else, why does it matter so much – isn’t Allah everywhere? I’m sorry, but I’m still angry about 9/11 and throwing a bunch of fairy dust over the bottom line of a threat that still exists doesn’t mitigate the horror and devastation that was inflicted on innocent victims of ALL races and faiths.

    “I used to wear an ethnic headress…more progressive muslim. I was told by several places that I applied to bartend that I could not cover my hair. Now, in addition to making drinks I was serving appetizers, so why did they not want me to cover my hair? Because with my skin color and the headdress, it some of our clietele uncomfortable.”

    Not sure I get this, you are a Muslim who serves alcohol? Also, I bar-tended for years, I was told to wear all kinds of getups – or not wear others due to client expectations – it’s part of the job. One coked-out manager made me go by a different name, so I appeared more “culturally in tune” with the nationality of the restaurant. Those jobs are not high on dignity as a rule, you do them because the money’s good – and you walk away at the end of the day, who cares?

    “I have a good friend who is Sikh. Her parents are traditional and she used to be, as well. But as we progressed in high school, she started to want to fit in, in other words, assimilate in order to be accepted. So, first she changed her dress, then cut and dyed her hair, then started using the same terminology that was common in the group she wanted to be a part of. Why does this sound so uncommon to you, pcheez, when people do it everyday?”

    That’s right, and so do suburban white kids who want to look like their rap idols; and urban kids who want to look like suburban preps – it’s a form of rebellion and part of establishing your identity. I think you’re making lemonade out of lemons.

    “You know what happened to the only people who have actively not assimilated into American culture? They now live on reservations. Let them drum and rain dance all they want..”

    Really? Have you ever heard of Lacrosse? How about casino’s and tax-free cigarettes – trust me they’re assimilated, they just hate the US government and rightfully so; and by the way they have their own government, the State Police can’t even walk onto those reservations without diplomatic negotiation because they’re considered a sovereign nation.

    “This also hurts me, because it tells me you feel more comfortable when not confronted by our differences. Exactly my point!!! Why should racial discussion be so uncomfortable? This is exactly my point..we should just assimilate; pretend these things don’t affect us, that they don’t exist in our country, smile and have vapid conversations about the housewives dresses and bank accounts, instead of exploring how the antics of the cast is somewhat indicative of our reality in America, a much more intelligent discussion. Personally, I welcome the perspective of those who were raised differently than I, who have different experiences..this is how we evolve, isn’t it?”

    Please stop making assumptions about me, you know nothing about me. I’m not uncomfortable with racial discussions, and I find your manipulations and ambiguity to be artless and incendiary. I don’t like being manipulated and having my words twisted and reinterpreted by someone who clearly has an agenda. I find your language and insinuations extremely insulting, and you seem to only welcome the perspectives of people who are inclined to agree with you. By the way my evolutional process is just fine – I have a problem with being talked to as if I am a wayward and slightly less intelligent child.

    I’m sorry to Bbitz, and everyone else, I know this is out of hand. This is my last word, and I’m done with it. Honestly @sarcasatire, I do wish you the best but we are not going to resolve this.

58. 58
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 2:46 am

    @PCheez: you say, ” I believe immigrants SHOULD assimilate, they came here for a reason and if they want to work, interact and participate in American culture then they damn well better understand it, and understand it well enough to communicate effectively with the people who pay the taxes here.”

    Haha!! You are agreeing with me. Stop calling me arrogant and realize that you have just reinforced my point of how minorities feel they must assimilate to the customs of the majority!! Which why the Black women at @Collen Shaefer’s job speaks properly to the white customers, yet is more casual amongst other Black people. Or why @Chemgal’s Jewish family breaks out the Yiddish around each other, but not around anyone else. Or why France doesn’t want anyone in ethnic headress. Shit..you’re either dim or are not reading my comments completely.

    It’s obvious you don’t like me. That’s fine. But when my statements are in line with Chemgal’s, Baxter’s, and Pixelated, even Baxter’s on another blog..and when LAC and Faye comment specifically on what Mary represent in the white community, yet you feel it necessary to attack only me, please be clear on who it is that has the agenda.

    @PCheez says”Good. Because frankly it’s insensitive and inappropriate for Ground Zero survivors to have to confront a fucking mosque at the site of the biggest mass murder in American history, which was committed in the name of Allah. I don’t have anything against Islam as a religion, but I sure as shit have a problem with the idea that a bunch of fucking terrorists, who HATE ALL OF US, would come and say a prayer to our destruction at that particular place. And NO, I’m not saying all Muslims are terrorists..”

    Haha!! and you accuse me of generalizing! Shit, you’re transparent. And again, possibly iliterate. I meant the mayor shut the protestors down! So, yes, the mosque will be built! And close-minded people like yourself who don’t think all muslims are terrorists but even the innocents cannot have a place of worship close to their homes/work because of the sins of a few..what I mentioned earlier, and again, thank you for reinforcing my point. Glad that we agree!!!

    @Pixelated.. lol! I know, it was quite verbose, but Pcheez asked for proof and I really wanted to make myself clear so that my words weren’t misinterpreted. (Clearly, someone still doesn’t get it..but whatevs..)

59. 59
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 2:50 am

    Oh, and I’m not muslim..i just covered my hair and it made people uncomfortable. Not much different that when on a family vacay, my uncle was pulled out of line because his name is muslim and frisked while the rest of us slid right through. Random security check? I think not. Off topic, but worth mentioning..again, the sins of few, affect the lives of many.

60. 60
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 2:53 am

    @PCheez says”I believe immigrants SHOULD assimilate, they came here for a reason and if they want to work, interact and participate in American culture then they damn well better understand it, and understand it well enough to communicate effectively with the people who pay the taxes here.”

    Didn’t we all learn is school that people fled to America to escape religious persecution, so that they may be themselves? Ooops! It now must mean they must become like those who got here first. Sorry kids..that’s a life lesson, not in your textbooks!

61. 61
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 5:03 am

    Hey Gasm!! Here is the discussion of us ALL, quoted verbatim.. This highlights our talking points and the direction of the discussion. Please read..if only to see that we are more alike than we realize. (all quotes are comments by each commenter) Thanks!

    @Sarcasatire: “I also think Tyra is a hot mess and wouldn’t be offended if anyone dissed her. I was more offended by Mary’s finger-waggin’ “uh-huh, girlfreeend.”

    @Chemgal: “My issue with Stacie is she got way too upset with Cat at the party. Because Cat doesn’t like Tyra..and Obama, she’s a racist. I am hoping they don’t focus on that angle,”

    @Sarcasatire: “Stacey never implied that Cat was racist. She merely said on the show and on her bravotv blog that Cat had poor dinner ettiquette but was adamant in saying that she did not think Cat was racist. In a later clip, Stacie goes on to say that perhaps ‘Cat was uncomfortable being in a Black environment.’ I have plenty of friends who feel uncomfortable the minute they go from ‘majority’ to ‘minority’ in a social setting.”

    @Sarcasatire (to Chemgal) “@chemgal: I also hope that Bravo does not drag out this storyline, but somethings tells me they will. They will probably keep interspersing bits of Stacie’s post-dinner interview throughout the season. Well, until more important matters take center stage…like, the gatecrashers!”

    @Baxter: “sarcasatire- Stacie said that Cat brought up both Obama and Tyra who are both black which she hopes wasn’t the reason she disliked them. Which to me implies racism. I didn’t read her blog so I can only speak to what I saw on the show.”

    @LAC: “Very funny recap! Oh my Gods, these broads…as a black woman, if I could count the number of times drunk white chicks try the head shaking “no, she diin’t!” routine in my presense, I could afford to live in Virginia Wine Country. Holla!!!!!”

    @Sarcasatire: “You and me, both!! I once had a Chilean dude do it to me in Brazil. Damn you, MTV!!!! haha”

    @Faye: “If anyone is uncomfortable around minorities and don’t know you can just hold a normal conversation without speaking loudly and slowly to them, it’s Ms. Mary Channing… She is the type of stupid white woman that says hello to everyone in the room and then gets to the lone black woman and shouts “WAAT UP GIRLFRIEND” Instead of saying “how’s your family been doing” she says “YO, how ma’ home-biscuit LeRoy been hanging” and instead of holding an insightful debate on the BP Oil Spill..”

    @Sarcasatire: “@ Faye: Brilliant!! I cracked up at your Mary interpretation, it’s is so spot on…I used to get angry at the stereotyping but now I laugh a little inside. They are so socially inept that I end up feeling pity for them. Now, there’s a term for it. “Bless her heart!” love it!”

    @Chemgal: “What may be the good thing to come out of this show is to highlight how whites that are not comfortable with blacks (Mary) act verses someone who doesn’t really give a shit (Cat) what color you are. Having grown up 1/2 Jewish and in an “integrated” part of NJ, I was shocked when I moved and found myself surrounded by rich, uber liberal whites who talked the talk of being unconcerned about color, creed or religion, but where actually uncomfortable when they were around anyone except other rich, uber liberal whites.”

    @Coleen S: “I have to say that its not just whites who talk to black people all”hey Girrll”. I worked with a black girl who was college eduacted who would talk to white customers all proper “hi, how are you today?.. and as soon as a black customer came in would immediately switch to ” how you doin?”. I have to say it threw me off as to why she didn’t speak the same to both races.”

    @Chemgal:”Coleen, its jews too. my mother turns all yenta and the yiddish comes out the second she is with her family.”

    @Sarcasatire: “@Coleen: Here is the difference. A college-educated Black person can speak in a casual dialect amongst their peers and no one will question their intellect. Let that same person speak in a casual dialect amongst certain Caucasians and the Caucasians will believe it’s because these Black people don’t know any better, that they aren’t educated.

    The saddest thing about America, amongst the white population in particular, is that for a minority to fully integrate into society and be considered ‘equal’, one must assimilate, wholly and completely.”

    @Sarcasatire: “Now, the same is true within cultural and ethinc groups. Most people feel at ease with things that they know, and love to fall into more comfortable patterns of speech, dialects, and slang. Jewish, Latina, British..it happens with all of my friends when the group becomes largely populated by one ethnic group. Personally, I love this but only because I gravitate towards and embrace differences.”

    @P-Cheez: “I’m not stupid, I know ignorance and intolerance still exist – and unfortunately not just between black and white factions. I have a Jewish husband that is very worried about the global economic backlash right now because names like Goldman-Sachs, Lehman Brothers, and Bernard Madoff engender some very old and dangerous misconceptions about who controls financial markets – you may have heard of a little grassroots political party called the NAZI’s?”

    @P-Cheez: “I don’t know how the Real Housewives comments sections have become hotbeds of racial dissonance. I am disappointed that what was once a group of people (whose racial, cultural makeup I am largely unaware of) who all genuinely liked and related to each other has gotten so far afield from the original intent of these recaps. I can’t really say if that’s a good or a bad thing …I do know that it’s a bad thing for ME, because I come here for social interaction and entertainment and I’ve been avoiding it because I am feeling uncomfortable about the direction things are moving in.”

    @Pixelated: “I guess it’s natural for a show about Washington, DC to engender political (including racial) discussions.”

    @Sarcasatire: (to P-cheez) “Growing up in America, do you honestly believe that immigrants do not have to assimilate in order to be fully integrated into American culture?..Growing up [amidst] diversity, I saw plain and clear that amongst ‘certain’ people, (perhaps the rich uber-white liberals that Chemgal mentioned?), there seems to be an acceptance only of people that they feel comfortable around..and that is people like themselves. When I say acceptance, I mean friendships, not tolerance at work or while casually interacting. .. I said the same is true of ALL cultures. It’s just that majority rules!

    The only difference is that, as a minority, there are fewer places where one can do this, fewer places where a minority becomes the majority. And that is usually at home/amongst family, in certain neighborhoods, and in places of worship. However, being caucasian in America means.. you are the majority, which also extends beyond the places listed above to even include workplaces and public spaces, as well.”

    @Pixelated: “Speaking of assimilating, in France, it is illegal to wear any sort of religious headdress. They are proud of their secular state and do not allow religious expression in public, even clothing (supposedly, though I don’t know if it extends to yarmulkes, Catholic nuns and priests, etc.)”

    @P-Cheez: “I believe immigrants SHOULD assimilate, they came here for a reason and if they want to work, interact and participate in American culture then they damn well better understand it, and understand it well enough to communicate effectively with the people who pay the taxes here.”

    @Sarcasatire: “Haha!! You are agreeing with me. Stop calling me arrogant and realize that you have just reinforced my point of how minorities feel they must assimilate to the customs of the majority!! Which is why the Black women at @Collen Shaefer’s job speaks properly to the white customers, yet is more casual amongst other Black people. Or why @Chemgal’s Jewish family breaks out the Yiddish around each other, but not around anyone else. Or why France doesn’t want anyone in ethnic headress.”

    @Sarcasatire:”Didn’t we all learn is school that people fled to America to escape religious persecution, so that they may be themselves? Ooops! It now must mean they must become like those who got here first. Sorry kids..that’s a life lesson, not in your textbooks!”

    Personally, I found this disussion to be isightful and intelligent and although, we did no agree, we never called names or verbally attacked the other. Unfortunately, it did not get aggressive until PCheez chose to personally attack me, calling me arrogant and dismissive, although it is evident that we agreed on several points.
    I appreciate the Gasm because we are all different, connected by our interests in the same shows, even it we view it with a different perspective. I would hate to think that we couldn’t express ourselves without resorting to name-calling or aggression, because then Cat would have won! You know she thinks all Americans are like Tyra Banks! HaHa!

62. 62
    notwithoutmytv
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 5:25 am

    You didn’t quote me! I’ve never agreed with any of you in my entire life.

63. 63
    classy drunk
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 5:27 am

    Ladies, can you agree to disagree on this subject. This is one of those times where if you have not lived the certain predicament being expressed then you will not understand the other side. Sarcas, you will never be able to understand P Cheez because you are living one side of the coin. No matter how diverse, well traveled, well read you are you will never understand. The same goes for P Cheez.

    With that being said…

    I didn’t think that I was going to watch this installment b/c I was so over the NJ girls, but of course I’d set the DVR to pick it up. I think that Cat was rude at Stacie’s dinner, but I think Cat realized she was being rude and tried to fix it but by that point it was too late and the damage had been done.

    I LOVE Lynda. The fact that she thinks she’s better than these wummin makes me tremble with glee.

    Drunk Mary is going to provide us with many moments of joy. I can already tell.

64. 64
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 5:36 am

    @Classy..one question, do you consider Mary to be a classy drunk? hehe

65. 65
    classy drunk
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 6:20 am

    Another point…I do not like Tyra (HATE!!) either and Cat’s impression is exactly how Tyra acts. If she’d impersonated, let’s say Oprah I am sure it would have been much different. YOU GET A CAR!! YOU GET A CAR!! YOU GET A CAR!!

66. 66
    classy drunk
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 6:42 am

    @ sarcas, being a classy drunk takes hard work and determination. I am not sure she is worthy of the title.

67. 67
    Bridget Miller
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 7:46 am

    P Cheez: I so wish that I had your skill and way with words. I struggle so much with explaining complex ideas in a concise and intelligent way. Could I talk you into writing my research paper? What you want me to be without a paper? Then would you be happy?

    I just wanted to stop in and say that I was very disgruntled when I saw that BBitz did a mostly screen cap recap of the show. I like recaps that have a little more meat and insight along with a side of snark, but then I was surprised at how much was communicated via the screen caps. Holy hell the recap was great! Loved it!

    What bothered me most about this episode was when Lynda made the comment about how unnatural it is to invite second tier people. Bitch you on the Real Housewives- the whole cast is second tier. Also there are a ton of unnatural acts out there like a man humping a sheep or a jellyfish having sex with a dog and inviting second tier people isn’t all the unnatural. It just shows what a petty bitch you are.

    And some news about the the Salahis. The Salahis were hosting some sort of charity event for the creation of a flag to honor veterans and they were served with a subpoena right as they were getting photographed signing the petition for the flag. Apparently they didn’t pay the vendors for the Polo event and they are being sued for the money.

    Also they have hosted a few events for various charities and most of the money that they raised at the events has gone into their pockets. A few of charities have reported only getting a 5% donation from the events. Most of the powerful people in DC don’t want anything to do with them. I think that they are pretty trashy and all around shitty people which seem to be the only type of people getting casted to these Real Housewife shows.

68. 68
    Bridget Miller
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 7:51 am

    Also I laughed out loud when the stylist told Michaele that one of the dresses he picked would fall beautifully over her curves. What the? I couldn’t tell if this comment was an underhanded comment on her weight or a comment made in ernest? But a pencil doesn’t have curves and she is totally too skinny. Not quite as disgusting as Rachel Zoe, but she is quickly headed there. It is sad to see women starving themselves to death- I think so many people make fun of them in the hopes of showing them how ridiculous they are being. Or else people are just cruel.

69. 69
    LAC
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 7:53 am

    I will be a Pollyanna here and just say that I am happy to have somebody read my posts. I am enjoying the give and take and hope to see more of it. As a wise stick insect said “If everyone would hug each other, the world would be better”. So, come on, folks, pinky promise me to get along…

70. 70
    bBitz
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 7:54 am

    Ummmm WOW. Usually I recap “The Amazing Race” and just did “The Bachelorette” where I had to beat the streets for comments. You guys are awesome! So great to see such passion on the comments! We should all have dinner together. We’ll just need to make sure that plastic spoons are the only utensils at the table.

    I especially love the comments that say I’m hilarious. I’ll need that constant petting when writing about this shit for hours on end. xoxo!

    Side note: I think we should start a petition asking Bravo to put subtitles up when Cat speaks. That bitch slurs and mumbles like no other. And I totally think she milks the accent. She talks like she can’t be bothered to move her mouth.

71. 71
    LAC
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 7:55 am

    @classy drunk – I take exception to your impression of Oprah! How dare you! It would be “LADIEES!!!! YOU GET A CAR! YOU GET A CAR!” How could you leave out “LADIES!!”?

72. 72
    classy drunk
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 8:15 am

    @ LAC my apologies. I have not yet had my morning hot toddy with a double shot of whiskey, so I am off my game.

73. 73
    chemgal
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 8:48 am

    WTF ladies! You expect me to put my thinking cap on this early in the morning! I can’t read these long comments yet- my ass is exhausted from tree cutting. My husband moved my ass to the coldest region of the USA and I spend half my time recovering from winter and the other half preparing for it.

    So, don’t count me out of this goat rodeo yet – I need some time to marinate my thoughts and get all the freakin wood off my front lawn before I can compose any input worthy of you all (and be sure to include paragraphs so sarcasatire won’t rip me a new one).
    Kidding of course sarcasatire – I was going to write that last line and throw in a “sista” but not sure what the state of affairs is currently and while it would have been meant to go along with earlier comments re:Mary, didn’t want to heighten any tensions here.

    Have a good day see you all later and by the way, hate all you effin bitches living in warm climates right now.

74. 74
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 9:08 am

    @chemgal.. joke away! I’m sure once you have time to read through everything you’ll see that I’m not the one who’s tense or turned this into an angry place beside a place where people just disagreed…but, oh well. In the interim, keep fingering that wood.

75. 75
    Coleen Schaefer
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 10:50 am

    @Bridget – Thanks so much for reminding me about the curves comment! I seriously cracked up when the stylist said that. I was thinking the same thing and thought about adjusting my TV thinking i must be seeing incorrectly.

    @Bbitz – I completely agree with subtitling Cat. I could not understand a word she said. I had to watch it twice and still have no clue what came out of her mouth. Good luck trying to figure out what she says so you can recap her the rest of the season! And also LOVED your recap. I haven’t read you before because I haven’t watched any of the shows you have recapped but I thoroughly enjoy your style!

76. 76
    chemgal
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 11:28 am

    Sarcasatire- still haven’t read, so may be off on a tangent here. Have a few moments while the mister ties the next tree off before we timber it.

    There are 4 types of whites in the US. Type 1, hates blacks, jews, etc. etc. etc. Always have and always will and they are not ashamed to admit it or to share their views with you (as long as you too are white. They don’t tend to share it with minorities as they don’t interact with anyone who isn’t just like them too often)
    Type 2 also hates all minorities, but they are intelligent enough to pretend they don’t. usually they will only share their opinions if tipsy, drunk or think they are in the company of other closeted haters.
    Type 3 have no life experience with any minority group but don’t hate or even dislike. they are however secretly terrified that they are going to offend. They will at all costs avoid mentioning any differences in appearance, language, culture which in itself becomes a comedy show to watch them trying to have a normal conversation.
    Type 4 is the white person that has grown up with minorities and are usually the second or greater generation to do so and they have no problem or issues at all. In addition, the minority groups they grew up around also have no issue with the whites. As a result, they are both comfortable mentioning differences and questioning. However, this does not always work when interacting with minority members that are not comfortable or trustworthy of whites due to spending most of their lives with type a or b (and even c which can be a pain in the ass).
    of course mary is a subcategory. she has some respect issues for others cultures, but if asked, would be shocked that you think how she acted could be viewed as disrespectful, because after all she has black friends!

77. 77
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    @Chemgal: What I like about you and what I enjoy our discourse on this and other recaps is that we can both share our points of view without it ever turning into a flame war. You and I were responding to Coleen’s question and did so elegantly, from the perspective of our personal experience in America – me as a Black women, you as a white/Jewish woman. I place us both as Type 4′s. We are both comfortable with ourselves and others and have no problems mentioning differences of perspective/opinion…and we often do it with humor and grace. The same goes for many of us as this discussion was quite enjoyable until another ‘type’/subcategory became uncomfortable with the ‘racial dissonance’ and the war began.

    Either way, I try at all times to be peaceful and diplomatic, even if my views are shared by no one but myself. I wouldn’t even verbally attack Mary, just smirk inwardly..”bless her heart.”

78. 78
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    @Chemgal: Let me also say that I am glad that you, as a white woman, wrote the comments to Post #77!! Had I said that, I might’ve been shanked with a plastic spoon!!

79. 79
    Getoverit
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    @sarcasatire says:
    “…This is exactly my point..we should just assimilate; pretend these things don’t affect us, that they don’t exist in our country, smile and have vapid conversations about the housewives dresses and bank accounts, instead of exploring how the antics of the cast is somewhat indicative of our reality in America, a much more intelligent discussion.”

    I really miss the vapid conversations about the housewives dresses and bank accounts. That’s why I read the comments – not to be lectured on race.

    Also, in your comments to Chemgal you are attempting to make yourself the martyr while Prodigal Cheez is an evil racist. I’m sorry, but you need to take some responsibility for your own attitude. You have not been “miss perfect” in your comments and have definitely fueled the fire with your accusations and statements. At least Prodical Cheez knew when to stop. Your comments appear to have no end in sight.

    I say – stop it! Let us go back to our vapid discussions. As Kelly would say – lollipops and unicorns! Take your lectures elsewhere!

    Thanks for listening.

80. 80
    Pixielated
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    Chemgal, it was 105 here yesterday–and it’s not a dry heat! So don’t hate on us until winter!

81. 81
    herewegoagain
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 3:56 pm

    If I wanted to read and be lectured on race relations, I would be at a different website. It sounds like both of the instigators here have too much time on their hands if all they have to do all day is to sit and write dissertations on America and it’s racial problems on a TV RECAP WEBSITE. I thought this was a place of snark, and good-naturedly making fun of people and instead, it has become a combat zone.

    Either get over it or take the discussion elsewhere. It is certainly unfair to the recapper to highjack her recap comments page for a race discussion instead of the vapidness and snark we all come here to enjoy.

82. 82
    Pixielated
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    I live in Southern Arizona, and things might be a bit different around here. Our awful immigration laws aside, that is (besides, I’m from liberal Tucson, not conservative Phoenix). Anyhow, it’s not uncommon to go somewhere and have the experience of everyone else speaking Spanish. I’m sure it would freak out some Washington, DC-types, but I say, vive la difference!

    Did you ever hear this one: “What is a person called that speaks two languages? Bilingual. What is a person called that speaks one language? American.”

83. 83
    getoverit
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    herewegoagain – thanks for saying it better than I did. I hope we can get back to where we used to be. It used to be a fun place to visit.

84. 84
    Libithina
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    I just read that Lynn Curtain will not be returning to RHOOJ, perhaps it’s because she needs to raise her future grandchild? Let’s be honest, it’s not going to be receiving much attention from it’s own mother!

85. 85
    lindaw205
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 4:17 pm

    @herewegoagain – Amen!

86. 86
    Faye
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 4:17 pm

    “Bless our hearts”

87. 87
    chemgal
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 7:09 pm

    @pixielated – yeah, at least Maine is a “dry” cold! 13 trees in a day! I’m as worked up as Joe opening a visa bill! WTF! Seriously, my husband is so lucky I don’t divorce his ass and move to Florida. And, my freakin cable isn’t working so I can’t even dvr this train wreck of a show that I swore I wasn’t going to watch BUT JUST CAN’T HELP MYSELF!!!!!!!

    Seriously exhausted from reading the comments. @sarcasatire, I do feel that I have to defend PCheez. Let me explain from my own point of view (and then I swear, I’ll go back to blessing my own heart and only making snarky comments!!). I think PCheez and I are coming from a similar place. As white women who due to our own personal experience don’t care about color (and we’ll just stick with this difference for now) we have probably both experienced interactions with black women or men in which it was assumed we were racist. There is no way to prove a negative – how can I prove to someone I’m not a racist. I make fun of the line people use to try and prove it “I have a black friend” “my best friend is black” “my aunt is married to a black man” but what does that prove. You can’t show someone what your thoughts are.
    Being intelligent women (okay, Pcheez probably outscores me on an IQ test and the verbal SAT’s – but still I’m intelligent and that’s my story and I’m sticking with it) it is very frustrating to sit back and NOT say anything when you believe a blanket statement has been made because 1. you yourself feel you have been mislabeled and 2. you recognize that the conversation hasn’t even begun and their are already expectations on the table.

    I apologize for my part in taking away from other’s enjoyment of this site. You must all forgive me as I am a simple house frau and somedays, this is my only contact with the outside world and anyone over the age of 12!

    I enjoy both of your insights (and everyone else’s too – but notwithoutmytv is chemgal’s favorite – smmmmmmmmack big kisses and extra big piece of cake out to you!) and I do sincerely apologize to you both and to everyone else there if I upset the apple cart.

    I am off to bed as tomorrow I get to stack all the effin firewood and burn the brush in my big ass redneck fire pit while drinking Mikes peach margaritas. It gives new meaning to goat rodeo!

88. 88
    baffled
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 7:58 pm

    All these comments got, well, boring. We’re all different. Deal.

    As for the show – What the HELL is Lynda wearing that purple dress for? She runs a modeling agency and goes outside looking like that?? She’s gonna lose clients…!

89. 89
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 9:07 pm

    @Everyone:

    I apologize if anyone thinks that I caused or hijacked the site to have a racial discussion. I was the first poster on this recap and my comments had nothing to do with race. I never started a topic on race, at all. I did mention that I was not offended by the Tyra-hate, but found the Mary thing somewhat offensive. THAT is ALL.

    Other people brought up race, the whole Cat/Stacie issue, which I never commented on except to say that Tyra is a hot mess! When Coleen asked about Black people, I responded, that’s it. How frustrating that I should be accused of making it all about race when all I did was respond to a comment!

    All I was saying to Coleen was that in my experience if I speak a casual dialect around Black people I am never corrected, because they know this is a casual dialect. yet if I speak it around certain white people, that do not know me, they correct me, assuming that I don’t know the correct terminology. This isn’t malicious when they do it, and I have stated that it wasn’t racist, but this why minorities speak proper English when they are not amongst other minorities. Blanket statement?? Seriously..I am also here for a good time, as I’m sure you can see by the humour in my comments. But when someone gets up on a soapbox and makes wild accusations, i will defend myself in my usual outspoken manner. And I suspect many would do the same. Love and Light. Now, if you’ll excuse me..I’m off to raid Michaele’s medicine cabinet.

90. 90
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 12, 2010 at 9:10 pm

    @Getoverit: I never alluded to PCheez being a racist so please stop causing trouble. I hadn’t directed any comments to her at all!!! She chose to call me out..f*ck, I even told her that we agreed on the same point! So, you should getoverit, because I have. I am in Philly, with my best friend and my baby and we are having an interracial blast! *sips wine with pinky extended*

91. 91
    anperez05
    Posted August 13, 2010 at 1:02 am

    Okay, SERIOUSLY? No one cares about your background or racial/ethnic makeup. F.O.C.U.S. Talk about the show. If people cared about what happened to you when you were 16 and a certain ethnic make-up in a certain ethnic neighborhood, I’d talk to you directly..not give a general racial vs. ethnicity societal breakdown thesis in a recap for a Bravo reality show recap. Get over yourself. It is not that serious. You know it’s possible to comment on a show without going on about yourself for multiple paragraphs explaining how you aren’t racist or aren’t sensitive about racism. Sorry for the rant..but DAMN..it gets tiring reading all the BS that stems from a stupid Bravo Housewives show…I mean REALLY?!LOL

92. 92
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 13, 2010 at 1:59 am

    Ana, I was Always talking about the show…other people led this conversation onto the racial tangent!! My comments were the 1st on the board, never brought up race, chemgal and baxter first mentioned Stacie’s implications of Cat being racist! It’s so fucked up that people seem to keep assuming that I turned it into a race/sociology conversation!
    This is why comment #61 shows the entire conversation in chronological order. I don’t wanna discuss this either, I don’t know I was personally confronted on her when it was a discussion everyone was having. I only defended myself when confronted. I won’t ask you to go back and read my previous comments before I went, defensively, on said rant, so you can either take my word for it or maintain your previous opinion. *shrug*

93. 93
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 13, 2010 at 2:18 am

    On a lighter note, has anyone read anything on Cat’s book? The title, Inbox full is so tacky, but I’ve only recently learned how apt. Seems the book will be written “in diary form and through the text messages of several men..” So. i’m guessing by the title, she is well in demand. (sarcasm) Also, of note, her daughters are named Jade and Ruby.

94. 94
    RealityCheck
    Posted August 13, 2010 at 3:25 am

    @sarcasatire – Thank you for trying to educate me on the political process and all but I have lived in the area most of my life so thanks but no thanks! And I don’t give a shit if Clinton had twelve white house aids blowing him at the same time in the Oval – this country was booming…surplus on the national debt, jobs and homes to be had and unemployment at an all time low. And what reason would anyone keep a dress with…umm stains on it unless she had an agenda! And of course the opposing party felt the need to spend millions of tax dollars to impeach a president for telling a lie under oath. The phrase “honest politican” is an oxymoron…They do not exist. Kenneth Starr knew he had that dress and kept pushing until he had Clinton under oath. But if I had to chose between a president having an affair (like there is one that hasn’t…child please!) And Marion Barry – give me a break – there are no words for how vile he is and haw far he set back a beautiful, diverse city. This of course is my opinion and you have yours I’m sure…just be careful when you “preach” your opinions as the only one with merit because a superiority complex never serves anyone well.

    @pcheese – please keeep the fun banter and snark that we enjoy so well coming. Your are insightful and an asset to this forum.

95. 95
    Baxter
    Posted August 13, 2010 at 4:48 am

    sarcasatire- I never said our managers don’t look at resumes with “ethnic” names. I said crazy names. Don’t assume by crazy I mean ethnic.

    Also you were the same one on the other blog defending somebody for implying Twunty was being racist for calling Teresa an Ape. Yet when Stacie says what she does I’m not allowed to think anything. If Stacie had to put in her blog in all caps that she didn’t think Cat was a racist it was because show inferred it and she felt the need to defend herself.

96. 96
    Baxter
    Posted August 13, 2010 at 4:52 am

    Sorry people to add another comment to this boring and your right completely off topic discussion.

97. 97
    Baxter
    Posted August 13, 2010 at 4:56 am

    Uggg I of course meant-
    YOU’RE right completely off topic discussion.

    writing your instead of you’re is like nails on a chalk board

98. 98
    sarcasatire
    Posted August 13, 2010 at 5:10 am

    @RealityTv..I wasn’t ‘preaching’ my opinion…I was stating a fact. When you asked why a president is almost impeached for ‘sex with an aide’, you decide I am being condescending by pointing out this wasn’t what got him into trouble. Oh sorry, I guess it was wrong of me to not automatically assume you really knew why Clinton was indicted..even though your comment suggested, no stated, the contrary.
    I never came to Clinton or Barry’s defense, so you feeling the need to now preach your opinions to me are moot. How does saying that people in the world seemed less concerned with the antics of a mayor, who’s behavior was known by parts of the country…while Clinton’s was known in most of the world, therefore making it likely that a veritable withhunt would occur at an international level rather than on a smaller scale.

    “If you had to choose between which was worse…” well, choose away, my dear, no one’s stopping you. But I guess because we were discussing two events who’s consequences were already implemented, (jail & reelection for Barry)..(trial and acquittal for Clinton), I didn’t feel the need to state what SHOULD happen, only what did.

    @Baxter: Wow..I had respect for you. Comment #5 on that blog (beatdowns & shakedowns) was me directly stating to ‘Janelle’ that Twunty was not being racist, and I explained the joke behind the ape references and now history has been rewritten that I defended Janelle???
    No words…. *waves white flag* I give up.

    Now, I see how you guys are just repeating yourselves without ever reading my comments. I never once told you that you could not have an opinion about Cat/Stacie..only noting that YOU BROUGHT UP THE TOPIC OF RACE!!! (when I have been accused of doind so..unfair) That’s it..so own it. I tried to diffuse it and keep things light by saying lets be careful when we so quickly say that someone is implying another is racist, citing where Stacie denied doing so. (as I did in comment #5 of the other blog..but this is construed as defending the enemy)
    Then you repeated that she said it on TV and I never broached the subject again! So to say you ‘weren’t allowed to think anything?’ Really, so I bullied you? verbally attacked you? how did I not allow you to think anything?

    You know what..forget it? I’m tired of going in circles with people that are invented their own stories. I used quotes on comment #61 to quote our convo verbatim, without implications, just fact..yet that wasn’t enough to exonerate me. So, I desist. *waves white flag*

    I give up.

99. 99
    classy drunk
    Posted August 13, 2010 at 5:54 am

    @ P Cheez, don’t leave us. I always enjoyed your thoughts on the housewives.

    Hopefully this is the last time we have this issue on the forum. I agree with the poster that said we are taking away from the recappers work by getting so far off topic. Please Please Please let’s discuss goat rodeos. Anyone ever been to one? Do you think Mary would be drunk there?

100. 100
     classy drunk
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 6:07 am

     100!

101. 101
     chemgal
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 6:15 am

     @everyone -RACE is part of this show! So we are not as off topic as you may think. The discussion we had directly related to how Mary, Cat, and Stacie acted/reacted to certain incidents. Obviously, I am one of the few conservative Republicans who partakes in these recaps so I have had the experience when discussing politics of being told that I am a racist because of the party I belong to and am active in AND even after explaining why I did not vote for, and why I do not think President Obama was qualified for the position, I am told I hate blacks. Cat had a similar experience at Stacie’s although not done to her face. Part of the reason we come to this page rather than other sites is because we are THINKERS, not drones and yes, while its great to have fun with the snark, I think why so many of us enjoyed this site is because we shared from our own pasts to explain why we felt the way we did about certain situations on RHONY/NJ/OC/AT and now DC. How many of us shared having friends like Jill who sucked the life blood from us?

     The difference is race is obviously a lot more touchy because again, you can’t ever prove your not a racist AND those gasmi members who are black have experienced the world through a different paradigm and I’m assuming those of us that are white wouldn’t ever 100% understand.

     I’ve got to defend both PCheez (which I did in my last post) and sarcasatire. Sarcasatire did not bring up race, that was either me or a few posts above me. And again, I do believe race is an issue in this show.

102. 102
     classy drunk
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 6:28 am

     @Chem, I agree race is apart of the show, but no one is discussing it in reference to the show or the recap any longer. It sucks because up until a couple weeks ago we didn’t have as much bickering. We had differences of opinions, for example everyone had their different takes on Jill’s personality disorder. Nothing like this.

     Satchels of Gold!!! Satchels of Gold!!!

103. 103
     Baxter
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 6:35 am

     sarcasatire -”Once again, one’s perception is their reality. I didn’t perceive her as calling Twunty a racist, just saying that her comment ’smacks of racism.”

     The above was what you said. I’m just wondering why what you said was okay but what I said wasn’t. Just very confused on when we are allowed to speak on racism and when we aren’t. You are upset that people are twisting your words which is exactly what you did to me. Quoting me as saying “ethnic” verus crazy.

104. 104
     Faye
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 8:10 am

     If this was TWOP, we would all be banned. Trust me, I have been banned from that site TWICE, bless my heart. One of the reasons on the note to my mommy they give out “This is a message board, not open mic night to pratice your routine” That site insists upon itself .. it’s the Julia Roberts of websites, they take themselves WAAAY too seriously, so I packed up my bags and moved to TV, Gasm that is, funny recaps, Flipit, Schoonie. Let’s all hold hands and just admit some sterotypes exist because they are true not because everyone is a racist.

105. 105
     skatt
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 8:32 am

     I have a question: someone explain Mary’s cheek situation. I mean, I get that a cosmetic procedure has been procured, but is it Botox directly into the cheek area? Is that the same as the equally weird Madonna face thing or different?

     Toss me some education.

106. 106
     Baxter
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 10:13 am

     skatt- I’m not sure but I thought Jason’s post was really funny because it really does look like her face was given bubble gum injections versus botox. It looks so wobbly. She reminds of a girl in a Seinfield episode where she looked pretty in one angle and a mess the next.

107. 107
     Mr. Reality
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 11:03 am

     Lol, I wonder if anyone actually changed their tone of voice this episode. I actually don’t find Michaele to be totally unbearable. Stupid as hell? Sure. But Idk, she doesn’t seem to be as vindictive or cold-hearted as I thought she would be. I don’t think Cat’s comments were THAT awful, I know tons of people that hate Tyra for reasons that have nothing to do with being prejudiced.

108. 108
     Coleen Schaefer
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 11:24 am

     Hahaha! Cat’s daughter’s names are Ruby and Jade? I named my car Ruby and my mother’s car Jade. I don’t know why I find that so amusing but I do.

109. 109
     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 11:39 am

     @classydrunk, I’m not leaving – I’d have serious withdrawal if I did that, besides I’m much too much of an ornery bitch to make it that easy, LOL!! I just meant I wasn’t going to keep the debate going. Then I went on a late summer bender – and it was anything but classy, haha. BTW – Stoli Orange and Red Bull induces instant Alzheimer’s if anyone’s looking to kill some brain cells later….

     I agree that it’s unfair to BBitz and all of you to get so far afield, especially since she did such a top-notch job on this recap. I apologize to everyone for my part in that; I felt I needed to say what I said, but I understand why some people are upset with me. Also, thank you @chemgal for articulating your point of view so well, I really appreciate and respect your insight and even-handedness I love everyone here for the most part, and I know some people will disagree with me. Damn you!!

     I wonder how so many of these housewives get on these shows, and then completely hit the skids financially? The OC women, other than the Curtin’s, were a pretty accurate depiction of the economic downturn, but the women who are broke on the other shows really have no ability to keep up with the lifestyles they portray.

     The Salami’s are apparently in serious financial straits too. I think Lynda has the inside scoop on them because she’s made a lot of comments alluding to money issues, and I think her reference to Mic’s weight is her way of implying drug use not an ED. I watched the episode again, and really watched Mic at the polo match this time. She’s very manic, her movements are awkward, and the way she’s moving her jaw look a lot like someone who does coke. It’s weird, but there has been a resurgence of recreational coke use in middle-aged, mid to upper-middle class women. I actually find her really hard to watch – and I think she’s full of shit. When she tried to tell that lobbyist that she used to lobby and fund-raise, she went too far. I actually did fundraising for a state lobbyist for a short time – and even though it was 20 years ago I remember what the issues were in great detail, she had no idea what she was talking about.

     I kind of wondered if Lynda might be running a high-end escort service (maybe Mic was one of her girls! LOL). NYC is so close to DC, it doesn’t really make sense to put that kind of effort into a business like that if you’re not going to be in a noted fashion mecca. Does it?

     One thing I kind of wish they had done with this cast is to have a truer cross-section of DC culture. Stacie and Lynda seem pretty dynamic but the rest of the women don’t bring much to the table. DC is fueled by politics, money, social status and the media – it would have been fun to see that play out more.

     Stacie’s the one I relate to the most so far, but my favorites are Cat and Mary because they are both such train-wrecks. I have a sickness when it comes to these shows, and I totally love talking and talking about the crazy ones like Alexis Bellino, Lynn Curtin, Jill Z, Kelly KB and now Cat, Mary and Mic.

     To the poster who said I have too much time on my hands, sadly I don’t really – I think I just have really fucked up priorities! Bless my heart! LOL!!!

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 11:40 am

     @RealityCheck – thanks!

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     sarcasatire
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 11:56 am

     @Baxter: What I said in comment #5 was, “I thought the ape reference had to do with Teresa’s low-forehead and hooded brows..like a neanderthal’s. And they (and all of us, originated from the apes..but Teresa just seems less evolved than the rest of humanity) Either way, it may offend some people, and we cannot control what offends others. One’s perception is their reality.”

     I’m just confused as to where disagreeing with you has now becomes me not letting you have an opinion?? I have never been rude to you, so why all of this. If I misquoted you, I apologize..I was using the name-things as names that were too far from traditional names like Amanda and Abigail. Sheesh..Chemgal used “Neveah” and her experience with this name has always been with (funny descrip!, chemgal) the trailer-park variety. I was just using the ‘tossed resumes’ and Freakonomics quote as to how some believe it impedes success. But I don’t believe that..why is why I mentioned miss Oprah Lucrecia Winfrey, uh-hmm, gurlfwiend! *three snaps in a z formation*

     Either way….truce.

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     Bridget Miller
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 12:40 pm

     @ P Cheeze: To the poster who said I have too much time on my hands, sadly I don’t really – I think I just have really fucked up priorities! Bless my heart! LOL!!!

     Me too! Me too!

     Also I thought the same thing about Mik. That she was on something. She was acting like one of my friends does when she takes coke. Also I thought that she was channelling Kelly with all the hiiiieeeesss!! and the running around from person to person.

     All these poor women are giving the show an even worse name. The premise of the show is to give viewers a look into a world of the upper class, but when it comes out that a few of these women are actually poor it sort of ruins the illusion of the show. I am sure that Teresa will not be on the next season of the Jersey show- well if these if a next season. Lynne Curtain was probably told to go because she now has no money. Also Lacey is a great name for her impending grand daughter.

     Also I thought that bless my heart was just a southern saying neither black or white. I hear out of the mouths of my southern friends all the time.

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     sarcasatire
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 12:54 pm

     @Bridget..it is just a southern saying. It basically means..’forgive them for they know not what they do.”

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     classy drunk
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 1:02 pm

     @Bridget Miller, “Bless Your Heart” is a southern saying. I’ve heard all different races repeat that same phrase. My CEO moved down here from Pittsburgh and was telling me that he was in the grocery store and (what he did I can’t remember), but the lady at the register said “bless your heart” and he asked me what it meant. I said well what you did was stupid and in the south we are too polite to call someone stupid to their face so we say “aww bless your heart”.

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     Faye
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 1:04 pm

     @sarcasatire…it is just a southern saying. It basically means..’forgive them for they know not what they do (because they are retarded).”
     hehehehee

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     Pixielated
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 2:16 pm

     @SKatt: What they do is inject a product called Restylane into the cheeks to fill in the lines from the nose to the mouth and make the cheeks plumper. That’s the procedure Madonna had. It’s like a “filler.” As always, the results depend on the doctor’s skill.

     @PCheez: I think the fact that some of the Housewives go broke is due to several factors. One is that they were probably living beyond their means, and in debt up to their eyeballs (if not higher). Secondly, they may have signed up for the show to make a little money. And, in Teresa’s case (and I think Lynne’s as well), her husband is a contractor, which is a field especially hard-hit by the economic downturn.

     Linking these two ideas, plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures are incredibly expensive. I think a single Botox injection can run $300-400, and you have to have them every few months.

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     sarcasatire
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 2:19 pm

     @Coleen..I also found it amusing. I personally prefer cars named Jade and Ruby than little girls. What do you think she’d name a 3rd child? What if it’s a boy?

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     Coleen Schaefer
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 2:23 pm

     @sarcasatire – I’m thinking Onyx for a boy. That happens to be the name of my friends truck so it just may work for her!

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     sarcasatire
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 2:39 pm

     Haha!!!! I was also thinking Onyx! I just wanted to hear your suggestion first. How friggin’ hilarious!

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 2:54 pm

     “I think a single Botox injection can run $300-400″

     Wow, and you usually have to get a few don’t you? My friend does what she calls “Hollywood Housewife” day, and she gets Botox treatments every few months – I had no idea they were so expensive. I have to admit, I have a deep vertical crease over my nose and I’ve thought about Botoxing it, but someone told me the shots leave track marks – so I’m really on the fence.

     The Restalyne and Collagen injections scare me. Injecting chemicals or foreign substances into my skin just seems really dangerous, although I suppose Botox is along the same lines (Botulism, wtf am I thinking?). I wouldn’t want to inject things into my liver or my heart, and our skin is an organ – so it really is kind of risky.

     Other than the Salami’s this batch of women seems pretty affluent, with Mary and Stacie having the most – then Lynda, with Cat having more modest but stable means. I know the cost of living there, even in the suburbs, is hellacious. My cousin recently bought a house in VA, and I was shocked at what it cost – Boston and NYC are pricey, but DC is in a league of it’s own I think.

     The cost of living where I live is comparatively low, so I have a really hard time correlating cost versus quality of living sometimes. I’m also financially conservative, so seeing the monster houses some of these women live in turns my brain into a calculator – utilities, taxes and upkeep for a 10,000 SF house… Ugh, it just seems very wasteful.

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     RealityCheck
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 5:22 pm

     @sarcasatire – I have to say I love a good debate so I hope no hard feelings! Living in the area, it’s all things political 24/7. So I will admit that I am fed up with all things political. And even though we have a differece of opinion does not mean we don’t have things in common. One of my favorite sayings is “One’s perception is their reality” and I also had a car named Ruby who sadly is no longer with us. Bless her heart!

     @Prodigal – Yes, the Metro Area (DC, VA, and MD) home prices are outrageous! But as a native I love it. Even though the humidity is really starting to piss me off! It was not this hot when I was a kid!!!

     I too, am scared about injections and plastic surgery…I will admit I am not yet 40 but there is a crease between my eyebrows that is starting to really annoy the hell out of me…I was complaining about it to my 15 year old daughter and then I realized that my brows are furrowed alot because of how totally shocked I am about people’s idiocy. (Not just the HW but real life people as well)! So I guess I will just try grow old gracefully because to be honest seeing the housewives (espically Danielle RHNJ) plastic, just been embalmed look is distracting and scary as hell.

     I also think that Lynda’s “modeling” agency is also an escort service! I guess we will unfortunately have to Watch what happens. Damn Miss Andy!!!

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     Coleen Schaefer
     Posted August 13, 2010 at 7:46 pm

     Yay @Reality Check for cars named Ruby!

     On Lynda’s bravo blog she explains what her agency does. Apparently she provides models for embassies so they can show their cultures or something like that. I must say I still don’t understand exactly but apparently everyone is drawing the same conclusion from her description.

     I have to say I fully plan on growing old gracefully and use every anti-aging cream I can get my hands on. I’m still in my 20′s so here’s hoping that works! I do hear about girls my age and younger getting botox and rystaline and all I can think is by the time I’m 50 I will be surrounded by a bunch of Heidi Montag clones!

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     Pixielated
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 12:53 am

     @PCheez: You are young, beautiful woman, so don’t start hitting the Botox yet. I just hate it when young women in their 20s and 30s use it; it makes them look so weird and older. There’s plenty of time to use that stuff when you are old like I am (not that I use it).

     I was reading that the Asian girl on Glee uses Botox to make her face look less round. Hollywood is un-fucking-believable.

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     Sweet_Dee
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 2:04 am

     “I was reading that the Asian girl on Glee uses Botox to make her face look less round.”

     To clarify: The Asian girl is a new character who will be introduced next season–played by Filipino singer Charice–and NOT current cast-member Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina Cohen-Chang). Charice has a very round face, and recently underwent a Thermage and Botox combo procedure to make her face look slimmer before her Glee debut. She only did it once, and always maintained that it was her decision, not something someone else pressured her to do.

     Just to clarify

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     sarcasatire
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 2:10 am

     @RealityCheck…no worries, no hard feelings. I also love a good debate, as long as it’s a clean match, no mud slinging. Speaking of creases, here’s my whacked out theory of Botox and the young. What Botox does is relaxes the muscles so one doesn’t squint or scrunch up their face, creating creases that deepen over time. So, what a 20something could do, is get, not a face full of injections, but a few shots in select places (between the eyes, forehead) only once or 2x’s a year. That way, one can allow the Botox effects to soften so they won’t maintain a permanent plastic look.., plus, if you can’t scrunch your face for a few months per year, when you do get older, the lines/creases won’t be so deep due to periods of inactivity. People who wait until their older to use Botox are paralyzing the muscles, but the fine lines remain. Therefore, if one uses it a bit while they are young, they won’t need it when they get older. just a theory… (I haven’t tried it, but wold experiment with a shot between the eyes, as well.

     Restalyne is good for filling creases and for pouty lips but these are two most inconsistent procedures..resulting in lumpy faces (Mary, Lynne) or duck lips (Kim D, Danielle, Alexis). But it works on some people..Gordon Ramsey got some fillers as per Simon Cowell’s recommendation and he looks so much better!

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 5:31 am

     “@PCheez: You are young, beautiful woman, so don’t start hitting the Botox yet. I just hate it when young women in their 20s and 30s use it; it makes them look so weird and older. There’s plenty of time to use that stuff when you are old like I am (not that I use it).”

     OMG – I adore you Pixielated!! Haha, but I am 44 years old, and trust me the elasticity train has left the station!! Although as Coleen says, investing in good skin care and regimens is really important in your 20′s and 30′s – and I was a smoker so I always went the extra mile for the good stuff (I also use Retin-A), so other than the brow lines I can live with the natural changes.

     My feeling now is that I wake up feeling younger than I look, and that deep line is the first thing I see when I look in the mirror. The makeup makes it worse, and quick-fixes like Prep H just don’t do the trick anymore. I don’t rule out plastic surgery either honestly, a little nip or tuck is fine with me if it improves your quality of life and how you feel about yourself. Girls who have no problems, other than the imperfections they were born with (like Heidi Montag), abuse plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons who perform those kinds of procedures on young women are actually violating their Hippocratic Oath of “First do no harm” in my opinion. Heidi Montag is permanently disfigured; her face isn’t really done forming – as women move through their 20′s their faces become more structured and refined so it’s hard to say what the implants and lifts will actually do to her in the end.

     In Mary’s case she had bad work done, and she looks overfilled in places so probably didn’t really need it yet. Also, she appears to be a heavy drinker and she carries a lot of bloat in her face which can distort the fillers.

     Plastic surgery/cosmetic procedures is one of the few professions I think should be regulated on a much more stringent scale – for instance Botox should only be administered under a doctor’s skilled hand, never in salons.

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 5:37 am

     Ah – and I read about the young girl from “Glee”. I think it’s terrible that she did that, especially for a show that embraces differences. She was perfectly fine as she was; as for trying to look younger for a show about high schoolers – well, truthfully they all look about the same age as Matthew Morrison, and who cares? It’s a fabulous show!!

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     LAC
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 7:27 am

     God, after the second episode of the Real Housewives of DC, I hope we are done with the Cat love. She is just plain rude and a snob…no excuse, including her being British, for that. Lynda rules

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     skatt
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 8:59 am

     Has anyone else seen the previews for Jackie Warner’s workout show (forget the name?)- I think Jeana from the O.C. is one of her clients this season.

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     sarcasatire
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 10:21 am

     @skatt…yep she is. But what’s with Jackie’s hair? she’s too andro for that style. Throws me off…

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     RealityCheck
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 12:06 pm

     Does anyone know if the rumor is true about Lynn Curtain daughter being pregnant. And if so which daughter is it?

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     Pixielated
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 10:07 pm

     @Sweet_Dee: What I read said that Jenna Ushkowitz was the one who had the Botox, but it could have been wrong. I didn’t use her name because I don’t watch Glee and so I didn’t remember it.

     Young women in their teens and 20s have enough problem with body (and face) issues. They don’t need someone telling them that something as intrinsic and individual as their face shape needs to be changed. It’s like saying their bones need to be smaller. I also think it’s adhering to a false standard for beauty, since many Asians have round faces. Are they going to make her change her eyes next?

     @PCheez: Well you look young to me! Don’t fixate too much on the lines, is my advice. It’s the overall look that is important. I agree that plastic surgery is fine unless abused, but I don’t like it when people totally change their appearance (Heidi Pratt, Madonna, some other Botox users) just to look “younger”.

     Talk about ethical violations: what about the guy(s) (or gals) who did Michael Jackson’s face. If I went to them with a million dollars and asked them to surgically remove my nose, would they do it? That’s basically what they did to him.

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 11:04 pm

     Thanks again @Pixielated, totally made my day

     Soooo….. I can’t sleep and found a blog written by a DC fundraiser and insider who was under consideration as a RHODC cast member, and has had a TON of questionable (and provably so) interactions with the Salahi’s. After hours of Google spiraling, and finally ending up in the archives of the Washington Post I found out some pretty interesting things about Tareq and Michaele Salahi AKA Missy Holt, formerly of Scranton, PA.

     First of all the house they are filming in isn’t theirs, they borrowed it for the show. The owner of the house was apparently furious when she discovered that Mic had gone through her closets and borrowed her clothes. LOL.

     Their real house is very modest (2000 SF at the most); and the HOA has had several run-ins with them over not paying their $500 HOA fees. When they were asked to pay, they sued the HOA for damages to their cars due to the condition of the roads in the 5 house development. The development is right on a major highway – these people are flat-busted broke.

     Last year when a tow-truck driver showed up to repo Mic’s Audi, Tareq threatened him with a gun and ran him down the driveway. Mic called the police and told them the driver was threatening them, the police accused Tareq of lying.

     There are over 30 police incidents involving various domestic occurrences with Salahi’s and their employees, Tareq’s elderly parent’s, and upset creditors. There are also almost 40 lawsuits that have been filed, are filed or are pending against them – all involve some kind of non-payment or fraudulent activity.

     The polo match they showed was a complete scam, and they are under investigation for a myriad of illegal activities related to their charity works.

     She also claimed she was a former Miss USA, and Donald Trump and his organization have publicly called her a liar.

     Tareq’s family had him forcibly removed from the vineyard, and as an employee of the vineyard, for financial mismanagement and essentially stealing from the business. His parents sued him for $3 million, but nothing came of it because at the end neither side could afford the attorneys any longer. Tareq and Mic were physically and legally locked out of the vineyard by the time the show aired.

     Tareq ran side-businesses out of the vineyard, including a limousine service, a wine country tour and a wedding venue. He owes employees for wages, and for having to pick up expenses out of their pockets because his credit cards were constantly declined. He would pad the wedding charges with thousands of dollars, then when the bride’s family or credit card companies would question the charges he would threaten to cancel the wedding – so they would go through with it hoping to sue after the fact.

     I actually think these people might be worse than the Giudice’s. The consensus seems to be that he’s bad, but she’s worse.

     Anyway, just a little late night scoop if anyone’s interested…

     ******Possible Very Minor Spoiler********

     Mic claimed she was a former Washington Redskins cheerleader, and even managed to be filmed for the show at a Redskinette Alumni event, including cheering with the team at a game – even though she didn’t know any of the routines. No one remembered her, so they started checking out when she was supposedly on the team – and she wasn’t. It was a total lie, and Bravo filmed it, hahahaha!!!!

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     Pixielated
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 11:12 pm

     I agree that the Salahis are worse than the Giudices. The Giudices overextended and borrowed too much money, living beyond their means, and were hit hard by the recession because Joe is a contractor. That is a dicey business at best. That sort of thing has happened all across the country to people who overestimated the housing bubble and how long it would last. The Salahis are con artists at best and sociopaths at worst.

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 11:14 pm

     “God, after the second episode of the Real Housewives of DC, I hope we are done with the Cat love. She is just plain rude and a snob…no excuse, including her being British, for that. Lynda rules”

     Amen to that @LAC! Bless her heart!!

     Although I admit I do love the drama that goofy Brit brings to the table, LOL. I’ve never seen anything as jaw-droppingly awkward as watching her try to do things like share a sociable meal with nice people, LOL!! She’s 0 for 3 so far!! Haha!!

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 11:16 pm

     “The Salahis are con artists at best and sociopaths at worst.”

     I totally agree @Pixielated. They actually seem a little dangerous, and remind me a lot of Sante and Kenny Kimes.

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 14, 2010 at 11:19 pm

     OH! And Missy AKA Mic, returned the Versace suit she wore to the Polo match to Nordstrom. With mud stains still visible. LOL.

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     LAC
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 9:22 am

     Prodigal Cheez – Thanks for the information – they are worse than the Guidices. Just slimy beyond belief. I cannot believe that Bravo would be so willing to put these grifters front and center on this show.

     And Stacey’s aunt? I would have to be dragged out of the place. She had me at “fried chicken”…

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 11:28 am

     @LAC – I loved Aunt Frances!! Could you believe the spread she put on? The poor thing must have been cooking and baking since sunrise – but my mouth was watering just looking at it. God, I love real southern fried chicken – I would have to double up on the Mycardis for that meal because my face would be stuck to the table.

     I am seriously wondering how the Salahi’s could get on this show, and more to the point WHY they would put themselves on such a public platform. I wonder if Michaele Salahi has an ulterior motive – and if this is her way of imploding her marriage. Everything I’ve read indicates that she was only interested in Tareq’s money – and postponed the wedding several times due to financial constraints he put on her; that she was obviously not in love with him and the deal-breaker was having and affluent and socially visible life-style.

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     skatt
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 11:51 am

     Cheez: You are the 411 Queen!! I bow to you. I was flipping channels last night and a former Publicist(?) of the Salami’s was on Fox. Same thing: they never paid her (she said she considers them Grifters) and are nuts to boot. Oh, and the Salami’s lawyer is Lisa Bloom, Gloria Alhreds’ daughter. Bloom is every inch her Mother’s daughter- obnoxious, loud, full of shit.

     Oh, and Aunt Francis’ kitchen! As my Mom would say: I gained 5 pounds watching them eat. I’d gladly take Cat’s plate.

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 12:45 pm

     @skatt – I couldn’t stop reading, the Washington Post assigned 15 reporters to dig up the juice on these people. I seriously can’t believe the balls they have. Michaele’s game seems to be to charm everyone into doing things for free, or waiving fees – in the case of their employees she would make them feel like “part of the family” so they would feel sorry for her and essentially work for nothing and sometimes cover their expenses. Can you even imagine?? I’m talking about drivers, office and household staff… people that really needed the money. I really can’t believe they haven’t been arrested and sentenced to actual jail time – I want to know what’s up with the White House not aggressively going after these people, something is up with that, IMO.

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 12:49 pm

     I wonder if Lisa Bloom is getting paid? In her case I hope not, I’d like to see her get on the wrong end of some the scum-bags she represents one of these days. A little karmic justice can’t hurt…

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     skatt
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 1:26 pm

     Well, Michael Lohan is her OTHER “look at me!!!!” client that I can think of, so payment isn’t her first priority.

     Oh, I forgot, that woman on Fox last night said the Salami’s were confirmed on the show and were being filmed long before the White House Party incident. So Bravos whole pretending to have to really think about putting them on the show or not AFTER the “Incident” was bullshit. Kinda figured as much, but she confirmed it.

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     Pixielated
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 3:23 pm

     Michaele aka Missy wanted to be on the show because she’s a DAW– Desperate Attention Whore. But it sure could be backfiring on them, since it is focusing a lot of attention on their, ahem, law bending ways and could result in their having to pay the piper.

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 7:10 pm

     I think you may be right @Pixielated, I read that about Bravo last night too @skatt. I wonder if Miss Andy’s nervous at all about this one, these people kind of make Dirty Danielle look like the Little Match Girl, LOL.

     I read more about Cat too – it’s weird, she was kind of an “It” girl in Britain for about 5 seconds… You kind of have to wonder what the fuck is up with the Princes of England thinking androgynously hatchet-faced women are sexy – I mean, first it was Camilla Park-yer Balls, and now Cat O-manly… I don’t get it.

     And just where the fuck was Cat coming from, acting scared of OKRA??? I guess KIDNEY PIE, BLOOD PUDDING and JELLIED EEL are hard delicacies to beat… Because you know in addition to having fabulous teeth, the Brits are known for their great cuisine, LOL. Bless her heart!!!

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     chemgal
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 8:15 pm

     Still like Cat – its my story and I’m sticking to it. She just doesn’t give a shit and even if its rude, its refreshing to see some of these women who are so used to having their asses kissed 24/7 react to someone who could give a fuck.

     I’m not going to believe that any of these bottom feeders will ever have to pay the piper until they do. That is what makes it so difficult to watch. If I really believe Teresa, Juicy, and the salamis would be spending the next cotillion season in a 8×10 cell together, I might enjoy seeing them tie and hang their own ropes.

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 8:40 pm

     But @chemgal she dissed AUNT FRANCIS’ cooking and hospitality!! LOL!! Slamming the other hags is fine with me, but AUNT FRANCIS?? Laughing…

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     chemgal
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 8:45 pm

     Aunt Francis could take her and I may be wrong, but I have a feeling deep down, Aunt Francis recognizes a kindred spirit. She doesn’t take shit either and I’m quite certain has handed out her own fair share of “bless her hearts”.

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 9:32 pm

     Hmmm… I keep going back and forth on Cat. You’re right about Aunt Francis, I’m sure…

     On the one hand she cracks me up, and I totally dig her harsh, no frills delivery (and her hot hubby); on the other hand, I find her seriously irritating. Although, watching her shred Mary’s parenting at lunch, that Mary paid for, WAS really, really awesome….

     I liked her at first, but now I kind of like Lynda more… especially because she found a way to co-opt her son’s girlfriend into being her own house-bitch. I mean, I hate my daughter-in-law, and that right there has my complete attention and admiration… God, If I could get her to kiss my ass and catalogue my closet I could probably find my way to world domination… I’M SO CONFLICTED NOW.

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     sarcasatire
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 10:47 pm

     Aunt Frances sounds like my Grandmother. Probably younger, but her spread sounds like ‘home’. Tell me, Gasmii, baked mac&cheese? Potato salad? Candied yams? Collard greens? (sadly, I was traveling and missed the epi but would love to know what good food was laid out on that table.)

     About Bravo’s casting choice..Bravo is smarter than we think. They know what makes ratings and also how to expose people. The Salahis are a perfect example..they probably knew from pre-interviews and the Sal’s modest living but delusuions of grandeur that it would make great TV. And, also Cat’s poor manners and British upperclass affectations. I mean, she married her hubby after 7 months! And is now separated…how lucky Bravo must feel to capture a woman act all high and mighty when she discusses her white house connection, only to have to airbrush hubby out of the opening credits? Eh…guess it’s back to Brixton for you, Cat!

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     Robinez
     Posted August 15, 2010 at 11:12 pm

     I cook like Aunt Frances all the time.I worked in an office that had a monthly lunch with dishes prepared by those who wanted to bring something.I always contributed.One day I was putting my dish on the table (collard greens with hamhock)and one of the “ladies” said to everyone “Robin always brings such homey dishes” I am still not sure if she meant that as a compliment or not.:-)

     TC,Robin

     OH PS,Bless your heart can also be said when a child has lost a kitten.It’s not just a polite way to say “you’re stupid”.

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     chemgal
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 4:27 am

     Don’t get me wrong, I would not be inviting Cat over for coffee (or high tea) at my own home. However, as a member of this franchise, I fucking LOVE her! Can we move her to NYC and have her replace Bethenny? My goodness, my kingdom for a lunch with her, Jill, Kelly and Luanne! Then send her to OC and send her to the Bellino’s house or let her babysit the Curtain girls. I love her tiny little ironic smirk; she really is one of the only ones in on the joke. She’s Bethenny, but with a mean edge and even less of a filter. My love for Cat (in context of course!) knows no bounds right now.

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     chemgal
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 4:31 am

     @Robin, I would use the word homey as a compliment. My friend is always complaining about her house and while I get it may need some work, its the kind of house that when you drive by it, you know its a HOME. When I pass it in the fall and winter, she’ll have certain lights on and you can just picture her family all warm inside. I tell her its so homey all the time. And when I was really sick, she was one of the women who took turns cooking for me and my family and I always looked forward to Thursday’s cause that was her night and her dinners were always so homey. Not necessarily the best for my hips, but definitely what I and my family needed during that time.

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 8:29 am

     “Then send her to OC and send her to the Bellino’s house or let her babysit the Curtain girls.”

     Oh, that WOULD be awesome… I would love to see her reaction to one of Alexis’ rambling, incoherent prayer ambushes, LOL.

     @Robin, I agree on @chemgal’s reasoning on homey. Funny, I do the same thing when I see certain houses, they just compel you with their warmth and almost give off a physical vibration of well-being.

     Homey food, or comfort food strikes a chord in all of us I think. 8 out of 10 times, if given a choice, I would pick my mother’s meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn over filet and fancy-schmancy side dishes. The only reason I don’t eat more of it is because I would keel over from a stroke or heart attack. Oh, and throw in that peach cobbler, or apple crisp and I will seriously go crazy – LOVE that stuff.

     OMG, I want chicken and biscuits for lunch now!!!! Making myself order a Greek salad will be an act of sheer discipline!!

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     skatt
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 11:17 am

     PCheez: Oh and the returning the used clothes to Nordstrom: UGH!!! I worked retail for 10+ years. That’s stealing as far as I’m concerned.

     I think you and Chem are onto something with a Housewives crossover show. A 30 min. show, nothing more than say, Cat and Kelly-K.B. eating a meal together…………………….

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     Classy Drunk
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 11:21 am

     @ Skatt, why is it that you can return used clothes. I frequent Bloomingdales and I was purchasing a shirt that had a make up stain on it. I asked is there a damaged discount and the sales person said that it was fine to go home and wash it. I said, “wouldn’t that prevent me from being able to return it”. She said that you could basically return anything, and there would be no issue.

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     sarcasatire
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 12:14 pm

     @Skatt…i work as a fashion stylist/assistant ala DC’s 6th housewife, Paul. Truth be told…ALL stylist buy and return. The only difference is that we don’t return items that we’ve used, we just buy more than we need in order to present the clients with options. A $2000 budget means buying $5000+ in merchandise for the shoot, yet only keeping/using $2000 or less. Now..there are some instances when items get used and returned. There are a few trade secrets (like taped shoe bottoms to prevent scuffing) that allow items to stay pristine…but obviously returning items with mud stains is just tacky and disrespectful.

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     marijai
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 1:25 pm

     I SWORE I was only going to watch the OC bitches, but here I am, watching the DC bitches. I’m pissed my DVR recorded last week’s show (damn you Heidi Klum and 90 minutes of PR).

     The aunt’s house sounds like my grandmother’s did on Sunday. Just to prove you can take the girl out of the south, but not the south out of the girl, this past weekend Boyfriend and I smoked a Boston butt (and made BBQ), and I made (from scratch) baked beans, potato salad, corn bread, iced sweet tea, and peach cobler. We’re having leftovers tonight.

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     skatt
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 1:29 pm

     Classy Drunk: My Experience- the store was to afraid of a scene. We had regular “Clients” who we quite literally, not only didn’t make money off of, but lost money on. Now, like Sarcasatire said, if it can be sold again, no problem. What floored me was just what Cheez talked about “Missy” doing, ruining something and then returning it. But Nordstroms shouldn’t have taken it back, hence why I could never be the Manager that had to smile through okaying that shit.

     I have noticed since the Economy tanked a lot of places have tougher policies. Sink or swim time, I guess.

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     sarcasatire
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 2:11 pm

     @Skatt…yes, many places are starting to have a 15% restocking fee on returns. Plus, they are now tracking returns. I have colleagues who have been banned because their credit card showed thousands of dollars in returns in a 6 month period.

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     sarcasatire
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 2:14 pm

     One of my ‘fashion’ professors in college told us that Nordstroms will take anything back, no questions asked. She said there was even an instance where someone ‘returned’ a tire..and Nordstroms gave them a refund!

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 2:18 pm

     @skatt – I’m in retail, but in the tech sector, and I have customers who I lose money on too; they’re considered “strategic”. I can’t smile through it, I grit my teeth and wonder how the fuck our business culture got to the point where people who have more power, or money, or just plain balls don’t have to pay for things they essentially contract for. I resent the hell out of it, and it is stealing – it’s stealing resources and time that can better be spent MAKING MONEY for the business.

     If I ever went to Nordstrom and plunked down $1,000 + for a designer outfit, only to discover it had been worn out by someone else first, I would be fucking livid. Are you kidding me? That’s fraud as far as I’m concerned – if an upscale department store wants to sell used clothing, then open up a new department and sell it as used clothing. I’d buy it, but not for top-dollar – and who the hell would?

     @marijai – can I come to your house for dinner tonight? I’ll clean up my potty-mouth and do ALL the dishes – pinky swear!

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     marijai
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 2:31 pm

     @Cheez…LOL, it’s completely unnecessary to clean up your potty mouth, and since I am southern, I would NEVER let you do the dishes, as I am a perfect southern hostess, bless my heart!

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     Pixielated
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 5:01 pm

     When I worked in retail (well, it was mail order but same diff), if someone returned something, no matter what the condition, it was sold in employee sales, along with samples and defective stuff. That was the great perk of working there. It seems unethical to me to resell something that has been returned, especially with damage. I know a lot of stores have toughened up their policies on returns and keep track of how many things a particular customer has returned, and at some point cutting them off (from returning items).

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     Robinez
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 5:21 pm

     @chemgal + pcheeze,

     Thanks.I wasn’t sure if she meant it as a compliment because most of the gals did bring fancy schmancy things.I brought things because I wanted to be a part of a group and not one of the folks that just ate every month and didn’t bring anything.Boy the office gossip about someone like that was terrible.But that wasn’t the reason,I was also only in my early twenties and my mother taught me manners.You always bring something if you expect to eat something.

     My occupation has been in construction for many yrs since then.I gotta tell ya,I would rather walk up to a very large man and tell him what to do then to be in an office clique like that any day.Those ladies scared me worse that a big guy on a construction site! lol

     TC,Robin

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     Prodigal Cheez
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 5:27 pm

     @Robinez – “My occupation has been in construction for many yrs since then.I gotta tell ya,I would rather walk up to a very large man and tell him what to do then to be in an office clique like that any day.Those ladies scared me worse that a big guy on a construction site! lol”

     I grew up working in that business!!!!! I LOVED it – and you’re so right, big ornery construction guys versus catty bitches who talk behind everyone’s backs?? Give me a job-site and pair of boots ANY DAY. As you may have guessed, I do not always play well with others – hence my current calling as misanthropic tech bitch!! LOL!

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     chemgal
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 6:46 pm

     Robinez, just wait until you join a PTA group. Other mothers make Cat look like a walk in the park.

     I use to work at Macy’s and I remember a manager okaying a return of a WET bathing suit! That was back when Macy’s was still considered upper class in suburban NJ.

     I have to admit, I myself am a bulimic shopper. My husband and I live on a very tight budget particularly after being sick and having $30,000 in out of pocket medical expenses on our credit cards. However, I occasionally get the urge to shop but hate trying things on. So, I’ll buy a ton of stuff, take it home and try it on (which means 3/4 of it goes back due to not fitting or looking terrible) and the rest usually goes back because I’ve scratched my itch so to speak and when thinking clearly realize I neither need it or want it. But, I don’t use it first – it always goes back in the same condition, with all the tags and usually the very next day.

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     Robinez
     Posted August 16, 2010 at 11:43 pm

     @chemgal No need to worry about any PTA moms.My ovaries waged war on me.I am now in my 40′s and I thank my ovaries for all they have not done for me.Seriously.I am even more grateful after I talk to my sis.She has kids….

     Besides,I have grown up since the days when the thought of making one of the “office gals” mad,scared me.

     TC,Robin

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     sarcasatire
     Posted August 17, 2010 at 1:58 am

     @ProdigalCheez: I just read your comment (#145) and I must admit, for all of my southern blood..I am scared to death of Okra!! Haha, that ‘ish’ is so slimy..the only way i can stand it is in sucotash, whch is okra, corn, lima beans, in a tomato paste. That way, you don’t get the slimy grossness.. eeeew. @Faye, @LAC, and @Robinez..are you guys okra lovers? Bless your hearts… lol

     Maybe that’s why when I go to South Carolina, my aunt says, “Here come the city kids!” But who wants sugar cane syrup on there pancakes when maple is so fantastic?

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     sarcasatire
     Posted August 17, 2010 at 2:16 am

     *their* pancakes

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     classy drunk
     Posted August 17, 2010 at 5:08 am

     @Chemgal, I tend to shop like that also. I also like to try stuff on with the shoes I think it will look good with or the accessory. My own little secret is I have to do this to music b/c if I look good in it dancing and there’s no pulling, tugging, or readjusting, that means that it fits and probably looks good.

     It’s kind of like that Cosby episode where Denise gets a new *gasp* sleeveless dress for the dance and her father makes her bounce around in it to make sure that nothing falls out.

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     Robinez
     Posted August 17, 2010 at 9:39 am

     @pcheeze “I grew up working in that business!!!!! I LOVED it – and you’re so right, big ornery construction guys versus catty bitches who talk behind everyone’s backs?? Give me a job-site and pair of boots ANY DAY. As you may have guessed, I do not always play well with others – hence my current calling as misanthropic tech bitch!! LOL!”

     No wonder I have always felt a “kinship” with you

     @sarcasatire
     The only way I like okra is fried.Yummy!

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     Byron
     Posted August 24, 2010 at 4:29 pm

     @sarcasatire I may have a business opportunity for you. I live in LA and would be interested in your writing abilities. Shoot me an email at byron.perkins@gmail.com. Thanks!