Too Much Salahi Coverage? Interview With The District Dish

Article from the Washington Post.

By Andrew Alexander
The Salahis. Had enough?

Anne Martin of McLean has. She's one of many readers who complained recently after The Post offered still more coverage of Tareq and Michaele Salahi, the White House dinner crashers who have become famous for trying to become famous.

"Enough with the Salahis!" Martin protested. "I am tired of The Post's continuing efforts to give this couple exactly what it wants: publicity."

The day Martin wrote, the cover of the Style section was dominated by a large color photo of Michaele Salahi above two columns written about her selection for Bravo's "Real Housewives of D.C." reality TV show. There was another photo of her inside Style. And all this coverage was teased on The Post's front page, which ran a color photo of the controversial couple.

"If I see one more photo/story/snippet about them, I will cancel the Post subscription I've had since 1978," Martin warned.

Brace yourself. More is on the way.

There will be coverage when "Housewives" debuts Aug 5. And more will grow out of various investigations. A federal grand jury is exploring the White House security breach. The U.S. Agriculture Department is examining Tareq Salahi's receipt of a grant to study the impact of Virginia winery tourism. Virginia officials are investigating fundraising activities of the couple's America's Polo Cup event.

Since the Salahis' White House exploits generated headlines seven months ago, they have been written about in more than 110 Post stories or columns. The coverage totals more than 2,200 column inches, the length of a novel. There have been scores of photos. All told, more than 30 reporters and researchers have contributed.

In addition to believing The Post is feeding the Salahis' hunger for publicity, some feel the coverage has lowered the paper's standards. District reader Ronnie Kweller e-mailed that it caters to "lowbrow taste." In a later phone conversation, she said The Post "should try to elevate the interest and concerns and the awareness of readers, not just give them all this gossip crap."

There have been serious aspects to the coverage, of course. The breach of presidential security, first reported by The Post's Reliable Source column author Roxanne Roberts, resulted in congressional hearings and criminal inquiries. And Post stories late last year revealed the Salahis have left a troubling trail of fractured business relationships, lawsuits and unpaid bills.

But at its core, reader interest centers on the unique audaciousness and astonishing self-absorption of the Salahis. Many object to continuing coverage because they find the couple detestable, especially the Salahis' moth-to-flame craving for media attention. Many readers have told me they view the couple as villainous and some eagerly await the Salahis' comeuppance.

But many of those same readers harbor a what-will-they-do-next curiosity. They're eager for each new episode in what amounts to a serial drama. The Salahis don't disappoint. Journalistically, they're a gift that keeps giving.

"These people are characters," said Reliable Source author Amy Argetsinger, who often writes about them. "People enjoy reading about them, even if it's with an undercurrent of loathing.

"Of all the e-mails we get from people saying 'Stop writing about the Salahis,' I would say that we get slightly more from people who have said: 'Why haven't these people been arrested yet?' "

Ned Martel, an editor of the Style section, believes the Salahis fascinate readers because "they are a couple that says a lot of things about a lot of things . . . about society, about pop culture and reality television, about social climbing, about people who feel included or excluded, about falsity and overextension in terms of personal finance."

Their narrative also reflects a shift in celebritology, in which reality TV personalities increasingly compete with movie stars and pop artists. "It's part of a growing phenomenon," Martel said. And with the upcoming "Housewives" reality series set in Washington, he added, "we're devoting more attention to it."

Some coverage has struck me as excessive. Style's June 15 blowout, which drove reader Anne Martin to the brink of cancellation, seemed over the top. (Martel disagrees.) But mostly I've been comfortable with the Salahi coverage and presentation. Stories appearing in the A section deserved to be there. Items of passing interest were properly relegated to the Reliable Source.

The Post's news focus must always be on the weighty issues of the day, such as the continuing financial crisis, the gulf oil disaster or the fighting in Afghanistan.

But the Salahis offer an entertaining -- if often maddening -- break from the steady diet of grim and gloom that so often dominates The Post. There's a place for their "gossip crap."

The District Dish:

Caroline Manzo drops 20 pounds

Article from Entertainment Weekly about Caroline.

by:Emily Exton
Caroline Manzo of The Real Housewives of New Jersey is turning heads after recently losing 20 pounds. Despite the never ending Italian meals her family and friends seem to enjoy regularly, Manzo has taken control of her body through an emphasis on portion control. “I eat what I want. I just eat the bad things earlier on in the day,” she told People at the New York premiere of Grown Ups on Wednesday, before adding, “Don’t think pasta will never be a friend of me.” Okay, just kidding, she actually said this: “If I want pasta, I have it for lunch instead of for dinner. That’s all. If I want a piece of cheesecake, I have half instead of a whole.” Sounds easy enough, right? Manzo also attributes her new figure to 45 minutes to an hour of exercise at least 3 times a week, cutting out soda and juice from her diet, and drinking lots and lots of water. (I knew there was a catch).

Kudos to Caroline for making healthy changes (and just in time for the upcoming Housewives reunion special!?). But I can’t help but wonder, will this really put an end to the Manzo family “ham game”?

Kelly shooting for German television

Kelly tweet.

Shooting german tv

Kim Zolciak's take on Danielle singing

Article from In Touch online.

The Real Housewife of New Jersey Danielle Staub performed her first single Real Close on Bravo's Watch What Happen Next with lesbian musician Lori Michaels and In Touch is the first to have Kim Zolciak's reaction.

The Real Housewife of Atlanta beauty reveals to In Touch "I was quite surprised that she could sing and she sang great live. More power to her, I hope it does well." The Tardy For The Party hit maker isn't about to give up her spotlight though "I am working on the rest of my album and I feel blessed to have another cast member/friend helping me, Kandi Burruss is truly talented and I'm glad to have been the first housewife to start this trend of becoming a singer. I think they should have a new show called "Housewife Idol".

When asked about her reaction to Danielle getting cozy with her rumored girlfriend Lori Michael's during her performance Zolciak says "I hope that what they have, if they have anything is real, and that she isn't playing gay to get attention."

Kelly marching in GMHC/Whole Foods Market NY pride march

Blog post from IMG models about Kelly:

We are very proud of Kelly Killoren Bensimon’s announcement today to join the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) and Whole Foods Market for the NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 27 at 12 Noon.

“I am pleased to join these two leading NYC institutions that are committed to health and wellness,” said Bensimon. “As a mother of two daughters, I believe it is important to provide support for youth on making healthy choices related to their minds and bodies, particularly on the issue of HIV prevention.”

Jill hanging in the Hamptons

Picture from Jill's twitter.

"Smores anyone??"

Bethenny has not forgiven Jill

Small blurb from Absurd to Sublime.

The online edition is not available yet. This is from the print edition

In the June 28 issue of US Weekly (p. 11), Bethenny says of Jill:
“I think she had a whole plan for the season to have everyone hate me…It backfired, but I took a beating…If I didn’t have my own show, I would have dropped out.”
She goes on to say that she has not forgiven Jill, despite the hug.

Nene makes chocolate at Compartes in Brentwood

Nene at Compartes, her favorite were chocolate covered marshmallow/truffle

Bravo is not casting for Real Housewives Of Houston

Interview from Culture Map with Andy Cohen.

By Steven Thomson
The Bravolebrity himself, Andy Cohen is touching down in Space City to serve as the Celebrity Grand Marshal at Saturday's Pride Houston parade. The media mogul took a few minutes today to speak with CultureMap about his visit, his hit show — and all the Bayou City buzz over the producer jockeying for a Real Housewives of Houston.

CultureMap: Your serving as the Celebrity Grand Marshal of Pride Parade is a bit of a coup for Houston. How did this all come together?

Andy Cohen: They contacted me awhile ago — I'm gonna say it was sometime last winter. Summer was something distant in the future, that I couldn't even imagine happening. I asked around and heard Houston has a great event. The fact that it's at night — I thought it would be fun.

CM: Have you been to Houston before?

AC: My best friend's surrogate lived in Houston. I was there for less than a day to witness the birth.

CM: What is your impression of Houston? Do you have any expectations for the Parade?

AC: I expect it to be big, and fun, and hot, and just bold. Larger than life.

CM: Is this your first time marshaling a parade?

AC: This is my first. I've lived in New York for many years, where Gay Pride is so much fun. It's such an honor to come to Houston.

CM: Do you have any big surprises planned for tomorrow's parade?

AC: I'm gonna wing it. I'm just gonna have fun. I'm coming down with a friend — have a laugh, check it out.

CM: There's a lot of buzz in town about the potentiality of a Real Housewives of Houston. Is there truth behind the talk?

AC: It's not us. We love Houston, and we've done casting in Houston in the past, but we're not casting there right now. Maybe it's somebody who wants to do it.

CM: Your spontaneous Watch What Happens show is quite the hit here. What do you think makes it so addictive?

AC: I think it's fun, and that it's live. It's like a cocktail party, and it's inclusive. It's also a small show, sort of like Wayne's World, in which I'm doing a show from my den, but Jerry Seinfeld happens to be in my den, or Danielle, or Sarah Jessica Parker. I think it's a really specific sort of vibe — as unscripted as it could possibly be. The fact that it's so interactive is a draw.

Cohen told us that he plans on hitting the town after the parade — watch what happens

What the housewives of NJ think of Danielle's singing

Post from Us magazine about the Jersey girls.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Surprise, surprise: Danielle Staub's fellow Real Housewives of New Jersey are less than impressed with her vocal prowess.

Staub debuted her single "Real Close" on Monday's Watch What Happens Live -- singing the romantic ballad with singer-songwriter Lori Michaels.

"I mean, whatever," Caroline Manzo told UsMagazine.com at Thursday's My Big Gay Italian Wedding premiere in Brooklyn, New York. "Clearly she can carry a tune. Is she a singer? I'm not quite sure."

"It wasn't horrible," Jacqueline Laurita added. "It was very breathy. It wasn't a wide range. She was just singing really breathy in the microphone, so it's hard to hear the range of her voice."

"She skated past it," Manzo sniped. "She did what she had to do, and fine. But can she really sing? Let's belt one out."

Added Teresa Giudice: "It's not like she was really singing....Ask Simon from American Idol."

Staub's foes haven't exactly sworn off music careers of their own. "I don't know if I can sing. Maybe I should try it," Giudice says.

Manzo's suggestion: "Maybe we should do a country album or a rap song. Maybe the Spice Girls!"

"I think we should do like a rap song," Giudice continued, "and in the background I'll say 'prostitution whore, prostitution whore'! We could do it with Jay Z."

Recently-departed housewife Dina Manzo thinks her hairless cat should give singing a try. "Grandma Wrinkles is coming out with a single soon," she joked to Us at the event. "She's been in the recording studio for weeks."

The Real Housewives of New York- Lost Footage Review

Parts of the reunion were good, but most was kinda blah. I will break it down by each housewife.

Ramona- That sweat gland operation was gross, I am like Sonja with stuff like that. Wow, she was nonstop talking at the show, she never came up for a breath. The scene with Kelly, Ramona and Alex going for a fitting was interesting.  Ramona walked fine and her facial expression looked good. It must of been pure nerves that gave her that walk and face on the runway. Ramona's friend Marla was making some snippy remarks during the show, glad Ramona said nothing and was sweet. Ramona had every right to be angry at Jill for moving her place settings. Jill knows Ramona is a stickler for seating, why be overhanded? Because that is Jill, pushes till she gets. I loved it when Ramona said no, these are the seats and I am not changing them.

Luann- Tennis with Kelly and Jill was lame. Jill got upset when she saw that Luann's son was driving around on a ATV, it seemed to mess with her game. Very little scenes with Luann.

Kelly- Wow, what she said to Sonja was just plain rude. She talks about the other housewives and how rude they are, LOOK IN THE MIRROR KTWIT. She told Sonja, and I am paraphrasing, are you going to tell your daughter that mommy's lazy, and she doesn't want to workout so she got liposuction. Sonja looked stunned, but handled it with class, as usual. Sonja made a remark that she just ignores Kelly when she rambles and makes no sense. The clip of Ramona and Kelly in St. Bart's was funny. Ramona looked like she wanted to throw that weight at Kelly.  Of course Kelly mentioned Giles and how real and normal she is, I call BS on that one. Kelly's comments at Ramona's birthday were ridiculous, it is her birthday she can do what the hell she wants. Kelly, she was happy till you and Jill put your hands into her seating.

Jill- Her shopping trip for jewels made me cringe. Jill is so much about her things, it turns me off.  She bought a watch, wanted a ring or a necklace also but Bobby said wait until another occasion. Jill then started to bitch about how her anniversary and birthday fall around the holidays and she gets screwed. Once again all about the material things and appearances. I really used to like Jill, I look back at the past seasons and see she has always been this way. I think Bethenny made her more bearable for me, they really worked well off each other. What a shame Jill escalated the disagreement to the point that it can't be fixed. Jill is cooking at home and Ally is with a tutor to help her with college. Jill is banging pots, talking and making so much noise it interrupts Ally. Jill seems amused by this, always needs to be the center of attention.

Sonja- Love her, best thing this season. She is a trip, I laugh when I think of  her Heimlich story about her poodle.  Kelly gives her a cleanse and lectures her about being more healthy. Sonja is recuperating from an operation, not the best time to get on a pedestal and tell her what is wrong with her. Sonja did a dead on impression of Ramona's eyes when she was at Ramona's birthday. Sonja says they look crazy because her brain is pressing on them. Bring Sonja back next season.

Alex- It looked like a great time was had by Ramona,Mario,Bethenny,Jason, Alex and Simon when they were shopping. Alex looked great in that black dress, put together great as usual. Simon was so sweet when he saw Bethenny, he gave her a big hug and was so sincere in congratulating her on the pregnancy.  Alex looked great modeling at the event for Anita Kaufmann, she looked nervous, but was good. I did not care much for Alex and Simon the first season they were on. But I love them now, Simon's blog is always funny. Alex has shown so much restraint and class I have found a respect for her and Simon as well. I just love how they treat each other, so in love, great to see. Did you notice how uncomfortable she looked when Ramona was giving her speech? Maybe Jill one chair away was the reason, she looked like she wanted to run.

Bethenny- Not a lot of her either. She was invited to go shopping by Alex/Simon. She looked great in a yellow dress. Jason also looked dapper. Bethenny's PETA ad was revealed in times square and everyone came but Kelly,Luann and Jill, NO SHOCKER.


Andy finished the lost footage show with a clip from the reunion. He asked Luann about listening to phone conversations on speaker phone and not letting the caller know who is listening. Luann said it is not proper etiquette Jill did not seem very upset about doing it, just that Luann heard. I think she does this often. Andy then asked the ladies what is next for them. Luann has got a record deal, she is excited about that. Kelly has her jewelry line coming out. Jill is taking the summer off to spend with Ally, she is going to India this summer and then off to college. Sonja is going to France with her daughter, then to the Hamptons. Sonja is also writing a sexy novel and working on her toaster oven recipes. Alex will be on a book tour till August and a second printing of her book is being done. Ramona just came back from Africa and she will working on those charities.


Sorry the season is over, I love the RHONY, tied to be my favorite with RHOOC. That is about all I have, so have a great Friday and better weekend.

Elvira is broke and will not be on the RHONJ

NY Post article about Elvira Grau (bitchy party planner for Teresa).

Bankrupt Teresa Giudice isn't the only deadbeat on "Real Housewives of New Jersey." Elvira Grau -- the snarky party planner who debuted on the show Monday and boasted of a lux urious lifestyle replete with nan nies, maids, cooks and drivers -- owes nearly $300,000 to the tax man. Grau and her husband, James, were slapped with massive state tax liens between January and March on various properties, including their $3 million Cresskill mansion, according to New Jersey Superior Court re cords. Grau said she was the newest housewife to join the show, a claim Bravo denied, although she'll appear in more episodes. And despite her boasts to Guidice about having a shore house, property records show Grau and her husband don't own any thing near a beach. Meanwhile, Giu dice's beach house was seized by the banks after she and hubby Joe Giudice filed their $11 million bankruptcy in Octo ber. Bravo wouldn't comment and Grau's reps didn't return calls.

Comment from the NY Post article by someone who says they know her.

Andy's tweet about Elvira's chances of being on the RHONJ.

Danielle's Skin Flick

Here are some promotional shots for Danielle's video. If you are interested in seeing it you can click HERE, it involves joining Hustler.

Kelly,Sonja and Luann at the "Grownups" premiere

A few RHONY made an appearance at the NY premiere of "Grownups", pictured above are Kelly, Sonja and Luann. Caroline-RHONJ attended the premiere but was not photographed. I noticed that Kelly was dressed in a short sexy dress. Remember when she made a point to say how she NEVER dresses sexy at Ramona's wedding. I guess it is just another Kelly contradiction.

Jill taking calls on her sisters show

Video from You Tube of Jill, she talks about the RHONY.

Bravo asked Dina to reunion show

Post from Babble about Dina and the reunion show.

Dina Manzo gave up her Real Housewife of New Jersey title for one very good reason – Danielle Staub. She said, “I tried. I’m done. I’m out.” She wants nothing more than to stay away from her, for her and her family’s sake. “She’s dangerous. I’m not sure what she’s capable of.” But as the wounds from the bitter relationship heal, Dina might just tear them right back open…


Dina was invited to partake in the always ultra dramatic and high octane reunion show. Dina tweeted that “Yes I’ve been invited to the reunion & yes I’m welcome to still blog. Torn~ I really want to be done w her. That won’t help make it go away. What do you guys think??”


She continued to say, “Maybe I should just show up at the reunion dressed like her weave & all & just sit there like nothings wrong…Now THAT would be funny.” But that would be a pretty impossible feat. She added that, “ahhh screw it, I’m sending @kathygriffin w a blonde wig in my place at the reunion. I have a feeling she could shut that Beyotch down.” Not a bad idea.

Jill's new blog

Here is Jill's blog from today.


Happy in the Hamptons
Since my last blog, I have been relaxing in the hamptons with my family. For my niece Jessica’s 13th Birthday, I invited her with 13 girlfriends to have a slumber party! They came for 24 hours and it wasn’t long enough. We went swimming, had a beach bonfire, bagels for breakfast and last few hours on the beach. I posted a few photos on twitter. Spending time with them just reinforced my belief that life is ALL about relationships and the more you put into them the more you will get out.

We watched the lost scenes episode and for the most part, it made me laugh. I loved the line I said to Bobby at Chopard. “If I start feeling jewelry, you might be feeling something later!”. How funny was that! Bobby did buy me the watch ( not the necklace) and I wear it everyday. The scene with Ally and the tutor from Princeton Review was so funny. I have to confess. We wanted this scene to make the final edit because that was our reality at the time..study..study and more studying. That is why Ally was missing most of the season. and watching Ally studying is not what you would call interesting TV..so I came up with something silly to distract her and be funny for TV. I usually left Allyson alone in the dining room with her tutor so I wouldn’t distract her. We also filmed with her college prep counselor at IVY WISE in NYC. I highly recommend them, but you must start early for it to be useful. Sadly it was cut.
Ramona’s Birthday lunch was quite emotional. Ramona shared with all of us the pain she had been carrying for a long time. Though it looked like we had a little “fight” we actually had a wonderful heart to heart that you didn’t see. That was one of the reasons I felt going to the Island was the right thing to do. I am not going to rehash all of it again..but just know my heart was in the right place.
I just came home from a friend’s wedding and was with Luann and Ramona. We had a great time together. Nothing is better than sharing our friends most important occasions together. Tomorrow night we will be together again for another friend’s daughter’s college graduation. Saturday I will be filming for LXNewYork a few hamptons events. This will be my first time doing a remote so I am a little nervous. I will post photos from the parties next week.
Ally comes home next week..I miss her so much!
Please keep checking back as I will be blogging this summer. Sign up for my newsletter if you want to “really” up to date!
If you haven’t read Secrets of a Jewish Mother and want to buy it..we are selling it at www.zarinfabrics.com. As a THANK YOU, we are including a very cute Housewives Key Chain ( retail $19.95) and I will personalize it ( include any special message in comments on order).

Real Housewives Net Worth

Got these figures from Celebrity Net Worth, not sure how accurate they are, some housewives are not listed.

RHONJ:
Caroline   $8 Mil
Jacqueline   $5.5 Mil
Dina  $4.5 Mil
Danielle  $2 Mil
Teresa  NEGATIVE $11 Mil

RHONY:
Sonja  $30 Mil
Luann  $2 Mil
Bethenny  $14 Mil
Ramona  $18 Mil
Jill  $35 Mil
Kelly  $15 Mil
Alex  $400 Thousand


RHOOC:
Vicki  $7 Mil
Alexis $3.5 Mil
Jeanna $750 Thousand
Tamra $10 Thousand
Slade  $100 Thousand

RHOA:
Nene  $1.5 Mil
Kim   $1.5 Mil
Kandi  $35 Mil
Sheree  $50 Thousand

Kelly's feather jewelry

Piece from US magazine about Kelly's jewelry line, she wore a bracelet from her line at the reunion show.

Real Housewives of New York star Kelly Bensimon is stepping away from the world of reality TV to focus on her new jewelry line, Kelly by Kelly Killoren Bensimon.

"One of the most influential icons for me has always been Raquel Welch," Bensimon, 42, tells UsMagazine.com in a statement. "Wrapped in suede and golden-tanned skin, Welch in One Million B.C. epitomized raw beauty."

The collection mixes metals, leather, feathers and crystals and ranges from $50 to $150 at Intermix stores across the country.

Bensimon also designed a limited number of baubles for charity, including two single feather earrings, white layered ostrich feather and Swarovski crystal earrings and layered black coq feathers with metal. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to Feeding America and are available exclusively at Blue & Cream in East Hampton.

Teresa in Miami for a book signing

Post from the Sun Sentinel about Teresa in Miami.

by: Benjamin Crandell
If the whole world is becoming New Jersey – the Marlins are giving away foam fists to pump at Saturday’s game – consider “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Giudice’s new book a roadmap.

On Saturday, Giudice will be at Books & Books on Miami Beach to sign copies of her cookbook “Skinny Italian” (Hyperion, $19.99), filled with the recipes that keep her four kids and hubby “Juicy” Joe Giudice, well, juicy.

She laments that “the Americanization of Italian food has given it a bad rap for being unhealthy,” and reveals her secret ingredient: olive oil, which she says is the most essential ingredient for “getting in and staying in your skin-tight jeans forever.”

Giudice will autograph copies of “Skinny Italian” beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Books & Books at 927 Lincoln Road on Miami Beach. Info: booksandbooks.com, 305-532-3222.

Elvira Grau says she in the new housewife on RHONJ

Post on babble about Elvira the party planner from RHONJ saying she is the newest housewife.

by MaraLee
Earlier in the week Elvira Grau, the party planner on last week’s episode of Real Housewives of New Jersey, sent out a press release, herself, saying that she was going to be taking Dina Manzo’s spot on the show. This was weird because the show would have announced it, not the individual.

Andy Cohen stepped in, shooting down her claims with a quick dismissal on Twitter stating “It ain’t true. Ur on 2night’s ep for 10 mins tho. Sorry + Enjoy.”

But a new YouTube is circulating today with the lady herself once again claiming that she is the newest housewife, a “crazy bitch,” and just screaming her name and doing what appears to be an attempt at booty shaking. Does this mean:

A) She was previously told she would be on but has pissed off execs like Andy Cohen by proving herself unmanagable and lost her place on the show before she even started?
or
B) She’s delusional.

Take a look at the video. She kind of acts like she’s on pills,though I don’t think she is (though that would somehow in some waymake this YouTube more comfortable to watch). It’s creeping me out. If I were a fellow housewife I would do all I could to keep her off the show and away from my family.

Check out her video on You Tube.

Salahis writing a tell all book

Post from TV Realityworld about the gatecrashers.

By Christopher Rocchio
Michaele and Tareq Salahi are reportedly ready to tell all about their

The Real Housewives of D.C. stars are working with investigative reporter Diane Dimond to write a new book they claim will provide "behind-the-scenes" details on what happened when they were accused of attending a White House state dinner last November for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh without an invitation, The New York Post reported Thursday.

In addition, Dimond said the book will "reveal the truth" of who the Salahis "really are."

"It just never added up to me that someone could sneak in -- past the [security] perimeter, no less!," Dimond told The Post.

"As I began to investigate, I realized the Salahis' story is much bigger than what's been reported."

While the couple left the dinner before the guests were seated, they managed to have contact with both President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden during their time at the event.

The Secret Service acknowledged its personnel did not follow proper procedures to ensure the Salahis were on the guest list, however the couple the denied crashing the dinner.

The Salahis were subsequently the subject of a federal investigation and were subpoenaed to testify at a January hearing in front of the House Homeland Security Committee, however they invoked their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Dimond told The Post the Salahi's account of what took place has "genuine intrigue" with twists that "can be traced right back to the White House." The book is currently being shopped to publishers with agent Sharlene Martin.

Sneak peek at Danielle's sex tape.

Perez Hilton has a link for a sneak peek at Danielle's tape, click at your own risk HERE.

Real Housewives of Houston cast finalists

Story from Culture.com about the RHOH.

by: Shelby Hodge
Lucinda Loya is still in. Joyce Echols and Debbie Festari have bowed out. That's the current inside track on contenders for a Houston version of Real Housewives, but there's much more scoop on the players hoping to drop anchor in reality TV land.

Los Angeles-based producer Ron Muccianti, with dreams of a Real Housewives of Houston hit, has been back and forth from LA — wooing high-profile Houston women, auditioning and interviewing them and eliminating those who don't shimmer with the desired star power.

Apparently, it was quite a night of female egos at Mo's recently when Muccianti gave the women the opportunity to show him just how over-the-top/camera-ready they really are. Last week, the candidates did Skype interviews for the producer.

We can't tell you who was dismissed but we can tell you that Hugh Echols put his foot down, which is why his glamorous wife, Joyce, will not be exposing herself, as it were, to prying cameras. As she explained, "Whether you like it or not, you're going to be drawn into something stupid."

When it became apparent that the husbands were expected to have a role as well, Hugh firmly declined.

Jessica Meyer also turned it down and is opting to join forces with an Austin-based filmmaker for a different project. Debbie Festari thought better of it as well.

While Muccianti has asked the candidates to keep everything hush-hush and not give out his contact information, tidbits are emerging. Word is that the remaining contenders for the limited slots are Leslie Tyler Fink, founder of RSVPSocial.com; Patti Murphy, attractive social figure involved with Houston Ballet; Sharon Gaille, a regular at the Houston Symphony events; Crystal Wall, wife of rapper Paul Wall; divorcee Daphne Angelique, Jamie Kelley, wife of weight-loss guru Shaun Kelley; and Loya, an interior designer.

And, of course, the always-colorful, always-camera ready Cindi Rose with cameo appearances by her daughter, reality TV veteran Erica Rose.

The ladies are holding their breath as apparently only six will win the honor of small screen stardom.

Loya takes a cavalier attitude toward the project. 'It's a crazy thing to do and sometimes I'm a little crazy," she said via phone from Aspen. "I don't want to embarrass myself or my family . . . but I learned a long time ago that people are going to think what they want about you."

As long as the project feels right, she's on board. She's talked it over with her husband, movie-star-handsome Javier Loya, president and CEO of Choice Energy, and he is game if she is.

The reality show intrigue is heating up locally as Austin's Ashley Chiles jumps into the fray with her own potential project focusing on what she calls "larger than life Houston women." It sounds considerably tamer and classier than the so-called Real Housewives of Houston action, which despite the confusion, is in fact being considered for a pilot which would then be presented to Bravo for consideration for its copyrighted Real Housewives series.

Meyer signed on with Chiles as did Cindi Rose. It's as if two parallel universes are colliding and sending wannabe reality starlets into a frenzy. The cross-pollination and confusion between the two projects has been something to see.

Chiles separates her project from others, saying that her plan is for something "new and fresh and unique." She adds that it might even result in a collaboration between Meyer's Bullet Girl jewelry line and The Texas Huntress. That Web and DVD project was created by Chiles, a Houston native who happens to be the niece of actress Lois Chiles

Real Housewives spotted filming in Atlanta

Post from Access Atlanta.

Count Twist in Phipps Plaza among the restaurants that will still let the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” in.

We hear the Bravo reality show famous for tears and wig-pulling was filming there today. Far as we know everyone behaved.

Our tipster said they were filming in the bar and on the patio area and had diners who happened to be there sign waivers, in case they appeared on camera.

In recent weeks Buzz has heard from a number of high-end restaurants and hotels and local businesses that have just had it with the Housewives. Perhaps spooked by the ladies’ antics at FAB downtown, we’re hearing the Housewives are getting the “thanks, but no thanks” treatment at numerous spots around town.
But not from Twist.
by Jennifer Brett

Luann unsure if she will return to RHONY

Article from People.com about Luann and her future on the RHONY.

by:Zara Kessler
Last week, Dina Manzo announced that she’s done being on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Bethenny Frankel is leaving her options open, telling PEOPLE recently, “I don’t see myself going back to The Real Housewives the way the cast is now.” And now, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps says she is unsure about her future as a Housewife.

“We haven’t been asked back yet. So, you know, let’s see if the show is renewed for another season and then we’ll see,” de Lesseps, 45, told PEOPLE Tuesday at a party for New York Magazine‘s “Summer Fun” issue at Upstairs, the new rooftop area of Manhattan’s Kimberly Hotel. “I’m going to cross that bridge when I get to it.”

Unlike Frankel, though, de Lesseps says her return isn’t contingent upon cast changes. “I don’t have a problem with anyone on the show,” the Countess said.

In fact, de Lesseps is a fan of Frankel’s spin-off, Bethenny’s Getting Married? “I’ve seen it,” she said. “I think it’s great.”
Would de Lesseps do a show solo? “Not about having a baby,” she joked.

But perhaps one about recording an album: Since the debut of her song, “Money Can’t Buy You Class,” the Countess has signed with Ultra Records and is working on a new tune, “Chic, C’est La Vie.”

A former model, de Lesseps also says she has been approached to do more modeling. “I would love, of course, to be the new face of Arden,” de Lesseps said with a laugh. “Just putting it out there, just in case.”

Jill golfs with Kyle MacLachlan at the Hamptons Golf Classic

Photo: Adriel Reboh/Patrick McMullan.com

                                            

Countess LuAnn from Real Housewives of New York City Turns Scandal Into Acting Work

Countess LuAnn de Lessep is showing that money can't buy you class, but flaunting the fact that you have it on TV might actually buy you a real-life career. She's got two acting gigs signed up and in the can--First, Luann makes a regal cameo on an all-new Royal Pains, USA's medical drama. Her performance will hopefully improve upon her foray into a singing career. Tune in to the show to see.


LuAnn never passes up a good cause and here's one she most recently got behind--or in front of the camera for! The LGBT supporter has gotten her picture taken for the NOH8 Campaign. Along with 2000 other famous faces, celebrity photographer Adam Bouska shot LuAnn with duct tape over her mouths and "NOH8" (no hate) written on her cheek. A very arresting image, no?

Is LuAnn famous enough to do a charity a favor? I wouldn't have thought so but I think the show is such a hit that her mug is soon to be plastered everywhere she can get it. Remember, she wants another big apartment in the city--LuAnn could never really be satisfied with only that amazing Hamptons abode she's staying in with the kids now (or six months ago, or whatever). Do you think that endorsements like these bode well for these types of charitites?
Source: click here

Is Jill still being harassed?

Notice on Jill's facebook about spamming, I guess her apology on the reunion did not satisfy some.

Due to the spam problems that we had I can no longer answer you personally on Facebook. But you can write me at jillzarin.com or email my board administrator Maggie at maggierey7046@hotmail.com with any questions.

Kelly's You Tube Video of her "Hamptons"

A small blurb of Kelly, not sure what Hamptons she is showing us.

Kim and Nene still friends

Kim and Nene still hanging out, check out Kim's tweet and photo.


Sooo fun @NeNeLeakes has me on the floor lmao!!!!!!!!!!!

Danielle says "I am a full-fledged member of the gay community"

Article on Fox.com about Danielle and gay rights.

By Allison McGevna
Amid rumors about her sexuality, “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Danielle Staub tells FOX411.com that she is a full-fledged member of “the gay community.”

“I haven’t even begun my work in the gay community yet,” Staub said. “I want to go to senate, I want to pass a bill and get gay marriage legalized. I go to events, I march in rallies. I’ve been a part of the gay community for 30 years.”

Staub said she used Monday's performance with Lori Michaels on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live” to raise awareness about the “tortured” feelings of someone in love who wants to express it but feels that they can’t.

“I met Lori a year ago at a gay pride parade. I fell in love with her music, which deals a lot with the issue of equality. It was very organic for me, that performance,” she added.

Staub’s passionate performance on "Watch What Happens" started the rumor mill churning that the divorced mother of two is a lesbian. She described the song to host Andy Cohen as being about “a lotta lady lovin'.”

After the performance with Michaels, where she nuzzled her shoulders and stroked her hair, Staub played coy when Cohen asked her if she was in a relationship with the gay songwriter. “We’re not saying anything besides that we’re doing the song, ‘Real Close.’”

She later referred to Michaels as her "gf" on Twitter.

Staub tells FOX411.com that her decision to leave questions about her sexuality open was a calculated one.

“I want that question mark there,” she said. “If I’m suggesting something, people pay attention. A long time ago, I realized the power of my fame and that my work on Bravo has given me a voice. Women are going to talk about me, why not use my fame for awareness.”

With her daughters in tow, Staub told FOX411.com that the gay community has always embraced her and made her feel like family.

“Since birth, my daughters have been a part of the gay community. From teachers to friends, these are the people they are surrounded by. I don’t feel as comfortable around mainstream society as I do around that community," she said. "I don’t feel as comfortable around heterosexual people as I do around gay people.”

Staub, who does not get along with the rest of the "New Jersey Housewives," said she found “comfort” early in her life because gays didn’t care about problems in her past.

“When I got arrested, my dear friends like Tommy (who is gay) were the ones who bailed me out,” Staub said. “Now he is Uncle Tommy to the girls.”

Staub, who appeared with a man in a sex tape recently distributed by Hustler, said she and her daughters will continue to do activist work on behalf of gay rights, but stopped short of confirming she is indeed gay herself.

“I’m not ready to say that one way or the other. Right now my focus is on my kids, but there is room for one more person in my world,” she added coyly. “Hopefully soon the world will see that.”

Sonja and Luann at the ACE black and white ball

Click on THIS link to read about Sonja and Luann out and about in society.

Jill and Kelly still great friends

Jill and Kelly out together recently. Jill's tweet to Kelly below the picture.

                                   "I loved lunch at World Pie. I admire our friendship so much"                                  

Will you recognize the new Nene?

Below are pictures of the before and after of Nene's plastic surgery. The RHOA have been filming for a month or two, expect to see the NEW Nene soon.

Gregg Leakes apologizes to Nene

Piece from Reality Tea about Nene and Gregg.

Gregg Leakes made headlines when an audio tape of him trashing his wife Nene Leakes leaked online.

In the audio, which his lawyers are now calling an unauthorized recording, Gregg can be heard bashing the Real Housewives of Atlanta star, saying she has let the Housewives fame go to her head. “I put $300,000 of my own money for [NeNe] to become a housewife. Without that, she wouldn’t be sh*t . . . She’s going to give me every dime of my $300,000 back,” said an angry Gregg.

As we reported, Gregg was secretly recorded by radio host Corey King, during what he thought was a private phone call between the two. The reason King decided to tape Gregg’s conversation? Well allegedly, Gregg owes Cory some money and began avoiding Corey when he couldn’t pay him back.

In a new statement released through his lawyers at The Gardner Law Group, Gregg apologizes to his wife and acknowledges the two are having marital problems. The statement also claims Gregg’s conversation with King took place after an argument with Nene.

Excerpts from his statement below -

“On June 2, 2010, an unauthorized audio taped conversation between Mr. Gregg Leakes and Mr. Corey King was made privy to the public by Mr. King and Large FM. While Mr. King touted an “exclusive interview”, the taped recording was obtained by fraud and deception. Neither Mr. King nor Large FM were granted consent to interview Mr. Leakes and an interview never occurred.

Throughout the duration of the call with Mr. King, Mr. Leakes was under the impression that he was simply confiding in a friend after an argument with his wife. However, Mr. King has demonstrated through this blatant disregard of Mr. Leakes’ privacy that he does not even comprehend the word “friend”. The audio recording was deceptive and the release of it was nothing short of malicious.

It is not a secret to anyone that Mr. and Mrs. Leakes are facing marital challenges, a situation common to many couples. However, there is no doubt that Mr. King’s intentions were dishonorable, hateful, and inexcusable. His deceptive act was committed without any regard to Mr. or Mrs. Leakes.

Mr. Leakes has apologized privately to his wife and he offers a sincere apology to the others mentioned in the audio. Any further discussion of the matter should be amongst Mr. Leakes and those individuals, privately.”

The Daily Beast breaks down the cost of living like a RHONJ

by Pamela Redmond Satran
After the bankruptcy filing of Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice—her family has a stunning $11 million debt—Pamela Redmond Satran breaks down the cast’s spending.

When Teresa Giudice of The Real Housewives of New Jersey filed for bankruptcy this month, court documents revealed she receives a mere $3,333 per month from Bravo for co-starring on the show. Not nearly enough, apparently, to cover the cost of her favorite bubbies, baubles, and baby ATVs.

In fact, that salary will pay for just four days of the mortgage and other expenses of living in Teresa’s Towaco, New Jersey, marble mansion, which she and her husband recently pulled from the market, where it had been priced at $4 million.

Dina’s freaky Sphynx cat, Grandma Wrinkles, would cost $1,500 on the open market, as would her Chinchilla Persian.

And Teresa would need to film 3,300 episodes of the show, about one a week until she’s 100 years old, in order to earn enough to pay off the $11 million in debt she and hubby Joe Giudice have racked up, according to papers filed in a Newark bankruptcy court.

Teresa’s setback raises the question: What, exactly, does it cost to be a New Jersey Housewife? More than you’d think, judging from the price tags on some of the ladies’ favorite items—and perhaps less than you’d think, when you consider all the items they themselves are hawking.

Danielle Staub

Although Teresa’s palace is no longer for sale, you can still buy Danielle Staub’s Tudor house in the hills of Wayne, New Jersey, at the new low price of $1,095,000, reduced from $1,495,000, with property taxes of $35,348. The place has seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a pool.

You’ll have to install your own stripper pole—in last week’s episode, Danielle claimed she was “out of practice”—but you can pick up a Lil' Minx Pro with faux alligator carrying case for $399. Cut-rate models can be had on Amazon for $100, but we think Danielle would want the pro.

It will cost you $29.95 to watch Danielle’s sex tape over at the Hustler site, though if you sign up for a full year, they’ll take $10 off, just like at the souk. That’s just a few bucks more than her book The Naked Truth, $16.50 on Amazon, and the book doesn’t even show her naked.

If you want to dress like Danielle, you can find leather pants so tight you’d have to call them leggings, on sale at Neiman Marcus for $465.

Dina Manzo

Danielle has two material possessions in common with her now-departed nemesis on the show, Dina Manzo: a Range Rover and a bald, ugly pet. A new Range Rover will run you anywhere from 60 to 80 grand; a Chihuahua puppy like Danielle’s averages about $600.

Dina’s freaky Sphynx cat, Grandma Wrinkles, would cost $1,500 on the open market, as would her Chinchilla Persian. The cats will be joined by two newly adopted Yorkies, one of whom has paralyzed rear legs: free, though doggie diapers start at $15.95 a carton.

Like several of the other ladies, Dina has her own online store where you can purchase such Dina favorites as the Dina Manzo by Thad Cline flower necklace she’s been sporting much of this season, for $225.

Dina also sells products supporting her very worthy charity, Project Ladybug, ranging from bright red “Lucky Locks” hair streaks for $10 to a gold, enamel, and diamond ladybug-themed bracelet at $4,990.

But if you really want to know what Dina spends—as well as why her husband chose never to be shown on Real Housewives of New Jersey—check out the 2007 video of her and Tommy on the VH1 show My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding, for which the total tab was $1,095,000. (The same cost, coincidentally, of the distressed price of her enemy Danielle’s house.)

Among the expenses: $477,000 worth of flowers, $40,000 to The Stylistics to perform, a $10,650 Badgley Mischka gown, and an unspecified number of $500 Jay Strongwater jeweled butterflies.

But all this money didn’t necessarily buy happiness for Dina, who was frequently caught weeping on camera. When her then-fiancé tried to comfort her, she snapped, “I don’t need comforting. I need a tissue and some drugs.”

Caroline Manzo

Perhaps the most low-key New Jersey Housewife when it comes to money, maybe because she can afford to be, is Dina’s big sis Caroline, married to Albert Manzo, co-owner of The Brownstone. Despite horrible reviews on local sites, the business was doing well enough to allow the Manzos to drop $2,000 at Barneys in the Season 2 premiere on a shopping spree to outfit the newly svelte Albert.

Caroline has a personal trainer work out with her at home, about $75 an hour in New Jersey, but shares the session with her children. And the one “designer” necklace she has been spotted wearing was by Stella and Dot, $59.

Sister-in-law Jacqueline Laurita, meanwhile, blew $543.85 on prosciutto and mozzarella last week before the boys’ big card game. Her rose quartz and moonstone “fertility bracelet,” which she credited for getting her pregnant with baby Nicholas, was a $150 gift from Dina, created by spiritual adviser “Zen Jen” and available at zenjewelz.com.

A man-size gun safe like the one where hubby Chris keeps his assault weapons will set you back $2,786, shipping included. And there are always pedicures at The Chateau Salon & Spa, $30; Chanel sunglasses with gold frames and quilted leather sides, for $399; and a Happy Wife, Happy Life T-shirt, $9.95 on eBay, though the pushover big-hearted Jacqueline may be doing her destitute pal Teresa a favor by buying it from her online store for twice that price.

Teresa Giudice

Other authentic RHONJ goods available on TGFabulicious include a Jersey Girl T-shirt for $24.95; a pewter multi-string necklace like the one Teresa’s been favoring this season, $100; and for the kiddies, a leopard and maribou headband modeled by the one and only Gia, $35.

During pre-bankruptcy-filing filming, Teresa dropped $1,965.80 on clothes for her three oldest girls at the Stage Left boutique in Franklin Lakes. And Gia’s Lights, Camera, Limo party from Sweet & Sassy in Ridgewood cost $489, food not included.

On the Giudice family vehicles, Gia’s mini-ATV could have been bought on sale for $299, but Papa Joe’s big-ass Escalade costs $1,280 a month, according to court papers. Though the couple claims in bankruptcy documents to have spent $12,000 in fertility treatments—why did Teresa ask Joe to get a vasectomy then?—there was no mention of the eight to 10 grand most New Jersey plastic surgeons charge for the breast augmentation we saw Teresa undergo in Season 1.

In the plus column, Teresa’s book Skinny Italian has made the New York Times bestseller list for several weeks in a row. With a new book in the works, according to her blog, perhaps she can eventually help pull the family away from the financial brink.

Pamela Redmond Satran is the author of four novels about New Jersey housewives, including Suburbanistas and Babes in Captivity. She is also the developer of nameberry.com.

Albie flunking out of Seton Hall Law?

Click HERE to read an article about Albie Manzo and his law school troubles.

Danielle in a relationship with her singing partner?

Brief article about Danielle and Lori from Examiner.com.

A/P Photo

By:Cindy Adams
Monday night, Danielle Staub who’s a featured cast member on Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey,’ sang her new song ‘Real Close’ with "lesbian superstar," Lori Michaels on the network's live talk show, 'Watch What Happens Live.'

According to Radar Online, the two are rumored to be involved in a romantic relationship.
Host of the show, Andy Cohen asked Staub if she and Michaels, who sang the song as a duet, were a couple. Staub replied “We’re not saying anything other than we’re together singing this song ‘Real Close,’” as she sat on Michaels lap and nuzzled her neck.

On Tuesday, Staub tweeted “Thank you everyone for supporting me with love and kindness in my song Real Close bless my gf Lori Michaels.”

Real Housewives of New Jersey 6-21-10 recap

Recap/review of last nights episode from Entertainment Weekly-Popwatch.

by Emily Exton
Danielle underwent her own “renewal” process on last night’s episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, echoing her sister from across the river, Ramona. But this “new” Danielle was not the result of extensive psychotherapy, a lengthy stay in an ashram, or even a new-found career, but rather from going under the knife for her fourth breast augmentation. In her defense, her implants have caused a staph infection and generally feel hard and cold every moment of every day. (Gross). After a taking a few photos of her chest (which Danielle seemed all too eager to pose for, please tell me you noticed the slight smile emerging on her face? Sure, her daughter may be booking photo shoots and runway shows now, but she was once a model too, dammit! Don’t you forget it!), the doctor commented that she had one of the biggest deformities ever, and that this would not be an easy procedure — but as Danielle says, nothing in her life is easy. Ugh save the sob stories for your therapist, lady. Thanks to the wonders of anesthesia, Danielle was unconscious for most of the episode, however there were three loopy ladies-in-waiting eager to take her place:
Elvira: Making her Housewives debut, this “phenomenal” party planner was hired by Teresa for her long overdue housewarming party. Appalled by the Giudice’s lack of live-in help (she herself has a nanny, cleaners, cooks, drivers…) and puzzled at how they manage to live without a pool, she went toe-to-toe with Teresa on everything from martini glasses to juiced-up bouncers. The lady also rolls with an entourage of fire eaters and break dancers. While she did deliver a party that met Teresa’s Swavorski crystal explosion dreams, I couldn’t get past her shameless audition for her own Bravo party planning spin-off.

Kim D.: The owner of Posche boutique was last seen dissing Danielle at the sheriff’s dinner hosted by Caroline and Albert, which seemed strange as she had previously been spending time with her and even attended the luncheon for her daughter Christine. Ever the businesswoman, she claimed to associate with Danielle merely to maintain a friendliness (or was it cleanliness?) because it was an opportunity for business (so she was using her?). But it doesn’t matter whose side she’s on, as long as there’s a party. Kim D. is all about having a good time, and she doesn’t need an excuse to enjoy a midday cocktail — mimosas upon entering her store? I think I know where I’m going this weekend. Her drunken interruption of Teresa’s party speech was the most cringe-worthy AND laughable moment all night. As Teresa so eloquently put it: “Kim D.’s totally wasted and I love every minute of it. My kind of girl.” Have we found our new Sonja?

Kim G.: Many have commented on Kim G. — something is off with her, she plays both sides, she shouldn’t wear booty shorts. Yes, she has been at Danielle’s side this season, but she also has a strong connections to the Manzo clan (her son is best friends with Chris; Jacqueline is her neighbor), which she has been using a lot lately to disbelief of Caroline. Last week she gave her best attempt at “burlesque” dancing and failed, but last night she played the left-out victim card and successfully scored an invite to Teresa’s housewarming party (ain’t Teresa a nice person?). Once she was there, she began fueling Danielle discussions before Mama Manzo SHUT IT DOWN. Like Kim D. (and Ramona), she likes her wine and has a hard time remembering the difference between “obsessed” and “upset.” I’m not quite sure what we’re going to get with Kim G. but I want to remind Jacqueline that befriending someone like this is treading dangerously close to repeating the Danielle saga. Stop being so nice, Jacqueline! Nobody else is!

The rest of the ladies mourned the loss of Dina at their on-camera lunch table. I know this was for dramatic effect, but come on, if they really are “as thick as thieves,” she was probably over at Caroline’s house later that day (talking about Danielle no less, women don’t change overnight!). Things were certainly calmer without another mind numbing conversation about Danielle and I also felt much more comfortable being in a Danny-free zone (although he was probably sitting creepily in the waiting room during Danielle’s procedure, with $20s and $50s eager for her to make a quick recovery).

There was a lot of focus on the children this week. Do we like that Caroline’s kids are getting more screen time this season? Caroline’s son Albie received disappointing grades during his first year of law school and was not being asked back. He’s struggled with a learning disability since junior high, working hard for everything he has achieved, but this recent adversity has left him feeling “worthless” which made the typically strong Caroline bust into tears. After she took a moment, her pep talk to her son was incredibly composed and articulate given that she had just received the news herself, and I can’t imagine how being a child of Caroline and Albert Manzo wouldn’t leave you as the most overly confident bitch on the block. Next week will provide more information about what Albie can do with regards to school, and while I agree that he shouldn’t be feeling bad for himself, I thought it was a little too soon for his parents and siblings to be joking with him about having no future. Maybe it’s tough love, (and maybe I’m overly sensitive) but I don’t think Albie was throwing himself a pity party, just trying to enjoy some sushi that he was repeatedly told, was not in celebration of him.

Ashley has come off as spoiled and unappreciative every time she graces our television sets. For someone who thinks she’s old enough to live on her own, she’s incredibly clueless and immature, saving up her laundry for trips to her mom’s house and resorting to mean Facebook hits against Danielle, a woman twice her age. She sat down with Jacqueline and Chris to discuss moving back home (although her bags were already packed) and managed to cry her way to a 1am curfew on weekdays and 2am on weekends. Not bad for an 18-year-old? Jacqueline finally acknowledged that Chris often has more pull with Ashley. While a lot of this is probably due to your typical mother-daughter rivalries and tension (we all have them), Chris is more of a disciplinarian. Jacqueline has sat back too many times and shed tears asking, “Why does she treat me this way?” Hmm…maybe BECAUSE YOU LET HER! It was frustrating to watch Ashley’s whining wear Chris down enough to push her curfew back an hour, but I think it’s a good thing that she moved back home. How will this affect her relationship with Derek?

So tell me, PopWatchers: Is there a new crazy beyotch of the Garden State? Do you love Kim D. as much as I do? After fishing for an invitation to Teresa’s party, is Kim G. just Danielle 2.0? Did Danielle’s daughter Christine seem more animated in 30 seconds than she has in two seasons? Can you wait for that epic “Somebody with a knife!” scene next week? Ugh, it’s only six days away, but that’s a-f—— nough for me!

Danielle sings on Watch What Happens

Video of Danielle singing, I was surprised she did not suck.

The Real Housewives of Houston?

Story from CultureMap.com about the RH maybe coming to Houston.

By Clifford Pugh
Bravo has announced the next Real Housewives series: It takes place in Washington, D.C., with the infamous Michaele Salahi, and debuts Aug. 5 on Bravo. Could Houston be "housewives central" after that? The possibility of a series set in the Bayou City continues to intrigue CultureMap readers, who made our story on who might be cast in a Houston version of the popular reality show the top-viewed story for the third week in a row.

But the story that spurred the most discussion — and the most heated debate — was CultureMap editor-at-large Shelby Hodge's takedown of the national media for referring to Yvonne Stern as a "Bellaire socialite." Some who didn't read the story closely were outraged at what they perceived was a slap at Stern, an unwitting victim of a murder-for-hire plot hatched by her husband's mistress. But others saw it as a commentary on the lengths the media goes to to pump up a story.

The Manzo boys on Millionaire Matchmaker

Article from NY magazine about Albie and Christopher.

By: Mike Vilensky
Christopher and Albie Manzo, Caroline Manzo's two sons on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, will appear on the upcoming season of Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker. In a scenario that makes absolute and total sense, Matchmaker's Patti Stanger and Housewives's Caroline Manzo are "old friends." According to the Post, "The [Manzo] boys are said to be looking for 'brunette, Italian-Catholic girls,'" but shouldn't they be on the side vying for the millionairess? Or is the Brownstone event space (and, lest we forget, law school for Albie) paying a lot better than we'd realized?

In any case, Stanger's been filming the upcoming season of her oddly infectious Bravo series around New York, and she did tell New York's own Emma Rosenblum and Jada Yuan: "There are five women to one guy, so what do you do if the city is metrosexual, gay, with not enough men? Carpe diem! You go to Jersey!"

Michaele Salahi disliked by other HW

Story from NY magazine about Michaele Salahi.

Getty Images

By: Mike Vilensky
The latest Real Housewives series, set to further tarnish the reputation of the nation's capital on August 5, will indeed include Michaele and Tareq Salahi, the infamous White House State-dinner crashers. The show will play up the social-climbing side of the political town:


"'We never envisioned that Nancy Pelosi would be a real housewife of D.C.,' said [producer] Abby Greensfelder, 'We didn’t do any traditional casting. It was all talking to people who knew people who knew people. That’s the way in which D.C. works. It’s a town that’s all about the proximity to power, and it operates in these concentric circles, around the White House.'"


Other cast members include Newsweek reporter Charles Ommanney's ex-wife Cat Ommanney, Lynda Erkiletian, who runs a modeling agency, and Stacie Turner, who has a Harvard MBA and runs a successful real-estate business. Of course, it wouldn't be Bravo without some spats, and don't expect attention-seeking Michaele Salahi to be popular among her co-stars:

"'I do think we’re going to have a classier set of ladies, with one exception,' [cast member Michelle Delino] said, in an obvious reference to the Salahis, 'who will elevate the show and bring it to a higher standard, because it’s pretty low, when you see what New Jersey was all about.'"


Sigh. Don't you know that alienating the most press-hungry cast member is how it gets that way?! Well, we were ready to say good-bye to The Real Housewives of New York City after a three-part reunion, but we're already ripe for the Reasons Why Michaele Salahi Is a Disgusting Person game! Gird your loins.

I Hate Jill Zarin blog

Click HERE to read Lynn's take on Jill.

Alex's blog about the reunion part 3

by: Alex McCord
Part 3 is upon us, and I don’t think we necessarily got any clarity. What am I looking forward to? For the first weekend in 2 months we have time at home. Tomorrow night Simon and I are taking the kids to see the Brooklyn Cyclones play (minor league baseball) and can’t wait to spend Father’s Day as a family. No book signings! We’ll be back on the road again shortly, and if you are looking for a Father’s Day book – ours is half written by Simon and gives the Dad’s take on things. Shameless plug over; let’s recap the madness. Ahem, discussion. Actually, no, madness is a better description. Madness with hair extensions, designer shoes, makeup and a confused-looking Andy Cohen.

Kelly thinks we are aggressive and dangerous. I respectfully disagree, but can tell you what I DO think we are – fed up with Kelly calling us that. I have always tried to enjoy spending time with her, to engage her and get her to relax a little. Doesn’t work. She called us unpredictable, and I have to say that with all the contradictions she herself is very unpredictable. It’s one thing to change your mind about something. Everyone gets to change their minds now and then. When you “change your mind” in the same sentence, that gives everyone else whiplash and makes us not trust her.

On to Jill. First, very quickly re the Bethenny situation – it was appropriate of Jill to apologize to Bethenny and nice of Bethenny to allow a hug.

Next, Jill says I hate her, and that she can’t film with me in the future. She’s attempting to play chess with me and with Bravo here, which is typical – she’s done it with Bethenny and with Kelly in the past. There have been a few people recently who have asked me why Jill gets me so upset, and tonight we saw an example. Because Jill was angry with me, when the subject of nude photos and hypocrisy came up, she started shouting that I had “spread eagle pictures in the hallway of my husband’s hotel.” Number 1, that is not true and she knows it. Number 2, she chose her words specifically to cause trouble for Simon, because perhaps someone out there would wonder whether it was true and ask his business associates about it. For the record, my photos were personal ones, not meant for publication, that got out. Jill doesn’t care about who is or isn’t nude – she even has her own vault, as mentioned to Mark Malkin here. In case you don’t want to take the link – here’s her sendoff quote – “She added, “A lot of people have hot videos of themselves that they don’t want published. People who say they don’t or wouldn’t, I don’t know if I believe them.”

This is an example of the way Jill plays. Jill is a mean girl, not a stupid girl, and she knows exactly what she is doing. Every time she goes on the attack against me or anyone else, she says something that she hopes will damage her target’s life or career. It’s really, truly dirty. She attacked our book. She has attacked my husband. She attacked our children. I have never once said a word about her husband, their businesses or her daughter. Not once. Ever. Have I ever been condescending to her? No. I have not. Over three years I have always been the one to be dragged back against my will to make up with someone who is underhanded and downright cruel. She has said we were never friends, but I have tried, on camera, off camera, I have invited her to events, etc. Jill is seeing red because I’m no longer willing to be under her foot like some of the other women, to be silent while she freely leaks stories to the press. On the same day a few weeks ago, Jill wished me well on Facebook while also calling a reporter and screaming at him because he interviewed me without her permission. When I called her out over Amazongate in Boston and posting under the pseudonym Susan Saunders; she denied something she wasn’t accused of (being J. Samples) in order to confuse people. In this same blog post, she went after Bethenny again and please note that her post was written after tonight’s episode, complete with teary hug, was filmed. This is hypocritical, and standard Jill Zarin.

Want some examples? Let’s review. January 2010 – Simon told a reporter who asked that he didn’t know why Jill was at Sundance. Less than a week later, even before season three was on the air, a blind item by the same reporter said Simon and I were off the show. Is her name on this one? No, but the reporter who wrote both is a friend of hers. Previously, an article in New York Magazine contained a comment by Simon that Jill felt was unkind. Shortly thereafter, she attempted to crucify him professionally by making up a story that sounded believable enough to cause him trouble. As she said on season 2 with a snarl, “If you hit me, I’ll hit you back.” If you throw a spitball at her, she aims an AK47 at your entire family and livelihood. I remember when we filmed the skating event with Johnny Weir in CT — Kate Gosselin’s bodyguard wouldn’t let Jill into the bathroom until Kate came out, making her wait. A seething Jill came back and whispered the story in my ear, finishing with “I’m gonna ruin her.” Because she had to hold it for a few minutes?? This is the same Jill that told me not to film with Kelly in season 2. Yes, Bethenny said it too, but it came from Jill first. This is the same Jill that told me not to film with Bethenny in season 3. This is the same Jill who successfully made Teresa from NJ think that Ramona was attacking her one day, when Jacqueline and I could both see Jill was stirring the pot. It’s unfair, it’s nasty and it’s typical.

In St. John, had Jill acknowledged my presence whatsoever, I would have tried to find a way to salvage the situation. She strode in and shouted “Surprise! Hey, Ramona! Surprise!” She walked over to my chair and stood with her back to me. She said I was “butting into her business” and I still don’t know how – by my existence that she didn’t acknowledge? At tonight’s reunion, she said leaving St. John was the worst thing that’s ever happened to her. Worse than cancer? Worse than losing a family member? Really? No. Not really. But typical.

I have no doubt whatsoever that Jill will try every trick in her playbook to get me fired – she would love nothing more than to crush me, Simon and the boys because that’s what she likes to do to people. She’s put down the gauntlet already. As I’ve shown this season, I won’t sit silently anymore, and I hope that her playing dirty doesn’t pay. Watch what happens. Follow me on Twitter and feel free to tweet Andy and Bravo your thoughts about all this. To keep up with what we’re doing in the off season, including appearances on Bethenny’s Getting Married, add us on Facebook. Have a great summer!

Take a real look at Kelly

Here is a blog post from Absurb to Sublime about Kelly.

by: Courtney R.
Kelly Bensimon had a very clear message that she kept repeating during the housewives reunion show. She kept asking everyone to celebrate who she is. But I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing worth celebrating and that Kelly is just a pretty face.

How you may ask have I come to this epiphany? Well it's really pretty simple - Kelly hasn't accomplished anything worth celebrating, but she looks good while she tries. Allow me give some examples.

Crazy Kelly Life Mottos:

I dont believe in the abuse of animals, but I love and wear fur.

I dont' drink, but I love beer and Pitron.

I refuse to eat processed food, but jellybeans and candy rock my world.

I'm not a ho-bag like Bethenny, but I posed nude for Playboy.

I pretend to be a photographer, but my ex was the real talent.

I turn people off when I feel like it and stop listening.

All of these statements would be fine if she didn't directly contradict herself. If she wants to wear fur, eat candy, drink, be naked, and take pictures go right ahead. But when you say all these things are wrong, that's where I lose you Kelly. And that's when you piss everyone off (myself included).

So in conclusion, Kelly is pretty, but also pretty lame. Granted she has a killer bod and hair (that she's obsessed with touching), but how far does that ever get anyone? I suppose it gets you on a reality TV show.

RHONJ- Kim D. from Posche spills about Danielle

Bethenny Getting Married? Recap 6-17-10

Recap from Monsters and Critics.

By Krystin Rader
In the second installment of “Bethenny, Getting Married?” - Bethenny Frankel is in the midst of wedding planning.

The countdown is four weeks until the wedding and 10 weeks before the birth of the baby. If wedding planning and being pregnant weren’t enough, Bethenny also has her next book manuscript due in a few weeks.

Shawn, a professional wedding planner, is brought in to oversee the wedding madness. Comedic moments sprinkles their initial meeting as Bethenny literally sweats the small stuff, such as her cotton candy desserts. The wedding planner deals well, offering her tissues to blot her underarms.

True to form, Bethenny grills the wedding planner regarding his familiarity with everything from her preferred venue to his knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth.

We’re then introduced to Bethenny’s future in-laws, Carol and Bob. Bethenny is again out of her comfort zone having to play hostess to them as Jason is still stranded in Florida.

In a charming move, Bethenny includes her future mother-in-law in her wedding dress shopping. She describes the look that she’s going for as “shotgun wedding. Knocked up and I don’t give a damn that I’m not married.” Bethenny embraces the shopping and tries on many different gowns. Bethenny gives us some of her famous one liners, describing one dress as something she would wear “the night she got pregnant.” The future mother and daughter-in-law share a tender moment as Bethenny finds her dress.

Bethenny visits her therapist for another session. She discusses her family’s absence from her wedding and describes her rocky relationship with her mother as filled with deception and drama.

Together, they explore Bethenny’s reservations of opening herself up to a close relationship with her future in-laws. She reveals that her first marriage and subsequent divorce left a lasting scar and that she didn’t just divorce a person, she divorced a family. Her therapist suggests that she needs to know what she is willing to change and work on.

Work takes Bethenny to New Jersey to speak at a JCC event, which oddly enough, has a full mariachi band outside playing to greet her. Max, the assistant and still new to the job, suggests that Bethenny mingle with the people at the event, which is obviously outside of Bethenny’s comfort zone.

She pays him back by announcing to the crowd his single and ready to mingle status. She later reprimands him regarding his role at these types of events, indicating that he should be more of a defensive lineman than PR coach.

Never to be left out of an episode, Cookie, Bethenny’s beloved furry friend, gets a visit from a pet behaviorist. Cookie suffers from the same introverted tendencies as her mother and now it’s time for a change. Bethenny is preparing herself for motherhood, describing it as “if training Cookie, Shawn, Max, and Jason doesn’t prepare me for motherhood, I don’t know what will.”

The couple heads out to register for wedding gifts at Bloomingdales. True to form, Bethenny is overcome with anxiety over their wedding registry, as Jason looks forward to running through Bloomingdales with a registry scanner in hand. The couple starts to take registering seriously, beginning to imagine future dinner parties and whether they will be the type of hosts to offer coffee after the meal. Jason would love to, as Bethenny worries about these fictitious dinner guests staying too long.

The wedding planner takes Bethenny on a tour of an event space that is less than ideal, leading Bethenny wonder about his abilities. As the topic switches over to the first dance at the wedding, Bethenny and Max take a whirl on the dance floor. Max, in his sweet, innocent way, asks if Bethenny’s generation “grinds” when they dance. Bethenny and Shawn don’t know which to be more offended by, the question regarding grinding or being referred to as a “generation.”

Finally, the wedding crew visits the iconic Four Seasons as a wedding inspiration. After taking a look at the restaurant, Bethenny declares that the wedding must take place here.

The wedding planner clearly becomes anxious as he listens to Bethenny’s demands. We’re left as Bethenny tells him to make it happen...or els