Reality on Bravo

Look who I spotted at the 2007 Two Twelve Access Aspen at the Wine and Wine Classic! Well, ok…I didn’t spot them… but someone did, and here are the pictures. (Someday I’ll get there myself!)

Ilan Hall with Jordan Lawlor

Sam Talbot, Sonia Zala, Mike Baru, Kyra Taurman

Barry Wine, Tim Colicchio, and Ken Kurtz

Sam Talbot, Tom Colicchio, Ilan Hall, Top Chef, Food and Wine Classic, Food & Wine Classic

Tonight, Hey Paula premiered on Bravo. I’m not sure yet how good the ratings will be…but I was entertained! Hey Paula is a prime example of what Bravo does best–shows the lives of real people. Paula Abdul has been surrounded with her share of rumors (most of all that she’s a drunk/stoner/pill popper), and this show gives Bravo and Paula the chance to show her real life. That includes her breakdowns, her goofiness, and her successes. This is a tradition Bravo has shown in a number of shows, including The Real Housewives of Orange County, Workout, and Inside the Actor’s Studio.

Best quote of the night? “The last time I had a hit record, Bill and Hillary were having sex…(whispers) that’s a long time ago.”

Paula may be crazy, but she’s a lot of fun. I think I’ll actually enjoy watching this show!

Hey Paula, Paula, Paula Abdul, Bravo, American Idol, American Idol Paula, reality television

Tonight, I’ll have to miss Top Chef for the first time in a long time. I’ve been camp counseling at a day camp and Wednesday night is their big sleep-over, which means tonight at 10 PM I’ll be roasting marshmallows over the campfire and preparing to sleep on a lawn chair or in my car. Not exactly what I want to do, but charity is important, right!?!?!

In any case DON’T TELL ME WHAT HAPPENS. I’ll be back home Thursday and plan to watch the first rerun of TC that they run. Thank God for Bravo’s annoying repeat programming!

Finally the review you’ve all been waiting for, me—ooow. I know, I know…I promised on Friday, but 451 was doing some updating and dealing with server problems, so the bloggie was down during the day. Then mum spent the weekend away from her computer at a wine festival, like the lush that she is…but you know what? This episode of Top Chef can really be summed up in three thoughts:

Ok, guys, that’s all for now. Tune in for the next TC episode on Wednesday night, and my review on Thursday morning. -G

“Mummy is having technical difficulties and accidentally lost all of the wonderful pictures of ME and the Top Chef contestants that she was working on for today’s Top Chef review post! *hiss at c0mputer* We’ll be back tomorrow with a bigger and better version of the recap anyway. Until then, what did you guys think of last night’s episode? Meow?” -Godiva “G” the Cat

From Kathy’s Blog: “Here’s the thing. My Dad was just a very special man. And when people come up to me and give their condolences so generously, they often say, “I know it’s weird, because I feel like I knew your Dad even though I just saw him on TV.” And I say, “then you did know him,” because the wonderful thing about the Bravo show is that they really captured my Dad exactly the way he was — funny and smart and sarcastic and sweet and gentle and naughty and nice all in one. Read More”

Last night’s episode of D-List was really touching, and I’m sure I wasn’t the only viewer crying. I think Bravo handled his death much more gracefully than Doug’s, but in both cases, I’m glad that Bravo has created such a community with their reality shows that viewers really and truly care about the people playing the parts of themselves on these shows. From Reality on Bravo to the Griffin Family, all our love and best wishes…although I think you have to be more like G-List or M-List to read my blog!

Kathy Griffin, John Griffin, Griffin funeral, D-List, My Life on the D-List, Bravo, reality tv, reality television

NEW YORK, June 18: NBC Universal’s Bravo cable network is looking to expand its presence beyond the television screen with the launch of Bravo Media, which will encompass talent management, publishing, merchandising, wireless, events, digital, television, radio and international activities…read more

Why does this announcement excite me? Because the new media company has reported plans to release a cookbook based on Top Chef recipes! Now THAT is a book I’d buy in a second! They will also be selling other Top Chef merchandise, like Top Chef knives, which they’ll be selling at stores across the country, not just online.

Bravo is taking over the world. I love it!

Top Chef, Bravo, Bravo Media, merchandise, buy Top Chef, buy knives, knives, products

Kathy Griffin’s My Life on the D-List is off to a great start, and I’m really looking forward to this week’s episode. Most comedians grate on my nerves, so why do I love Kathy? Here are my top 5 reasons!

5. She is tasteful. For someone who spends her days ripping on other celebrities, she does actually know how to be dignified. Take the Anna Nicole Smith situation. Making fun of Ms. Smith was one of Kathy’s favorite things to do, but since her untimely death and the legal battles ensuing, Kathy has kept her lips sealed, respecting the family and fans.

4. She’s not interested in being someone she’s not. Kathy doesn’t apologize for herself–she’s just Kathy. And as we’ve seen on the show, Kathy is funny in her regular life, not just when she’s doing a stand-up act. Nothing turns me off faster than a comedian who is only funny when on stage.

3. She’s a real person, and we get to see that. With most comedians (celebrities in general actually), you don’t get to see the nitty-gritty of their lives. With Kathy’s show, we do…and she’s had some hard times–her divorce, her father’s death. Kathy is a real person, not just a funny person.

2. She’s a strong, black woman. Lol, ok, not black, like her special says…but I get her concept. She’s a women who is accountable for herself, responsible for a business venture, and strong enough to make it through the hard times and keep going. She doesn’t need a man to take care of her (although having Tom move in for security was not a bad idea!).

1. She’s actually funny. I’m pretty hard to impress when it comes to funny people, but Kathy actually makes me laugh out loud. I never get sick of hearing her stories, and the “funny” factor isn’t forced. I love Kathy!

Kathy Griffin, comedians, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, D-List, My Live on the D-List, Bravo

Are you a subscriber to the Reality on Bravo newsletter? If so, check your inbox–I just sent out the June issue, including the winner to Rob’s Create Your Own Reality Show Contest. The prize? Selection as this month’s fan of the month, putting the winner in the running for the uber-prize for fan of the year!

While it’s too late to enter that contest, it is NOT too late to participate in the new RoB contest–design my header! Here all the details:

1. Go to my other site, www.findreligion.net. See the banner at the top of the page with the clouds and the purple “find religion”? That’s the idea–that’s what you’ll be designing for Reality on Bravo. You can check out some other 451 Press sites for more examples (some of my favorites are at www.PopBuzzUK.com and www.ToyBender.com).

2. You MUST be subscribed to the newsletter to enter. If you aren’t already, you can subscribe here.

3. If you win, you must agree that I can use your entry on the site and in the newsletter as I see fit.

4. All entries must be sent to my email, allison.boyer-at-yahoo-dot-com by July 12, 2007 at midnight.

5. All entries must be sent as an attached .jpeg file.

6. All entries must be under 50k.

7. All entries must be 728×90 pixels.

8. No copyrighted logos of anything else that is “iffy” and could get me in trouble with Bravo or anyone else. By sending in your entry, you’re telling me that YOU created the banner (or, I guess, you could pay someone to do it for you…but either way, YOU have to own the rights to it).

9. You can use pictures of celebrities IF they are “common use” photographs and are found on a number of websites, but not if they are copyrighted and belong to someone else.

10. Previous RoB fans of the month are not eligable, as the winner will be the new fan of the month.

11. I reserve the right to not choose ANYONE as a winner. I also reserve the right to choose a winner, but not ultimately use the banner on my site. It will depend on the quality of your entries!

12. The Words “Reality on Bravo” must be prominent. You’re encouraged to think of a funny tagline as well if you’d like!

Good luck, everyone!

Mychael Knight, one of the contestants from Project Runway’s last season will be hosting “Fashion Knight at the Museum,” sources report

“She was really like the nation’s first fashionista,” Knight said in a telephone interview Wednesday morning. “She was really into French fashion, and just really being fashion-forward.

“She kind of pushed the envelope, by not doing what was expected of especially the first lady, which I think is super cool.”

Who is Knight talking about? Find out here!

Mychael Knight, Michael Knight, Project Runway, A Knight at the Museum, fashion

Today is International Weblogger’s Day, and in honor of that, I’ve been tagged by Victoria at About-San Diego, CA to write a post about The Five Reasons I Love to Blog, and this to tag five other people (from blogs I love to read) to do the same! It’s a way to promote blogging and to spread the love with comments!

Five Reasons I Love to Blog:

1. It gets my opinion out there. When Tom Colicchio makes a bad decision on Top Chef or Padma makes a comment about eating her big toe, I can tell ya’ll what I think about it!

2. It’s a way to connect to others who love the same things I love. I’ve met so many friends through blogging for Reality on Bravo that I couldn’t even begin to count them!

3. It’s a stress release. I write for a living, so when I’m frustrated with a particularly difficult or boring subject matter, I can come here to write a post about a subject I love.

4. It keeps me connected to friends and family. People like to read my blog not only to hear my opinion, but also to learn tidbits about me and my days. I’ve gotten emails from old friends that I haven’t heard from in years since starting this blog.

5. I get to talk to really cool reality stars. I’ve had interviews with people like Vicky Gunvalson from the Real Housewives of Orange County and Felicia Bushman from Top Design, as well as been in contact with some Bravo people.

I’m tagging some people from my favorite blogs:

1. The Ho in Mo from The Ho Says

2. Lazarus West, the Bravo photoshop king

3. The One an Only DaveP from YouTubeDigger

4. Amy D from Watching Grey’s Anatomy

5. Marius from Blog by Cosmo Marius

Check out there sites!

Ah, it feels so good to have Top Chef back on the air. The quick-fire challenge as short, sweet, and unexpected in good TC tradition–make an amuse-buse from the snacky food set out for your arrival. I think it was a bit of a stretch to say that this was a “defining” piece of culinary goodness, but it was a fun challenge, for sure. The winner was Micah, and I totally agreed with that decisions. I think she could be a top contender, from what little I’ve seen.

Overall, season three seems like a step up from season two (more back to season one’s quality). For the elimination challenge the cheftestants have to make a surf and turf, but using crazy proteins like eel and alligator. As promised, here’s Godiva (you can call her G) with comments:

Top Chef, Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshim

If I could be any flavor, I would be chocolate. What would you be?

Let me introduce you all to the cat that owns me, Godiva. She’s going to be helping me critique Top Chef every week. Her qualification? Sitting with me every single day while I’m trying to work at my computer and have a *healthy* appetite. She’s quite picky (cheap cat treats just won’t do–for a treat, I have to give her a spoonful of milk). Tonight is the season premier of the new TC season, so I hope you join G and me in watching, and then check back after the show for our thoughts on it!

Oh, and Godiva says “meow.”

Which means “hi, everyone.”

Godiva, Top chef, Bravo

Kathy Griffin loves to talk about how she’s on the celebrity D-list, but come on folks…it’s more like the C-list. Maybe even the B-list on a good day. Kathy’s new season is a success (although, I didn’t get to watch last night’s episode–my cable was out), she performed at Carnegie Hall, her new DVD of last season of D-list was released, and, to top it all off, there are rumors that she may have a new job…

…as a host on the view. That’s right. I’m sure you’ve been hearing those rumors as well. Now, People magazine, among others, have reported that Whoopi Goldberg will be joining the ladies, replacing Rosie, but that still leaves the spot formerly sat in (squashed?) by Star Jones as wide open. Personally, I’m not sure that the producers would go for another red-haired comedian (they already have Joy), but it is something that makes me cross my fingers. I think Kathy will perfectly be able to voice her opinions (aka keep Elisabeth Hasselbeck in line), but with humor instead of in a mean “I’m-going-to-punch-you-because-I’m-Rosie-and-I-hate-Bush” way.

In any case, the view is so hot right now that the simple fact that there are rumors she may join shows that her D-list status is in trouble.

But I still love her.

Kathy Griffin, My Life on the D-List, D-list, the view, Rosie O’Donnell, Star Jones, Barbara Walters, Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Launching another go-round from Miami this week, “Top Chef,” like other Bravo reality shows, has become a hub for product integration. Many of the challenges for the would-be culinary experts involve creations using everyday packaged-goods. Brands are also shown in scenes with the contestants that take place outside the kitchen. READ MORE HERE

Of course, it’s pretty easy to spot advertisers such as Kenmore on Top Chef to Barcardi Limon on Top Design, but some aren’t so easy to spot! Keep your eyes peeled for products and services–let’s see if we can spot them all throughout the Top Chef season!

subliminal messaging, subliminal, subliminal messages, top chef, cooking, commercials