Reality on Bravo

Even I can’t watch marathons of Bravo shows forever…and some days they show movies or episodes of Law and Order:CI (I’m really not a big fan). So here’s what I watch when I’m not watching Bravo. What about you?

Hell’s Kitchen
Chef Ramsey is no Tom Colicchio, but the show is fun to watch. It’s down to the final two right now, so if you want to tune in for the finale, check it out on Fox on Monday night at 9.

Grey’s Anatomy
You can check out the 451 blog that covers GA, but if you haven’t heard of the show you must be living under a rock. Starting this fall, the character Addison will have a show as well.

What Not to Wear
I’m a bit addicted to Stacy and Clinton’s show…and the best part is Carmondy. She’s the AMAZING Make-up artist.

What are you watching?

Here’s a cautionary tale about issues of trust in cyberspace. It involves, tangentially, the “Real Housewives of Orange County,” which means this is sure to be read far and wide. It involves, not teenage girls getting sucked in by a slick dude, but adult women who say they have been.

You can read the complete story, along with comments from Pizza Girl herself, here.

What started as a smear campaign against the Real Housewives of Orange County (especially Lauri Waring and her soon-to-be hubby George) has combusted into a much more serious matter on Internet security.

Keep your private information private, readers.

Real Housewives of Orange County, Pizza Girl, Lauri Waring

Reality on Bravo is proud to present Inside the Blogger’s Studio–a spin on Inside the Actor’s Studio, specifically for bloggers. Here, we’ll talk about the journey each blogger has taken to get where they are today, hopefully to inspire others to blog their hearts out.

Today’s guest lives in the UK and loves all aspects of pop culture. His blog, www.PopBuzzUK.com, covers everything from movies and music to politics. Welcome, DaveP.

RoB: How did you get into blogging in the beginning?

DaveP: It’s so long ago, I can’t remember exactly. I started a personal blogspot blog about 4 years ago, and used it to write the drivel that came from my head.

What other blogging experiences have you had?

A personal blog, a poetry blog, 2 network blogs which are still ongoing, and I’m building a nice new personal behemoth of a website/blog.

Have you had any negative experiences blogging? How has that helped you grow?

The usual ones, which I think everyone has, of not getting any traffic, or comments, and wondering if anyone is actually reading your articles. I’m not too bothered when it comes to personal blogs, but with paid positions, it can be like hitting your head against a very thick brick wall. The experience has made me get better at promoting my blogs, and using the incredible size and scope of the web to my advantage.

What projects do you have planned for blog in the future?

I plan to apply for more network blogs, and hope to have a few nice earners going (fingers crossed). And my new personal blog should use all the knowledge I’ve gained so far and be much more professional.

What are some of your favorite posts from the past?

My favourite without a doubt is a review I did about a TV show where the host ate seal, and dog. It did well on Digg, and caused such a variety of comments, both positive and negative. I also did a series of editorials after the Vtech shootings which explored why it happened. The debate which ensued was massive, and made me look at a different point of view from the one which up to then I’d held firm.

And now, here are the 10 questions compiled by Bernard Pivot, made famous by James Lipton, and modified for the blogging world

1. What is your favorite word?

Flange

2. What is your least favorite word?

Work

3. What kinds of readers turn you on?

Naked ones. Seriously though, ones who get involved.

4. What kinds of readers turn you off?

Ones who half read an article and make a comment completely missing the point.

5. What is your favorite curse word?

Fuck

6. What blogging responsibility do you love?

Creating discussion.

7. What blogging responsibility do you hate?

The endless promotion, and fighting for space in the blogosphere.

9. What blog subject other than your own would you like to write about?
The art of blogging or poetry.

9. What blog subject would you not like to write about?

Health problems, that must be depressing.

10. If the leader in your field was to read your blog, what would like to hear him/her say?

“Wow, you’re a talented writer”

What advice would you give to someone interested in blogging?

Stop procrastinating, and just do it. Don’t worry about the layout or details at first, just find a platform and start writing. The rest will surely follow.

Thanks, DaveP!

Inside the Blogger’s Studio, Inside the Actor’s Studio, pop culture, James Lipton

LOS ANGELES, July 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Trevor Project (Trevor), the non-profit organization that operates the nation’s only around- the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth, today announced that it raised more than $150,000 at Harmony, Heart & Humor, its seventh annual New York event. The amount raised is a record for the organization.

Bravo, the cable network that broadcasts hit programming such as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Project Runway, was the inaugural recipient of The Trevor Commitment Award. The fundraiser was also the platform for the kickoff of a major fundraising initiative in support of The Trevor Helpline (Helpline).

The event was sponsored in major part by Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Absolut Vodka and TNT. Numerous celebrities attended Harmony, Heart & Humor. John Glover presented The Trevor Life award to Nathan Lane; Tim Gunn and Carson Kressley presented The Trevor Commitment Award to Andy Cohen, senior vice president of Bravo.

“We are extremely pleased by the outstanding results of this year’s New York event, Trevor’s best to date in a city that clearly demonstrates its support of the organization year after year,” said Charles Robbins, executive director, The Trevor Project. “In addition to the funds raised at the event, we are also delighted by the early response to the call center campaign, which has been remarkably strong. This tremendous support will help guarantee that Trevor will continue to help save the lives of America’s gay and questioning youth and will also be available as an important resource to them.”

About The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth. The Trevor Helpline, 866.4.U.TREVOR, is a free and confidential service that offers hope through its trained counselors. In addition to the helpline, the organization’s website provides information on identifying and assisting potentially suicidal youth and “Dear Trevor”, a confidential resource where youth can ask questions about sexual orientation and identity issues. The Trevor Project also provides lifesaving guidance and vital resources to educators and parents. The organization was founded by three filmmakers whose film, Trevor, about a teenager who attempts suicide after realizing that he might be gay, received the 1994 Academy Award(R) for Best Short Film (Live Action).

For more information about The Trevor Project or to make a donation, please visit www.TheTrevorProject.org. The Trevor Project is a 501 (c)(3) organization.

SOURCE The Trevor Project

You can also read more about the glbt community and teen suicide at 451’s own Lez Keep it Real.

Andy Cohen, The Trevor Project, Bravo, homosexuality, gay and lesbian

When it comes to Top Chef personalities, Chef Tom Colicchio has got to be one of my favorite people to watch. Last night, the Top Chef Watch What Happens Special, although incredibly boring and unnecessary, further confirmed my love for the show’s head judge. Chef, Reality on Bravo loves you, and here are the top five reasons why:

1. He’s tough on the contestants, but not rude or mean. Being in a kitchen with Tom Colicchio has to be extremely intimidating. However, he’s generally a nice guy. Although he pushes the chefs to realize their mistakes and better themselves, he isn’t a jerk and never, ever comes of as being superior to them. Last night, Harold mentioned that he’s love to do a contestant/judge smack down, and I think thats a great idea! I think Chef Colicchio would blow them all out of the water, but he’s very gracious, so it woudl be incredibly fun to watch.

2. He is supportive of all of his fans. In one of the funnier moments last night, it was pointed out that Chef has a huge following in the gay “bear” community (aka, gay men who like the tough, muscular, masculine type). Although you could tell that he wanted to make if VERY clear that he has a wife and kids, Chef Colicchio is always really supportive of all of the Top Chef fans. I’ve seen countless pictures of him posing with star-struck fans, and he seems to make time for anyone that wants an autograph.

3. He fought for the show’s integrity. Chef Colicchio has siad on a number of occasions that he wouldn’t do Top Chef if the producers were allowed to influence the outcome of the show. In other case, he wants the talent to decide who stays and who goes, not the dramatic factor. Last night he said that he believes that Candace for Season One was cast for her looks, rather than her ability (not that she won’t be great someday-but she was a first-year student with NO experience) and he seemed a bit miffed about that. He has always openly tried to maintain that the show is about cooking, not about who can be the best “good guy” or “bad guy.”

4. He’s got a sense of humor. You can tell buy watching the show that Chef take the food and the competition very seriously (for example, his reaction to Hung’s knife safety or Cliff’s disqualification or Otto’s honesty). However, you can also tell that he has a sense of humor. At judge’s table, the group is always laughing and having a good time. After all, at the end of the day, it is JUST food. You can’t take anything TOO seriously.

5. He supports his fellow chefs outside of the show. I haven’t heard stories of Jaclyn Smith visiting Anthony’s salon for a haircut, and the tabloids have pointed out lately that Heidi Klum hasn’t been especially interested in dresses from any of the Project Runway alums. However, Chef Colicchio is very openly supportive of Harold’s new restaurant, Perilla, and he’s bee photographed a number of times with fellow judges and past contestants, just hanging out after the seasons have ended. I’d hang out with you too, Chef, if I could!

What do you love about Tom Colicchio?

[tags]Top Cheg

It’s time to say goodbye to D-lister Kathy Griffin once again. Last night’s hysterical/emotional episode of Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List was painful because it marked the end of yet another great season. This is truly one of my favorite bravo shows, and as sharp-tongued as Ms. Griffin can be, that lady has class. Kathy, from Reality on Bravo to you–we’ll miss you! Come back for a new season soon!

Kathy Griffin, Griffin, D-list, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-list

Forbes has recently announced the highest paid supermodels, and Project Runway’s own Heidi Klum came in at number three. Heidi is not only one of our favorite Bravo personalities, but she is also the wife of Seal, spokeswomen for Victoria’s Secrets, and designer of a new jewelry line. Her paycheck over the last year? $8 million. Man, I want to host Project Runway!!!

Heidi was bested by only two other models. Gisele Bundchen at number one made a stunning $33 million last year and Kate Moss was no surprise at number two, making $9 million. Congratulations to Heidi on her financial /career success!

Reality on Bravo is proud to present Inside the Blogger’s Studio–a spin on Inside the Actor’s Studio, specifically for bloggers. Here, we’ll talk about the journey each blogger has taken to get where they are today, hopefully to inspire others to blog their hearts out.

Today’s guest teaches food history and other historical topics. She’s a PhD and a published author. Her blog, www.foodpast.com, has inspired foodies around the world. Welcome, Gillian Polack.

RoB: How did you get into blogging in the beginning?

Gillian: People kept dropping hints that they wanted to see more of my writing. I started my livejournal blog in response, and discovered I enjoy blogging and blogpeople.

What other blogging experiences have you had?

I’ve done occasional posts for other people. But mostly my other blogging experience is my other blog (my personal/writing/teaching blog - http://gillpolack.livejournal.com)

Have you had any negative experiences blogging? How has that helped you grow?

I’ve seen blogwars and trolls. Not so far on my blogs (touch wood) but there’s an always a chance that something you say will spark a furore. I’ve learned to take a deep breath and read what people mean to say and not take much notice of the insults and bad language.

What projects do you have planned for blog in the future?

I plan to blog the Conflux (Canberra Science Fiction Convention) Banquet, which will be just chockers with historical food. I’m thinking of interviewing key industry figures. Also, recently I discovered that some SCAers keep an eye on my blog, so I plan to have a few more Medieval things
in it for them. This latter is the easiest of the three, since I am primarily a Medievalist, though my blog helps me grow and branch out.

What are some of your favorite posts from the past?

The ones where I lose my temper and get all emotional. Death
and food poisoning and women and wine , for instance. Or the ones where I get to tell anecdotes and bring history to life eg my Jewish butcher story.

And now, here are the 10 questions compiled by Bernard Pivot, made famous by James Lipton, and modified for the blogging world

1. What is your favorite word?

Right now, it’s “colonial.” It changes every other second. Since I typed that first sentence it changed to “substrait.”

2. What is your least favorite word?

I honestly don’t think I have one. Unless it’s me thinking “stupid” at myself?

3. What kinds of readers turn you on?

Enthusiastic readers. Thinking readers with stories and ideas of own.

4. What kinds of readers turn you off?

People who just want a forum to express hate and distrust.

5. What is your favorite curse word?

‘Drabbit’. This is because I can be as offensive as I need to be in my mind, while causing five year olds to laugh. I stole it from Joan Aiken’s books.

6. What blogging responsibility do you love?

Writing.

7. What blogging responsibility do you hate?

Writing when I’m completely drained.

9. What blog subject other than your own would you like to write about?

“Other than my own” means other than history, women, fiction, food, life, cultures. I’m not sure there’s much left. I rather suspect I like writing about most things: I especially like writing about writing.

9. What blog subject would you not like to write about?

Anything that makes people angry - I have a low tolerance of anger.

10. If the leader in your field was to read your blog, what would like to hear him/her say?

“I enjoyed that and it made me think.” (TO be honest, I would *love* it if someone said “You are a genius,” but I’m realistic in my dreams.)

What advice would you give to someone interested in blogging?

Make sure you have a rich enough life (can be inner life or can be outer life or can be life based on google alerts - any sort of life will do, as long as it’s rich) so you have enough material to blog about for at least two years. If you don’t, then when things go wrong in your daily existence and you can’t spend the time on your blog, your readers will be disappointed.

Thanks, Gillian!

I’m gravely sorry if I offend any Paula Abdul fans out there…but I do NOT like Hey Paula. And it’s not the show. It’s Paula.

Maybe it is just how I was raised. There aren’t many jobs that my dad would consider “real” work unless you came home at the end of the day dirty and physically tired. Real work breaks your back. Of course, my main job is as a freelance writer, and although I have days when I’m exhausted after sitting at my desk all day, it’s not exactly what my dad had in mind. I’ve changed my thinking. However, every time Paula complains about working so hard and not being appreciated, I want to reach through the television and punch her.

I mean, let’s look at what the show has told us. She plays all day and relies on her assistants to make phone calls, set up interviews, pack her bags, etc. The closest thing she does that comes to working, in my opinion, is judging American Idol. And Paula, you ARE appreciated for that–look at how much you’re paid, the mass of fan letters you receive every day, and the rejuvenation it has given your career.

Going on talk shows and attending awards ceremonies is not work. These are things that the average person (like me) would love to do! If the pressure ever gets too much, dear Paula, you just tell me where to be and I’ll go in your place.

And then there’s the issue of her designing clothing, making jewelry, etc. The jury is still out as to how much work Paula actually did. We never get to see any of that on her show. However, what makes me mad in these cases is that when she hits bumps in the road or fails, she automatically gives up, starts to cry, and screams at her employees. Paula, sometimes you just fail. IT HAPPENS. When you put a lot of work into something creative, there is ALWAYS that chance that people will not like it. And in any project, there will be miscommunication here or there and wrinkles to iron out. Instead of flipping out and treating those around you like they are idiots, why not act maturely and professionally to fix the problem.

People don’t under-appreciate you because they just want to step on you, Paula. People under-appreciate you because you are difficult to work with. How many assistants have you gone through in the past few years? How many times have you cried when you hadn’t got your way? How many people did you say were “beating you down”? Guess what, hunny? You’re a B-list celebrity at best. People don’t go out of their way to hurt you because they don’t care enough to do that.

The bottom line is that from what I’ve seen on the show, Paula doesn’t treat anyone with respect. She made one comment last show that ALL her assistants had to do was find her hairdresser/friend a flight into New York in the middle of a snow storm. Gee, is that all? Well why the hell aren’t they whipping out the magic carpet for him to fly in? She was complaining about their lack of work as in the background they were on their phones and on the Internet trying to work with the airports. Give me a break.

Now, I know that Bravo creatively cuts their shows to give you a certain final product. There’s probably an entire other side of Paula that we’re not seeing. However, what we are given is a horrible show documenting the life of a has-been who can’t even order a pizza for herself. It makes me not want to watch American idol or support anything else that she does. You can’t treat people like that and be ok in my book. You just can’t. You have to have a sense of reality–something to ground you.

I hope this show is canceled. I enjoyed the first episode, but since then, I can’t even stand to watch it all of the way through because she makes me so upset.

Thoughts? Do you like the show? Do you like Paula? Do you hope the show comes back for a second season?

Hey Paula, Paula, Paula Abdul, American Idol

I’ve been having so much fun with this blog that I’ve decided it’s time to share some of the pleasure in writing about food. Send me a few hundred words telling a food history story and you could win a great prize. I’m not talking wider food history here: I want family stories. They can be serious or funny or sad. With each story I want at least one recipe.

Gillian’s Food History blog is hosting a contest, asking you to submit some great family recipes. The prize pack?

1st Prize
A set of 6 serviettes and 6 placemats
ABC Delicious Magazine - Issue 25 March 2004
ABC Delicious Magazine - Issue 22 November 2003

2nd Prize
Set of non-stick kitchen implements
Super Food Ideas - Issue 60 June 2005
Super Food Ideas - Issue 45 February 2004

3rd Prize
Australian Gourmet Traveller
1 Apron (choice of 4 colours)

ENTER TODAY! Click here to read the complete details and rules.

Padma: “…And for this challenge, you must cook with….FROZEN PIE CRUST *dun dun dun*.”
Guest Judge: “Padma, do you like frozen pie crust?”
Padma: “No way, Jose. I like things fresh. That’s why I’m divorcing the troll man.”

Hung: “What should we do for this challenge!”
Hung’s Monkey: “How about a pie that looks like diarrhea. They’ll LOVE it!”
Hung: “Brilliant!”

Lia: “Casey and I are BFF.”
Me, to my boyfriend: “That means one of them will be leaving. Take that Top Chef! I’ve caught on to your silly foreshadowing!”

Howie: “I call my dish Pork Shoulder with a Side of Sweat.”

Howie: “We are the new BFF…”
Joey: “…mainly because we hate Casey.”

Me: “Who would have ever seen that coming?”
Boyfriend: “Who voted for Gail as the sexiest judge?!?!?!”

Next Wednesday, tune in for a special reunion special with contestants from all three seasons!!!

Top Chef, Bravo, Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio

Last night, the infamous Perez Hilton made an appearance on My Life on the D-List. In case you didn’t know (are you living under a rock?), Perez Hilton is one of the blog-o-sphere’s bad boys, as he spends his days ripping on celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, and Adrienne Curry…and that’s just today.

Seems that Perez and Kathy had a bit of a falling out, but on this episode, they make amends and Perez proves that he’s not a total bitch by offering his condolences on her dad’s passing. Here’s what the star blogger had to say about the episode:

Perez Hilton, Kathy Griffin, D-List, Bravo

Bravo’s announced their newest addition to the show The Real Housewives of Orange County: Tamra Barney. But who is she? I’ve done a little snooping to find out.

According to Tamra’s own website, she’s South Orange County’s Sexiest Mother and Wife (Although, I think Lauri, Vicki, Jeanna, and Tammy fans will argue with that!). “She is the new breed of superwomen poping up in California.”

Well then.

A bit more I’ve found out about her:

*She lives in Viejo, CA.
*She owns her own real estate business.
*She’s 39 years old and married with four children-one teen (boy), two school-aged children (one boy, one girl), and one toddler (girl)
*Check out her homepage at www.tamrabarney.com and her myspace page at www.myspace.com/tamrabarney.

That’s all for now. I’m really excited to learn more–I’m sure she’ll be a great addition to the show!

Yesterday, I reported that Bravo has announced a September premiere for the long-awaited Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, but after doing a bit of web searching, I’ve found that they’ve recently had a lot more to announce as well. Here’s the skinny on your favorite Bravo shows:

Top Chef: Of course, the web has been abuzz with reports that Top Chef will be returning for a fourth season (yay!) Head judge Tom Colicchio will undoubtedly be back for this new season, although the judges and host have not been announced formally yet. What has been announced is that the new season will take place in Chicago.

Also, it’s been announced that for the first time ever, the season finale will be LIVE, which means we’ll get to see a live judge’s table and wait with the remaining contestants for the results. Thats exciting!!

The Real Housewives of Orange County: It’s also been officially announced that The Real Housewives of Orange County will not only be back for a third season, but that many of the same housewives will be returning. You can catch Vicki, Tammy, Jeanna, and Lauri again this season, but missing from the announcement was Jo, which makes sense, since she moved out of the OC at the end of last season. Don’t worry though, there’s someone to take her place…Tamra Barney, the newest housewife! No reports yet as to when the new season will air, but I’ll let you know as soon as I do!

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy: Finally! The Fab Five is back for their final season, in 10 all-newepisodes. Rumor has it that the amazing Susan Lucci will be hosting the premier of the new season, which will include make-overs of bikers, monster truck drivers, and more! The new season starts this fall, along with Project Runway.

Inside the Actor’s Studio: Fabulous himself, James Lipton will be back again with some new episodes soon. Lipton has been the recipient of the Emmy Lifetime Achievement award, and the show has been nominated 12 times now! Four new stars will appear on the show between August and October: Michele Pfeiffer, Charlie Sheen, Billy Crystal, and (the one that excites me most) Anthony Hopkins!

As if that’s not enough, this summer and fall will see the start of FOUR new series! I’m sure that you’ve already been seeing commercials for two of them. On Welcome to the Parker, which premiers Thursday, July 26, after Hey Paula wraps up, Bravo will follow the lives of the employees of the five-star Parker Palm Springs Hotel. We’ll also see the show Flipping Out rise from the ashes of My Life on the D-List on Tuesday, July 31. This show will follow obsessive-compulsive real estate businessman Jeff Lewis, his colorful staff, and (of course) his cat Monkey.

And that’s not all. In October, Better Half will also premier. The show will be hosted by Susie Essman, who you may remember from Curb Your Enthusiasm, and will feature two teams of contestants every week. In each episode, two professionals (comedians, planners, chefs, etc) will go head to head…as teachers! They’ll have two days to teach their profession to their spouses, who will then compete. The show deviates a bit from the traditional Bravo reality formula, but combines too intriguing aspects–people learning new skills, and spouses acting as teachers.

Last but not least, Make Me a Supermodel is the latest show Bravo has announced. This is actually based off of the popular UK series and will take 14 people and have them compete for a modeling contract. It will be a bit like America’s Next Top Model, but with both male and female contestants and…get this…fans will call in to vote, American Idol Style! That’s definitely a first for Bravo, and it will be interesting to see how that works for them.

On a special note, in March, Bravo will honor their finest in an awards ceremony, which is another reason I love this network–they appreciate their hosts and judges! More on that as they approach.

Project Runway, Top Chef, The Real Housewives of Orange County, Hey Paula, Flipping Out, Inside the Actor’s Studio, Better Half, Welcome to the Parker, James Lipton, Make Me a Supermodel, My Life on the D-List, Bravo, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy

It’s official: Bravo has announced that Tim Gunn’s Guide to style will premiere even sooner than we had originally thought–Thursday, September 6 at 10PM ET/PT. I’ll be watching what happens!!