Reality on Bravo

Some little WordPress Gremlins seem to have been stealing comments! They’re hiding everything in my spam filter - even if you’ve commented before. I’ve been trying to pick them out when possible, but do me a favor. If you post a comment and it does not immediately show up on the site under the comments, use the contact link under my name (found in the right-hand sidebar) to shoot me an email! I love reading everyone’s comments, and I don’t want yours to slip through the cracks!

Happy Holidays, RoB readers. Thanks for making this year so special for me. I love what this community has become, and I can’t wait to continue into the new year! With so many great new shows on Bravo, I hope to see you here often, checking up on the shows, reading news about your favorite Bravo stars, and becoming a new Reality on Bravo friend. Merry Christmas (or, Merry Whatever-holiday-you-celebrate)!

May you be able to cut the holiday stress out of your life and enjoy the big day.

May your days be filled with laughter…

…and even giggling.

May you get exactly what you wanted from Santa, even if you’ve been a bit naughty this year…

…or every year.

May you look absolutely fabulous…

…no matter what your age.

May you spend the day with your very best friends…

…and family…

…and friends who have become family.

May you not be afraid to be who you are, even if you have a silly hairdo…

…or a silly life.

May you overcome all health problems.

May you always have enough to eat…

…and totally forget about your diet for the day (or week…).

Most of all, may you simply have the best love and the best luck for the end of 2007 and beyond in 2008!

(And stay tuned for find out last week’s winner of PROJECT BLOG! It will be announced TOMORROW, on Christmas Day (along with the name of the lucky reader who won the prize as well - Good luck everyone and thanks for making Project Blog such a success!)

…had to spend an extra day at my parents’ house, so I’m still stuck with dial-up. The 30 Fabulous list is on a short break, but I WILL be back tomorrow with posts, pictures, and information about the next weekly prize for project blog!!!

In the meantime, don’t forget to go vote for your favorite for your chance to win a fabulous recipe collection from Gillian!

Are you a lurker? A lurker is someone who reads blogs but rarely, if ever, makes comments. Today is the unofficial Great Mofo Delurk 2007, and we’re calling all readers to come out of the woodwork! So, if you regularly read Reality on Bravo (or if you’re simply stopping by for the first time), leave a comment! It can even be anonymous - we just want to hear our readers today.

What can you leave a comment about? Anything! Check out some popular posts on Kathy Griffin and her Emmy Speech, Guest Hosts for Project Runway, and Real Housewives of Orange County Gossip!

Or, if none of those posts strike your fancy, why not delurk yourself around the network. Some recent posts I’ve found interesting include:
Darkside Rainbow’s “The 60 Million Dollar Insult”
Media Criticism’s “Barack Obama as the Next John Kennedy?”
Toy Bender’s “Star Wars Toy Rumors”
Talking NFL’s “The Surprise NFL Comeback Team of the Year. So Far. (At Least Until Sunday…)”
Mom Is Teaching’s “Halloween Recipes to Make with your Kids”
Between the Sheets’ “Sexy Celebrity of the Week: Eric Dane”

And if that’s not enough for ya to work on your delurking, start with this post right here. Who do you think will win Top Chef…and why? We’re down to Casey, Hung, and Dale, with tonight being the finale with a LIVE announcement of the winner! My vote is Casey. What about you?

Interested in sports? Although many of you might be nodding, you’re also probably wondering what that has to do with Bravo. Well, it does, except for one thing - yours truly is the brand new writer for BCS Frenzy, a blog about college football!

To celebrate the launch of the Sports Channel at b5 media, the network sponsoring my new blog, is holding an awesome contest for readers. I wanted to pass along the awesomeness for everyone who’s supporting me here at Reality on Bravo! (Don’t forget about entering the Project Blog competition as well!) Here’s the info:

(more…)

Fantasy Network Programmers Vie For $100,000 Grand Prize

LOS ANGELES – If you’ve cursed the TV gods that canceled your favorite show, argued heatedly about network scheduling decisions and secretly speculated that you could do a better job than the networks’ programmers, here’s your chance to prove it. Bravo’s www.TelevisionWithoutPity.com – the premiere internet destination for the discerning TV junkie – introduces www.TVBigshot.com, an online season-long game that allows users to play ‘network executive’ by creating their own fantasy network lineups and awarding the individual with the most points a $100,000 grand prize. (Log on to www.TVBigshot.com for more information.) The announcement was made today by Jason Klarman, Bravo’s Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital, at the Television Critics Association.

TVBigshot – born out of Bravo Digital’s successful Fall Season DeathWatch, which also returns this year – will launch this September in conjunction with the new fall television season. The game will allow players to create, name and program their own fantasy television networks using both new fall shows and returning series from the five broadcast networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX and CW). Anyone can play and it’s free.

Starting with a budget of $300 million virtual dollars, each player must purchase shows for their daily primetime lineup. The user-created networks will earn points based on the success of their chosen rosters and will compete against each other for the top spot. At the end of the 2007-08 season, the player whose network has accumulated the most points – based on actual ratings for the programs, ratings growth, and “buzz” measured by press coverage and awards garnered – will win the $100,000 grand prize.

“Viewers root for their favorite shows just like their favorite sports teams,” said Klarman. “TVBigshot gives them the chance to channel that passion and take on their friends and the network executives.”

Like the real television world, the game can change at any time. Points are lost when a show declines in ratings, or worse, gets cancelled. Players have the power to call the shots, making executive decisions to sell shows in order to purchase others.
TVBigshot will offer special monthly showdowns throughout the television season for secondary prizes, allowing new players to join in the competition at any time.

www.TelevisionWithoutPity.com, a premiere internet destination for the discerning television “junkie,” became Bravo’s most recent addition to its portfolio of linked digital assets and broadband properties that includes www.BravoTV.com and the TRIO suite of channels: www.BrilliantButCancelled.com, www.OUTzoneTV.com and www.getTRIO.com. TelevisionWithoutPity provides witty no-holds-barred episode recaps and fan forums for television’s most popular drama and reality shows.

www.TelevisionWithoutPity.com has penetrated the pop culture television obsessed audience, drawing the devoted attention of viewers and Hollywood producers alike.

Don’t forget to watch the Gunn man today on the View. Those ladies drive me nuts, but I’ll watch just because of love TG so much! Full report on what he talked about later today!

The Reality on Bravo’s Newletter’s Summer Edition is going out today. If you haven’t already, make sure to sign up for exclusive news, reviews, and interviews that you can’t find anywhere else!

Sign up here.

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

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!!

Hey, all! I’m enjoying some fun in the sun this week, so if you check back often, you’ll see some guest posts by some amazing bloggers! That said, before I jet away on my vaca, I wanted to remind everyone about the latest Reality on Bravo Contest! Hope to see your entries soon!

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!

Top Chef, My Life on the D-List, Kathy Griffin, Project Runway, Bravo, contests, contest, prizes

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!

As part of June’s special Reader’s Appreciation issue of the Reality on Bravo newsletter, I’m asking you the question: If you could design your own Bravo reality show, what would it be?

Tell me how the show would work, who would be the host, who would be the judges, examples of challenges, and what the finale would be like. Would you have a short challenge and an elimination one, like on Top Chef and Shear Genius? Would you just have one challenge with multiple parts, like on Top Design? Would your finale allow contestants to work at something for months, like on Project Runway?

The best idea will be featured in June’s issue of the Reality on Bravo newsletter! Here are some hard and fast rules:

1. I’m choosing the winner–that means that you have to please me. If your mother thinks your idea is great, you should enter her contest instead. Some things I do not like: Violence, anything too sexual (but have fun), anything derogatory, etc.

2. All entries must be less than 400 words. Give me your best details!

3. Use the contact button on the right to enter. You must include your full name and a valid email address.

4. By entering, you agree that I can publish your idea in the Reality on Bravo newsletter. It will not be published anywhere else, and rights revert back to you at 30 days.

5. The more times you enter, the cooler you are.

6. You can enter even if you’re under 18, but in that case, I’ll need a parent’s name and email address along with your own.

7. Your entry MUST be received by June 12, 2007 at MIDNIGHT (EST).

8. Good luck!

contests, Bravo, reality television

…to sign up for the Reality on Bravo newsletter! The new issue goes out tomorrow and will feature pictures of your favorite stars, and exclusive interview with Felicia from Top Design, Top Chef news, a mother’s day special, and more!

Sign up here.