[The View: Week of 12/11/2023]

I have to say, I find the Whoopi hate really weird, and it seems to have amped up here since MyFather left. She’s had her moments of annoyance (I’m glad she KIND OF pulled back on the visibly bored attitude when talking about topics she wasn’t interested in), you can’t deny her accomplishments. She’s the first Black EGOT, has been a part of tons of amazing movies, Broadway shows, productions, has had a long successful A-list career, and has done it all while being an outspoken, unapologetic, dark skinned Black woman with loc’d hair and “un-Hollywood” looks. Why shouldn’t that be acknowledged? Especially with so many Hollywood people in her age bracket that we’ve watched for decades passing away. And she still seems humbled by it all and not fishing for it. She looked moved to tears by Tracie’s words and the standing ovation from TCP cast. TCP especially because it feels like she’s been left out of the conversation and promo for the movie (I have my thoughts for the reasoning behind that, but it might be off topic). Which is wild because she played the lead role and it was her breakout performance. Give people their flowers while they’re alive, is all I’m saying.

Also, as much as she deserves the vitriol, side-mentioning MyFather is weird at this point too. Yes she’s an awful person, and was awful while she was there, but she’s long gone and I think Alyssa is doing a great job and actually has the experience to speak on politics.

Jessica Chastain is so stunningly beautiful you almost have to look the other way. I loved what she had to say about the Robin Williams scholarship. I really love hearing “coming up” stories in general, and hearing about people who paid their dues and worked on their craft. It’s refreshing in a world where you just seem to get famous for existing or being flat out ridiculous.

The Christmas show is always my favorite. It really seems like a time where they’re all having fun. 

[Kitchen Nightmares (US) - General Discussion]

Yeah, I was initially excited this show was back, but after these first few episodes? Meh. Even Gordon seems over it. He's had like four shows airing at once this year so just he may be exhausted LOL. But all of these restaurants so far seem to be either a family member taking over an already established business, when they really don't want to (the diner and the Haitian restaurant) and people opening restaurants out of pure vanity and not realizing how hard thar business is (the Guido and culinary gangster restaurants). No one who is passionate about food and had a dream of opening a restaurant or anything. And im sorry...in a post Covid world, with renewed regulations, and the hospitality world already struggling with elevated food costs, there is NO reason why a kitchen and walk in to be so disgusting, overloaded with food. I read up thread that he stopped doing KN originally because he was frustrated that he would help them, and people would revert right back their old ways and blame him when the restaurant finally went under (when the reality is, these places are already so deep in the red financially, they're probably about to close anyway). I wouldn't blame him if he refused to sign on to do it again after this season, because it's the same nonsense again.

Also, I know cussing out these idiots is part of his brand and I know it's hyped up for American audiences (because he is NOT like that on his UK shows) but frankly I'm over that aspect of his shows too, and again, it seems he might be too. It's just...a lot. I'm rewatching his show from a few years ago "Gordon Ramsay Uncharted" and he's funny and engaged and really seems to be enjoying himself, because he's actually cooking with other established chefs, self taught and formally trained. If anything, I would love for this show to come back. I know COVID made it come to an end kind of abruptly, but now that travel restrictions have mostly been lifted, why not.

[Good Bones - General Discussion]

On 10/24/2023 at 12:40 PM, CruiseDiva said:

So true. Mina is one of the most unlikable people to ever host a show on HGTV. Karen always struck me as silly with no talent whatsoever. The guys were childlike showofffs. The entire cast reminded me of trailer trash hillbillies. JMHO.

So agree with this. I liked Mina the first 3ish seasons, when the renovations were in smaller houses and were more comfortable and functional, and stayed somewhat close to the character of the house. Then everything got bigger and grayer and more outrageous. And then more news started coming out about them not paying contractors and artists featured on the show, the lead paint issue, and now her very publicly bashing her family when not one of them have said a word about her...yeah, that down to earth vibe has faded. I've always found Karen annoying...some of her crafts were cool but then they got more ridiculous and less functional, and you could tell the potential buyers that would come for viewings felt the same way. And ugh on "the boys," Austin was the only one I liked. I remember one episode when Tad flung a window outside and it shattered, and all I could think of is "whomever buys that house is going to be picking up glass for years." Just reckless for no reason.

[Good Bones - General Discussion]

On 10/9/2023 at 1:42 PM, carrps said:

I've always thought her own house was hideous. And the inside is not much better than the outside. You walk directly into this massive overbearing kitchen with this tiny squished little living "room" off to the side. I can't imagine living there. Ugh.

 

OMG this! I thought her first house was adorable, this "dream" home is obnoxious. I live in an urban area like Indy, where the houses are close together, and I know something that size is absolutely engulfing the surrounding houses in shadows and blocking any type of views they may have had. Her neighbors must hate her for that. I know she pushed any city ordinance to the limit to build it, and it's so out of character for a neighborhood like that.

As for everything else...yeah, I think the writing has been on the wall for a while. She recently said that she doesn't have an steady income anymore since the show is ending. She said half of their rental properties are empty, and she can't flip houses as quickly as before, and her husband's business doesn't bring anything steady. God knows if Charlotte Hall is bringing in any income (people are not spending crazy amounts of money on weddings and other big events and venues anymore post COVID and inflation) and now D-Co is closing. I know is Indy is cracking down on these developers flipping houses and selling them for triple and making it more unaffordable, and at the end of the day, that's exactly what Mina is. But I'm truly not sure about her business acumen, because it seems like she's been throwing things at the wall and hoping something sticks, and really didnt consider that the show would end. That maybe she would reach some sort of Chip and Joanna level. I know Good Bones is a popular show, but that Magnolia fanbase is rabid. That being said, I hope she figures it out.

The whole situation with her family I think is a classic case of they weren't as close as they portrayed on TV. She's been very open on her podcast about her family dynamic, upbringing, past drama with her parents and siblings, etc and it completely contradicts the "We're all family and we LOVE working together!" image that comes off on the show. I applaud her for being honest but I would imagine her family hasn't been too happy with her airing out all of their issues on such a public forum. Combine that with just the stress of working together, blurring the lines between boss and sister/daughter , there's a lot of resentment.

[Good Bones - General Discussion]

52 minutes ago, pasdetrois said:

This is interesting because I would have thought Mina would have stayed with her development business forever, even with Karen gone. She was happy a few years ago when the municipality altered zoning regs and made life easier (and therefore richer) for developers.

Given other clues we saw on the show and elsewhere, I wondered if Mina became overextended and was struggling financially. Building costs skyrocketed due to COVID (supply chain issues). She was definitely showing signs of stress.

Working for someone else is a loss of freedom and control, but I assume they are offering her big bucks, and perhaps her life will be more stable for her young family

Exactly this...I listened to some of the podcast, and it sounds like it wasn't her decision for the show to end (8 seasons is a good run though). And even though she has said the show doesn't pay a lot, the loss of that steady income probably led to her decision of taking on this new design position. I think Two Chicks has been struggling for a while now. The past few years she seemed to be throwing whatever she could at the wall and hoping it would stick, plus the endless amount of selling/influencer stuff on her IG. People are struggling to stay afloat in the homes they're in now, let alone buying new homes, so she's probably struggling in flipping these reno houses quickly. She's also expressed how much of a strain the show and the business has had on her immediate and extended family. So yeah...she's giving up the "freedom" of being an entrepreneur, but gaining stability and work/life balance. I'm seeing a lot of fairly recent entrepreneurs pivoting back to corporate work for this reason. I don't think I'll be watching this season...I kind of gave up on it after she had Charlie and it became just like every other phony reality show...but I've always liked her and I'm sure she'll be fine going forward. 

[Good Bones - General Discussion]

Mina is very active on IG, here's some gems she's covered that I found interesting:

-They're getting all of their ducks in a row for this current lawsuit. And they are currently being sued by two other contractors for nonpayment. She basically said if they do the work they get paid, and there's sexism behind the lawsuits.

-Niether Tad nor Kelsey (her younger sister) work for Two Chicks anymore and haven't for a while. Tad comes in once in a while to do demo, and with Kelsey, they decided that the working relationship was a strain on their actual relationship, so they decided to go back to being sisters. 

-Her niece Bean aka Julia's mother aka her half sister aka Tad's full sister has struggled with addiction on and off for years, and her niece lived with her and Steve because she temporarily lost custody.

-Tad actually posted this on his IG, but his mother actually struggled with addiction as well, and passed away from an overdose, which he didn't find out about until he was older.

-Mina and Karen have had a very up and down relationship for a long time, and they actually did not speak for over a a year whole she was in college.

-Mina often posts memes about difficult family relationships and healing from childhood trauma, but hasn't really elaborated on it.

I always find stuff like this interesting because HGTV and reality shows in general make everything so rosy and perfect on TV (other than the manufactured drama) but behind the scenes there's more "normal" situations going on, because let's face it, there are very few families like the Cleavers. I also admire her transparency on social media, and her personality is more genuine there than on the recent seasons of the show. That's why I love earlier seasons of shows like this...they are the most authentic, before those network checks and producer plots start rolling in.

[Meghan McCain: "Both Sides" Wannabe Tough Chick]

23 hours ago, boochay8888 said:

Well well well...guess who turned off her instagram comments, some tough chick she is!!

She’s changed her Insta bio too, from “blonde Republican, View co-host, rabble rouser” whatever to just “live free” or something with the US flag and a cactus. She has absolutely no self-awareness so I wouldn’t be surprised if she had no idea how much backlash her behavior would get her on a daily basis. 90% of the time anything that’s written about her or if she’s trending, it’s negative. And no, I don’t believe it’s grief or mental health issues, and it’s a sorry excuse to put her nastiness on that. I truly think she’s always been a brat, and is being taken to task for the first time in her life and she has no idea how to handle it. The grief gravy train has left the station, and people see right through her, and that bothers her.

[S10.E01: Sex, Lies and Video Debates]

On 11/7/2019 at 8:21 PM, Dance4Life said:

Nobody is buying that house! It is a trailer on steroids.   Supposedly, the ‘new’ house was really an addition to an existing structure.

Not even bank wanted it back!

As pretty as Melissa’s house looks.......they could not sell it, either.  It was on the market for years!

Who can remember the whole ‘Beavers live in the Walls’....claims!  🤣

😂😂😂 yeah, I’d be really, really surprised if either of them sell their houses. The Gorga house is still on the market and has been for over a year. As far as McMansions go, I do like Melissa’s better than Tre’s, but the mortgage and upkeep has got to be uber expensive on both. A pool isn’t going to help either. Summer comes and goes in a blink here in the Northeast, so you use it maybe 2 months tops. It’s covered and maintained the rest of the year, which is expensive in itself. Pools are probably a bigger selling point in warmer states, not here in NJ, when you can go to the shore or community pools instead 🤷🏻‍♀️

["The View": Week of 10/28/2019]

2 hours ago, Gemma Violet said:

I think Meghan simply had a hissy fit after Ana said, "Don't yell--I'm right here," and she never got over it. 

She probably gave the producers an ultimatum that if they want Ana on Fridays they have to let her have that day off because I-simply-will-not-work-with-that-woman. 😆

I never thought about this! If she’s out next week I could guarantee that this was the case. Of course, Ana might have been the one to initiate this and totally refused to work with her, but from what I’ve seen, McCain doesn’t get to her and she’s not afraid to call her out without breaking a sweat. And if Ana’s mere presence every Friday keeps the McStain away, I’ll take it. The show flows SO much better without her and I don’t know why ABC doesn’t see that. I think the only way she’ll be booted from the show is if she says something EXTREMELY problematic, and with hubby writing her blue cards, it’s only a matter of time.

[Trials and Tribulations of Juicy and Tre...]

9 hours ago, LibertarianSlut said:

I believe this.  Actually, I believe everything Caroline said above.  Don't get me wrong--someone on TWOP once said that the Manzo family crest should be an asshole riding a high horse, and I thought it was one of the top funniest/most accurate things ever, but I think Caroline is spot-on when it comes to the Guidices.  I even remember Caroline predicting way back when that a book was going to come out of it, so...wow.  I've got to give her credit for being right, and I definitely prefer Caroline's kind of Italian to Teresa's kind of Italian (callback to the cookbook drama of season three).

I think I hate Joe the least of the three participants in that interview, and I still think his deportation should remain permanent!  

Oh, another of Teresa's inconsistencies during the interview was when Andy asked her how she changed, she blinked and said she became more independent.  Andy then asked her how her kids have changed, and Teresa said they've become independent the way Teresa was when she was younger.  Holy stupid, were you independent then or are you independent now? Choose a lie!

Like I said, I was a Teresa apologist in the past, and I will continue to call right and wrong.  Melissa can be as bad as Teresa at times, and it's more offensive to me when Melissa does it, because she's not as authentically stupid as Teresa, and sometimes I think she's more of a liar.  Dolores, and more recently, Margaret, have said and done things that I find despicable, and I don't expect that to change.

This interview really made me think poorly of Teresa in a new way.  I can't abide by infidelity, and lying about infidelity is a total deal breaker.  The Guidice parents are just there for the paycheck and it's not entertaining.  Teresa's extensions, or weave, or whatever, looked so cheap at the interview.  She looked terrible.  I have always hated Dina.  I found her very mean, fake and cold.  No wonder she's still friends with Teresa--the only thing that keeps them warm is the almighty dollar, and they can take or leave their significant others.  I find their consumerism so crass.  What that says about me for continuing to watch is another story!

Okay, that asshole on a high horse family crest for the Manzos is by far the funniest thing I’ve heard today, and so damn accurate 😂😂😂 they truly have acted so “above it all” since the first season. That said, I do have to respect Caroline. She’s been consistent with everything she’s said over the seasons, and she also said the only reason she stayed on the show was to make sure her kids were set up financially, and once they were, she left. As snooty as they come off as, they truly do seem to love each other and be a close knit family, and have stayed far from most things Bravo-related since they left. Also, all that water department stuff aside, Al Manzo seemed to be the only Hohusband that had an actual job. I live in North Jersey and I hear of at least one or two events a month being held at the Brownstone, so it must be doing okay. Deep down inside, I think the core of Teresa’s issues with Caroline and the Manzos is that she has the life that Teresa wanted, but bigger and flashier, but the money wasn’t coming faster or abundantly enough. So here we are.

As for the others, I’m waiting for the other show to drop for them. The Guidices are not the only grifters on that show, the others are just smart enough to keep it quiet. The Gorgas are next on my list, because they have come dangerously close to being as flashy as the Guidices. Someone is going to figure out that grift sooner or later.

[Trials and Tribulations of Juicy and Tre...]

3 hours ago, LibertarianSlut said:

This has been a sticking point for me from the beginning:  it really sticks in my craw that they're able to stay in that house, and I really want them to lose it.  Teresa and Joe made their money off of criminal activity, and they should have to live in a second-story walkup in Paterson.  Teresa even admitted that the maintenance is really expensive.  Instead of robbing Peter to pay Paul, just fucking downsize like all other Americans who fall on hard times.

SO MUCH THIS. This is really what bugs me more than anything. That regardless of jail time, being convicted felons, and the fact that all the people that they ripped off will never see that money again, she (they?) still get to live in the lap of luxury in that giant mansion, drive expensive cars, live comfortably with no financial woes, and get a nice hefty check from Bravo. Then again with all that so called luxury, I have to say that I'd rather live in a little second story walk up in Paterson and have peace of mind and for myself and for my children, then put all of my self-inflicted miseries out in a public forumthe way she has for the past few years. No amount of marble and onyx and Mercedes Benzes are worth my self-worth.

In other news, Caroline responded to the special on Albie's podcast, Dear Albie. I've never listened to it, because I can't imagine what in the world has to talk about, nor do I care. But I checked it out this one time. It's on all podcast platforms if you want to have a listen, but the long and the short of it:

-She said she had been hearing for years that Teresa had been slandering her for years in her live shows, but she's never felt the need to respond to it until now.

-She implied that she's known Teresa since she was a teenager (I believe Dina said ages ago they met when they were 15 years old), and that fame, fortune and being surrounded by "yes" men since signing onto RHWONJ has turned her into the famewhore egomanic we all know today.

-She hasn't spoken to Teresa since she left the show, except for sending her text when she went "away" and a text to her and Joe Gorga when their mother passed away.

-She gives Joe credit for owning up to what he did, and feels like he should not be deported, because he is a great father and he loves his girls.

-She has no idea what Teresa means when she says that she's "lived a crooked life" and finds it ironic that she would even say that, considering the mess Teresa is in.

-She has no desire to return to HWs but if she wanted to, all she would have to do is call Andy, and it wouldn't be an issue.

-She also has no desire to rekindle any kind of friendship with Teresa and has no malice toward her, but if she had a chance to sit down with her and "get through" to her, she would...no cameras, no reporters, no nothing.

[Trials and Tribulations of Juicy and Tre...]

I only watched part of the interview, but it’s clear these two are done, and doing exactly what two equally guilty felons do when their crimes catch up with them...blame each other. While I don’t think Joe would have gone as far into the game as they did without Teresa’s nudging, I’m not sure what else he would be doing to earn money. There was no way some low wage off the books job was going to be enough for Teresa. They’ll be fine without each other. Teresa will ride this Bravo wave until the wheels come off because she’ll be able to continue to feed her narcissism and her wallet and she can keep her marble mausoleum. She’ll let them film her taking a shit as long as they write he a check for it. Joe will be fine in Italy and has it a hell of a lot better than most of the people stuck in ICE custody and/or are being deported. He has family there, speaks Italian, had a house and a comfortable set up for him upon arrival. His girls will visit him a few times a year, and if Tre is still rocking with Bravo he might get a little check from them if he lets them film it. The conclusion of their whole situation honestly infuriates me, but it’s not at all surprising.

And LOL at Tre blaming Caroline for their downfall. Like mentioned above, the Guidices are the only ones to blame for their downfall. There are lots of people here in NJ grifting and living like they did (I’ve seen it in action) but the ones I’ve seen are not public and not flaughting their crimes on a national platform, because they don’t want to get caught out there. The fact that they were so hesitant to sign their contracts (from Andy’s book) implies that they knew the risk of going public. Also, what Tre is too dim to understand is that her even blaming Caroline so publicly proves that they KNEW what they were doing was wrong, and that her whole plea defense of “I had no idea!” was and is bullshit. Caroline kind of responded from her Instagram, saying she tried to find the word “beautifulist” in the dictionary but didn’t have any luck 😂 I’m sure her Bravo funded response will be coming soon.

["The View": Week of 10/14/2019]

2 hours ago, lusinia said:

I saw Victoria Beckham on an episode of James Corden's show last year and was really surprised that she wasn't all frown-y.  When I was looking up her makeup during the show a link with this quote popped up as well - 

I was a huge Spice Girl fan back in the day (still am honestly) and I vaguely remember her saying back then that she was a self conscious about her smile too,so she just didn’t really do it publicly. Plus that whole ice queen thing was part of the manufactured pop persona, I think. She’s always been very personable in interviews though, and I think she doesn’t take herself that seriously. I always though she was the funniest part of that “Spice World” movie too😁

["The View": Week of 9/30/2019]

I do agree with @Sarah Heart... I did not and would not expect any type of "fileting" and take down of the Clinton women from Meghan on TV. She has said some ridiculous things about the both  of them but I think even she is aware that she has no leverage in that battle. I also am so over Hilary constantly being asked about her husband's affairs and her having to explain her position over and over. Bill Clinton was a decent president but his infidelity rep rivals the Kennedys, before the whole Monica Lewinsky thing. If she decided to stay that's her cross to bear, and honestly she's so accomplished on her own, there's literally no reason why he should come up, other than him being her husband that was a US President.

And let me be clear, I am STILL team #fuckmeghan, and I too am tired of most of these political guests bowing at the alter McCain. BUT I WILL SAY (snort), that I can give them a pass, if for any other reason, is that these people knew him personally. He was senator for a long time and I'm sure a lot of them were at least close acquaintances with him. If I'm not mistaken I think the Clintons were at the funeral, so I totally believe that Hilary said something to Meghan in private that made the ice queen melt just a little bit. 

["The View": Week of 9/23/2019]

1 hour ago, jkspeaks said:

As a person who has been relentlessly bullied a lot in school in the past, from personal experience it's true. I don't mean to be off topic but Meghan excudes the behavior of a high school mean girl always rolling her eyes and being rude to her co hosts. 

Agreed, and same. I heard a saying years ago that sums up high school in general, “it’s a bunch of people trying to figure out who they are, often at the expense of others.” Meghan clearly never left that stage, and illustrates that on this show every day.

[Jacqueline Laurita: Bailey's and Bankruptcy]

On 9/14/2019 at 6:09 PM, LemonSoda said:

Custom homes are the worst. The sellers act like it's a privilege to be offering their taste to you. Uh no, I don't want your initialed mantle or wine cellar recording studio or Tuscan landscape wall mural painted by your pizza man's cousin. 

Lol this reminded me of that scene in whatever season it was where the Gorgas were trying to sell their house, and faucets were coming off in people’s hands, and there was no running water, and the sink was made of wax instead of granite...cut to Joe Gorga bragging about how lucky and fortunate whatever buyer would be to get it for such a low price (4 million I think it was 🙄). I live in NJ too and I get a minor pang of jealousy driving through some of those neighborhoods. Then I think about the insanely high property taxes, the heating and cooling costs, the maintenance on top of a $10,000 minimum mortgage...then I get over it 😂

["The View": Week of 9/16/2019]

6 hours ago, blondiec0332 said:

I'm disappointed in Sunny.  I don't find Shane Gillis provocative.  I find him offensive.  These things were said just last year.  This is not like this happened when he was a teenager. Sorry not sorry I would rather not watch racist comics.  You are known by the company you keep so if he had been an SNL cast member it would be seen as condoning his offensive comedy. Leslie Jones left the show not too long ago. Coincidence?

Ugh, SO agree with this. Not to veer too off topic, but I was recently watching an interview with Desus and Mero and the interviewer asked them how they have been able to avoid the “problematic police” and keep stuff like that out of their act without losing their edge. They kind of just shrugged and said they were self-aware, know that they have a multifaceted fan base and that it wasn’t that hard to respect other people’s agency. And I believe they’re in the same age bracket as this guy...old enough to know better, young enough to do better. That’s why falling back on tired old jokes about people of color and queer people is just that, tired and lazy. There’s no grey area there. 

5 hours ago, deirdra said:

And Amber is pro-choice and has been vocal about having an abortion in 2012.

You know, I’d believe her and Meghan are at the very least acquaintances. During and after her father’s campaign aka the era known as B.B. (Before Ben), she was toting herself as a socialite and the rebel Republican that wasn’t afraid to call her party out on their bullshit, and she careened in and out of Hollywood for a while. She probably has or had known a decent amount of people in the entertainment industry that her husband considers evil libtards 🙄 She was also quoted as being pro-choice back then. That’s the biggest reason why I think this whole gun-toting flag loving hardcore Republican schoolmarm persona is 90% bullshit.

["The View": Week of 9/16/2019]

Decent lineup this week. I just watched Chelsea’s documentary about white privilege and it was fantastic. I’m curious to see how the Daughters aka the main ones who need to be a part of the conversation are going to approach the subject, or if they’re even going to be allowed to sit at the table during the interview. 

[S02.E10: In My Heels]

So much to unpack this episode, but so good. It definitely would have worked as a series finale (as did season 1’s finale did) but I think they found out while season 2 was airing that they were granted a season 3. So it makes sense. Blanca’s performance at the ball gave me goosebumps, and MJ Rodriguez looked amazing. The outfit, the lipstick, and she has the most amazing legs. Her acting was superb and she has improved leaps and bounds. My heart still aches for her because I know her time is coming to an end, and I’m reminded of literally how an nearly entire generation of people was wiped out by AIDS. I hope her and Pray are the few that manage to make it through the 90s relatively healthy.

Speaking of Pray, color me surprised that him and Ricky are still an item. I’m still not really into them as a couple but I liked their conversation on the stairs. If anything it Illustrated what they offered to each other. I agree that if Damon showed any interest in Ricky, he’d be on the first thing smokin to Paris, though. Oh and Ricky’s boots were fabulous! I loved the young boys and the MCs walking in the ball in those heels. Especially Billy Porter toddling across the stage. It would have been even better if they put him in some Kinky Boots type platforms 😁

I started this series somewhat liking Elektra. Now I fucking love her. Her character has definitely grown, and you can see her further solidify her “icon” status in her community. I loved her walking lessons and her hosting the ball. She’s definitely softened a bit but I’m sure it’s because she has found a new level of confidence because of all of the life changes she’s been through...her reassignment surgery, being able to support her fabulous lifestyle on her own dime and not a sugar daddy’s or working at Show World...I hope we explore her and her past more in season three.

Angel and Papi...ugh, young love, there’s nothing more consuming and fiery. I love Papi using his hustling skills to become a talent manager and not only trying to help Angel but help others in their community. It sucks that Angel got clocked but I’m honestly not surprised. Part jealousy and part stepping on your peers to elevate yourself. Either way, I love these two kids and I hope they stay clean and continue to grow.

Re: the ability for the actors on this show to pass or not...it’s such a broad and complicated subject, but here are my thoughts: for one thing, like someone said, Hollywood loves the pretty, and considering this show is the first ever featuring openly-trans actors in the lead class, I’m sure it was a conscious choice to “ease” the mainstream into the concept. Plus I think if they used more “masculine” trans actors,  they’d be accused of throwing wigs on some men and making fun of trans women. And really, it’s less about the actors and more just illustrate to the audience the very real fear of being “clocked” no matter how feminine you look. Because in the light of day, a shifted tuck, a deep enough voice, or just plain old ignorance and assumptions can blow your cover quickly. and as we’ve seen this year in the news, can have deadly consequences. Overall, this show is in its infancy and has room to grow. More masculine looking trans women as lead characters, trans men, non binary characters, etc may be coming. We have to give it a chance to bloom.

[Meghan McCain: "Both Sides" Wannabe Tough Chick]

22 hours ago, deirdra said:

I've always had the feeling that MM and her mother aren't besties, which is the real reason she stays away now that Daddy is not there.  She seemed uncomfortable with tall, elegant, poised and non-screechy Mom in the audience during the last week of the season.  They probably competed for Daddy's love, and MM is still trying to out-grieve Mom.

I got that feeling too. I believe Meghan is the only daughter John had biologically with Cindy, correct? I’ve always gotten a sort of Candy and Tori Spelling vibe from them, constant in competition to be “Daddy’s favorite” and now that he’s gone, they don’t have any real connection. Not to mention that Candy battled a pill addiction for a few years when Meghan was young. So I’m sure she’s seen some shit that has made her resentful towards her mother. 

[Meghan McCain: "Both Sides" Wannabe Tough Chick]

1 hour ago, tinkerbell said:

Timing is everything. 

considering that we've just had TWO major mass shootings, and a gunman shooting cops in a standoff,  is this really the best time for Meghan to tweet about how much she LOVES guns?  

I just...I don’t want to believe she is that oblivious and that STUPID to post about her gun love when it hasn’t even been a month since TWO mass shootings back to back. She’s stirring the pot on purpose, and her way of doubling down on her bullshit since she can’t currently spew her ignorance on the View. Even avid gun owners like she claims to be are calling for gun control. People are TIRED, Meghan. Tired of living in fear of some random nut bursting into some place as mundane as the grocery store and getting sprayed with bullets. Literally no where feels safe anymore, and with the way things are going, your little safe space in Wyoming, your penthouse in Manhattan, or your compound in Corning isn’t going to be safe either, no matter how many guns you own. It feels like a war zone and it’s terrifying. And I know people like you think we’re living in a spaghetti western, and you and your husband are going to be able to do some sort of quick draw and take out a mass shooter, but guess what...even trained snipers have trouble doing that. I noticed she turned the comments off, because I know her ass was getting read for filth, and giving her the attention she craves so much, good or bad. God I can’t stand her.

[S02.E08: Revelations]

12 hours ago, AgentRXS said:

Poor Blanca and her empty nest. At least now it gives us an opportunity to see Blanca as the young woman she still is, and not just Mother Blanca.

Definitely! I think Blanca is only in her late 20s, and she has so lovingly given her life to her kids. She deserves some self-serving happiness in her life. And not going to lie, I got a little misty watching her sit there alone at her table, and started thinking about when my kids "leave the nest" (mind you, my kids are 7 and 1 LOL).

8 hours ago, ElectricBoogaloo said:

Elektra's reaction to finding out Pray was sleeping with Ricky was everything!

Elektra's wrath is often wildly out of proportion and directed at the wrong people, but in this case her amount of anger was perfect. As she said, Pray shouldn't have been sleeping with Ricky. And Pray definitely deserved Elektra yelling at him, especially after he reprimanded Damon with his "don't speak to your mother like that in front of me."

For the record, when someone says, "I'm a grown ass man," 99% of the time it means they're acting like a child.

Pray was right to point out to Blanca that she doesn't treat her children equally because it's true.

I'm sure the show wants me to think Ricky is growing up and being sweet because he took his supplements and made breakfast for Pray Tell, but no. It wasn't that long ago that Ricky cheated on Damon, lied to him about it, and exposed him to HIV.

Agree with the bolded. Elektra was on point with her reprimand, and I am legit SO disappointed in this pairing. I get  Pray feeling vulnerable and weak in the moment. I also get feeling wanted despite being HIV+. But like Elektra said, Pray is an elder and knows how these youngins are. And sleeping with someone you are supposed to be a father figure to is so damaging to a young person who is dealing with so much. I'm sure it's comforting, but also confusing, and I don't think it's going to end well. But I also think Ricky is a bit of a grifter and is a willing participant in "survival sex." What better way to solidify your future than taking up with an older man in a nice apartment, who can take care of you financially because he has a steady job, gives you great access to meds and vitamins, and you don't have to worry about infecting because he's already infected? So they're both not innocent parties in this and I don't think it's going to end well.

5 hours ago, Empress1 said:

In the Village! That's $880 today, which is still completely out of reach for an entire apartment, and would be a GREAT deal on a single room.

Right?! Again, my husband and I both went "Oof!" when Papi mentioned the monthly rent. You can't even get a decent room in Manhattan for that price. There are handful of rent controlled apartments scattered in NYC that people are holding on to with bloody fingernails, and I totally get why.

4 hours ago, 12catcrazy said:

And I shouldn't confess this here but feel that I must: the sex scene between Pray Tell and Ricky made me squirm.    I am a hetero white woman in her 60s, and have gay friends of both sexes.  I consider myself more open-minded than many people but that scene was uncomfortable to watch and I can't figure out why.  I'm not a stranger to man on man stuff in porn films, but most of what I've seen with that stuff was kind of mechanical.   The scene in "Pose" was so intimate for lack of a better term for me.    I felt like a voyeur and I was embarrased. I'm probably not the target audience of "Pose" but I'll bet that scene pushed some buttons with non-target viewers.  

You're not alone. I felt the same, and it's probably because there was no build up to this passionate tryst between Pray and Ricky. No flirting or side looks, literally Ricky just began lusting after Pray in the previous episode. So that made it weird. And I get Billy Porter's stance on seeing two black gay men making love on network television, but honestly...Noah's Arc did it better 10 years ago. #noahandwade

3 hours ago, SnarkEnthusiast said:

Angel was a real unsympathetic shithead this episode, wasn't she? I've never been more put off by her. Her new off-screen coke habit apparently went from 0-60 with the side effect of making her a smug, gaslighting asshole. I think Papi stayed out of her and Damon's petty fight because a) she started it and he knew she was being kind of a douche and b) remember Papi really likes Damon even though we barely see their friendship, so he can get away with a lot more, Looks like between the coke and vengeful photographer, the finale could be rough for Angel.

Good lord, yes she was. This was the first time I was not a fan of hers, and I want to blame the coke...but I also think that she's really feeling herself because of this new found fame and fortune, and is looking down her powdered nose at everyone now. It's so ridiculous because a model's career can be just as short lived as a dancer's but at least Damon has a degree to fall back on. He could at least teach dance at a school or something once the tours dry up. What is Angel going to do once the industry decides her look isn't "it" anymore and they move on to the next girl? Combine that with a very expensive drug habit...I hope she doesn't piss away this opportunity.

2 hours ago, Blakeston said:

I have many thoughts about this episode!

- MJ Rodriguez nailed all of her scenes. She had to go toe-to-toe with Billy Porter, and she absolutely held her own. She was unpolished when the series began, but she's become a force to be reckoned with.

- Dyllon Burnside, who plays Ricky, was also fantastic in the scene where he told Damon about his diagnosis. The actor who plays Damon was clearly trying his best, but couldn't compare. He's just not that strong at acting. I honestly hope they drop Damon from the show after this season. His dancing school storyline is done, and there's not much depth to the character.

Yes to both of these! MJ has come a long way with her acting skills for sure. Dyllon (Ricky) also nailed his scene. The actor that plays Damon however (I think his name is Ryan Jamaal Swain)....eh. I kept waiting for him to pull out more emotion, more SOMETHING when Ricky told him his diagnosis, and it was just...flat. He's definitely not a strong actor and hasn't made any improvement since the first season. It looks like his character is going to be written off the show for a while, if not permanently, which is probably for the best.

[Meghan McCain: "Both Sides" Wannabe Tough Chick]

I don’t mind so much that she grieves her father so publicly. It’s tough losing a parent, no matter how old you are or how old they are, especially that first year. And since any type of cancer is a beast, watching your loved one literally waste away has to be torture. She does act like she is the only person who’s ever grieved in life, and I don’t know where she gets this idea that grieving a loved one’s death is taboo...but I give her a pass for the first year or so when it comes to mourning him.

17 hours ago, TheView said:

Meghan was totally different then 

THIS is the Meghan McCain I thought we were going to get when she signed on to do the View. Not dressing like a hausfraus with a permascowl waiting to bite off someone’s head for looking at her, while spouting Republican talking points. Willing to call out her party for their BS and able to articulate her thoughts clearly without screeching. I don’t know who that lump of anger that sits at the table now is, but it’s a far cry from the woman in this video.

[Meghan McCain: "Both Sides" Wannabe Tough Chick]

42 minutes ago, bannana said:

Embedding the tweet here for those who don't want to click.

I read that review of her book and it was hilarious!

Her tweet is perfect because it encompasses her martyr syndrome, lack of self-awareness and narcissism all at once. ❄️

Here's a link to the book review from her other book.  

https://www.redstate.com/diary/Leon_H_Wolf/2011/12/08/meghan-mccains-dirty-sexy-politics-a-review/

And wait, what?  Her husband co-founded the publication that published a scathing and humiliating review of her book?  And he is hot and brilliant? 🤣

Jeebus, that review is rough...I know her husband didn’t actually write it, but as a cofounder of the site that hosted it says a lot about him. Before they started dating he apparently used to drag her on Twitter. And they met on Twitter so I refuse to believe she didn’t know what an asshole he was then, and that he doesn’t influence her behavior now.

And they haven’t even been on summer break a week and she’s ALREADY fighting with people on Twitter over her not-even-sure-it’s-a-real-thing book? Color me not surprised 🙄. 

["The View": Week of 7/29/2019]

1 hour ago, Natalie68 said:

I am so thankful that nearly 30 years ago I stumbled into a job  that offered good insurance because I would be SOOOO screwed without it (I have MS and meds cost almost $7K/mo).  I really wish that those without financial worries would be more understanding of regular folks who struggle with this issue.  The Meg's and Whoopies will never have to worry about whether or not they can get care.

I am looking forward to the report about what happens today on the view.  I watched the debates and saw the Princess was tweeting.  

Positive vibes off to you @Natalie68! And I agree, I was just thinking while at the pediatrician’s office the other day about how fortunate my family is my husband’s union offers fantastic health benefits, and damn near everything is covered.  Most jobs don’t even come close to offering that, or health benefits at all. I’ve been there...I was right out of college in the early stages of the recession. I had a job but it was low pay, and I was too old to be on my parents insurance. I went to the doctor for a simple eye infection (this is before you could buy OTC meds for pink eye) check up and then received a bill for $800 a week later, not to mention the $60 of eye drops! It really makes me wonder how jaded how these one percenters and politicians are to argue against universal health care. Not everyone can just write a check for a few thousand for a doctor’s visit or has SAG insurance (looking at you Whoopi). There are people who are literally dying or living in pain simply because they can’t afford to get help, and it’s said.

1 hour ago, Sarah Heart said:

I've seen Meghan on WWHL. It's so fun, she isn't scowling , Jerry is right. Even Anna knew the HW show, Tinsley..lol

I agree, Meghan is SO much better on entertainment shows like WWHL, or even the entertainment segments on the View. She clearly enjoys it and is young enough to be up on and enjoy pop culture. She needs to quit trying to ride her father’s political coattails and carve out a niche there instead.