S05.E13: Sister Act

[zoeysmom]

I couldn't disagree more. Are there layers? Or course there are.  Most issues are generally not about any one thing, but there is always a root of the thing. The one thing that causes everything else. If that thing didn't exist, would any of the other stuff have resulted? If Brandi wasn't having late night talks with Kim, which convinced her that Kim was using, would Brandi have been so worried about her at the Poker Night? If on those calls Kim had not talked about how alone she was, how Kyle wasn't there for her in the manner that she needed, would she have tried to keep Kyle away from Kim? According to Brandi is was all about not believing that Kyle would protect Kim in her lapse, because Kyle doesn't support Kim in general. That she wants her to fail, to not be sober. 

 

There are a lot of things going on here, not the least of which is Brandi's overwhelming hatred of Kyle and her desire to destroy her in any manner possible. That is Brandi's deal to be sure and she has found the way to do it. The root of K&K's issues are that Kim is an addict, and the fact that her addiction is always going to be at the root of their relationship. Unless and until one or both get some help. 

You bring up a good point that Brandi has said that Kyle wants Kim to fail in her sobriety.  Maybe Brandi's continuing theory is that Kyle will only help Kim if she relapses and if it is a very public relapse.  In order to buttress  her opinion it seems Brandi is trying to drag this out.  I think more than anything Kyle wants Kim happy and sober and living her life.  I do think Kyle is more of the Chanel and ladies who lunch type and Kim is more of the kids over for a BBQ and living in the past.  The fact that Kyle and Mauricio have managed to balance business and family is probably a huge irritant to both Kim and Brandi who both seem hell bent on proving their richer, married, successful co-stars as phony and damaged and hiding something.

 

Kyle's only option as long as Kim is using or in a dry drunk mode is to check up on her and her children.  At this point Kim's anger and perceived hurt is bigger than the both of them.  As long as Brandi is in the wings stoking the fire, Kim will stay angry.  To avoid a lather, rinse, repeat situation, it will be interesting to see where the Brandi/Kim relationship goes before and immediately after the contracts are handed out.  I thought it was very clear that Brandi was ill-equipped to be Kim's BFF but Brandi knew from a strategic standpoint it was perfect.  Kyle can't not interact with her sister while filming and as long as Brandi is in the picture Kyle is an easy target.  What is amazing to me, if given Brandi's hit list (everyone but Yolanda and Kim) and she treats Yolanda pretty rough and Yolanda appears to be being shifted to the injured reserve status, what is left of the show?  No Lisav and no Kyle, and the new ladies are certainly well-received but she wants them gone, where does Brandi and Kim think this show would go? The idea behind this show was wealthy connected women not a tossed off starter wife with a Podcast that scores the likes of Tawny Kitaen as a guest.

[Avaleigh]

She's an addict. one minute it's up to Kim and the next people around her shouldn't let her get away with.... It's old news that Kim relapses. The contradiction is people should be able to be all over Kim with questioning glances, or "gentle" prompting for information and scrutiny oh and god forbid she forgets where she puts her car keys (put me in that scenario all the freaking time and I'd grab the Xanax too) but at the same time it's up to Kim and it shouldn't be anyone else's burden? Either be involved or don't but all the unnecessary imposing of outsiders just wanting to roll in with criticism and shame doesn't really help Kim's cause. Every day and every person around her can't make it all about the elephant in the room. Yeah the elephant is there but like that horse it's in the corner beaten to a bloody pulp. What else is there left to do? What's so hard about not contributing? Oh wait, that's walking on eggshells and coddling Kim which of course we don't ever do for people we care about or even strangers. We run in and out of people's lives and stomp around with no regard to how our behavior will affect others. Just because Kim is an addict doesn't mean that the basic courtesies shouldn't be observed. And no her acting strange or being obviously inebriated isn't an invitation to dive into her world of addiction armed with clique after clique. Looking at you again LisaR.  I would never insert myself into someone elses live's problems with criticisms and judgments unless I plan on balancing that out with love and understanding. If I'm not coming into such a dire situation with that sort of balance and commitment then I'm sending prayers from a safe distance away with my opinions kept to myself. Maybe even throw out a hug once in a while cause that's all I can do.  

The ladies on the show aren't giving Kim grief over small stuff like forgetting her car keys. Not even close. Kyle wants to know how Kim can stick up for Brandi and say things like "don't talk about the people that I love" and then be completely silent when Brandi pushes Kyle around and says a bunch of insulting things.

 

People have walked around on eggshells with Kim. For years she's been allowed to get away with unacceptable behavior and it isn't doing her any good. Kim was coddled, babied, hugged, petted, and catered to on an unbelievable scale during Game Night. She was late and the host didn't make a big deal out of it. She wanted to call the host a different name, that was okay too. She didn't want to have Brandi on her team, fine, she was allowed to ignore her and received giggles and hugs when she insulted Brandi. She had numerous trips to the bathroom and people initially refrained from commenting. She says a bunch of rude things and was never, ever made to apologize because she used her addiction to give her a pass.

 

How is coddling her helping her?

 

Because this job to these women is absolutely necessary to put food on the table? If my job required me to feel the need to take it there with a coworker me thinks I'm finding another job and if not then me thinks I have to cope but the option of inserting myself, that deep, into THAT? Nah, I'd keep a respectable distance (as much as my job allows), deal as best as I good and leave it at that. Cause well some things are just not for everybody's involvement even if they are witness to it.

LisaR could not have predicted that car ride or the outcome of that entire evening. I feel like the idea is that LisaR shouldn't have been allowed to have a realistic reaction to what she was witnessing and being put through. So because she's being open about her opinion that means she isn't giving Kim basic courtesy? Why shouldn't Kim have to deal with the consequences of when she's rude and discourteous to other people? She has yet to apologize to LisaR for repeatedly calling her stupid, disgusting, a slut, etc. She's supposedly sober now so where is Kim's basic courtesy? The only thing Kim seems to have time for is telling people about her own pain and hurt feelings.  

 

As far as why is it so hard to not contribute--it's their job to contribute. This is what is happening around them. This is Kim's choice to appear under the influence on camera. To me refraining from commenting is another way of shielding Kim from the consequences of her behavior. She made LisaR feel uncomfortable for a long car ride where they were on camera. I don't think there's anything wrong with LisaR saying that that shit wasn't okay. It's a natural reaction and it doesn't make LisaR discourteous or out of line. Kim on the other hand was guilty of being both.

Edited February 12, 2015 by Avaleigh

[Persnickety1]

You bring up a good point that Brandi has said that Kyle wants Kim to fail in her sobriety.  Maybe Brandi's continuing theory is that Kyle will only help Kim if she relapses and if it is a very public relapse.  In order to buttress  her opinion it seems Brandi is trying to drag this out.  I think more than anything Kyle wants Kim happy and sober and living her life.  I do think Kyle is more of the Chanel and ladies who lunch type and Kim is more of the kids over for a BBQ and living in the past.  The fact that Kyle and Mauricio have managed to balance business and family is probably a huge irritant to both Kim and Brandi who both seem hell bent on proving their richer, married, successful co-stars as phony and damaged and hiding something.

 

Kyle's only option as long as Kim is using or in a dry drunk mode is to check up on her and her children.  At this point Kim's anger and perceived hurt is bigger than the both of them.  As long as Brandi is in the wings stoking the fire, Kim will stay angry.  To avoid a lather, rinse, repeat situation, it will be interesting to see where the Brandi/Kim relationship goes before and immediately after the contracts are handed out.  I thought it was very clear that Brandi was ill-equipped to be Kim's BFF but Brandi knew from a strategic standpoint it was perfect.  Kyle can't not interact with her sister while filming and as long as Brandi is in the picture Kyle is an easy target.  What is amazing to me, if given Brandi's hit list (everyone but Yolanda and Kim) and she treats Yolanda pretty rough and Yolanda appears to be being shifted to the injured reserve status, what is left of the show?  No Lisav and no Kyle, and the new ladies are certainly well-received but she wants them gone, where does Brandi and Kim think this show would go? The idea behind this show was wealthy connected women not a tossed off starter wife with a Podcast that scores the likes of Tawny Kitaen as a guest.

 

That's just so illustrates Brandi's hypocrisy and bullshit.

 

Here she snarks on Eileen for breaking up a marriage and considers herself the vengeance seeker for those wronged by cheaters.

 

And yet she's friends with Tawny Kitaen, the infamous mistress of OJ Simpson and one of the contributing factors to breaking up his marriage to Nicole Brown, with whom he had 2 children?

 

Brandi can shove her faux moral superiority up her ass.  IMO, she just uses the "cheater" angle as her lame assed justification for going after certain people, like Eileen.  

[zoeysmom]

Because this job to these women is absolutely necessary to put food on the table? If my job required me to feel the need to take it there with a coworker me thinks I'm finding another job and if not then me thinks I have to cope but the option of inserting myself, that deep, into THAT? Nah, I'd keep a respectable distance (as much as my job allows), deal as best as I good and leave it at that. Cause well some things are just not for everybody's involvement even if they are witness to it.

Maybe "me thinks" too much.  People should not be forced to leave their employment because an addict wants to make the uncomfortable with unchecked behavior.  Short of working in a confidential workplace-which would be the opposite of working on a filmed show.  In a reality show you are either in or out.  Going home and checking what Wicca means on Wikipedia will never be a substitute for talking about it on camera. 

 

At the end of the day Brandi and Kim's co workers go home to families and get to leave their co-worker and sister's addiction behind. Much healthier to talk about it with co-workers who are experiencing the same than drag your family into your workplace woes.

[SoCal4Us]

This is exhausting isn't it?!

[Giselle]

If my employment demanded part of my job entail sitting in a closed space with a drugged up/fucked up/aggressive/hostile bitch like Kim, you bet your ass I'd be making her state of impairment my business.

 

Kim and Brandi are both hostile, nasty, and aggressive when drunk/high/whatever it is they're doing.

 

It's one thing to be at a party where those two repugnant heifers can be avoided.

 

It's an entirely different beast to be literally trapped in a limousine arranged by production and in which you must ride dealing with the crazy a foot or two away from you.  

 

Fuck that shit.  And fuck Brandi and Kim, too.  

 

Hell yeah!

[zoeysmom]

This is exhausting isn't it?!

Welcome to the world of addiction and the families that deal with it.

[haydensterling]

Dear Diary,

 

I need a Vicodin.  For reals. Send Brandim over.

Edited February 12, 2015 by haydensterling

[Avaleigh]

I honestly hope that Kim has watched these last couple of episodes, and when she did, she was sober, straight, and paying attention, or hopefully, she was with someone who can point out to her all the ways that Brandi has exposed Kim, to everyone.

I'm curious as to what Kim's reaction was to Brandi's conversation with LisaR. Will she find some way of criticizing LisaR rather than Brandi?

[haydensterling]

I think Kim is going to hit below the belt with the accusations about Harry and Lisa R's marriage.  Speaking of which, she was a gorgeous bride.  I was googling wedding pictures of them and they looked great together.  I also had no idea he dated Ursula Andress!  I always like it when a guy isn't afraid to date an older woman.  Though, Ursula Andress is gorgeous too, so I don't think that hurt too much.

 

Avaleigh did you see the extended clip of Brandi and Kim talking in (I think) Kim's house?  It really was gross and creepy.  If Brandi were a guy we would all have been screaming at the set that there was a predator at work here.  It's so easy to see if you just stick the opposite sex in there and see how it plays out.  Very uncomfortable.

 

 

I'm curious as to what Kim's reaction was to Brandi's conversation with LisaR. Will she find some way of criticizing LisaR rather than Brandi?

 

 

I'm certain that at this point, Kim would rather cut off her right arm than to criticize Brandi in any way.  Lisa R. is going to take the brunt of it. I just hope that Kyle doesn't join in.  

Edited February 12, 2015 by haydensterling

[Sincerely Yours]

 

 

People have walked around on eggshells with Kim. For years she's been allowed to get away with unacceptable behavior and it isn't doing her any good. Kim was coddled, babied, hugged, petted, and catered to on an unbelievable scale during Game Night. She was late and the host didn't make a big deal out of it. She wanted to call the host a different name, that was okay too. She didn't want to have Brandi on her team, fine, she was allowed to ignore her and received giggles and hugs when she insulted Brandi. She had numerous trips to the bathroom and people initially refrained from commenting. She says a bunch of rude things and was never, ever made to apologize because she used her addiction to give her a pass.

 

How is coddling her helping her?

 

 

I guess I'm coming from a place that doesn't believe the opposite of coddling hasn't been done as well. I can't for one second believe that Kim has ALWAYS been coddled and "protected". Nope. Me thinks, there's been the ugly, screamfest, smackdown drag out fights about her problems as well. My point is, it's been done over and over and over to the point that people think that NO TOLERANCE what so ever should be had with Kim and its unacceptable or enabling. I'm of the opinion that everything that could be tried has been tried and it's at a point where it's about managing as well as possible. Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst and all these dramatic instigations are unnecessary. Is this routine suppose to play out over and over and over and over throughout the rest of her years. I know her addiction will keep the story repeating but I don't get the cycle of people thinking they can extract some sort of different outcome from this mess. I guess I'm seeing it go on and on and I just don't get what it's suppose to contribute at this point in Kim's addiction/sobriety. To me it should be about being attentive but not engulfed. Checking in but accepting the reality and trying to live some semblance of a life among all of the turmoil. What else is there? Petty fights? Dramatic reveals? Public shaming? I don't get how that's productive. I get Kim puts herself there but people don't have to engage. Don't have to swing for the fences with these episodes that happen. Just saying.

Edited February 12, 2015 by Sincerely Yours

[runforcover]

This is exhausting isn't it?!

 

Yes.

 

Yes, it is.

 

What's also exhausting is attributing a lot of deliberation to a bunch of dummies, some of whom are lucky enough to fall into identifiable pathologies that I might forget that they are barely-people.

BUT IT'S SO MUCH FUN.

 

Also, I don't think any of them "need" the money but, or to support that, I also don't think it matters.  There are other bottom lines besides cash.  And when it comes to Bravo sanctioned camera-time that bottom line is abject narcissism.

[runforcover]

I guess I'm coming from a place that doesn't believe the opposite of coddling hasn't been done as well. I can't for one second believe that Kim has ALWAYS been coddled and "protected". Nope. Me thinks, there's been the ugly, screamfest, smackdown drag out fights about her problems as well. My point is, it's been done over and over and over to the point that people think that NO TOLERANCE what so ever should be had with Kim and its unacceptable or enabling. I'm of the opinion that everything that could be tried has been tried and it's at a point where it's about managing as well as possible. Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst and all these dramatic instigations are unnecessary. Is this routine suppose to play out over and over and over and over throughout the rest of her years. I guess I'm seeing it go on and on and I just don't get what it's suppose to contribute at this point in Kim's addiction/sobriety.

I think at stake here isn't coddling versus some imagined state of unmediated world-weariness worthy of applause.  Particularly with regard to just Kim.  It is, as you say, a network of enabling among a GROUP of (in this case) codependents that are also on a reality show staffed with people who are also being enabled and enabling.  So a "bottom" here may involve more people than just camera-featured addict-types like Kim/Kyle. And very un-Bravo-like, it might not be particularly dramatic.    

 

No drama: the latent horror at the centre of all reality TV (BOO!)

Edited February 12, 2015 by runforcover

[erikdepressant]

Also, I don't think any of them "need" the money but, or to support that, I also don't think it matters.  There are other bottom lines besides cash.  And when it comes to Bravo sanctioned camera-time that bottom line is abject narcissism.

I've seen a few episodes of all the RH shows except DC, but the only ones I regularly watched were BH and Atlanta.  I think after this season, I'm done with all the Housewives for good.

 

These people were doing way better than most of us before they even signed on.  I just can't imagine that the money and fame they got for doing these shows was worth it.  They may not believe in souls, but they should know their names and reputations don't belong to them anymore.

 

I would be mortified if someone was discussing me or my family on boards like this.  Even if the characters we're watching are 99% fictional in 100% fictional storylines, sometimes I cringe for them.  Either they have really thick skins, or the fame is just too sweet.

 

ETA: I talk shit about all of them and didn't mean to come across as sanctimonious.  I just wanted to say that being cast on one of these shows isn't something I would ever choose for myself.

Edited February 12, 2015 by erikdepressant

[haydensterling]

I guess I'm coming from a place that doesn't believe the opposite of coddling hasn't been done as well. I can't for one second believe that Kim has ALWAYS been coddled and "protected". Nope. Me thinks, there's been the ugly, screamfest, smackdown drag out fights about her problems as well. My point is, it's been done over and over and over to the point that people think that NO TOLERANCE what so ever should be had with Kim and its unacceptable or enabling. I'm of the opinion that everything that could be tried has been tried and it's at a point where it's about managing as well as possible. Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst and all these dramatic instigations are unnecessary. Is this routine suppose to play out over and over and over and over throughout the rest of her years. I know her addiction will keep the story repeating but I don't get the cycle of people thinking they can extract some sort of different outcome from this mess. I guess I'm seeing it go on and on and I just don't get what it's suppose to contribute at this point in Kim's addiction/sobriety. To me it should be about being attentive but not engulfed. Checking in but accepting the reality and trying to live some semblance of a life among all of the turmoil. What else is there? Petty fights? Dramatic reveals? Public shaming? I don't get how that's productive.

 

Please then, why is she on the show?  Can you tell me a good reason for keeping her there? Because if we care about her, then she shouldn't be off the show and getting care?  I must be missing some pretty important points you're making because I agree with some of this but not all, and yet the bottom line is again that Kim is in a place that is fueling her anxieties, her feelings of inadequacy next to these other women who all live relatively stable lives, etc.  

Why is she here and why do viewers support her remaining on the show? Can any Kim supporters address this? Why do you think she should stay on the show if she is an addict, relapsed or not, and how is this a healthy environment for her?  I want to see how you're seeing it, and I've been accused of being dumber than a 2x4 at times, so help me out here.

[Pattycake2]

 

This is what kills me about this whole "blame Kyle" business. The only reason people are speculating about Kim possibly committing suicide, or Kim wearing a patch, or what Kim's late night phone calls mean is because Brandi has provided all of this information. Yet, Brandi swears that she's looking out for Kim. #GirlBye.

 

Yep, and now all the viewers are wondering if Yo's daughter is an alcoholic.  Thanks, Brandi!

 

Last summer I read Brandi's first book and I finally reached the point where she totally nauseated me.  It may not be the same for everyone, but this was my tipping point.  She talks about this creepyguy - The Unicorn - always looking for the perfect girl.  He made it perfectly clear that it wasn't Brandi, but she pursued him, called him weekly, threw herself at him whenver the opportunity presented itself.  Then came Christmas eve.  She had a lovely dinner with the Fosters.  Then, because she was so lonely cuz her boys were spending Christmas with Eddie, she met The Unicorn at the Polo Lounge.  She got drunk, gave him a handjob under the table (at the Polo Lounge for christ sake), took a taxi back to his place and woke up the next morning with her pants off.  He had already called a cab which she had to pay for.  She had blackout sex.   And she still pursued him.  And he still treated her like crap.  And it was all HIS fault.  The whole thing turned my stomach. Christmas and blackout sex.  Something to be proud of.  So, believing she is Kim's only friend and everyone else is an asshole is nothing in her self-delusionary world. 

[Diane Mars]

...I have NEVER seen another woman's tampon string dangling.  Celebrity or civilian.  Not even in art class.  IDK, it just really grossed me out.

You're probably not a swimmer, right ? Because, for my part, I see at least one tampon string a year. Minimum. (But, as I'm a nice gal, I always go to the girl to tell her that her tampon string is saying "hi" to everybody, because, if that happened to me, I'd really appreciate that someone will tell me, instead of taking pictures and posting them on the web ^^ . No, I'm not à "known" person, but that doesnt' change the feeling )

[Satchels of gold]

Thank you, motorcitymom! Still no sign of Lisa R. going all Godzilla on the barware?  I think I'm going to go Godzilla on my own barware if I don't see this happening toot sweet. 

 

Off the topic of Godzilla and glassware.

I'm a little puzzled about how women are shaming women over a tampon string?  I mean, women are the ones who get periods.  We are the last people to be 'tampon string shamers' (?) because let's face it, we also get the bloody underwear because of crappy tampons, or missing your due day, or a shifted pad, or anything else.  

 

There are a lot of other ways that a person could be shamed, but I think referring to a person as a tampon string is sort of akin to the very mild 'I hope you step on lego' as opposed to--well, as opposed to the other one, which wishes death on someone.  Just thinking out loud.

It has nothing to do with a tampon string !! Seriously if you were in girlfriend mode and guarding the br door for a friend and saw her tampon string would you be freaked out? No, nor would must of us. The freak out comes from her being so inebriated that she can't abide by social norms about what personal hygiene practices are kept private. I would feel the same if a man or woman was so drunk that they took a shit in the street. It's the loss of control that is the issue. This is not a women's issue about tampon shaming!

[runforcover]

Please then, why is she on the show?  Can you tell me a good reason for keeping her there? Because if we care about her, then she shouldn't be off the show and getting care?  I must be missing some pretty important points you're making because I agree with some of this but not all, and yet the bottom line is again that Kim is in a place that is fueling her anxieties, her feelings of inadequacy next to these other women who all live relatively stable lives, etc.  

Why is she here and why do viewers support her remaining on the show? Can any Kim supporters address this? Why do you think she should stay on the show if she is an addict, relapsed or not, and how is this a healthy environment for her?  I want to see how you're seeing it, and I've been accused of being dumber than a 2x4 at times, so help me out here.

 

I think what it means to care about these ppl is a good question.

 

While I think there people who care about Kim - kim as mom, Kim as addict, Kim as woman -and I think there are fans who do not, the distinction between "caring" and, maybe, "invested" should be made.

 

 I am obviously invested, I am here talking about her, clicking on shit that sends messages to other machines that I will support another Kim story-line, etc.  In some ways, maybe all, it doesn't matter whether I care.  "Kim" is a site that give me an opportunity to talk about a bunch of shit I do care about and, hence, some other agency can make money from an indirect-"care."

 

So, no, I don't care but I'm invested

 

Kim is a hologram.  And she's not particularly compelling.  I don't forget that she's just a series of screen images. I know this.  Maybe I think I care about Lisa V.  Maybe.

 

Like I can post comments on a forum about Kim's possible suicide.  It feels fucked up (It is) but I can do it.  I could not do that about someone I cared about.

 

Truthfully, addiction insights and peer-identification aside, I get off on Kim.

Edited February 12, 2015 by runforcover

[haydensterling]

It has nothing to do with a tampon string !! Seriously if you were in girlfriend mode and guarding the br door for a friend and saw her tampon string would you be freaked out? No, nor would must of us. The freak out comes from her being so inebriated that she can't abide by social norms about what personal hygiene practices are kept private. I would feel the same if a man or woman was so drunk that they took a shit in the street. It's the loss of control that is the issue. This is not a women's issue about tampon shaming!

 

I'm in agreement with this, which is why I brought it up.  I was the one calling Brandi 'Walking Tampon String' and there were some people saying this was 'tampon-shaming', which phrase I don't really understand and still don't.  It has everything to do with Brandi being so stinking drunk that the normal rules of hygiene have been forgotten.  

 

Kind of like when she accused Kim of lugging around a shitty pillow at the airport in Paris.  This is why I can't get with Brandi.  She shames every other woman on the face of the planet if they don't kiss her ass, but she is the first to shut her Twitter down if she doesn't like what she sees.

 

Besides, one could interpret a Walking Tampon String as being long and slender and elegant.  Or something. Hah!

[FozzyBear]

Soooooooooooooo.

Did anyone else laugh at the image of three ladies splitting a hot dag as a treat? Oh SoCal, how you kid. I'm always the brat saying "and I'll have my OWN hotdog!" This level of snark doesn't happen on an empty stomach.

Also, I lived in LA for less than a year, didn't work in anything close to the "business", and I knew Burbank has a film fest. It's not actually a secrect. You just have to have a general interest in the world around you. Of course, maybe Kyle was making a joke about how every city in America has to have a film fest now. Kyle's not so good with the comedy, but she keeps trying. Bless her heart.

[walnutqueen]

Dear Diary,

 

I need a Vicodin.  For reals. Send Brandim over.

 

haydensterling - First coffee, now Vicodin.  Coming down from those patches is a bitch, eh?!  ;-)  I've got a couple of Norco left over from a foot injury I sustained on January 1st - my foot still hurts like a motherfucker, but those Norco barely take the edge off, so you are welcome to them.  My WORLD has been pain for too many years; I'm all about the ice these days (ice packs from my freezer, that is).

 

Kim's constant slips and slides are quite evident to me - I've never seen her "clean and sober" in the true spirit of the phrase - I'll bet the only thing she hasn't tried is total abstinence from ALL substances.  Like all the addicts who don't have access to Dr Feelgood-about-yourself.

[runforcover]

I'm in agreement with this, which is why I brought it up.  I was the one calling Brandi 'Walking Tampon String' and there were some people saying this was 'tampon-shaming', which phrase I don't really understand and still don't.  It has everything to do with Brandi being so stinking drunk that the normal rules of hygiene have been forgotten.  

 

Kind of like when she accused Kim of lugging around a shitty pillow at the airport in Paris.  This is why I can't get with Brandi.  She shames every other woman on the face of the planet if they don't kiss her ass, but she is the first to shut her Twitter down if she doesn't like what she sees.

 

Besides, one could interpret a Walking Tampon String as being long and slender and elegant.  Or something. Hah!

I think the point is that critiquing Brandi for being cruel to other women via a kind of classic woman-hating fetish object strikes some as, perhaps also, cruel.

 

Doesn't mean you can't say it.

Nor does it mean that you intended to say that.

[haydensterling]

I think the point is that critiquing Brandi for being cruel to other women via a kind of classic woman-hating fetish object strikes some as, perhaps also, cruel.

 

Doesn't mean you can't say it.

Nor does it mean that you intended to say that.

 

Like Brandi saying that Joanna Krupa's pussy stinks?  Saying a woman's vagina stinks is a whole lot more like something an asshole jock would say.  A whole lot more classic-woman-hating than mentioning a tampon and its dangly little string.  I consider them friends, not 'woman-hating fetish objects'.  

 

Also, fetish objects?  Really?  I find that interesting, but mos def not my cup of tea.

 

I think you and I don't see eye-to-eye and sadly we're not going to get anywhere with each other.  That's cool.  I'm not going to keep going over the tampon stuff.  You can take it any way you want it.  

[Watermelon]

There are websites out there devoted to celebrity crotch shots, panties showing shots, nip slips, and the paparrazzi gets paid when they happen, that's why they wait outside of clubs, and get low when people are getting into cars.  Anne Hathaway just had one, Jennifer Aniston has one, hell tons of people do.  I think I'd be less bothered if it didn't feel like women shaming women by using the whole tampon string comment.  "Brandi flashed her crotch while falling down drunk" bothers me not at all, but why is it somehow WORSE that she happened to be having her period at the time?  It happens to all of us, for several days a month.

 

I'm trying to put my finger on why the tampon string being the lead here bothers me.

I don't think anybody's trying to shame "women". I think some might be trying to shame Brandi, and I can see why. What woman on their period wears 1)no draws while 2) in a dress short enough to show your business?

 

Damn the fact that someone might see your tampon, you could have an accident! That's not even proper thinking, IMO.

[Persnickety1]

It has nothing to do with a tampon string !! Seriously if you were in girlfriend mode and guarding the br door for a friend and saw her tampon string would you be freaked out? No, nor would must of us. The freak out comes from her being so inebriated that she can't abide by social norms about what personal hygiene practices are kept private. I would feel the same if a man or woman was so drunk that they took a shit in the street. It's the loss of control that is the issue. This is not a women's issue about tampon shaming!

 

Thank you.

 

Particularly disgusting for a grown-assed woman in her 40s with 2 small children at home, who knows full well she is being followed and photographed and chooses to behave in such a manner in public.

 

The tampon string, coupled with the fact she's nearly bare assed naked and falling out of her clothes and can't even walk without support, is just the cherry on the drunken sundae.

 

IMO, had she cleaned up her act after seeing these photographs of herself, the issue would be moot.

 

However, her behavior has reportedly carried out unchecked, and she quite frankly seems to be amused at her drunken shenanigans.

 

Again, fuck her.  Her kids are the ones that will really suffer the brunt of her self-destructive shenanigans.  Those poor boys.  

[runforcover]

Like Brandi saying that Joanna Krupa's pussy stinks?  Saying a woman's vagina stinks is a whole lot more like something an asshole jock would say.  A whole lot more classic-woman-hating than mentioning a tampon and its dangly little string.  I consider them friends, not 'woman-hating fetish objects'.  

 

Also, fetish objects?  Really?  I find that interesting, but mos def not my cup of tea.

 

I think you and I don't see eye-to-eye and sadly we're not going to get anywhere with each other.  That's cool.  I'm not going to keep going over the tampon stuff.  You can take it any way you want it.  

 

Right, so Brandi acts like an asshole. I'm not the one saying that.

 

I think you are right.  We are not going to get anywhere :)

Edited February 12, 2015 by runforcover

[kelleythinksso]

Not sure if this has been linked to or discussed before, but this podcast (which features discussion about Bravo shows) is hilarious: http://www.bsideblog.com/tag/watch-what-crappens/

[izabella]

haydensterling - First coffee, now Vicodin.  Coming down from those patches is a bitch, eh?!  ;-)  I've got a couple of Norco left over from a foot injury I sustained on January 1st - my foot still hurts like a motherfucker, but those Norco barely take the edge off, so you are welcome to them.  My WORLD has been pain for too many years; I'm all about the ice these days (ice packs from my freezer, that is)..

 

I really think you mean your world has been 100% pain, don't you?

[runforcover]

Not sure if this has been linked to or discussed before, but this podcast (which features discussion about Bravo shows) is hilarious: http://www.bsideblog.com/tag/watch-what-crappens/

Thanks for this!

[CaughtOnTape]

Finally watched the episode last night.

 

I have no use for Kim.  She's one selfish bitch.  Kyle may have her issues but I can't even blame her for them because Kim is such a selfish hag.  If I were Kyle and I heard Kim say she didn't hear Brandi make that comment about Mauricio I would have gotten up and left the table.

Kim's made her choice, Kyle.  Run away.

 

Kyle needs to realize it's ok to cut toxic people out of your life, even if you're related to them.  Kim is not her responsibility.  Kim is manipulative and knows how much it upsets Kyle to be told she's a shitty sister, so she carts that out whenever she gets the chance.  Kyle needs to stop reacting to that assertion and move on.  She has a family of her own to worry about.

 

And Yolanda should be smacked upside the head for telling Brandi it was ok to lash out at her when she was trying to help.  I applaud her for keeping it classy, but it's NOT ok for Brandi to have made that comment about Bella.  However, I think Yolanda and I are a lot alike when it comes to dealing with confrontation.  Yolanda may have let her slide with it right then, but when the time comes and she's done with Brandi, that comment will be a big reason why.

[LotusFlower]

To me it should be about being attentive but not engulfed. Checking in but accepting the reality and trying to live some semblance of a life among all of the turmoil. What else is there? Petty fights? Dramatic reveals? Public shaming? I don't get how that's productive.

Specialists in the field of addiction disagree with this line of thinking. Not only does this kind of enabling hurt the addict, but it's not fair to the addict's loved ones, the ones you say should be "checking in" from time to time. They deserve some peace, too.

"Intervention" is returning to A&E in March. It deals with all this stuff. What I found the most fascinating from watching many episodes is that everyone said the exact same things. The people were different, the scenery changed, but what the addicts said and what their loved ones said in response was almost always a carbon copy of the players in the previous episode, and so on and so on. Kim and Kyle, wealthy ladies from Beverly Hills, and John and Jane Doe from Meth Town, USA, are all dealing with the same issues, and all need counseling.

[hoosier80]

Brandi was the one I'm sure who initiated the whole friendship with Kim.  Brandi's whole "talent" and why she's on the show is to shock and to cause fights.  Plus, I don't think she's ever gotten over the game night crap from a few seasons back, so it's payback time.  She's also run out of people to engage for a fight.  I think she tried to start something with Eileen, but Eileen handled it like an adult, so nothing there.  She wanted to continue with Lisa V, but Lisa V stopped that shit with going to the housewarming with a gift, meeting her for lunch, and apologizing.  There's nothing left to fight about with Lisa V.  

 

I'm sure Brandi has told Kim everything she (Kim) wants to hear, so Brandi is so much better than Kyle in Kim's addled mind.  I've no doubt that Brandi is using Kim, because she is a serial user.  I've had a few users like that in my life, seem like your friend, but as soon as your usefulness to them is up, poof, they're gone. 

 

Brandi is giving little hints, outing Kim, in part I think because that's what she does, and in part because she knows that Kim is in deep trouble.  If something were to happen to Kim, she can now say - well I told Lisa R to have an intervention, I said xxx, but no one paid attention to me.  I was a good friend!  It's also her get out of jail card if/when she dumps Kim as her friend (when a better opportunity to use someone else comes along).  

 

As for her well when people tell me not to drink, I just want to drink more reasoning - that is something an adolescent might say, so it just shows how stunted she is emotionally.   Sure, you can drink what you want as an adult; you can do a lot of things that you want as an adult, but there may be consequences to whatever you do to in excess.  If you overeat, you may get sick.  If you play out in traffic, you may be hit and killed.  If you don't pay your electric bill, you may be sitting in the dark.  The problem is there are consequences, and all she does is go la la la - and change the subject when someone brings up what the consequences have been due to her being drunk.  She says there's no shame in her game, when a lot of her actions have been shameful or would be shameful to any mature adult.

 

I cannot wait to see what provokes Lisa R to start throwing barware.  While I get it when someone pushes your buttons to where you just react, the best thing these women could do when Brandi tries to engage them, is to not say one word and get up and leave - complete silence.

Edited February 12, 2015 by hoosier80

[Giselle]

 

 

I cannot wait to see what provokes Lisa R to start throwing barware.  While I get it when someone pushes your buttons to where you just react, the best thing these women could do when Brandi tries to engage them, is to not say

one word and get up and leave - complete silence.

 

Yes to all of your post. But....

 

Oh, would that it were so.

If the ladies did that to Lurch she would be gobsmacked!

[dizzyd]

Ugggh, Brandi's blog makes me want to slap her and at the same time makes me so thankful I don't know her or anyone like her personally.  I couldn't put up with that shit and I feel bad for her coworkers who are contracted to. And I will never understand why crap like hers gets promoted as entertainment and rewarded financially, its like rewarding a child or a pet or an employee for bad behavior to encourage it.

[haydensterling]

OMG walnutqueen SO MUCH PAIN.   Speaking of drugs, I still have a half of a bottle of Lortab laying around from my gallbladder surgery last year.  That surgery, ugh.  Not only did I lose the crappy gallbladder but I lost twenty lbs. I couldn't really afford to lose due to the fact that I stopping eating normally for about six months.  People ask me why I got so skinny, I tell them it was a gangrenous gallbladder and an ulcer!  Don't try this at home, kids!   Gross.

 

izabella, if I had to put an exact number to my pain, I think it would be more like 123% pain.  With a chance of clouds, possibly showers later in the evening.

 

So.  Who's going to show at the reunion?  I think Kim will be a pass this year, not so sure about Yolanda either.  Also, who's going to sit on the Brandi couch if Kim's not there?

[SomeJabroni]

You're probably not a swimmer, right ? Because, for my part, I see at least one tampon string a year. Minimum. (But, as I'm a nice gal, I always go to the girl to tell her that her tampon string is saying "hi" to everybody, because, if that happened to me, I'd really appreciate that someone will tell me, instead of taking pictures and posting them on the web ^^ . No, I'm not à "known" person, but that doesnt' change the feeling )

 

 

It has nothing to do with a tampon string !! Seriously if you were in girlfriend mode and guarding the br door for a friend and saw her tampon string would you be freaked out? No, nor would must of us. The freak out comes from her being so inebriated that she can't abide by social norms about what personal hygiene practices are kept private. I would feel the same if a man or woman was so drunk that they took a shit in the street. It's the loss of control that is the issue. This is not a women's issue about tampon shaming!

 

 

I'm in agreement with this, which is why I brought it up.  I was the one calling Brandi 'Walking Tampon String' and there were some people saying this was 'tampon-shaming', which phrase I don't really understand and still don't.  It has everything to do with Brandi being so stinking drunk that the normal rules of hygiene have been forgotten.  

 

Kind of like when she accused Kim of lugging around a shitty pillow at the airport in Paris.  This is why I can't get with Brandi.  She shames every other woman on the face of the planet if they don't kiss her ass, but she is the first to shut her Twitter down if she doesn't like what she sees.

 

Besides, one could interpret a Walking Tampon String as being long and slender and elegant.  Or something. Hah!

 

DianeMars - No, I'm not really what one would call a swimmer, but I see what you're saying.  ETA:  I forgot to mention this, but within the confines of a locker/shower/changing room, a tampon string sighting is not inappropriate (IMO) nor would it make me say, "Ewwww." or any such thing.  And maybe I go to the wrong athletic clubs, but chances are the strings you saw during swim season probably weren't attached to drunken, hate spewing degenerates.  Plus, you also stated that you're a "nice girl," which Brandi is definitely not.  By any stretch of the imagination.  :)  

 

NC socialworker and HaydenSterling - Thank you ladies(?) for much better articulating what I was trying to say.  It isn't that a tampon string or menses are inherently revolting, it's as NCSocialworker so succintly put it: The freak out comes from her being so inebriated that she can't abide by social norms about what personal hygiene practices are kept private.  Plus her own gleeful willingness to call out other HWs for the same kind of shit (Pillow in Paris, anyone?). 

Edited February 12, 2015 by SomeJabroni

[motorcitymom65]

Like Brandi saying that Joanna Krupa's pussy stinks?  Saying a woman's vagina stinks is a whole lot more like something an asshole jock would say.  A whole lot more classic-woman-hating than mentioning a tampon and its dangly little string.  I consider them friends, not 'woman-hating fetish objects'.  

 

 

This, this and more of this. 

 

I seriously wonder if I will live long enough to hear one woman say something more horrible than the thing that Brandi said about Joanna live on TV.  There are just no words IMO to describe someone who could do that to another woman. I don't care if you like her or hate her. That is just so damned ugly, and it would take an ugly heart to be able to carry this out. I am fond of reminding folks of the tampon string from time to time. I seriously doubt I would do so, even though I have detested Brandi since the Adrienne reveal, had she not said what she did about Joanna (a woman I also detest). If she were anyone else I would probably feel a level of empathy for her. As it is, Brandi didn't have this one bad night, or two or three or six. Both before and after she has done things that are hurtful to other people.  She doesn't ever seem to feel badly about that. She says she won't be told how to behave. She seems to have learned nothing. Her biggest concern is why she can't just say what she wants and not be judged for it. For me, if she cannot be shamed because of the horrible things she says and reveals about others, I will shame her for showing the world her tampon string. 

Edited February 12, 2015 by motorcitymom65

[walnutqueen]

haydensterling - my pain was at 80% most of the time, but you get used to it.  It is barely a blip on my radar screen since I stopped doing anything to exacerbate it (like working, housework, etc - YAY!).  Fortunately, pain meds were never any fun for me.  I'm a nicotine addict to put all other pretenders to shame, though.

 

My 84y/o Mum was in the hospital with a gallbladder attack in Dec'14; got home and broke her hip, pelvis & wrist and is STILL recovering, poor 86 lb thing (lung cancer, aortic abdominal aneurism, chronic emphysema & diabetes & heart problems - they ain't getting her down - she eschews pain meds, too).  So you and I are fuckin' WIMPS!!!   Should've grown up in WWII-ravaged Poland to toughen us up, I guess.  :-D

 

Let's say Kim and Brandi had NO substance abuse issues.  I still would be calling them on their bad behavior, because that shit doesn't fly by me.  End of story.

Edited February 12, 2015 by walnutqueen

[Lola16]

So in your opinion which is more worthy of snark- Eileen's film, or Rinna's Depends commercial?  If you had to pick just one, I mean.  

 

I'm curious, given the reaction of the other HW's.  It can't be that much worse than Depends or, y'know, not booking gigs...can it?

Rinna is shilling some new product - think it's some sort of exercise belt that zaps you.  IMO, that's one reason why she signed on for this show.  It gets her more endorsement deals.  Even lame ass crappy ones help to pay the bills.

[esco1822]

My read on the Max situation was basically that since he was a foster child, there may be upsetting circumstances behind why/how he was put into foster care. If he knew his name birth name or the parent(s) names, he would likely be able to find out these details. Lisa seems to want to protect him from something, like she doesn't want him to know the real circumstances behind him going into foster care--not because she fears losing him to them but because she worries about the effect of the information on him emotionally/psychologically. I have a sister who was adopted and I felt like Pandy's reaction was totally genuine and Lisa's reaction to that was really to protect herself from getting emotional a) on screen and; b) right before a public event.

[copacabana]

Seriously.  Come on.  

IMO, if you are asking How than nobody can adequately explain it to you.  Which is fine.  Nobody need be on either side of this thing.

Or you can only ask this question because you wouldn't get the answer.  Something like that.  Like I said, no side is special or better.  Not a dis.

 

Ok, that might be annoying.

 

Look, this is when I get a bit defensive about my own past recklessness.  I can't help it.  The only reason I know how not to destroy my own life is because I am very familiar with all the ways I have tried.  But it's weird.  I am sensitive to any enthusiastic use of substances.  Even though I know full well it has nothing to with me.  So as I'm about to judge excess I end up swallowing my tongue. 

 

(I know.  But I swear it's true.  I find other indirect ways to criticize someone's existence that bypass actual consumption - as it's not great proof of anything and one never knows - and bypass politics and personality.  It's not a perfect system.  If you guys have any secret tweaks, let me know.  I judge people all day long.  I also retract shit all day long.)

 

And thinking about women, drinking, culpability and addiction is not for everyone.  I have pretty one-note thoughts about a lot of things and I probably won't get around to fixing that. so I get it.  Battles are picked.  Thank god I have had people around me that have been disgusted with my actions.  But thank god that wasn't everyone.  

 

I guess this is tough.  I'm not sure what I have written here.

 

I adore your writing and thoughtfulness, truly.  

 

Obviously, Brandi Glanville being so drunk that she's dressed in a white baby doll, hanging onto her gay-gent (more outrage), with her string hanging out ain't great and thank goodness we all got to see that in tabloids after clicking and searching instead of on Bravo but, for real? I guess not a lot of Janis Joplins and Patti Smiths and Pat Benatars around up in here.  With apologies to Benatar since she may be pure as the driven snow or at least clean enough.

 

Wasn't about old Brandi being an out an out whatever -- Just that, really, I'm glad it wasn't me back in the day being photographed to then have my privates circled on the internet when no one would have seen any kind of string otherwise.  I didn't ever go there with my monthly a millions years ago but am really glad there weren't cameras around for other situations.  It's a live and learn world, ladies, and we can give ourselves a break. 

 

So let's hope that don't happen again to anyone anywhere -- though I wouldn't count on it -- and also hope that the bigger druggie screw-up scene -- complete with full on hair and make-up and sit downs with soap queens and hysterical sisters doesn't become the norm for showcasing what it is to be totally fucked up and keep getting away with it.  And asking us to keep on watching. 

 

How you separate the tampon string from the gal wearing it in talking about shame I guess I don't get.  

 

PS -- The Drop with Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, and the late great James Gandolfini a very good film that made me think of all the BHHWs.  For real.  

Edited February 12, 2015 by copacabana

[haydensterling]

This, this and more of this. 

 

I seriously wonder if I will live long enough to hear one woman say something more horrible than the thing that Brandi said about Joanna live on TV.  There are just no words IMO to describe someone who could do that to another woman. I don't care if you like her or hate her. That is just so damned ugly, and it would take an ugly heart to be able to carry this out. I am fond of reminding folks of the tampon string from time to time. I seriously doubt I would do so, even though I have detested Brandi since the Adrienne reveal, had she not said what she did about Joanna (a woman I also detest). If she were anyone else I would probably feel a level of empathy for her. As it is, Brandi didn't have this one bad night, or two or three or six. Both before and after she has done things that are hurtful to other people.  She doesn't ever seem to feel badly about that. She says she won't be told how to behave. She seems to have learned nothing. Her biggest concern is why she can't just say what she wants and not be judged for it. For me, if she cannot be shamed because of the horrible things she says and reveals about others, I will shame her for showing the world her tampon string.

 

I am with you one hundred and twenty three percent, motorcitymom.  Though, all Brandi's gross antics might be our fault for fetishizing her tampons, let's be fair. A new craze sweeping the world that I didn't even know existed!

 

 

haydensterling - my pain was at 80% most of the time, but you get used to it.  It is barely a blip on my radar screen since I stopped doing anything to exacerbate it (like working, housework, etc - YAY!).  Fortunately, pain meds were never any fun for me.  I'm a nicotine addict to put all other pretenders to shame, though.

 

My 84y/o Mum was in the hospital with a gallbladder attack in Dec'14; got home and broke her hip, pelvis & wrist and is STILL recovering, poor 86 lb thing (lung cancer, aortic abdominal aneurism, chronic emphysema & diabetes & heart problems - they ain't getting her down - she eschews pain meds, too).  So you and I are fuckin' WIMPS!!!   Should've grown up in WWII-ravaged Poland to toughen us up, I guess.  :-D

 

Let's say Kim and Brandi had NO substance abuse issues.  I still would be calling them on their bad behavior, because that shit doesn't fly by me.  End of story.

 

I wasn't serious about my pain being that bad, walnutqueen, I was kidding, I'm sorry!  It sucks that you have any, all I've got right now is a headcold and a desire for my pants to fit me again.  :)   I am a total wimp when it comes to pain, your grandma sounds seriously awesome and I'll bet she could hand both of us our butts!  Also, yay for Polish Americans! *fist bump*

I hate the idea that people can't be called to the carpet when they've done something genuinely harmful.  Brandi seems to enjoy hurting everyone she comes into contact with, just for funsies, and Kim is in a messed up manipulative phase, which I think may be her default when she's not hiding behind kooky Kim.  

 

This show, oh my god, this show. 

[Umbelina]

I'm making a rough guess here, that 90% of the posts on this episode have Brandi's name in them.  Just sayin'.

 

I still say all three of them are assholes.  If I really think about it, Kim probably has the best excuse, she's got a horrible disease, she's an addict, and addicts do backslide. 

 

I won't mention Brandi's sins because, God knows they have been covered endlessly.

 

That leaves me with Kyle.  Kyle doesn't suddenly become a suffering martyr/angel because someone else is an asshole too.  Kyle's STILL a mean-girl, immature bitch who has to make everything about herself, and needs a gang to back her up.  She hasn't changed at all, she's just getting better at spin, not Vanderpump levels of skill, but she's cunning, and is picking up her game.

 

A thought came to me this morning.   IF Bravo had been filming when whatever Kim was saying or doing scared the shit out of Brandi at 2AM, and Kyle got the call, I think Kyle would have fixed her makeup, put on something too tight, possibly sparkly, called BRAVO to arrange filming, brushed out her hair until it shined, and THEN run to Kim's house, camera's in tow.  If not that, the next day, she would certainly make sure we heard about how HARD it was for her, but she's such a saint she had to run to help Kim in, for several episodes. 

 

As it was though?  They weren't filming, and Kyle didn't give a shit.  She went back to sleep.  Brandi is right about that one.  Her reasons could be "been there, done that" but still, she didn't give a shit.  I believe that did shock the crap out of Brandi, and that she was scared for Kim.  There is a lot of fear in a situation like that, and it can make you angry to be afraid. 

 

The Richard sisters are a train wreck.  They should have listened to what Eileen was trying to say to them.  Drop the bullshit and find the love.  Instead it was all verbal finger pointing over who stood up for the other one and on and on and on again some more, as we've seen since this show began.  They aren't changing because their sickness works for them.

Edited February 12, 2015 by Umbelina

[LotusFlower]

A thought came to me this morning. IF Bravo had been filming when whatever Kim was saying or doing scared the shit out of Brandi at 2AM, and Kyle got the call, I think Kyle would have fixed her makeup, put on something too tight, possibly sparkly, called BRAVO to arrange filming, brushed out her hair until it shined, and THEN run to Kim's house, camera's in tow......As it was though? They weren't filming, and Kyle didn't give a shit. She went back to sleep.

Good for her.

The Richard sisters are a train wreck. They should have listened to what Eileen was trying to say to them. Drop the bullshit and find the love.

What love? Kim's a narcissist, and loves only herself. Eileen doesn't know Kim well enough to know this.

[The Mighty Peanut]

Funny how this silly reality show made way for the most infamous tampon of all time.

[WireWrap]

Because this job to these women is absolutely necessary to put food on the table? If my job required me to feel the need to take it there with a coworker me thinks I'm finding another job and if not then me thinks I have to cope but the option of inserting myself, that deep, into THAT? Nah, I'd keep a respectable distance (as much as my job allows), deal as best as I good and leave it at that. Cause well some things are just not for everybody's involvement even if they are witness to it.

Why should any of the other HWs have to give up a well paying job because Kim can't stay clean/sober or because Brandi gets drunk and attacks them? Why does everyone have to tip toe around them? Kim and Brandi are aggressive towards their co-workers, it is not the other way around with the exception of the Kyle-Kim/Brandi fight and in that case, it is 2, Kim/Brandi against 1, Kyle. It is time for Kim and Brandi to exit the show.

 

I guess I'm coming from a place that doesn't believe the opposite of coddling hasn't been done as well. I can't for one second believe that Kim has ALWAYS been coddled and "protected". Nope. Me thinks, there's been the ugly, screamfest, smackdown drag out fights about her problems as well. My point is, it's been done over and over and over to the point that people think that NO TOLERANCE what so ever should be had with Kim and its unacceptable or enabling. I'm of the opinion that everything that could be tried has been tried and it's at a point where it's about managing as well as possible. Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst and all these dramatic instigations are unnecessary. Is this routine suppose to play out over and over and over and over throughout the rest of her years. I know her addiction will keep the story repeating but I don't get the cycle of people thinking they can extract some sort of different outcome from this mess. I guess I'm seeing it go on and on and I just don't get what it's suppose to contribute at this point in Kim's addiction/sobriety. To me it should be about being attentive but not engulfed. Checking in but accepting the reality and trying to live some semblance of a life among all of the turmoil. What else is there? Petty fights? Dramatic reveals? Public shaming? I don't get how that's productive. I get Kim puts herself there but people don't have to engage. Don't have to swing for the fences with these episodes that happen. Just saying.

Why should anyone have to "tolerate" Kim's addictions, or Brandi's for that matter? Excuses have been made for both of these women over the years and that has not helped either in any way, it has allowed them to sink further into addiction, depression, anger, drinking.....ect.

 

There are consequences for your behavior throughout your life, be it in your private life or public life at work. I don't know of many employers that coddle addicts/drunks, most are given 1 chance to get clean, rehab, then if they get drunk/get high again after rehab, they get fired. At this point, Kim has fallen off the wagon each season since she left rehab ( I don't believe that she was ever sober/clean at all after the first 3-4 months post rehab) and refuses to acknowledge it and Brandi refuses to admit she even has a problem and therefore refuses to get any help. Time for them to go. I have no desire to watch either continue circling the drain and I refuse to watch either of them go down that drain/die.  Enough is enough, time for some tough love.  JMO

[copacabana]

"They aren't changing because their sickness works for them?"  Signing off on that, umbelina. 

 

One of the many ways my own self-loathing became apparent and later useful -- Don't be dogging me about having made gross mistakes surrounding my bodily functions or biology!  Just don't. 

 

Karma all the time every time.  Girl code covers all of that always forever in my world. 

Funny how this silly reality show made way for the most infamous tampon of all time.

 

Wasn't even on the show -- but, yeah.

Edited February 12, 2015 by copacabana

[haydensterling]

The Tampon of Shame (And Fetishy Stuff, Or...Something) Heard Round the World!

[Sincerely Yours]

Why is she here and why do viewers support her remaining on the show? Can any Kim supporters address this? Why do you think she should stay on the show if she is an addict, relapsed or not, and how is this a healthy environment for her?  I want to see how you're seeing it, and I've been accused of being dumber than a 2x4 at times, so help me out here.

No one said she should stay on the show. I just don't get what the other cast members think they are bringing that's new to the table. No one's talking about it? Dancing around it? Not speaking head on? If it's that bad and she's off the wagon then an intervention is necessary but these little pairings and discussions and analyzing, judging criticizing is not helpful period. It is a Richards thing plain and simple anyone else caught in the crossfire is just that caught in the crossfire. Doesn't make them intricate parts in Kim's decades long battle and the argument that they have to work with this women and it's an imposition on them I find to be a pretty superficial disregard to the bigger issue at hand. No one's saying she should get a pass for being an awkward pain in the ass but address the situation she created. Eileen should tell her she's disappointed at the disruption at her Poker party, Lisa can mention how awkward she felt in the limo and leave it at that. It's not their fight to fight. Now I have no problem with them engaging deeper if they choose as long as it's about a properly organized true intervention and not this sloppy, intrusive, non controlled attempt. It's just women, willy nilly discussing, pointing out, having randomly "planned" sit downs that go nowhere fast. And no one KNOWS how but at the very least people should know how, if and to what degree their participation is appropriate. Them being cast on the same show aren't enough credentials to me anyway, for these women to allow themselves to be submerged this deeply in Kim's battles unless they are truly interested in being a part of the solution and not just a part of the storyline. Reality show or no reality show. That's my issue with these women and there need to "tackle" the "issue". Yeah, tackle til ya break a nail and then what? Just keep ya distance from jump. Have a couple of close ups and little quips for your talking heads, get your storyline together, show off your fam, try to hold on to that diamond BUT keep it moving.