Season 4 Talk

[OnceSane]

Quote

The Shahs ring in the Persian New Year but the mood dampens when Mike picks a fight with Asifa's boyfriend Bobby. Although Reza steps in as the peacemaker, he begins to realize that Mike's problems may be bigger than anyone imagined.

[ExplainItAgain]

Oh, are we in for a season-long "Is Mike an alcoholic?" storyline?

[OnceSane]

Probably.

[Giselle]

If that's the case this series is in the crapper. They are killing off BH Housewives for me with that storyline.

 

HEY ANDY, too many druggies and drunks spoil bravo for me.

 

Thank God for TiVo I can fast forward through that crap.

[ExplainItAgain]

I have missed this show!! I love that they just eat, eat, eat. And I love when they bust out the Farsi.

 

Quick reactions:

 

Good for Mercedes and her man. I'm not sure about him yet...he seems a little strange. She still does not know how to dress.

 

GG is still crazy.

 

OH JESSICA. What did you do to your face?! Melted plastic.

 

Asifa seems like a dingbat. She's very pretty though.

 

I love Asa's mom.

 

Mike definitely has a problem. Get out now Jessica. And take your little chain link Chanel with you.

[MrsRafaelBarba]

Mike is a bloated drunken mess, why does Jessica want to marry him?

[hoosier80]

 

Mike is a bloated drunken mess, why does Jessica want to marry him?

 

Maybe Jessica is one of those women who figure they've done their time, not walking away without the prize?  I agree though, Mike is no prize.    

 

When they were having fun, having a nice time before Mike's meltdown, I was actually thinking wow, it's good to have this show back.  Mike isn't only a drunk, he's a drunk with an anger problem.  He's got a big ol' chip on his shoulder, probably because as he's told it, he is now the least successful son in the family.  He had made money in Vegas and lost it.  Angry & bitter, table of one.  Run plastic Jessica, run!

[RococoChanel]

Wow, Mike is a scary drunk. Jessica is a sourpuss, but I'd be upset too if I had to be with Mike during his outbursts. Ouch.

[Persnickety1]

Still working and haven't had a chance to watch this yet...  

 

It's been so long since the last season finale, but if I'm not mistaken, Mike's drinking too much was really becoming front and center in the last few episodes.

 

For some reason Jessica always reminds me of Sammi from Jersey Shore.  

 

I can't imagine Jessica's family is particularly happy with that relationship right now.  

[HunterHunted]

Mike,

When GG can control her alcohol intake and her anger and you look like a drunken raging hulk, you have a problem. Also Jessica is in no way your better half if she's this quick to anger too.

Love,

All people with eyes and ears.

[meeeeech]

I guess the drunk Mike focus is supposed to pave the storyline for that rumor 

that Mike tried to rape GG.

. He was a real  ass tonight, although Asifa making the comment was rude. His gripe was that she's a total stranger and her joke wasn't funny or appreciated, but since she is a stranger and so insignificant why should her little jab carry any weight? Grow up, Mike, you're 35!

 

Jessica repeatedly begged this guy to marry her and cried every time he said no? They both seem extremely immature so maybe it is a good match.

[beesknees]

Was so excited to see tonight's opening episode!  Miss my Shahs much but I do not get a good vibe (not meshing) with the new girl Asifa (sp?).  Don't like Asifa's BF either.  Okay. Mike has gone down hill tremendously since last season.  Big fat drunk.  Not even married yet and Jessica is playing the role of much experienced referee to Mike's drunken antics.  Yikes.  And she's not even married to Mike yet.  Sad.  She is soooo over everything and what's with the plasticky melted face?  Jessica's too young for that.  She looks waxy and horrible and pissed off all the way around.  Run, girl.  Do you really need the TV time or the ring that badly? :(   :(

 

GG's boob/butt implants look really good on her and I love the fact that GG's just putting it all out there from the get-go and not lying about her procedures.  Love all the parents to bits.  MJ's ass is huger than ever and she dresses more horribly with each passing season.  Good Gordon.  I do like that she's found someone to love.  Its only been 2 months, she's still in the honeymoon phase so we'll see. Teasers on the upcoming season's previews ...  possible that MJ's preggers?  If so, I hope its true !!!

 

Not missing Lilly G. one bit although I'm still on the fence regarding the new girl.  Asa and Reza are still the same.  This season the Shahs will bring the drama if the previews ring true.

Edited March 3, 2015 by beesknees

[Tallulahbaby]

Boyz to the Men. That is all.

[charmed1]

I saw MJ on a pathetic clip on TMZ. Don't judge me, it wasn't my house. And her butt injections looked so ridiculous I thought it must've been the camera or some TMZ joke. I see she actually did get it done and she looks ridiculous. I think Jessica is just as big of a loser as Mike is. So much so, it delights me that she's appeared to have gained all the weight back that she lost last season.

[Sun-Bun]

I was beyond bored with this episode---hopefully the season gets better and more fun soon?

[RedKoolAide]

Asa's mom cracks me up. I love that she loves 90's R&B and gangster rap. It's so random and hilarious.

Mike seems addicted to more than just alcohol. He looks a damn mess and he and Jessica have the worst relationship. Very volatile and codependent. I've never cared for Jessica. Something about her doesn't sit right with me.

I don't understand why Asifa's boyfriend's jacket bothered Reza and Mike so much. Maybe he's not that fashionable. So what? Then Mike just takes the jacket. Why? It was so stupid.

Did both GG and Mercedes get new butts? Mercedes' looked bigger too.

I do appreciate that when they host parties the food always looks delicious and it's well displayed.

[Neurochick]

If that's the case this series is in the crapper. They are killing off BH Housewives for me with that storyline.

 

HEY ANDY, too many druggies and drunks spoil bravo for me.

 

Thank God for TiVo I can fast forward through that crap.

 

Doesn't spoil it for me, because alcoholism and drug addiction do happen even in the best of families, and if people are drunks, that's who they are.  Mike was kind of going off the deep end last season too and now he seems like he's complete off the deep end.  What was that nonsense about Asifa's boyfriend's jacket?  Who gives and fuck and why would anybody even give a fuck?  Have fun, eat the great food and enjoy the company.

[beesknees]

Yeah, what's the point of making Asifa's BF (who is new to the group) feel humiliated by fucking with his jacket?  Who does that?  So stupid.  That is not the way to make someone feel welcomed in one's home.  Making a huge effing deal about a thread on the BF's jacket and then the shot of Reza bending down with a butter knife by the guy's ass, no less ...  SMDH.

 

And why did Mike confiscate the dude's jacket and refuse to give it back?  Weird.  Total drunk move.  I didn't see the end of the episode so did Mike eventually return the suit coat or what?

[DrivingSideways]

I thought Mike's behavior to Asifa's boyfriend made perfect sense, in that Mike is an immature, drunken, coked up bully.  I felt so bad for the boyfriend.  Although he and Asifa are probably assholes too.  These people are fun to watch on TV but I would never ever befriend any of them - they are a cruel and heartless group.  Oddly, the nicest one may be GG - sure she may try to stab you, but I don't think she will go out of her way to humiliate or conspire against someone.  

[Fuzzysox]

Still working and haven't had a chance to watch this yet...  

 

It's been so long since the last season finale, but if I'm not mistaken, Mike's drinking too much was really becoming front and center in the last few episodes.

 

For some reason Jessica always reminds me of Sammi from Jersey Shore.  

 

I can't imagine Jessica's family is particularly happy with that relationship right now.  

Your right Jessica is like Sammy addicted to the drama and in love with the wrong man.

 

Gay Gandhi said they are getting married March 29th. Yikes I wonder what kind of hell will break out at the wedding? Jessica you have 4 weeks to go RUN now girl you can do so much better!

[RedKoolAide]

Beesknees, the guy who looks like a well put-together Mike(I think his name was Shervan?) got the jacket back.

[driedfruit]

Asa was hot in the banana pants. She's been looking a little cuter this season, or is it just me? 

 

I don't understand what Jessica sees in Mike. Can't be his micro penis or charming personality. At least Reza is funny, so I get it a bit with his guy. Asifa made my brain melt, but she's hot and ridiculous so she's welcome to stay.

 

Funny enough, GG might be the realest person in their group.  

 

Yeah, what's the point of making Asifa's BF (who is new to the group) feel humiliated by fucking with his jacket?  Who does that?  So stupid.  That is not the way to make someone feel welcomed in one's home.  Making a huge effing deal about a thread on the BF's jacket and then the shot of Reza bending down with a butter knife by the guy's ass, no less ...  SMDH.

 

This one might just be a cultural misunderstanding. Iranians tend to fix fashion faux pas even for strangers, but not with the intent of humiliating.

[JoJo NY]

Asa's mom is a hoot. I love how sentimental she was in keeping her daughter's outfits.

Mike's mother is beautiful at 60+. She must've been a stunner in her youth.

GG is growing on me. She does seem to be more decent and truthful than her buddies.

Reza look good, but continues to be an asshole. I do love the spread he laid out, though. The food and food styling on this show is scrumptious-looking. I wanna go eat their food. Don't want to talk to most of them, just grab some grub and vanish!

[selhars]

1) As for the parents....
Mercedes' mom is a bitch. What kind of parent berates and denigrates their child like she does.
While Mike's parents are OK, and I haven't seen they're as dream killing as Mercedes' mom......I've seen a couple of quick looks from them, that I suspect that while they may not have MEANT to encourage competition between Mike and his brother....I think they DID, to some extent. With two brothers, relatively close in age, there might have been competition anyway. I just don't think they totally quashed it. I've seen some looks of -- if not disapproval -- of Mike..... then looks and responses I wouldn't exactly call encouraging, and esteem building. I think they TRY to guide and support....but some parents just don't know or understand that what works with one child....won't work with another.

 

For example, I think they might have compared the two brothers hoping it would encourage them, but you can't do that. Most times, I'd say that leads to shaming one of them. Look at how many parents shame their kids. For SOME it MIGHT work. But it's not the best way to build self-esteem. You need to encourage them or have expectation for them both -- BUT, SEPARATE from each other. So many parents SUCK at being parents. It's a shame.

 

2) I uses all these Bravo-type reality shows as a Phd course in psychology and sociology. This show and the rest:

-- Why are these people soooo into materialism? Why would they portray themselves soooo poorly?

-- Why are so many of them sooo desperate for love? WHY does Jessica seem so desperate for Mike? WHY do Mike and GG see m to have both anger AND drinking issues?

I suppose it's more obvious why Mercedes is the say she is ....look at the mom she has. Same for Mike and his parents.

 

We dont' see a lot of GG's parents. But this show is SUCH a case study about how the family you grow up in creates and shapes your personality, if not your entire being.

 

3) Asa and Reza seem to be the most "normal' and even they have issues.

 

4) I don't have any problems with the "Mike's drinking" storyline. He drinks and acts like as ass, and they show it. It is what it is.

 

5) I'd like to know more about what these people really DO. Reza and Mercedes have jobs. I get the feeling Asa is spending her Bravo money. All the jewelry and clothes she had when she first started, did she afford that on an "artist's" income? And her parents clearly aren't loaded. They've said how GG's parents got rich, but I forget. Can someone run down a refresher how all the parents made their money?

 

6) Bottom line is I like the show and will watch. have now issue with any portrayals.

Edited March 3, 2015 by selhars

[lolalempick]

I'm Iranian and watch this show often cringing at the unattractiveness of this group - behaviour, attitude, dress, even the way they speak Persian is pretty ugly - someone needs to give Reza in particular some lessons on how to enunciate his words... however I keep watching and reminding myself that this is just a show and that materialistic, immature, nouveau-riche can be found in any group...  

 

What REALLY annoys me about this group is their portrayal of the culture -Asa and Reza in particular are guilty

 

Naw-rooz (New Year) - this is a family oriented event, little kids get small presents, you have lots of food and sweets. Its a very non- commercialised event. You don't buy ugly ass Gold like Reza bought- NO ONE GETS GOLD.

 

Asa - why does this woman dress like she is from Saudi Arabia? wearing black shrouds and gold head dresses ala Bollywood. This isn't Iranian - its not our national dress. Its like seeing a Swedish person wearing a kilt - why are you appropriating someone else's culture and passing it off as being Iranian??

 

I love the parents, they're sweet.

[MrsRafaelBarba]

Reza and MJ are messy, but seem to doing well in the Real Estate biz.

Where one has to put in time and work, to build a solid rep and make serious money.

Mike is lazy, wants to fast track his way to success.

Also probably jealous, knowing deep down inside he's a poser and broke ass.

[OnceSane]

Asifa tries entirely too hard.

[Fuzzysox]

I believe the parents got rich by buying real estate back in the day when the prices were affordable and have made monies renting the properties out. 

[Watermelon]

Asifa tries entirely too hard.

Asifa is the new girl on the promo where everyone else is posing and she's standing straight with her hands clenched and a permanent smile. I thought she was a fucking weirdo.  I didn't see how she would be better than Lily, but she's already partially integrated to the group.

[charmed1]

Reza, a word to the wise. Once you start using a piece of slang, just know it's already been stale for about five years.

[ExplainItAgain]

Naw-rooz (New Year) - this is a family oriented event, little kids get small presents, you have lots of food and sweets. Its a very non- commercialised event. You don't buy ugly ass Gold like Reza bought- NO ONE GETS GOLD.

 

Asa - why does this woman dress like she is from Saudi Arabia? wearing black shrouds and gold head dresses ala Bollywood. This isn't Iranian - its not our national dress. Its like seeing a Swedish person wearing a kilt - why are you appropriating someone else's culture and passing it off as being Iranian??

 

You made me laugh - thanks for your insights!

[TeapotWakeen]

JoJo NY,

 

The food and food styling on this show is scrumptious-looking. I wanna go eat their food. Don't want to talk to most of them, just grab some grub and vanish!

You'll find me at the table loading up a plate, as well. The food on this show, the food!! I just want to make a plate and watch like I'm a fly on the wall. And then make another plate.  Thank goodness they eat. The HoWives have yummy looking food, which they push around and ignore. Bring on the spread!!

[meeeeech]

@selhars GG's father is a successful architect and supports her financially. She also has a hair extension company with her sister Leila.

 

Asa's father was a pilot and her mother was a nurse. Asa has said she has investments in real estate and was married at one point; the speculation was the husband supported some of her ventures. Also has her own bottled water company Diamond Water.

 

MJ is in residential real estate. Not sure what Vida, her mom, used to do.

 

Reza is in residential real estate. Not sure what his parents did, but they're divorced.

 

Mike is in residential real estate, is a rep for Nerium, and used to be in commercial real estate in Las Vegas. He's a law school dropout. Jessica is a registered nurse at a plastic surgeon's office (might explain all the fillers). Not sure what his family does. 

 

Lilly graduated from law school and co created a bikini line.

 

I know, I'm a loser to know all this.

[selhars]

Thanks, that what i thought. 

I just don't see those successes supporting the lifestyles we supposedly see them living. You'd think they had Kardashian money the way they're living. And many they do.

 

Asa didn't have Diamond Water until after she was on the show. But had a whole lot of gold jewelry before that.

Reza may be doing well, but he's not Donald Trump. And Mercedes isn't Ivanka. He spends 35K on one watch. And he has many other Rolexes. Not to mention what he must spend on clothes. His condo/home didn't look like it was furnished with a budget in mind, so I'm wondering where they're getting all they're money. Also, The head piece Asa was looking at was likely THOUSANDS as well. Unless her ex was worth millions how does she support her spending? Are they all making tens of millions to spend like this?

 

Registered nurses don't make THAT much money. Mike is supposedly not doing all that well. Which of course is relative.

 

Asa has said her parents don't have any money, which is why she wants to do so much for them. And how successful was GG's dad to support their lifestyle for decades -- AND still be doing so? Is he the IM Pei and Frank Lloyd WRight of Hollywood? 

 

With the lifestyles and spending I'm seeing, you'd think they had Donald Trump money. And I just don't see it.

Edited March 3, 2015 by selhars

[Sun-Bun]

Thanks, that what i thought.

I just don't see those successes supporting the lifestyles we supposedly see them living. You'd think they had Kardashian money the way they're living. And many they do.

Asa didn't have Diamond Water until after she was on the show. But had a whole lot of gold jewelry before that.

Reza may be doing well, but he's not Donald Trump. And Mercedes isn't Ivanka. He spends 35K on one watch. And he has many other Rolexes. Not to mention what he must spend on clothes. His condo/home didn't look like it was furnished with a budget in mind, so I'm wondering where they're getting all they're money. Also, The head piece Asa was looking at was likely THOUSANDS as well. Unless her ex was worth millions how does she support her spending? Are they all making tens of millions to spend like this?

Registered nurses don't make THAT much money. Mike is supposedly not doing all that well. Which of course is relative.

Asa has said her parents don't have any money, which is why she wants to do so much for them. And how successful was GG's dad to support their lifestyle for decades -- AND still be doing so? Is he the IM Pei and Frank Lloyd WRight of Hollywood?

With the lifestyles and spending I'm seeing, you'd think they had Donald Trump money. And I just don't see it.

Asa's boyfriend/partner also happens to be Jermaine Jackson's son. He appeared on the show once on the second season, but other than his apparently wanting to no part of this televised mess and Asa claiming she wants compete privacy of her dating life, she doesn't really put their relationship out there much:

http://madamenoire.com/325069/asa-soltan-on-jermaine-jackson-jr/

I'm assuming he helps her out a great deal financially, and her rich ex-husband may have paid her spousal support or a fat settlement. She obviously got her house as part of her divorce settlement because they used to live there together---she also mentioned that she used to rent it out. Maybe they once co-owned other rental properties too and she's lived well thanks to that?

But yeah, I'm sure she and Reza live far beyond their means. And while I'm sure his condo/decor is pricy, it sure was too tacky/busy for my tastes!

((although I completely agreed with his and Asa's reactions to GG's sad new apartment decor---that poor gal just can't decorate))

Edited March 4, 2015 by Sun-Bun

[driedfruit]

Asa - why does this woman dress like she is from Saudi Arabia? wearing black shrouds and gold head dresses ala Bollywood. This isn't Iranian - its not our national dress. Its like seeing a Swedish person wearing a kilt - why are you appropriating someone else's culture and passing it off as being Iranian??

 

Yeah, Asa's style is ridiculous. If she wants to go the cultural route, there are so many regions of Iran she could take her inspiration from. I hate that she propagates harmful stereotypes.

 

She looks her best when she dresses down. Like the maxi-dress in Turkey, or the banana pants, simple T of this episode. Her body, while not fashionable by Iranian standards, is absolutely incredible imo and pulls off anything. 

Edited March 4, 2015 by driedfruit

[bichonblitz]

Reza does very well in real estate, he sells high end, luxury property. He is the only one of the group that actually works hard.  Last season (or maybe the one prior to that, can't remember) Reza and MJ had a big blowout about how MJ is so lazy and never comes in to the office.... then Reza teamed up with Mike and that was a mess, too, so they split and had a big blow out over it, then kissed and made up. I don't know what the hell Mike is doing now.

 

I got a creepy vibe from MJ's boyfriend. After watching WWHL last night, it's obvious Reza and Gigi don't like him, either. Knowing that all this was filmed months ago, I wonder if they are still together.

 

It will be interesting to see if Gigi's sister is on the show this season. I'm anxious to see if she decided to stay away and let Gigi have her time in the spotlight since Gigi was so bent out of shape over her last year.  

 

Gigi getting a butt job. Did she need it? She just cracks me up. Golnessa. 

[Jade Foxx]

 

Asa was hot in the banana pants. She's been looking a little cuter this season, or is it just me?

 

I was thinking the same. She looks freshly showered, and something is a wee bit different about her face. Not looking as haggard as last season...

[Brooke0707]

This season sure is old. Their timeline is a year ago.

[OnceSane]

This season sure is old. Their timeline is a year ago.

The editors went on strike which pushed the premiere date. IIRC, the show was supposed to premiere in mid-October.

[Miss Slay]

Thanks, that what i thought. 

I just don't see those successes supporting the lifestyles we supposedly see them living. You'd think they had Kardashian money the way they're living. And many they do.

 

Asa didn't have Diamond Water until after she was on the show. But had a whole lot of gold jewelry before that.

Reza may be doing well, but he's not Donald Trump. And Mercedes isn't Ivanka. He spends 35K on one watch. And he has many other Rolexes. Not to mention what he must spend on clothes. His condo/home didn't look like it was furnished with a budget in mind, so I'm wondering where they're getting all they're money. Also, The head piece Asa was looking at was likely THOUSANDS as well. Unless her ex was worth millions how does she support her spending? Are they all making tens of millions to spend like this?

 

Registered nurses don't make THAT much money. Mike is supposedly not doing all that well. Which of course is relative.

 

Asa has said her parents don't have any money, which is why she wants to do so much for them. And how successful was GG's dad to support their lifestyle for decades -- AND still be doing so? Is he the IM Pei and Frank Lloyd WRight of Hollywood? 

 

With the lifestyles and spending I'm seeing, you'd think they had Donald Trump money. And I just don't see it.

They all grew up in Beverly Hills.

[Brooke0707]

What was up with how MJ pronounced Shervin's name? So americanized.

MJ's boyfriend really creeped me out. Ick.

I'm sorry I don't get that crap about Bobby's jacket. So what, he forgot to cut the slit on his jacket? Big deal. I think he looked way better in his jacket than Mike and Reza did in their shirts. Mike was out of his mind drunk. I think Jessica is still with him because she invested so much time and more and doesn't want to start all over. She should. Things will only get worse.

I think at one point Mike wanted or was rejected by Asifa.

Wtf why did Asa pick a chador type thing as her symbol? Doesn't that stand against everything she is about?

I totally buy something happening between Mike and GG.

Edited March 4, 2015 by Brooke0707

[selhars]

They all grew up in Beverly Hills.

 

And???? That doesnt' mean everyone there can afford to spend like these "shahs" seem to.

Asa's parents are just one example. A polite and a nurse. That's not exactly big BH money. I just don't think we can presume anything about the "wealth" we see on this show. That's all. I believe Asa has said they did NOT have a lot of money.

Edited March 4, 2015 by selhars

[Neurochick]

The "wealth" on this show doesn't bother me.  It's all for show.

 

MJ's boyfriend bothered me because he seemed to be so happy to be on TV and I wonder if that's the reason he's with her.  It doesn't have anything to do with him being 10 years younger, because until MJ said that, I thought the guy was her age.

[OnceSane]

Mike's girlfriend completes her conversion to Judaism via a dramatic ocean swim. Also: GG reveals a secret; and the gang organizes a deluxe staycation in Malibu, but Mike clashes with Asifa's boyfriend, creating tension and shifting the group dynamic.

[tumamita]

Yayy Shah's is back!! One of my FAAAAV. reality shows :-D. And we begin...

 

Did everyone get their asses done from last season to now!? Mercedes was always bigger but she was sooo sloppy fat - looks like she got some tummy lipo injected into the buns and me likey I literally cannot stop starring LOL.

 

Is the fire jump supposed to be a religious thing because I don't think real religious Persians would appreciate a jump accompanied by a twerk.

 

Why did Jessica touch her face!!? Wasn't she only 25 last season or even younger!!? She looks 10+ yrs older this season - I'm all for plastic surgery but you're playing with fire doing surgery on the face (not to say she even did she just looks weeeeird to me).

 

Mike is ridiculous. Maybe it isn't such a bad thing that he isn't hanging around much. When you get to a certain age, I think if you can't handle your alcohol you need to just refrain. Why are you acting like this!!? Aren't you embarrassed how you'll be perceived on TV!? Don't you have a business!? I would be very concerned for my reputation in REAL LIFE when reality TV eventually comes to an end. 

 

 

 

 

[Giselle]

Yeah, Asa's style is ridiculous. If she wants to go the cultural route, there are so many regions of Iran she could take her inspiration from. I hate that she propagates harmful stereotypes.

 

She fancies herself an artist and feels free to and will use anything, any prop or any cause, to promote herself. It's all about her and really nothing else. 

 

Didn't really care for Reza's new interiors but loved his "Nom Nom Party" spread. As for New Years and Persian culture in general, it is interesting to read what our "in the know"  board members say about the holiday and customs compared to how Bravo and the Shah's present them..

[driedfruit]

Is the fire jump supposed to be a religious thing because I don't think real religious Persians would appreciate a jump accompanied by a twerk.

 

Not religious. It's a Persian cultural practice. It's actually ridiculously fun since the fires are bigger and in the context of rowdy street parties where people are dancing and setting off firecrackers. Kids and teenagers love it. Some adults too. Personally, when I lived in Iran it was always my favorite part of the holidays...and favorite holiday ever.

 

But I don't think you can recreate it outside of Iran, because it won't have the same intense spirit of celebration.

Edited March 6, 2015 by driedfruit

[bichonblitz]

Reza and MJ have alot of nerve criticizing Gigi's decorating. If I remember correctly, MJ's place was a bore and Reza's condo looked so busy and over done. Not to mention the way they both dress. I always get such a condescending vibe from those two. 

[Aim123]

Selhars I live near the Shahs right now, and have grown up around many L.A. Persians. There is a lot of leasing and renting going on. My Persian friends, God love them, no disrepect, would always be living in a rented house and driving a leased BMW. In our twenties, they would have the most expensive clothing but no health insurance, or no furniture in their places. It is a very Los Angeles thing to do, to flaunt "wealth" and not have any real assets. I think most of these Shahs do work and certainly could have their own money, but their culture is very flashy. Some (and I say some not all) Persian women in our town will roll up to the mall in a black Mercedes, then get out and go work behind the counter at Bloomingdales, to pay the lease.