S08.E06: Tipsying Point

[Satchels of gold]

My initial thought was who could confuse skinnygirl and tipsygirl but then I remembered people can be idiots.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1982/07/15/several-are-made-illby-drinking-detergent/bbf8e877-eb37-4bd5-bcb0-110529e383e9/

[SweetieDarling]

1 hour ago, Satchels of gold said:

My initial thought was who could confuse skinnygirl and tipsygirl but then I remembered people can be idiots.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1982/07/15/several-are-made-illby-drinking-detergent/bbf8e877-eb37-4bd5-bcb0-110529e383e9/

[Trooper York]

I think we should be respectful of other peoples religious practices. 

That women in pink is Sonja's spirit animal.

Lets show some respect shall we?

[Sai]

On 5/14/2016 at 6:59 PM, AnitaKnight said:

How successful is Bethenny's business currently? Does anyone know?  I'm not trying to be snarky, but I've never seen her products in stores, tho, admittedly, have never looked for them.  I've read about posters finding her stuff  in clearance aisles.  Is most of her current wealth due to the sales of her alcoholic beverage line while she was still popular  (or at least not so bitter) or are her products actually selling well?

I buy her Skinnygirl sparkling water all the time.  I like it.  It must be doing good because when I go shopping there's always just a few on the shelf while the other sparkling waters next to it are fully stocked.  The Skinnygirl waters have green tea polyphenols, essential vitamins and super fruit extracts which make it better than competing brands. And I only knew how to spell polyphenols because I'm reading it off the label right now, lol.   My favorite is strawberry lemonade but they were all sold out of that flavor today so I had to get black raspberry and pink grapefruit.  Those are good too.

I wanna try the Skinnygirl prosecco  because I love prosecco and if it's lower in calories all the better.  Well Bethenny got free advertising on that one because I didn't even know Skinnygirl had prosecco.  I like her Sangria though.  Tastes like wild grapes.  Real good.  I gotta get me some!! lol 

[queenjen]

John and the fork stab made my survival hackles rise and I don't think this was lost on Dorinda, either. That wasn't cool. 

Sonya and Lu. I actually felt uncomfortable watching Lu explain what a regift was from her current planet which is galaxies away from Planet Countess and also from Planet Cool. I think she's trying (trying oh SO hard) to rebrand herself the way British Royalty moved into the 70s. Like when Princess Margaret was hanging out in the Bahamas and getting her freak on with photographers etc. I think that looks pretty good to Lu about now. She's obviously destitute and can't even afford a gift that isn't also some kind of investment/endorsement/ prototype.  Sonya has already got dibs on the 'courtesan' persona, Lu could opt for genteel poverty but she needs to brush up on genteel. Beth is now in the ascendancy and Lu's Bethenny chickens are coming home to roost. I missed a couple of series due to rotating between the Gobi desert and Antarctica and it's actually pitiable observing the difference in Lu. Sonya has evolved survival mechanisms and an exoskeleton to cope with having her lifestyle yanked from under her and Lu probably feels a bit safe with her as a role model. Hence the living arrangement. 

Lu is desperately trying to stay relevant and pay homage to Bethenny, who she recognizes with her lizard brain antennae as the real power in the group now. Please take this exclusive bag as an offering. .did anyone else wonder why this was in cheap plastic and pulled out of a paper sack, more product than gift? 

And Sonya, with the hot pink dressed 'ghosts of parties future' floating around her launch/ birthday party, is straight faced when she answers Jules 'I love Bethenny, I wish she was here' on the Tipsy Girl brand launch. There's only one way this is going to go with Bethenny. The listing lady in the pink dress and the random guy in the loud parka. ..That'll be more than you'll be able to aspire to when Beth is done. I really felt Sonya knows this. 

The mention of Mario at the psychic reading gave me a vision of Maurizio and the future for Kyle Richards. 

Carole's eyes definitely glazed over when she had bonding time with Jules. Jules looks tubercular. All of those images that flare in my mind when I think of 'Ethiopian Famine' bluntly contradict the fantasy she's selling that being capable of giving birth means you're eating enough. Fingernails and hair grow after you're dead too. 

I kind of miss Heather and even weirdo Simon's wife who's name I've forgotten, in the same way I don't miss Aviva. 

John's reaction to being called immediately by some just introduced random on being obviously 'wired' is again telling. No surprise and no denials, more 'shit, is it that obvious? Oops!'. I think Dorinda has been on a 3 year grieving binge and while it persists, John will remain. 

[breezy424]

Doris's blog is up.  Anyone have time to translate?  My eyes were glazing over too much to concentrate on what she writing.  That happens a lot to me when Dorinda goes on one of her diatribes. 

[queenjen]

Re Skinnygirl merch, it IS visible in Australia. I go into a liquor store maybe once a year and I've seen it. We must be on speed dial with every shonky merch shill company attached to the Howives franchises because it's easier to find the merch than it is to access the shows. Case in point, the heinous 'Black Water' being flogged by the Manzo offspring. It's here, I've seen it, I kid you not. This sends my head into loops of speculation: they were working on that years ago, surely? Before Caroline got her own Manzo spinoff? How does that work? Was it remaindered all over the US so they shipped it here instead? Does it taste as sulphurous and smelly as it looks? I've not clocked any of Beth's other merch here from shapewear to iced treats which makes me suspect that what I have seen is just the fruit of her sale to Jim Beam. 

I enjoy getting into conversations with the people behind the counter who know the association with the Howives. It's like a secret society. I did buy some bottles of marked down Skinnygirl premix once. I do recall most of it going down the sink. Directly from the bottle. 

I did love Beth's comment to Sonja that a lifestyle fashion brand doesn't mean anything. She's doing the same thing. They all are. Gina Liano and Chyka Keebaugh are thrashing their howives lives as hard as they can. Jackie Gillies has a tequila brand (because Australia and Mexico, the connection is so authentic! Life vodka from New Zealand) and cookbooks and on and on. 

A previous poster commented that the one thing they would purchase is a book from Sonja. As would I. But come on! Privacy! This is a reality TV show after all, you can t expect people to want to open up! 

[breezy424]

The problem with Sonja writing a book is that she would call it a biography but it much of it would be fiction.  Just like Sonja Morgan, NY.  I'm sure she had a pretty fabulous life when she was married but she's also kind of delusional about herself....  Not that the rest of the housewives aren't.

[WireWrap]

1 hour ago, breezy424 said:

Doris's blog is up.  Anyone have time to translate?  My eyes were glazing over too much to concentrate on what she writing.  That happens a lot to me when Dorinda goes on one of her diatribes. 

Her blogs have always been like this. She says/does one thing then blogs as if she were the victim or that she is the champion of another HW. LOL She is either buzzing on something when she writes her blog or Hannah is doing it for her and making it up as she goes. LOL

[breezy424]

11 minutes ago, WireWrap said:

Her blogs have always been like this. She says/does one thing then blogs as if she were the victim or that she is the champion of another HW. LOL She is either buzzing on something when she writes her blog or Hannah is doing it for her and making it up as she goes. LOL

Yeah.  I really thought Hannah was writing her blogs last season.  This season's are so incoherent, so I'm not so sure. 

Doris needs to pick a lane.  She condemns John's behavior but the other women can't.  I have no problem if she supports John.  That's her choice.  But she's all over the place on him.  In other words:  I can, you can't.  Hypocritical. 

[bravofan27]

I do understand why Dorinda is upset, even though she obviously can't stand John herself most of the time. When you have a friend that is in a relationship with a terrible person, you just sort of have to put up with him and let the relationship dissolve on its own. Dorinda has too  many people openly against John, which, imo, is keeping them together because it adds drama and excitement. Besides, I maintain that Dorinda is with John because she digs drycleaning and likes borrowing expensive clothes that come in for cleaning. Haha. John is pretty hideous, and if the coke and viagra rumors are true, the guy will probably have a heart attack any day now. He just seems so unhealthy and doesn't appear to take good care of himself. When he did the stabbing thing, and Dorinda left, he seemed pretty relieved. Like he had some other plans that night any way. He's grody. 

[ZaldamoWilder]

On 5/13/2016 at 4:22 PM, Neurochick said:

Does that mean no one can ever use the word "girl" to advertise a beverage? 

If I invented a drink called "Latin Girl" would Bethenny scream, "it's tooo similar to Skinnygirl!"  I mean shit, if people can't distinguish Tipsy Girl and Skinny Girl, that could be be for all sorts of reasons.  I mean people know the difference between Coke and Pepsi.

As stated, it means a court would have to find the combination of name and product similar enough for one to be confused with the other. 

If Pepsi were called Schmoca Rola or Coke was called Tetsi, there would be a problem but their names aren't even close.   Remember, the criteria are competing product and similar enough wording, not one without the other.

I don't know if you saw Coming to America but this might help your word-ownership gripe:   the McDonalds corporation will (successfully) sue a man for opening a burger joint and calling it McDowells, even if that's his legal name. 

Edited May 16, 2016 by ZaldamoWilder

[shoegal]

Best part of the episode, at the Typsy Girl launch party:

Ramona, pointing at Sonja:  "now she's copying my hair again, you always copy my hair..."

...

Sonja: "I copy the people I admire."

ETA: A Sonja gem from her toaster oven branding debacle, Sonja is a copycat.

http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-york-city/season-5/blogs/sonja-morgan/building-the-brand-with-heather

When I went to visit Heather to see her collection I complimented her on her brandstamp, that is clean and I voiced that I was concerned that my brandstamp the girl with the high boots, miniskirt, and flowing hair, which was great for Sonja In The City Catering and Special Events may be too fussy for Sonja Home Innovative Living the company that evolved from my toaster oven recipes that so many viewers requested. As I gave cooking demonstrations across the country people asked for my aprons, mitts, tongs, placemats, napkins, everything! How do I do my hair, my smokey eye, what is my dog wearing, where do I get my headbands, hats, etc?

I had discussed Bethenny's girl, which changes as it represents liquor, supplements, or shapewear. I discussed with Heather that I preferred Ralph Lauren's more streamline polo pony. Call me lazy!!! It goes across the board and is recognizable. Heather agreed. She definitely did not like the retro-aproned girl in our first meeting, and I didn't like the idea of redressing the "Sonja Girl" every time.

Then I showed her my toaster oven prototype, the Sonja Home Collection of aprons, mitts, napkins, placemats, and a box by Martha Stewart with colors I liked and a black and white pic of Martha -- packaging I admire. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! I said that in on of my early blogs. No, but seriously, I do look to others for guidance. I look for role models and try to incorporate myself. I am different. Much different. I am not trying to be Ramona, Heather, Bethenny, or Martha. I respect them. I try to learn from others while maintaining my own vision.

I had told Heather that I had met with someone from Martha Stewart who suggested I go with just the signature, which I did on the toaster and I commented that Bethenny used her signature as well. So that was an option. I strongly wanted the brandstamp. It needed a real revamp -- NOT heavy on the vamp! Especially after what I shared from my vacation! OK back to being professional. . .

Edited May 16, 2016 by shoegal

[Duke2801]

On ‎5‎/‎13‎/‎2016 at 7:40 PM, Neurochick said:

Maybe but, there's enough for everyone and it's not like Bethenny invented liquor.  Bethenny is just a greedy person, I mean how much money does she need anyway?  I mean Coke and Pepsi are next to each other but people can tell the difference.  

Look at "Fifty Shades of Grey" and "Twilight."  Everybody knows that Fifty Shades started as Twilight fan fiction, but people know the difference and people read both books; no need for greed.  Sorry but I detest greedy people.  

BTW, the long hair on Ramona makes her look about ten years older than she is.

Is this a Phaedra Park's "Everybody knows-ism"?  Because I'm willing to bet that a lot of people do not know about the connection between Twilight and 50 Shades. 

I had no clue.  But it make sense in that I read a chapter of both of the first books in each series and quickly ran to the bathroom to find the eye bleach.  BLECH.

On ‎5‎/‎14‎/‎2016 at 6:59 PM, AnitaKnight said:

How successful is Bethenny's business currently? Does anyone know?  I'm not trying to be snarky, but I've never seen her products in stores, tho, admittedly, have never looked for them.  I've read about posters finding her stuff  in clearance aisles.  Is most of her current wealth due to the sales of her alcoholic beverage line while she was still popular  (or at least not so bitter) or are her products actually selling well?

I see LOTS of her stuff in my local grocery store (Giant).  Her popcorn, her pretzels, her stevia - and lots more in the snack aisle. Maybe it's because I'm in PA only about 2 hours from NYC? After trying her disappointing and overpriced popcorn, I've steered clear of all of it.

On ‎5‎/‎13‎/‎2016 at 10:11 PM, Sheenieb said:

Yes, I was HERE for Ramona getting dragged. Couldn't happen to a better person. I can't stand her no filter having ass. I didn't care one bit that shit went left when Dorinda went full on Carmela Soprano on her. All she needed was a ricotta pie. Dorinda was probably putting on airs when she was with Richard. I can't see her as some stuffy professor's wife going to boring cocktail parties and university events. She's who she is when she's with John. Finally, someone who can get lit with her. She's just mad that all of her society friends are finding out about how she really likes to get down. She's cool with John's partying, but she hates that he isn't discreet.

As someone who's had her share of readings, I'm with Carol on part of me thinking it's bullshit, but the other part wondering what if. However, Bethenny's attitude is too much. Would it have killed her to be a sport? It's one thing to not be open to it, but just take what's said in stride. She's so goddamn unpleasant. I can't believe I used to like her. I don't know why Jason is dragging this divorce. Boy get your freedom papers and move on.

Same here. I'm certainly skeptical of psychics, but damn, is it so hard to act like a semi-gracious human being when interacting with others?  She was a bitch from the moment she walked into Carol's apartment until the moment she left.

On ‎5‎/‎13‎/‎2016 at 11:07 AM, archer1267 said:

I swore at first that that was Fred Armesen in a wig, a la Portlandia. Or, Terry Jones or one of the Pythons playing a woman in a Flying Circus sketch.

*Dead*

On ‎5‎/‎13‎/‎2016 at 11:42 AM, Gaily said:

Dorinda is really bugging me this season, which troubles me because I loved her last season.  Her whole history is really quite interesting. Her first husband (Hannah's father) was a very successful hedge fund/private equity guy that she met in NYC. They moved to London for his work and that is where she started her cashmere business.  They divorced and she moved back to NYC and became a real estate agent. She met Richard Medley when she was showing him NYC apartments.  Richard was a much more than a college professor -- he was a VERY successful hedge fund guy who also held a senior advisory position in the Clinton White House. So not only was he super smart, he was super rich AND very well-connected and respected.

Mr. Gaily (yes, I make my poor husband watch RHNY and then he takes the clicker back and forces ESPN and The History Channel on me) is surprised that someone of Richard Medley's status would marry Dorinda. When I pointed out that she is beautiful, charming and probably a lot of fun, he remarked that he thinks Dorinda is very "Jersey Shore" and not in a good way (he meant JS as in the MTV TV show -- not the beautiful beaches of NJ).  Like Dorinda is more like JWoww's mom than Princess Diana.  

Net/net for me is that Dorinda is very good at marrying up -- she knew how to find and captivate wealthy, successful older men who could give her a very desirable lifestyle.  Now, I heard that she went into business with John -- I guess she invested in his high-end dry cleaning business which has been owned by his family for many years. So her rationale for doing RHNY was to promote his business and help her investment, apparently (she even said she is only doing RHNY for him because he asked her to).

Sorry but I call bullshit on that.  She must have another agenda and my bet is she wants to start a business for herself somehow.  I think her cashmere line did pretty well there for a while. She DOES dress really well -- I think she always has lovely clothes and accessories and her hair color/cut is gorgeous.  It's just when she drinks she gets all red, shiny, loud and slurry and then she POINTS at people when she yells which drives me crazy. Pointing and pointing like some deranged rapper after too many shots of Hennessy.  Arggh!

Anyhoo I thought it was interesting that my husband found her very low class which I am certain is not the effect she is going for.

LOL. Your husband is my spirit animal.  I think she's super low-class in her demeanor and the way she speaks.  As a wise old trick once say, "money can't buy you class."

On ‎5‎/‎13‎/‎2016 at 11:59 AM, tvfanatic13 said:

When Bethanny walked into Carole's in that turtleneck I honestly thought at first that she was earing a neck brace.

Right!??  I was like, um, why is Bethenny wearing the "Cone of Shame" that dog had to wear after her surgery? 

[zoeysmom]

2 hours ago, ZaldamoWilder said:

As stated, it means a court would have to find the combination of name and product similar enough for one to be confused with the other. 

If Pepsi were called Schmoca Rola or Coke was called Tetsi, there would be a problem but their names aren't even close.   Remember, the criteria are competing product and similar enough wording, not one without the other.

I don't know if you saw Coming to America but this might help your word-ownership gripe:   the McDonalds corporation will (successfully) sue a man for opening a burger joint and calling it McDowells, even if that's his legal name. 

Here is Sonja's label:  http://starcasm.net/archives/335627  Could anyone possibly confuse this busy pastel mess with Bethenny's red/white/black clean lines?  If a consumer who was searching for prosecco ran across the two brands, even side by side, be confused? 

[ZaldamoWilder]

5 minutes ago, zoeysmom said:

Here is Sonja's label:  http://starcasm.net/archives/335627  Could anyone possibly confuse this busy pastel mess with Bethenny's red/white/black clean lines?  If a consumer who was searching for prosecco ran across the two brands, even side by side, be confused? 

And the answer to that is the essential question behind any infringement case.  

{{McConnagheysummation}} Now pretend the consumer's blind.

[jaync]

I'd buy Tipsy Girl prosecco before I would Skinnygirl's. Mainly because diet wine sounds gross, but also because Beth is a dick.

[WireWrap]

1 hour ago, shoegal said:

Best part of the episode, at the Typsy Girl launch party:

Ramona, pointing at Sonja:  "now she's copying my hair again, you always copy my hair..."

...

Sonja: "I copy the people I admire."

ETA: A Sonja gem from her toaster oven branding debacle, Sonja is a copycat.

http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-york-city/season-5/blogs/sonja-morgan/building-the-brand-with-heather

When I went to visit Heather to see her collection I complimented her on her brandstamp, that is clean and I voiced that I was concerned that my brandstamp the girl with the high boots, miniskirt, and flowing hair, which was great for Sonja In The City Catering and Special Events may be too fussy for Sonja Home Innovative Living the company that evolved from my toaster oven recipes that so many viewers requested. As I gave cooking demonstrations across the country people asked for my aprons, mitts, tongs, placemats, napkins, everything! How do I do my hair, my smokey eye, what is my dog wearing, where do I get my headbands, hats, etc?

I had discussed Bethenny's girl, which changes as it represents liquor, supplements, or shapewear. I discussed with Heather that I preferred Ralph Lauren's more streamline polo pony. Call me lazy!!! It goes across the board and is recognizable. Heather agreed. She definitely did not like the retro-aproned girl in our first meeting, and I didn't like the idea of redressing the "Sonja Girl" every time.

Then I showed her my toaster oven prototype, the Sonja Home Collection of aprons, mitts, napkins, placemats, and a box by Martha Stewart with colors I liked and a black and white pic of Martha -- packaging I admire. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! I said that in on of my early blogs. No, but seriously, I do look to others for guidance. I look for role models and try to incorporate myself. I am different. Much different. I am not trying to be Ramona, Heather, Bethenny, or Martha. I respect them. I try to learn from others while maintaining my own vision.

I had told Heather that I had met with someone from Martha Stewart who suggested I go with just the signature, which I did on the toaster and I commented that Bethenny used her signature as well. So that was an option. I strongly wanted the brandstamp. It needed a real revamp -- NOT heavy on the vamp! Especially after what I shared from my vacation! OK back to being professional. . .

All true but Sonja didn't copy Bethenny, Peter and his real partner named it, Sonja had nothing to do with it at all, none. LOL

[shoegal]

Just now, WireWrap said:

All true but Sonja didn't copy Bethenny, Peter and his real partner named it, Sonja had nothing to do with it at all, none. LOL

Except that she agreed to be the face of it and promote it on the Real Housewives of New York.  So yeah, she does have something to do with it. 

[WireWrap]

Just now, shoegal said:

Except that she agreed to be the face of it and promote it on the Real Housewives of New York.  So yeah, she does have something to do with it. 

No, all she is doing is collecting a check. She had nothing to do with developing the wine, it's name or it's label. And the names are different, the only similarity between the 2 is that the word "girl" is in both names. As far as promoting it on the show, so what. Ramona didn't try to stop Bethenny promoting her wines when she (B) returned to the show. So, if anyone should be upset, it would be Ramona because both Bethenny and Sonja are stepping on her toes promoting wines on the HW show. LOL

[shoegal]

1 minute ago, WireWrap said:

No, all she is doing is collecting a check. She had nothing to do with developing the wine, it's name or it's label. And the names are different, the only similarity between the 2 is that the word "girl" is in both names. As far as promoting it on the show, so what. Ramona didn't try to stop Bethenny promoting her wines when she (B) returned to the show. So, if anyone should be upset, it would be Ramona because both Bethenny and Sonja are stepping on her toes promoting wines on the HW show. LOL

Sonja has everything to do with why it's featured on the Real Housewives of New York, so yes, she has something to do with it.  She's more than collecting a check, she is promoting it as her own.  Yes, they are similar in that they have similar names.  That's the point.  If the names were not similar, it would not be an issue.  Bethenny never had an issue with promoting Ramona Pinot Grigio, she even went out of her way to make sure she was drinking Ramona pinot at Ramona's events.  It's not that it is a liquor line, it's that it's piggybacking off of the Skinnygirl name, and very obviously.

In fact, the logo harkens back to the early version of  the Skinnygirl logo with the girl in a martini glass. 

[abbottrabbit]

On 5/12/2016 at 4:43 PM, PreposterousISTA said:

Ohhh. Emmm. Geee. Just About Died Laughing

>>>>>>

 

Has anyone else watched the second season of Kimmy Schmidt yet? Because that is straight up Fred Whatsisname (Elisabeth Moss's ex) as Robert Durst as Robert Durst's deaf sister. 

(Not the best example, but watch the Thanksgiving scene and tell me he didn't just straight roll up to a Housewives party in costume). 

Re Skinnygirl products: I've bought the popcorn twice when it's been reduced to 2/$5 or something, to keep in my desk as part of my plot to stop myself eating Cheetos all the time. It always takes me about 6 months to finish the two boxes, because I'd rather have a round ass and eat Cheetos than joylessly shovel her seasoned packing filler into my face at snack time. (The salt and lime is alright, though)

The original bottled premix Skinnygirl Margarita is pretty ok, but the Sangria from the same line is disgusting. 

I see her wine and things sometimes at both Harris-Teeter and Target in DC, but it's not ... I don't know how to say this -- uniformly stocked? Like they'll have her Pinot at the Harris-Teeter near my office, and the white at the Harris-Teeter near my friends' apartment, and the prosecco at Target, but you can scour the aisles and not find two kinds at any one store, somehow (except the Target, which sometimes has one wine and one of the premixed drinks). 

And I have both of her OG cookbooks -- Naturally Thin and whatever the first one was called -- and I continue to use them even as my opinion of her plummets. The chicken pot pie is ace, and I love that she lists possible substitutions (oft have I made Boo Boo Banana Bread with tinned pumpkin).  Totally agree with whoever mentioned the cheap paper earlier, though. 

A college friend of mine was editor on one of her more recent book projects, and I keep trying to get dirt and failing (she is a monster of discretion, which is good, I guess, because she knows shit about me, but bad because I can't get her to tell me shit  about anyone else). 

Edited May 16, 2016 by abbottrabbit
typos

[Neurochick]

2 hours ago, Duke2801 said:

Is this a Phaedra Park's "Everybody knows-ism"?  Because I'm willing to bet that a lot of people do not know about the connection between Twilight and 50 Shades. 

I had no clue.  But it make sense in that I read a chapter of both of the first books in each series and quickly ran to the bathroom to find the eye bleach.  BLECH.

My apologies, I thought that was common knowledge.  On every talk show E. L. James went on, she openly stated that 50 Shades started out as "Master of the Universe" a Twilight fanfic, I remember when she said it on The View, and I've heard her say it before. 

Edited May 16, 2016 by Neurochick

[zoeysmom]

Update on the Skinnygirl v. Tipsy Girl.  Tipsy's tagline is, "Drink like a celebrity."  Skinnygirl uses "Drink like a lady". 

[motorcitymom65]

2 hours ago, WireWrap said:

No, all she is doing is collecting a check. She had nothing to do with developing the wine, it's name or it's label. And the names are different, the only similarity between the 2 is that the word "girl" is in both names. As far as promoting it on the show, so what. Ramona didn't try to stop Bethenny promoting her wines when she (B) returned to the show. So, if anyone should be upset, it would be Ramona because both Bethenny and Sonja are stepping on her toes promoting wines on the HW show. LOL

But how does anyone know that? It sounds like this guy is a famewhore. How do we know he didn't specifically decide on this name to get a bounce out of his minor attachment to the show? Is there any reason to believe that had he never met any of the HW's, or been on the show, that he would have developed a line of alocholic beverages and named them Tipsy Girl? In this situation, I don't think it's about Beth. I think it is about any of these gals and the anger they would have if she would have pulled something like this on them. I am trying to imagine how angry Heather would have been, if after helping Sonja with her Toaster Oven, she would have come out with a line of shape wear called "Mommy Tummie". Lots of people hate Heather, so I'm sure lots of people would have been asking if she was the only one ever allowed to use the word Tummie. The fact is that we have a lazy person, who doesn't want to work for a living, trying desperately to latch onto the success of others. It is just disturbing. 

[ZaldamoWilder]

2 hours ago, WireWrap said:

No, all she is doing is collecting a check. She had nothing to do with developing the wine, it's name or it's label. And the names are different, the only similarity between the 2 is that the word "girl" is in both names. As far as promoting it on the show, so what. Ramona didn't try to stop Bethenny promoting her wines when she (B) returned to the show. So, if anyone should be upset, it would be Ramona because both Bethenny and Sonja are stepping on her toes promoting wines on the HW show. LOL

If so that would've been the perfect thing to say to a raging Bethenny.  The two statements she made instead:  oh I thought you'd be proud of me (paraphrasing) and I figured it was flattering (more paraphrasing) - are evidence that if she wasn't involved, she was aware.   I do believe that she genuinely has no idea that or why, it's a potential conflict. That's for the pros to know.   That, by the way, is what I honestly think B's real frustration with Sonja is.  She decides she's gonna do something, any old thing, wants to slap her name on it and bring it to market with no idea nor interest the myriad of supporting issues that need to be researched and resolved beforehand.  She's not a businesswoman, she's a pitch girl and the fact that she won't acknowledge that there's a big difference bothers the dogfuck out of Bethenny and, for that matter, Heather.  I think it's one thing upon which they agreed.

[Tara Ariano]

In case you missed it, here's the Previously.TV post on the episode!

The Real Housewives of New York City Get Their Annual Psychic Check-Up

A visit from a semi-famous medium reveals even more John drama hiding beneath the surface.

[Umbelina]

3 hours ago, abbottrabbit said:

 

Has anyone else watched the second season of Kimmy Schmidt yet? Because that is straight up Fred Whatsisname (Elisabeth Moss's ex) as Robert Durst as Robert Durst's deaf sister. 

And I have both of her OG cookbooks -- Naturally Thin and whatever the first one was called -- and I continue to use them even as my opinion of her plummets. The chicken pot pie is ace, and I love that she lists possible substitutions (oft have I made Boo Boo Banana Bread with tinned pumpkin).  Totally agree with whoever mentioned the cheap paper earlier, though. 

A college friend of mine was editor on one of her more recent book projects, and I keep trying to get dirt and failing (she is a monster of discretion, which is good, I guess, because she knows shit about me, but bad because I can't get her to tell me shit  about anyone else). 

 

2 hours ago, Neurochick said:

My apologies, I thought that was common knowledge.  On every talk show E. L. James went on, she openly stated that 50 Shades started out as "Master of the Universe" a Twilight fanfic, I remember when she said it on The View, and I've heard her say it before. 

Yeah, I had heard that as well, mostly because the whole 50 Shades thing was suddenly all over my Facebook page because a very popular woman in my relatively small town had stumbled on and loved her experience with the B&D books, and got about 1/2 the women around here reading them.  Seriously.  I've been meaning to send her Story of O anonymously just to slightly elevate her tastes.  That said, honestly, good for the fan-fic writer to make it this big, actually it kind of makes me happy.  I tried a chapter and yeah, just no, but it kind of tickles me since publishing houses are pretty much dicks to new writers, and they had to bow to this crappy writer.  She certainly struck a horny nerve!

1 hour ago, motorcitymom65 said:

But how does anyone know that? It sounds like this guy is a famewhore. How do we know he didn't specifically decide on this name to get a bounce out of his minor attachment to the show? Is there any reason to believe that had he never met any of the HW's, or been on the show, that he would have developed a line of alocholic beverages and named them Tipsy Girl? In this situation, I don't think it's about Beth. I think it is about any of these gals and the anger they would have if she would have pulled something like this on them. I am trying to imagine how angry Heather would have been, if after helping Sonja with her Toaster Oven, she would have come out with a line of shape wear called "Mommy Tummie". Lots of people hate Heather, so I'm sure lots of people would have been asking if she was the only one ever allowed to use the word Tummie. The fact is that we have a lazy person, who doesn't want to work for a living, trying desperately to latch onto the success of others. It is just disturbing. 

He did.  It's obvious.  Sonja may have bitten off her nose to spite her face though.  It is a seriously dirty trick, and she's in her fifties, the days of playing the naive "I just admired you!" crap are long past her.  I honestly don't see how anyone is questioning the intent of that dude, or of Sonja here.  It's blatant.  Honestly, I don't think the guy gives a damn about the wine, this is all publicity for his restaurant of the same name, coincidentally opening this month.  I bet Sonja made more from RHBH than she will for selling her name to this dude, but now?  Since she also did that whole contract-hold out thing, and is pay for play (or pay by the scenes she's in?)  Good for Bethenny for ignoring her.

I was the one who said I loved her first cookbook except for the quality of the paper.  It was a really useful, clever, and easy way of cooking, without the long lists of hard to find ingredients, although she did mention a few that "would make this THAT" if you had an easy place to buy it.  I still use a few of those recipes as well.  Honestly, I know I would have purchased several more as gifts but the paper quality sucked.  Had it been glossy or even quality paperback, I think she would have sold more.  Wasn't that her first book though?  One would have gone to every person I know who says "I can't cook" or "I always screw it up when I try" or young adults just getting their first place.

That's what Sonja really should have done.  Start with one product, her toaster over recipes, in a book.  She wouldn't have made much, but I think several people would have bought it just because, at the time, they liked Sonja.  Then use whatever little bit of money or reputation from that to write a few more books, say party planning, or Sonja's tips to look great on a budget,  or even to just slap her name on a decent toaster oven "Sonja Morgan's Favorite" or something.  But know, she can't think logically, she's a magical thinker.  If she says her mantras religiously every day, and thinks positive, riches will just come to her because she is just that special, and destined to be rich and admired.  After all, it happened before, so why not again?

What she will never understand is that you can't be "the straw that stirs the drink" girl  in your fifties, no matter how much plastic surgery you have.  She lucked into a very, VERY wealthy husband, and she pissed it away.  Her ego is her gift/damnation, and she's in denial.  That's why she reminds people of Big or Little Edie, the delusions. 

We shall see what happens, I doubt the restaurant guy has unlimited funds to pay her to get his publicity for him by causing conflict/story with Bethenny, and most restaurants fail anyway.  So she could have screwed her day job (RHNY) for a few bucks to shill for this opportunist. 

Edited May 16, 2016 by Umbelina

[WireWrap]

1 hour ago, ZaldamoWilder said:

If so that would've been the perfect thing to say to a raging Bethenny.  The two statements she made instead:  oh I thought you'd be proud of me (paraphrasing) and I figured it was flattering (more paraphrasing) - are evidence that if she wasn't involved, she was aware.   I do believe that she genuinely has no idea that or why, it's a potential conflict. That's for the pros to know.   That, by the way, is what I honestly think B's real frustration with Sonja is.  She decides she's gonna do something, any old thing, wants to slap her name on it and bring it to market with no idea nor interest the myriad of supporting issues that need to be researched and resolved beforehand.  She's not a businesswoman, she's a pitch girl and the fact that she won't acknowledge that there's a big difference bothers the dogfuck out of Bethenny and, for that matter, Heather.  I think it's one thing upon which they agreed.

IMO, just mine, Bethenny knew about the wine, Sonja's involvement in it and what the name was but decided to save it for the show instead of dealing with it right away. Bethenny even alludes to it when she states that she refused to have anything to do with Sonja between last season and the start of Sonja filming this season. Maybe if Bethenny had kept in contact with Sonja and dealt with this when she first got wind of TG, it would never had made it on the show to begin with but I think Bethenny wanted to make herself look like the victim once again more than she wanted to stop TG.

YES, Sonja doesn't have a clue what she did wrong and YES, Bethenny knows this is who Sonja is even though she, B, acted like Heather did Sonja wrong last season. So, it's ok when Sonja does it to others, Heather, but it is unacceptable when she does it to B, typical Bethenny. LOL

[DelicateDee]

19 hours ago, Sai said:

 

Sorry, my attempt to quote didn't work. Will try again.

[Umbelina]

Sonja knows exactly what she did.  Come on now!  She's delusional, not idiotic.

Also, remember, the wine is just the "in" to the free publicity of tweaking Bethenny, to get articles written, and on the show.  He's actually promoting the restaurant, not the wine.

[ZaldamoWilder]

6 minutes ago, WireWrap said:

IMO, just mine, Bethenny knew about the wine, Sonja's involvement in it and what the name was but decided to save it for the show instead of dealing with it right away. Bethenny even alludes to it when she states that she refused to have anything to do with Sonja between last season and the start of Sonja filming this season. Maybe if Bethenny had kept in contact with Sonja and dealt with this when she first got wind of TG, it would never had made it on the show to begin with but I think Bethenny wanted to make herself look like the victim once again more than she wanted to stop TG.

YES, Sonja doesn't have a clue what she did wrong and YES, Bethenny knows this is who Sonja is even though she, B, acted like Heather did Sonja wrong last season. So, it's ok when Sonja does it to others, Heather, but it is unacceptable when she does it to B, typical Bethenny. LOL

It's interesting.  Ok, let's flesh this out some.  What we know about B?  She's about her business and her cash.   I don't know how long season hiatus is but from a business angle, why wait until something that could potentially affect your brand's sales and reputation hits the market before reacting?   On or off tv, I guess I just don't see this as a smart thing to do and she's a lot of things but stupid or slow with it isn't on the list.  Is it plausible she knew about the wine?  I'd absolutely buy that.  That she knew it was a rip off of her brand's name? (I) don't think so.   I think she could sit and stew on the Luann RHBH hampton's party thing because that had no consequence in her real life.

[zoeysmom]

2 hours ago, motorcitymom65 said:

But how does anyone know that? It sounds like this guy is a famewhore. How do we know he didn't specifically decide on this name to get a bounce out of his minor attachment to the show? Is there any reason to believe that had he never met any of the HW's, or been on the show, that he would have developed a line of alocholic beverages and named them Tipsy Girl? In this situation, I don't think it's about Beth. I think it is about any of these gals and the anger they would have if she would have pulled something like this on them. I am trying to imagine how angry Heather would have been, if after helping Sonja with her Toaster Oven, she would have come out with a line of shape wear called "Mommy Tummie". Lots of people hate Heather, so I'm sure lots of people would have been asking if she was the only one ever allowed to use the word Tummie. The fact is that we have a lazy person, who doesn't want to work for a living, trying desperately to latch onto the success of others. It is just disturbing. 

The guy did an interview and explained everything-never a mention of Sonja-the article was published during the first airing of the "Don't Be All Cool, Uncool" episode, last July.  Of course he is an opportunist-but Andy Cohen and Bethenny have both said nothing wrong with opportunists.

The name you are using is obviously a copyright infringement but like I said if I were Heather I would grabbing the rights to Tipsy Tummy ASAP.   I believe Heather's misspelling of Tummy and Yummy was intentional.  Oh and there is already a Yummy Mummy.   https://yummymummystore.com/  Clothing and all the needs for a breast feeding mothers.  I think it is all in how the ladies handle drafter/grifter Sonja. 

[NewDigs]

3 hours ago, zoeysmom said:

Update on the Skinnygirl v. Tipsy Girl.  Tipsy's tagline is, "Drink like a celebrity."  Skinnygirl uses "Drink like a lady". 

"Drink like a lady"? Huh? 

I think I'd rather drink like a celebrity.

Doesn't the word "lady" sound kind of stuffy? Not sure what she's going for but that tagline sounds neither lo-cal nor, I dunno, fun?

[WireWrap]

18 minutes ago, ZaldamoWilder said:

It's interesting.  Ok, let's flesh this out some.  What we know about B?  She's about her business and her cash.   I don't know how long season hiatus is but from a business angle, why wait until something that could potentially affect your brand's sales and reputation hits the market before reacting?   On or off tv, I guess I just don't see this as a smart thing to do and she's a lot of things but stupid or slow with it isn't on the list.  Is it plausible she knew about the wine?  I'd absolutely buy that.  That she knew it was a rip off of her brand's name? (I) don't think so.   I think she could sit and stew on the Luann RHBH hampton's party thing because that had no consequence in her real life.

Bethenny knows the guy, he was on the show last season but as Ramona's "partner" in a restaurant and I am sure she keeps her ear on what is going on with anything connected to her old alcohol line. Add in that Bethenny no longer owns SKG Alcohol, she sold it and the new owners haven't said a peep about it (at least as of now). There are a few, 4+, months off camera/between seasons and I do believe Bethenny knew something was afoot with Sonja, otherwise why didn't she talk to Sonja off season, she spoke to everyone else but Sonja. LOL

[motorcitymom65]

36 minutes ago, zoeysmom said:

The guy did an interview and explained everything-never a mention of Sonja-the article was published during the first airing of the "Don't Be All Cool, Uncool" episode, last July.  Of course he is an opportunist-but Andy Cohen and Bethenny have both said nothing wrong with opportunists.

The name you are using is obviously a copyright infringement but like I said if I were Heather I would grabbing the rights to Tipsy Tummy ASAP.   I believe Heather's misspelling of Tummy and Yummy was intentional.  Oh and there is already a Yummy Mummy.   https://yummymummystore.com/  Clothing and all the needs for a breast feeding mothers.  I think it is all in how the ladies handle drafter/grifter Sonja. 

Who knows, but my guess is this guy thought up the name because of his small part in the show. He might not have known which HW/scumbag/asshole on the show he would try to get to promote it for him at the time. Perhaps he had his sight on Ramona, or Lu, or Sonja. Are we actually supposed to believe that a guy who appeared on the show in a business venture with one of the HW's (a venture in which she was apparently not actually an investor), and has done nothing except open and run restaurants, has now decided out of the blue to launch a wine called "Tipsy Girl"? We are supposed to believe that this has nothing to do with the fact that he is on a show that is known for launching the most successful HW ever with a brand called "Skinnygirl"? Seriously?My guess is he is a big user and a famewhore. He went to Sonja and said something like "hey, you are known for being a huge lush, with zero integrity and questionable morals. I think you would be just the person to pretend to launch a drink, which would compete with a beverage of your friend. We would be ripping off the name a bit, but again since you are morally corrupt, this sounds like just the gig for you". Sonja, thinking this was the greatest compliment of her life, agreed. 

[zoeysmom]

Remember last year when this story complete with a real live named source circulated with Ramona as an investor in Alfredo 100.  http://pagesix.com/2014/07/19/mario-singers-ex-mistress-tries-to-confront-housewife-ramona/

There was a little more to the story-look who Ramona's date was:  http://allthingsrh.com/ramona-singers-awkward-love-triangle/

They were in the Berkshires when Carole/Heather brought the story to light.  Of course Peter had been dating Mario's ex-mistress.

Which leads me to agree with Bethenny-does Ramona just claim to be an investor in these restaurants to get publicity for them and perhaps her own publicity?

Quote

 

[QuinnM]

Quote

Add in that Bethenny no longer owns SKG Alcohol, she sold it and the new owners haven't said a peep about it (at least as of now).

I follow B on Twitter. She answers this once a week. She owns all rights to the SG name. She is a partner with Beam on the alcohol. 

[ZaldamoWilder]

1 hour ago, WireWrap said:

Bethenny knows the guy, he was on the show last season but as Ramona's "partner" in a restaurant and I am sure she keeps her ear on what is going on with anything connected to her old alcohol line. Add in that Bethenny no longer owns SKG Alcohol, she sold it and the new owners haven't said a peep about it (at least as of now). There are a few, 4+, months off camera/between seasons and I do believe Bethenny knew something was afoot with Sonja, otherwise why didn't she talk to Sonja off season, she spoke to everyone else but Sonja. LOL

Ok but how would she know about a thing that hasn't been made public yet? uspto doesn't notify registered owners of similar marks and as you said they weren't talking.  Also a guess but I think not talking was a matter of circumstance not intention.  Outside of work, it doesn't seem like they're in the same circle.

[WireWrap]

48 minutes ago, motorcitymom65 said:

Who knows, but my guess is this guy thought up the name because of his small part in the show. He might not have known which HW/scumbag/asshole on the show he would try to get to promote it for him at the time. Perhaps he had his sight on Ramona, or Lu, or Sonja. Are we actually supposed to believe that a guy who appeared on the show in a business venture with one of the HW's (a venture in which she was apparently not actually an investor), and has done nothing except open and run restaurants, has now decided out of the blue to launch a wine called "Tipsy Girl"? We are supposed to believe that this has nothing to do with the fact that he is on a show that is known for launching the most successful HW ever with a brand called "Skinnygirl"? Seriously?My guess is he is a big user and a famewhore. He went to Sonja and said something like "hey, you are known for being a huge lush, with zero integrity and questionable morals. I think you would be just the person to pretend to launch a drink, which would compete with a beverage of your friend. We would be ripping off the name a bit, but again since you are morally corrupt, this sounds like just the gig for you". Sonja, thinking this was the greatest compliment of her life, agreed. 

I think/suspect he initially tried to get Ramona in on this and she turned him down so he then asked Sonja. I also believe that Ramona then told Bethenny all about it. Ramona knows to keep on Bethenny's good side and she wouldn't think twice about letting her know what Peter was up to and that even though she turned him down, Sonja did not. That would explain why Bethenny did not talk to Sonja at all off season even though she talked to everyone else. Bethenny and Sonja had no beef at the reunion, none.

1 minute ago, ZaldamoWilder said:

Ok but how would she know about a thing that hasn't been made public yet? uspto doesn't notify registered owners of similar marks and as you said they weren't talking.  Also a guess but I think not talking was a matter of circumstance not intention.  Outside of work, it doesn't seem like they're in the same circle.

I fully believe that Ramona was Peter's first choice, she turned him down and then he asked Sonja who agreed to it. It is my belief that Ramona filled Bethenny in on what Peter was up to and that Sonja was involved.

[zoeysmom]

39 minutes ago, ZaldamoWilder said:

Ok but how would she know about a thing that hasn't been made public yet? uspto doesn't notify registered owners of similar marks and as you said they weren't talking.  Also a guess but I think not talking was a matter of circumstance not intention.  Outside of work, it doesn't seem like they're in the same circle.

It was made public in July of 2015.  The odds of Bethenny not knowing about Tipsy Girl, being produced by Ramona's friend-zilch.  This would have been announced/published right at the time they were filming the Reunion.  At some point she must have gotten wind Sonja was involved.  If not Ramona-production.  The same way John found out Bethenny and Ramona were talking about him at the bra party-production.

[Petunia13]

On May 15, 2016 at 6:53 PM, Sai said:

I buy her Skinnygirl sparkling water all the time.  I like it.  It must be doing good because when I go shopping there's always just a few on the shelf while the other sparkling waters next to it are fully stocked.  The Skinnygirl waters have green tea polyphenols, essential vitamins and super fruit extracts which make it better than competing brands. And I only knew how to spell polyphenols because I'm reading it off the label right now, lol.   My favorite is strawberry lemonade but they were all sold out of that flavor today so I had to get black raspberry and pink grapefruit. 

Yes and no. I work in grocery store operations. Generally when something is missing on the shelf, that isn't discontinued or recalled, it's because of vendor relations and their ability or professionalism. Or the logistics manager of the particular store you shop at being adept or stupid at ordering replacement merchandise. Or finally the grocery and replenishment managers and their teams doing their jobs restocking items and facing. 

Lot of items at my store location we sell like crazy...yet never run out. They'd rather have extra and donate the surplus to the food banks and shelters, then run out, when it's a popular items or brand. Rarely though their is occasion when an item is so hot it can't be kept in stock, but again stores are in the business of making $ so they avoid that

[Sai]

23 minutes ago, Petunia13 said:

Yes and no. I work in grocery store operations. Generally when something is missing on the shelf, that isn't discontinued or recalled, it's because of vendor relations and their ability or professionalism. Or the logistics manager of the particular store you shop at being adept or stupid at ordering replacement merchandise. Or finally the grocery and replenishment managers and their teams doing their jobs restocking items and facing. 

Lot of items at my store location we sell like crazy...yet never run out. They'd rather have extra and donate the surplus to the food banks and shelters, then run out, when it's a popular items or brand. Rarely though their is occasion when an item is so hot it can't be kept in stock, but again stores are in the business of making $ so they avoid that

I'm gonna have to go with the bolded above.  They never have the cat food I need!  Then one day I asked about it and lo and behold, the next week there it was.....fully stocked.  Idiots.  Lol.  I still like Bethenny's sparkling water.  I drink it a lot.  I used to drink Fuze Slenderize but I can't find that ANYWHERE anymore.  I'm guessing they stopped making it.  Bummer.

[Petunia13]

Yes it sounds like the logistics manager at your store isn't doing his job well or consistently. It's very annoying. 

[queenjen]

I think the tagline for Tipsy Girl is irrefutable proof that the product is a cheater brand by Bethenny's definition. As a poster commented above, who wants to drink like a lady when you can drink like a celebrity? Can't you see sleazy Peter and his marketing team high 5ing each other over this? Next step, exploit the connection to RHONYC by opening a bar called Tipsy Girl where the product is marked down for happy hour. The guy seems to be intent on wringing every potential penny out of the association. Woe indeed to Sonja being desperate enough to shill the swill. Beth is going to pillory her and her product and the team behind it on the Brooklyn Bridge. It's so crude and so obvious, the reference to SG's 'drink like a lady', it makes me wonder whether Beth and the Bravo machine set the whole thing up to start with. Discuss. 

[zoeysmom]

11 hours ago, shoegal said:

Sonja has everything to do with why it's featured on the Real Housewives of New York, so yes, she has something to do with it.  She's more than collecting a check, she is promoting it as her own.  Yes, they are similar in that they have similar names.  That's the point.  If the names were not similar, it would not be an issue.  Bethenny never had an issue with promoting Ramona Pinot Grigio, she even went out of her way to make sure she was drinking Ramona pinot at Ramona's events.  It's not that it is a liquor line, it's that it's piggybacking off of the Skinnygirl name, and very obviously.

In fact, the logo harkens back to the early version of  the Skinnygirl logo with the girl in a martini glass. 

How are bubbles in any way similar to a girl in a martini glass?  I get there is a case to be made for the girl part but there is zero similarities in the logo-past or present.

[shoegal]

18 minutes ago, zoeysmom said:

How are bubbles in any way similar to a girl in a martini glass?  I get there is a case to be made for the girl part but there is zero similarities in the logo-past or present.

The Y in Tipsy is a martini..the martini glass immediately made me think of the original SkinnyGirl logo, with the girl in the martini glass.

Edited May 17, 2016 by shoegal

[Kiss my mutt]

Bethenney should change the tag line on her drinks to "drink like a bitch" 

[queenjen]

And Bethenny has a line of her 'fashion oneliner' tshirts. I cringed seeing her in that 'get off my jock' shirt. I enjoy watching her but have zero desire to emulate her and no desire to get round referring to my jock and big steel balls. This never sits right with me

[zoeysmom]

8 hours ago, shoegal said:

The Y in Tipsy is a martini..the martini glass immediately made me think of the original SkinnyGirl logo, with the girl in the martini glass.

I am thinking  martini glass is really not unique in the spirits industry.  Look, I don't think people should come close to others' trademarks, make similar products but at some point it is called commerce.  Sara Blakely came up with Spanx and I believe her logo is essentially Spanx, By Sara Blakely.  Heather decided to come up with her brand and add her name.   They are in the same industry and selling the same products.  Just because someone follows a style doesn't make it infringement.  In the case of Heather she went after Goliath and lost and as far as using it as a story line (as she initially did) it got quashed as far as RHONYC.  Do I think Peter is baiting Bethenny for screen time?  Yep and Bethenny is smart enough to know the same at this point she is in charge of the controversy as far as the show goes.  She got the pre-season publicity for the brand issue.  All she can do is hope it is filmed in such a way that Sonja's product is minimized.