S07.E15: Hong Kong Fireworks

[WireWrap]

14 minutes ago, Happy Camper said:

I love house porn, wardrobe porn and party porn, but for some reason with Erika it's not satisfying, it's annoying (for me). Her home is big and expensive, but not pleasant or attractive, her wardrobe seems silly and her parties are ...well...lacking. 

I have not seen a tiny bit of philanthropy at all with EG/EJ. 

JMO.

Much like Erika herself, her home is not inviting at all, it is all for show but not much more IMO.

[Giselle]

25 minutes ago, WireWrap said:

Much like Erika herself, her home is not inviting at all, it is all for show but not much more IMO.

The homes of the other housewives look personalized with the exception of Dorit's and Erica's. Those two houses look like anyone could move into them and be the owner without changing a thing. Kyle's, LVP's, Lisa's, and even Eileen's clutter box give you a sense of who they are and what is important to them. 

Edited March 17, 2017 by Giselle
Correcting frigging autocorrect

[PickleDeeDee]

I am not saying I envy Erika's house, but it is satisfying to see it matched her cold, cold, heart, ha ha.  I still enjoyed seeing it.   True that we haven't seen it this season, but I still like to see Erika not letting us down by bringing herself perfectly or at least, interestingly coiffed and made up to each occasion.  

It was interesting to watch her normally supremely cool/confident/arrogant facade crumble a bit as she showed humility at the Young and Restless audition/run through.  

I love how someone above compared her voice to Bart Simpson's!  So true. Isn't if funny when she went to Georgia and got back some of her southern accent, it was so much better/likable,  because she at least had some vocal inflections?

 Would I like a friend who kept me waiting for her narcissistic endeavors? NO.  But on TV, I find it intriguing.  I would be disappointed if she isn't on next season.  I realize that seems to be the unpopular opinion, but I honestly look forward to the Erika scenes.  

[Feline Queen]

16 hours ago, Jel said:

I feel like if you follow this line of thinking to its logical conclusion you end up where? If you're not doing 100%, then you shouldn't do anything? If she eats meat, then screw those dogs getting tortured, because she's too hypocritical to say anything about it?  Or is it more, she can do the work, but let's make sure to call out everything she ISN'T doing, and not worry if we diminish her real efforts because by God, we have to point out the hypocrisy? If one is for animal welfare, then shouldn't that be the focus over the personal behavior of the individuals fighting for the cause?  I can never find the logic in this kind of argument. 

In our house, we have a "rescue animals only" policy. But we don't rescue all the animals; any my son and his girlfriend bought a hamster from a pet store (stupid kids! waves fist in air!), which makes us hypocrites. Plus, we eat meat. Should we now tie a hobo bandana filled with kibble around our little dogs necks and send them back to the California kill shelter they came from because there are still so many other problems and we aren't worthy? I will ask my dogs with their love and comfort and security and full tummies what they think. ... They say no.  We do what we can. It's never enough, and we still do what we can.

If Lisa eats meat (and if that does indeed make her a hypocrite), then she's a hypocrite who's working hard to stop dog torture in Yulin.  That is 100% more than many are doing, and 100% good enough for me. Besides, someone as hard working and dedicated as is Lisa might be a great person to try to recruit to other animal welfare causes. 

I don't love your argument, but I love that you work for animal rescue, and that is a lot more important. Many thanks to you for that.

I was simply saying that if you have compassion for dogs and don't believe they should end up on someone's dinner plate, while chowing down on a juicy steak - then yes, it's a tad hypocritical.  It's actually a fairly big debate within the rescue community because some people do eat cows, pigs & chickens while saving dogs locally and from the dog meat farms while others are vegans who believe in compassion for all living beings, not just companion animals. 

I hope the Yulin meat festival and eating dogs and cats in general comes to an end. But I'd also like to see the end of the killing of all animals for consumption. Anyone who can help get that accomplished has my support. 

On 3/15/2017 at 8:40 PM, yourmomiseasy said:

This is one of the reasons why people don't like vegans, PETA, and to a lesser extent vegetarians.

Campaigning to save dogs from being eaten while munching on a hamburger makes someone a hypocrite. If you can give me a reasonable explanation as to why it's okay to eat one kind of animal while being horrified at the consumption of another, I'll reconsider my position on the subject.  

[hoosiermom]

Maybe Erica is quoting her mother or someone else as having said "you don't know what I go thru at night". If someone already said this, my apologies.

[Jamie Satyr]

2 minutes ago, hoosiermom said:

Maybe Erica is quoting her mother or someone else as having said "you don't know what I go thru at night". If someone already said this, my apologies.

I think the consensus reason is her son being a cop in LA going out in those dangerous streets! ;-)

[AndySmith]

Quote

I think Dorit was trying to start something with Lisa R's pills, but no one took the bait. She made it seem like a funny thing, but she was hoping someone would say something incriminating. She tried several times. Each time, no one said anything. So now she looks like an asshole. This is my summation from the episode regarding social politics. 

Yeah. If it was something she had brought up once, you could maybe write it off. But on at least 4 separate occasions? She definitely tried to stir the pot and nobody was buying or cared enough to make it a big thing. And her memory is as selective as Rinna's.

Quote

I realize that seems to be the unpopular opinion, but I honestly look forward to the Erika scenes.  

I do too. I think I'm one of the few people on here who likes her. Though Mikey can go, he is very annoying. I don't mind the rest of her entourage, and don't find it annoying that she has one, but Mikey...he needs to tone it down 5 or 6 levels.

Quote

I didn't see anything artificial in Dorit's video. 

Social media in and of itself has as artificial aspect to it, in that we tend to self-edit what we put on there. We're all guilty of it, to an extent.

[RHJunkie]

4 hours ago, Feline Goddess said:

I was simply saying that if you have compassion for dogs and don't believe they should end up on someone's dinner plate, while chowing down on a juicy steak - then yes, it's a tad hypocritical.  It's actually a fairly big debate within the rescue community because some people do eat cows, pigs & chickens while saving dogs locally and from the dog meat farms while others are vegans who believe in compassion for all living beings, not just companion animals. 

I hope the Yulin meat festival and eating dogs and cats in general comes to an end. But I'd also like to see the end of the killing of all animals for consumption. Anyone who can help get that accomplished has my support. 

Campaigning to save dogs from being eaten while munching on a hamburger makes someone a hypocrite. If you can give me a reasonable explanation as to why it's okay to eat one kind of animal while being horrified at the consumption of another, I'll reconsider my position on the subject.  

From all the work I've seen regarding the Yulin festival (LVP and otherwise), I have never gotten the impression that the campaigns have been about saving dogs from being a source of food in Yulin (and despite dog meat being eaten in other parts of the world, the campaign has only been about the Yulin festival). I've always seen anti-Yulin arguments more emphasize the torture of the dogs and the spectacle that is made of it because there's no cultural significance to the event.  It's a festival that has been created for economic value but is being done in the most barbaric way possible.

So if we're going to judge and take exception to what kind of animals should and shouldn't be eaten, then sure, that does fall on the hypocritical side. If the crux of the matter is not about the consumption, but the process, I see that as a completely different argument.

[Alison]

8 hours ago, Happy Camper said:

I would not consider it an all expensive paid vacation if I was expected to work.

So, if your boss flew you to, say, Hong Kong or Dubai and put you up in a luxurious hotel for the duration of the trip, but you only had to work, say, 2 hours a day out of the 5-day trip, with the rest of the time left for you to do whatever you want, you'd say no?

 

All of this Erika hate is starting to get really petty and stupid. Out of all of the offenses committed by the Housewives across the franchise, Erika is being lambasted for not having diarrhea of the mouth, not showing off her home multiple times, hiring a glam squad that travels with her, and releasing a few silly dance tracks and music videos? Got it.

[dosodog]

Well I for one don't hate Ericka.

She just makes me roll my eyes more than the other housewives.

I know.  You think that would be Rinna.  But Rinna gets permanent side eye from me now, which is complimented with a "I just smelled a fart" look.

[TattleTeeny]

Quote

I realize I'm also weird for the look book thing. You guys don't even want to see the things I organize like a freak. But, I love fashion and playing with fashion, so that's definitely part of it. It's fun for me.

I WANNA SEE! Again, I have no look book but I doubt anyone who knows me would be surprised if I had one! As for organizing (when I have the chunk of time I need to really, really get into a purge-and-revamp groove--you do not want to start this kind of thing when you've got only a couple of free hours), just ask my BF how many times he can stand to hear the term "like with like" ever again. 

The thing with a look book though that stresses me out (oh my god, what kind of person stresses out over a hypothetical look book?) is the constant updating I'd need to do! A look book might be like giving myself a life sentence!

 

Quote

MAJOR photoshop. In the second picture, she looks like a drag queen. There's NOTHING attractive about her. The ponytails and outfit look RIDICULOUS. Her thighs are huge . She looks like a drag queen.

Agree on the Photoshop; she looks like she's made of matte-finish clouds--you see this so often on fashion blogs by chicks who must assume no one notices. But who the fuck gives a fuck abut looking like a damn drag queen already? And I'm seeing nothing remarkable about those thighs--they seem pretty normal to me (way better than the fashion-blog chicks who give themselves thigh-gap without knowing how to correct the background that now shows behind their legs!).

Edited March 17, 2017 by TattleTeeny

[Yours Truly]

19 hours ago, zoeysmom said:

To me it is like two dogs meeting each other, with these two women.  First it is who smells whose butt first, then mutual butt sniffing, then one raise a paw in play, the other recoils or snaps or growls.  Every time the dogs see each other they repeat and eventually they learn to play together or are sent off to separate yards. 

Not everything Dorit says is a dig.  Nor is everything Erika says a direct insult.  Dorit seems to fine with Kyle and LVP and even Eden, until Eden misrepresented her so it isn't just Dorit.  Eileen has sais she loves Dorit.  So there is a lot of manure these women stand in.

Erika has two personalities so I think the accent stuff is pretty tame.  I would rather banter with Dorit than listen to Erika talk about how fabulous she is.  Just a different taste in people.

I'm actually starting to think Dorits missteps are coming from not being able to be gauge Erika and it has created a seriously awkward environment which I do not believe Dorit is familiar with. I think Dorit is the type of person to lean on the expectations of kindness in general. I do truly get annoyed when I run across obnoxious people who bank on the etiquette of others in order for THEM to find THEIR footing in a situation but in Dorit's case minus the ridiculous pantygate I don't think she's so bad with this. The way it goes for someone like Dorit is she's counting on people "laughing off" any foot in mouth moments or conflict in humor cause ya know in general most people are gonna try to keep an open mind and give someone a grace period just as long as they aren't running around rudly insulting their kids, their home, their family etc. I mean I'm not saying that it needs to be that extreme in order to get on someone's bad side but like at my job. When I was sizing up my coworkers I kept a pleasant demeanor, felt them out, realized who had traits that weren't all that great but allowed a repoirtoire to form within my comfort zone but also along the lines of their personalities. Ya just have to roll with the punches and even though a few personalities rubbed me the wrong way by keeping it civil, rolling my eyes to myself, taking a breath and shrugging off some off putting behavior I was able to carve out a rather comfortable interaction with those that weren't my favorite. Hell, I even warmed up to a couple of them because by me rolling with it I was able to eventually learn other things about who they were and different sides of their personalities that definitely offset the parts that annoyed and so I'm thinking Dorits rants are more along the lines of Damn lady we have to work together I'm really trying here, is it really all that serious for you to walk around like stone for every scene we are being filmed in together? I feel like her stupid attempts at humor are her continuously asking Erika to throw her a bone.  

At first I was all about Erika's demeanor and reserve but this last episode proved that it doesn't stop her from being an asshole. I liked it cause she doesn't rush to jump in with crazy rants or he said she said and she doesn't seem to engage in the whole second hand account of things but she completely lost me with her inserting herself soooooo ridiculously inappropriately and also steering the sentiment so far away from what really happened. Plus, her reserve is too much of a "storyline" just for the sake of storyline. I appreciate the idea of someone not always allowing emotional ranting to take over in tense situations but this season Erika is a bit too haughty with this trait. At first I was thinking "but Erika has been perfectly pleasant" during plenty of interactions or gatherings and Dorit has been making some back handed compliments so I won't deny that but it's in Erika's reaction that I'm starting to loose a bit of respect. Erika wants to walk around like she's "got this" but the only way she handles any of her beef about anything is with the smirk and the barely there reaction. Bitch, call bitches on shit. Have some come backs ready or not even come backs.

Like when Dorit made that comment about what she was wearing at her party I would have been real quick to reply in a faux shock slightly reprimanding, but laughing tone saying "Well that wasn't a very nice and welcoming thing to say, would you prefer for me to go home and change then?" Nip that shit in the bud right off the bat and you would have also, most likely gotten an immediate apology as well as put Dorit on notice that she gonna need think twice from then on before she has a harmless laugh at your expense.

My thing with Erika is that she thinks walking around stiff as a board is so superior. Not everyone is built the same way and will only understand point blank blue prints about the people they interact with. I've found that some of the most obnoxious and social awkward people I know don't have the same measuring stick when it comes to humor, appropriateness, etc. etc. Expecting people to know exactly what will and won't be laughed offed by you or what you do and don't find charming isn't gonna fall out of the sky. Ya gotta at least give a little bit of guidance and Erika's approach of being rudely standoffish is definitely her prerogative but then she also has to accept the back lash that may come with that. I personally don't agree with someone trying to force me to like them and then them guilting me for not warming to them but at the same time you have to accept that you are contributing to the awkward energy by creating hoops for people to jump through.

I think both Dorit and Erika have some missteps in their interaction with each other but Erika this last episode really annoyed the fuck outta me. I feel like she took all of her animosity for Dorit and saw this opportunity to pile on Dorit and took it and to me that's pathetic. Instead of just addressing her discomfort with Dorit (the digs, the comments, the jabs) she likes to take the unbothered approach cause ya know that's the fabulous way to deal with shit but then she does something like this. LAME! ANNNDDDDDDD shit ain't even correct ANNNNNDDDDDD she doesn't even have a dog in THAT fight!! I hate it when one of the cast has a hair up their ass about someone else then uses a conflict that castmate is having with someone else to act on their grievance with them. It's so fucking childish and I expected more from Erika. I like Erika up til then and I guess maybe that's why I'm so annoyed. Ugggghhh.

Edited March 17, 2017 by Yours Truly

[TattleTeeny]

Quote

 

some people do eat cows, pigs & chickens while saving dogs locally and from the dog meat farms while others are vegans who believe in compassion for all living beings, not just companion animals. 

I hope the Yulin meat festival and eating dogs and cats in general comes to an end. But I'd also like to see the end of the killing of all animals for consumption. Anyone who can help get that accomplished has my support. 

Campaigning to save dogs from being eaten while munching on a hamburger makes someone a hypocrite. If you can give me a reasonable explanation as to why it's okay to eat one kind of animal while being horrified at the consumption of another, I'll reconsider my position on the subject.  

 

It's not that I disagree with you at all on this. It's just that I don't know that calling people hypocrites helps, I guess? I'm having trouble articulating...maybe I just think that while the word "hypocrite" could apply in a technical sense that it just sounds a bit harsh directed at someone who is at least doing something to support animal welfare? 

I mean, maybe I am being not harsh enough because if I call LVP a hypocrite, I'd have to call most of my friends and my BF and sister that too (and yes, I do get all charged up sometimes when someone posts some damn link about "OMG, cruel people are eating horses!?!!!!11!" just a few hours before posting a photo of their dinner--usually my sister, who wants all of FB to view her as an animal savior; it's weird!). But even if they're hypocrites, they also make donations to my animal shelter or try to buy cruelty-free brands or whatever, so it's better than doing nothing for animal-welfare causes?

To be honest, I am probably a hypocrite too because I rarely address their hypocrisies even though it's important to me, as it's just easier to shut up and seethe silently. Haha, this is tricky!

Edited March 17, 2017 by TattleTeeny

[Yours Truly]

12 hours ago, Otherkate said:

Lord no, an obstacle course and jumping through hoops is the direct opposite of what I personally would want. It would mortify me! It's kind of the point. Let's not make a big deal out of it one way or another and just see what happens. Being reserved doesn't have to mean being rude. I haven't thought Erika was rude to Dorit (until last night's boat exchange, which was certainly ugly imo) I thought she chatted with her, complimented her, and yes sat next to her. It's embarrassing to have someone continue to draw attention to how quiet and/or reserved you are. You already know you're weird.

I realize I'm also weird for the look book thing. You guys don't even want to see the things I organize like a freak. But, I love fashion and playing with fashion, so that's definitely part of it. It's fun for me.

I do think Dorit always looks really put together and lovely. She has a specific style and she pulls it off. I adored the shorter hair and wish she would do it more often, but appreciate that she's always doing something interesting with the longer hair too. Fun!

OMG ME TOO!! and let me tell you I just started doing this. I mean I don't take pic but every time I would go somewhere I would have the worse time not knowing what to pack always bring too much cause I need to be able to put together an outfit, what shoes, are we walking, what are my favorites, what shirt can't be worn with what bottoms (muffin top) and so on and so on. I would throw in a bunch of favorites. Tops, bottoms, shoes accessories just a jumble of stuff. A LOT of stuff figuring I'd be able to pull together a weeks worth of outfits from what I was bringing and each and every time I was missing something to complete this outfit or that and it would drive me INSANE cause I like to put together outfits based on how I feel the weather the mood etc. etc.

I went away for the weekend with a girlfriend of mine to the beach. We slept in a bit then she suggest we go have brunch on the boardwalk and while I opened up my bag and started digging through my separate pieces trying to throw together something she reached in her bag pulled out 5 ziplock gallon bags.  Studied each one then decided on one. Opened it, pulled out a pair of shorts, a cute top, earrings, necklace and sandals. Got dressed and laid back in bed waiting on me.

Needless to say I was amazed and completely in awe and immediately adopted the idea. It takes me hours to pack but it's soooo worth it. I try on outfits, put together looks, choose the jewelry everything. Once I'm happy with a look I fold it up slip it in a ziploc, put the jewelry in a snack size ziplock bag and put it in too. I usually try to coordinate about 2 days looks per day of trip and maybe 2 extra night time looks per length of trip. Alternate heel heights as well. I like to make sure a night time look that is originally paired with heels also has maybe a flat but savy sandle option as well depending on my mood. It's so much fun and it's such a relief to know that I can relax and enjoy my trip knowing that I won't be stressed out each day trying to figure out something to wear. Which would happen ALL the time no matter how many items I packed in the past. It really used to take a bit away from my enjoyment of my trips and vacations.

Anyway, that's my version of "look book"... For me it save time, energy, and A LOT of grief to have my outfits prepacked. It also cuts down on the amount of stuff you pack and bring with you cause you not jamming everything you own into a million suitcases so you can have choices.

[Juliegirlj]

The decor of Erika's house makes it clear who runs things in that household-and it ain't her...

Has anyone else thought about the amount of time Erika must spend sitting in a hair and makeup chair? They all do, but she has it spackled on, and must take up a huge amount of time! 

I love Dorit's fashion sense. I don't think she has ever looked bad, with the exception of those weird bangs she tried out. Big wtf about her hubby PK's uniform of a gross white V neck undershirt! 

[Jel]

5 hours ago, Feline Goddess said:

I was simply saying that if you have compassion for dogs and don't believe they should end up on someone's dinner plate, while chowing down on a juicy steak - then yes, it's a tad hypocritical.  It's actually a fairly big debate within the rescue community because some people do eat cows, pigs & chickens while saving dogs locally and from the dog meat farms while others are vegans who believe in compassion for all living beings, not just companion animals. 

I hope the Yulin meat festival and eating dogs and cats in general comes to an end. But I'd also like to see the end of the killing of all animals for consumption. Anyone who can help get that accomplished has my support. 

Campaigning to save dogs from being eaten while munching on a hamburger makes someone a hypocrite. If you can give me a reasonable explanation as to why it's okay to eat one kind of animal while being horrified at the consumption of another, I'll reconsider my position on the subject.  

I understand the hypocrisy claim -- I have heard it many times. I copped to being a meat eating hypocrite in my first post. Where the argument loses me is after that. Are meat eating hypocrites therefore not worthy enough to support animal rights to any degree? Should we abandon rescues and humane treatment of food animals and start wearing fur because fuck it, we are still eating meat?  Should Lisa just stop working to prevent dog torture if she eats cows? That's the unspoken premise in the argument that I have a problem with.

I do not believe that that all or nothing line of thinking serves the cause at all. Progress comes in degrees.  And the movement needs more people, not less. 

Lisa is compassionate towards dogs, and someone like her has a much higher chance of being drawn into a movement that supports all animals than someone like a fur wearer. Why risk alienating Lisa by highlighting that she doesn't do enough when you could just as easily highlight what she does do, and then work on her a little more to draw her into your cause after that?  I sometimes sense a derision for people who champion dogs and cats because they are seen as less hardcore or devoted or something. That may be true, but even so, such people are allies to the cause and should be recognized and treated as such.

Shaming is a pretty ineffective way of motivating people because often times, instead of motivating real change, it just drives feelings underground, where they remain unexamined. I think it's much smarter to find common ground, recognize that not everyone is where you are at, yet, and work with them where they are. Pointing out that Lisa is a hypocrite if she eats meat is ultimately counter productive to your ultimate goal of compassion for all living things imo.

If you just don't like Lisa, okay. Criticize her for her jabs, or manipulation, or dumbass Brit humor or the long list of things that she does that rankles people around here, whatever, but please, don't let the very good, hard, courageous work she does to stop dog torture be the thing she's criticized for.

[ElDosEquis]

9 hours ago, Happy Camper said:

I love house porn, wardrobe porn and party porn, but for some reason with Erika it's not satisfying, it's annoying (for me). Her home is big and expensive, but not pleasant or attractive, her wardrobe seems silly and her parties are ...well...lacking. 

I have not seen a tiny bit of philanthropy at all with EG/EJ. 

JMO.

She gives men that have no purpose, a purpose.

She probably will open up a home for old and destitute dancers/entertainers when DW finally checks out?

[Yours Truly]

8 hours ago, Feline Goddess said:

I was simply saying that if you have compassion for dogs and don't believe they should end up on someone's dinner plate, while chowing down on a juicy steak - then yes, it's a tad hypocritical.  It's actually a fairly big debate within the rescue community because some people do eat cows, pigs & chickens while saving dogs locally and from the dog meat farms while others are vegans who believe in compassion for all living beings, not just companion animals. 

I hope the Yulin meat festival and eating dogs and cats in general comes to an end. But I'd also like to see the end of the killing of all animals for consumption. Anyone who can help get that accomplished has my support. 

Campaigning to save dogs from being eaten while munching on a hamburger makes someone a hypocrite. If you can give me a reasonable explanation as to why it's okay to eat one kind of animal while being horrified at the consumption of another, I'll reconsider my position on the subject.  

Hypocrite or not is it beneficial to the cause to have such support from LVP?

I think the point is that 100% is awesome but 70% is still better than 60%, 50% is better than 30%, 20% is better than 10% and 5% is better than nothing.

So if I splurged $2,500 at Vegas yesterday. Completely gambled it away but today I saw a homeless guy on the street and only gave him $5 but to him that $5 bought him a warm coffee and something to eat. My gambling away $2,500 the day before has nothing to do with his gratitude for the coffee and small meal he was able to have that morning.

I'll never understand the culture of this world were there is always something to judge. Even in kind gestures there is always a way to tarnish good intentions by this ridiculous tendency to determine that something isn't generous or altruistic ENOUGH.

Don't most charities advertise that just $.50 a day can make all the difference? That means that every little bit counts so I can't understand the logic that looks down on any charitable actions just because it doesn't come in a form that satisfies some standard that really isn't a standard.  There's no way to gauge charity. There's no way to set a minimum to contributing to a cause. That in itself would be detrimental to the whole purpose of gaining support. Putting this type of tone out  deters more than helps so I never could understand this counterproductive approach at shaming. Its funny cause once you start advocating you're putting yourself out there for criticism and it's amazing why that's even a pitfall to have to face because who on earth wants to repel possible supporters and contributors? I think personal opinions get in the way of helping a cause especially if it's rooted in expressing animosity towards advocates.

Boggles the mind.

Edited March 17, 2017 by Yours Truly

[ElDosEquis]

15 hours ago, KungFuBunny said:

Seeing Ericka’s first night in Hong Kong look is like Cloud Watching

Now I’m seeing that she scalped E.T. and glued him to the top of her head

I see the spinchter judge from the Pink Floyd album, The Wall?

[SnarkAttack]

Hong Kong is such a dramatic looking city, so many skyscrapers!  Very cool.  

I can't believe these women can't come up with something more interesting to have drama around.  Their drama is so lame.  I really prefer the non-drama part of the show - houses, vacations, cars, clothes, food.

I love Eileen.  

Does anyone else wonder if Ericka has a lover?  I think of the song Lyin' Eyes by the Eagles whenever I see her.

[motorcitymom65]

20 hours ago, zoeysmom said:

There is also the reality they are expected to film a 12 week show.  Not much organic or natural about that scenario.  Just like inviting a person you have never met before to your birthday party and her returning the favor.  Then meeting up at a party and telling the majority their humor is mean and then delivering an insult and announcing you aren't wearing any underwear.  So it the guarded and reserved Erika kind of comes and goes.  To me, Dorit was responding in kind to Erika's digs. 

I think Erika and Dorit kind of had an understanding the day they LVP's before going to Hong Kong but Erika takes everything Dorit says as a dig.   

Since I take most things Dorit throws at Erika as a dig, I can certainly see why Erika would. 

[KungFuBunny]

10 minutes ago, ElDosEquis said:

I see the spinchter judge from the Pink Floyd album, The Wall?

Sphincter Judge looks like what is sewn under Rinna's nose.

[Yours Truly]

2 hours ago, Alison said:

So, if your boss flew you to, say, Hong Kong or Dubai and put you up in a luxurious hotel for the duration of the trip, but you only had to work, say, 2 hours a day out of the 5-day trip, with the rest of the time left for you to do whatever you want, you'd say no?

 

All of this Erika hate is starting to get really petty and stupid. Out of all of the offenses committed by the Housewives across the franchise, Erika is being lambasted for not having diarrhea of the mouth, not showing off her home multiple times, hiring a glam squad that travels with her, and releasing a few silly dance tracks and music videos? Got it.

My beef with her is that she is full of herself. Has taken her reserve persona to a bitchy level this season and is smelling her ass really hard. Her glam squad... meh.. whatever but she's really showing herself to be an attention whore that really can't get enough of herself and its really obnoxious. And I'm someone who likes Erika up until her little bitchy attitude took it way left this last episode. I'm noticing that she really does hold herself up in higher regard and last season I applauded her because that was her way to uplift herself without needed the approval of other haughty uptight snobby women. Good for her but this season it's slipping into what I'm starting to suspect is the real deal which is she's the snob in a whole other way as in "Hey, plain jane tweed suit bitches, I'm the barbie blonde sex kitten that all your husbands fantasize about". That's what I'm not feeling about her this season. For her it's all about how SHE'S the sex kitten without even "trying" hence her calm demeanor, reserved manners etc. etc. and yet yup my crotch will still catch your husbands attention, don't be mad... I don't know but it's coming across more this season how purposely present she is in a room and I get being fabulous and all that but I'm not feeling the aggressive trying so hard part. Like she's making a statement each and every time and notice when she decided to tone it down she's quick to put the others down for looking more "fabulous" than her on the plane cause she's annoyed that she's not standing out in that group situation. It's just becoming a pitiful display and it's coming across as a bit nasty too. It was all cool when last season it was presented as Erika Jayne on stage, in performance etc. etc. and then Erika G in real life that had an funky edge to her which I was feeling. But this season it's like The Real Housewives is another stage for her and she's presenting us with a Erika Jayne/G hybrid that needs to own her section of the room and also stand out when in connection with the others and the others have followed suit. Kyle is her normal friendly, Eileen is gushing over her, Rinna is manic and is a people pleasure anyway so she's got a bit of a following with some of the cast and now it's starting to feel like she wants to maybe be the star of this stage and so her stankness is spilling out her and there and I'm not feeling it at all.

I can't excuse Dorit's missteps cause she's thrown a couple of barbs but Dorit is effortlessly fabulous. Blonde barbie without even having to try. No need to go pantyless in a dress cut up to her waist and no need to force some edgy persona in order to radiate among these women.  Erika needs to believe that Dorit is intimidated by Erika's sexy and therefore has something against her (granted I do think there was a spark of that during pantygate cause I too would have been annoyed at such a typical thirsty move from the self-appointed sexkitten in the group) which gives her the excuse she needs to stay cold towards Dorit. Again, Dorit hasn't helped matters but this season Erika's been more expressive than last and I'm not sure what she is expressing is all that endearing.

Also, the little tidbit about her son soured her quite a bit for me. It's added another factor to my assessment of her. Her privately funded Erika Jayne life and purchased fame while lame makes her happy. Fine. Not my money so no big to me. Must be nice to believe you ACHIEVED your dream and didn't just BUY it, whatever but now knowing that she ditched her son in order to pursue Attention Whoredom???? Man, I see her in a bit of a different light. It doesn't even seem like she had a real passion for being an artist. You can plainly see that she wanted celebrity not acclaimed success. There's a difference between pursuing your art and chasing fame and both are just fine but when you ditch your child for either the fact that there was absolutely no substance other than indulging in your own fantasy of being a sex symbol and having a fan base faun over you??....... I'm just extra appalled. That's what was worth leaving your son behind for??? Yuck!

Edited March 17, 2017 by Yours Truly

[AndySmith]

Quote

So, if your boss flew you to, say, Hong Kong or Dubai and put you up in a luxurious hotel for the duration of the trip, but you only had to work, say, 2 hours a day out of the 5-day trip, with the rest of the time left for you to do whatever you want, you'd say no?

I need to find an employer like that in my line of business lol

[Otherkate]

1 hour ago, Yours Truly said:

OMG ME TOO!! and let me tell you I just started doing this. I mean I don't take pic but every time I would go somewhere I would have the worse time not knowing what to pack always bring too much cause I need to be able to put together an outfit, what shoes, are we walking, what are my favorites, what shirt can't be worn with what bottoms (muffin top) and so on and so on. I would throw in a bunch of favorites. Tops, bottoms, shoes accessories just a jumble of stuff. A LOT of stuff figuring I'd be able to pull together a weeks worth of outfits from what I was bringing and each and every time I was missing something to complete this outfit or that and it would drive me INSANE cause I like to put together outfits based on how I feel the weather the mood etc. etc.

I went away for the weekend with a girlfriend of mine to the beach. We slept in a bit then she suggest we go have brunch on the boardwalk and while I opened up my bag and started digging through my separate pieces trying to throw together something she reached in her bag pulled out 5 ziplock gallon bags.  Studied each one then decided on one. Opened it, pulled out a pair of shorts, a cute top, earrings, necklace and sandals. Got dressed and laid back in bed waiting on me.

Needless to say I was amazed and completely in awe and immediately adopted the idea. It takes me hours to pack but it's soooo worth it. I try on outfits, put together looks, choose the jewelry everything. Once I'm happy with a look I fold it up slip it in a ziploc, put the jewelry in a snack size ziplock bag and put it in too. I usually try to coordinate about 2 days looks per day of trip and maybe 2 extra night time looks per length of trip. Alternate heel heights as well. I like to make sure a night time look that is originally paired with heels also has maybe a flat but savy sandle option as well depending on my mood. It's so much fun and it's such a relief to know that I can relax and enjoy my trip knowing that I won't be stressed out each day trying to figure out something to wear. Which would happen ALL the time no matter how many items I packed in the past. It really used to take a bit away from my enjoyment of my trips and vacations.

Anyway, that's my version of "look book"... For me it save time, energy, and A LOT of grief to have my outfits prepacked. It also cuts down on the amount of stuff you pack and bring with you cause you not jamming everything you own into a million suitcases so you can have choices.

Dude. You just blew my mind. This is such a good idea!

[Juliegirlj]

Both Erika and Dorit have drawn an invisible line in the sand and neither one is willing to back down. They are competing for their spots in the Housewife hierarchy. 

As weird and gross as PK is, he and Dorit seem to have a good marriage and seem to love each other. Yes, Dorit has a gaggle of nannies, and likely spends a good bit of time away from her children, however, she does seem to be a loving mom, and her instagram has some lovely pics of tender moments with her babes. Dorit has an amazing body, and seemingly effortless fashion sense. There is a kindness about her also. 

Erika, on the other hand, seems to have more of a business relationship for a marriage, and even if she and Tom have a friendly regard for each other, or even a platonic love, it doesn't appear to be a marriage in the conventional sense, based on mutual marital love. We haven't seen Erika's relationship with her son yet, but Erika gave up custody of her only child when he was very young, to pursue her own dreams. She also has a great body, but as far as personal style, who knows, because all we see is Mikey's version of it. Erika tries way too hard to be over the top, avant-garde ish in her presentation. If she requires the assistance of a 3 person glam squad everywhere she goes ( including a low key trip home to the Georgia countryside), I think it rules out natural beauty. It also says a lot about her own self confidence and self image. 

Long story short: Dorit gets my vote !! ????

[Alison]

Guys, what if Erika and Dorit somehow put aside their differences and align? I can't tell if that would be the best or the worst, but it would be entertaining regardless, so we all win.

[brinpol]

While neither of these women are my favorites, I'd choose Ericka over Dorit.

[Lisin]

Guys, this forum and more specifically this topic isn't the place for in depth discussion of the ethics of veganism/wearing fur/vegetarianism/etc. please take that discussion elsewhere. If you want to talk about Lisa V take it to her thread and remember to leave politics out of it as well. Thanks. 

[KungFuBunny]

1 hour ago, ElDosEquis said:

She gives men that have no purpose, a purpose.

She probably will open up a home for old and destitute dancers/entertainers when DW finally checks out?

Erika says important things

See her here giving a speech. Her message going to an enthralled audience who though may never experience or enjoy the action can at least live by these words vicariously.

 

You can’t see it but off stage, Mikey is losing his mind…YEAAHSSS YESSSSS YAYYASS

[ElDosEquis]

23 minutes ago, SnarkAttack said:

Hong Kong is such a dramatic looking city, so many skyscrapers!  Very cool.  

I can't believe these women can't come up with something more interesting to have drama around.  Their drama is so lame.  I really prefer the non-drama part of the show - houses, vacations, cars, clothes, food.

I love Eileen.  

Does anyone else wonder if Ericka has a lover?  I think of the song Lyin' Eyes by the Eagles whenever I see her.

There is no way that anyone would be having sex on the side and be that fucking miserable?

Even the worst lay will get you out of any funk you happen to be in?

EJ is a pretty woman, but her attitude makes her pretty unattractive.

I think it's partially from the fact that all the other Haus Hoes have a cha-cha that isn't funded by their spouses? All the rest have some kind of profession/way to earn their keep - clothes, restaurant, selling crap on TV?

EJ might be the only one that is dependent on her SO for an operating budget. As much as DW funds her 'concerts/tours', I am sure there is a limit to that generosity and that must be frustrating to her. I get the feeling that she'd tour the shit out of her husband's cash, if she could.

[notnowimbusy]

I know Erika makes money from her videos/songs, but I'd be curious to know if the profits cover the expenses.   Between building sets, costumes, dancers, rehearsal time, actual filming, post production, salaries for glam squads, Mikey, the cost of flying private to her gigs, etc.     I can't imagine she broke even on her trip to Greece.   She was most likely paid well, but seriously do you think it offset the cost of taking all those people, the house rental, etc?  

[Natalie68]

16 hours ago, KungFuBunny said:

Seeing Ericka’s first night in Hong Kong look is like Cloud Watching

Now I’m seeing that she scalped E.T. and glued him to the top of her head

That was funny as hell!  And *I* like that hairdo (a minority I know).

[zoeysmom]

10 minutes ago, notnowimbusy said:

I know Erika makes money from her videos/songs, but I'd be curious to know if the profits cover the expenses.   Between building sets, costumes, dancers, rehearsal time, actual filming, post production, salaries for glam squads, Mikey, the cost of flying private to her gigs, etc.     I can't imagine she broke even on her trip to Greece.   She was most likely paid well, but seriously do you think it offset the cost of taking all those people, the house rental, etc?  

Not even close.  The plane ride alone was at cost probably $50k.  Erika was a small part of a big festival of pretty much nobodies.  I doubt her RH even makes a dent in her rental porn studio and seven day a week Glam Squad.  Dancers and Creative Directors need to paid, as do the Glam Squad.  Erika touched on it with Tom, when she thanked him for the use of the plane.

One of Dorit's bigger mistakes-calling Erika's career a hobby.  It is and I think once Dorit began to understand it from Erika's perspective she backed off the line of conversation.

[AndySmith]

Quote

And *I* like that hairdo (a minority I know).

I liked it as well. Guess that makes two of us lol

[Natalie68]

14 hours ago, Duke2801 said:

DED at ET! Omg! ??

WTF is wrong with people?? Your neighbor is an asshole!! ??

That was my thought!  My surly self would have yelled back 'after you'.  Whadda bitch!

[zoeysmom]

When is the group of women going to buck it up and call Rinna out for screwing up the third vacation in a row?  Anyone who doesn't is a wuss. It is not about loyalty, or she has more virtues than faults, it is about screwing up some more than others' trip.  I forgot about her screwing up Mexico.  Does anyone feel Rinna should be given a pass?  Amsterdam, Dubai, and now Hong Kong were all a direct result of Rinna and her mouth.  I hate the term but she did start shit all three times.

[Natalie68]

13 hours ago, notnowimbusy said:

I'm with my dog all damn day and he could care less - I feed him, take him out, play ball.  But he hears my husband come home and it's like a god is walking through the door. 

Dorit, as "odd" as she comes across, seems to want to find common ground with people.   She likes to have a good time, has great fashion sense, and as weird as PK seems, it's clear they have a good relationship.   Erika acts like being with people, besides the glam squad, is such a bore - that nobody has anything interesting to say, and comes across as if they don't deserve to have a moment of her time.   When she was in Greece, and the boys threw her into the pool, Kyle commented that they had just spent 3 hours getting her "look" right.  Keep in mind this wasn't a "look" for her performance - just to hang out and rehearse.   How self absorbed can she get?   Anyone else notice when she's complimented, she always says "I appreciate that". . not thank you.  She even said it to Tom when he told her she looked good.   When the women came for drink after the long flight, and she shows up in that ridiculous "costume", notice how she "eyed" each one as they came, and gave a half hearted "you look nice" - all the while thinking "I'm the best". 

I get the impression that Erica's new found friendship with Kyle isn't sitting well with Eileen.   She adores Erica and would drop Rinna in a heartbeat if there was any chance she could become Erica's best friend.

I just had a thought because she is a watcher/listener more than someone who engages openly/starts discussions.  I am wondering if Tom is controlling/or has set rules and around him/his colleagues she is to listen and not interject.  I don't think she is intellectually challenged but he sorta seems like a person who around HIS friends wants arm candy and she is to be seen and not heard.  When she is around HER friends/colleagues he wants to make sure she does nothing to embarrass him or his practice.  So she has become reserved to not disappoint him or get in trouble.  I am thinking about to how she alluded to getting in trouble after that dinner party at her house because Tom didn't like certain behaviors.  This could also explain her alternate personality.  Or I could be pulling this out of my ass.  

13 hours ago, Jamie Satyr said:

Eileen is probably more responsible for things than Kyle who thinks nothing of dropping her family like a hot potato to go halfway around the world on a moment's notice! Eileen has real work acting on a SOAP and is probably more hands on with her family! We know Rinna's got help even with that little house and can also drop everything to go somewhere! I'm not happy with Eileen of late because of her "enabling" of Rinna, but I give her a pass on "leaving" Erika's Int'l travel junkets alone! ;-)

I don't think its necessarily an issue of being more responsible but she is filming a soap and I read something that makes that work VERY unappealing.  One actress who had been on the show forever had some major health issues but kept going to work rather than be fined $20k/day for missing filming.  Its very hard to get out of filming a soap that has 5 new eps every week and Ashley Abbot is a fairly integral character.

[ElDosEquis]

1 hour ago, Yours Truly said:

My beef with her is that she is full of herself. Has taken her reserve persona to a bitchy level this season and is smelling her ass really hard. Her glam squad... meh.. whatever but she's really showing herself to be an attention whore that really can't get enough of herself and its really obnoxious. And I'm someone who likes Erika up until her little bitchy attitude took it way left this last episode. I'm noticing that she really does hold herself up in higher regard and last season I applauded her because that was her way to uplift herself without needed the approval of other haughty uptight snobby women. Good for her but this season it's slipping into what I'm starting to suspect is the real deal which is she's the snob in a whole other way as in "Hey, plain jane tweed suit bitches, I'm the barbie blonde sex kitten that all your husbands fantasize about". That's what I'm not feeling about her this season. For her it's all about how SHE'S the sex kitten without even "trying" hence her calm demeanor, reserved manners etc. etc. and yet yup my crotch will still catch your husbands attention, don't be mad... I don't know but it's coming across more this season how purposely present she is in a room and I get being fabulous and all that but I'm not feeling the aggressive trying so hard part. Like she's making a statement each and every time and notice when she decided to tone it down she's quick to put the others down for looking more "fabulous" than her on the plane cause she's annoyed that she's not standing out in that group situation. It's just becoming a pitiful display and it's coming across as a bit nasty too. It was all cool when last season it was presented as Erika Jayne on stage, in performance etc. etc. and then Erika G in real life that had an funky edge to her which I was feeling. But this season it's like The Real Housewives is another stage for her and she's presenting us with a Erika Jayne/G hybrid that needs to own her section of the room and also stand out when in connection with the others and the others have followed suit. Kyle is her normal friendly, Eileen is gushing over her, Rinna is manic and is a people pleasure anyway so she's got a bit of a following with some of the cast and now it's starting to feel like she wants to maybe be the star of this stage and so her stankness is spilling out her and there and I'm not feeling it at all.

I can't excuse Dorit's missteps cause she's thrown a couple of barbs but Dorit is effortlessly fabulous. Blonde barbie without even having to try. No need to go pantyless in a dress cut up to her waist and no need to force some edgy persona in order to radiate among these women.  Erika needs to believe that Dorit is intimidated by Erika's sexy and therefore has something against her (granted I do think there was a spark of that during pantygate cause I too would have been annoyed at such a typical thirsty move from the self-appointed sexkitten in the group) which gives her the excuse she needs to stay cold towards Dorit. Again, Dorit hasn't helped matters but this season Erika's been more expressive than last and I'm not sure what she is expressing is all that endearing.

Also, the little tidbit about her son soured her quite a bit for me. It's added another factor to my assessment of her. Her privately funded Erika Jayne life and purchased fame while lame makes her happy. Fine. Not my money so no big to me. Must be nice to believe you ACHIEVED your dream and didn't just BUY it, whatever but now knowing that she ditched her son in order to pursue Attention Whoredom???? Man, I see her in a bit of a different light. It doesn't even seem like she had a real passion for being an artist. You can plainly see that she wanted celebrity not acclaimed success. There's a difference between pursuing your art and chasing fame and both are just fine but when you ditch your child for either the fact that there was absolutely no substance other than indulging in your own fantasy of being a sex symbol and having a fan base faun over you??....... I'm just extra appalled. That's what was worth leaving your son behind for??? Yuck!

Smell her own ass........THAT made me laugh like a maniac.

-----------

Some of us fantasize about redheads?

--------

There is nothing sexier than a self made woman.

Someone who is self confident, smart, sexy, humble and is comfortable in their own skin? Someone who doesn't need a constant stream of "you are fabulous" comments and named clothing?

"Propping" up people with constant platitudes gets old pretty quickly - I never let my lips get chapped by kissing ass, people can smell the shit on your breath after you are done.

[zoeysmom]

For those longing for the travel porn-a story about the ladies accommodations:  http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills/blogs/the-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-hong-kong-hotel-island-Shangri-La  In case we didn't see the name enough it is the Island Shangri-La

[Natalie68]

3 hours ago, Yours Truly said:

OMG ME TOO!! and let me tell you I just started doing this. I mean I don't take pic but every time I would go somewhere I would have the worse time not knowing what to pack always bring too much cause I need to be able to put together an outfit, what shoes, are we walking, what are my favorites, what shirt can't be worn with what bottoms (muffin top) and so on and so on. I would throw in a bunch of favorites. Tops, bottoms, shoes accessories just a jumble of stuff. A LOT of stuff figuring I'd be able to pull together a weeks worth of outfits from what I was bringing and each and every time I was missing something to complete this outfit or that and it would drive me INSANE cause I like to put together outfits based on how I feel the weather the mood etc. etc.

I went away for the weekend with a girlfriend of mine to the beach. We slept in a bit then she suggest we go have brunch on the boardwalk and while I opened up my bag and started digging through my separate pieces trying to throw together something she reached in her bag pulled out 5 ziplock gallon bags.  Studied each one then decided on one. Opened it, pulled out a pair of shorts, a cute top, earrings, necklace and sandals. Got dressed and laid back in bed waiting on me.

Needless to say I was amazed and completely in awe and immediately adopted the idea. It takes me hours to pack but it's soooo worth it. I try on outfits, put together looks, choose the jewelry everything. Once I'm happy with a look I fold it up slip it in a ziploc, put the jewelry in a snack size ziplock bag and put it in too. I usually try to coordinate about 2 days looks per day of trip and maybe 2 extra night time looks per length of trip. Alternate heel heights as well. I like to make sure a night time look that is originally paired with heels also has maybe a flat but savy sandle option as well depending on my mood. It's so much fun and it's such a relief to know that I can relax and enjoy my trip knowing that I won't be stressed out each day trying to figure out something to wear. Which would happen ALL the time no matter how many items I packed in the past. It really used to take a bit away from my enjoyment of my trips and vacations.

Anyway, that's my version of "look book"... For me it save time, energy, and A LOT of grief to have my outfits prepacked. It also cuts down on the amount of stuff you pack and bring with you cause you not jamming everything you own into a million suitcases so you can have choices.

GENIUS!  

[zoeysmom]

Here is the menu from the Lobster Bar and Grill-one of the 50 best bars in the world:  http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedFiles/Shangri-la_Hotels/Hong_Kong,_Island_Shangri-La/dining/restaurants/lobster-bar-grill/Lobster_Bar_and_Grill_a_la_carte_menu.pdf Currency coverter- 7.76 HKD = $1.00 US

[hoosiermom]

9 hours ago, Jamie Satyr said:

I think the consensus reason is her son being a cop in LA going out in those dangerous streets! ;-)

Thanks. That makes sense. I had not read the entire thread so my bad. ?

[Wings]

35 minutes ago, AndySmith said:

I liked it as well. Guess that makes two of us lol

three :^)

[PhilMarlowe2]

12 hours ago, PickleDeeDee said:

Do I subscribe to that kind of life?  No, and I hope if I won a mega lottery I still wouldn't, not when there is so much poverty and need around the world.  One can only hope these people with significant money are donating a good percentage to philanthropy.  That is the only way I could sleep at night if I had Erika's lifestyle.

I understand what you're saying, but I also feel like the same really could be said of any of the BH housewives. I mean, does Dorit really need a $250k Bentley? Does Mauricio need his Ferrari or whatever the f it is that he owns? How much money did it cost to purchase and fly two miniature horses for Ken's birthday last year? Or that watch that LVP bought for Ken this year? Kyle bought herself a Birkin bag as "retail therapy/reward" for "surviving" the reunion this year. Birkin bags cost $7,500 at minimum. That is certainly money that could have gone a long way toward helping people and families in need. Think about people who are surviving real ordeals - such as sex trafficking, refugee situations, domestic abuse - and who could use that $7,500 to get real therapy. Did Kyle really need that bag for surviving a reunion that she was already getting handsomely paid for? I get that Erika lives large and she puts it out there for all to see. But we have no idea how much Tom or Erika donate to charitable causes, and she is certainly not alone in spending a ton of unnecessary money on herself that could otherwise go to far more philanthropic endeavors. I don't know, I feel like if one housewife is going to be called out for how she spends her money, then they all do. For the record, I am personally not for criticizing how a Housewife spends her money. I just don't think it's fair to apply a double standard to Erika alone in that regard.

[KungFuBunny]

50 minutes ago, Natalie68 said:

That was funny as hell!  And *I* like that hairdo (a minority I know).

I like that her hair is elaborate. I'm sure it took lots of work and hairspray. I've seen this look done much softer and more appealing.

One Ringy Dingy...Lily Tomlin called and left a message

"Bitch Stole My Look!!!"

[Natalie68]

Just now, KungFuBunny said:

I like that her hair is elaborate. I'm sure it took lots of work and hairspray. I've seen this look done much softer and more appealing.

One Ringy Dingy...Lily Tomlin called and left a message

"Bitch Stole My Look!!!"

HA!  Good one.  

[KungFuBunny]

1 hour ago, notnowimbusy said:

I know Erika makes money from her videos/songs, but I'd be curious to know if the profits cover the expenses.   Between building sets, costumes, dancers, rehearsal time, actual filming, post production, salaries for glam squads, Mikey, the cost of flying private to her gigs, etc.     I can't imagine she broke even on her trip to Greece.   She was most likely paid well, but seriously do you think it offset the cost of taking all those people, the house rental, etc?  

These are Bunny's thoughts so please do not ask me to provide a powerpoint presentation and pie charts to prove my theory. I think Erika and Tom have a pre-nup, this is his third marriage and they have no children together. I think Erika is working with a bunch of people (video set builders, creative directors, choregraphers, dancers) she puts on her payroll and they over inflate their invoices, in fact some of them might not even be "real". Erika squirrels away the difference in an offshore account in case Tom kicks her to the curb. Not that suspects that he will, but she is realistic enough to know if he dies while they are still married there may be some contesting of the will if she is left with everything or she may contest if she is not provided with enough.

[AndySmith]

Both Tom and Ericka have said there is no pre-nup.

[RHJunkie]

4 hours ago, TattleTeeny said:

It's not that I disagree with you at all on this. It's just that I don't know that calling people hypocrites helps, I guess? I'm having trouble articulating...maybe I just think that while the word "hypocrite" could apply in a technical sense that it just sounds a bit harsh directed at someone who is at least doing something to support animal welfare? 

I mean, maybe I am being not harsh enough because if I call LVP a hypocrite, I'd have to call most of my friends and my BF and sister that too (and yes, I do get all charged up sometimes when someone posts some damn link about "OMG, cruel people are eating horses!?!!!!11!" just a few hours before posting a photo of their dinner--usually my sister, who wants all of FB to view her as an animal savior; it's weird!). But even if they're hypocrites, they also make donations to my animal shelter or try to buy cruelty-free brands or whatever, so it's better than doing nothing for animal-welfare causes?

To be honest, I am probably a hypocrite too because I rarely address their hypocrisies even though it's important to me, as it's just easier to shut up and seethe silently. Haha, this is tricky!

 

3 hours ago, Jel said:

I understand the hypocrisy claim -- I have heard it many times. I copped to being a meat eating hypocrite in my first post. Where the argument loses me is after that. Are meat eating hypocrites therefore not worthy enough to support animal rights to any degree? Should we abandon rescues and humane treatment of food animals and start wearing fur because fuck it, we are still eating meat?  Should Lisa just stop working to prevent dog torture if she eats cows? That's the unspoken premise in the argument that I have a problem with.

I do not believe that that all or nothing line of thinking serves the cause at all. Progress comes in degrees.  And the movement needs more people, not less. 

Lisa is compassionate towards dogs, and someone like her has a much higher chance of being drawn into a movement that supports all animals than someone like a fur wearer. Why risk alienating Lisa by highlighting that she doesn't do enough when you could just as easily highlight what she does do, and then work on her a little more to draw her into your cause after that?  I sometimes sense a derision for people who champion dogs and cats because they are seen as less hardcore or devoted or something. That may be true, but even so, such people are allies to the cause and should be recognized and treated as such.

Shaming is a pretty ineffective way of motivating people because often times, instead of motivating real change, it just drives feelings underground, where they remain unexamined. I think it's much smarter to find common ground, recognize that not everyone is where you are at, yet, and work with them where they are. Pointing out that Lisa is a hypocrite if she eats meat is ultimately counter productive to your ultimate goal of compassion for all living things imo.

If you just don't like Lisa, okay. Criticize her for her jabs, or manipulation, or dumbass Brit humor or the long list of things that she does that rankles people around here, whatever, but please, don't let the very good, hard, courageous work she does to stop dog torture be the thing she's criticized for.

Just my two cents on the 'hypocrisy' issue but I think the word is being misused here. Hypocrisy refers to pressing upon a moral standard on others that you yourself don't conform to. It's about creating an image of yourself while casting judgement on others for things that you are also guilty of. The word has impact and I think we should be more careful before using it because most people will take offense and will defend against the accusation of being a hypocrite.

I still wholeheartedly believe that the real discussion around Yulin isn't about eating dogs, it's about torturing dogs. I would never eat a dog. EVER. I love steak. I love chicken. Does that make me a hypocrite? Not at all. Now if I feel a sense of superiority to suggest that others shouldn't eat dogs either (especially without consideration that people have different economical, cultural, etc. circumstances), would I be a hypocrite? Damn straight I would.

This may be controversial to say, but I think the people who advocate aggressively are the ones that are more at risk for displaying hypocritical behaviour. For example - PETA protestors that go out and throw things at celebrities wearing fur and call them horrible human beings - does their advocacy end at just animals? Do they also protest the mining industry? Do they protest urbanization and de-forestation to protect the environment?  Do they ride a bicycle everywhere so that they don't contribute to the pollution in the air? Do they research wear they buy their clothing to ensure that it isn't being made by underpaid children working in poor factory conditions? Do they live in mud huts and churn their own butter to keep their energy footprint low? So if you're a vegan and you're going to tell me that I'm a hypocrite because I won't eat a dog but I'll eat a cow, then couldn't I just as well call you a hypocrite because you won't eat an animal but you'll engage in activities that still contribute to the increasingly poor conditions on our planet (which impact both humans and animals)? If you start creating checklists to determine if someone is an advocate or a hypocrite, then the only people who would pass the test would be Tibetan monks.

I am not a hypocrite for setting my own boundaries and making myself accountable to those boundaries and I am not hypocrite because when I choose to give my time to a cause, I choose a cause that I'm passionate about. It doesn't automatically suggest that I don't see the importance in other causes. Should I judge a PETA protestor for using their time to protest someone wearing fur instead of protesting the war, or lack of education funds for children, or high crime rates, or starving children, etc.? The world can't be saved by one person. Progress can only be made if we all do our parts in the things that we care a great deal about and we take steps backwards when we give any energy to assigning terms or inferences that people aren't doing enough when we should only give our energy to celebrating that people are doing something.

Edited March 17, 2017 by RHJunkie