S09.E02: It Girl, Interrupted

[shoegal]

7 minutes ago, sasha206 said:

Reinventing herself through a Real Housewives show and then going on a reality show with a shady "medium" claiming you felt your dead best girlfriend's spirit seems like a really bad way to reinvent yourself for someone who will ALWAYS remind everyone what a serious journalist she is/was. 

LOL, that probably wasn't her plan but the opportunity presented itself, and it likely pays pretty good.  I think that Carole probably appreciates the un-serious nature of it all.  

1 minute ago, Ki-in said:

Like a person who goes on not one but two psychic shows to reconnect with CBK who loathed the press and would probably be mortified over the medium shows to which her name was dragged in to.

Well, CBK is dead, so it's kinda hard for her to be mortified. 

[sasha206]

9 minutes ago, shoegal said:

Money does not assuage grief, and tragedy whores are those who haven't actually experienced the tragedy, but are looking for a personal connection to a tragedy in order to get attention.   

I relate to her grief -- my husband died of colon cancer in December at the age of 52; 4 year battle.  It's hard on everyone to watch that suffering.  But it's hard for me to understand the need to completely reinvent yourself too; especially if it is a job that you truly love.  I know they worked together, but when they worked together, her book notes that they were often long-distance lovers  -- both could be gone for long periods of time.  It's great that you have the luxury to do such a thing; I can't up and quit my job, move out of the house as I have a 15 year old.  But at the same time, it's hard for me to understand how someone who truly values her prior history as a journalist would participate in such trashy TV as if it's a social experiment.  I had some semblance of respect for her in the beginning -- I mean, yeah, you want to promote your new book, and it's a great way to quickly gain fame.   I lost all respect for her that a couple of years after, she's pimping out her dead friend to go on a show with a very shady medium.  It just really took her from sharing her experiences in a very compelling, gripping book to using death for more fame.  If she wanted to consult a medium and try to make a connection, great.  Why do that on a TV show?

Edited April 13, 2017 by sasha206

[Trooper York]

No she is worse.

She is the epitome of the clueless elitist. Right before our eyes.

She should look into doing a guest spot on "Harlots."

She can play the perfect fame whore.

[Yours Truly]

48 minutes ago, shoegal said:

Carole left journalism and the news media to mourn the death of her husband and friends...it's like an old life.  Someone upthread mentioned it's like she lost her moorings.  Yes, she did.  She lost everything, and she reinvented herself.  I believe she stated that she only recently even reached out to friends and coworkers from ABC, whom she hadn't spoken with in over a decade.  After what she went through, I understand how she could leave everything behind...it seems like she's finally starting to move on, so she can revisit that part of her life now.   I'm happy for her. 

Problem is, no she hasn't.

She's expecting to automatically be relevant based on a past she's stopped nurturing and building long ago. Whatever her reason she ain't that gal and if she wants to go back to being that gal fine but like it or not she's got to put some time and effort back into it. It's gotten a little dusty and rusty and some elbow grease is in order.  And if she doesn't want to be that gal cool beans too but then figure out what you want to be and stop tryna take shortcuts OR don't. If all you want to be is a try hard wanna be hipster chick without a care in the world then be that but stop trying to shield yourself from those rotten tomatoes that will be aimed at you by drawing on admiration for past deeds as cover. Own the ain't shit life you've allowed yourself to be cocooned in.

Be real and accept what that brings. Whether you want to be a bump on a log with your going nowhere boyfriend or if you want to be this well respected and well received woman of substance. Pick a lane, do the work that gets you where you want to be and stop expecting to be revered just for the simple act of existing. 

Edited April 13, 2017 by Yours Truly

[sasha206]

7 minutes ago, shoegal said:

LOL, that probably wasn't her plan but the opportunity presented itself, and it likely pays pretty good.  I think that Carole probably appreciates the un-serious nature of it all.  

Well, CBK is dead, so it's kinda hard for her to be mortified. 

But she does have family that are still alive that might find that completely insensitive, particularly since Carolyn was known to despise that intrusion.  Even if CBK loved the spotlight, the motives seem very shady to me and to me it cheapens Carole's integrity.

[shoegal]

Just now, sasha206 said:

I relate to her grief -- my husband died of colon cancer in December at the age of 52; 4 year battle.  It's hard on everyone to watch that suffering.  But it's hard for me to understand the need to completely reinvent yourself too; especially if it is a job that you truly love.  I know they worked together, but when they worked together, her book notes that they were often long-distance lovers  -- both could be gone for long periods of time.  It's great that you have the luxury to do such a thing; I can't up and quit my job, move out of the house as I have a 15 year old.  But at the same time, it's hard for me to understand how someone truly values her prior history as a journalist, continually reminds people of it and sometimes in a very condescending way, and then participates in such trashy TV as if it's a social experiment.  I had some semblance of respect for her in the beginning -- I mean, yeah, you want to promote your new book, and it's a great way to quickly gain fame.   I lost all respect for her that a couple of years after, she's pimping out her dead friend to go on a show with a very shady medium.  It just really took her from sharing her experiences in a very compelling, gripping book to using death for more fame.  If she wanted to consult a medium and try to make a connection, great.  Why do that on a TV show?

I wonder if Carole would have stayed in journalism if only Anthony had died....she seemed prepared (as prepared as you can be) for his death, but the death of JFKjr and CBK is what really turned her inside out IMO.  It was the combination of both deaths, theirs coming at the end of such a long and drawn out suffering.  I understand the need to leave everything behind and go far, far away.  I'm a little surprised she ever came back.

I don't mind her mentioning her journalism past, I think she's proud of it and she should be.  As far as the show, isn't it a social experiment?  I think Carole treats it with the exact amount of reverence it deserves!  LOL  I've never seen the medium shows, so I don't really have an opinion on them, but it's not unheard of that someone might want to connect with a dead loved one, and even believe or do some weird shit to try and get some feeling of connection....and if it's televised, well, someone has to pay the mortgage.  

[Trooper York]

I think comparing Carole living in her past just the way Sonja does is right on the money. They have a lot in common. Delusional idiots of the first water.

[shoegal]

1 minute ago, sasha206 said:

But she does have family that are still alive that might find that completely insensitive, particularly since Carolyn was known to despise that intrusion.  Even if CBK loved the spotlight, the motives seem very shady to me and to me it cheapens Carole's integrity.

Was CBK's family upset?  

[Ki-in]

They haven't been heard from since they had to sign a confidentiality agreement for the settlement. 

[MerryMary]

I am loving this board today.  I have never been a fan of Carole.

I hope if I was in Bethenny's position, I wouldn't be that miserable.  I'd like to think she's just being snarky for the cameras, but I suspect that's how she really is.  

Dorinda gives off a positive/fun vibe most of the time.  She's the one I wouldn't mind hanging out with IRL.  She seems content with her life.  I love that "I made it nice" became part of her tag line.

[sasha206]

10 minutes ago, shoegal said:

Was CBK's family upset?  

I have no idea.  But I would think better of Carole had she have realized that trying to communicate with someone's dead loved one on national TV could be a very sensitive issue for her loved ones.

I don't know if you remember this, but the Bessette family lost not just one, but two daughters.  Their grief should have been taken into consideration.  The classy thing for Carole to do was turn down a show like that.  She didn't.  

[shoegal]

3 minutes ago, sasha206 said:

I have no idea.  But I would think better of Carole had she have realized that trying to communicate with someone's dead loved one on national TV could be a very sensitive issue for her loved ones.

I don't know if you remember this, but the Bessette family lost not just one, but two daughters.  Their grief should have been taken into consideration.  The classy thing for Carole to do was turn down a show like that.  She didn't.  

Do we know that Carole did not speak to Carolyn's family before agreeing to do the show?  

 

ETA:  we can continue in Carole's thread if you want, since we seem to have veered OT. 

Edited April 13, 2017 by shoegal

[ryebread]

16 minutes ago, Yours Truly said:

She's expecting to automatically be relevant based on a past she's stopped nurturing and building long ago. Whatever her reason she ain't that gal and if she wants to go back to being that gal fine but like it or not she's got to put some time and effort back into it. It's gotten a little dusty and rusty and some elbow grease is in order. 

She should take a chapter from the POTUS' book and #MakeHerselfGreatAgain

[sasha206]

2 minutes ago, shoegal said:

Do we know that Carole did not speak to Carolyn's family before agreeing to do the show?  

 

ETA:  we can continue in Carole's thread if you want, since we seem to have veered OT. 

I don't know if she did.  Perhaps she did.  I would think if they approved, they might have joined her.  

Or perhaps could see them saying, "Why don't you try to contact YOUR OWN DEAD HUSBAND?"  

Did the medium try that and fail?  Or was Radziwill so sure the Kennedy clan would ream her a new one in the press that she didn't dare?

[Natalie68]

6 hours ago, BloggerAloud said:

At this point, we're just a hop, skip and eight count away from Ramona doing her own version of "My Girlfriend Who Lives in Canada" because that's about how convincing her entire schtick this season about going on all of these hot dates is.

Her boyfriend is George Glass!  

[Mozelle]

54 minutes ago, psychoticstate said:

Having a viewpoint is one thing.  Insulting someone else's intelligence because they don't happen to agree with your viewpoint, or don't want to discuss it, is quite another.  

In both episodes so far this season we've seen Bethenny and Ramona ask Carole to stop talking politics.  Both times she's refused.  She told Ramona no one was going to tell her what she could and could not talk about.  (That goes both ways - - no one is going to force me to listen to what I do not want to hear.)  That's not necessarily being an adult or living in the real world.  That's being a selfish asshole.  

If someone doesn't want to discuss politics, or anything, with you, respect their wishes.  If Carole wanted to focus on the election and HRC 24/7, join Pantsuit Nation FFS and bless the world with your intimate knowledge all day long. But she should not assume that she is somehow smarter than the next person, that no one but her is reading the entire article(s) and grasping the meaning.  

That said, I truly hope that her election night party was filmed for the show so that I can watch what must be her epic meltdown.  And I hope that someone points out to her that her better judgment or higher intelligence or whatever was worth jack shit. 

And because it can't be said enough, STFU Carole! 

p.s. - I also want to say that I watch the Housewives for entertainment.  I don't watch because I want to see the "real world."  I love the real estate porn and the clothes but I don't necessarily want to watch "real world" kind of stuff.  Just my two cents. 

Really, the only difference here is that the request is about politics. Nine seasons in, and I'd love to know when any of these ladies have ever stopped talking about the horror du jour when they were asked not to bring it up. That's an entire trope in this RH universe: something happens, someone talks about it, someone asks them not to talk about, others still talk about it, someone suggests a tea or luncheon or dinner party to "clear the air" about the thing that supposedly no one wants to talk about, and next thing you know, it's 14 episodes in talking about the thing no one wanted to talk about back in episode two...

And Ramona is dumb. Suddenly, there are expectations to take her (supposed) intelligence seriously because Carole's talking politics? Heh.  

Lastly, as someone pointed out in another thread (and has been discussed often), these RH shows have never solely been about real estate porn and shopping excursions and vacations what with real world issues like alcoholism, suicide, eating disorders, infidelity, domestic abuse, etc. snaking their way in, seasons in and seasons out. 

[Gam2]

Ramona has no life and no role on this show so she'll just keep pounding on Lu/Tom story. Boring. Carole has no life so she'll keep pounding on politics/Trump. Boring. Do the producers really think we're interested in this crap? I quit watching because it's BORING.

[Tara Ariano]

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

Tinsley Joins The Real Housewives Of New York City And Tries To Get Back On Top

Find out whether she does or not in this week's rankings. (Spoiler: she's right, being an 'It Girl' doesn't happen overnight.)

[Mindthinkr]

2 hours ago, Atlanta said:

 

Carole will run very thin this season. One of my biggest pet peeves is a person who doesn't chew with his/her mouth closed. That's common manners. As a big time Journalist!, you think she would know that. That and how to pronounce kittens.

 

I am so with you on the idea of eating/chewing and talking with ones mouth open. It's just plain first grader manners and I wonder why Lu never called her out on it. I cringe during those scenes (resorting to turning on mute occasionally). Ugh. 

2 hours ago, Atlanta said:

Elvira Cheetah of the Dark ensemble

     Oh that has me laughing. What a good description!  You are witty Atlanta :-)

Edited April 13, 2017 by Mindthinkr
Added a comment

[psychoticstate]

41 minutes ago, Mozelle said:

Really, the only difference here is that the request is about politics. Nine seasons in, and I'd love to know when any of these ladies have ever stopped talking about the horror du jour when they were asked not to bring it up. That's an entire trope in this RH universe: something happens, someone talks about it, someone asks them not to talk about, others still talk about it, someone suggests a tea or luncheon or dinner party to "clear the air" about the thing that supposedly no one wants to talk about, and next thing you know, it's 14 episodes in talking about the thing no one wanted to talk about back in episode two...

And Ramona is dumb. Suddenly, there are expectations to take her (supposed) intelligence seriously because Carole's talking politics? Heh.  

Lastly, as someone pointed out in another thread (and has been discussed often), these RH shows have never solely been about real estate porn and shopping excursions and vacations what with real world issues like alcoholism, suicide, eating disorders, infidelity, domestic abuse, etc. snaking their way in, seasons in and seasons out. 

I said this about Ramona in my first post in this thread and I stand by it:   Ramona may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but that doesn't mean she's ignorant of facts or too stupid to understand.  

I am no fan of Ramona's.  She's irritating and annoying and IRL she would drive me insane.  But for Carole to say to her - - or ANYBODY for that matter - - that she's better qualified to know what's going on in the world or more informed than your average voter is not just stupid but incredibly condescending. 

Yes, the hallmark of these shows does sometimes tend to be rehashing the same thing over and over.  But I think politics can be a different beast.  When I was growing up it seemed to be a rule of thumb that you didn't discuss religion, sex, money or politics in mixed company.  For a very good reason.  Neither Bethenny nor Ramona have said anything about politics.  They've asked Carole to not discuss it without mentioning their own opinions. 

If I recall correctly, Carole desperately wanted Aviva to drop the ghostwriter topic.  Funny how now she can't let the political thing go.

And while "real life" does creep into these RH shows, as I said, that's not why I watch.  Others may watch for that reason and that's fine.  But I have enough real world stress and I watch these shows as escapism.  

5 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

I am so with you on the idea of eating/chewing and talking with ones mouth open. It's just plain first grader manners and I wonder why Lu never called her out on it. I cringe during those scenes (resorting to turning on mute occasionally). Ugh. 

How dreadful!  (TM Dwight) 

[Lady of nod]

3 hours ago, escape said:

Ramona didn't marry and have children until her late 30's.   She said her priority was to always make her own money so that she never had to depend on a man like other mother, who was in an abusive relationship.  She was actually one of the few HW's who had a successful career before the show.

I know this and it's a credit to her that she accomplished that. Maybe she wasn't quite so crazy before the show. I'd have to go back and watch some of season 1, as my memory's not all that lol. She does have her moments of lucidity but seems to get more and more unraveled with each season. I'm thinking Kristen (who I actually miss - great clothes and she was funny) with the wine glass may have been the first red flag. Wasn't that when she first found out about Mario's side piece?

[sasha206]

1 minute ago, Lady of nod said:

I know this and it's a credit to her that she accomplished that. Maybe she wasn't quite so crazy before the show. I'd have to go back and watch some of season 1, as my memory's not all that lol. She does have her moments of lucidity but seems to get more and more unraveled with each season. I'm thinking Kristen (who I actually miss - great clothes and she was funny) with the wine glass may have been the first red flag. Wasn't that when she first found out about Mario's side piece?

Well, there are batshit crazy people who have a mind for business and do well despite social awkwardness.  But I'm sure as someone mentioned, Mario and Avery were probably her filters.  Now she has none.  This Ramona goes to 11.

[SunnyBeBe]

I had a lot of thoughts about last night, but, what stands out the most is why Carol can't pronounce the word Kittens. I thought that this problem was something assigned to reality tv stars who might not have made it out of High school, but, maybe, not.  

I get where Carol is coming from on her viewpoint thing but, you can't win telling people that you are smarter than they are.  I made that mistake once when a friend asked me why I was I was a member of a certain mainstream political party.  I honestly, didn't mean any harm, but, my answer insulted her.  Her husabnd was of another party and my answer offended her.  She just voted the way he told her to.   lol  So, she later told me how she felt and I apologized.  If my friends differ with me on politics and few do, I turn the other way.  You can't win on those things, imo. Normally, my friends and I agree, it's my family who I am not in agreement with. lol 

Sonja not inviting Dorinda.....well....I recall when Dorinda did that to her, so, I can't say much.  Though, I do adore Dorinda.  So far, I think she will be my favorite housewife this season.  I used to like Ramona, but, her pretending to be having a great love life dating, is just not amusing to me.  I guess it's all she's got....except for annoying Luann and Tom. 

[shoegal]

1 hour ago, Mozelle said:

And Ramona is dumb. Suddenly, there are expectations to take her (supposed) intelligence seriously because Carole's talking politics? Heh.  

LOL, right?  Carole at least has some cred, she reported from Afghanistan during wartime.  That's pretty impressive by Real Housewives standards.  (or even your "average voter", god forbid)

[Maharincess]

20 hours ago, WireWrap said:

Almost all of the BH HWs have pets as well. I think Tinsley is the only one on NY and Dorit on BH that don't have any.

That's right!  I had forgotten about Beverly Hills. I was just thinking of Atlanta, New Jersey and Orange County.  How could I have forgotten about Lisa V and all of her pets and Kyle's beautiful doggies?  

[Trooper York]

That's not true. Dorit lives with a pot bellied pig.

It still counts if she is married to him. Just sayn'

[Drumpf1737]

6 hours ago, bichonblitz said:

If Ramona is dating so much, as is pointed out all the time, why can't she find a committed relationship?

Meeting people to bump uglies on Craigslist or Tinder isn't dating.

[Trooper York]

If you have a relationship with Ramona you are having a "Should be Involuntary  Committed" Relationship.

That is hard to find on Match.com.

[howiveaddict]

10 hours ago, ghoulina said:

Also, she needs to chill with her griping about Bethenny. Has she never watched the show? Bethenny isn't a super friendly, effusive person. I didn't think she was rude or anything. She was saying "hi" to everyone. What did Tinsley want? Hugs? Hair braiding? A parade in her honor? 

 

Maybe she wanted a banner.   When I heard that GiGi was Sonja's neighbor, my first thought was Why does she live in the parking garage?  I didn't even think about the houses on the other side of her.

[escape]

1 hour ago, Lady of nod said:

I know this and it's a credit to her that she accomplished that. Maybe she wasn't quite so crazy before the show. I'd have to go back and watch some of season 1, as my memory's not all that lol. She does have her moments of lucidity but seems to get more and more unraveled with each season. I'm thinking Kristen (who I actually miss - great clothes and she was funny) with the wine glass may have been the first red flag. Wasn't that when she first found out about Mario's side piece?

But often times, those who are the most successful are also the most eccentric.  Ramona is actually the only OG of RHONY.  Bethenny left for several seasons and LuAnn was once demoted.  And both Jill and Alex were fired.

Edited April 13, 2017 by escape

[UsernameFatigue]

I still can't get over the fact that the scenes we are watching are 6 months old -ugh. Has there always been this much of a delay and I just never noticed before? The fact that I have to suffer through both election talk AND Lu's upcoming wedding is Just. Too. Much. 

I laughed at Carole insisting that because she was a journalist, she knows more than the average voter. That would be like Lu knowing more about class because she was married to a count. Not likely. I did like Carole's line though about Sonja running a home for wayward girls, though I would have called it a home for wayward socialites. 

It was nice seeing Luann spending time with her flower girl. I could live though without Dorinda's daughter ever gracing my TV screen ever again. 

Lu's complaining that Sonja is still talking about Tom with his tongue down another woman's throat is annoying because it was a year ago? It was 8 months ago to you Lu when you filmed the scene, but over a year ago now for us viewers. We have even more of a right to complain than you do, Lu. As far as Lu's dress/hat for Sonja's party goes, it seemed a little passive aggressive to me. She had to know how outdated she looked, and the hat was horrendous. I wonder if she did that on purpose to adhere to the dress code, yes send a signal to Sonja that she just isn't worth the effort to wear something really fabulous? 

So rude of Ramona not to take off her shoes when asked at Bethenny's apartment. I loved Bethenny's TH making fun of Ramona saying kicking a puppy is fine because it is resilient.  And Ramona, no one, including I would imagine Mario (both one and two) thinks you are having frequent dates and make out sessions requiring you to hide a hickey. Sheesh. 

After seeing the layout of Tom's little apartment, now I am much more aware of the other HW's apartments when they show them. They seemed to show more of Sonja's townhouse now than they have previously, or maybe just more on this episode. Love, love, love it. 

[Mozelle]

38 minutes ago, howiveaddict said:

Maybe she wanted a banner.   When I heard that GiGi was Sonja's neighbor, my first thought was Why does she live in the parking garage?  I didn't even think about the houses on the other side of her.

Or, similar to Aviva, she wanted balloons with a banner that read, "Congratulations! You made it onto the cast!"

[Atlanta]

My issue with Carole is that she doesn't want to have a thoughtful political discussion. Her opinion is fact and that is that! She's educated and a Journalist! It's pretty obvious that she doesn't have independent, Libertarian or Republican friends or acquaintances. I bet she doesn't look at right leaning sources or more neutral outlets. Sharyl Attkisson's book is an eye opener. BTW: I have a Libertarian friend like Carole--he's correct and everyone else is wrong and you are dumb if you don't agree. Can't talk politics at all with him though I prefer to not talk about it anyway. It's been done to death. She seems like a tiring person to be around in election season. 

I originally tuned into the Real Housewives franchise for fun. I watched the first season of the Atlanta, of course, but love NYC. I want to see more of Tinsley trying on fancy dresses and Lu looking fab. I don't know much about Tom, but I hope she gives him a smackdown if he cheats. I want the best for her.

I skipped last season so Beth is new to me as far as seeing her on screen goes. She comes across as a bitter bobblehead or lollipop (large head in relation to tiny/'rexy body like Kelly Ripa).

[zoeysmom]

3 hours ago, shoegal said:

Carole left journalism and the news media to mourn the death of her husband and friends...it's like an old life.  Someone upthread mentioned it's like she lost her moorings.  Yes, she did.  She lost everything, and she reinvented herself.  I believe she stated that she only recently even reached out to friends and coworkers from ABC, whom she hadn't spoken with in over a decade.  After what she went through, I understand how she could leave everything behind...it seems like she's finally starting to move on, so she can revisit that part of her life now.   I'm happy for her. 

That is simply not true, she was report on SCUD missiles in 2003, years after Anthony died in 1998,  Sounds to me like there were no takers for a furthering career of Carole's journalism.  Can't brag about your SCUD missile reporting and they lay claim to bereavement almost 20 years ago prevented you from getting back into the game.  I get grief and there are tons of men and women who really go back to work after the death of spouse and a best friend, like Carole did in 2003, after the death of  loved ones. 

Having said that I do applaud Carole for taking a stand and having passion for politics.  I just don't think she is any more or less important in her views in what the world can learn about a particular political race because she was a journalist. SHe had the same approach with Aviva and it was off putting. There are tens of thousand of college professors, teachers, researchers and the like that really are absorbed in each and every election.  

[WireWrap]

1 hour ago, Maharincess said:

That's right!  I had forgotten about Beverly Hills. I was just thinking of Atlanta, New Jersey and Orange County.  How could I have forgotten about Lisa V and all of her pets and Kyle's beautiful doggies?  

In Atl. I think Kandi and Kenya are the only ones that have pets, the OC. has Tamra, Kelly and Meghan with dogs and as far as NJ, I haven't watched in a couple of years but Teresa Guidice has dogs but I do not know if anyone else on there does.

[lunastartron]

Carole has always reflexively denigrated the professional accomplishments, lifestyle choices, and biological features of the other women - as well as the physical appearance of Dorinda's boyfriend. It's her default. 

What do professional duties that are more than a decade in the past have to do with whether or not she can digest and synthesize reporting from outlets other than the DailyKos? Her protests are reminiscent of when she shit on Aviva for the proposition that a literature degree from Vassar might have prepared her for professional writing but insisted that short form news scripts TOTALLY and unimpeachably proved that Carole herself could pen a longform narrative. 

Just a cursory scan of such compelling political commentary as "dumbass," "#mute," "you need help seriously," "no one really cares what you think" and "your jealousy is showing," operates as an indictment of ABC News for ever having employed her in any production capacity whatsoever.

For someone so flush with political expertise, it's interesting that she automatically assumes anyone with a perspective counter to hers is uninformed or a "dumbass." Maybe voters read every bit of copy from the NY Daily News that she has and just made a different judgment call because they value different things and prioritize different issues. 

But then this is the woman who can't even string together the intellectual consistency to restrain herself from ridiculing LuAnn for her voice or exclaiming "it's hard to watch her eat!" of Jules while simultaneously decrying misogyny. 

I wonder if Carole is as informed on current events as she was on the semantics of indigenous self-identification or white savior colonialism. 

[Trooper York]

3 minutes ago, lunastartron said:

 

Carole has always reflexively denigrated the professional accomplishments, lifestyle choices, and biological features of the other women - as well as the physical appearance of Dorinda's boyfriend. It's her default. 

 

 

3 minutes ago, lunastartron said:

Just a cursory scan of such compelling political commentary as "dumbass," "#mute," "you need help seriously," "no one really cares what you think" and "your jealousy is showing," operates as an indictment of ABC News for ever having employed her in any production capacity whatsoever.

This is amazingly well put and exactly right. Thank you for synthesizing these facts in such an elegant and well written way. This is superb. Thank you. 

[ladle]

I know that this episode was supposed to be about Tinsley's bad choices, but I think we also need to evaluate the set of choices that went into deciding to name a child "Topper." 

[biakbiak]

4 minutes ago, ladle said:

I know that this episode was supposed to be about Tinsley's bad choices, but I think we also need to evaluate the set of choices that went into deciding to name a child "Topper." 

Luckily for him it isn't his given name.

Was anyone a little weirded out by how gleeful Sonja was by how everyone gets coupled off early at boarding school given that her daughter goes to boarding school?

[chewycandy]

6 minutes ago, ladle said:

I know that this episode was supposed to be about Tinsley's bad choices, but I think we also need to evaluate the set of choices that went into deciding to name a child "Topper." 

Googled him and he is actually Robert Livingston Mortimer :)

[ladle]

5 minutes ago, chewycandy said:

Googled him and he is actually Robert Livingston Mortimer :)

Whew!!

[shoegal]

1 hour ago, zoeysmom said:

That is simply not true, she was report on SCUD missiles in 2003, years after Anthony died in 1998,  Sounds to me like there were no takers for a furthering career of Carole's journalism.  Can't brag about your SCUD missile reporting and they lay claim to bereavement almost 20 years ago prevented you from getting back into the game.  I get grief and there are tons of men and women who really go back to work after the death of spouse and a best friend, like Carole did in 2003, after the death of  loved ones. 

 

Carole has stated that she walked away because she tried to go back to normal and could not do it any longer. Some people can hold grief at bay for years, decades even. Then they realize that it can't be ignored, it has to be dealt with...and that's what Carole did.

[seasick]

10 hours ago, ghoulina said:

She doesn't recognize a woman she's likely met several times - which, okay, I'm sure that's not uncommon. But she acted so undaunted by it. Like, "Why should I know this person, who cares?" And I thought Gigi was trying to be very nice to her.

Then Ramona, in her TH exalts her rude dismissive attitude by saying "I didn't remember her--I meet a lot of people"   "Soorrrry Gigi!"    

I wished they had given Gigi her own TH telling Ramona not to flatter herself..that she  'took one for the team'  in going out there for a 'pity greet' to nutso Ramona, and couldn't give a rats-ass less.

11 hours ago, ghoulina said:

Also, she needs to chill with her griping about Bethenny. Has she never watched the show? Bethenny isn't a super friendly, effusive person. I didn't think she was rude or anything. She was saying "hi" to everyone. What did Tinsley want? Hugs? Hair braiding? A parade in her honor? 

No..but the party was to introduce Tinsley.  So you say hello and ask a simple question.."Are you glad to be back in NY"--Or  "I hear you're going to be staying with Sonja"--whatever.  You feign some interest.  It's obvious Bethy is there only under obligation to make an appearance-- and she did.  We all do know by now that unless the segment is all about Beth  that it's only fodder for ridicule, snipes and put-downs.  Even if Tinsley should know this by now, it's still notably self-absorbed behaviour and poor manners.  It seems little to ask of someone who has so much.  

[Otherkate]

11 hours ago, Misslindsey said:

I do not really have much of an impression of Tinsley yet. So was being a socialite her actual job? I did not mind Bethenny saying hello to Tinsley and then making the rounds first. I did think Bethenny could have went back and made small talk with her sometime during the party though. It is probably just me, but Tinsley sounds sort of flighty and ditzy. I will have to see more of her to judge.

I did not like Luann's dress. It looked dated to me. Lu did not have any other florals or colorful dresses in her closet? Lu generally dresses pretty well, so I was surprised that she wore something that looked so dated.

 

I was surprised by Lu's dress too - awful. I did like that she wore a hat though. In general, Sonja didn't do a great job carrying through on the supposed theme of the party. 

I also didn't think much of Beth's reaction to meeting Tinsley. I'm quite sure that she knew that was Tinsley's intro to the group and she said hi. So what? As someone who was working and going out in NYC during Tinsley's heyday, I don't have the fondest memories of her or her friends. I'm willing to give her a chance though. But, I wouldn't be lining up to have any long conversations with her.

9 hours ago, Normades said:

Are we really to believe that Carole is astounded that Tinsley was considered a socialite?  She hung out with Kennedys and Radizwills.  I guess those super sleuthing, holier than thou brain cells were misfiring on that little comment.  Also, I may (or may not) agree with what happened with the election, but I really hate when one side just refuses to even listen to the other.  To me, that says I feel so shaky in my convictions that I cannot even hear a differing point of view.  The whole issue of shutting out differing views is what has given us a very divided nation.  I have my views, but I will always listen to someone else's take.  You can learn a lot that way!

One thing that is weird about Carole is that she take such pride in her journalist background, but seems to be missing very basic quality that most journalists types possess -- curiosity about those who are different than them and a desire to dive into the lives that they lead and how that makes them tick and think. I'm in a journalistic field and I just don't understand dismissing other people's opinions that way. And I'm pretty sure Carole and I agree with one another on this election, but I find her condescension and dismissal to be odd for someone who takes pride in having done real journalism. 

[ButterQueen]

I actually enjoyed this episode.  A little low key.

Out of date as it was, I loved Lu's floral dress.  I had one similar in the 90's.  I wish that style would come back because it was so comfortable to wear and figure flattering.  I am happy for Lu and hope the women stop discussing her marriage.  She looks wonderful this season.

Ramona has lost her shit.  Her face looks horrible, her hair is gross, her clothing is a rumpled mess, and she's even more s****** and rude than in the past.  I think she's lying about all her dates, which is stupid, because why does she HAVE to HAVE a man.  I'm really ready for her to leave.  I think back to Scary Island, where she was in a different place, and she was nuts but not to this degree.  She seems older, heavier, sadder and meaner and I think it's sad since she has the resources to get her life back on track.  I can hardly stand watching her.

Dorinda looks great in her TH's.  Is she still with John?

Bethenny is her usually bitchy self.  

I think Carole looks good this season, and I'd gladly discuss the election with her.

Sonja is just Sonja.  

I like the new girl.  

[ryebread]

4 hours ago, psychoticstate said:

But for Carole to say to her - - or ANYBODY for that matter - - that she's better qualified to know what's going on in the world or more informed than your average voter is not just stupid but incredibly condescending. 

Almost as condescending as when she said that if you don't work outside the home, you're a nobody. 

I missed the beginning of this episode and the "Ramona not taking off her shoes" scene.  But I did notice in the last episode, that when Bethenny showed up to Sonja's in the rain, she did a cursory wipe of her wet shoes on the rug before heading up the steps.  Why does she insist people remove theirs at her house if not extending the same courtesy for others?

[Chit Chat]

Quote

 and I'm of the opinion that Carole is a helluva lot more informed than Ramona. I'm not even getting into Ramona's penchant for malapropisms.

If Carole was that informed, she should've figured out that the mood of the country was shifting away from her candidate.  It wasn't difficult to see.  She said that she could read between the lines.  That's a bullshit answer to as why she's more informed than Ramona.  Yeah, Ramona is a nut, but for someone to stand there and tell her to her face that she basically can't read the paper was utterly insulting.   Carole failed to look outside her own little bubble to the bigger picture around her.  It's the same mistake her candidate made.  

FWIW, I liked LuAnn's party dress.  At least she followed the directions on the invitation!  Sonja's house is pretty.  I wouldn't like living next to a parking garage, but once you're inside the house, it's pretty swanky.

Quote

Carole at least has some cred, she reported from Afghanistan during wartime.

She might have cred, but I fail to see how that makes her an expert on all things political.   Geraldo did the same thing, but I take his political insights with a grain of salt.   What Carole lacks is the grace and humility to give others a chance to voice their opinion on the subject.  She shuts them down immediately.  RUDE!   I would think someone of her pedigree would be socially adept at navigating the do's and don'ts of discussing politics with friends. 

Edited April 14, 2017 by ChitChat
add

[Trooper York]

The only one who really reads between the lines is Dorinda as she likes to read the paper under the glass table while she is snorting an eight ball.

She is the Queen of multitasking. Not just of making it nice.

[Almost 3000]

5 hours ago, Mindthinkr said:

I am so with you on the idea of eating/chewing and talking with ones mouth open. It's just plain first grader manners and I wonder why Lu never called her out on it. I cringe during those scenes (resorting to turning on mute occasionally). Ugh. 

Lu wouldn't call her out on it because she doesn't notice her daughter does the same thing too.

[ninjago]

Did Carole work on the HRC campaign?  Or just exercise her passion by filibustering her friends?