S11.E08: Birds, Broads and Breakups

[biakbiak]

1 minute ago, Gem 10 said:

Maybe there will be a spin off?

If they didn’t find her interesting enough to make part of the main show I doubt they would build a spinoff around her. There attempt to add more home shows doesn’t appear to be working.

[Gem 10]

16 minutes ago, biakbiak said:

If they didn’t find her interesting enough to make part of the main show I doubt they would build a spinoff around her. There attempt to add more home shows doesn’t appear to be working.

Well, everyone is saying that she’s in practically every scene since the start, so that says something.  Besides, Andy seems to like her, and I for one would love to see her at work on a job site.

[biakbiak]

43 minutes ago, Gem 10 said:

Well, everyone is saying that she’s in practically every scene since the start, so that says something.  Besides, Andy seems to like her, and I for one would love to see her at work on a job site.

That she went to events so she is there but she hasn’t been shown doing anything on her own.

[UsernameFatigue]

4 hours ago, Sterling said:

I'm not so sure about that.  Barbara doesn't get "small contractor jobs".  She's a well-established CEO of Evergreen Construction & Management in NYC, with recent projects including Hyatt spas in NYC, as well as being featured in The New York Time and O Magazine.  She also has a Bachelors Degree in Finance.  The more I read, the more impressed I am with her:

http://evergreenconstructioncorp.com

2 hours ago, AnnA said:

I'm impressed with all women successful in business.   Part of my admiration for Bethenny is because after her Beam deal, she really doesn't have to work at all....ever!  I give her credit for continuing to expand and promote her brand.    She could just sit around and be one of the "ladies who lunch."

I'm familiar with Barbara's company.    I forget exactly what happened to it but she suffered a major setback in 2001....after 9/11.    I do give her credit for surviving in a male dominated field in New York City.   That said, I still would classify her company as doing small contracting jobs.   We have to factor in the demographic of the local market ...New York City construction is mega.   

The Hyatt job was the renovation of an existing spa.   While it was a good job for her to get, I wouldn't classify it as major construction.  

According to the link provided above, the company Barbara now owns was only formed in 2015. In the magazine article it has links to, it says her company brings in $30 million a year and has 22 employees, so pretty small potatoes for NY one would think. I was surprised to read that she is only in her late 40s, she looks a decade older. 

While double checking her age I came across an article from last month which states that Barbara declared bankruptcy in 2015. She owed 1.17 million to creditors, had $25,000 in credit card debt, owned $86,000 in unpaid rent and $747,900 in legal fees. In addition with her current company she owes $63,000 in unpaid taxes and penalties. 

Edited April 27, 2019 by UsernameFatigue

[AnnA]

10 minutes ago, UsernameFatigue said:

According to the link provided above, the company Barbara now owns was only formed in 2015. It makes $30,000 a year and has 22 employees, so pretty small potatoes for NY one would think. I was surprised to read that she is only in her late 40s, she looks a decade older. 

While double checking her age I came across an article from last month which states that Barbara declared bankruptcy in 2015. She owed 1.17 million to creditors, had $25,000 in credit card debt, owned $86,000 in unpaid rent and $747,900 in legal fees. In addition with her current company she owes $63,000 in unpaid taxes and penalties. 

Thanks.  I couldn't get the link to load.  

For some reason my iPad hates this forum and does all sorts of strange things when I'm here. 

[KungFuBunny]

7 hours ago, Duke2801 said:

Ohhh ok I’m with you now—-you think she did it purposely to get cast on the show! 💡 

I’m not sure I’m in agreement but I understand where you’re coming from now 😀

Yes - and if I'm wrong and this is just her personality all the time - I would never want her as a friend.

[hoodooznoodooz]

12 hours ago, sasha206 said:

I've always thought the real reason for her success behind Skinny Girl is a cute logo and some Bravo publicity on it.  There's no product of hers that didn't exist before, except maybe the lower-calorie alcohol; however, you could argue that lower-cal alcoholic drinks were sort of well known (like for instance, if you were watching your weight you would do vodka seltzer, etc). 

And Bernadette came up with the recipe, didn’t she? Because her friend was a diabetic or something?

Frankel’s most clever contribution was probably choosing that logo from, I’m guessing, about nine others presented. And, of course, rejecting Alex McCord’s. 

[breezy424]

The person behind the success of Skinnygirl is David Kanbar, a liquor industry veteran.  He partnered up with Beth.  The sale of the brand had a multi million 'potential' but Beam records show that there was no where near that sum was payed out.  After the sale, Skinnygirl liquor brand went down as other companies went into RTD.

[Duke2801]

6 hours ago, UsernameFatigue said:

According to the link provided above, the company Barbara now owns was only formed in 2015. In the magazine article it has links to, it says her company brings in $30 million a year and has 22 employees, so pretty small potatoes for NY one would think. I was surprised to read that she is only in her late 40s, she looks a decade older. 

While double checking her age I came across an article from last month which states that Barbara declared bankruptcy in 2015. She owed 1.17 million to creditors, had $25,000 in credit card debt, owned $86,000 in unpaid rent and $747,900 in legal fees. In addition with her current company she owes $63,000 in unpaid taxes and penalties. 

She’ll  be 50 next month. That tracks to me. Like, I think she looks like a “real” 50 year old who hasn’t necessarily prioritized sunscreen and practiced self-care to the extent that many of the other Housewives do. 

[Gem 10]

18 hours ago, Gem 10 said:

Yep.  A lot of men leave when the kid goes to college.  Like Wendy Williams one instance.

Correction:  I meant to say, a lot of couples break up when the kid goes to college.  Wendy William’s husband had the side piece for many years.  

[Petunia13]

Mario’s still a good looking guy. 

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

12 hours ago, breezy424 said:

The person behind the success of Skinnygirl is David Kanbar, a liquor industry veteran.  He partnered up with Beth.  The sale of the brand had a multi million 'potential' but Beam records show that there was no where near that sum was payed out.  After the sale, Skinnygirl liquor brand went down as other companies went into RTD.

What is RTD? (Thank you in advance!)

[sasha206]

12 hours ago, breezy424 said:

The person behind the success of Skinnygirl is David Kanbar, a liquor industry veteran.  He partnered up with Beth.  The sale of the brand had a multi million 'potential' but Beam records show that there was no where near that sum was payed out.  After the sale, Skinnygirl liquor brand went down as other companies went into RTD.

Maybe this explains why Beth told black female entrepreneur to hire a white man to be the face of their company. Her wealth was helped along by a white man.

[sasha206]

13 hours ago, hoodooznoodooz said:

And Bernadette came up with the recipe, didn’t she? Because her friend was a diabetic or something?

Frankel’s most clever contribution was probably choosing that logo from, I’m guessing, about nine others presented. And, of course, rejecting Alex McCord’s. 

So basically, she didn't create the recipe.  She ordered it with Luanne who said  "skinny girl margarita" which Beth wisely took, found a cute logo, and then partnered with a white man to get the Jim Beam sale.  She didn't exactly reinvent the wheel it sounds. 

Still I recognize that she capitalized on it and a lot of successful people run with an idea, hustle, get it done which she apparently did.  But if it weren't for the people that helped her along the way, she could still be pushing her muffins in a store and just being a reality star.

39 minutes ago, BckpckFullaNinjas said:

What is RTD? (Thank you in advance!)

I think it is "ready to drink" but not 100%!

[breezy424]

1 hour ago, BckpckFullaNinjas said:

What is RTD? (Thank you in advance!)

Ready to Drink.  In other words, pre made cocktails.

[Stiggs]

On 4/25/2019 at 3:16 PM, Mahamid Frauded Me said:

I hope someday in NYC Diane Von Furstenberg spits on Ramona

DVF’s style is more of a punch to the teeth, which I would also love to see. The wrap dress is one of the best things that ever happened to everyday fashion, and Barbara looks good in hers. However, I always feel the urge to scrub Barbara’s face then send her off to get a messy long bob. She could use an update, but I really have no room to talk. I am a middle-aged woman who still wears dresses with jeans and Birkenstocks. Pretty sure that has never been in style outside of coffee houses in the early 90s, lol.

Lu is incapable of humility, grace, appreciation, love for anyone not named Lu...she is a cornucopia of personality disorders and she is uncomfortable to watch. The only season I liked her was when she just had “friend” status. 

The UES bar scene makes me a little sad...

[Mahamid Frauded Me]

16 minutes ago, Stiggs said:

DVF’s style is more of a punch to the teeth, which I would also love to see. The wrap dress is one of the best things that ever happened to everyday fashion, and Barbara looks good in hers. However, I always feel the urge to scrub Barbara’s face then send her off to get a messy long bob. She could use an update, but I really have no room to talk. I am a middle-aged woman who still wears dresses with jeans and Birkenstocks. Pretty sure that has never been in style outside of coffee houses in the early 90s, lol.

Lu is incapable of humility, grace, appreciation, love for anyone not named Lu...she is a cornucopia of personality disorders and she is uncomfortable to watch. The only season I liked her was when she just had “friend” status. 

The UES bar scene makes me a little sad...

Barbara is trying to hard to be like Leah Remini in her own busted up sorta way

[UsernameFatigue]

10 hours ago, Duke2801 said:

She’ll  be 50 next month. That tracks to me. Like, I think she looks like a “real” 50 year old who hasn’t necessarily prioritized sunscreen and practiced self-care to the extent that many of the other Housewives do. 

My opinion on Barbara looking a decade older than she is isn't based on comparing her to other howives, but rather my own family and friends. I am 61, and most of my friends are mid 40s to late 60s. 

I actually find some howives look older than they are, especially if they have set the makeup gun to clown.  LVP on RHoBH looks a decade older than she is when she is overly made up and dressed like a woman much older than she is. She looks best in minimal makeup and a t shirt and jeans. Similarly, Kyle looks like Mortica Addams in her THs this season, and older than she actually is. 

I think Barbara's biggest problem is that she needs a make over. Her hair ages her, as does her makeup. 

Edited April 28, 2019 by UsernameFatigue

[Stiggs]

3 minutes ago, Mahamid Frauded Me said:

Barbara is trying to hard to be like Leah Remini in her own busted up sorta way

Omg, yes!!!! That is a perfect description!

[sasha206]

6 minutes ago, UsernameFatigue said:

My opinion on Barbara looking a decade older than she is isn't based on comparing her to other howives, but rather my own family and friends. I am 61, and most of my friends are mid 40s to late 60s. 

I actually find some howives look older than they are, especially if they have set the makeup gun to clown.  LVP on RHoBH looks a decade older than she is when she is overly made up and dressed like a woman much older than she is. She looks best in minimal makeup and a t shirt and jeans. Similarly, Kyle looks like Mortica Addams in her THs this season, and older than she actually is. 

I think Barbara's biggest problem is that she needs a make over. Her hair ages her, as does her makeup. 

AMEN!

All of those HWs on every franchise need to stop with the heavy makeup, esp. the fake eyelashes.  Less is more when you become of a certain age.   Barbara's hair is way too long.  I'd love to see a messy bob on her too.  

[Starlight925]

Well, the styling gods finally got Tinsley and RHBH Kyle to cut their hair; maybe they can get to Barbara too. 

To me, it's not the wrap dresses, it's Barbara's whole style, that needs a makeover.  Many of these HOWives, Ramona included, wear clothing that looks terrible on them.  Tinsley with her "1984-called and it wants back its Laura Ashley Little House on the Prairie ruffles", Bethenny in her "Gucci-meets-the mob's Friday night girlfriend".

Ironically, my least favorite housewife, LuAnn, dresses the best.  Clean, simple, shows off her long torso, with 1 large piece of jewelry, and not heavy spackle gun makeup.

Edited April 28, 2019 by Sterling

[AnnA]

2 hours ago, sasha206 said:

 But if...........

Those two little words could be applied to anyone or anything, successful or not.  Since I'm more of a "glass is half full" person, I'd say.....

But if  Bethenny wasn't successful, smart, hard working, ambitious, quick witted, beautiful, thin and rich she wouldn't be discussed as much.  Bethenny always creates a buzz and it's one of the reasons Bravo loves her.  

Edited April 28, 2019 by AnnA

[sasha206]

30 minutes ago, AnnA said:

Those two little words could be applied to anyone or anything, successful or not.  Since I'm more of a "glass is half full" person, I'd say.....

But if  Bethenny wasn't successful, smart, hard working, ambitious, quick witted, beautiful, thin and rich she wouldn't be discussed as much.  Bethenny always creates a buzz and it's one of the reasons Bravo loves her.  

And you cut off this part of my post:  "Still I recognize that she capitalized on it and a lot of successful people run with an idea, hustle, get it done which she apparently did."

I just think since her success was built with a lot of help from others, not her own drink idea she created from scratch, maybe have a little humility and not yell things to people like "Call me when you are successful.." 

Edited April 28, 2019 by sasha206

[Gem 10]

21 hours ago, AnnA said:

Thanks.  I couldn't get the link to load.  

For some reason my iPad hates this forum and does all sorts of strange things when I'm here. 

Because it doesn’t like the new format.

[Gem 10]

2 hours ago, AnnA said:

Those two little words could be applied to anyone or anything, successful or not.  Since I'm more of a "glass is half full" person, I'd say.....

But if  Bethenny wasn't successful, smart, hard working, ambitious, quick witted, beautiful, thin and rich she wouldn't be discussed as much.  Bethenny always creates a buzz and it's one of the reasons Bravo loves her.  

Without Bethenny, the show would probably flop, IMO.  She’s the reason I watch.

[biakbiak]

36 minutes ago, Gem 10 said:

Without Bethenny, the show would probably flop, IMO.  She’s the reason I watch.

The ratings are the same as they were when she wasn’t on it.

[AnnA]

1 hour ago, Gem 10 said:

Because it doesn’t like the new format.

Neither do I 

1 hour ago, Gem 10 said:

Without Bethenny, the show would probably flop, IMO.  She’s the reason I watch.

38 minutes ago, biakbiak said:

The ratings are the same as they were when she wasn’t on it.

I think Bravo has been preparing for the demise of all the HWs' franchises for a while now.   NY is the only one I still watch.   Without Bethenny I believe the ratings would be far below what they are now (or were then).  

There's not another HW as quick witted as Bethenny.   Who else could interact with all those birds and laugh about it?    Is there another HW with better one liners?  I can't think of one.

Edited April 28, 2019 by AnnA

[backhometome]

I love when Ramona gets caught in a lie. 😄

So Tinsley doesnt like talking about her issues in public but is on a reality show? 

I do love 90% of what she wears. I love her sweaters. 

Ramona ragging on Barbara's clothes every episode is so amusing.

[Midnight Cheese]

24 minutes ago, AnnA said:

Neither do I 

I think Bravo has been preparing for the demise of all the HWs' franchises for a while now.   NY is the only one I still watch.   Without Bethenny I believe the ratings would be far below what they are now (or were then).  

There's not another HW as quick witted as Bethenny.   Who else could interact with all those birds and laugh about it?    Is there another HW with better one liners?  I can't think of one.

I don’t necessarily disagree about B but for me she’s not the only critical cast member.  I’m unwilling to entertain a pre-Dorinda, pre-Berkshires RHONY - Dorinda also always tends to get along with most of the HWs, has no money issues, and represents a lot of “real New Yorker” elements in terms of being an outsider upstater who became an insider city slicker.   

I think the overall cast chemistry is pretty stellar.  Even with Barbara and the two headed monster.   I always wanted a genuinely cool writer type but don’t miss culture vulture Carole much at all.

[Chit Chat]

59 minutes ago, AnnA said:

Without Bethenny I believe the ratings would be far below what they are now (or were then).  

I'm fine with or without her on the show.  I know that Jill did some crazy things, but I still like her and enjoyed seeing her fabulous life back in the days.  I wouldn't mind if she came back in some capacity.   

[Baltimore Betty]

32 minutes ago, Midnight Cheese said:

 I always wanted a genuinely cool writer type but don’t miss culture vulture Carole much at all.

Wait, Carole has not been on this season??? LOL.  She really did sort of did do the out of sight out of mind thing for me.  I wonder if Tinsley is still friends with her.

[sashayshante]

On 4/27/2019 at 10:58 AM, BckpckFullaNinjas said:

Show needs more women who are vital in NY, not just bickering amongst themselves.  

YES!

What used to be inspirational about this show is now a cautionary tale. There isn't a spark of joy or happiness in their lives. That show and the exposure it brought ultimately ruined all of their lives, except for maybe Dorinda.

[Gam2]

I would absolutely watch this show without Beth. I cannot quit that crazy Ramona, that nutso Dorinda, Luanne just to see her make a further fool of herself. I’d even welcome back Jill. Tins is so boring to me (and her mom is just sad and embarrassing to Tins and herself), Sonja is just sad and embarrassing to herself. Again, I think this show and the others have outlived their interest to me. Southern Charm still holds my interest but I see it circling the drain too.

[Gem 10]

If possible, they should show more of the city, like ice skating in Central Park, walking through China Town, a museum or two, instead of always filming in restaurants.  Fans would love that, if permitted.  Inside their apartments is getting stale.  Harry & Sally filmed in the Museum of Natural History which was cool, but that was a movie.  I do like when they film in the Hamptons too.

[Duke2801]

2 hours ago, AnnA said:

Neither do I 

I think Bravo has been preparing for the demise of all the HWs' franchises for a while now.   NY is the only one I still watch.   Without Bethenny I believe the ratings would be far below what they are now (or were then).  

There's not another HW as quick witted as Bethenny.   Who else could interact with all those birds and laugh about it?    Is there another HW with better one liners?  I can't think of one.

IDK... The Marge was killing it on Jersey this past season with the one-liners. “Your husband’s in the pool” is possibly my favorite housewives line of all time now. 

Bethenny certainly  gives more one liners in terms of quantity. The quality isn’t always there though!

[hoodooznoodooz]

On 4/24/2019 at 9:18 PM, Neurochick said:

Hey, Bethenny, just because a parrot whistles at you doesn't mean he wants to fuck you.  Goodness Bethenny, it's not like you're irresistible to parrots now.

That was pretty pathetic. Frankel screeching about the birds. “Look at all the birds!!! There are so many birds!!! This isn’t normal!!!!”

Everyone ignores her. 

Frankel starts screeching again, and the artist finally has to tell her to stop riling up the birds. 

[AnnA]

13 minutes ago, Duke2801 said:

IDK... The Marge was killing it on Jersey this past season with the one-liners. “Your husband’s in the pool” is possibly my favorite housewives line of all time now. 

Bethenny certainly  gives more one liners in terms of quantity. The quality isn’t always there though!

I'll have to take your word on NJ.   I stopped watching on principle when Bravo continued to pay the felons and I'll never watch as long as she's still on the show. 

[Gem 10]

52 minutes ago, AnnA said:

I'll have to take your word on NJ.   I stopped watching on principle when Bravo continued to pay the felons and I'll never watch as long as she's still on the show. 

I don’t watch Jersey since Theresa went to jail, so what did that mean when Marge said the husband was in the pool?  

[biakbiak]

7 minutes ago, Gem 10 said:

I don’t watch Jersey since Theresa went to jail, so what did that mean when Marge said the husband was in the pool?  

That he was in the pool. There was an argument and he fell in the pool.

[AnnA]

1 hour ago, hoodooznoodooz said:

That was pretty pathetic. Frankel screeching about the birds. “Look at all the birds!!! There are so many birds!!! This isn’t normal!!!!”

Everyone ignores her. 

Frankel starts screeching again, and the artist finally has to tell her to stop riling up the birds. 

I loved that scene and got such a kick out of Bethenny's reaction.

She was like a little kid......all smiles and having fun. There's nothing wrong with having a good time! I wish there were more scenes like that one on this show. 

[biakbiak]

6 minutes ago, AnnA said:

There's nothing wrong with having a good time! I wish there were more scenes like that one on this show. 

Well except the artist asked them to stop riling up the birds but neither Bethenny or Sonja listened to him.

Edited April 29, 2019 by biakbiak

[Gem 10]

18 minutes ago, biakbiak said:

That he was in the pool. There was an argument and he fell in the pool.

“He”  who?

[biakbiak]

1 minute ago, Gem 10 said:

“He”  who?

Danielle Staub’s husband at the time of filming they were divorced by the time it aired.

Edited April 29, 2019 by biakbiak

[Gem 10]

1 minute ago, biakbiak said:

Danielle Staub’s husband.

Oh, she got married AGAIN, I guess.  Thanks.

[Gem 10]

26 minutes ago, AnnA said:

I loved that scene and got such a kick out of Bethenny's reaction.

She was like a little kid......all smiles and having fun. There's nothing wrong with having a good time! I wish there were more scenes like that one on this show. 

Between the bedazzled jacket and the screeching birds, I was hysterical.  Yeah, we need more scenes like that.

[breezy424]

9 hours ago, sasha206 said:

AMEN!

All of those HWs on every franchise need to stop with the heavy makeup, esp. the fake eyelashes.  Less is more when you become of a certain age.   Barbara's hair is way too long.  I'd love to see a messy bob on her too.  

She also needs to lay off the bronzer.  Or tanning booth.

5 hours ago, Gem 10 said:

Without Bethenny, the show would probably flop, IMO.  She’s the reason I watch.

The ratings didn't go down after she left and they didn't go up after she returned.  Now, then we have Bethenny's show with Frederick.  It tanked.

4 hours ago, AnnA said:

Neither do I 

I think Bravo has been preparing for the demise of all the HWs' franchises for a while now.   NY is the only one I still watch.   Without Bethenny I believe the ratings would be far below what they are now (or were then).  

There's not another HW as quick witted as Bethenny.   Who else could interact with all those birds and laugh about it?    Is there another HW with better one liners?  I can't think of one.

Again, the ratings don't show that.  Marge from NJ is just as quick witted as Beth.  Probably more so because Beth just tries too hard and many of her quips just fall flat.   Beth has become stale IMO.

[smores]

On 4/25/2019 at 11:20 PM, njbchlover said:

Looking closely at this photo, Raidered may be correct with the photoshopping.  If you look closely, there appears to be a weird "fold" of extra skin at the bottom of Mario's right nipple that runs across his chest.  It does look like his abdomen area was photoshopped.

That pic was totally photoshopped.  If you take a piece of paper and you follow the line of the floor from behind Ramona to where it is between Mario and Sonja, it tracks.  Past Sonja's elbow? It doesn't line up at all.  That one line should remain constant throughout the whole picture.  And Mario has a weird halo.

[ShawnaLanne]

On 4/27/2019 at 9:00 AM, Gem 10 said:

Does anyone wonder how Mario stood with Crazy Eyes all those years?

He often looked deeply embarrassed. But he's skeevy, so I figured they deserved each other.

[ShawnaLanne]

9 hours ago, sasha206 said:

And you cut off this part of my post:  "Still I recognize that she capitalized on it and a lot of successful people run with an idea, hustle, get it done which she apparently did."

I just think since her success was built with a lot of help from others, not her own drink idea she created from scratch, maybe have a little humility and not yell things to people like "Call me when you are successful.." 

That's often how success works.

I'm a writer, though I haven't done much in a while. When I was actively writing people would often come to me with their "great" ideas and tell me I could use it and write the book or screenplay and give them half. Number one, most/99 percent of those great ideas were trash, and number two, the work is in the writing. Yeah, let me slave and agonize over word choice, sentence construction, theme, etc. ... and then give someone half of something (and I wrote literary crap so there was no to little money) for squirting some half-baked, cliched idea, out of their mouths.

 Ramona and Mario are both still good looking, but God are they incompatible in every other way. Watching them together gave me second hand embarrassment.

Edited April 29, 2019 by ShawnaLanne

[Happy Camper]

2 hours ago, biakbiak said:

Well except the artist asked them to stop riling up the birds but neither Bethenny or Sonja listened to him.

Beth has no clue when it comes to reading a room. She is so caught up in her attention seeking behaviour, it's just cringey. Can she just shut her mouth for a New York Minute and let an artist showcase his work without making everything about her?