Kathy vs Paula

We've had an opportunity for quite a few weeks to watch Kathy Griffin and Paula Abdul star in their very own Bravo shows. Kathy is with us for the third time. This season we have seen her reaction towards her divorce, the death of her father, and the incarcerated. The lady is funny, complex, straight forward, and a consummate professional (although frequently late.)

People either like Kathy or they don't, but when they do they love her. Jim, a coworker, can quote her funniest lines. He and I review each show with a fine tooth comb, laughing hysterically all over again. Only Kathy can get away with saying 'fisting' in front of a bunch of hardened criminals and get them to howl with laughter. Her friendship with her gays is wonderful to witness, and, even though she purports to dislike children, her performance for her nephew's classmates was designed to make him proud. And it did. One knows with an aunt like Kathy he will always get the girl.
Paula, who is joining the Bravo stable for the first time in the hope of boosting her popular American Idol image, enjoys no such adoration among my office companions. While an entire group of people discussed Idol when it aired, no one discusses Paula without making a face. 'Hey Paula' points out the reasons why: The woman is totally self-absorbed, lacks a sense of humor, is always late and moaning about lack of sleep, and she's downright surly at times. In fact, there are moments when Paula seems scarily certifiable. In telling my friend Jim that I watch 'Hey Paula', I had to clarify, 'For Bravissimo, of course.'

To point out the differences between the two women, I've created a little chart.

I think my comparison points out why Kathy is liked so much. She's confident of her talent but not her looks, which adds a sense of vulnerability. Her sense of humor saves her over and over again, and she has genuine empathy for others. Paula's show is one long series of whining, moaning, and me, myself, and I. Oh, Paula. How could you willingly have placed yourself in a bad light like this? I'm sure you are the fine, talented, and compassionate person you claim to be, but don't you see how you are coming across?

Posted by Ms. Place

Live Top Chef Chat Tonight!

Live chat tonight on Blogging Top Chef! Come join them 10 PM EST through 10 PM Pacific Time.

And for more fun, check out the Tim Gunn post below.

Tim Gunn

Word for Word Author Series: Project Runway’s Tim Gunn
Wednesday, July 25th. 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Tim Gunn with co-author Kate Moloney, Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style
Hosted by: Judy Licht, Full Frontal Fashion creator and on-air host
Talk & Booksigning

Whether you’re a seasoned fashionista or a style neophyte, Project Runway’s Tim Gunn shows you how to dress for success, how to shop, or how to be your own best fashion designer.

The event is FREE and open to the public. For updates and additional information, please visit our website at http://www.bryantpark.org/.

The Bryant Park Reading Room located on the 42nd Street side of the park - under the trees - between the back of the NYPL & 6th Avenue. Look for the burgundy and white umbrellas.

Rain Venue:
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
555 Fifth Avenue (at 46th Street)
212-697-3048

*A big THANK YOU to Jennifer for the information*

And while we are on the subject of Project Runway, check out Hedi & the kids here.

(((MUAH)))

Posted by Brillke & TheHoInMO

Reality TV

Do you think that reality television has gone to far?
That they exploit people and or situations?
They are gross, disgusting or just plain stupid?
Then be glad that you don't watch Dutch television.

That's way too much reality for me!

(((MUAH)))

Posted by TheHoInMO

Kathy Griffin: The Gay Porn Awards

Watch a preview of the next show of Kathy Griffin's Life on the D-List at 10 PM EST, Tuesday July 10th.

Click here to watch the clip.

Paula Abdul Launches Her New Fragrance

For someone who, according to my observations is coming across as downright strange in her new show 'Hey Paula', our Miss Abdul continues to demonstrate her disconnect with her actual self. Here is her description of her new fragrance: "It's something that happens when people smell me. It provokes that! Its fun, its flirty, its chic. It's sexy."

For your perusement (a combination of peruse and amusement), I present the following:

Paula Abdul Launches her Fragrance: Sexy Thoughts

Paula Abdul's new perfume makes her think of Ashton Kutcher

Posted by Ms. Place

June

There are some familiar faces in the June and July/August issues of ELLE DECOR.

"Jonathan Adler has always had a thing for retro. So it should come as no surprise that the designer picture frames for Larson-Juhl have a look that's pure 1960's."

Top Design Finale Party
"Elle Decor and W Hotels cohosted a cocktail party to celebrate the season finale of Bravo's interior design reality competition, Top Design."

Actress, Jane Seymore and Matt Lorenz, interior designer and Top Design winner, are pictured above.

Hmm, I think that I've seen something like this before.

(Design by David Beahm Design)

I remember now, it was Goil Amornvivat's design on episode 7 of Top Design.

The judges trashed Goil's hanging floral arragement because they thought bugs or whatever falling into their plates was unappetizing.
I think that I would rather take my chances with Goil's design.

Posted by TheHoInMO

July/August

"Andy Cohen, senior vice president of programming and production at Bravo, with Margaret Russell at an event at the W New York Union Square Hotel."

WestWeek Keynote Program:Top Design Puts Young Talent To The Test

"Margaret Russell, Editor in Chief, ELLE DECOR, headed a panel discussion with show host Todd Oldham, featured judge Kelly Wearstler, and interior designers Heather Ashton, Felcia Bushman, Erik Kolacz, and Elizabeth Moore at the Pacific Design Center during WestWeek."

Pictured above are Heather Ashton, Charles Cohen, president & owner PDC, Todd Oldham, Erik Kolacz, Margaret Russell, Felicia Bushman and Kelly Wearstler

Posted by TheHoInMO

Paula In The News

MTV news has an open letter to Paula.

Paula Abdul puts insecurities on display. Learn more.

Paula has found a new love and you can learn about him here.

Posted by CaLady & Brillke

Top Chef: Miami, Episode 3 Recaps!

Click here for Eric Three Thousand's recap!

Click here for Ms. Place's Top Chef posts!

Get more recap links at Blogging Top Chef's Monday Morning Mixer!

Posted by Ms. Place

Hey Paula

Life lessons from Paula Abdul...

#1. Keep your canine friends off the bed.
(Why the hell would you let your freakin mutts on the bed in the first place when you have Boo-Q bucks worth of jewels spread out?)#2. Don't appear on television when you haven't slept or had a decent meal in 3-4 days.
(It's her story and she's sticking to it.)
#3. Have a strong work ethic.
(Apparently nobody works as hard as she does.)
#4. Beware of how you manage your time.
(In other words, be late for everything.)
(Tim Gunn had to wait on her slow ass!)

#5. This is the most important lesson of all.....
Travel in comfort.
(For God's sake, don't forget the damn sweats and white sneakers!)

Now tell us what you think.

(((MUAH)))

Posted by TheHOInMO

Missed Hey Paula? We Didn't

Paula, Paula, Paula

We need to chat girlfriend. Slow down long enough for me to speak… OK I will just walk at a really fast pace to keep up with you.


Now your team of little elves must be fine people, but you all need some help. Not to fret. We, here at Bravissimo, will help you. You need us on your team.

Here are the first four minutes of the first episode. Our Paula thinks of herself as an ordinary girl. Mmmm. Ms. Place thinks perhaps not. How many of us are surrounded by assistants and publicity people? Here are another few minutes.


First, we will start with Damselfly. Put her in charge of all these assistants. She has experience here and she will snap them into order. She will have them working like a well oiled machine. Your days of not having what you need to board a plane... a thing of the past. Trust me on this one. She is the lady for this job.

Next, Eric 3000 must take over your speech writing. Have you caught his writing? Honey, he will take you past the A list. You think you are funny now. Oh sweetheart, they will begin a whole new list just for you.

As for Simon, well the Ho in Mo can handle him. You will love it. He will actually be speechless with her. I know… a dream of yours. Can you just see him standing there dumbfounded.

Now Brillke, she will do the driving. Your days of being late to any event will be a thing of the past. Hell, New York traffic will not be an issue for her. She also grills a mean cheeseburger, so she has you covered there too.

OK that takes care of your team. Now for you personally, we have the wonderful Ms. Place. She is going to see that you get the much needed rest that you need. This will give you a person that you can chat with on your level. You will be BFF. Trust me.

Now Laz is out on sabbatical for the time being, but again, trust me... he's on the team.

As for me, I’ve got your back. I’ll just keep an eye on you and let you know where else we can help.

Rest Paula, the Bravissimo team is on it.

Post by Calady

I Heard It Through The Grapevine...

Amanda Cuda from the Connecticut Post reviews "Hey Paula"

The gang at L.A. Rag Mag say that...

"Kathy's Show Is Like Gay Pride The Sequel!"

Posted by TheHoInMO & Brillke

Chat With Blogging Top Chef Tonight

Starting at 10 PM EST, the BTC crew will have their live chat open. Come and join them. Click here for instructions just before the show starts. The chat stays open through 10 PM Pacific time. Now isn't that grand?