Angela

I don't love Teresa, but Caroline is the epitome of manipulative viciousness (she makes Kyle Richards look like a fetus in that area) IMO so I want to root for whoever she hates on that fact alone.

Just found this article linked on Twitter. Dina and Me are of like-minds on BH versus NJ:

http://www.celebuzz.com/2013-02-05/former-housewives-star-dina-manzo-talks-new-acting-gig-friendship-with-teresa-giudice-exclusive-interview/

At 41, Dina Manzo is reinventing herself.

After a brief stint as one of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, Manzo has landed the role of Allessandra on NYC Brand Productions’ soap-within-a-soap dramedy Tainted Dreams, news that Celebuzz broke exclusively last week.

In preparation for the new gig, Celebuzz spoke to the Jersey wife about her future endeavor, including how she got the gig in the first place.

Of course, we also had to dig a little into her past with the hit Bravo series — specifically her relationship with the infamous Teresa Giudice. (Yes, they’re good friends!) Have a look at the full interview, below.

How did your role as Allessandra DiGiacomo on Tainted Dreams come about?
I’m a friend of [the creator] Sonia Blangiardo, and we’ve worked together before. I also worked with [My Big Fat Gay Wedding star] Anthony Wilkinson, who is playing my brother on the series. Anthony and I have a natural chemistry together, so Sonia picked up on that and wrote the role with me in my mind — which is funny because my character is kind of a bitch! [Laughs] But I think she’s a bitch with a good heart.

Would that describe you?
[Laughs] When I’m at work, I can definitely get my b**** on. It’s going to be fun.

Have you acted before? And, if so, how cool is it that your first role was written specifically with you in mind?
I have not acted before. This is my first official acting gig, so I’m very excited. As a little girl, I wanted to be a back-up singer. I never wanted to be in the spotlight but I knew I wanted to be a part of it. So, I either wanted that or to be on a soap opera. I would have loved to have been a [recurring or supporting] player on All My Children or One Life to Live, so I could just be a part of Erica Kane or Viki Lord’s lives, [respectively]. And now it’s happening!

Not a lot of reality TV stars have successfully traversed into the acting world — with the exception of Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes. Are you worried that all eyes are going to be on you?
No! I’m totally excited. I just turned 40, so I’m all about experiencing new things that I’ve never done and cross some stuff off my bucket list. The only thing weighing on my mind is memorizing all that dialogue, but other than that I’m excited to dive into something new.

Is acting a new long-term career goal?
I don’t know. What’s funny is that NeNe always wanted to pursue an acting career. For me, [this role] just came to up. Once I get into it, I’ll see if I like it and, if I do, I’ll pursue it. I love and respect the whole industry from production to the writing. Even with my own show, I’m fascinated with the production realm of it all.

We really admired you for leaving Real Housewives of New Jersey; it was a very brave move. Do you regret leaving? Or are you happy you invested in your own catharsis by focusing on your real, not reel, life?
I don’t regret it, and I’m so happy I did leave. I had to be true to myself. Everyone thought I was crazy walking away from a super-successful show, and all the red carpets you’re invited to. But it wasn’t me. I wasn’t going home from work every day happy — and that, to me, is very important. I have my own show now on HGTV [Dina's Party]; I’m starring on Tainted Dreams; and my charity, Lady Bug, is nationwide and very successful.

Having said that, I want to also add that I do not regret ever being a part of Real Housewives because the show has made [everything] all possible. I’m not thrilled with what the show did with my relationships with a few of my family members, but I’m confident one day when the show is over, we’ll be back to normal. We’re waiting to see this pass.

It was nice, albeit shocking, to see you back on the series this past season. Were you nervous — even though you only appeared in a few party scenes?
I was super-nervous! I had my reasons, which I will keep to myself. It had nothing to do with anything happening on Housewives; it had to do with my foundation, LadyBug. I do support Teresa [Giudice] behind the scenes. I mean, I go to all of her events. I had asked [the producers] not to mic me, but one thing led to another, and when you drink you some Fabellini, well, one thing leads to another. [Laughs] It is what it is, and I can’t do anything about it now. In hindsight, I would have gone to support Teresa, but I would’ve refused to wear a mic because they did twist my words.

Are you surprised you and Teresa are friends? Do you think Teresa is misunderstood? We liked the Teresa we saw on Celebrity Apprentice.
I’ve known Teresa for over 15 years, and the Teresa I know is the one I saw on Celebrity Apprentice. Housewives is somewhat produced and — I hate to say it — set up to put you in a [contrived] situation you normally wouldn’t put yourself in. Would I go to a dinner with Danielle Staub? No, but I had to [contractually] attend that dinner. The Teresa I know is misunderstood. She is somewhat quiet. She’ll go out and have fun with you, but, in 15 years of knowing her, I have never seen her flip a table before. I have never seen an ounce of a temper from Teresa. In these Housewives situations, it brings out the worst and the best in people. There’s a log of egging on behind the scenes.

Do you watch Real Housewives of New Jersey now that you’re not on?
I don’t watch [regularly], but I did watch last season when it was on a rerun at 2 a.m. because I knew I’d be on the season so I could follow [the storylines]. To be honest with you, I love Beverly Hills and New York; they’re both fun and fascinating for their own reasons. But watching Jersey, well, it gives me anxiety for several reasons. Even if I didn’t know everyone on [the show], the franchise would still give me anxiety because there are so many women being hurt. The other franchise, it’s more about the women insulting each other or whatever. But on Jersey, it’s about families being hurt.

How do you stay in shape at 40? I know you’re Italian, so it’s not easy!
[Laughs] I watch what I eat. I’ve recently given up gluten and dairy, and I’m feeling so good about it. I lost a lot of extra weight. And I did my first lingerie photo shoot the other day at 40! It was on my bucket list. I do Pilates, too. I also do yoga but a form of yoga that focuses on breathing and meditation — and the results just from a month ago are amazing. I’m more about the mind, body and spirit and keeping all those connected. Getting toxic things out of your life makes you happy and more attractive. My hair, smile, skin all looks better.

Tell me about your charity, Project LadyBug.
We help children with cancer and, to me, there is nothing better than helping children, who should be running around playgrounds, not hooked up to machines in hospitals. Anything we can do to make their day easier, we do. We do everything from paying for their birthday parties to renovating complete hospital wings to incentive programs, which give kids a gift after every chemo session. We’re all about turning a negative experience into a positive one. I hope one day we stop losing these children. No parent should lose a child.

Will we see you back on Real Housewives in 2013? Or are you over it?
I said I wouldn’t do it this [upcoming] season because of all the wonderful projects I’m working on this year; but I can’t help it if the show keeps me a part of it. Listen, this is something I signed on for a few years ago and they’re allowed to use my image or name. Rumor has it I’m coming up this new season again. It’s just funny that I left the show a couple of years ago, yet I’m still the topic of conversation!

You mean you’re coming up in the new season as conversation or are you appearing on the show?
No, I’m not gong back on. But, like I said, I do support Theresa and if there is a party, I may show up to support her but I won’t be mic’d this time! I’ll be in the background, I promise!

Lisa wanted Camille to confirm that [Camille] told Brandi that Adrienne had already gathered Kyle, etc. for the attempted Lisa lynching at the Reunion. Camille's response IMO really wasn't about looking good in Lisa's eyes. It was about keeping face with Kyle, Adrienne, etc. Pfft to her bringing up the A-word, too. Why you want to be on that side, Camille? Why? Just for storyline?

I didn't know whether to laugh or curse when Brandi got Camille alone and Camille pretty much that she was faking amnesia to not be put in an uncomfortable situation. LOL, sigh.

Yolanda has my heart for calling Kyle out. Yolanda is too above reality television to do it to the extent it needs to be done but that makes any comment she tosses over there all the more rich.

I love the RHOBH so much. It has the perfect blend of fun and drama.

**Traveling east**

I don't think I can do RHONJ anymore. The show upsets me. My stomach starts hurting when I consider watching it. Theresa's husband. Theresa's reactions to her husband. Then there is the way Caroline gets everybody to gang up against one particular female. I feel uncomfortable watching RHONJ. It brings me back to being a child and seeing or experiencing things I should not have had to.

ETA:

Beyonce watches and she's taking Kenya's lines...lol.I love that she's not a hater

LOL, that's awesome.

She seems to be going after Kyle at one point too THOUGH Andy's people were probably f-ing with editing hardcore on that initial part of Camille gone wild.

But, yeah, I agree - Camille wants her spot back!

Next week looks interesting. There's no mistaking Camille's line to Lisa. Yikes. Wut up Camille?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2JVd1JacY8

Whitley mistakes Dwayne's mom for the maid...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P7ctRXEUL8

you can't have ADW without Whitley

Dwayne & Whitley's oldest should be at least 19 by now, def. college age.

I agree. It really wouldn't be ADW without Whitley.

Nick@Nite did try to air the show a few years back, the ratings weren't very good, so it was shelved after a few weeks.

They should have given it more time to catch on.

This is from 2012: Jasmine Guy. I think you can work with that on a spin-off. Professional make-up, etc...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBl5rJuQKRo

Dwayne and Whitley circa 2006

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OQSlb5f1Ko

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP3msHsBoKM

I was watching Nick at Nite last night and thinking to myself I wish they'd put "A Different World" in the line-up. As a kid, ended up enjoying ADW more than TCS.

I loved when Rudy crossed over and Denise got jealous bc she liked Whitley more. I liked that story she told her of some snow princess

I guess everybody liked Whitley more.

Rudy/Whitley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI5Z5yD6mck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpmXGkBVcmo

Kinu/Whitley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUAwIpFFu6w

The Wedding

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFo6pEALRKw

It's too bad that Jasmine Guy looks so, uhm, you know...

Yes, rough.

*Bravo started working for the 11:30 airing.*

Kenya. OMG. Why? Not at a charity event.

Still on Team Kenya though.

ETA:

And from next week's episode, I'm begging to see a pattern with Porsha's husband--he's bitch made.

Indeed. I hope it's not a pattern. I wanted somebody to punch him in the balls upon seeing the clip.

Thanks! I missed her in the scene.

You missed her in the scene because they want us to think Brandi will say it to Kyle, but nah. That would be out of the blue. On the other hand, she's been making comments about the way Marissa treats her husband in her interviews.

Thats hella messed up but I hope them sharing similar personalities at least has Marissa seeing where she is coming from and doesnt get too offended by that

It's messed up but true. She talks about her husband like she resents him right in front of his face. I do think Brandi needs to mind her business on that though. It'll be interesting to see how it actually plays out.

Thank you so much, PC. I'm obviously remembering the wrong Noah/Kendall disagreement episode for the montage. They're trading barbs outside of his mechanic job when the shoot out happens.

Great Erica scene I just watched again on SOAPnet

I always imagine Mona up in heaven trying not to break out into laughter when Erica's bitchin' and moanin' about what a handful her kids are.

I still believe McTavish was a good writerp

Me too. She falls off the wagon hardcore, but when she's good she's pretty good and her AMC has always been the AMC that appeals to me the most. She needs a strong EP over her. She was doing really good work on AMC until some point in 1994, at least IMO. I know it's the opposite of what most would say but when LB is writing I'm completely turned off to the show. I didn't miss AMC while it was gone because of how stupid and dull I found the last 6 months.

The first time around, I began losing interest in AMC in mid-1994. It was a combinatio of things... Megan's stories with steam had all ended to some point and her new stories weren't interesting me. I couldn't stand the Santos family but they were rather popular with both her writing and LB's. By 1995, I was well on my way to DAYS. SMC and CM leaving sealed the deal.

Erica slaps Kendall and goes off on her for locating Richard Fields.

I need a video and counter of how many time Erica - and Bianca - have bitch-slapped Kendall.

LOVED the Kendall & Janet relationship! In this clip, they meet for the first time:

I never liked RM's Janet. Big Kate Collins fans. It typically takes me a long time to adapt to recasts.

Two clips I want to see as this person is completing their clips. One is of Noah/Kendall. They're arguing and I believe at one point he throws her in the garbage (I thought SMG's Kendall was rather asexual most of the time but I loved their chemistry). During that episode there's a random (I think it was a random) shoot out so they have the scene in slow-motion. Cue Marvin Gaye "Stop Children What's That Sound." The other one is a montage, too. Del is sick and needs a kidney. Nice Kendall comes out to play during this and takes care of him. At the end of the episode there is a great montage to Tracy Chapman's "Baby Can I Hold You."

I was watching E/K's 1995 goodbye the other day. It had less impact 17 years later. I was 14 when those scenes aired. *Goes back to 1995* Dixie & Tad take Kendall in, Tad makes jokes about Kendall stealing from them, Dixie is much nicer and kind of simpatico because of the whole dead father issue. Kendall writes a letter to Erica and Tad is the delivery man. I remember being on the edge of my seat the entire time. Erica rips the letter Tad brings over from Kendall. "Nooooo! Pick it up!! Read it! Why Erica????" Kendall keeps on stalling to leave hoping Erica will come. "She has to come! She has to come!" Erica shows up at Kendall's door. "Yes!!! Aw" I remember wanting Erica so badly to tell her I love you but being satisfied with the hug. After the episode aired I sent a letter to AMC/SMG begging her to come back to the show. I had no idea about taping schedules and all that jazz back then. Her departure was so fast. One week an Emmy, the next week buh-bye.

Final numbers in...

Madonna's 'MDNA' Tour Makes Billboard Boxscore's All-Time Top 10

The final numbers are in, and Madonna's 2012 "MDNA" tour has retained her box office form, clocking in at $305,158,363 gross with 2,212,345 in attendance over 88 shows, according to Billboard Boxscore. The tour began in Israel last May 31 and finished in Argentina on Dec. 22, hitting Europe, Asia and North America in between.

The "MDNA" final box office tally is enough to rank "MDNA" No. 10 all-time in tours as reported to Boxscore, sandwiched between the Rolling Stones' "Licks" tour of 2002-2003 ($311 million) and the Stones' "Bridges To Babylon" tour of 1997-98 ($274 million).

This is Madonna's second time in the Boxscore Top 10; the "Sticky & Sweet" tour of 2008-09 was third all-time at $408 million, the highest ever for a solo artist. Her 2006 "Confessions" tour came in at $194 million. All of these tours, including "MDNA," were produced by Live Nation's Global Touring division, headed by LNGT chairman Arthur Fogel, who offhandedly predicted to Billboard back in April that MDNA would end up a Boxscore Top 10 tour.

Had "MDNA" played Australian stadiums, as was initially considered, the tour would have moved up a few notches up the all-time list. As it stood and as it stands, "MDNA" was the highest-grossing tour for 2012 according to Boxscore, making it Madonna's third time closing a year at the top of the box office heap, the others being 2009 and 2004. Madonna joined the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead and Bon Jovi as the only acts to be Billboard's highest-grossing tour twice in a three-year span, and "MDNA" gives Fogel and Live Nation their sixth top tour over the past 10 years.

"MDNA" highlights were many, with the run through South America being notably successful. The five highest Boxscores on the tour were:

- Estadio Atanasio Gerardo in Medellin, Colombia, Nov. 28-29 ($14.7 million gross, 90,018 attendance)
- Yankee Stadium in New York Sept. 6 and 8($12.6 million, 79,775)
- Foro Sol in Mexico City Nov. 24-25 ($11.6 million,84,382)
- Estadio Rive Plate in Buenos Aires ($10.8 million, 89,226)
- Estadio do Morumbi in Sao Paulo Dec. 4-5 ($8.4 million, 85,255)

In North America, "MDNA" did best -- not counting Yankee Stadium -- at:

- Plains of Abraham in Quebec Sept. 1 ($8 million, 70,569)
- Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Sept. 12-13 ($7.5 million, 32,557)
- The MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Oct. 13-14 ($7.2 million, 24,991)
- The Staples Center in Los Angeles Oct. 10-11 ($6.2 million, 29,015).

"MDNA" is the second tour under a 10-year multi-rights deal between Madonna and Live Nation, signed in 2007. "MDNA" is Madonna's fifth tour with Fogel's team, a run that marks the Material Girl's ascent into the elite ranks of touring artists and inarguably makes her the top touring female artist of all time.

"It seems like I have said this a number of times following Madonna tours -- five times to be precise: the overwhelming global success of the 'MDNA' tour proves yet again that Madonna is the greatest female touring artist," Fogel told Billboard as the tour came to a close. "As this tour takes its place as one of the most successful in history, I can't help but enjoy the fact that it is the millions of fans who determine that. Thank you to [Madonna manager] Guy Oseary and the entire staff and crew of 'MDNA.'

http://www.billboard.com/news/madonna-s-mdna-tour-makes-billboard-boxscore-1008117012.story#/news/madonna-s-mdna-tour-makes-billboard-boxscore-1008117012.story

I'd officially release Love Spent and end the MDNA era on that note. Love Spent moved up to my favorite song on the album and she'd chart a little better overall with a ballad (chart internationally, at least).

Love Spent (fan made video),,,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE3f3CuN3_4

Wait...

Hayley lost it to Kennedy Charlie?! I blacked that out, too!

Awful!

Brian was a cutie and I would have definitely jumped him.

Some things are truly too awful to not block out.

Love Lisa & Brandi's relationship. Lisa defending Brandi from the vultures in a blog from Monday...

http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills/season-3/blogs/lisa-vanderpump/lisa-defines-character-assassina?page=0,0&Matchmaker%2FKathyTakeover=1

I thought Yolanda's comment was concerning Mauricio more so than Ken. Lisa felt it was an attack on Ken, at least partially.

Thanks for the update, Eric. I was thinking if Cynthia could get over it, maybe Kenya is not all that evul BECAUSE I was on Cynthia's side during that whole thing.

ETA: lol I just saw Angela say she likes her. Amongst people I know she's very unpopular but I love her and lisa both.

I've always felt that in general that most people who watch like Brandi - the WWHL polls (Ken won tonight 3 to 1 for defending Brandi), internet polls. I know most SON'ers in this thread like her too.

I just re-watched the first ten minutes because I kept on getting bothered by real life during the original airing. The vultures talking about Brandi "having a sweet side but then this really vicious side." Hello, full-time vultures! Pot, kettle. You got to take the claws occasionally to hang with the pack.

Mauricio? Just continue to look pretty and mind your business.

Loved Taylor being called out on the "me, me, me."

I have Time Warner Cable here in Queens, and I consider myself lucky to ever see more than black screen on CBS and Bravo BUT I finally got BRAVO back. Yay.

RHOA

When did Kenya and Cynthia make up?

I was on Kenya's side with the exercise video. Phaedra ultimately got the better distributor, but it was weak of Phaedra to try to ride Kenya like that with no intention to really give her any cut. The exercise video arena is big and there's room for everybody.

I also agree with Nene, most girls are not aiming for a donkey butt...

I didn't want to like her, but dang it ... I do like that crazy Kenya. It's that whole underdog syndrome.

Kandi is so becoming the black Vile Richards.

Indeed.

RHOBH

Ken standing up for his "mistress"? sweet. Ken and Lisa still rock my socks.

Brandi, too... She's right about that new HW being mean to her husband but it ain't really her business, so.... She's obviously telling that HW the preview line: "your husband is obviously more in love with you than you are with him." They made it look like she told Kyle that. She needs to learn to censor herself just a little bit. New HW didn't have it out for her or anything and I'm sure she's not telling her that to start something (it's more of an honest observation) but still...

Before the tour started, I was preparing to be disappointed because YouTube wise nothing could top the Blonde Ambition Tour and the Confessions Tour for me - but this is up there. Going from that first dark, dark section to the Masculine/Feminine section to the final Section with Like a Prayer and Celebration? Perfect. Love when she gets the "Holy Spirit" during LAP. It's INSANE in the best way possible. It's OMG INSANE at a stadium.

When she tours again, I'm probably going to do all the NY shows. There's so much going on that you're really not seeing and experiencing it all in even 1-2 showings.

I definitely think anybody who can go see Madonna needs to do it at least once.

Me too. Even if you hate her or her latest album AND even with the fact she doesn't start her concerts until 10:45 PM no matter what day of the week. Woman can ENTERTAIN like few others.

Actually being able to see the big screens? Awesome. AND in an arena they do seem as big as they are. Felt like Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj were there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLH-SJa6YRU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXpYI_KuTrw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqKpIV1FHg4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k96ACSLKZGY

Went to the 9/8 Yankee Stadium date. My first concert ever - Madonna + Yankee Stadium = Amazing. (I don't really count the concert I saw at Flushing Meadow Park in Queens when I was 10). It was the day a tornado hit down in some areas of New York. I partially decided to go because of the weather. Madonna put Holiday into the set list that night. Like a Prayer is sooooo unbelievable in a stadium. Had to put the phone down and join in the sing and dance along.

Holiday (along with Open Your Heart, Masterpiece)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Du3V5GU8iU

Like a Prayer snippet...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25e_C3TnAKs

I went to MSG on 11/12, too. LAP was the highlight of Yankee Stadium for me. It was Like a Virgin and Love Spent for me at MSG. Love Spent is so emotional. Outside of that part, the toy soldiers in the air look so much more wild in an arena. They looked like toothpicks in a stadium. I bought a VIP package for MSG but they put me in an awful seat so they apologized and sent me down to the 100 level from the 200 level. Yay.

For some reason, I got over 30,000 views on Madonna stripping for Sandy Relief. Better numbers then some great close up videos from 11/13.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qpDNe7LoLc

Like a Prayer at MSG.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcgooxCOTwI

Will post a couple more video from MSG in a posting to follow. Got the first 30 minutes of the Tour in those videos.

Kenya...uhm...wow!

Teresa's complete and utter patheticness when it comes to Joe is hard to watch. I'm at the point where I don't feel sorry for her. She's asking for the misery that being with Joe is causing her. IMO, despite Caroline being a meddling troublemaker who holds a lethal grudge once you cross her, I do feel it's her issues (denial, etc) with Joe that have led to so many of her problems in her other relationships.

For ICLI it's Cara Castronuova who was a trainer on America's Biggest Loser and who is with Green Key Management (the mngmt company of the guy who created this comedy). I wonder if Cara had some not so good stories about Jillian Michaels? You get the vibe the comedy is loosely based on a true story, hah.