Cat

DD, we were college students around the same time, because I too was dipping my toe onto the World Wide Web when it was in its infancy. Or reading info on university wide intranet systems. I believe the Godfathers of AI and their doomsday prophecies. I am by nature pessimistic (read: realistic), and having seen how automation hollowed out people's lives in places like West Virginia or Ohio, I very much fear what is coming down the pipe. Descartes once said "I think, therefore I am" or something like that. 😆 Well, if big tech is going to do the thinking, or rather the journey of discovery of learning for me, why even get up in the morning? I feel so much personal accomplishment from.my work, from talking with and learning from people and books. I learned Japanese and Korean for five years -- just because I was fascinated by those places and wanted to. A lot of examples you cite, and which I also have experienced, illustrate how tech has let us down almost as often as it aids us. And that is because in the rush to maximise profits, companies fire good people who could make their product or service so much better, and go further. Instead, firms have picked cost over quality: give them any old tech crap and let's force these square pegs to fit into round holes, and at least an app is churning this sh!t out which costs us nothing! (Example: a year ago I took my parents to Paris on the Eurostar. The company inexplicably cancelled our train back to London, told my aged parents to download the app on their phones (!! Which they don't have) so they could rebook a train which would not be available for +2 days. They expected my parents to sleep in an unfamiliar and somewhat dangerous train station for two or three nights. Eurostar did not want to man the ticket booths in order to rebook their customers on earlier trains and in a more dignified way. These were expensive tickets, too. Anyway, leaving it all to AI triggered pandemonium in the Gare du Nord in Paris, to the point where French transport police had to be called in). If AI cannot fix some of the basic phishing problems it originated in its early days, how can it solve more complex issues? And pre-empt future problems we haven't even predicted yet? IA that US would be harshly criticised of it did what Chile did. The US and the West is in a position of weakness currently as it tries to secure expensive and necessary resources for the smooth running of its economies: labour, oil, gas, LITHIUM lol, etc. It is reliant on, say, Saudi goodwill for the oil, for example, at a time of shifting geopolitics. The Saudis have their own agenda, don't want the US lecturing them about human rights, and can leverage their position. Other emerged or emergent powers are offering them deals without certain preconditions. So that is the Saudi bargaining chip currently. But the US has some national resources, too. Not just oil and shale and lumber. And Wall Street (though I believe Wall Street may be in a vulnerable position these days if the dollar stops becoming the world's de facto cutrency). It has Silicon Valley. If, say, a certain search engine behometh were to be partly nationalised? Or a maker of smartphones and tablets? Or OpenAI? That would make crazy waves. Maybe scare the rest of tech to leave the US? Who knows. But it might also give the US government its own major bargaining chip on the world stage. Obviously these are all hypotheses and I haven't thought all this through. Lol.

Two interesting articles on AI that made me view differently the whole political theatre we've been seeing of AI inventors saying its only a matter of time before AI makes us all apparently obselete. So just give up now, right? https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/03/lawyer-chatgpt-research-avianca-statement-ai-risk-openai-deepmind The second article is linked from the first, and I especially liked her analysis. Who decides what constitutes 'rote work'? Some coder in Marin County? https://margaretwertheim.substack.com/p/ai-as-symptom-and-dream While the author doesn't explicitly mention this as a solution, she implicitly ("community control of resources") hints at a solution--- the nationalisation of too-powerful tech industries. Otherwise we risk slipping into feudal fiefdom reliant on tech-detrrmined UBI (basically a welfare handout). The point is not to hand sovereign tech behemoths control over our entire lives -- whether we work or not, whether we live or die in destitution and despair. Recently, Chile nationalised its lithium industry. Because without lithium for batteries, tech cannot really exist. Machine learning cannot exist. Crypto mining cannot exist. Smartphones cannot function. Instead of decrying this 'socialist' move, many countries are tendering offers to the Chilean government to be part of their industry. Full nationalisation is not necessarily a cure-all, but here we are. FTR, I'm pretty much a moderate when it comes to many things economic and political. I believe in balance, yin/yang, all that stuff. But Chile's recent move got me thinking.

I hope not either! That pic takes me right back to when Milania and Antonia were 8-year old munchkins, squealing when the other showed up for a playdate. The Coven De-Fanged is definitely the vibe I'm getting now that two malevolent spirits have been banished from the sister circle. (I have no proof to support this, but I still feel Rinna and Diana had a hand in Jax getting abused by bots on social media). Kyle will rest a bit easier without Rinna breathing down her neck. At reunion, Garcelle & Sutton had Kyle's back the whole time. I have to imagine that Kyle will want to get closer to the incredibly popular Garcelle. She already has Sutton in her pocket. Dorit has darkened her hair to look more like Natasha of Boris & Natasha fame. The real question will be Erika: can she move on without her co-enforcer, Hyena? Can she make it copacetic with everybody and join in some light-hearted nonsense? Or will she remain a miserable thug? The choice is hers. She has been hitting the Ozempic hard and found herself another absolutely ancient sugar daddy with a criminal record, so she must be in a better mood these days.... right?

LOL yeah I'll be watching too.

Speaking of the RHONJ kids... looks like Antonia and Milania are close and went to each other's prom:

A Rinna-free RHOBH is a ways away (November), but I am willing it to do well. I know Housewives Twitter will be decrying BH as 'boring' without her mean-spiritedness and dirty tricks, but I'm hoping for some light-heartedness and contentious Annemarie giving drama. I think Marge & Jennifer have a bit more shelf-life than Melissa & Teresa. Melissa is a low-achiever who lucked out with +12 years on this show, thanks to her husband. I think Teresa would be far happier with a Bravo spin-off. I actually love watching Teresa and her family. If they ever wanted to reboot RHONJ with the kids -- Gia, Gabriella, Milania, Audriana, plus Antonia/Joey/Gio, plus Frankie, I'd be for it. I'd keep Dolores because she knows everybody, past and present. Not that Dina would ever rejoin the show, but my God, what a rivalry that would be.

Agree with everything you said. I will watch to the bitter end, and bitter it will be. However, this is the end of the road for this cast. I don't really like the majority of the players anymore. I find Marge smugly unwatchable and Jennifer is so thirsty as to be unpalatable. Melissa really thinks she's doing something by merely showing up as the wicked queen (voiced by JLo) from a Pixar movie. Budget Porsha vs Budget Kenya does nothing for me. Though I did feel for Danielle when the opposing couch smirked, condescended to and scoffed at her. It was so mean girls. Like they have anything better to offer? Like Jackie does? Dolores's interview was the only one I was fully invested in. I just enjoy how honest in herself and her story she is. All the women looked fantastic though, and special shout out to Dolores and Teresa's respective hair styling teams.

Real estate is the appreciating-value, return-on-your-investment gift that keeps on giving (I'm a bitter renter, LOL). The Bells bought at the top end of the market and just kept on acquiring. Their homes were all magnificent, but in different ways. Sad to see a lot of them get sold off in a way, as some of these estates were intimately connected with the Bells' tenures at Y&R and B&B.

I'll take it, even though it will probably be a blink-and-you'll-miss-it scene. KC very likely asked for certain conditions to be met, including financial compensation, script approval et al., and she got them. Personally, I thought it was awful the way AJLT slyly trash-talked the character of Samanatha in season 1, and during promotions, the AJLT cast were all "Kim is never coming back" -- like it was their decision to fire Catrall or something. What all this says is that HBO Max is sufficiently concerned about AJLT's longevity and SLs. The network wants a reason for fans to tune into season 2. It was an entertaining hate-watch in season 1, but that's not sustainable season-to-season.

1,000%. I like her, and still cannot fathom why Bravo let her go for FOUR full seasons when it was clear how badly she was needed on the show.

Last year, I believe, TC was interviewed on Maurice Benard's State of Mind and spoke about his battle with addiction. He said he battled it through marriage and a baby in Ohio, and divorce. He'd moved back to LA for work, but his alcoholism had left him unemployable and basically homeless. How he hoped that by talking about it, he could battle this demon and return to a better place. Benard told him he was one of the finest actors on GH he'd seen, and he looked forward to seeing him back in the GH halls again one day. 😪 I am devastated that one of my fave soap actors way back when has experienced such a setback. It sounds from the TMZ article like he may be homeless again. 😥 I hope he finds help and support.

RHOC starts in a week.

I'm not sure Bravo wanted to give Kandi the reins of power over on RHOA, but Kandi worked hard for that quasi-EP status! When season 10 introduced a largely non-black production team, Kandi advocated until she got a more representative crew. Kandi reportedly has a great law firm backing her (unlike Nene and Kim Zolciak) so when she and the lawyers negotiate with Bravo, she gets paid her worth. Kandi demands that Bravo treat her like a peer, and in return Bravo gets first pass at the TV projects she pitches. However, it seems to me that since season 9 (when she saw off Phaedra, Carlos King, and any future SL detrimental to her image), Kandi has been able to call all the shots, and that absolute power creates injustices and resentment among co-workers. Like you, IA that these HWs must be prepared to deal with public scrutiny. Some things have to be, and will be, exposed. When you use your clout to sweep sh!t under the carpet, that's when you lose your audience. The 'cover-up' becomes almost worse than the crime. I haven't seen the most recent episode so I reserve judgment on how I will view Marlo after watching it. But I take your point about Marlo keeping the drama going when Sheree, Kenya et al., are not really bringing it. Certainly, Marlo has left a few of her castmates triggered after Sunday's show:

I think that once Drew & Ralph's divorce starts to gather pace, ratings will go up. This is RHOA's 'unexpected scandal' moment which Bravo needs (and plans) to capitalise on. I haven't caught yesterday's episode yet, but thus far, Drew has been playing fake happy families on screen. This is the problem with Drew: she could be GREAT, but she's just good, because everyone's blind grandma can see that she is play-acting. Once she lets go of that, Drew could really go places on this show. And this may be the problem with this season's cast. It is a good cast but it's not great by the standards of RHOA's golden era which lingers in the minds of the audience. Last season's reunion didn't have as much momentum going into this season as we've enjoyed in reunions past. In a wider context, I think the show is still suffering from losing Porsha and firing Cynthia. Kenya has been curiously underpowered this season thus far. Sanya is ok but making classic newbie mistakes as she lets Sheree and Marlo use her against Kandi. And I agree with Kenya's latest Tweet: Marlo should not be a Real Housewife. For whatever reason, she's not up to it. She is doing too much and her acting is so poor. That tantrum she threw at Candiace's concert was cringe. Despite all my criticism, i am actually really enjoying this season a lot. In addition to Drew's personal story percolating, another thing that has me intrigued is people going after Kandi and pointing out how she's swept stuff under the carpet. IMO this is long overdue. Kandi does great things for her community but she does have a few skeletons, and if others' get exposed, so should hers. Otherwise it is yet another season of Todd bitching about Kandi not having enough time for him. Courtney is Yovanna 2.0.

RHONJ Teresa's Getting Married was by far the best episode of this season, which I know isn't saying much. But having watched NJ since S1, it felt full circle-ish. In many ways, it would be a great launch for a spin-off show featuring Teresa and her blended family and friends. Her personality was so much lighter, happier and unguarded l this episode than it has been in years on RHONJ. What is also clear is how much she adores her dorters and they adore her. The Siempre Insieme embroided on her veil in reference to her parents was also poignant. Putting my concerns about Red Flag Louie to one side for a moment, he seemed equally thrilled to be marrying her, and something about his family resembled Teresa's wider family circle back in the day. Having followed the wedding clips on social media last year, I wish we could have seen more of Chanel Ayan, Phaedra, Ashley, Alexia, Kenya, Jill, Dorinda and the other RH guests. This could have been another RHUGT, lol I agree with @AMCHistory that Jennifer is coming across a strategic ally rather than friend -- although on social media, their families, including the kids, seem naturally very close and intertwined. Marge was the grey rain-cloud boohooing through the ceremony about Joe & Mel in order to secure more airtime. Lady, go get your mom (whom you banned from attending this wedding) and go join your BFFs without the cameras. Joe & Melissa blitzing social media with their 'This is way better than a stoopid wedding!' tantrum was just as petty, tacky and gaslighty as you'd expect from those two jealous morons. They're the ones who chose not to come.

Tina Turner almost single-handedly (along with Joan Collins perhaps) represented 1980s femininity. The elegance of the smart 40+ or 50+ lady, in a spandex mini-dress, elegant high heels, gigantic geometric earrings and big hair. Definitely Tina Turner's life story made women (and especially black women) believe that a second chance was possible and attainable for them, even after all else was lost. Tina Turner left her abusive husband after one particularly horrific beating in Dallas in 1976. She ran for her life to the Ramada Inn across the street with only the clothes on her back. The receptionist there called the police to help her, and also gave her a few bucks for a taxi ride to the airport. She didn't know it yet but she was already penniless as Ike had spent her earnings. She started again with absolutely nothing. Within 4 years, she had written her autobiography and re-invented herself as a solo artist -- as well as reinvented her music. She took a gamble on the electropop route, and her sound became the sound of that era. With brains and hard work, Ms. Turner built a life of independence, security and new artistic achievements. Her songs electrify the listener to this day. Who doesn't get goose bumps when hearing the opening to Simply The Best, knowing what vocals will follow? Her story is incredibly uplifting and inspirational.

I watched the HBO documentary TINA about her life a year and a half ago. During the documentary, Ms. Turner made it clear that this would be the last time she wanted talk about her life -- mainly because it had been traumatic and painful. It was also clear that she was going into full retirement and wanted to enjoy her personal life to its utmost, in peaceful Switzerland with her longtime partner. It is devastating to me that she couldn't have had longer to enjoy her glorious retirement, and her passing yesterday puts her words in that documentary in a somewhat different context now. Nevertheless, even as I mourn this sad news, WHAT an inspiration Tina Turner was when I was growing up in the 80s. She seemed to embody that strong (but also deeply kind) 80s female. When I learned about what she had gone through with Ike Turner (the confidence she gained as a woman post-divorce because Ike broke her down physically, mentally and emotionally and made her feel truly worthless, a lack of self-esteem she wrestled with since childhood) -- my admiration for this tremendous human grew even more. An amazing talent and even more amazing person.

Deep breath. RHONJ reunion trailer.

I have always felt more endeared to Teresa over Melissa, by a long way -- but I can't really fault any of your logic, @DaytimeFan and @Gray Bunny. This episode was not a good look for Teresa. Clearly both sides are at fault -- and more importantly, it is in both sides' interests to torpedo what little familial relationship each had on national TV. This season has been a mighty flop and reminded me of the worst of Season 5 -- before Bravo replaced 75% of the cast. We have House Teresa vs House Gorga spiralling into an incoherent mess. And the peripheral cast engaged in off-screen He Said-She Said reminiscent of S5 Penny/Johnny the Greek. Why Teresa thought she'd revisit that tired old 'Melissa's cheating' trope and get a different outcome is crazy. Joe is never going to leave his wife for his sister and her fam'bly. Melissa and Joe sat on this secret for 6 months. They knew they would never attend the wedding, but wanted their moment to announce it to the world. On any other RH franchise, this would be considered a boss move, but because I dislike the Gorgas, lol, I find it manipulative. They totally get off on playing victim to Teresa's 'crimes.' Deluded Danielle really thought she did something. She did nothing -- except get used by Teresa, Jennifer, Margaret and Melissa. A minnow swimming in a shark tank. I had hopes for Staten Island, but Drita D'Avanzo she is not. Rachel Fuda stayed true to who she is, but im not sure this is a great future Real Housewife. Margaret sets my teeth on edge. I just do not enjoy watching her curdled shtick. Jennifer is also getting poisoned by the same affliction. Jackie got one passing jump-cut, showing how little production thinks of her contribution. Fessluh will undoubtedly replace her next season -- whenever that films. Team Dolores, who proved this episode why I love her. She is the voice of reason and speaks to all sides without compromising herself in any way. Honestly, a Dolores or Eileen is so needed for balance on these shows -- otherwise you get SLC with everyone straining hard to have their dramatic moment. Louie is a blistering sunburn of a red flag. OC Brooks was clearly a conman, but Louie is a wannabe cult leader with barely concealed anger (and possibly Adderall) issues. Teresa is his mark, and he has encircled her and her kids. I'm actually worried about where this might lead. Teresa went to prison declaring that her marriage with Joe Guidice was still dreamy. She's in this new relationship to the bitter end.

Drew and Sanya got some good ones! I could barely make out She by Sheree's garbled tagline.

You're not the few -- a lot of people feel that way. Speaking for myself, I love the OG RHONY cast and am looking forward to seeing them again... but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't trepidatious about Dorinda. She kind of ahs exhausted my tolerance for her, and has deep bitterness/jealousy issues to work through still. And, of course, there's Ramona. I'm open to the reboot also and a diverse cast showing more of NYC as it actually is. What's crazy is watching early seasons of RHONY and the women sneering at Alex for living in Brooklyn. This was just before interest rates were slashed to 0% in 2008, blowing up real estate values to mega levels and damning a slew of New Yorkers to Generation Rent. Suddenly, Manhattanites with savings were like "Brooklyn is where it's at." And now 2-3 members of this reboot cast are wealthy Brooklynites. LOL many New Yorkers have substance (she says as an ex-New Yorker). Lots to unpack in your post about UGT, Brandi being problematic, and Gizelle being allowed to run RHOP ragged. About the latter, I'm not sure what is going to happen this coming season, but surely the GEBs are on notice? Because that behaviour trying (and deeply failing) to pull the wool over Bravo and the viewers' eyes -- it's not sustainable for them. Not sure I would throw out all reality shows, although it does feel like a pendulum has swung and viewers are returning to scripted content again. Personally, I enjoy both scripted and 'reality.' As far as the RH franchise itself is concerned... I have my worries, sure. Brian Moylan recently referred to it as "late-stage Real Housewives" so there is that feeling of end days. I'm trying to enjoy the shows while I still can, and hoping for a creative turnaround. Miami has given me a glimmer of hope in that regard. There can be second chances.

RHONJ: Teresa Gets Married trailer: Do you think they'd go for a Tinsley, or maybe Leah or Eboni, for the reboot? Not to segue to the UGT version, but Peacock's post mentions the cast alongside some apples -- and also has two stray apples in the post. This has sparked speculation of two surprise appearances during the course of the trip. Could be Alex, Bethenny or Jill.

LOL. Some people in this photo are crossing their fingers for a merger.

So, I know viewers were scarred by her 'acting' on The OC, but I think MB is actually a better actress than that now. She was struggling with alcohol and other addictions back in the day, as a child actress whose mother was her manager and who basically supported her family. I appreciate that she hustles to get work on projects, even after her professional rep was trashed following The OC.