Monthly Archives: August 2011
Big Rich Texas, Interview w/Kailyn Braun
BIG RICH TEXAS -- Pictured: (l-r) Bon Blossman, Kalyn Niccole Braun, Leslie Birkland, Maddie Poe, Melissa Poe, Connie Dieb, Grace Dieb, Whitney Whatley -- Photo by: Kwaku Alston/The Style Network
What did I tell you ? I said, I would touch base with Kalyn, and I did. I said, I would gt back to you, and I am. Kalyn Nicole Braun is a sweet California girl, who is trying to adjust to this Texas heat. And, as you can see, it is HOT down here!
Kalyn Braun-'Big Rich Texas'
1. How did you feel about doing the show in the beginning?
At the beginning of the show I was excited. What 18 year old wouldn’t be? But I also was scared. I had just finished highschool I would be moving to a completely new setting with new people and I honestly just wanted to fit in.
2. Has you relationship with Leslie changed?
Leslie and my relationship hasnt changed if anything we have only grown closer. Yes, we fight but what teen and parent doesnt? I’m really appreciative of everything Leslie does for me and I love her.
3. You seemed hostile towards Leslie..What’s up?
If your talking about Episode 5 (see recap) , my behavior was inappropriate. I was acting that way, because I felt Leslie promised me all these things and I wasnt receiving all of them. But in the end, Leslie and I worked it out and were doing much better.
4. What is the REAL reason you don’t want to go back home?
The real reason I don’t wanna go home is the same reason I explained on past episodes. I don’t get along with my mom we have had a rocky relationship and its hard for me to be around her.
5. How is your relationship with Whitney, since the fight?
My relationship with Whitney since our fight had been pretty plain and simple. We talk when needed. We don’t pick on each other. We just don’t say anything that honestly doesn’t need to be said.
6. What are your career goals?
My career goals as of right now are still to become a pastry chef and open up my own shop
7. What can we expect from your Mom’s visit?
Hmm.. What can BRT views expect with my moms visit…. DRAMA! Ha just wait and watch (laugh)
8. Is there anything else you want viewers to know about you ?
I just want views to know that I’m not perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, and I’m always gonna rise and be the best that I can be. No matter how far I fall, first.
Well said, Dear. We shall see you next week, Kailyn. And, your Mom.
Hot Gam – Million Dollar Legs!
It’s Marlene Dietrich Day on TCM, Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Known for her sultry eyes, smokey German accent and the hottest pair of legs in Hollywood! Marlene Dietrich could turn a room of men into crying babies. I grew up, in awe, of a pen & ink pointillism portrait, by my father, of MD poised against the railing of a winding staircase. When she was performing in Dallas, he asked to have the portrait sent up to Ms. Dietrich’s hotel room for an autograph. She thought is was so lovely, signed it & sent it back to my father. Wish I had a photo, it was quite amazing.
POP CULTURE ICON:
Mont Blanc created & named a pen after MD.
She is one of the most renowned drag & gay icons.
Madonna & Marilyn copied Marlene:
NOTABLE QUOTES:
“Darling, the legs aren’t so beautiful, I just know what to do with them.”
“I dress for myself. Not for the image, not for the public, not for the fashion, not for men.”
“Once a woman has forgiven her man, she must not reheat his sins for breakfast.”
MUST SEE VIDEOS:
Marlene puts a little Voodoo on you you!
And who could forget MADELINE KAHN’s outrageous performance in “Blazing Saddles,” parodying “The Boys in the Backroom” from “Destry Rides Again.”
For more great stuff on Marlene Dietrich check out TCM:
Big Rich Texas, Episode Recap, 8/29/11 ‘Oh, No, She Did’nt!’
Cast of Big Rich Texas
Sitting here, gazing out the window of my ‘Worldwide Headquarters’ (my condo in Uptown Dallas), I am still baffled. Actually, stunned is more like it. Last night’s episode reached almost every limit imaginable. And, at the end of almost every scene, I found myself saying (out loud) ‘No, she DID’NT!” Who, you ask? ALL OF THEM!
Last night’s episode should have been titled, ‘Who ‘gon check me, Boo?’, (courtesy of Sheree, Real Housewives of Atlanta) because every one of these chicks laid their cards on the table…But, which one was holding the Ace?
Let’s start with BQ ’Beauty Queen’ Leslie. They told her, ‘Country Club’ employees are NOT ALLOWED to date the members.’ And? So? Does that include the beautiful ones? Yes, BQ. I’m afraid it does. So, if you are ‘breaking the rules’, and you know you were girl, I suppose the only thing you can do is, break them BIG! How? Take your ‘illigetimate date’ to Pam’s house for a party!
’Boss Pam’ could not wait to call Leslie out for having the nerve to bring ‘The Help.’..And, no, not the movie! BQ, kept her cool ,and denied that she was on a ‘date’ with AJ who is employed at the club.But she did leave shortly after things got too personal. A subject, far more invasive than ‘who you’re dating’ came up and changed the evenings playful tone, The subject of: Leslie’s finances. Here we go again…The beige Ferrari.
A little back story: Leslie was a model in her teens. Made a lot of money. Bought a Beige Ferrari. Pam cried, ‘Bulls**t’, no such thing as a beige Ferrari.’ Leslie says she made alot of money, bought alot of properties, and lives pretty well.
Last night, Ignacio, Pam’s husband, joined the debate, I will refer to as: ‘LESLIEGATE’, by stating that she can not have multiple properties in different states, unless she had a network of over $ 100 million. Uhhh..Mr. Duarte, I don’t like to argue with good looking gentlemen, but she never said these were multi-million dollar townhouses. Maybe they are Section 8. Who knows?
Now, my Whit Whit made me proud…She wanted to STUDY! Take that you conservative, anti ‘c -word tatoo’, Haters! She is smart enough to know that if she wants to be a Doctor, then she must get excellent grades. Her mother, Dr. ‘Hottie’ Bonnie decided to take Whit to a place where all Scientists, develop most of their theories-a bar. However, this trip did include a lesson on Ethanol, that I found very informative. By the way, Hottie, that straight hair look works for you !
More on Leslie. As Connie’s cousin, I am not sure if dating her ex-husband is the right thing for Leslie to do. Sounds to ‘Jerry Springer’ like. Oh, that’s not bad..JERRY!JERRY!JERRY! It’s just on another network. But what do YOU THINK ? Take the poll:
Enter ‘Missy’ Melissa, yes, the Model. She tells the ladies about her diet, that includes gorging. What? I am not sure what all that entails, but it does not sound like something I want any of my sisters doing. Unless….are you trying to get booked on Celebrity Rehab after this? Eating disorders are making a comeback, in Reality T.V. What? I’m just saying….
On The Teen Scene
Grace. Your name says alot about you, my dear. When Zakk, who was on a date with Maddie, began to flirt with you it was the mature thing for you to ‘BUST HIS A**!’ That’s right, she told Maddie, and there is no doubt the friendship will last. But, Zakk…You are cute, sweetie, but I am not sure your ‘Player Card’ has been issued, just yet. However, I am following this developing story…
On to Kailyn…There was some major hostility towards Leslie in this episode. And, then, just before they rolled the credits-the doorbell rang. Who is it? Kailyn’s MOTHER! Leslie is saying ‘Shape up, or Ship out!’ Oh,snap!
Now, that was some dang drama…In fact, I am too nosey and impatient to wait until next week. I need to get Kailyn on the phone now, and grab a quick interview.
My next column may have to be ‘All About Kailyn’ …You deserve it.
Shhh…it’s ringing.
Mildred’s House of Wire Hangers
Mildred’s House of Wire Hangers!
Joan Crawford: the mother of all mothers, a drag queen icon, she runneth over with jungle red blood, she had a stare that could melt through steel/
Joan Crawford
Hurry, name 5 Joan Crawford films…and go!
Straight Jacket
The Women
Mildred Pierce
Berserk
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane
There are some common themes up in there! I associate Frau Crawford with the garish, pop-culture, eccentric woMANIAC.
Don’t you want to scream out, “Butcha are Blanche, ya are in that chair!”
So many lines, so little time!
OCD ALERT: Joan never wore any costume twice without it being properly cleaned.
TURN AWAY JOAN:
The role in Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte played by Olivia DeHaviland, was originally Joan’s. The famous beach scene in From Here to Eternity was JC’s, but apparently she was not happy with the costumes, so the role went to Deborah Kerr, which Oscar granted her with a nom. I bet Joan was regretful of that decision.
SILVER SCREENS BEST SLAPPER:
Someone needs some anger management
I’M BOSSY!
Lots more on the FORCE of Ms. Joan Crawford: http://www.tcm.com/summer/#/day22/mildredpierce/bio
Most Eligible Dallas…..Really?
Life is full of confessions, and here is mine for the day: I made up in my mind before Most Eligible Dallas premiered, that I would not like this show. Yet, I tuned in for the first episode, out of fairness, so that I would be well informed as to why I did not like this show. The previews alone nearly made my head hurt.
For the record, I do not know any of the stars personally, and this is not a reflection on them. I understand that they are doing a job, that they were paid to do. But, I could not remain silent on the ‘reality’ of this show. This is actually a letter to Bravo:
Dear Bravo TV Network,
As a longtime fan of your programming, and a Dallas native, I felt compelled to write this letter and inform you of my feelings regarding your new show: Most Eligible Dallas. Please don’t be offended, but, the show sucks. Here are the main reasons why:
1. Lack of DIVERSITY!
Are you serious? Bravo Network..Are you serious? Do you REALLY think that all people just live in Atlanta? I was floored to see that there was not ONE PERSON OF COLOR on the show! Now, I know you may be thinking-this is typical sour grapes from someone who was not picked for the show, or the ‘angry Black woman.’ I don’t care. But, just to clarify – I have my OWN projects in the works, and, I am not ‘angry’, just ‘AWARE.’ Only ONE other local blogger, so far has even mentioned the lack of diversity (two words, I think, but it was a mention), therefore, I wondered-Are other people NOT aware, or just don’t care?
Facts:
Dallas is: 25% Black
35% Hispanic
2% Asian
And, that is with a population of OVER 1 MILLION. Just in the city of Dallas. So. We are expected to believe that Bravo could not find ONE Black, Hispanic, or Asian?! There was not another Black woman on ANY of the other franchises, until Real Housewives of D.C, which was cancelled. With Real Housewives of Atlanta, diversity was added. Why not with the others? Bravo…you get an automatic F on that.
You may be wondering, how is Style Network’s , ’Big Rich Texas’, any different? Just a few facts:
Connie Dieb- one of the stars is Phillipino and White.
Pamela Martin Duarte-her husband, Ignacio is Spanish.
Leslie Birkland- one of the stars went on a date with a Black man (who happened to be, Tony Dorsett’s son)
It may not be a Benetton Ad, but it is progress.
2. Who are you , again?
If you are going to have the title ‘MOST’, I assume that to mean-you are abundantly blessed with ALL qualities desirable. Bravo has ranked our residents, by a.) shopping ability b.) crafty skill of having people wait on you, and the ALL TOO IMPORTANT, c.) Who’s Your Daddy?! If your answer to the last question is ANYONE on the Preston Hollow/Highland Park social registry and has a membership to the restricted Dallas Country Club-Congratulations,YOUR IN !!
I could go on…But, then I may sound mean.
Sincerely,
A Real American Girl
THIS SEXY BRIT OF YESTERFILM, IS STILL SEXY TODAY!
TCM hosts CARY GRANT Day Sunday, April 21…set your DVRs!
Who doesn’t like a Cary Grant? He makes women swoon and men “MAN-up”! And thank gawd Hollywood changed his name; ARCHIBALD LEACH would not have been a kind name in lights. I think he is such a sizzlin’ manski, I drew a pic of him (okay, so I didn’t finish it).
He played the silver screen with the most tenacious, intelligent & striking actresses: Katharine Hepburn, Carole Lombard, Jean Arthur, Joan Fontaine, Deborah Kerr, Rosalind Russell, Rita Hayworth, Loretta Young, Eva Marie Saint, Sophia Loren, Jayne Mansfield (Hmmm…Seems like a revolving casting couch). Even Hitchcock had a movie love affair with this man!
Born in the United Kingdom, he came to the United States in his mid-late teens where he performed in Vaudeville as a stilt walker, juggler, acrobat & mime (hence his incredible physique & graceful physical comedy timing. He went on to perform on Broadway in light comedies before he travelled across the U.S. to Hollywood, where they immediately changed his first name to Cary, after a character he recently played on stage. His last name, well it came from a list the studios moguls perused through. The big bust, I mean boost, came from Mae West when she personally chose him to star in her most famous films, SHE DONE HIM WRONG & I’M NO ANGEL (sizzle).
And the rest of his career brought his incomparable screw-ball comedies like BRINGING UP BABY (he was so sexy in that feather trimmed robe) & HIS GIRL FRIDAY.
Then onto his reign of Hitchcock (I’ll save this info for an entirely new column). He went on to form his own production company & produce delightful works like OPERATION PETTICOAT, FATHER GOOSE & CHARADE.
JUST THE FACTS :
- There is a statue of CG in Millennium Square in Bristol, UK
- Nominated for 2 Academy Awards & 5 Golden Globe Awards
- Originally considered for a possibility to play James Bond in Dr. No
- First actor to “go independent” and walk away from a studio contract
- Made 72 feature films
- Married 5 times, has one daughter by Dyan Cannon
- He believed movie stars should never make public declarations about politics
CARY GRANT on TCM’s SUMMER UNDER THE STARS
Real Housewives/Beverly Hills Tragedy..Is someone to blame?
Taylor and Russell Armstrong, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
When news broke that Russell Armstrong, husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Taylor Armstrong, hung himself, it sent a shock throughout the world of Reality Television. Now,the Sept. 5th premiere of the new season, may not happen after all. Could this be the end of the Real Housewives franchise? Don’t forget to take the poll at the bottom of the page.
Were things that bad for Russell? In the past few days, several things about the fe of the Armstrong’s has come to light:
Russell Armstrong was $1-10 million in debt.
filed for bankruptcy in 2005.
Taylor Armstrong recently filed for divorce.
according to sources, Russell feared the ridicule of the castmates, and there was talk of a tell-all book, that may have painted Russell in a VERY negative light.
All of these things , according to Russell’s attorney, Ron Richards were just too much for him to bear: (via Reuters.com)
“He worked hard to get her where she was. Who do you think paid for that lifestyle?” Richards said in an interview with TheWrap. “He was disappointed. … He basically spent all their savings, and didn’t accumulate any savings, to support the show.”
Richards added: “He wasn’t rich. He was just generating enough income to not lose the cover. The expenses were getting higher and higher and he was unable to cover it.”
Armstrong also complained that the show “didn’t care if they ruined his marriage,” Richards said.
I have to admit, I was a little puzzled to hear about all of the financial trouble, considering I watched last year as Taylor hosted a ridiculously tacky $60,000 birthday party for their 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER! I am all about the finer things at any age, but I thought that was a little over board even before I knew they were really broke. In addition to their public spats on the show, Taylor claimed in divorce papers that Russell was physically abusive to her. I have to ask. Did Taylor file after the abuse, or was Russell going broke, REALLY the last straw ? Just asking.
Russell’s mother told HLN’s Jane Mitchell that she had very strong opinions regarding what happened to her son:
Mrs. Armstrong goes on to say that, Taylor had very expensive taste, and it was hard for Russell to keep up. According to Mrs. Armstrong, ‘Taylor’s next husband ‘better be a Millionaire or Billionaire, because that is all who can afford her.’
In all fairness, all of the participants of these shows chose to be a part, and accept the fact that their lives are up for complete and total ridicule. It may not be right…But,that is the way it is.
That’s the view of ‘A Real American Girl’
TCM’s ‘Debbie Reynolds Friday!’
Dame Stephanie Spaulding, Theater/Film Historian
I am so excited that my dear friend, Stephanie Spaulding has agreed to write a column on TCM Film Classics, highlighting featured classics, showcases, and backstage stories. She is quite an authority on the ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’.
BELLY UP TO THE TV Y’ALL! TCM is hosting “Summer of the Stars” in August and America’s girl next door, Ms. Debbie Reynolds, is the star of the day, Friday, August 19. And she is a Texas gal, born in El Paso in 1932. She got her big break in 1952 with “Singing in the Rain,” but did you know at the time of filming, she was not a trained dancer? Could have fooled me! This gal can do anything! With dancing under her belt she went on to add several vocal chart-topping hits like “Tammy”. “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” earned her an Oscar nom in 1964. But she was a busy lady outside of her career with 2 children, her daughter, is Carrie Fisher (we all kinda knew that). Debbie even tried her own talk/variety show in 1969-70. Again, is there anything this woman could or can’t do? Thanks to Nicole Barrett, I met and saw DR in action, talk VERY CANDIDLY about her career and life at a benefit luncheon in Dallas this past April.
Debbie Reynolds and Nicole Barrett
Why I do believe Ms. Reynolds, at the age of 79, has a future in stand-up. Come on Vegas book her…she is amazing…Sharp, edgy, tenacious and a ball of fire; she has more energy than my 5 & 6 year-olds combined! Oh, and I saw her daughter “Princess Leia” perform on Broadway 2 years ago in “Wishful Drinking”. Carrie is an amazing writer, capturing and sharing moments of her “unnatural” life for the layman to understand. When you come from talent, sometimes you don’t have a choice but to be talented.
Debbie Reynolds, circa 1950's
For more on Debbie Reynolds read the fabulous synopsis in this link from TCM: http://www.tcm.com/summer/#/day19/singinintherain/bio Take the poll below:
‘If you really want to help the American theater, don’t be an actress, dahling. Be an audience’. -Tallulah Bankhead
Big Rich Texas- Episode 5 Recap,’ Sugar and Spice’-Interview /Maddie Poe!
Cast of Big Rich Texas
Sunday night’s episode should have been titled,’What’s The Matter With Kailyn?’ I have been pretty easy on the girls, because they are still young a growing, but Kailyn surprised me with the ’18 year old trapped in a 5 year old’s body’ stunt she pulled at the store. Leslie offered to take her shopping and buy her some clothes. That was nice. But, when Kailyn decided she wanted EVERYTHING she picked up…Honey, that was just whack! Considering some 18 YEAR OLDS WHO ARE NOT IN SCHOOL are working in the summer,Kailyn, you seemed highly ungrateful. Oh, that’s right, you are working, and getting a check for the show! Where was YOUR ATM card, Kailyn?
Leslie ‘BQ’, stand your ground. I have a feeling that many girls did not roll around in a Corvette, until AFTER they won the title, Miss America. And, speaking of BQ…What is gong on with you and Pam ??? Pam…What is going on with you and Leslie ??? Give me a call, and tell me about it. You know I’m interested.
And, then there is ‘hardworking Grace’. Anything she does, she does with heart, focus, and dedication. ANYTHING. Including, the complicated task of washing cars, with her Cheerleading squad. I have to admit, I never had that much team spirit. I preferred the ‘Every girl for herself’ world of Beauty Pageants. And, when Whitney (WhitWhit) pulled up in her big a** Hummer for a wash (side note: that car is TOO BIG FOR YOU), Grace remained a professional, and cheerfully washed the tank. I mean the car. And, Whit-the $100 tip you left was well-earned.
Now, what was really interesting, was what happened when Melissa (‘ Missy’) went on an audition. Apparently the other contenders were ALL PLUS SIZE women. Was she auditioning for a ‘plus size’ role ? Missy, being a ‘proud size 6′ , did NOT stick around to find out. Some say, she should have stayed and find out what the role was, before getting defensive and bailing. What do you think ?
I really can’t begin to tell you,how shocked I was when Whit threw that drink on Kailyn. I know you can’t see it, but I am shaking my finger at you,Whitney! It all started because Whitney and Tyler were ‘making out’ in front of Kailyn. We know (as well as Whitney) that Kailyn has a crush on Tyler. Yes, YOU DO, KAILYN! So, Kailyn told them to ‘get a room.’ That lead to the word ‘B**ch’ being thrown around, in addition to a glass of water which landed on Kailyn. During this scene, Leslie sat back and let Kailyn take her medicine for being such a brat he whole time. However, both Bonnie and Leslie know BY NOW, that you should never let your daughters ‘catfight’ in public. Sends the wrong message.
But, the girls did apologize to each other and hug. Hmmm…
I finally caught up with the sweet Maddie, who came in 2nd in the ‘Big Rich Texas Favorite Daughter poll’. Here is what she had to say:
Melissa Poe with daughter, Maddie
Big Rich Texas-INTERVIEW w/Hannah Martin ‘The Debutante’
I am OFFICIALLY the #1 Fan of the new hot Reality Show, ‘Big Rich Texas’! As a former Reporter, now Actress, I still have that curiosity bug, and this show has given me a FEVER! I will be a dedicated Blogger for this show, throughout the season. The show is so BIG, I gave it it’s on page! Be sure to check back here every week , for recaps, INTERVIEWS W/CAST, and of course, my totally BIASED opinion of the week’s episode! Stay tuned…
Pamela Martin-Duarte and Daughter, Hannah
1. You were on Divas and Daughters, and now this is your second Reality Show? How did you get into the Reality biz, and is this your future?
I was on Dallas Divas and Daughters but this is definitely not my future haha. I don’t plan on having cameras follow me around for the rest of my life.
2. How is Big Rich different from Divas, or is it?
BRT definitely has a lot more focus on the mothers than the daughters but it still is very similar because it shows all of the relationships between the mothers and their daughters. BRT also follows our lives around the country club.
3.Whitney says that you 2 are friends. Is that hard considering how your mom feels about Bonnie ?
I love Whitney and we are definitely friends. My mom has absolutely no problem with our friendship. Her and Bonnie don’t really get along but Whitney and I are both old enough where we can be friends regardless of our parents. I mean we can both drive so our parents don’t really have to be around each other too much.
4. What is your Major? Career plans?
I am currently studying Broadcast Journalism and Spanish. Hopefully I’ll be able to pursue that and you may be watching me on your TV’s for even longer!
5. You said Debs are more selective and Pageant girls are ‘random shmucks’…Did you mean that?
The pageants that Kalyn does are definitely not as reputable as Miss Texas, Miss America, etc. The Debutante programs here in the Dallas AREA are definitely a little bit more exclusive than the pageants that Kalyn and Leslie do which have women ranging from age 5 to 55. Leslie thought that a Debutante Ball was just like a Pageant, which it definitely is not. That’s all I meant by that comment.
6. Are you close, or NOT close to any of the other girls?
I’m definitely the closest to Whitney but since my mom is friends with Connie and Melissa I know their daughters too. But, since I’ve been away at college it is a little hard to still be connected with all of them
Anything you would like the readers/viewers to know about you!
Keep watching BRT! There’s a ton of new drama coming up and y’all may be surprised!
Go visit our Team Pam & Hannah page on Facebook and follow us on twitter!! Take the poll and vote for your Favorite Daughter…
Nicole Barrett
