Stay in school!

In the most recent “Teen Mom” episode, Maci dropped two college classes as she struggled to juggle the demands of motherhood and being a student. Obviously, her priorities changed when she had Bentley, but they’ll both have a better shot at brighter futures if she gets her degree. At least I hope so … She wants a degree in journalism!!!  Meanwhile, Maci’s ex, Ryan, went to see a lawyer and plans to surprise her with court papers.  I’m not Ryan’s biggest fan, but this might be the right way to get their child custody issues smoothed over once and for all.

I’m proud of Farrah for finally visiting Derek’s grave. The moment was sad and hard to watch, but I think she’s making progress in trying to deal with the very painful death of her daughter’s father. I like how Farrah keeps Derek very much a part of little Sophia’s life by showing her the book filled with his pictures and talking about him to her. Sophia’s on her way to getting potty trained, but that poor new puppy… I hope Farrah takes it out of diapers soon, too!

-- Ann

Auction Hunters

Chris here,

Next on the docket in the Pawn/Storage Locker/Auction show category is the show "Auction Hunters" on Spike. I can honestly say I've never watched anything on the channel prior to Hunters so the network is new to me.

"Auction Hunters" is all about the happenings of Allen Haff and Clinton "Ton" Jones, two professional storage locker buyers. Both Haff and Jones roam the country looking for the next "find" in an abandoned storage locker.

Haff is an antiques dealer and Jones has experience in guns and safes. Hunters shows the chemistry between the two when buying the storage lockers. Both whisper quietly to each other to keep a low profile when hammering out how much to bid on a locker. 


Hunters is a hybrid of the previously mentioned A&E show "Storage Wars" and History Channel's "Pawn Stars." It is a hybrid in that both Haff and Jones try to get the winning bid on a locker like on "Storage Wars" and attempt to sell and hammer out a deal with the local person who specializes in the item(s) the two are attempting to sell, like on "Pawn Stars."

Some of the finds on Hunters are on a bigger scale compared to Wars. On a recent episode in Dallas the guys found a jet engine made for a cruise missile, something you would never have thought to be stored and left to be unclaimed in a storage locker.

"Auction Hunters" and "Storage Wars" are very similar. They both premiered within a month of each other in late 2010. They differ in the sense that Wars primarily takes place in the Southwestern United States whereas Hunters takes place all around the country with episodes filmed in Chicago, Boston and Dallas. 


The show airs on Tuesday nights at 10 p.m. on Spike. Visit the show's website here.

Clinton "Ton" Jones and Allen Haff, the "Auction Hunters"

Birthday blues

While Maci and Ryan seemed to be getting along better, things turned icy fast on "Teen Mom" after she told him she wanted to have a bit more time with their son, Bentley, to take him trick-or-treating on Halloween (which is also Bentley’s birthday). Ryan and his family looked uncomfortably stone-faced at Bentley’s birthday party. When Maci said was definitely taking Bentley, Ryan swore at her in front of their son and stormed off. “You gotta do what you gotta do,” Ryan’s dad told him – which apparently means taking Maci to court. I don’t know who was in the wrong here – it seems like a peaceful compromise could have been worked out – but I hope, for the sake of their son, Maci and Ryan’s relationship becomes more cordial.

I loved the look on Tyler’s face when he found out he got his first job ever at a pizza place! Catelynn was also thrilled to find work. These two have a lot going for them: a generally positive outlook, maturity beyond their years and a loving relationship.

What’s next for Farrah? She clearly wants to open her own restaurant, but struggled in her final project in culinary school. While she doesn’t seem to have the same financial struggles as the other teen moms, I think she has an especially difficult road ahead because of the death of her daughter’s dad.

Amber is still mired in the drama over whether she’ll end up losing custody of her daughter, Leah. On the bright side, she rented a cool new house from a friend’s mother. It’s a good fresh start.  

--Ann

Reunions

Valerie here...

I have no intention of ever attending my high school reunion. I graduated with a whopping thirty-six kids in a town that was smaller than small. There was an IGA, a gas station, a local hardware store and it was big news when a plant nursery moved into town. Now, a new lingerie shop is conveniently located next to the school crosswalk.

I do not intend to revisit that past. Despite my resolve, I think it would actually be less painful to attend my high school reunion than sit through the "Real Housewives of New York" reunion specials. I almost reached for an aspirin halfway through because the constant fighting gave me a headache. I felt sorry for Andy Cohen, the host, who remarked that the women were acting "like beasts."

At one point, my husband, who was eating on the couch shouted, "I am going to throw my sandwich at that ..." I'm not sure which woman he was referring to — they all deserved a sandwich flung unceremoniously in the face.

The women, donning jewel-toned dresses, watched footage of themselves saying and acting horribly. And yet, they were still able to point the finger at some other than themselves. As a woman, it was mortifying.

Here's the thing: I am always — please, forgive the cliche — sticking my foot in my mouth. Open wide and insert. It happens to all of us at some point, perhaps a bit more frequently for me. I blame genetics. Regardless, I am pretty familiar with apologizing for my behavior. I find that most people apologize when they realize they've said something offensive or hurt another person's feelings. It's what keeps us humble.

These women, are not humble. Whenever Andy rolled the film, the women had smirks on their faces as if to say, "See how she treated me. Vindication!"

All of the women at some point, treated a cast mate poorly. I've been in arguments with friends where be both may have said things that were not fair, or kind. Yet, I can take responsibility for my part. I don't answer for their behavior.

These women, however, absolved themselves as having any part in wrongdoing. They were the victim. Even when Andy pointed out some of the things they said or did, it was like they were oblivious. The best we got was when the Countess semi-acknowledged that she may offend on occasion, unintentionally.

When confronted, most of the women would say something to the effect of, "It was never intended to be mean..."

Sure, insult someone's physical appearance, spouse, etc. and laugh it off. It means nothing. I think the ladies need a refresher course in empathy and manners.

I know, I'm on my soapbox. It's actually taken me some time to blog because I was processing that nightmare show. I'm all for Trash TV, but I may be leaving the viewership of the "Housewives." There are no redeeming qualities to it anymore — and these "high society" gals have truly epitomized trash.

I'm moving onto more comical reality shows. Any suggestions?

Reality TV overload

Valerie here...

Ramona shows off the engorged girls.

To catch you up — I did not see any New York Housewives on my trip to the city. My guess is, we travel in different social circles. After enjoying several social engagements that did not require couture clothing, I revelled in some serious couch time and caught up on a lot of TV junk, Sunday. I reasoned that it was too hot to venture outside and I was proved correct when my husband emerged drenched in sweat from a seventeen-mile bike ride. OK, I was being lazy.

So, I know that we're already into reunion time for the Housewives, but can we talk about the season finale?

We saw LuAnn lavishly celebrating her one-year anniversary. Now, I understand that LuAnn is happy and wants to show it off, but really, it was a bit ostentatious. One year? It's like a friend and co-worker (Ann Zaniewski) once said about re-commitment ceremonies, "It's the kiss of death." What does that say about a one-year dating anniversary? Even Jacques expressed concern for next year's anniversary (if they make it) after being serenaded by his lady, accompanied by the famed Natalie Cole.

I am still unclear why the famous singer was present.

During all of the drinking and yacht hobnobbing, Ramona insists that she must be pregnant after her breast swell and her lady friend disappears. Heels aflight, Sonja and Ramona run to the "The Head" for a party pregnancy test. Jill runs after them like the girl who didn't get invited to the after-prom party and bangs on the door demanding to get in. I kept wishing a "Sixteen Candles" moment would take place and they would put Jill in a class-encased table.

Back to the pregnancy. Apparently, the botox has seeped into Ramona's brain. Lady, you could be a grandma by now. You are not pregnant, you are entering menopause. It must be delightful to be so delirious.

Although featured less and less in the waning episodes, Kelly offers some funny quips regarding Simon and Alex twittering at the party.

In a paraphrase: "Are they tweeting to each other?"
"You're so hot."
"No, you're so hot."

I have to say, I am team Kelly this season — if I could just forget last season...

So now, it's reunion time. I am saving them up to watch them together On Demand. The anticipation kills me. Aforementioned Ann, said it was almost too awful to bear. I can only imagine the clucking. Reunion episodes actually give my husband a headache.

One episode did not suit me though — I was having a marathon. So, I peeked a bit at "The Kardashians."

I really felt for Kim when she was diagnosed with psoriasis. When you're money maker is covered in skin rashes, it's cause for concern. Her mother seemed so unsympathetic, I was shocked. Is Kris Jenner (wanna be Kardashian) becoming the biggest media whore out of all the ladies?

Here's a reminder Kris, be a mom first! Stop treating Bruce (your husband, light of your life) like a dog. Hand him his balls back and be kind to him. Stop ordering him around, leaving him off your family photo wall of fame, and my god, keep your married name.

I also watched a bit of "Bill and Giuliana." It was hard seeing the duo struggle through failed in vitro fertilization last season. I so hope the pair can make a baby. And how cute would he/she be?

Lastly, I watched one episode of "Jerseylicious." This show seems even more fake than all the other reality TV trash out there. The fights between Olivia and, well, everyone, are draining me. I think I'm over it — that is, until I crave some leopard hot pants!

My low self-esteem from watching such alluring crap makes me feel the urge to note that I also read three books in the last two weeks. I don't have the loads of money to pad my self-worth like the above-mentioned reality stars; thus, I need your acceptance.

Until next time...

"Yeeeeeep!" - Storage Wars

Chris here...


A bit surprised I've been keeping up with this as much as I have. The next show I have up for discussion is A&E's "Storage Wars", another big player in the holy trinity of the Pawn/Auction reality category ("Pawn Stars" and "American Pickers" being the others.) "Storage Wars" involves a growing trend, one that I was never familiar with before, the art of bidding on abandoned storage lockers. Apparently when one does not pay the rent on a storage locker it's contents are put up for auction to recover some of the lost revenue. Participants of the auctions get a five minute preview of what is in the locker. Sometimes many items in the locker are obstructed by larger items so it is sometimes a gamble, there could be more valuable items that are not in eyesight. 


The show involves the wheelings and dealings of  a circle of professional bidders. Dave Hester is the owner of a thrift shop who both bids on many units and antagonizes his fellow bidders but purposely drives the bids up and backs down. He is know for his "Yep!" call when he bids on a unit. Darrel Sheets is known as "The Gambler" of the group because he will bid on a unit sight unseen. Jarrod Schultz and his girlfriend Brandi Passante are a hybrid of Dave and Darrell- Jarrod owns his own resale shop and will also bid on a locker without much inspection. The veteran, and my personal favorite of the group, is Barry Weiss. Weiss is more of a collector rather than a reseller like his fellow bidders. Weiss is the atypical Southern California middle age man- tan, slick hair, wheeler and dealer. I always think of Weiss as a hybrid of film producer Robert Evans, Michael Douglass and Jack Nicholson. 


Wars takes place in Southern California but has ventured to Arizona and Northern California. When each episode begins the bidders give their own analysis of the region where the locker auction is located- ex) a storage auction in San Diego might yield units filled with surfboards. 


The show airs Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. (usually two back-to-back half-hour episodes) on A&E. Find out more info on the show here

"Storage Wars"

Barry Weiss

Legendary Producer Robert Evans

Michael Douglass

Potty mouth

Ann here...

Oh, Amber. In this week’s episode (aired July 19), the “Teen Mom” bad girl is upset about the possibility of losing her young daughter, Leah, to Child Protective Services. CPS got involved because MTV’s cameras caught Amber hitting her boyfriend, Gary, in the presence of their daughter on a previous episode.

It's hard to feel sorry for Amber. I’m sure being a young mom is extremely stressful, but her behavior seems to be getting increasingly erratic and angry. Example: When Gary asked her to not swear in front of their daughter, Amber proceeded to call out f-bomb after f-bomb as the conversation quickly erupted into a huge fight. I’m tired of seeing Amber blame hapless Gary for making her angry while selfishly disregarding how her own words and actions are impacting her daughter.  She needs to start acting like a grown up and accept the fact that if she loses her daughter, it’s her own fault, not Gary’s. Poor little Leah... She’s looking more and more stressed out.

Also in this episode, the meeting between Maci’s ex-boyfriend, Ryan, and new beau, Kyle, went well. Maci seems happier and more settled this season. Hopefully the positive vibes continue.

Farrah reconnected with the father and step-mother of her deceased former boyfriend, Derek. Drama is brewing after Derek’s mother filed to have visitation rights to her granddaughter, Sophia, something Farrah seems hell-bent on making sure doesn’t happen.

Tyler, Catelynn’s boyfriend, was overjoyed to see his father, Butch, released from jail. Butch is in a relationship with Catelynn’s mom, April (Does that technically make Catelynn and Tyler brother and sister?) but has been ordered by a judge to have no contact with her because of allegations of domestic violence. Catelynn and Tyler seem a little nervous about whether Butch will be able to comply with the no contact order and avoid another stint in the slammer... We’ll have to see what happens.

-- Ann

American Pickers

Chris here. 


The next show I will discuss in the Pawn/Auction/Junk category is a show called "American Pickers." Pickers is about the cross country adventures of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they scour old houses, farms and junk shops for the "perfect find". The term "picker" was a new term introduced to me, essentially it's a fancy word for "junk finder and seller", "junk" in the sense that it's items that people no longer have a use for. Think of this show as a mix of Antiques Roadshow and Pawn Stars but that it actually takes place literally on the road.


Mike is the owner of Antique Archeology, a shop headquartered in Le Claire, Iowa. Frank is Mike's childhood friend who also has a passion for antiques. Mike and Frank are assisted by Danielle Colby-Cushman, whose main job is to find people willing to part with their junk while the guys are on the road. Mike's main passion is old bicycles while Frank's is oil cans, Frank always catches hell from Mike for his obsession with buying every 


As the guys look through old properties they primarily are on the hunt for old signs, oil cans, motorcycles, cars, bikes, old toys, advertising gasoline pumps. On a recent episode Mike shelled out a good amount just to obtain an old Colonel Sanders metal cutout sign. The sign was completely rusted out but they knew even in the condition it was in it would fetch some money.


What is great is that it's a general mix of people willing to part with their items and people who just can't let go. It's very cool seeing the guys work their magic trying to obtain items. As a pseudo spin-off of "Pawn Stars" it is very evident in the dealing portion. 


Already in it's third season it's another one of The History Channel's highest rated shows. The show airs at 9 p.m. Monday nights. Visit the shop's website here. 


I will update on the show as well as other Pawn and Auction shows as they air. Pickers usually airs in the Spring and Summer months. 


— Chris

Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe- the pickers

Valerie here...

As I sit here typing this blog in my air conditioned home, I am imagining the sweltering heat I will be greeted by tomorrow night, in NYC. Though I will not be staying in Manhattan, dare I hope for a sighting of my favorite NYC housewives?

This week's episode revolved around the Countess' music video, "Chic c’est la vie." The video had all the women talking. Alex spears some weenies and cooks them over a patio fire pit at her Brooklyn home. She refused to be a part of the video because she doesn't agree with LuAnn's message. If the video were a gangster rap or show tunes, sign her up. But she will not tolerate LuAnn talking down to the "little people." She does aptly point out that LuAnn is forever talking about her title, which she earned from marriage, not lineage.

If you have class, you shouldn't have to talk about it, Darling.

Alex then revealed on camera that she doesn't like to talk about where she came from, yet she quickly followed up by delving into her past. It was a hard life. Her father, who owned oil wells in Kansas only owned three homes!

We cut to Ramona, who also doesn't want to be in the video because she wants to remain a steadfast role model for her daughter. While a simple "no" would've sufficed, she took great pride in her parenting skills and seemed to enjoy insinuating that LuAnn did not. Although I was intrigued in the lecture, I couldn't take my eyes off of Ramona's facial expressions. What is with her eyes?! She has effectively scared me off of Botox.

We then see Sonja in an interesting pink nightgown and robe at 11:30 a.m. making breakfast for Cindy. She informs viewers, and Cindy, how busy she is and how she went out of her way to arrange this breakfast. Breakfast at 11:30 on a weekday? Lady, you are not busy. This seemed to be the thoughts of her guest, who took a business call during breakfast. Major No-No, Cindy. You will remain on the you-know-what list with Sonja for life. No more toaster oven meals for you!

There were some lighter moments in the episode. We go to watch the women strut their stuff in the music video. LuAnn looked fierce in a red dress. And while I am an advocate for people following their passions no matter the age, what is her goal with these videos? Her video producer looks like a clown. Stop wearing the v-neck shirts and gold jewelry. Gross. Worse, this song is nothing but drivel. No heart, no soul. You can only pull of that crap if you can dance half-naked on stage while gyrating on a chair. Now that would show some class.

Speaking of dancing...we get to see the three blondes try to get down in a dance studio. I loved Alex's earnest efforts. Elbows working awkwardly in a rhythm against her hips. I got the "Elaine" title for my own dancing (from Seinfeld, the good 'ole days), so I felt for her rigid movements. At least Alex can always make fun of herself. Her self-deprecation earns her a gold star from me.

The person who gets their name written on the blackboard: Mario in Brooklyn. We get it, the housewives and their househusbands don't like Brooklyn. I'd love to see them in the Upper Peninsula at some dive bar if they think Brooklyn is roughing it. But please, Mario, spare us the whining during a party to support the arts.

The season is coming to an end, and the teasers have me sweating. OK, it could really just be that I'm dreading this insufferable heat, but really, I am excited. A bun in the oven for Ramona? Another cat fight between Cindy and Sonja? I'll get the popcorn popping!

Ann here....
As the courts reporter for The Oakland Press, I spend a lot of time in courtrooms. My days routinely include listening to graphic testimony in homicide trials and breaking news about big verdicts.
When it comes to my TV viewing habits, I leave the crime behind.
I love educational, comedic and generally light-hearted shows. My favorites include “The Colbert Report” (Stephen Colbert cracks me up!) and “Nightline,” which unfortunately air at the same late-night hour, leaving me flipping back and forth. I also enjoy “The Voice,” “Pawn Stars” and anything on the History and National Geographic channels.
While I’m pretty sure I’m a bit older than MTV’s target demographic, I have a vice: “Teen Mom.”
Now in its third season, the show follows the compelling and drama-filled stories of four teen girls who had babies (now toddlers) while still in high school. There’s Farrah Abraham, who recently got breast implants and is struggling to raise her daughter on her own following the death of her daughter’s father in a car accident. Troubled Amber Portwood is in counseling with her on-again, off-again boyfriend and has had at least one run-in with the law. Maci Bookout is trying to work out child custody issues with her son’s father while she nurtures a relationship with a new man.
And then there’s Michigan native Catelynn Lowell, who often comes off as the most mature of the bunch as she deals with a difficult family life and her heart-wrenching decision to give her daughter up for adoption.
According to media reports, “Teen Mom” recently had a record-setting third season premiere and has been one of MTV’s most successful programs. Check back here for all the latest on the show! 

Another man's trash is another man's treasure....or possibly my next career choice!

Chris here, large and in charge. A bit about me. I am a multimedia journalist at The Oakland Press, I focus mostly on editing, building pages (assembling the actual paper), social media (Facebook and Twitter) and shooting video. I live in Allen Park, a city in the Downriver area (we are referenced in the classic Journey song "Don't Stop Believin' as "South Detroit").


I thought I would throw my hat into the ring with my second guilty pleasure outside of Yacht Rock (Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Toto, Billy Ocean, you get it) and that is this new wave of pawn, auction and junk collecting reality shows.

The rough list (and it seems to be growing lately) includes "Pawn Stars," "Oddities," "American Pickers," "Auction Kings," "Storage Wars," "Auction Hunters" and "Storage Hunters." An honorable mention would be "American Restoration" but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Rick Harrison, Chumlee, Corey Harrison and Richard Harrison- the Pawn Stars

So I begin my foray into this topic with the one show that started it all for me- "Pawn Stars." I got into these shows beginning with Stars sometime around December 2009/January 2010. I remember hearing about it for a while and one bored weekend I watched the entire first season On Demand. Something about it stuck with me. Maybe it seemed like a mix of "Antiques Roadshow" and "American Chopper." The fact that people bring such unique items into the shop is what always keep me watching.

A rundown about the show. It airs Monday nights at 10 and 10:30 p.m. on The History Channel. It takes place in Las Vegas (my all-time favorite vaca spot) but it's not located anywhere near the glitz and glamor of the strip. This is the Vegas most people don't venture to when on vacation. The cast of characters include Rick Harrison, the de-facto "boss" of the shop; his son Corey Harrison does the day-to-day; their father and grandfather Richard Harrison is the patriarch of the business and rounding out the motley crew is Austin "Chumlee" Russell, Corey's childhood friend.

The cast each has their own quirks. Rick is well versed in the trade and also a history buff. He seems to always know the background of the items people bring into his shop. Corey, also known as "Big Hoss" is a bit of a bully when it comes to dealing. He seems to always start with a lowball offer before coming to an agreement with the customer. Richard, also known as "the old man", acts very much like his son Rick in that he knows his history well but is always seen sleeping most of the day. Chumlee is the comic relief of the shop. If you're familiar with "American Chopper" consider him the Mikey Teutel of the shop. Chumlee means well but is geared more for laughs.

Summer in the City

Top: Me, your friendly blogger.
Above: The  infamous toilet scene.

Valerie here...

When I told my husband that I was going to blog about reality TV, his reaction was less than enthusiastic.

"Does this mean when I come home and ask what you're watching, you won't let me change the channel because 'It's for work?'"

"You got it," I said, grinning.

I can't blame him for cringing at this idea. I'm not necessarily an advocate for spending all my time in front of the TV, and yet, somehow, the battling cat fights call to me late in the night, after the sun goes down and the neighbors can't see me vegging — I have a helluva nosey neighbor.

There's something so magical about reality stars. The way they play EVERYTHING up in front of the camera. I've heard that people eventually forget they are in front of the lens, but I find it hard to believe. If a boom mike hovered over my head day-in and day-out I would surely take note.

I don't have a lot of vices, and so it's nice to get my trash fix while I paint my toe nails. To date, my favorite reality show is "Bethenny," which is reported to get a third season on Bravo. Quite frankly, I like to watch because it freaks me out how the relationship between Bethenny Frankel and her husband, Jason Hoppy, resembles my married life — granted, in a less glamourous way. Plus, it actually makes me feel good watching her — she's funny and neurotic and uplifting. Who doesn't want to see a 40-something take on "Dancing with the Stars?"

Bethenny, who used to be on "The Real Housewives of New York" left the show to shine on her own. I think she really left because the "Housewives" provided nothing but drama — the split from Jill Zarin seemed to be taking a toll as well. But it was on "Housewives" that I became her fan.

While "Bethenny" is on hiatus, I have channel-surfed back to "Housewives." After watching an episode, I always feel like I got into a brutal fist fight with my best friend. My own female relationships couldn't be further from the scenarios on the any of the shows (Orange County, New Jersey, Atlanta).

I know I am stepping in the middle of season 4, and I can't possibly talk about everything that has happened up until this point, but I can say with authority: It has been another volatile year.

Morocco was a turning point for the ladies, and as much as I admire Alex for speaking up during the trip, she would've been better served letting Ramona deal with the Countess (LuAnn) on her own. These are grown women, there's no need to referee. And, on a similar vein, I can't for the life of me figure out Simon Van Kempen's behavior. It's great that he's tight with his wife — Alex — but he is such a creepster! And stop wearing these odd leather kimono's (it's not chic or pushing the limits; it's tasteless).

It's hard not to feel sympathy for Sonja Morgan and her financial distress, but she puts on such ridiculous airs and then reaches into the toilet with a bare hand? At least she keeps viewers laughing and she owns up to her shenanigans (cutting Cindy Barshop out of the vacation photos). Naughty, naughty.

And onto Cindy, who is she? I like that she's not a snob – probably the only one. I also enjoy that she actually works (she also requires two nannies). But she doesn't mesh with the women — in fact, she barely seems to tolerate them.

The tensions between Jill Zarin and Ramona Singer continue to bubble under the surface while LuAnn de Lesseps and Alex McCord are downright spiteful to one another. Watching the latter at a lunch date made me want to sign both women up for Charm School.

Kelly Bensimon always provides good entertainment. After last season on "Scary Island" I was hoping Bravo would encourage her to seek in-patient mental health treatment. This year, however, she seems to be more balanced and I love her easy style.

The only good thing I’ve seen is a bonding between Sonja and Ramona — and for now, it feels genuine – but I actually missed last night's episode so I really can’t say for sure. I rely a lot on Comcast's On Demand — hey, I lead a busy life.

Next week, I'll catch up and chat about the latest episodes. Feel free to send me comments on your favorite gals.

Join the trash talk!

Who doesn’t love vegging out in front of the boob tube watching the trite, risky and all-out-obnoxious behavior of “reality” stars? Well, the staffers at the OP sure do — and instead of chatting over the top of our cubicles, asking "Did you hear that Snooki was arrested?" we are opening up the conversation to you. We’ll dish about “Housewives” and “Hoarders” and everything in between.

We realize that the days of "Seinfeld" are long gone, and now, we get to watch pseudo-reality stars buy groceries, eat out and engage in cat fights. You know — do what REGULAR people do, sort of.

Reality TV is like the car accident on the freeway that draws our eyes and slows down traffic— we can't look away from the television screen! In our own secret way, we wonder what it would be like if someone watched us on TV. The newsroom would probably make for some interesting chaos (note to Bravo or the Discovery Channel, if you pay, we're game). Characters would evolve from the community editor on a power trip, to the secret office romance. But until we hit it big and embarrass ourselves, we'll settle for gossiping about The Real Housewives of New York.

So, feel free to share your own favorite or hated shows and join us in all the rehashing glory.

— The Oakland Press