Entertainment

Reel-ality TV Talk

Published

11 years ago

January 27, 2015

By Marquessa LaDawn
NNPA Columnist

In Atlanta (RHOA)
We know the biggest villain is Nene Leakes, who is known for saying just what she feels, no matter what. With her, if it comes up, it comes out. I remember in the early days she was so disliked but you could not help but watch because she was intriguing. She’s still spicy, but a wee bit more controlled. Just a wee bit, mind you.

The focus now is on the battle between the new housewives and the older ones. The battle lines were drawn – and crossed – in the most recent episode. Interestingly, Cynthia, one of the older housewives, sided with the new housewives. It made sense when you think about it. She is still being mistreated by Nene. Over what? We’ll never know.

Kenya Moore is quickly closing in on Nene is the nasty department. If you say the wrong thing to her, she will try to throw you overboard in a New York second. Remember the throw-down with Porsha during the most recent reunion?

Maybe it’s because she’s going through a lot right now, but Phaedra Parks is also becoming a bit of a villain. Did you see how she attacked new housewife Demetria? After Demetria responded this week by apologizing to Phaedra by addressing her “situation,” Phaedra did not return the gesture.

Of course, no conversation about villains would be complete without mentioning Kandi’s mom, Joyce. Since the ladies are in another country, Joyce hasn’t been seen on the screen lately. And maybe that’s a good thing. I’m excited about our newest villain, Claudia Jordan, one the few who can take on Nene and win. I can hardly wait for the upcoming episodes. If you are willing to admit that you watch the various “housewives” on TV, you may as well admit that villains keep us watching every week.

The “bad girls” in Beverly Hills (RHOBH)
I think Kim read my column from last week because she went from boring to very interesting. Maybe too interesting. I hope she did not have a relapse After initially feeling vulnerable for attending a housewife wine tasting, she switched to her cray-cray mode. She’s a bad girl when she drinks, which makes Kyle way more interesting because, as the big sister, Kyle has to respond and often has no clue about what to do. Her response this week caused #1 bad girl Brandi Glanville to nearly come to blows with Kyle. In Brandi’s head, she was protecting Kim. More on that next week.

My girl, Lisa Rinna, is starting to become more interesting by sharing her “real thoughts” off camera and on. She’s not quite a bad girl yet but she has potential. Lisa Vanderpump, is a bit of a “bad girl,” but for some reason, she has a classy way of showing it. I don’t know how to explain it but, I bet she doesn’t, either. Based on previews, it looks like Lisa is getting Kyle, her bat girl, back next week. I saw Kyle on “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen and she’s still salty. This will make for a wildly interesting season.

Fireworks on Celebrity Apprentice
More on the Real Housewives wearing “bad girl” cape. RHOA Kenya Moore and RHOBH Brandi Glanville were unbelievable on this week’s episode of “Celebrity Apprentice.” Let’s just say the housewives stole the show. It really looked like they had potential to work in peace but, again, the bad girl in each reared her ugly head.

By way of background, Kenya did a good job as project manager this week, something Brandi will never admit. On their second project, Kenya and Brandi, had to work together. The task ended in a win for them but was there tension galore every step of the way. It peaked in the board room in front of Donald Trump and both teams.

Kenya insulted Brandi in the most hurtful way. She hit below the belt by mentioning Leann Rhymes. And that was just the beginning. After complaining about Brandi’s non-involvement, Kenya said, “That’s why your husband left you for a younger and prettier woman.” Even The Donald, who can say some pretty nasty things himself, had to roll his eyes. The reality about this reality twosome is that they are similar – angry, insecure, impulsive, damaged and carrying around hurt that never healed. They wreak havoc on others without examining their own negative behavior. As they say, “hurt people hurt.” I didn’t mean to get Dr. Phil on you, but it’s true. I hope they both heal someday and become a better version of themselves. But in the meantime, they make good TV.

Marquesa LaDawn is a professional business woman who escapes the pressures of living in New York City by retreating into the real world of reality TV.

###

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Related Topics:Celebrity Apprentice Marquesa LaDawn Real Housewives reality tv shows Reel-ality TV Talk

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Alameda County

Bling It On: Holiday Lights Brighten Dark Nights All Around the Bay

On the block where I grew up in the 1960s, it was an unwritten agreement among the owners of those row homes to put up holiday lights: around the front window and door, along the porch banister, etc. Some put the Christmas tree in the window, and you could see it through the open slats of the blinds.

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December 21, 2025

Oakland Post

Christmas lights on a house near the writer’s residence in Oakland. Photo by Joseph Shangosola.

By Wanda Ravernell

I have always liked Christmas lights.

From my desk at my front window, I feel a quiet joy when the lights on the house across the street come on just as night falls.

My father, the renegade of the block, made no effort with lights, so my mother hung a wreath with two bells in the window. Just enough to let you know someone was at home.

Two doors down was a different story. Mr. King, the overachiever of the block, went all out for Christmas: The tree in the window, the lights along the roof and a Santa on his sleigh on the porch roof.

There are a few ‘Mr. Kings’ in my neighborhood.

In particular is the gentleman down the street. For Halloween, they erected a 10-foot skeleton in the yard, placed ‘shrunken heads’ on fence poles, pumpkins on steps and swooping bat wings from the porch roof. They have not held back for Christmas.

The skeleton stayed up this year, this time swathed in lights, as is every other inch of the house front. It is a light show that rivals the one in the old Wanamaker’s department store in Philadelphia.

I would hate to see their light bill…

As the shortest day of the year approaches, make Mr. King’s spirit happy and get out and see the lights in your own neighborhood, shopping plazas and merchant areas.

Here are some places recommended by 510 Families and Johnny FunCheap.

Oakland

Oakland’s Temple Hill Holiday Lights and Gardens is the place to go for a drive-by or a leisurely stroll for a religious holiday experience. Wear a jacket, because it’s chilly outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 4220 Lincoln Ave., particularly after dark. The gardens are open all day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the lights on from dusk until closing.

Alameda

Just across the High Street Bridge from Oakland, you’ll find Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda.

On Thompson Avenue between High Street and Fernside drive, displays range from classic trees and blow-ups to a comedic response to the film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Lights turn on at dusk and can be seen through the first week in January.

Berkeley

The Fourth Street business district from University Avenue to Virginia Street in Berkeley comes alive with lights beginning at 5 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2026.

There’s also a display at one house at 928 Arlington St., and, for children, the Tilden Park Carousel Winter Wonderland runs through Jan. 4, 2026. Closed Christmas Day. For more information and tickets, call (510) 559-1004.

Richmond

The Sundar Shadi Holiday Display, featuring a recreation of the town of Bethlehem with life-size figures, is open through Dec. 26 at 7501 Moeser Lane in El Cerrito.

Marin County

In Marin, the go-to spot for ‘oohs and ahhs’ is the Holiday Light Spectacular from 4-9 p.m. through Jan. 4, 2026, at Marin Center Fairgrounds at 10 Ave of the Flags in San Rafael through Jan. 4. Displays dazzle, with lighted walkways and activities almost daily. For more info, go to: www.marincounty.gov/departments/cultural-services/department-sponsored-events/holiday-light-spectacular

The arches at Marin County Civic Center at 3501 Civic Center Dr. will also be illuminated nightly.

San Francisco

Look for light installations in Golden Gate Park, chocolate and cheer at Ghirardelli Square, and downtown, the ice rink in Union Square and the holiday tree in Civic Center Plaza are enchanting spots day and night. For neighborhoods, you can’t beat the streets in Noe Valley, Pacific Heights, and Bernal Heights. For glee and over-the-top glitz there’s the Castro, particularly at 68 Castro Street.

Livermore

The winner of the 2024 Great Light Flight award, Deacon Dave has set up his display with a group of creative volunteers at 352 Hillcrest Avenue since 1982. See it through Jan. 1, 2026. For more info, go to https://www.casadelpomba.com

Fremont

Crippsmas Place is a community of over 90 decorated homes with candy canes passed out nightly through Dec. 31. A tradition since 1967, the event features visits by Mr. and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 18 and Dec. 23 and entertainment by the Tri-M Honor Society at 6 p.m. on Dec. 22. Chrippsmas Place is located on: Cripps Place, Asquith Place, Nicolet Court, Wellington Place, Perkins Street, and the stretch of Nicolet Avenue between Gibraltar Drive and Perkins Street.