Well, Willie is gone, which means things are a lot tamer in the Big Brother house. That doesn’t mean things are any less entertaining. Last night’s episode saw a goofy Veto challenge replete with Dorito costumes, slide whistles, and quacky music. Sometimes I think the producers are aiming squarely at the 7 year old demographic, …
Author Archives: Ben Mandelker
WATCH WHAT CRAPPENS: Ep. 27 – LuAnn’s Pumpkin Head, Sonja’s Toaster, Kathy’s Cookies, and Madison’s Voice
language NSFW There’s one less iteration of The Real Housewives on TV these days, but Matt Whitfield (Yahoo! TV), Ronnie Karam (TVgasm.com), and I more than make up for the cattiness with this week’s episode of Watch What Crappens. We skewer the usual targets (Sonja, LuAnn Ramona, Teresa), and this time around, we also aim …
Real Housewives of Miami Are Back, and This Time They’re Ready For Primetime (We Hope)
When it comes to the Real Housewives franchise, everyone has their favorites: Beverly Hills and Atlanta remain perennially popular, and at the bottom of the heap come D.C. and Miami. Well, D.C. got the axe long ago, but Bravo was mum on Miami. We heard rumors that the series was shooting a second season, but …
Berry Breakthroughs on Drago Centro’s Summer Cocktail Menu
A few months ago, I raved about the totally awesome spring cocktails at Drago Centro, the esteemed Italian eatery in Downtown Los Angeles. Well, the seasons have changed, and so have the libations. Gone are mixologist Jaymee Mandeville’s fanciful uses of dill and honeycomb and kumquat. In their place are a new slate of drinks, …
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BANTER WITH BEN AND LISA: Ep. 39 – Dinner With Chad Ochocinco! Also, Cash Cab Winner Revealed
We got a big ol’ story on this week’s Banter with Ben and Lisa. The long and the short of it is that I had a spontaneous dinner with football superstar Chad Ochocinco (née Johnson) in Beverly Hills. What’s Chad like? How did it happen? It’s all in the podcast. Plus, Lisa and I chat …
It’s a Stone Fruit Contest!
Calling all stone fruit fans: KCET has a groovy recipe contest going on now that could lead to one winner taking home a bountiful prize. All one must do is submit a recipe involving plums, apricots, or pluots. Use one ingredient. Use all three. It’s up to you. Winners receive a basket of tasty items, …
BIG BROTHER PHOTOCAP: When There’s A Willie, There’s A Way (Home)
I’m rather peeved at Willie’s early exit from Big Brother because it has deprived me of a season of punny headlines: “Willie to Power,” “Good Willie Hunting,” “Willie Da Foe,” “Chilly Willie,” “Willie Nillie,” “Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory” (assuming there was an episode pertaining to a rectal dysfunction), and, of course, “Free Willie.” Alas, my …
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BIG BROTHER PHOTOCAP: Fruit Loops and Fighting
Is it too early to say that Big Brother is back? After two seasons of cast members who just voted with the majority and were afraid to make ripples, we are back with a household of schemers and hot heads. In last night’s episode, we saw a meltdown, an insurrection, and battle of egos. THIS …
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WATCH WHAT CRAPPENS: Ep. 26 – Bonus Episode!
language nsfw Hey everyone, it’s a bonus episode of Watch What Crappens! We simply could not let the Orange County reunion pass without tearing it to shreds. Join Ronnie Karam (TVgasm.com) Matt Whitfield (Yahoo! TV), and I as we talk about the best and worst moments from the second part of the RHoOC reunion. After …
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BIG BROTHER PHOTOCAP: Frank Gets No Appreesh
Well, the time has nearly come to say goodbye to our first houseguest of the season on Big Brother. Technically, we already said goodbye to Jodi, but she barely counts as her only contributions to the show thus far have been smiling awkwardly and falling over. Actually, that’s kind of awesome. Coming into Wednesday’s show, …
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