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Simon van Kempen

I Thought You Really Cared...

Simon talks Kellisms, bickering over bad press, and emotional threats via email!

Apr 1, 2010

 

I dropped in during my lunch break. Bethenny is shocked that Ramona is embracing me and not running away gagging… and then it’s time for the designers. Can’t say I am overly happy with how this scene looks. I have no compunction about being associated with people just starting out and getting a feel for an industry. While it does nobody any good to be mislead or congratulated when it’s not deserved, I do think we can all recognize that not every one can afford the best fabrics when making their samples? Hey, I have been to presentations put on as part of New York Fashion Week where I’ve seen economical fabrics. The form and the shape should be judged first and funnily enough this is what Kelly rightly said to almost all the young designers, but unfortunately we didn’t get to see that tonight. Loris Diran arrived and at last it seemed like the Manhattan/Brooklyn tiff was over, the closing designer was found. Ramona and Alex go to try on some dresses giving Kelly another chance to have a go at Bethenny, which seemed a little disingenuous as we hear Kelly at the end say that she called a truce – the conversation is over! Kelly, Bethenny thought it was over at least until you brought it up. AGAIN!

Continuing Ramona’s season of renewal, she has lunch with Joni telling her that she and Mario have planned to renew their marriage vows. This segues into a discussion of Ramona’s relationship with her parents – her father in particular. I cannot imagine what it must have been like to have lived in a household like that and while better late than never it’s awful that she carried this burden for 50 odd years before being released from it. It certainly affected how Ramona related to Alex, our close relationship, and me but I am glad that it doesn’t anymore.

Kelly and her assistant Taryn go over the Playboy interview again when Jill emails Kelly who proceeds to read it to Taryn, and by extension us. It seems a little birdie had told Jill that everything was good between Kelly and Bethenny, and Jill ‘s email clearly seemed to portray dissatisfaction that Kelly could be friendly with Bethenny. The “I thought you really cared” line was the kicker, as even Kelly realized, that line was such an emotional threat. I remember at the time getting a similar email from Jill warning me that Bethenny had been filming with someone who was a friend of Alex’s and mine, as if his filming with her was disloyal to us? I don’t know but even if I have a bust up with a friend I allow my other friends to play grown-ups and make their own decisions about mixing with them. This ‘my way or the highway’ viewpoint just seems to so self-centered and petty.

 

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Deny Deny Deny Simon talks Kelly's Playboy shoot, Jill's Saks party, and Alex's meltdown. April 1, 2010 The Real Housewives of New York City Season 3 / Episode 4 / Simon van Kempen
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Dude - This is a stange season. Peace and harmony to you and your family.

Simon,

You have an incredibly unhealthy amount of interest and animosity toward Jill Zarin.

She's one of the housewives who has been the kindest and most loyal to you and your wife- even if she commented to Cindy Adams about your fight (after she felt slighted by your comment about her being from Long Island), she is the only housewife who doesn't incessantly talk bad about you and Alex.

And honestly, it floors me how easily you and Alex have fallen into Ramona's trap- someone who said and did HORRIBLE things to do on a regular basis and called you creepy for two seasons, who suddenly starts talking to you because she's run out of friends to terrify! And here you are defending here and her bizarre, inconsistent behavior, and hanging Jill out to dry for a misunderstanding.

Who cares about who she hung out with in the Hamptons or if she did an interview with the NY Post last season- get over it! Or in Bethenney's words- "get a hobby".

XOXO, Kylie

I'm so glad you and Alex are on the show. You nailed it all in your blog!

Preach Sister! You're right on the money, Simon.

You hit the nail on the head, again. Great dissection of the hourly drama, thanks.

Hi Simon,

You seem like a really great person. I really admire the love and affection that you demonstrate towards Alex. It's always nice to see a husband and wife who seem to be truly best friends. Both of you seem really down to Earth. It's ironic that in the 1st season you two were the ones accused of being phony and materialistic, etc. However, over the years you two seem like the most "real". Jill seems extremely petty and immature. Bethheny seems to want to be a comedian with too many one-liners. I like watching you and Alex the most.

I love your blogs and the insight that you provide. Thanks for writing them.

Take Care.

You really have too much time on your hands.

I have enjoyed your persona since you arrived on the scene. Keep on representing the men who enjoy women. You and Alex are great. I hope you and Ramona stay friends...you guys make a great pair for the show....you can really play off each other.

Love your blog!! Loved your Talk Bubble!! Team BRA all the way!!!

Simon, I have to tell you the truth I didn't much like you the last 2 seasons, but I have seen the light. The way you have handled the drama that abounds. Hopefully more will see through Jill and LuAnn. Time will tell what becomes of that email Jill sent Kelly and Ramona is Ramona. I love Alex's objectivity and for telling it likes she see's it. Your boys are adorable, all I can say is enjoy them. Funny how easy it is for some to comment on others parenting skills.

You usually give a pretty good break down missed a couple of points, at Ramona's L.B. Day party all Betheney talked about waaaass Jill. Then you were guilted into staying and not going to LuAnn's who did invitie you! Maybe Jill does feel hurt but no one see's that, how would you feel recovering from the fact the person you love more than anything could have died anytime during treatment. You all have short memories and I pray you family never has to go through a cancer scare it's horrendous, effects you a long time and friends are the only way you make it.

Thank you for the blog Simon, thank goodness someone is willing to cut through the B.S. going on with these women.

Great blog, but how could you forget to hammer home the ridiculous amount of times Ramona said the word "renew" during her conversation with her BFF, as a way to promote her new line of skin care--it was such an obvious plug, it was embarrassing! And another thing, if her friend has been a friend for 16 years--why is it she has never known anything of Ramona's relationship with her father? Even if Ramona was embarrassed, that doesn't make sense. Ramona got a pass because she cried and we're supposed to feel sorry for her. Loved you and Alex though! Keep being yourselves as you are a nice counter-balance to the craziness that is the other wives!

Simon, I love the way you write and your overall attitude. You are a breath of freash air, putting everything into perspective. Give my regards to Alex and the kids.

Simon...never been a huge fan of you--but seriously...I couldn't have said it better myself! Bravo!!!

Why is it that you and Alex seem to be the only ones who get it?

Simon Simon Simon...let me start by saying I always thought you got a raw deal on the show now Im not so sure. You have alot more direct comments on your blog than you do in person so you obviosly hide behind the computer. Bottom line you clearly take issue with Jill (big time) LuAnn and even Kelly and yet sit and laugh with Ramona and Betheny. As i recall the things those two said about you were VILE and again you are friendly with them. Your not in high school anymore dont be bullied. For the love of God stand up for yourself!

I think you and Alex are securing your new role on Bethenny's reality show! Have you honestly forgotten the nasty things she said about the two of you in Season 1 and 2? I can't help but watch...this whole frienemies soap opera is hilarious.

Simon, I really care about your blog! Love it. Keep it setting the record straight. You and Alex are my favorites.

Simon...I love your recaps!! they are right on target

Loooove reading your blogs! You write it how it is! Love you and Alex

Simon, I agree with you most of the time, I like you blog keep it up.

I think you are all acting like high school teenagers. I can't imagine my husband ever getting so involved in my friends' fights. I also think your comment about wanting more shows that portray the everyday lives of the housewives with their families is self-serving. I personally am grateful that the focus has been OFF the husbands for once. It is not a show about the real househusbands. I want the episodes to feature the housewives. You have obviously taken a side and yet are trying to act like you are above the whole taking sides thing.... Get over yourself.

Simon, you are right Jill did show her true colorsd. I feel badly for Bethenny, I did think she wanted to work it out with Jill. Jill was just nasty and childish to her. I would not want to be a friend of Jills.

Wow, this is the first times that I have read the blogs. However, I have been watching since the beginning. Out of all of the blogs I find yours the most interesting. After reading your summary of this week's episode I realized that you see the exact same thing as I do. I think the arguement should have stayed between Jill and Bethenny. Jill might lose a truly good friend due to a temporary friend. I was truly impressed to see Alex stand up for the comments about your sons (right or wrong, we weren't there) and stopping the BS during the designer meeting. Take care and keep true to yourselves!

God, yours and your wife's blog are only about Jill and Bethany. Don't you guys live your own life, or is only about sucking up to "B"?

I love your blogs. As usual, they are always on target, with great humor. Tonights episode not only solidified the notion that Jill needs a hobby, she also needs a life. Bethenny was so right. Jill is very confrontational, and is out to pick a fight. Like you say, "with friends like that, who needs enemies". In my opinion, the mean girls need to get a grip. Can't wait to see how this all plays out.--I love watching you and your family together. Your boys are great!

As always Simon, SPOT ON!! I hope there is no truth to the rumors that you and Alex won't be part of the cast next season!!!

Simon, I love to read your blogs! You have more information than any of the other people on the show. I also think you are fabulous and really fun to watch. Your wife Alex is great too!

Love your recaps, Simon! They are right on...

Simon, you seem to suggest that Bethenny's phone call was a serious outreach of friendship. Hardly. It was nothing more than Bethenny trying to gain control of her image since there had been some bad press. Let's not forget that Bethenny openly admits that she never was really friends with Jill... ever... even when she was staying at her Hampton's home for the summer.

Simon you are just so right. I felt that Ramona was cutting and I did not like that at all. These are up and comers. Try to give feedback not cut the people down. Thank you so much for making the point about Miss Shiny and Too Tan. Why is she constantly bringing up old stuff? Then she has the gall to act like the Madonna comment was "lower" than her "I am here and you are here" hand gestures and comment. This is what causes me to believe in Bethenney. Oh and by the way, arriving late to a business meeting is rude it is not fashionable.

Holy cat-fight!!! Look what Jill did now. I am at a loss... Bethany was only trying to be a good friend when she presented that Jill might want another hobby. Well, look what happens when the mean girl doesn't like what ya said. Talk about someone wayyyyy to used to having it their way. B was trying to fix it, in whatever way that was. Friends should take one another as they are- if they are actually friends. So sick of the "you should have read my mind" BS!!!!! Over it.

Simon I totally agree. I have to say I wasn't so sure about you & Alex at first but I think the two of you are the most ADULT and Grown ups on the shows. I think you two have an awesome marriage! I think Jill is just a GOSSIP GIRL who wants attention. Obviously, her comments about how Kelly was with "her". Hope you and Alex enjoy many more Happy years together away from ALL THE DRAMA!

WOW! You hit the nail on the head. You have called it like it happened. I look forward to reading your comments in the future. They should read your blog so they can really see the truth about how they act. Nice writing.

Love your posts. You detail the episodes sort nicely. I hadn't heard that there was a rumor about Bravo not renewing your contract for the next season, which would be ridiculous for Bravo to do because the sane people who watch the show need people which they can relate to. Alex and you are it, along with a sprinkle of Bethenny.

It feels to me as though Alex and you are much more comfortable with the nonsense this seasons. Also, I appreciate Alex standing up to these women and being the voice of reason.

Best of luck to you and your family.

I truly enjoy Simon's blog over anyone's on RHNY. Maybe it is a man's point of view, but Simon has been the most insightful this season -- wit and truthfulness is a good combination. I am sadden that these 40 and 50 something women behave so badly. Alex seems to have the level head this season. The rest are embarrassing. Bethenny's sarcasm has lost its flavor -- she needs to know she is not funny anymore -- she seems mean. Kelly is not bright and has no self-awareness -- none. Jill thinks too highly of herself and Luanne is not far behind in the ego category. Ramona is Ramona, a woman with a mouth of sassy teenager that doesn't know when to shut up. Alex is not dramatic so she does not get as much airtime.

Simon - your background info and insights are so helpful. Great job!

I just want to comment on your view on what went on when Bethenny called Jill. I watched it and I totally agree with Jill, where is the " Hi Jill, how is Bobby?" At the end of the day, it was not about Jill or Bethenny, it was about Bobby faced with his mortality. I think you were trying to get Jill on this one while she's on the " spot".

Anyone that truly cared would have set everything aside and sincerely asked " How is Bobby?" Because anything else is nonconsiquencial. Instead, she tried to potrayed Jill did not care. Does she really think that Jill is that kind of person? ( Which I don't think she is.)

Bethenny at end said " She doesn't know what to do." How about admitting that maybe she didn't give it a thought on how is Bobby doing, or how is Jill handling the fact that her husband might die at the time??

Simon, I totally appreciate your insight. You speak very concisely and it is refreshing (ugh Kelly). Anyway, congrats on your book with Alex. I would watch your own show! It is refreshing to see a happy couple and family who have cool interests.

Frankly, Jill seems to be the only genuine one -- y'all have faults, but Jill is the only one who owns hers and keeps on going and doing uplifting things for people. Did Bethany really complain that while Jill was busy caring for Bobby that Jill wasn't going out of her way to congratulate Bethany for all of her projects? Come on .. Jill is right, real friends will call and call again and give a few words of encouragement to someone who is a friend battling cancer. Not serious? Is cancer ever 'not serious?' I suspect Bethany is just really in need of more than reality tv therapy.

I love how you just tell it like it is simon alex has really came out and stood her own this season yet being classy still my goodness that jill and luann needs to be replaced your rught about jill and kelly has already seen a taste of jill .

Simon.

I always read your blog first now, because you do break it down so well and you do see what I see. Sometimes it gets so frustrating to read with the die hard team Jill fans right. It can get sickening. I just wonder what pr crap Jill has written to make her self look better this week. THANKS for being an awesome commentator.

Simon, I absolutely ADORE you and ALex. I have been a fan of both of you since season 1. You are honest, and I think you and Alex are fabulous parents. I can't wait to read your book.

Simon, I LOVE your recaps. Your blog is the first one I read when they come out. They are soooo awesome. Your insight seems to be the most accurate. Keep up the great work!!!

Simon, I LOVE your recaps and your perspective. It's my favorite part of the show!!!

You and your wife are the only sane people on the show. Love the recap from you, you seem to see it has the viewers do. Keep posting.

I like you and Alex a lot this season!!! Yours is the first blog I always read. It is very well written and absolutely hilarious!!!!! keep it all coming.