During a book-signing Saturday, Bloomington's Mall of America proudly showcased the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" breakout star who's popularized the redundant insult "prostitution whore."
Don't be too hard on Teresa Giudice. Her catchphrases -- which also reportedly include "Would 'bitch' be better?" -- are not any tackier than some of the thoughts and images to be found on T-shirts and other items sold at the MOA.
And they are words and phrases for which Giudice, now author of her second book, "Fabulicious: Teresa's Italian Family Cookbook," has become well-known, according to four young fans I encountered at the book-signing who said they were students at the University of St. Thomas.
The foursome gleefully reenacted scenes from the Bravo show for my startribune.com/video on Saturday, but by Monday were having second thoughts about me using their names. Kids. As if the Rev. Dennis Dease, St. Thomas' president, never heard such words! (He was at Don Shelby's roast, after all.)
Had I been on my game, I'd have treated the kids to the megamall's CityShirts, where Giudice's words could be made to look classy on T-shirts, even if they're not.
Melinda Jacobs, blogger at theadventuresofmelindajacobs.com, was underwhelmed after interviewing Giudice.
"Did you look at her cookbook?" Jacobs asked. No. I didn't even touch one (and was glad I hadn't after hearing the name of her meatballs recipe).
"Instead of buying her cookbook, I would make reservations," said Jacobs. "I hate to say it. She just doesn't have any class. I don't think she cares.
