I suppose that YouTube videos might be considered the ultimate in reality TV, so I think this counts as column fodder.

A recent e-mail from a colleague contained a press release informing me of a new “show” that has been posted on the online video repository created by real people for real people – thus making it reality TV.

Angela Manfredi is a writer who is looking for a temporary husband. She placed a Help Wanted advertisement and developed a test to determine a man’s husband I.Q.

The press release from Fixed Star Media Arts explains that Manfredi was able to ensure that her practical needs were met by making the search a financial matter, rather than a romantic arrangement.

Although I’m not in need of a man, I found her method of testing the men amusing.

In the approximately six-minute video titled “Angela Hires a Husband,” Manfredi puts the men through the test by making them complete an obstacle course of chores, including jar-opening, laundry folding, car negotiations and building the perfect brownie sundae.

Tired of dating, she wants a man who can prove useful in her everyday life.

“I didn’t need a man to take me out to dinner,” Manfredi said. “I needed a man to take out my garbage.”

Her Web site at www.angelahiresahusband.com is equally entertaining and provides many insights for the single gal (and single guys hoping to find a nice single gal). The YouTube video also is available on the site, so check it out.

In other reality news about women who know what they want and aren’t afraid to go after it, “The Real Housewives of Orange County” may have come to an end for the season, but “The Real Housewives of New York City” is about to take the stage.

A half-hour preview of the show that takes place in the Big Apple rather than behind the gates is now showing on Bravo, and the new season is set to premiere at 11 p.m. Tuesday, March 4.

A glimpse of the city gals shows the possibility of a stubborn streak and slightly more attitude than we saw on the West Coast. I think it’s true that East Coast gals are a bit more uptight (I like to blame it on the cold weather), so we’ll see what this season brings.

Also, don’t miss the first winter premiere of “Big Brother,” now in its ninth season, at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, on CBS.

adolloff@bangordailynews.net

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