Getting rich from collecting junk...

It seems like every time you're flipping through channels that there's a new show dedicated to the exploits of people who collect other people's junk and sell it for a profit. Storage Wars, on A&E, features a host of random people who attend storage unit auctions and routinely spend hundreds of dollars bidding on what could really be nothing but garbage. But, of course, they usually find items that can be sold for a profit; it's apparently so lucrative that a number of the people on the show make a living buying and selling this... stuff.


American Pickers is another show along a similar vein: two guys drive around the country and sort through people's collected junk, mining the barns, backyards, and abandoned garages of Middle America for antique treasure. Although these dudes seem to be somewhat more knowledgeable about the history of the items they collect and are genuinely interested in the significance of those items, they're still in it for profit. They may know that the rusty sign they've pulled from beneath a broken washing machine on someone's lawn is worth a thousand dollars, but they'll make an offer many times less than the expected value.


My favorite show along these lines is Pawn Stars. Pawn Stars features a family of pawn shop owners/operators in Las Vegas. People from around the country bring them their collectibles and sell them, but not before they're evaluated by an expert who just happens to be around the corner. The manager of the store, Rick, seems to have "a buddy" who is an expert in everything, from pre-Civil War militaria to Japanese toys, and these experts usually provide a reasonable expectation of what the seller could obtain on the open market. However, the best part of the show is the complete and utter lowballing that goes on; everyone gets ripped off by these guys, sometimes to the tune of thousands of dollars, and there's almost no negotiating whatsoever. Honestly people, just go somewhere else. Why not just sell your crap online if you really needed the money? Selling your authentic War of 1812 cavalry sabre at a pawn shop in Vegas doesn't exactly seem like the best move.


Maybe all of these shows popping up within the last few years is due to the tough economic times; perhaps people want to dream that they can show up a storage unit auction or a redneck's barn and make thousands off of a hundred-dollar investment. Regardless, these shows are interesting, due to the historical artifacts that usually pop up on them, as well as the strange characters who seem to populate the world of antique hunters and pawn shops, but are still kind of sad.

Dallas most eligibles

The other day as I was flipping through channels, I found a new show that I am completely addicted to, Most eligible Dallas. The show is about a group of friends living in Texas. At first I thought the show was going to be pointless, which is kind of is, but its still so entertaining to watch. The group ranges from football players, and beauty queens, to average southerners who date, party and live it up country style. 

(Cast below)

Cast member Neill Skylar says it's "like Sex and the City but co-ed."I'd have to say my favorite characters are Courtney and Matt, who actually end up dating by the end of the season. There hasn't been an announcement for the next season yet, but hopefully its soon!


~Britt<3

Colton voted off idol

Tuesday night the Idols sang 2 songs each and 53 million votes came in. Unfortunately, not enough came in for Colton Dixon. Colton was my favorite, im so disappointed that he got voted off. He definitely didn't deserve to leave the show so soon. 

Last week Jessica Sanchez has the least number of votes but the judges used their save. Some people think it was set up but who knows. It could have been for ratings, however that would be ridiculous, if that was the case they wasted the save and now couldn't save Colton.

Oh well, I guess there is still Philip Philips, who is another one of my favorites, and theres no doubt Colton Dixon will get a record deal. 

~Britt<3

Crazy dance moms

Dance Moms is relatively new show showing on lifetime.  It follows young talented children who can dance and perform well.  The moms however go crazy over their children and they scream and yell at them on national television.  I think this is a form of child abuse and this should not be promoted all over the air.  Humluliating your child like that over a dance?  It is good to be young and gifted but to break them down in front of their peers let alone national TV is cruel.  I watched the view the other day and Raven Symone was even like ‘I know what it is like to be talented but my goodness if my parents treated me like this my goodness I don’t know if I would be where I am today”. I agree with her I believe this show is taking over to the limit and discourages little children’s ego rather than help them expand. 

-Marissa

Kanye and Kim? New Show?

So Kim Kardashian and Kanye West may start up a new reality TV show on E! Executives of the channel are currently discussing whether or not they are going to be able to air the show.  There seems to be love in the air between the two but will there new romance last?  "Kanye is definitely going to make some appearances on Keeping Up With the Kardashians. He's all for it. He loves being in the spotlight and getting so much attention. Plus, the rest of the Kardashians, especially Khloe, love him," a source told HL.   While Kim and Kanye’s new television show is being discussed talk about Kanye West and Kim’s love seems to be the new hot topic. 

-Marissa

Idol top 7

Its down to the top 7 on American Idol and this weeks theme is songs from this decade, so 2010, 2011 and 2012. The 7 contestants left include; Philip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Colton Dixon, Joshua Ledet, Skylar Laine, Elise Testone, and Hollie Cavanagh. 

The list of performances wasn't leaked yet, however there are ten spoilers. The contestants are going to sing a solo, a duet and in a trio. 

Spolilers

You And I : Lady Gaga
Stuttering :  Jazmine Sullivan
Didn’t Know How Much I Loved You: Kellie Pickler
Give a Little More: Maroon 5
Runaway Baby:  Bruno Mars
Somebody I Used to Know:  Gotye
What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger): Kelly Clarkson
Don’t You Wanna Stay:  Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson
Perfect:  Pink
Love The Way You Lie:  Skylar Grey

~Britt<3 

 

80's night IDOL

Tonight the top 8 perform on American Idol! The theme of the week is music from the 80's.

                               

They were mentored by No Doubt's Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal.
Musical director Ray Chew's list for the night was tweeted by the offical Idol twitter page.
The list of the music being performed can be seen in the picture below.. 
In case you can't see what it says..
"That's All," Genesis
"Time After Time," Cyndi Lauper
"Wind Beneath My Wings," Bette Midler
"Flashdance ... What a Feeling," Irene Cara
"If You Don't Know Me By Know," Simply Red
"I Like It," DeBarge
"How Will I Know," Whitney Houston
"I Want to Know What Love Is," Foreigner
Duets:
"Stop Dragging My Heart Around," Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty
"Islands in the Stream," Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
"I'm So Excited," The Pointer Sisters
"I Knew You Were Waiting for Me," Aretha Franklin and George Michael
                     
~Britt<3

Keeping up with Kim's divorce

For all who have been keeping up to date with Kim Kardashian and her recent divorce with basketball star; Kris Humphries, the fight has become brutal. Kris Humphries says hes done playing Mr. Nice guy and is prepared to bring Kim to court. Humphries decided he doesn't want a settlement anymore, and not only wants a court date but also wants it filmed. Kim will be put on the stand, forced to tell the truth leaving a judge to decide if the marriage was a fraud.

Kris also thinks Kim hasn't given an honest accounting of their money they made during their 72 day marriage. Kris has agreed to  handing over his bank records, and credit card statements, However Kim hasn't yet. 

Other legal matters include Kim donating her and Kris' wedding gifts to charity.

According to one of Humphries lawyers; "A spouse may not make a gift of community personal property, or dispose of community personal property for less than fair and reasonable value, without the written consent of the other spouse."  

Personally I am a fan of the show, and I'm not sure if I believe the marriage was a fraud, clearly they got married too fast and from what the show displayed, they weren't right for each other. Although I would love to see the court appearance filmed, that would be an episode I would not miss.

What do you think? Was the marriage a fraud? Team Rump or Hump?

~Britt<3

Snook's Pregnancy

Why would Rihanna congratulate Snooki on her pregnancy? Two messes! At Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation fund-raiser she was asked what she thought about the pregnancy and responded in excitement with her huge “CONGRATULATIONS THAT’S DOPE” “WE NEED MORE SNOOKI’S IN THE WORLD.” Like oh? Snooki is always parading around as a drunk disaster so what kind of mother is she going to be when the baby arrives?  I don’t know I just feel like her pregnancy needs to be taking more seriously rather than joking around about it as if there is not an innocent child on the way.  I don’t take complete credit away from Snook... When the baby comes out is when we will really know how good of a mother she will be.  I just hope she stops acting immature and grows up on national TV.  Having a baby is not a joke. 

-MARISSA

Millionaire Matchmaker

I recently became obsessed with the show "Millionaire Matchmaker" on Bravo. Patti Stranger is a third generation matchmaker who sets up single millionaires on dates with potential spouses. 

Patti works with a team who help her pick the millionaires and to interview potential dates. After that, Patti sets up mixers for the millionaires to meet the potential dates. From there the millionaire chooses two mini dates and then one person for the actual date. 

Patti is extremely strict with all her dating rules and if you break her rules your out of her "millionaire club." Her rules are pretty old fashion and I love that they are. The guy needs to plan the date (millionaire or not,) the guy is the one to ask the women out if hes interested, no taking down phone numbers during the mixers, she wont set up a 50 year old with a 20 year old, and her main rule is no sexual relations without a committed relationship. 

Patti will say whatever she wants to whoever she wants, the show is hysterical! There re-runs on all the time but she just finished filming season 5 so new episodes should starting up again soon!

 ~Britt<3

Top ten idols

This weeks idols sang songs from Billy Joel! I love Billy Joel, but some of them choose such boring songs..Hollie Cavanagh sang "Honesty," which is a great song, however in my opinion not a song you sing for a competition. Jessica Sanchez sang "Everybody has a dream" and sounded awesome! I hated her outfit though, and I'm surprised because Tommy Hilfiger is their stylist. Philip Philips did great! He sang, "Moving Out" which is one of my favorite Billy Joel songs. Tommy Hilfiger told Philip he needed to change his style a bit, but he wouldn't, he said he wanted his music to come first. Philip dresses very plain and ordinary. I personally think Philip dresses fine but its definitly not stage attire, he needs to dress up more for performances.

Colton Dixon is still my absolute favorite. He sang "Piano man," as he played this gorgeous red piano. I really hope he wins, hes so talented and deserves it!
Heres his version of "Piano man."

~Britt<3

Idol

American Idol this week narrowed down the contestants to a top 10! I love American Idol, I know a lot of people are tired of it, but I think its great! I just don't like watching the beginning auditions, however watching the bad ones can be funny sometimes, especially when they get psychotic and argue with the judges. 

This week the idols sang songs from their birth year, and Shannon Magrane got sent home. Also, one of the finalist got kicked off the show. Jermaine Jones secretly had some warrants out for his arrest! I felt so bad, because if only he would have told Idol in the beginning, they probably could have settled them somehow.

Shannon Magrane

Jermaine Jones

 Colton Dixon is my favorite, he's awesome!  Colton is 20 years old and sings incredible, he has a Daughtry type of style to his voice. It doesn't matter what song he sings, it always comes out great so I'm rooting for him to win!

  

 ~Next week the idols sing songs from Billy Joel, can't wait!

~Britt<3

Dance Moms

"Dance Moms" is a show that centers around a group of girls on a dance team somewhere in Pennsylvania, and their crazy, overly dramatic mothers (all of whom are obviously living vicariously through their children). The kids are under the iron rule of Abby Lee Miller, who is apparently some sort of choreographing genius, and are expected to win every competition they take part in. [Abby Lee Miller is a disgusting person. She's morbidly obese and takes pleasure in screaming at seven year olds like some sort of suburban Jabba the Hutt. If you don't get the reference, see below.]



Anyway, the show basically involves the mothers of the girls on the dance team yelling at each other and desperately trying to kiss Abby's ass so their daughter will get preferential treatment. One went as far as getting Abby and her assistant private massage treatments in the dance studio. I feel sorry for the masseuse. Actually, I feel sorry for more or less everyone on the show, except for Abby. The girls look like they don't even enjoy what they're doing half of the time, the mothers are basically using the daughters to make themselves feel important and achieve something they never did as kids, and Abby eats things and screams a lot.

"Dance Moms" is entertaining for about one episode but then it just gets really hard to watch. Good for a cheap laugh though.

JERSATHON!

Last weekend MTV aired a marathon of Jersey Shore starting from the first episode. I actually only started watching Jersey Shore like a year ago. So I watched the first couple episodes and just made me think how trashy it started out and how its even gotten worse. All they do is get sloppy drunk and make fools of themselves. Oh wait, sorry they "work" in some tee-shirt shop too. 

The funniest part about the show is that they constantly are calling people, "grenades" when half the people in the house are grenades. Although it might sound like it, this isn't me hating on the show. Don't get me wrong I watch the show and I think its funny but I am also laughing at how ridiculous these people are. Situation is what? Like 30 and hes still bringing random girls home who are "DTF." Its far past that time to grow up. Snooki acts like a complete idiot, and shes an alcoholic (when do you see her not drinking?) They have no respect for themselves, or anyone else and yes, its funny to watch, and to copy their catch phrases but by doing this, were supporting them and giving them so much money to act like idiots. Go to any bar or club, you don't need Jersey Shore to get this kind of entertainment.

I grew up watching shows on Nickelodeon and ABC family, so I understand this isn't moral behavior. Kids today are growing up watching this, and are going to think its alright to;

get wasted, let your goods hang out, hook up with as many strangers as you want, get arrested, cheat on your boyfriend/girlfriend and get into bar fights.   

All I am trying to say is, if your younger sibling, child, niece, nephew or cousin watches this show, let them know its not acceptable to act that way. If their parent or guardian is allowing to them watch this but isn't teaching them how wrong the cast's behavior is, how will they know? The cast of Jersey Shore should not become a norm in society.

~Britt<3

The Real World

The Real World makes me both jealous (of the sweet houses/apartments they live in) and generally annoyed (and yes, I know it's not even currently airing). The show gathers together a group of people in their 20's into one house and films their every move for a few months as the housemates meet one another, get drunk with one another, and inevitably, sleep with each other. The people they pick to live in the house tend to be "different" from one another; the shows producers are apparently obsessed with having gays or lesbians featured on the show and continuously using their sexual orientation to cause stress among the people living in the house. It's obviously semi-scripted and edited to the point where the forced conversations you see and hear on screen probably didn't even happen. For example, if two of the show's stars are walking and talking, pay attention to the background and the things they pass on the street. From one moment to the next, nothing is consistent at all. They'll be walking next to a blue car and pass a woman walking a dog, and then all of a sudden they're near the beach being passed by a gang of bikers. You can't be sure if all of the drama that occurs in the house is real or just fabricated through tricky editing. Yet, somehow, The Real World is one the longest running shows on tv, and still manages to attract new audiences.  

Maybe I'm just jealous though... who wouldn't want to live for free in an amazing house in a new city, party all day and night, and "work" for a few hours a day at some joke job. It's like every college kid's dream come true.

Teen mom is a horrible influence.

I can't stand the shows teen mom and sixteen and pregnant! Its so ridiculous, these reality shows are making kids think its not a big deal to go out and act irresponsibly because, hey they can get famous for it!  They even had a special called teen dad. I bet some twisted kids are even trying to get pregnant just to be a "star." 

It used to be thought of as a bad thing but in todays society its becoming a norm. Its totally fake too, on the show the kids look like their struggling yet their being paid at least $65,000 per season and some are living with their parents? Farrah from teen mom got a boob job and now is apparently modeling, these kids are being paid to poorly influence the younger generation!

Instead of letting these kids walk the red carpet for something that should be considered a mistake, how about we teach young kids its not acceptable and to stop trying to grow up so fast. Am I the only one who sees how messed up these programs are?

~Britt <3