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