Another Man's Treasure

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

If you could find an original, authenticated, autographed copy of this quote from the guy that first said it, someone in my new TV lineup would probably buy it and then make a small fortune selling it to a collector he just happens to know.

I have been relentlessly watching shows with historical value that provide me with endless entertainment, like “Auction Hunters,” “Storage Wars,” “Pawn Stars” and “American Pickers.” I can’t get enough of these colorful characters, most of whom make a living buying and selling old storage lockers and units. They never hesitate to bid, and sometimes continue to bid just to drive up the price for a competitor.

My favorite character on these shows is a toss-up between Ton from “Auction Hunters,” who loves stuff with motors, guns and things that go boom, and Dave from “Storage Wars,” whose unmistakable “Yeeepppp!” can be heard from across the parking lot of the storage facility he is bidding at.

One of the reasons I like these shows is the information I receive—amazing facts that I learn as my favorite vultures descend upon their new moneymaker. I have learned more about Americana than I ever thought possible. As items are discovered, a short history of the items and why they are valuable is given. I have learned about collectibles like flintlock firearms, Oswald clocks, circus posters and political paraphernalia, such as buttons and dolls.

The people in these shows view everything with dollar signs in mind. It makes the pack rat in me wonder how much potential value is hidden away in my attic or garage. But even if I did have a priceless piece of “who-knows-what,” I wonder if I would even consider that “whatchamacallit” to be valuable, or just an old “thingy” that was inherited. Then comes the big question: Who in the world do I sell it to?

These shows have endless resources willing to authenticate, give historical significance to and appraise items ... and a never-ending array of vendors ready to buy their newly acquired junk, or should I say ... treasure?

Dancing with the... Where are the Stars?

I feely admit to watching Dancing with the Stars... when there are people on that I want to watch! I don't vote. I just like seeing the cast progress in their dance skills. And I like the costumes. I sit around and wish I could move like that, or have a body like that. (Yes, I know, get my fat ass off the sofa and DO SOMETHING about it!). I am very disappointed in this year's cast. From US Weekly:

The new Dancing with the Stars cast was announced Sunday.
Competing this season:

Lawrence Taylor- The former NFL star, 50, played his entire career as a linebacker for the New York Giants.

Belinda Carlisle- The singer, 50, was the lead vocalist and founding member of the 80s band The Go-Go's.

Shawn Johnson- The 17-year-old Olympic-gold-medal-winning gymnast is the youngest DWTS competitor in the show's history.

Denise Richards- After a contentious divorce from Charlie Sheen, the 37-year-old actress and mother of two daughters got her own reality show, Denise Richards: It's Complicated.

Lil' Kim- The Grammy Award winning rapper, 33, spent 10 months in jail in 2006 for lying to a federal grand jury.

Gilles Marini- The actor is best known for playing Kim Cattrall's sexy -- and predominantly naked -- neighbor in 2008's Sex and the City movie.

Steve-O- The daredevil performer, 34, showcased ridiculous stunts on MTV's Jackass and the spinoff Wildboyz.

Steve Wozniak- Nicknamed "The Woz" by ex Kathy Griffin, the computer engineer, 58, co-founded the Apple computer company with Steve Jobs.

Jewel- The singer-songwriter, 34 - who became a household name in 1995 with her song "Who Will Save Your Soul" - has released seven albums.

Ty Murray- The former rodeo cowboy, 39, is married to fellow contestant Jewel.

David Alan Grier- The actor, 53, came to fame on In Living Color and currently hosts the Comedy Central sketch news show, Chocolate News.

Chuck Wicks- The country singer is currently dating fellow crooner and two-time DWTS champion Julianne Hough. Wicks, 29, will be paired up with the professional dancer this season.

Nancy O'Dell- The entertainment journalist currently serves as the co-host of Access Hollywood with Billy Bush. O'Dell, 42, also hosted NBC's pre-show for the 2009 Golden Globe Awards in January.

I'm not sure about you, but I predict the lowest ratings in history. Is this going to run in a time slot opposite American Idol? (I'm pitiful, but I still like Idol and voted for David Cook since day 1. Everyone in my office made fun of me!)
And the kicker- my grandmothers and their friends are the biggest fans of the show! But they hate not knowing who the contestants are! I think they may know... NOBODY!! I have a bad feeling about this!