Author - Chuck G.

Storage Wars: New York: This is My Pretty Face

August 20, 2013

Storage Wars: New York: Season 2, Episode 14: “A Few Good Bids.”

Little rain. Not enough to keep John Luke from his favorite knish in New Jersey. Joe P out for some ‘fresh meat’ (metaphorically). Mike out for some big-time industrial equipment. Candy and Courtney out for clean rooms with good stuff. Chris and Tad, well, they were out of it as Chris once again got lost on his way to the auction. Guys, it was only a ten minutes drive.

1^st Room
Nice and neat. Comforter, cheap boxed sofa, hope chest, boxes, rubber container, air conditioner, baskets, end tables, and miscellaneous. That storage unit was exactly what Candy and Courtney wanted, BUT, so did Joe P. Oh, and he make the gals pay, or overpay. C&C won at $1,800.

Candy: Bidding $1,800 for this locker was a little dangerous, but danger is our middle name.

Riiigh! You hold that thought, girl friend. Courtney took out a few nice wooden chairs from the room. Candy played with an old Remington typewriter. Costume jewelry, custom leather folding chair, chandelier, glass table top, and the room continued with to overflow with quality merchandise.

Unique find was a cylinder two-piece brass object. Ice ball mold used in the cocktail industry to create perfect ice balls for drinks. Had a few nicks. Held a value of $800.

2^nd Room
Mirror, refrigerator, cheap furniture, and boxes in disarray.

Tad: What’s the advantage on an advantage if we don’t take advantage of our home field advantage?

Riiight! If that wasn’t confusing enough, Chris and Tad would once again bid against themselves. They need a “designated bidder.” I vote for Dotty the dog. The guys won at $500.

Couple of metal end table, rubber tub full of shoes, two dressers, and candle pin bowling set. Tougher to knock down the candle pins compared to regular bowling pins. Not vintage, though. Appraiser stated the pins were about 10 years old. Valued at $100. So much for home field advantage, advantage… uh, what Tad said, yeah.

3^rd Room
Semi-organized and HUGE. Ton of boxes in front and office equipment in the back. Mike wanted this room and no one would stand in his way, well, almost no one. Joe P called a friend to see how difficult it would be to move the merchandise. Too late for that that return call. Mike stole the room for $600.

Mike: I’m holding the golden goose and any other bird that says money.

Riiight! Have no idea what that means. Time clocks, boxes and boxes of flat screen monitors, executive desk, 40 computers, all-in-one computers, cubicles, box of headsets, and a stenotype machine used in courtrooms.

Mike took the machine to a courtroom. Boy, was Mike ever nervous (way too many childhood memories, so we’ll keep it at that). He had a student stenotype machine valued at $1,200.

Profit Scorecard:

Mike Braiotta: $12,660
Chris Morelli & Tad Eaton: $880
Candy Olsen & Courtney Wagner: $110
Joe P: $0

Who do you think had the best quote of the day?

Please leave your insightful opinions in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: Canada: Meet the Cast

August 20, 2013

Chuck G.

Storage Wars Canada

Add comment

A&E’s Storage Wars Canada is the first spin-off of the original reality television series Storage Wars franchise filmed outside of the US.

Premise is the same: Follow a group of buyers who look to strike it big by buying storage units at auctions after rent is defaulted. The Canadian players are experienced however they appear as a mixed nut of American knock-offs.

Auctioneer Don Reinhart

Don has 48 years of self-taught experience conducting auctions since 1965. His motto: “If you don’t play the rules my way, you don’t play.” Well, that sounds more like a New Yorker. He was born into a family of auctioneers, so the auction scene is in his blood. But seriously, he’s as old as Christmas!

Follow him on Twitter @SWCDonReinhart.

Roy Dirnbeck – “The Instigator”

He likes to mess with players and has deep pockets, plays dirty tricks, and intimidates. Roy owns a successful courier company. His motto, “You know what Canada, start paying your bills or I’m gonna own your sh–!” Roy states that he’s not interested in dealing with garbage.

Follow him on Twitter @InstigatorRoy.

Ursula Stolf – “The Knock Out”

She has a successful online business of reselling high-end fashion and accessories. Ursula’s late father introduced her to the storage auction business when she was a child. Her motto, “Don’t tell me I can’t, ’cause I can, and don’t tell me don’t, ’cause I will.” She’s got the attitude and love for fashion same as the New York duo Candy Olsen and Courtney Wagner. She cute, has a toned body, and she’s fun!

Follow her on Twitter @UrsTheKnockOut.

Cindy Hayden and Rick Coffill – “The Veterans”

Both have 15 years in the auction business and own a thrift store, Storage Treasures, in which they like to fill with high-end antiques and collectibles. Her motto, “I’m usually a good girl, but if you cross that line at an auction, I’m coming after you.” Both will use dirty tactics if needed to win a locker. She the tough gal and he’s the quiet one.

Follow them on Twitter @TheVeteransx2.

Paul and Bogart Kenny – “The High Roller and The Kid”

Father and son team. Paul was a professional poker player for three decades. He used his winnings to create a successful side business of buying and selling collectibles. His motto, “My wife tells me not to be caustic, sarcastic, or demeaning to anybody today. Sometimes I make it through the day, sometimes I don’t.” Paul now mentors his son Bogart the tricks of the trade, but the two disagree about everything.

Follow Paul on Twitter at @highrollerpaul.
Follow Bogart on Twitter at @thekidbogart.

Update: After seeing over a dozen episodes, this is the most fun cast as a collective than all of the Storage Wars shows. Canadians are a riot. You have to see them in action via the internet in America.

Please leave your insightful opinions in the comment box below.

Container Wars: I Want My Mummy

August 19, 2013

Chuck G.

Container Wars

Add comment

Container Wars: Season 1, Episode 11: “Fishy Business.”

Jason received a tip that there’s a boat inside one of the containers up for auction, and he loves boats. The rest of the cast busy eating their breakfast burritos at the concession stand. The happiest cast member at the start of the day was the auctioneer John Kunkle, because he could smell money in commissions about to fall like rain upon him.

1^st Container: Port of Origin – Los Angeles
Originally destined for London but container had sat for six months. Hopefully merchandise was nonperishable. Huge crate blocked view. Lots of red shrink warp. There’s a boat, but it’s a dingy. A cage, suit of armor, and a lot of unknown.

Eyal: If it were that unique an antique they would never wrap it like this.

I’ll have to agree with Eyal on that. Jason knew the Israelis wanted the locker, so he would make them pay as would Mo. Eyal said, “They played you.” Did Uzi listen or Shlomi listen?

Israelis won, but what was inside the container? Costumes and props. Remember, the origin was LA, as in Hollywood. Uzi called his brother-in-law to get someone to appraisal it. Don’t you just love broken English?

Trio had the merchandise hauled back to their store. Two items were appraised: 1) Suit of Armor and 2) Mummy Casket. Neither were authentic, in other words – FAKE! Eyal was right. Uzi and Eyal locked Shlomi in the mummy casket. That was funny!

Cost: $19,000
Profit: $1,000

2^nd Container: Port of Origin – Bali, Indonesia
Blue shrink wrapped crate in front and foliage in the back. Mo convinced that was high-end teak wood furniture. Jason knew Mo wanted this locker so again, he would raise the bid and make his cast mate pay through the nose.

That the duo did, way over paid. There better be something high quality in that container.

Mo and Ty pulled out two authentic teak wood benches and a chair. So far, so good, but it would end there once they got the foliage out of way. Office furniture, filing cabinets, office desk chairs, and a few travel vouchers.

Mo: I’m still “The Furniture King.”

Cost: $20,200
LOSS: -$8,100

Not today, Mo.

3^rd Container: Port of Origin – Beaverton, Oregon
Destined for Panama. Four huge tires, green turf, and small Eiffel Tower prop. Deana spotted a gas can and an item hidden in the back; possible vehicle perhaps? Deana gets what she wants.

She bought a full 18-hole mini-golf course: golf balls, clubs, and green turf. Props included were the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. Under the tarp, two brand new go-carts.

She strapped herself into one of the go-carts and drove off into the sunset.

Deana: Yeah! Woo hoo! Suckers!

Cost: $17,500
Profit: $ 2,500

4^th Container: Port of Origin – Kewalo Basin, Hawaii
Pop the lock. Open the doors. FISH-STINK-A-ROONI!

Uzi: It smells like a dead body inside.

Jason upchucked his lunch. Smell of rotting fish permeated through the air. Matthew not bothered by the commotion. He looked through his binoculars saw fishing poles, fishing nets, and possible commercial fishing equipment.

Even with the stink-stank-smell bidders played to win. Jason couldn’t understand it and said by the far the best quote of the whole season. Read it carefully, twice if you need to:

Jason: How could the Israelis know what I know, and what I think Matt knows? But maybe they don’t know what I know, that Matt knows. And maybe Matt knows what I know, and thinks the Israelis know. You know?

Did you get that? Yeah, I know (pardon the pun).

Shlomi promised Jason if he won a boat, he’d bring the girls. That was all the motivation Jason needed to win the container. First item he looked into was a cooler and guess what he found?

STINKY FISH!

Now I want to hurl, gross. Crate contained crab pots (cages to catch crabs). Jason also uncovered some diving equipment, fishing poles, and a small motor boat. Yep, he got his boat after all.

Cost: $28,000
Profit: $15,000

Would you have bought a stinky container?

Please leave your insightful thoughts in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: New York: Up Your Nose with a Rubber Hose!

August 14, 2013

Chuck G.

Storage Wars New York

Add comment

Storage Wars: New York: Season 2, Episode 12: “Breaking the Bank.”

Candy’s and Courtney’s plan to buy quantity and quality. High five, gals! Joe P’s plan was to bet heavy and clean the table. High five, Joe! Mike’s plan to flip and flow. High five, Mike. Tad wanted Chris to ‘visualize’ the room. Chris wasn’t into visualizing. No high fives for you two.

1^st Room
Quality furniture, and boxes packed to the ceiling. Jaw-dropper. Starting bid at $500! Crazy! Who had deep pockets to win this storage unit? Joe P at $2,200.

First box contained beautiful Oriental lamps. If this was a sign of things to come, yeah, he struck gold indeed. Italian made dishes, hand-made rug, fireplace set, Asian style bedroom set, set of four upholstered chairs, and on and on.

Joe P found four vintage fire hose nozzles. He went to Jersey Firemans Museum to have them appraised. Value at $200. Joe P did test one of his nozzles (that sounds so wrong) and uh, well, that didn’t go over too well.

Joe P: First your hair goes gray; then you lose control of your hose.

2^nd Room
Vintage bike, quality furniture, and boxes packed to the ceiling. Tad salivated at all the goodies for the shop. C&C stated that room had their name written all over it. Joe P, he already scored. Mike, too much furniture to move. Not interested yet he the placed the first bid at $1,000!

Mike: Just because I don’t want it, doesn’t mean I won’t hustle these guys.

Tad determined to win bought the room for $2,200 (now you know how much to bring if you buy in Harlem). Chris was happy – ‘Woo hoo!’ The vintage bike made in England. Ostrich skinned (you read that right) end table, China cabinet, dresser, expensive porcelain, antique Tiffany desk set, hand-woven rug, marble top furniture piece, and more ‘cha-ching’ with each piece.

They found two books by Charles Dana Gibson. One had drawings of the ‘Gibson Girls.’ They were considered the supermodels of the early 20^th century.

Chris and Tad took the books and a piece of artwork to the American Illustrators Gallery. Books were distributed by Life Magazine in the 1900s. Poor condition so valued only at $500. The drawing was an original Gibson (but not of the Gibson Girl) and valued at $7,500.

Chris, that’s a WOO-HOO moment!

3^rd Room
Dresser, drop-leaf table, sofa, fold-up chairs, and boxes packed again to the max. Candy and Courtney snatched the room at $1,800. You definitely need a bank roll to roll a room in Harlem.

Gals found one box of broken ceramics. Aw! No worries, they still had furniture-palooza! C&C also found a safe. But how do gals crack open a large safe? Well, they call a friend with a forklift…

BOOM!

Huge drop destroyed the bottom of the safe. Okay, I’ve never seen a safe cracked that way before, but that was cool. About $2K worth of jewelry inside the safe. SCORE! Did they find anything unusual? Yep. Vintage pill maker tools in a wooden box.

Candy and Courtney took their box to City Reliquary Museum. Dated around 1880-1910. Extremely rare in its configuration. Estimated value at $1,500.

Profit Scorecard:
Chris Morelli & Tad Eaton: $16,700
Joe P: $15,050
Candy Olsen & Courtney Wagner: $5,658
Mike Braiotta: $0

Did you enjoy Joe P’s mishap with the fire hose?

Please leave your interesting opinions on this episode in the comment box below.

Container Wars: Interview with Penny Daily Auctioneer

August 14, 2013

Chuck G.

Celebrity Interviews

Add comment

TruTV’s reality series Container Wars Auctioneer Penny Daily is a small package with a fierce gavel in hand. She can handle any crowd at any auction anytime. Ready to milk you for every penny and then you’ll thank her after, why? Because she’s that likable and that good! Penny is the first female auctioneer to solo on any reality TV auction series and note there are less than 10% of women who auctioneer as a full-time career. She co-starred in the first half of season one.

She generously took time out from her new job and plethora of ongoing projects to answer a few questions for OnlineStorageAuctions.com.

Penny Daily Interview

Q. You graduated from Florida A&M University with a B.S. degree in Occupational Therapy; why did you choose that field of study?

A. I’m the only person to earn that degree in just 3 years, pretty proud of that. I specialize in stroke and head injury and I went into OT because I love elderly people. When I was 12-years old two men tried to attack me when I was visiting a family friend. I ran like crazy to get away from them and ran up to a home where two elderly people lived. They took me in and comforted me. That really made an impact on me.

Q. Are you still a real estate broker?

A. I fell into real estate. I had an extremely successful therapy staffing company and had networked (talked people’s ear off) well. We owned 26 properties ourselves, so I knew what was going on.

I don’t do real estate now because honestly, I am too damn busy and that job is exhausting. I think I lost 20 years off my life in those 7 years because the stress was unbearable. Not to mention the freaks that showed up at open houses and just stare at you and won’t leave. That’s when I began to auctioned homes in high-end areas because at that time there were intense bidding wars.

Q. How did you become a writer?

A. When I moved to LA I got the opportunity to freelance by accident (again). The material the writers buy are called “bits” which are on late night TV and also on several comedic sitcoms. I wrote bits for George Lopez, Conan O’Brien and Chelsea Handler. It was exciting to see them integrate the bit into the show. Total high!

Q. You’re a comedic sitcom writer/creator; what projects have you worked on?

A. I have my sitcom Paradise Cove under option for a year and they have the choice of keeping it another year or scrapping it. Timing is everything out here and the people I have it with are worth being patient with and waiting for.

Q. You are co-executive producer on which project?

A. I know it is lame but I cannot discuss this one yet. Filming begins in about three weeks and we aren’t allowed to talk about it at all. It is awesome!

You may hire Penny Daily auctioneer services through her website: http://www.planetdaily.com/about/. Her specialties include charity and fundraising auctions. Call 1-310-715-9174 or email [email protected] for more information.

Q. You graduated from the Missouri Auction School. Who influenced you to become an auctioneer?

A. My daddy owned an auto auction in Florida. That was my first real taste of it. From there my mom encouraged me to go for it on my own in order to sell real estate in possibly the best real estate that ever existed. I made a lot of money doing that and have my mom to thank for it.

Q. Any special memory of an auction back when?

A. I did an auction in Florida years ago. A woman’s mother had died and did not pay the rent on the unit, so the daughter had to bid on the unit just like everyone else. It wasn’t typical back then for women to even go to storage auctions, so she sort of stuck out.

These were some rough redneck men I tell you. Word got around why she was there, and that meant there was an opportunity to run the price up because there must be something in the storage unit of value. We opened the locker to jewelry boxes, antiques and tools. Would you believe that not a single person bid against her and she bought her mom’s storage unit for $1. Renewed my faith in mankind.

Q. How did you get the nickname, “Bird Dog?”

A. My love is searching and hunting for things people can’t ordinarily find on their own. I’ve always got my nose out there looking for those unique items, events and homes.

In the auction world we get to auction the most unbelievable items. Events like watching a never released George Lucas movie in a theater…at George Lucas’ house which is kind of a rare event. That is precisely why I am called the “Bird Dog,” because I am gonna find that item for the next auction!

Q. What type of auctions do you do?

A. My specialty is definitely charity auctions. I just did one for “Step Up for Women” and it was awesome. We raised over $400k for mentorships for teenage girls in underprivileged areas. I LOVE the energy at charity auctions because we are all there for the right reasons. In addition, I really am star struck. When I can share the stage with the cast of Modern Family, then I am all over it!

Container Wars

Q. How did you get cast on the show?

A. I was approached by Tara Sarazen on Facebook. I did not know her but she had done her research! She set me up to meet with this absolutely incredible Casting Director named Cindy Deukmejian. Man, she is priceless. She is a consummate professional and knows the ins and outs of this industry. Any company would be proud to have her on their staff. I owe having this opportunity to Cindy and Tara.

Q. Describe what it is like to auctioneer with such an enthusiastic and high-drama cast?

A. Oh, my Gosh! Holy Crap!! It is crazy is what it is. When you have such dramatic personalities all in one place it is like the room you are in just got lit on fire. They are all so uniquely different, and it was hard to read them at first, but after just a bit I had them all eating out of my hand… totally kidding.

Q. When you saw yourself for the first time on television on that first episode; how did you and your family react?

A. Well, I was really anxious to see how they edited me. I mean, after all, they made me look fat on there and loud. I am kidding. I did that on my own. Seriously, my friends and family were extremely supportive and we did a lot of laughing when we watched the show. Very cute and humbling.

Q. Who would you rank as the top player(s) due to their expertise with this type of auction where thousands of dollars are spent on a single container?

A. Well, every auctioneer is the expert in every auction. We make money no matter what is in that container. We get our percentage by riding up the prices as most as we can. However, if I had to say one player over another, I would have to separate them out by specialty.

Deana makes good and solid decisions. The Israelis are known for their business sense. Mo and Ty are methodical. Matthew is a gambler. Jason is the damn nice guy. Did I forget to answer the question in there somewhere? I do this all the time in real life to avoid the question. Did it work?

Q. Describe your cast mates:

Q. Anything you’d like to say about any of the cast that may surprise us that we didn’t see on camera?

A. What will surprise most people is that we are like family now. Although there is fighting during the purchases, we all remain mostly civil to each other after the filming is completed. If something goes wrong in any of our lives, the other cast mates are there for them. We respect each other and I think that is unusual given the competitive atmosphere at the shipyard.

Q. Any behind-the-scenes stuff you’d like to share?

A. I got special perks of snacks and root beer floats when no one else did. There, it’s out there now so I will sleep better tonight! Whew!

Q. Anything that you’d like to say about yourself that may surprise us that we didn’t see on camera?

A. I was scared to death. Yes, I have auctioned many times, but doing it on a set with a hundred people; and cameras and microphones and this amount of money being spent, it was horrifying!

Q. People think being on a reality show is easy; tell us what a typical day was like on set.

A. It is REAL, people. So, it is work. I love how real it is. You roll up on the yard to get mic’d and then there are hundreds of pictures being taken of you all over the place. There are at least 50 professional producers on set and they are busy! We are herded into areas far away from the containers until they are ready to have us go and auction the first container. No one sees that container before we walk up and open it. It is wonderful to see it being done fluidly and on the up and up.

Q. How was working out on a shipyard differ from other auctions?

A. Damn girlfriends and boyfriends that shipyard was dirty!!! My idea of roughing it was doing an auction was at a Holiday Inn, so this was some nasty crap going on at the shipyard. I had black dirt up my nose and in my boogs for days.

Q. How would you describe the show?

A. As an auctioneer for a show like Container Wars you feel somewhat liable for a bidder’s poor judgment. Then you remember these bidders were born to take these risk . It’s a high for them. This show allows them to fight, sometimes literally, for a 20-40 foot “grab bag” container that can put them out $10K-$40K. That takes guts, balls and a certain degree of crazy.

Penny keeps her fans up to date on her hilarity, shenanigans, and outrageous fun as well as her auction events on Facebook. Please “Like” her fan page at Penny Daily – http://www.facebook.com/penny.daily

Q. How did you meet your husband?

A. I met my trophy husband, Dave, at Florida A&M University where we both graduated college. He fell in love with me instantly. He loved every single thing about me and begged me to even speak with him, and oh, God I can’t keep going because I am totally kidding. We went on to both become therapist; him in physical therapy and me in occupational therapy. We have been together ever since. It will be our 20 year anniversary next year!

Q. How many children do you have and what is it like being a mother?

A. We have 3 kids. We have a 17-year old daughter going to college next year (Holy Crap! How did that happen?). I also have a son who is 15-years old and another son who is 13-years old. My kids are way better than anyone else’s kids. I have even asked friends and they agree my kids are better than theirs. They are really smart and attractive too; and did I mention they have this warped sense of humor like I do? Well they do.

Q. What other projects would you like to get into Hollywood – your dream projects?

A. This is so easy. I want my movie, Bed #9, to be produced. I want Paradise Cove picked up and not just optioned. I want the 13 concepts I have for TV reality shows to be produced. That’s really it. Not too much to ask for, is it?

Q. What are your hobbies?

A. My hobbies are eating, hanging out with my husband, sleeping, hanging out with my kids, watching TV, writing, eating, getting my nails done, getting a massage, playing with my dogs, eating, reading other people’s work and critiquing it, talking on the phone with my best friends… eating.

Q. What motto do you live by?

A. If you can laugh at it, you can live with it.

Q. What’s your best attribute?

A. Surrounding myself with people who love me.

Q. What’s your worst attribute?

A. Surrounding myself with a bunch of buttholes, at times.

Q. What’s on your bucket list?

A. Get my movie BED #9 on the BIG SCREEN!!! Everything else I am fully capable to do and will do.

Q. How would you like to be remembered?

A. As someone you loved.

Penny lives life to the fullest, loves her family, makes time for her friends, and keeps hustling for that next big Hollywood project. Her lifestyle is beyond crazy and she smiles through the bends and bumps in the road before her.

“It’s always sunny in Penny Daily’s Planet.”

Container Wars airs on TruTv. Check your local listing for showtimes.

Let us know your thoughtful opinions about this interview in the comment box below.

Container Wars: Ms. America Coughs Furballs

August 12, 2013

Chuck G.

Container Wars

4 Comments

Container Wars: Season 1, Episode 10: “Fur Play.”

Three aspiring beauty queens arrived at the shipyard. Uzi as Ms. America. Eyal as Ms. International. Shlomi as Ms. California. Yes, Israelis in d-r-a-g, if you can call it that. The Israeli trio donned sashes and tiaras. Funny, for some reason they looked far more attractive with tiaras. Just saying…

1^st Container: Port of Origin – British Columbia, Canada
Huge 40 foot container. Wood and more wood. Like a lumber yard threw up in the container. Everyone who bid thought there would be a “surprise” beyond the lumber. Wrong! No surprise. Just wood and more wood.

This was all Jason. He had to unload the lumber to see what was beyond the lumber.

More WOOD!

Jason did find architectural plans to build a complete house. He was happy because he didn’t lose money, this time ’round.

Jason: Jackpot!

Cost: $30,000
Profit: $4,000

2^nd Container: Port of Origin – Boston Harbor, Massachusetts
Antiques, chandelier, Colonial furniture, and boxes labeled, “fragile.” You know Mo loves furniture, however Ty was not “feeling it.”

Mo would buy the container with or without him. Not cool!

Ty did smile once he saw the box of vintage sports memorabilia. Especially when he found a football signed by Hall of Fame, retired NFL Quarterback, Joe Namath.

Mo loved the hand-made wood door and antique armoire. Both men happy and in the money.

Mo: I am the furniture king!

Cost: $31,500
Profit: $4,500

3^rd Container: Port of Origin – San Francisco, California
Full-sized animatronics stuffed animals. Photo booth (type you see at arcades or boardwalks) and lockers with locks. Potential for a big payout, IF, and that’s a big “if” there’s something of valued locked away.

Who likes to gamble on big payoffs? You guessed it, Matt. Deana whispered a warning to Matt that the Israelis would try to screw him. Did Matt listen? No.

Photo booth was fake. No photo screen or camera to take photos. The sign, “Foto” should have been a dead give-a-way. Mat used a crow bar to pry open the lockers. Did he find money? That would be a big – NO! He found a bag of tokens. You know you’re laughing out loud.

Matt: Worthless!

Cost: $24,000
LOSS: -$11,125

4^th Container: Port of Origin – Novorossiysk, Russia
Fur coats and lots of them. Huge safe in the back along with a half-size refrigerator. Think about this, the container sat for nine months. That refrigerator therefore unplugged for nine months. Did Deana think it through before she bought? No, she pulled a Caesar.

She saw it. She wanted it. She bought it.

Furs were real. The patterns do not repeat and the fur flows. But who wears politically incorrect furs in the 21^st century? I guess a lot of rich people do. Deana counted fifteen fur coats, including a full-length mink coat; fur wraps in a box, and then there was that refrigerator.

Stinky, stained fur coats wrapped in plastic. Crate in back the same. That’s a whole lot of fur balls. Her saving grace would be the safe. Actually, that wasn’t a safe either, but a type of refrigerator. Inside, wrapped skins such as alligator (taking a guess here). Not enough to put her in the black.

Deana: I’m not here to break even. I’m here to make a profit!

Cost: $30,000
Profit: $0

Do you think Uzi has a chance at the title, “Ms America?” We are a free country, but maybe not that forward thinking; or when it comes to Uzi, that backward thinking.

What did you think of this crazy “furball” episode?

Please leave your insightful opinions in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: New York: Lords of the Gnats & Snakes

August 7, 2013

Chuck G.

Storage Wars New York

Add comment

Storage Wars: New York: Season 2, Episode 9: “Snakes in the Locker.”

No coffee equals a cranky John Luke. Mike’s wife told him to buy shabby chic. Clueless to what that means. Maybe he should ask Candy and Courtney, they would know.

Um, maybe he should hold off on that. C&C discuss their strategy for the day – Play Dirty! Not sure what they meant by that. Chris and Tad continued to agree to disagree, or disagree just because that’s what they do. Joe P was in the auction zone. Not sure what he meant by that.

1^st Room
One cardboard barrel, few boxes, and uh, yeah, that’s about it. Joe P had a stupendous strategy. First he made his bids obvious then misdirected his intentions. Here’s how it worked.

Bid up to a point. Joe P then said, “Let him have it.” Next Joe P nodded to bid again. BRILLIANT! Mike got played! Joe P won the locker with this amazing misdirection at $425. Candy and Courtney were fooled as well.

Joe P: I’m in the business to make money, don’t forget that!

And that’s why he’s The Legend. Joe P uncovered newspapers, magazines, small land line phone, books, empty cooler, blender, dishes, air mattress, barrel full of junk, and a collection of twenty-six pencil sharpeners.

Wait, hold on now. These were miniature model type pencil sharpeners: San Francisco cable car, French phone, potbellied stove, world globe (that spins), and more. Sharpeners were made in Spain around 1950s. Valued at $700.

2^nd Room
Bags and bags of clothing. Say it with me, ‘Ugh.’ Not appealing to most players, but Candy wanted the storage unit to beat the guys.

Courtney: We said we were going to play dirty, not buy dirty.

Candy had the bid bug and won at $600 for dirty laundry. What was she thinking? What did they find? Dirty laundry! Shout it with me: ‘UGH!’ Their surprise item was a vintage plumber’s snake. Yep, that summed up the room.

Marco kitchen sink snake with crank made in the 1920s. Not operational due to it’s wear and tear. Valued around $250.

3^rd Room
Bicycle, bench, rubber tubs, table, and miscellaneous household stuff. Joe P held his arm up to signal a perpetual bid.

Mike: Someone call 9-1-1. I think Joe P’s having a stroke.

I think Joe P stroked your bid up, Mike. Oh, The Hustler won, but he paid big – $1,100. I think he got played twice unless he can flip a nice profit.

Mike found stacks of CDs, bowling balls with bag, mini DVD player, shoe racks, clothes, video games, and a maple tree sapping kit.

Where do you go to get that appraised? Out of Flatbush and into the backwoods. The assortment of items included an electronic tester to test the color of the maple syrup. Spiles pierce the tree and aluminum buckets with lids to collect the syrup. Total value at a whopping $26. Wah, wah, wah.

Mike, get out of the stinking fresh air and back to the city.

Profit Scorecard:

Joe P: $350
Mike Braiotta: loss -$120
Candy Olsen & Courtney Wagner: loss -$290
Chris Morelli & Tad Eaton: $0

What did you think of Joe P’s bid and misdirection tactics?

Please leave your insightful opinions on this episode in the comment box below.

Container Wars: Interview with John Kunkle Auctioneer

August 7, 2013

Chuck G.

Celebrity Interviews

2 Comments

TruTV’s reality series Container Wars centers around a group of explosive personality players who bid big money on shipping cargo containers from around the world. These containers are auctioned by John Kunkle, an auctioneer of over thirty years. John has honed his skills and craft and currently holds the unofficial title as the “Seasoned Auctioneer Extraordinaire” of Southern California.

John permeates goodness. Friendly, outgoing and one of the nicest, sweetest, most sincere people you will ever meet both online and in real life. He took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for OnlineStorageAuctions.com.

John Kunkle Interview

Q: You became an auctioneer after attending Missouri Auction School in 1979. How have auctions changed over the years?

A. They’ve become more popular! Auctions and Auctioneers were rare in 1979, at least here in California. I remember calling home. Checking in with my wife while I was attending school (via black dial coin operated public phone booth), and sharing with her how auctions were numerous in Missouri. As common as garage sales in California and wishing I’d had a 40 foot trailer to fill and bring home.

Q: How did you get the nickname, “Dairy Farmer?”

A: Doing exactly what Mo (cast member on Container Wars) is constantly accusing me of, “milkin’ the bid.” I was tagged with that phrase years ago when calling bids at the Long Beach Police impound car auction, where naturally folks wanted a deal, while at the same time my job was to extract as much money as possible! Funny thing, we always reached a compromise.

Q: Who influenced you into becoming an auctioneer?

A: In the early 70’s I knew this guy who bought cars for folks at the L.A. Auto Auction. I’d go hang with him occasionally on sale nights and naturally was intrigued by the rhythmic, fast talking auctioneers. In the mid 70’s I found myself working for Long Beach Fleet Maintenance where they performed auction sales in-house, selling end-of-life surplus equipment. I expressed interest in becoming an auctioneer, and my boss thought I was a natural for it.

Q: You began your auctioneer career in 1979 auctioning cars, equipment and miscellaneous property as the “City’s Auctioneer” of Long Beach. Then auctioning antiques in the ‘90‘s, but in 1981 you became the premier SoCal charity and fundraising auctioneer. What happened? How or why did you switch from commercial auctions to charity auctions?

A: So, I’m picking up my kids from preschool one day back in ’81, and one of the moms approached me with her knowledge of my being an auctioneer. She asked me if I’d help out with the charity organization she volunteered for by my calling bids at their upcoming gala fundraiser. I said “sure” and the rest is history.

Q: What’s the strangest item you’ve auctioned to date?

A: Vasectomy operation donated by a surgeon at that very first fundraiser auction.

Q: What’s the most expensive item you’ve auctioned to date?

A: $220,000 went down to the gavel and passed on to local Long Beach Children’s Charities for the sale of the opportunity to participate in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race held annually in conjunction with the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Made the headlines. Even the Mayor at the time said I was the “Man of the Day!”

You may hire John Kunkle through his website: http://www.johnkunkle.com. His services include: Gala Benefits, Charity Auctions, Fundraisers and Emcee for Southern California. Call 1-562-552-0960 for more information.

Q: How far in advance should someone try to book you as an auctioneer for their event?

A: Not just limited to Southern California. I’m like Paladin in the old western TV series, Have Gavel – Will Travel. Spring and Fall are typically busy months for fundraisers and Friday-Saturday nights are when most folks schedule these events. Six months to a year in advance is common place. I often times receive last minute requests when auctioneers suddenly can’t make it. I’ve been known to drop what I’m doing and go give ’em a hand.

Q: Are there any restrictions to how large an event should be, or any prerequisites for fundraisers before someone should consider hiring you?

A: Big or small. If I can help then that’s all that matters!

Q: You auctioneer at many charity events. Is there a charity organization that is closest to your heart and why?

A: I’m an emotional guy that gets choked up and teary eyed at the mention of humanity helping humanity. The causes and needs are as infinite as the complexities of our minds. Sometimes I’m overwhelmed with the good feeling that a group I was part of made a huge impact on the cause we were fighting for. Not one organization but “Children.” Helping kids is closest to my heart because they are the future!

Container Wars

Q: You didn’t audition for the role of auctioneer on Container Wars, instead T-Group Productions found you. How did that come about?

A: Well I did actually perform an audition to compete against the other auctioneers, but I wasn’t actually out looking for this gig! I think my being selected is testament to the success of social media and the importance of owning a web page in this day and age. T-Group “Googled” and I received an e-mail when I was vacationing in Washington D.C. They’d seen my website and it’s accompanying video’s, and wanted to set up a meeting. The rest is history as they say.

Q: Describe what it is like to work on Container Wars, which probably has the most enthusiastic, high-voltage, high-drama, craziest cast of any auction reality series on television today.

A: It’s just like those Police Impound Auctions I did for 25 years. I still say it’s like herding cats! I gotta bunch of unruly individuals out to make a killing on a good deal, when in fact none of ’em have the monopoly on the concept! In a fundraiser auction folks applaud a high bid. Raising bids on containers full of surprise and potential profit might get rotten tomatoes thrown atcha!

Q: What the television audience may not realize is that a half-hour show does not take a half-hour to film, but instead you film for hours or even days. How long does it take to film one episode of Container Wars from start to finish, including all of the cast’s interview shots?

A: Minimum of a “Sun up, to Sun down” day! I like to say we give ’em 22 miles of film for 22 minutes of TV!

Q: When you saw yourself for the first time on national television on that first episode of Container Wars; what ran through your mind?

A: My dad woulda got a kick outta that!

Q: In Container Wars, the tension among the cast erupts like a volcano almost weekly. Will the high drama continue throughout the seasons? Hope you have insurance!

A: Like the contrail that follows a jet across the sky, some things are inevitable in this world. The competitive tension among the cast is real and can erupt at the drop of a hat! Yes, I got insurance!

Q: Describe each cast member:

Q: Container Wars’ cast are the high-rollers of all auction series because the containers go for tens of thousands of dollars. Who would you rank as the top buyers due to their expertise at this level of high stakes auctions?

A: Matthew’s got the eye for value as does Jason, Deana and Mo & Ty. All of ’em are experts, but in a variety of fields of merchandise. The Israelis on the other hand have an insatiable hunger for the gamble, the win, and are seemingly willing to bankroll bids to oblivion!

Q: Who is the craziest cast member, and by crazy, I mean most unpredictable.

A: Uzi !

Q: Which cast member is the most fun to work with?

A: That’s like asking which Porsche is the best to own. All of ’em is my answer!

Q: Anything you’d like to say about any of the cast that may surprise us?

A: I’m no fool. I ain’t goin there!

Q: Fair enough. Anything you’d like to say about yourself that would surprise us?

A: I used to be shy as a kid…

John is very active on Facebook. Be sure to “Like” his fan page at John Kunkle Auctioneer: http://www.facebook.com/FundraiserAuctioneer. He keeps his fan base up-to-date on his latest gala/benefit gigs. He also posts videos of auctions and photos of his rest and relaxation shenanigans.

Q: You posted a photo of yourself riding a motorcycle on Facebook. How long have you been a motorcycle enthusiast and what bike(s) do you own?

A: Been riding motorcycles over 50 years! When I was eight my brother taught me how to shift his 3-speed Vespa! Dirt bikes, race cars, crotch rockets… I’m a gear head from way back. Right now we got two in the stable: Harley Rode Glide for touring, and a Harley Softail Springer for puttzin around.

Q: What are you hobbies?

A: Been workin’ to make my house a solid and comfortable place for my family to hang their hats in for over 35 years. I suppose that’s my consistent hobby. I gotta say though that over time I’ve had many pastimes and indulgences that have changed with my age and physical abilities. Right now, watchin’ my grand kids grow is my #1 hobby!

Q: How long have your been married and how many children do you have?

A: Married the one and only ‘Lil Debbie 40 years ago. Blessed with two of the best daughter’s a man could wish for and three grand kids and counting.

Q: What is on your bucket list?

A: To see my grandchildren grow to be happy and content in life, love and career!

Q: What is your best attribute?

A: You can count on me!

Q: What is your worst attribute?

A: I talk alot (says my wife).

Q: What motto(s) do you live by?

Live and let live.
Never say never.
Do onto others as they’d do onto you.
Live to ride, ride to live.
Never sword fight with Zorro.
Never spit into the wind.

Q: How do you wish be remembered when every thing is said and done?

A: He never told a lie!

Much has been said about how true-to-life reality television series really are, however one thing this interview unfolded as the truth: John Kunkle is genuine, a giving soul, and an all-around nice guy. He’s the real deal!

Container Wars airs on TruTv. Check your local listing for showtimes.

Let us know your thoughtful opinions about this interview in the comment box below.

Storage Wars: New York: Joe P a Playboy Bunny?

August 6, 2013

Chuck G.

Storage Wars New York

Add comment

Storage Wars: New York: Season 2, Episode 10: “The Forgotten Borough.”

Either you have class or you don’t. Joe P rented a helicopter and flew to Staten Island. Now that’s class-y! Fashionistas Candy and Courtney’s mind set to buy seasonal items. Italian Stallion Mike felt right at home for auction held in an American Italian neighborhood. Then there was Big Steve.

Moving on…

1^st Room
Mattresses, painter’s equipment, dresser, motorcycle helmets, tools, case of water bottles (no clue why someone would store that), lamp, rubber tubs, and boxes. Mike did not bring his box truck. Buy what fits in his pickup.

Mike: Today I’m like a heart surgeon. I’m gonna transplant some cash into my pocket.

Not this room, Mikey. Big Steve at $675. Room crammed with tools. Big Steve’s one treasure was a vintage football helmet made by Spalding for college play. Dated post 1920s because of the molding around the ear. Helmet in immaculate condition. Valued at $1,000.

2^nd Room
First impression – trash. Dirty rubber tubs, crushed boxes, cheap furniture, Christmas decorations, and junk. C&C wanted the room, but not over $100 for that piece of (bleep!). Italian Stallion and the Giant battled for this room (have no idea why?).

Courtney: Let Beeves and Butt-Head fight this one out.

Mike won at $300. How will he break even on this horrid room? He did find gold jewelry in a box and an industrial machine.

Paragon Spin Magic 5 candy cotton machine. Brand new or like new condition. Valued at $650. Phew, that put Mike into a sugary profit!

3^rd Room
Clothes, CD racks, sub-woofers, wall art, golf clubs, and stereo equipment. Every cast member bid on this locker. Big Steve had to BUMP the bid to $1k.

That took out Mike, Candy and Courtney. No way was Joe P about to let anyone get the best of him. He won at $1,700. I don’t see it, other than to prove the point – “Who’s top dog.”

Joe P sifted through that small room. Found an amplifier, several bags of CDs, vinyl records, miscellaneous electronics, cables, waterproof boots, and six ears.

Not real ears, but Necomimi Neurosky, which are brainwave controlled cat ear. Huh? That’s what I said. The ‘mic’ placed on forehead which then activates specific motion to the ears. Huh? Again, that’s what I said.

Appraiser had Joe P try them on. He looked so cute. She asked him if he wanted the ears to perk. She then asked Joe P to look at her boobs. Huh?

Joe P: I’m a good boy.

You so are not, Joe P. Why are your Necomimi ears moving so fast? Too funny! Whole set valued at $300.

Profit Scorecard:

Big Steve: $1,300
Mike Braiotta: $487
Candy Olsen & Courtney Wagner: $0
Joe P: loss -$565

What did you think of Joe P’s Necomimi ears? Would you wear them?

Please leave your thoughts and opinions of this episode in the comment box below.

Container Wars: Bull Riding

August 5, 2013

Chuck G.

Container Wars

Add comment

Container Wars: Season 1, Episode 9: “Big Guns.”

Buzz about the shipyard was that there’s a container full of artwork that could be worth a fortune. Matt hungry for the kill. His strategy was to bid up all the containers to empty out the pockets of his competitors. Good plan.

1^st Container: Port of Origin – Santa Rita, Guam
Double barrel artillery guns, clues of paint ball equipment, and possible army surplus gear. Shlomi revealed that he was in a parachute unit and believed the “big guns” were an anti-aircraft weapon.

Here’s the thing, if it’s an operational anti-aircraft weapon, it’s illegal to own. Matt’s concerned about possible red tape that might be involved.

The Israelis?

Shlomi: If it’s legal, we make a lot of money. If not, they take it away. We’re screwed, but we’re going to go for it.

Trio won and called Stan, an expert on weaponry and knowledgeable on what’s legal to own. The big guns were Anti-Aircraft Twin Japanese Guns. If the guns were real and operational, valued at $35k with a 20 year prison sentence.

HOLY (BLEEP!)

Stan took a good look.

Not real.
Not operational.
Not as much value either.

Israelis also had a M-151 or “Mutt” – Military Utility Tactical Truck. The M-60 automatic weapon on the vehicle was nonoperational. Phew, they could legally resell the items. The trio also had a blast playing with their paint ball gear.

Cost: $23,500
Profit: $11,500

2^nd Container: Port of Origin – Victorville, California
Carnival stuff and a car underneath a tarp. Deana noticed the size of the tires, called it an “Old Folk’s Car.” Possible Model-T which would be worth a ton of money. Matt could not wrap his head around why an antique car would be in a mix with carnival crap, but that didn’t stop him from punching up the bid to make Deana overpay for the container.

What did Deana find? Um, carnival stuff, doh! Rings and bottle game. Toss bean-bag game. Yep, CAR-NI-VAL crap. But what about the CAR? It’s a Model-T. Yes! Upon closer inspection… oh, no! It’s a replica Model-T converted into an ice cream car! Bahahaha!

Deana: I really got fooled on this one.

Cost: $25,000
LOSS: $-18,000

3^rd Container: Port of Origin – Los Angeles, California
Merchandise covered in shrink wrap. Law books, office chair, furniture, judge’s bench, uh… this container came from Hollywood. Okay, now put the puzzle together. Got it? Yep, it’s a mock courtroom set.

Who would be dumb enough to buy this? Jason. He thought camera equipment would be shipped along with the courtroom set. Uh, Jason, film equipment is rented. What did he find? Bench, wardrobe, jury stand with twelve chairs, etc.

Jason: No camera. No lights. No action.

Cost: $20,000
Profit: $0

4^th Container: Port of Origin – Butte, Montana
Boxes. In the far back Mo spotted the horns of a bull, and no, I’m not BSing you. Matt thought this was the fine art container because hay is often used to transport art. However, Mo & Ty raised the bid beyond what Matt would risk.

Mo & Ty found cheap rodeo gear in first few boxes. Not a good sign. First crate however turned things around. New saddle-style bar stools. Probably décor for a western night club. Did they find a bull? Yes they did. A black mechanical bull that would buck them into the black.

Ty: This is it. This is our meal ticket.

Cost: $20,000
Profit: $5,000

That’s no bull (bleep) about it!

Please leave your insightful thoughts in the comment box below.