Osama bin Laden is dead.
Now that that’s out of the way lets get back to reality TV.
Lord of the Fleas is a new reality show on the Discovery channel. They were filming an episode in Williamsburg on Sunday and I met the host while on line for the port-a-potty. He was checking his hair in the reflection of a silver paneled truck parked nearby when I told him not to worry, he looked good. This was before I had any idea who he was, so I assumed he was just a vain dude, not a tv show character. He explained to me that he was filming this new show and proceeded to tell me all about it. The premise is find it, fix it, sell it. Basically they find stuff that people are discarding, make it cooler, and then sell it. Each episode will take place at another flea market throughout the United States of America. Each episode will also give away any remaining Flea market secrets, making our job that more difficult.
The timing is funny now that NYC is giving fines starting at $100.00 for any person seen removing refuse from another person’s trash cans or garbage area, including the curb. The fine grows larger if you are then witnessed, putting said garbage, into a vehicle.
I asked the host why everything I like is ruined by lousy fucking reality TV. I think I said it a little nastier to be honest. I couldn’t tell if this pissed him off or not. He seemed unmoved, but I don’t foresee any Brooklyn Cream cameos in the near future.
Back to OBL. If George Bush were still president he would not have “buried” Osama bin Laden at sea. He would strike a deal with Pakistan, and detain, indefinitely, anyone who came within 5 miles of Osama’s grave.
Thankfully, Dubya couldn’t get the job done or we would be in even more trouble.
Enough politics. Below are some wonderful photographs to take your mind off of anything serious. Sit back, relax, and enjoy…….
Not a cloud in the sky over Williamsburg for most of Sunday, but we did see this Whirlybird.
Rusty boxers and drawers found in a vintage hamper. Property of our cool neighbors from Interior Bliss Design.
The naughtier shots of this lamp screwing those flowers were mysteriously deleted.
Nutmeg belongs to Interior Bliss Design. Super photogenic and very calm. I started calling her Slutmeg, but Diana was scared I was offending her owners. A crowd of a good twenty five people were standing around admiring Nutmeg during this five minute pose.
See what I mean. Now Diana thinks we should bring our crazy dog to the Flea. Trying to convince her it's a very bad idea.
I want half, Eddiiee!
Big old stack of maps and legends.
Big, Huge, Enormous glass bottle of Spike Lee's Absolut Brooklyn in our booth. Purchased by a lovely couple heading home to either New Zealand or Australia.
Old double-sided LIQUOR sign. This one went to an engaged couple who thought it would be cool to have it hanging over the bar at their July wedding. Agreed. Alternative caption. Liquor in the front, Poker in the rear.
7-UP's original name was EVEN-UP. I bet you didn't know that.
Alex is camera shy, but when it comes to flower design and antiques her work is bold and beautiful. Alexandra Abuzza Home and Garden. Check her out.
I think he is a vendor, but not positive. Regardless it's a cool photo.
Look at the way the guitarist on the right is looking so lovingly at the Lamb. Discuss the Star of David necklace on the Lamb. Or choose your own wonderful storyline to follow. There are so many to choose from. Also we still offer candy in our booth every week. Free candy!
Anyone else feel like Humbert Humbert?
"Now youse can't leave". Anyone else watch "A Bronx Tale" recently? Just me?
Another post will be up real soon. Our computer’s wifi connection is being shy right now.
Have a wonderful day,
Jon and Diana
Brooklyn Cream For Life
First, I am in love with Nutmeg. If for some reasons her family decides they are too busy for a dog or something like that, she has a place. Second, one of the best things about NYC is being able to furnish your apartment with the stuff that other people send to the dump. That fine is bogus! And Diana, you’re totally hot in those glasses
Nutmeg is completely and utterly in love with her parents. That breed is 100% loyal to it’s owner, but will come say hello if you have a shady space or some food. Not much tail wagging going on. I think the initial impetus for these new tickets is to stop the spread of bedbugs and other vectors. But NYC is so broke they are stooping to the lowest levels of recorded depravity in decades. Including issuing tickets to speeding bicyclists! Lastly Diana could wear a garbage bag and still look hot, but those glasses do agree with her for sure. Thanks for continuing to read our blog and for commenting. It means a great deal to have fans! Ciao for now, Jon.
I too was working at the BKLYN Flea on Sunday. I was in close proximity of the TV filming booths. Although I did not deal with them directly, one of the other vendors mentioned that the show’s people beat them up on the prices, made fun of their stuff and then didn’t buy anything. I did not notice the filming booths actually selling any of their merch all day long. At the end of the day, the same guy that rode one of their “for sale” bikes in in the morning, rode it out at the end of the day. Not sure if he was supposed to be the on camera buyer?
In any event I agree, the whole thing was obnoxious. How a guy that basically goes around the market acting like the worst stereotype of a buyer ever, and as a seller sells nothing can “teach” anyone about “secrets” of making money at the Flea is beyond me.
I had a great day on Sunday ! I sold half my booth and also bargained with another vendor for a couple of items at the end of the day. I know the “secret”. It’s engaging customers, liking what you sell, and being respectful to the buyer or the seller when bargaining. That’s my 2 cents……
Hi Judy,
We had a relatively lousy day on Sunday, but good for you!!
I was once on a reality dating show filmed for The Learning Channel where I learned first hand how unreal reality can be. I would not be at all surprised if the bike “buyer” was actually an intern.
It is a drag when you work so hard, load in hours earlier than normal to avoid the 5-boro bike tour, and then get roasted by Guy Smiley and his film crew.
While I was not a victim of their antics I feel for those who were.
At the end of the day I am sure they are all nice people, that worked very hard to get themselves a show and make a buck. Perhaps I should be more respectful myself. I am just annoyed that every topic or interest I had that was slightly underground(Tattoo’s, Alaskan Fishing, Flea Markets), has been commercialized, bastardized, and dramatized. You want drama?! Come pick up a U-Haul with me at 6AM!
But the cream of the crop always rise to the top, and we will still be hustling long after this reality show isn’t even a distant memory.
Thanks for your comment.
See ya at the Flea.
Jon
No way! I posted a pic of an at-the-time-anonymous dog on my blog a couple weeks ago. Pretty sure it’s Nutmeg/Slutmeg: http://www.frenchponytail.com/2011/04/brooklyn-flea/
Nutmeg is blowing up. She actually has her own FB page. Learn more about her and her parents at Interior Bliss Design. We had the good luck to be their Flea Neighbors last weekend in Williamsburg. Thanks for stopping by Caroline. You have good taste and great style. Love the table you bought. Take care, Jon.
http://www.interiorblissdesign.com/pages_main/about_team.html
Not sure how to highlight links in the comment section. Oh well. Copy and paste!
Nevermind it worked…
Humbert Humbert! Love it!
Hi Kevin,
I have been reading your blog as well. Fascinating. Yeah I am glad someone appreciated the Nabokov/Kubrick reference enough to take the time and comment! Talk soon.
Jon