Pawn Stars
December 17th, 2009 at 8:36:05 AM
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Could any of you Vegas locals tell me where the shop on the TV show "Pawn Stars" is located in relation to the strip/Freemont Street?
I enjoy the show but it is driving me crazy as to where the joint is located. Also when I visit Vegas again I hope to finance my trip by selling Chumlee a vintage deed I found to this bridge in NY.
I enjoy the show but it is driving me crazy as to where the joint is located. Also when I visit Vegas again I hope to finance my trip by selling Chumlee a vintage deed I found to this bridge in NY.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
December 17th, 2009 at 2:04:53 PM
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My sources tell me its the "World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop" located at
713 S. Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89101
As for how to get there from anywhere - no idea, but a quick multimap search could probably solve that.
713 S. Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89101
As for how to get there from anywhere - no idea, but a quick multimap search could probably solve that.
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December 17th, 2009 at 4:20:35 PM
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I'm a local who just started watching the show. From the scenery (and the address provided by the previous poster), it looks like it is half-way between Stratosphere and downtown. That makes it no more than a few minutes drive from Fremont Street.
December 17th, 2009 at 4:28:08 PM
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Okay, I took a look at the map, and it is between Stratosphere and Fremont on the boulevard, but it is much closer to Fremont than to Stratosphere. Walking distance from Fremont, but it's not the best part of town.
December 18th, 2009 at 8:06:07 AM
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Quote: kristim55Okay, I took a look at the map, and it is between Stratosphere and Fremont on the boulevard, but it is much closer to Fremont than to Stratosphere. Walking distance from Fremont, but it's not the best part of town.
OK, that's kind of what I was guessing. Only been to Vegas a few times but I figured.
It's a pretty cool show. Pushes the limit of "History Channel" though.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
December 18th, 2009 at 1:15:02 PM
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Quote: kristim55Okay, I took a look at the map, and it is between Stratosphere and Fremont on the boulevard, but it is much closer to Fremont than to Stratosphere. Walking distance from Fremont, but it's not the best part of town.
I've made the walk from the strip to freemont before, and you really do get a breathtaking view of the city's homeless.
So I says to him, I said "Get your own monkey!"
December 18th, 2009 at 8:43:00 PM
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Not a local but we checked it out 2 weeks ago on our trip.
If you are driving north on LV Blvd towards Downtown, it is on the right hand side shortly after you pass Charleston. It's small, and VERY crowded thanks to its new found fame. I haven't seen the show but my buddy has and really wanted to visit, so we went. We did see the owner and the "old man" when we visited, though!
If you are driving north on LV Blvd towards Downtown, it is on the right hand side shortly after you pass Charleston. It's small, and VERY crowded thanks to its new found fame. I haven't seen the show but my buddy has and really wanted to visit, so we went. We did see the owner and the "old man" when we visited, though!
December 19th, 2009 at 12:56:30 AM
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just a note, be sure to park in the pawn shops parking which is the driveway just before the store. i've been there a couple times and because i wasn't sure where the store was the first time, i passed it so i parked in the parking lot right after it, not knowing which parking lot belonged to the store. you can get a ticket if you park there. luckily we were leaving just as we saw another car getting a ticket.
but its cool to see some of the unique items in the store like the super bowl ring.
but its cool to see some of the unique items in the store like the super bowl ring.
December 19th, 2009 at 11:45:05 PM
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Quote: AZDuffmanYes, it certainly does that. Yet I think its worth it for the entertainment value in "meeting" all the weird characters. Even that expert on boats who really played a very peripheral role was fun. If you listen to his "I hocked my chain" comment it appears he was a biker who was flat broke at one point in time. If it makes the history channel some money, great!Quote: kristim55Pushes the limit of "History Channel" though.
December 21st, 2009 at 8:26:38 AM
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Quote: FleaStiffQuote: AZDuffmanYes, it certainly does that. Yet I think its worth it for the entertainment value in "meeting" all the weird characters. Even that expert on boats who really played a very peripheral role was fun. If you listen to his "I hocked my chain" comment it appears he was a biker who was flat broke at one point in time. If it makes the history channel some money, great!Quote: kristim55Pushes the limit of "History Channel" though.
Well, the HC seems to claim the "History" part comes from the fact that they tell the hsitory of the items that come in. If you notice, they do seem to look mostly at items of a "historical" nature than just someones gold jewelry. Otherwise lets face it, the show format is kind of "American Chopper in a pawn shop" and firs better on A&E or whatever.
Though I still love the show. Shows like this are why I literally watch ZERO scripted network shows since "24" and "House" both jumped the shark last season.
Does anyone else think the baloon buy by Big Hoss and Chumlee was staged?All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
December 21st, 2009 at 1:39:59 PM
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Quote: AZDuffman
Does anyone else think the baloon buy by Big Hoss and Chumlee was staged?
Not until you suggested it was!! I'm bettin' you're right. It was a pretty stupid buy that made for some fun TV. Doubtful it "just happened."
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:41:18 AM
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Quote: kristim55Quote: AZDuffman
Does anyone else think the baloon buy by Big Hoss and Chumlee was staged?
Not until you suggested it was!! I'm bettin' you're right. It was a pretty stupid buy that made for some fun TV. Doubtful it "just happened."
Now that you say it I am even more sure. In a busienss like that you don't just draw a check for $38,000 or walk out with 380 $100 bills without the bank or the old man noticing.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
March 8th, 2010 at 10:25:34 AM
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Is it my imagination or has product placement begun to rear its ugly head in this show?
Last week Big Hoss and Chumlee were eating lunch and BH "explaining" how an auction works. The set-up shot showed them at Subway and Chumlee said, "Hey, that's my $5 Footlong!"
Sad.
I did notice the latest episode must have been filmed in Dec/Jan as they were all wearing long sleeves and windbreakers.
Last week Big Hoss and Chumlee were eating lunch and BH "explaining" how an auction works. The set-up shot showed them at Subway and Chumlee said, "Hey, that's my $5 Footlong!"
Sad.
I did notice the latest episode must have been filmed in Dec/Jan as they were all wearing long sleeves and windbreakers.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
March 8th, 2010 at 11:10:16 AM
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Quote: kristim55
Does anyone else think the baloon buy by Big Hoss and Chumlee was staged?
I do. I also think the helicopter was staged. However, I still like the show. One of these days I'm going to drop by to check out the store for myself.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 8th, 2010 at 11:15:30 AM
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They have started showing the show over here now, albeit older episodes. I love the show and the characters, and am probably gonna check out the store when I get to Vegas, maybe even purchase something if I find something that catches my eye.
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March 8th, 2010 at 11:15:37 AM
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I love the show, but I think a lot of it is staged.
I've read a bunch of reviews from "regular" pawn shop owners who say they almost never see any big time ticket itmes come in like the ones on the show.... let alone 5 in every episode.
I've gotten the feeling at first that the producers "gave" items to random people to bring into the shop. Obviously not some of the rarer items, but a lot of the smaller ones, especially the ones that end up being deemed fake.
I've read a bunch of reviews from "regular" pawn shop owners who say they almost never see any big time ticket itmes come in like the ones on the show.... let alone 5 in every episode.
I've gotten the feeling at first that the producers "gave" items to random people to bring into the shop. Obviously not some of the rarer items, but a lot of the smaller ones, especially the ones that end up being deemed fake.
March 8th, 2010 at 11:17:22 AM
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Quote: WizardQuote: kristim55
Does anyone else think the baloon buy by Big Hoss and Chumlee was staged?
I do. I also think the helicopter was staged. However, I still like the show. One of these days I'm going to drop by to check out the store for myself.
The store is actually very small (and now that its "famous" its crowded too).
I noticed the Subway thing too. I also remember an episode where they were in the parking lot looking at something and another vehicle's back window had an ad for the balloon they 'bought' a while back....
Still, I enjoy the show for its entertainment value, and the historical aspects of some of the items can be interesting.
March 8th, 2010 at 11:33:59 AM
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I have no doubt that many of the encounters are "set up". It's not quite as bad as the "Cake Boss" show, where in EVERY episode, there is a conflict/strange event and resolution, just like a sit-com. On Pawn Stars, I doubt they give people things to sell back...what I imagine is they go to yard sales, flea markets, etc, and find things that are rare that people are selling and ask them if they'd like to be a part of the show. But as the show is successful, the store breeds its own popularity, and that becomes less necessary (like Antiques Roadshow).
March 8th, 2010 at 11:35:49 AM
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I love that show, but every episode, I have to ask myself why they keep Chumlee (and is that his real name).
I mean, can he REALLY be that stupid?
In one episode, one of the other guys make a deal on a ball and chain. Then he tells Chumlee to put it in the front. Chum picks it up, walks to the front of the store, then places/drops it onto a diplay case, where it smashes thru the glass top.
OK, maybe Chum IS too stupid to have realized that he shouldn't do that. But, whoever it was that told Chum to put it in the front, as well as the camerman, knew exactly what was gonna happen.
There was a 'reaction' saying that the ball & chain now cost an extra $x because of the glass. He 'seemed' pissed. But I gotta think that reacion speech was staged.
I mean, can he REALLY be that stupid?
In one episode, one of the other guys make a deal on a ball and chain. Then he tells Chumlee to put it in the front. Chum picks it up, walks to the front of the store, then places/drops it onto a diplay case, where it smashes thru the glass top.
OK, maybe Chum IS too stupid to have realized that he shouldn't do that. But, whoever it was that told Chum to put it in the front, as well as the camerman, knew exactly what was gonna happen.
There was a 'reaction' saying that the ball & chain now cost an extra $x because of the glass. He 'seemed' pissed. But I gotta think that reacion speech was staged.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
March 8th, 2010 at 11:47:37 AM
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Quote: DetroitCobraI love the show, but I think a lot of it is staged.
I've read a bunch of reviews from "regular" pawn shop owners who say they almost never see any big time ticket itmes come in like the ones on the show.... let alone 5 in every episode.
I've gotten the feeling at first that the producers "gave" items to random people to bring into the shop. Obviously not some of the rarer items, but a lot of the smaller ones, especially the ones that end up being deemed fake.
I read the same comments by real pawn shop owners. They say the shop gets 300 items a day so if even 1% is a weird, big-ticket item you could put a show together based on a week's worth of B-roll.
Also, lets remember this is a shop on Las Vegas Blvd. If anyplace in the USA is a magnet for the unusual, good or bad, that is it.
Still, I like the show a lot. And I think that more people should watch if for nothing else that to hear Rick say, "I'm not a retail buyer--I need to make profit." If more people realized that is why businesses are here the USA would be better off.
I think THC needs to do a commercial having the "American Pickers" guys walk in with something and argue with Rick over the price. Now that would be a good promo.
BTW: Chumlee is not his real name. I think they said it is Aurthur?
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
March 8th, 2010 at 11:52:12 AM
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Now, even more so.Quote: AZDuffmanAlso, lets remember this is a shop on Las Vegas Blvd. If anyplace in the USA is a magnet for the unusual, good or bad, that is it.
I've never pawned or sold anything in a pawn shop.
However, this summer, I'm gonna pick thru some of the stuff in my basement with the intention of finding something to bring THERE when I visit Vegas in September.
Since Vegas is such a vacation destination, I'm sure lots of people are doing just that, making it easier to find items and footage that makes good TV.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
March 8th, 2010 at 11:56:08 AM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearNow, even more so.Quote: AZDuffmanAlso, lets remember this is a shop on Las Vegas Blvd. If anyplace in the USA is a magnet for the unusual, good or bad, that is it.
I've never pawned or sold anything in a pawn shop.
However, this summer, I'm gonna pick thru some of the stuff in my basement with the intention of finding something to bring THERE when I visit Vegas in September.
Since Vegas is such a vacation destination, I'm sure lots of people are doing just that, making it easier to find items and footage that makes good TV.
Youtube Pawn Stars first, they have a few vidoes there with helpful hints. You don't want Chumlee to get the best of you on TV.
Oh, and if you see Peaches there, give her my number :-)
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
March 25th, 2010 at 3:54:42 PM
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I went to the "Pawn Stars" pawn shop today. I wasn't planning to, but I was sent to Development Services office to get a signature for a business permit, and lo and behold, it was right across the street from the Pawn Stars shop.
The store is located at the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd and Gass, roughly half way between the Stratosphere and downtown, on the northbound side of the street. There were a lot of fans milling around outside the building taking pictures. Outside the door were ropes for standing in line to get in, but fortunately there was no line at about 2:30 on a Thursday afternoon, so I walked right in.
Immediately you notice the place seems smaller than it does on TV. This is a small pawn shop, the kind the deal mostly in watches and jewelry. There was not a lot of musical instruments and electronic equipment, things often seen in larger pawn shops. The place was filled with fans milling around. From the show you might expect to see Rick, the "old man", his son (I forgot the name), and Chumlee going about their business. The only one of them I saw was Chumlee, in the back of the store posing for pictures and signing autographs. I didn't plan to go there, so I unfortunately didn't have my camera with me. He seemed very friendly and happy to be a sudden celebrity.
It isn't that the rest of the store is unmanned, there were several young guys in black shirts assisting customers. There was also a big Hawaiian looking guy at the front door, probably for crowd control. Two things from the show I saw in the showcases were Superbowl ring, priced at $100,000, and the South Pole maker, priced at $5,000. There were some Atmos' rel='nofollow' target='_blank'>http://www.atmosclocks.com/]Atmos clocks on the wall. I've always wanted one, and inquired about the price. They ranged from $1,900 to $2,500. I'm tempted. The black shirt guy who helped me said he could help me on the price if I come back.
The show itself must have either been done before the store became a tourist magnet, or they clear out the gawkers on taping days. If you're a fan of the show, and are in the vicinity anyway, by all means, check it out. You'll probably get a picture with Chumlee, and they sell t-shirts too. It wouldn't surprise me if there is a line to get in on weekends.
The store is located at the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd and Gass, roughly half way between the Stratosphere and downtown, on the northbound side of the street. There were a lot of fans milling around outside the building taking pictures. Outside the door were ropes for standing in line to get in, but fortunately there was no line at about 2:30 on a Thursday afternoon, so I walked right in.
Immediately you notice the place seems smaller than it does on TV. This is a small pawn shop, the kind the deal mostly in watches and jewelry. There was not a lot of musical instruments and electronic equipment, things often seen in larger pawn shops. The place was filled with fans milling around. From the show you might expect to see Rick, the "old man", his son (I forgot the name), and Chumlee going about their business. The only one of them I saw was Chumlee, in the back of the store posing for pictures and signing autographs. I didn't plan to go there, so I unfortunately didn't have my camera with me. He seemed very friendly and happy to be a sudden celebrity.
It isn't that the rest of the store is unmanned, there were several young guys in black shirts assisting customers. There was also a big Hawaiian looking guy at the front door, probably for crowd control. Two things from the show I saw in the showcases were Superbowl ring, priced at $100,000, and the South Pole maker, priced at $5,000. There were some Atmos' rel='nofollow' target='_blank'>http://www.atmosclocks.com/]Atmos clocks on the wall. I've always wanted one, and inquired about the price. They ranged from $1,900 to $2,500. I'm tempted. The black shirt guy who helped me said he could help me on the price if I come back.
The show itself must have either been done before the store became a tourist magnet, or they clear out the gawkers on taping days. If you're a fan of the show, and are in the vicinity anyway, by all means, check it out. You'll probably get a picture with Chumlee, and they sell t-shirts too. It wouldn't surprise me if there is a line to get in on weekends.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 25th, 2010 at 4:51:02 PM
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Damn it, gonna have to go now. Im a sucker for a souvenir T-Shirt.
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March 25th, 2010 at 7:22:32 PM
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went there last year right after the series started if for nothing else to see the super bowl ring and the world championship boxing title belt. cool stuff. ms nap bought a ring then. took my friends back in august. he returned in december to find them closed for tv taping, but they were selling shirts in the parking lot.
i wouldn't sell anything to them if you want to get a good price. maybe you could get a good deal if you buy something, but know how to value what you are buying. i've seen i few things which i think is a good deal imho.
i think too many people sell their items too cheap as the shop has to make their margin. the guy who sold the shelby cobra body was nuts! it was an original shelby cobra! i wouldn't let that out of my hands at any price!
:)
i wouldn't sell anything to them if you want to get a good price. maybe you could get a good deal if you buy something, but know how to value what you are buying. i've seen i few things which i think is a good deal imho.
i think too many people sell their items too cheap as the shop has to make their margin. the guy who sold the shelby cobra body was nuts! it was an original shelby cobra! i wouldn't let that out of my hands at any price!
:)
April 6th, 2010 at 10:19:26 AM
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Saw last night's episode, Rick really screwed up on that Austin-Healey. Anyone knows those things are mechanical nightmares. Ever hear the joke why don't the British make PCs? Because they can't get them to leak oil.
But my thought is are they nuts showing all that cash all the time? Stacks of big bills. Doesn't this tempt a crew of 4-5 guys (Ocean's 5?) to rob the store? Say 1 leader, 2 for crowd control and 2 to fill bags with cash and jewels? In and out in 90 seconds then dissapear into the city streets?
I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
Has anyone else thought this is giving the bad the idea to wait for Antwon's day off and try it?
But my thought is are they nuts showing all that cash all the time? Stacks of big bills. Doesn't this tempt a crew of 4-5 guys (Ocean's 5?) to rob the store? Say 1 leader, 2 for crowd control and 2 to fill bags with cash and jewels? In and out in 90 seconds then dissapear into the city streets?
I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
Has anyone else thought this is giving the bad the idea to wait for Antwon's day off and try it?
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
April 6th, 2010 at 10:53:07 AM
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You really think they have all that cash, just laying around in a Tupperware container, unguarded?
Sure, they DO have that kind of cash on hand, but it's locked up. They just brougth it out for the cameras.
There's a LOT of stuff that's staged for that show.
And on Antwon's day off, big bad Bubba takes over (or some other intimidating sounding character...)
Sure, they DO have that kind of cash on hand, but it's locked up. They just brougth it out for the cameras.
There's a LOT of stuff that's staged for that show.
And on Antwon's day off, big bad Bubba takes over (or some other intimidating sounding character...)
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
April 6th, 2010 at 11:43:23 AM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearYou really think they have all that cash, just laying around in a Tupperware container, unguarded?
Sure, they DO have that kind of cash on hand, but it's locked up. They just brougth it out for the cameras.
There's a LOT of stuff that's staged for that show.
And on Antwon's day off, big bad Bubba takes over (or some other intimidating sounding character...)
A good point, but I still think they are crazy to show it off for the simple reason plenty of folks who would do harm don't realize it is staged.
On another point, is it just me or do people seem to be a little more reasonable in what they are asking for things knowing the "auction price" isn't the "pawn shop buy" price?
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
April 6th, 2010 at 12:22:35 PM
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I thought it was the opposite. People seem to *think* they are being reasonable by asking for a price that's less than the asking price. So what if it's only about 10% less. They think they can expect to get nearly the full appraised value!Quote: AZDuffmanOn another point, is it just me or do people seem to be a little more reasonable in what they are asking for things knowing the "auction price" isn't the "pawn shop buy" price?
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
April 6th, 2010 at 12:49:31 PM
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Pawn shops around here are awful- they dont want to pay you more then 25% of the items value- and then they try to sell it at 5 times what they paid you!
Also- Ive never seen a pawn shop in RL that took in items on historical or collectable accounts- its always been just for the item its self- 'collectables' always being shunned away from real quick. Is the pawn stars show one of the few pawn stores that consider collectability or take historical notes into account? - maybe its just so they have a show- or perhaps, cause its Vegas- where alot of memorabilia comes through.
Also- Ive never seen a pawn shop in RL that took in items on historical or collectable accounts- its always been just for the item its self- 'collectables' always being shunned away from real quick. Is the pawn stars show one of the few pawn stores that consider collectability or take historical notes into account? - maybe its just so they have a show- or perhaps, cause its Vegas- where alot of memorabilia comes through.
"Although men flatter themselves with their great actions, they are not so often the result of a great design as of chance." - Francois De La Rochefoucauld
April 6th, 2010 at 1:37:38 PM
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Or maybe some pawn shows do, and some don't.
And maybe, that shop was selected for this HISTORY channel program, because it does?
And maybe, that shop was selected for this HISTORY channel program, because it does?
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
April 6th, 2010 at 2:22:23 PM
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You mean theres still history related material on the history channel?!?!?!?!?! NOOO WAYYY!!
That gets me started on a rant though that is compleatly off topic, lol- sometimes I watch the discovery channel and history channel and also animal plannet and often I think "I think they got their shows and channels mixed up.
pawn stars is actually on the right channel IMO history channel- but sometimes I wonder if like ax men should be on discovery channel- and lots of others- but as I said I wont go there. :)
I did aks if it was an exception or not. :P
That gets me started on a rant though that is compleatly off topic, lol- sometimes I watch the discovery channel and history channel and also animal plannet and often I think "I think they got their shows and channels mixed up.
pawn stars is actually on the right channel IMO history channel- but sometimes I wonder if like ax men should be on discovery channel- and lots of others- but as I said I wont go there. :)
I did aks if it was an exception or not. :P
"Although men flatter themselves with their great actions, they are not so often the result of a great design as of chance." - Francois De La Rochefoucauld
April 6th, 2010 at 2:37:42 PM
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Quote: MalaruPawn shops around here are awful- they dont want to pay you more then 25% of the items value- and then they try to sell it at 5 times what they paid you!
Also- Ive never seen a pawn shop in RL that took in items on historical or collectable accounts- its always been just for the item its self- 'collectables' always being shunned away from real quick. Is the pawn stars show one of the few pawn stores that consider collectability or take historical notes into account? - maybe its just so they have a show- or perhaps, cause its Vegas- where alot of memorabilia comes through.
If you check youtube they have a local-news piece saying how out of the ordinary that place is. The show said the average pawn is about $25 with most of the items being power tools and other everyday items. I've only been in 1 or 2 pawn shops and the reason I was never in more was they were very dumpy. If you want to buy a musical insturment or jewelry one could be your place. One I was in had a bunch of cheapo DVDs; some power tools; guns; electronics that saw better days; plus some musical insturments; and jewelry.
Makes sense when you think about it, low income people go into pawn shops. Low income people mostly don't have neat, rare stuff. This one is in Vegas and even before the show seems to have carved a unique market for those weird things. But I bet 90%+ of their busienss is still <$50 pawns.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
April 6th, 2010 at 2:42:15 PM
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Quote: MalaruYou mean theres still history related material on the history channel?!?!?!?!?! NOOO WAYYY!!
That gets me started on a rant though that is compleatly off topic, lol- sometimes I watch the discovery channel and history channel and also animal plannet and often I think "I think they got their shows and channels mixed up.
pawn stars is actually on the right channel IMO history channel- but sometimes I wonder if like ax men should be on discovery channel- and lots of others- but as I said I wont go there. :)
:P
They are mixed up, but the best stuff on TV. I don't watch 2 hours of the networks a week anymore. One thing about these "workplace reality" shows I wonder is if the subjects wonder why anyone would watch them? I used to be in pest control and there was a pest control show on one of those channels. I watched half an episode out of curiosity but later thought, "I hated this job for years, why would I watch it on TV?"
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
April 6th, 2010 at 2:43:51 PM
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I blame OJ Simpson. He alerted the television executives of the world that millions of people would watch a car driving down a freeway if there was some emotion. Then we got the fat naked guy in Survivor, who proved to everyone that sneakiness was more important than intelligence or class. Now the history channel is all dreck, and Bravo is all gay stuff, and all the networks are people eating bugs, fat people losing weight, and every other kind of train wreck.
IN the late 1980's we had Max Headroom and his vision of post apocalyptic television viewing and Network 23. People sitting around and watching stupid scripted television shows with nothing but explosions and mayhem. Who would have imagined that within a decade the "scripted" would be an unnecessary option.
IN the late 1980's we had Max Headroom and his vision of post apocalyptic television viewing and Network 23. People sitting around and watching stupid scripted television shows with nothing but explosions and mayhem. Who would have imagined that within a decade the "scripted" would be an unnecessary option.
August 21st, 2010 at 5:10:33 PM
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The success of this show has spawned a competitor on TruTv. I DVRed the first two episodes and have to tell this board to save their time.
It is set in Detroit for a gritty atmosphere. The shop is family owned, like the Harris' on Las Vegas Blvd. This new show seems to concentrate less on the exotic. But it is on TruTv and not The History Channel. If you have seen their Repo show you know TruTv is incapable of doing a show without at least 3-4 scenes in the show where there are 10 or more bleeps with people yelling at each other. The Repo show (sorry I forget the name) I think is 100% re-enacted and if this was the same I would not be any suprise.
Save your time, IMHO.
It is set in Detroit for a gritty atmosphere. The shop is family owned, like the Harris' on Las Vegas Blvd. This new show seems to concentrate less on the exotic. But it is on TruTv and not The History Channel. If you have seen their Repo show you know TruTv is incapable of doing a show without at least 3-4 scenes in the show where there are 10 or more bleeps with people yelling at each other. The Repo show (sorry I forget the name) I think is 100% re-enacted and if this was the same I would not be any suprise.
Save your time, IMHO.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
August 21st, 2010 at 11:17:13 PM
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TruTv is FakeTv, everything is pure baloney. Don't bother.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
April 8th, 2011 at 2:56:23 PM
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Is anyone else noticing the turn the show seems to be taking? Last week Rick buys a fake Indian piece. This week Big Hoss buys a pinball machine and does not get the price right. Now, after two years of calling in experts on every little detail, they start guessing and guessing wrong.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
April 8th, 2011 at 3:14:08 PM
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I had heard in the news that BH was arrested in a bar brawl where he may have assaulted some one. In California. Anyone know any details?
April 8th, 2011 at 3:26:22 PM
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Quote: dmI had heard in the news that BH was arrested in a bar brawl where he may have assaulted some one. In California. Anyone know any details?
Here is a link to the story in a local paper. He got drunk and had a dispute with another guy in a bar. After the cops were called, he shoved one of them. They tossed him in the drunk tank, and after sleeping it off, they released him.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
April 8th, 2011 at 3:30:59 PM
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Quote: AZDuffmanIs anyone else noticing the turn the show seems to be taking? Last week Rick buys a fake Indian piece. This week Big Hoss buys a pinball machine and does not get the price right. Now, after two years of calling in experts on every little detail, they start guessing and guessing wrong.
This seems to be correlated with actual price involved and potential expectation. Was a lot of mistakes in earlier episodes too, they just didn't show them off so much (until you see the S02 Xmas special).
On the other hand, it would be pretty strange if the purchases are prearranged - not many people would go through such a deanonymizing process only to sell a fake.
The experts' time still isn't free, even though they don't pay them on an hourly basis, there either is some regular payment arrangement going on or they really only show up for the top pieces that go on TV.
Quote: AZDuffmanOne thing about these "workplace reality" shows I wonder is if the subjects wonder why anyone would watch them? I used to be in pest control and there was a pest control show on one of those channels. I watched half an episode out of curiosity but later thought, "I hated this job for years, why would I watch it on TV?"
I think if you were doing pest control in the Louvre, checking for ant eggs in the Mona Lisa frame and such, the show would have a lot more appeal. A show about your work would be rather more like Hardcore Pawn (which I have seen only a couple minutes of, what a waste of two minutes).
Pawn Stars is nothing like any normal pawn shop, it's like something History Channel could create just for themselves if it didn't exist. Plus, they don't show the day to day operations, only the highlights, prepared and refined for viewer convenience. A plain webcam feed would be boring as heck.
TBH when I watch this show, I don't care about the staff other than for comic relief effect, it's all about the items. Obviously it could be more efficiently done in the format of some guy making a virtual museum tour, but that would be boring as hell. The show's format engages you in guessing and makes it interesting to watch. A lot of things I thought were worth a lot turned out to be pretty cheap, and quite a bit of the reverse as well.
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April 8th, 2011 at 4:06:38 PM
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Quote: P90
I think if you were doing pest control in the Louvre, checking for ant eggs in the Mona Lisa frame and such, the show would have a lot more appeal. A show about your work would be rather more like Hardcore Pawn (which I have seen only a couple minutes of, what a waste of two minutes).
I saw the inside of Attica as well as a chocolate factory doing the pest control show, I still will not tune in. Been there, done that, movedon.org. Agree oh Hardcore Pawn. Over a year to knock-off PS and that was the best they could do? The TruTv Demo should love it, however.
Quote:Pawn Stars is nothing like any normal pawn shop, it's like something History Channel could create just for themselves if it didn't exist. Plus, they don't show the day to day operations, only the highlights, prepared and refined for viewer convenience. A plain webcam feed would be boring as heck.
TBH when I watch this show, I don't care about the staff other than for comic relief effect, it's all about the items. Obviously it could be more efficiently done in the format of some guy making a virtual museum tour, but that would be boring as hell. The show's format engages you in guessing and makes it interesting to watch. A lot of things I thought were worth a lot turned out to be pretty cheap, and quite a bit of the reverse as well.
I know it is fake, everyone knows it is fake. But being a smark means you do not care, you just enjoy it. "The Sopranos" was more exciting than mob life but you still liked to look in on them. PS is interesting because you want to look in and see what kind of crazy items people have in their attics. (The items are real even if the show is fake.) After a first season of a lot of cussing they have cleaned it up to where the family can watch it.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
April 8th, 2011 at 5:12:56 PM
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Quote: AZDuffmanI saw the inside of Attica as well as a chocolate factory doing the pest control show, I still will not tune in. Been there, done that, movedon.org. Agree oh Hardcore Pawn. Over a year to knock-off PS and that was the best they could do? The TruTv Demo should love it, however.
I particularly like how TruTv tries to pride itself on being supposedly more real than other reality TV channels and shows, though.
Quote: AZDuffmanI know it is fake, everyone knows it is fake. But being a smark means you do not care, you just enjoy it. "The Sopranos" was more exciting than mob life but you still liked to look in on them. PS is interesting because you want to look in and see what kind of crazy items people have in their attics. (The items are real even if the show is fake.) After a first season of a lot of cussing they have cleaned it up to where the family can watch it.
Depends on what you consider fake though. Hardcore Pawn has people who don't exist bring in items they don't own into a pawnshop that does exist, though (because it costs money to create a set). From what I understood from reading its boards, Pawn Stars has people who exist bring in actual items they own, for real money they agree on, etc, only the actual negotiations are redone. Given what the show is and how it doesn't advertise itself as being the truth and nothing but (like "Trutv" does), I'd say "fake" isn't quite the right word, it's more like a cleaned-up reenactment.
It's a bit like how Top Gear won an award for non-scripted entertainment, even though everyone knows the guys don't really hate each other, do plan most things in advance, and they mention right on the air they have multiple takes for power laps and other things. But it's still "non-scripted", because "scripted" would be fiction series.
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April 8th, 2011 at 7:29:46 PM
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Quote: P90Depends on what you consider fake though. Hardcore Pawn has people who don't exist bring in items they don't own into a pawnshop that does exist, though (because it costs money to create a set). From what I understood from reading its boards, Pawn Stars has people who exist bring in actual items they own, for real money they agree on, etc, only the actual negotiations are redone. Given what the show is and how it doesn't advertise itself as being the truth and nothing but (like "Trutv" does), I'd say "fake" isn't quite the right word, it's more like a cleaned-up reenactment.
It's a bit like how Top Gear won an award for non-scripted entertainment, even though everyone knows the guys don't really hate each other, do plan most things in advance, and they mention right on the air they have multiple takes for power laps and other things. But it's still "non-scripted", because "scripted" would be fiction series.
I only mean fake in that the items are brought in on pre-selected days when the shop is closed for filming. I'd say somewhere between "live" and "re-emactment." Something like Professional Wrestling was in the 1980s. Back then they didn't have time or money to script and practice everything. So the promoter would tell the wrestlers what the outcome was supposed to be; what he wanted included; and how long it should last. The rest they made up as it went along. This included the interview segments.
So, on PS the script 4-6 items to come in. They probably have the "experts" on call before the owner even shows up that day. I'd wager the expert spends an hour or more off-camera checking out the item and researching it (you don't verify Babe Ruth's signature in less than a minute) then they negotiate off camera. When a price is set they negotiate on-camera. Then the "look-ins" are filmed at the end of the day for continuity of what the staff is wearing, their shave/hair legnth, etc. Seperately they do all the gags they pull on each other.
But it is still more intelligent than most of the scripted stuff. I for one will continue to be a smark and enjoy it for now. Next trip to LV I may stop in as long as I get there before about 3:00 PM.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
April 8th, 2011 at 8:08:56 PM
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Quote: dmI had heard in the news that BH was arrested in a bar brawl where he may have assaulted some one. In California. Anyone know any details?
Old news, Google it. It was no big deal.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
April 9th, 2011 at 6:53:50 AM
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April 9th, 2011 at 8:59:42 AM
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Quote: EvenBobOld news, Google it. It was no big deal.
You are too late with the smart ass comment - someone already helped us out. If you are yourself a thug I can see that it would not be considered a big deal. Are you? I personally have never cared for his role in the show. I used to think he added nothing but now I think he is a negative. You weren't by any chance in the same cell with him when he explained how insignificant it was?
April 9th, 2011 at 9:31:03 AM
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Quote: dmI personally have never cared for his role in the show. I used to think he added nothing but now I think he is a negative.
I would have to agree with that. He is supposed to be playing the young-guy-being-groomed but over-reaches inhis actions. Sort of like Christopher on "The Sopranos" before he was made. However, he does not play the role well. He should take some advice from Chumlee, who plays his part very well. Maybe he should just work the drive-up window on the night shift.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
April 9th, 2011 at 9:33:52 AM
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