Idiot of the Day

Back story. Thor Equities bought Coney Island, New York's premier beachside amusement park dating back to 1917, and then tore down every ride except two. They tried to change the zoning so they could build a giant mall and luxury condos, but after the entire city rebelled they were turned down. Then came the financial crisis, and now they have no plans. There's a big, sad, empty space where New Yorkers used to play.

Trying to make some coin off this debacle, this summer the space will be a flea market. 500 booths rented out at $100 a day, netting the people who tore down Coney Island approximately $1.5 million a month.

What she said: "There's all this guilt with going to the mall and buying something, but not any guilt going to a festival and finding something you love," said Digna Rodriguez-Pouton, "creative director" of the flea market.

What she meant: "Sure, there aren't any rides for the kiddies, but why not buy them a hot dog and tube socks?"