Get Plucked!

Yes you heard it. No we are not talking about the latest way to do eyebrows.

I stumbled upon an interesting concept for a reality show which is currently airing. Just when I thought they had used up many of the good ones, this one came rolling in.

It is called Plucked, it is a creation of 'CMT' - for you none 'country' fans, that is Country Music Television.

So what knocked my socks on this one? Well for starters, if features Canadian 'undiscovered' talent and it rockets them into the limelight. Secondly, these new comers come from across Canada. Thirdly, it is not another, get up on stage, sing, be critiqued and then voted on to win..... though I don't know how the winner is selected.

Here's the deal. The show 'plucks' six country acts from across the country and gives them a shot at the 'deal'. What exactly the 'deal' is though, sorry I can't tell you. There is something about a music video??? (Maybe someone can fill me in?)

Now you need to keep in mind, I just happened to be thumbing through a TV guide of all things when I found this show, so I haven't caught a single episode, here's what I can tell you: There are six competing, each has been featured on an episode.
Aaron Goodvin from Northern Alberta; Ambush (hot little band and perennial favorite of young and not grown up yet) from Perth, Eastern Ontario; Carla Sacco (the Shania Twin impersonation act that plays everywhere); Lisa Hewitt from Western Canada; Pear the husband wife duo from Edmonton; Mike Gouchie from somewhere in Canada (the info on the CMT site doesn't really say).

So I watched the episodes online to catch up. The 'contestants' are 'Plucked', interviewed, critiqued and prepared to make a video - right down to the wardrobe. Pointers from 'industry experts' are handed out, in some cases taken by the musicians and often not.

I wish I could tell you more about this show. I personally cheer for any opportunity given to Independent Canadian Artists. I believe we have top talent in this country that doesn't get near enough exposure and respect.

What I would really like is for someone who is on the show to leave us a comment on Hot Cherry and give us some info.

The finale is a 'marathon' presentation starting at 6pm Est. on CMT, the actual final goes off at 9 pm. Monday November 13th. Whether you are a 'country' fan or not, check it out if you get the chance, remember regardless of what they play, they are all Canadian talent and need our support.

Now speaking of Canadian talent - what do you think about the latest edition of 'Rockstar Supernova'? For those not familiar, it aired throughout the summer and was the viewer voted selection of the new front man for Supernova. Who you ask. Supernova is a band fronted by Gilby Clark ex of Guns 'n Roses, Tommy Lee and Jason Newsted - catch here, Supernova isn't really a band yet. Hummmm.

The winner of this multi week, multi episode production was Lukas Rossi - a Canadian. Many will recall last season's Rockstar - INXS and the choice of their new front man - Canadian JD Fortune. In my humble opinion, this year's show didn't come close to delivering what last season's did. Still, two seasons, many contestants later, two Canadians rally to win. Yeah, baby we've got the goods.

Invitation goes out to any one who would like to comment on any thing we've covered off here. I've also sent out an invitation to a couple of the contestants from the show 'Plucked' to give us their thoughts and more details.

Now I'm going back to my inspiration for this entry - 'Rockstar' by Canada's own Nickleback.

Things you really should know

Ahhh, the entry that gives away the little secrets. The ones that most people don't know about, the ones most people should.

How about this one to start. There are 1000's of online dating, singles, intimate and networking sites. Some are 'private' which means they do not belong to a larger network of 'online sites'. These pose virtually no problems as they keep their databases secure and do not share personal information, IP addresses and photos with other sites.

A vast majority of these sites (and others in different categories) belong to a large network. The sites if you take the time to browse through all have the same sort of template look to them. If you scroll to the bottom of the home page, there likely will be a link or a mention of the Network.
These sites are very likely to share the details of who you are. In some cases, that could be your personal profile and/or pictures, for some, the entire profile is shared and put out on all of the Network's sites.

When the entire profile or pictures are shared within the Network that also means those pictures that have been tagged as 'private' - meaning that you technically can only give access to other to view them. I say technically because what often happens is that once they are posted on a Network Affiliate site, the restriction is removed.

How much of this happens? I met a women a few years back who had posted her nude photos in a 'backdoor' limited access area of a large Network site. She was shocked when she received an email from a friend telling her that her 'private nudes' where posted in the open on a dating site. It took her over a month to get her pictures off the site - however, they are likely still floating around somewhere.

Want proof? Check out this smiley happy people and tell me they know their pictures are all over the internet.

Did you know that if you live outside of a major centre, shipping using a dedicated carrier (FedEx, UPS, Purolator) could be costing you 50% more? Did you also know that if you drop you package off at an outlet, not even the main depot, you automatically save the fuel surcharge and the extra cost.

I just recently shipped a small package to NYC. If FedEx picked up at my home office, the cost would be $36.00 more. Instead, I drove the package 20 minutes away to an outlet and saved. Not to mention, in shipping time, it cuts a day off in most cases.

Did you know that when you take your vehicle in for an oil change, it is the mandate of the Service Writer to up sell you? Did you also know that when it comes to this, for whatever reason, most customers end up paying for duplicated services? Point in hand, tire rotation is often included in spring and fall maintenance promotions, if however you go in and request a rotation with your oil change, the Service Writer is apt to try to sell you a 'maintenance package' which include the service. You however will still be billed for the rotation.

Another 'trick of the trade' is in the wording that the Service Writer uses: Instead of using phrasing, as they should; 'the suggested maintenance with respect to changing your transmission fluid if every 20,000kms' they say, you are 'due for a .......... and your warranty will be void if you do not'.

Service Recalls are one way a dealership brings money back in the door. Chances are very good that the recall has no impact on safety or performance of your vehicle, unless it specifically says 'safety recall' or similar. Chances are very good though, that you got the notice in a 'down time' for dealership service.

Dealership use a variety of means to bring a customer back in to the dealership and make money in the 'back end'. Yes, that is right. Dealerships don't make their money upfront in the sale; they make it when you go in for service. In fact, 'we' are even ranked by the dealership and automaker as customers. These rankings will determine if we get special promotions, coupons etc.

How can you make sure it is not more than the nuts getting screwed on your auto? Ask questions, demand answers that make sense and if you are not happy with the reply or have caught a person in the dealership trying to weasel your money out of your pocket - demand to see the dealer principal. They are the ones that care overall if you leave happy or ticked. If you don't get anywhere with them, go higher. (I once took a complaint about a truck engine spitting oil everywhere right up the line to the President of Ford Canada - it paid off).

Did you know that Grocery stores needs to stay within an acceptable variance concerning the 'correctness' of their barcodes? Meaning that when you check out, the bar code should be reflective of the price on the shelf. Did you know, that if you don't check your receipt and pay attention going through check out, chances are very good that you are giving the store extra money every time? Take the moment and glance through the receipt before you leave the store. I have a friend that says she catches errors in excess of $5 per week - over the course of a year, it adds up.

We'd love you to share your tips and tricks with the rest of the readers - don't be shy.
Have a Hot Cherry Day!