Show me the MONEY!

So, here I sit at my desk, contemplating whether or not I should purchase this really cheap ticket to Vegas. It'd be sort of a birthday gift to myself--twenty-two years on this Earth and I've never even been to the wild west! Let's weigh the options: I'm somewhat of a realist, so I like to start with the cons and see how the pros stack up to them..

Here it goes: Vegas is more of a man's city, where former jocks and frat boys gather to throw themselves bachelor parties, which usually entail three-day long binges that involve strippers and vodka, namely Grey Goose or Belvedere ('cuz they're ballers, like that). Obviously, I'm no frat boy, so these things bear little interest to me. I don't hate on strippers, because a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, and I'd like to think that most of these bright, young women are simply paying off student loans with their toplessness. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm just trying to restore some faith in humanity.

Secondly, I hate buffets and their promise of all you can eat. I don't like the thought of food lying around in the open-air, where bacteria and disease mutate and multiply by the dozens. Mind you, all-you-can-eat sushi sounds appetizing, and I am getting fed-up with artificial crab (aka "pollack"). The heat seems unbearable, too. I'm a bit of a hypochondriac, so naturally the fear of sun-stroke scares me; fainting in some foreign place, with drunk, incapable people hovering all around me wondering if I’m dead or something is not my idea of a good time. But, I'm all pasty and white and unlike most Canadians, I can actually tan, without looking like I hopped off of the Jersey Shore bandwagon.

Pros: I think it would be a birthday to remember (or, if all goes as planned, not remember). There are certainly some great shows in Vegas, too bad Celine isn't around anymore, belting out tunes I can hear on Canadian radio fourteen times a day. Siegfried and Roy do sound pretty entertaining. I like their German accents and being all toasty like George Hamilton. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of cats, so I might sit near the rafters, pumped up on a bunch of allergy meds, for fear of being eaten or sneezing myself into oblivion. There's lots of celeb watching that can be done, if you count the Kardashians and Paris Hilton as A-listers. Maybe I'll be able to get into some D-List pool party at Wet Republic for someone like Avril Lavigne or Brody Jenner. Also! Being a high-roller comes pretty cheap, I found a schveet suite overlooking the strip for under 50$ (Canadian!) per night. And if I play my cards wisely, I might get upgraded to penthouse. You know, with the big beds that are made for extremely gigantic basketball players and are equipped with bowling alleys? Nice.

But I'm not one to be taking a chance, as you can surely tell; I'm more of a pessimist (or, as mentioned earlier on, a "realist"). So, gambling at a craps table and letting some dice decide my financial fate isn't really my thang. I'm no Dustin Hoffman in "Rain Man," so the likelihood of my Vegas winnings are slim to none. I like the idea of governing my own destiny and rationally, meticulously, determining my expenses. Now, partaking in an auction is more up my alley because I still feel the adrenaline while remaining in total control and, most importantly, the rewards are always greater than none. What better feeling is there than to walk away with more than you started with? Who knows, maybe after tuning into Bid For Cash a few nights in a row I'll be able to take that (much needed) vacation after all!

Game-on!

PARANORMAL TEXTIVITY?

My apologies for not having written sooner. I’ve been so spooked by the incidents that have occurred lately that I didn’t have the guts to tell anyone about it. Now I’ve safely assumed that there is either a ghost following me or I’ve watched too many horror flicks for my own good and am therefore going crazy! But all of that aside, I hope everyone had a fun Halloween!

Anyways, all my spookiness started on the 30th. It was the night before Halloween and I was working late in the office. I decided to take a break after hitting the 12-hour mark and picked up an espresso from the Italian deli next door. Once I got back to my desk, I remembered that the camera from last night’s Halloween party was still in my bag and thought that it’d be fun to go through the pictures and post them on Facebook. Maybe I was tired, maybe I smudged the lens with chocolaty fingers, or MAYBE I just have a terrible camera, BUT there was DEFINITELY something up with the photos. Not just one or two accidental snap shots, but each and every picture I was in featured a dark shadow above my left shoulder. EACH AND EVERY PICTURE. WTF?! I didn’t know what to do; I was alone in an office with a cold draft, minimal lighting and heard weird sounds from the air vents. SO… in a frightened panic… I deleted all the photos!

(On a side note: My friends are peeved they don’t have any tagged pictures)

THEN, to make matters worse, and just as I was getting over the whole "dark shadows" debacle, I get a text message “from the future.” Yes, the future. OK, here’s what happened: it’s Wednesday and I’m celebrating happy hour with a group of friends (like every week since January) and my phone vibrates on the table. The text is blank, from a phone number I do not recognize and, get this, with a date received that reads: December 5th, 2019 at 11:49PM. MAJOR WTF?! As soon as I get home, I go online and start researching what this means (if it means anything at all). I come across “paranormal” forums and find out that multiple people across North America have received similar texts with dates “received” which are all within the month of December 2019 and minutes before midnight. Believers think these are “text messages from the future,” but I’m skeptical. At this point, I don’t know what to believe anymore.

What do you think? Was I caught in a series of strange circumstances? Am I over analyzing? Has this ever happened to you? (Please say yes so that I’m not crazy)

I’ll tell you what I will do though, I’m totally calling http://mystic.eso.tv (check ‘em out at 9am and 1pm every day on TXT-TV) to see if they have any answers for me!

Q&A With The Ladies Behind SXT IT UP

Last Sunday I had a brunch date with the femmes of SXT IT UP. It was the first time we’ve been together outside of work and I must admit I was quite nervous. These women are even hotter in person! I’ve never seen so many men (and angry girlfriends) staring, but after countless cups of coffee and heaps of pancakes, our afternoon rendez-vous was quite fun! We chatted about all things under the sun, from our personal lives to their new roles as TXT-TV hosts ...some things were so risqué I’ve been sworn to secrecy, but here’s what flew under the radar:

How did you get started with TXT-TV?

Cher: Two words: Interviews and auditions. By the fourth interview I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, like, was I applying to become a CIA operative or TV host?

Dom: Yeah, same here. I remember seeing Cher in the lobby during my first interview–she must have been my good luck charm!

Dez: I know a lot of people in the entertainment industry, so a friend told me about the position but it was very confidential. People had no idea where I would run off to for weeks until the first show aired!

Cher reveals that she's secretly addicted to Twitter, Facebook & texting.

Were your friends shocked to find out you were hosts of a show called SXT IT UP?

(The girls look at each other and laugh)

Dom: My brothers were nervous their friends would find out–they didn’t want them “sexualizing” me. I’m a homebody, so I guess it was kinda shocking, but this job lets me come out of my shell. Plus, I can’t think of a better way to earn money while in still school!

Cher: Man, I wish I had this job when I was in college! My friends don’t quite understand the concept of the show, they just say “Cher’s a TV star” which isn’t anywhere near true, but I don’t feel like explaining for the umpteenth time what my role is. 

Dez: My friends thought this was perfect for me. I’m a sexy, social butterfly! 

Cher: It might come as a surprise to you, but even though I’m not a big party girl and enjoy being curled up on the couch, this show suits me ‘cuz I’m encouraged to own my sexuality.

You’re all so different, but there’s great chemistry here. Why do you think that is?

Dom: I don’t have any sisters, so they’re like my older sisters.

Cher: Meaning we give her terrible advice about boys.

Dez: ...and girls!

Dom admits she was a tomboy, but is now having fun exploring her girly side.

Some people think that it’s empowering to be open about sex and sexuality, but others disagree. What sets SXT IT UP apart from other TV shows?

Dez: The audience is a major part of the show!

Dom: Yeah, they determine what directions we’ll go in and how far the envelope will be pushed each night.

Dez: You know, there’s nothing wrong with fulfilling your fantasies. In fact, I like it because we become a part of their lives! 

Dom: You can’t compare SXT IT UP with other TV shows. They’re all the same and so predictable, whereas SXT IT UP is constantly evolving, thanks to the viewers!

Dez: Oh! And the news is just depressing!

Are you able to have romantic relationships when your job is to sxt and flirt with other people?

Cher: It’s difficult to find somebody in general let alone someone who is comfortable with sharing you, but I’m definitely on the market and dating a few people.

Dom: That’s true. What I like about this job more than working at a bar or wherever is that I have my anonymity. My fantasies and relationships don’t follow me home, unless I want them to.

Dez loves to enjoy herself and has a lot of vices.

Are you saying you haven’t been recognized?

Dom: No, the Dominique that goes to school and plays hockey with her brothers doesn’t have the hair and make-up you see on TV.

Dez: I’ve been recognized a few times, but that’s ‘cuz I’ve modeled here and there for years. They don’t know my name, but men approach me with the “have we met before” line all the time!

What do you hope viewers take away from SXT IT UP?

Dez: I hope they have fun and want to come back for more!

Dom: The playful vibe is key! I love PM’ing because we can take the conversation to a whole other level that can’t be done on TV.

Cher: For some people, SXT IT UP is like foreplay, and we’re happy to help. For others, we form these unique relationships. It all depends on what the viewer is looking for, but I like to think that we’re realizing people’s fantasies and helping them to move one step closer to the person they want to become.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES AT TXT-TV: AFTER HOURS!

Summer’s over, but TXT-TV is still in full swing!

You might be wondering, “Mods, don’t you have friends or a life to enjoy?” Well, the answer is yes - of course we do. There were barbecues and beer-pong tournaments that were missed out on because we were holed up in TXT-TV HQ, but I don’t regret a single shift.

Working late nights can be stressful and boring, but not at TXT-TV! Honestly, it’s a party in the MCR as soon as the office clears out. Did the former blogger tell you how HQ feels more like an arcade than a work place? There’s a [childproof] dartboard, catch-it-cone (fun!), an oversized blue monkey (which has been put in ...um, compromising positions) and (my personal fave) a poster of the office mustache competition in its full glory.

Obviously, we take our work seriously and try to deliver the best programming, so these toys and decorations are only played with and admired during our breaks. It just so happens that the International Fireworks Competition would set-off during the 10:30PM trivia shows (i.e. break time!) and we got the best view in the city from HQ’s 6th-story window. Seeing the sky light up could make us wish we were outside enjoying the summer weather and drinking mojitos on a rooftop bar, but your texts kept us well-entertained all through the night. Sometimes they were so good (read: dirrty) we wouldn’t dare put them on live television, but boy did we have fun reading them!

The one magic word during our late-night shift is: CAFFEINE.

Lucky for us, HQ is well stocked in that department. We have this fancy coffee maker that we load up with robust beans called “Midnight Express” that kicks sleepiness out the window and welcomes insomnia with open arms. Once the caffeine is pumping through our veins, a new wave of wired excitement rushes through the MCR and music begins to play. These tunes are not only essential for our sanity, but for getting us in the right mood to work at our full potential. Mood is very important and dictates the vibe of each show; Marvin Gaye doesn’t exactly jibe with “My Life Sux,” but goes swimmingly with the “Sxt It Up” action! We’ve discovered a few gems (check out: Grooveshark and stereomood) which you could use for your personal enjoyment and can stream online for FREE!

All of this to say, late nights at TXT-TV are filled with fun and excitement! So, JOIN THE PARTY! Be sure to check out the revamped version of “SXT It Up” starting every night at 11PM with your new (sexy!) hosts Cher, Dez and Dom!

New Kid In Town

As our loyal readers know, our resident blogger has bid farewell to TXT-TV. On behalf of the team, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors and know that his wit and humour will bring him great success.

Please bear with me ladies and gentlemen, because I have big shoes to fill (literally!). I’ve been working as a TXT-TV moderator for the past six months and have gotten to know our texters quite well, but now I’m excited to get my hands dirty and engage with you on this entirely different platform!

Like my esteemed predecessor, I’ll be operating from the front lines of TXT-TV, so be prepared for more inside scoops and direct access to behind-the-scenes action than you can handle! Our station is constantly evolving—and believe me, this blog will keep pace with all of the exciting changes! Not only will you get to know your new blogger (me!), you’ll also meet members of the TXT-TV team as they contribute future blog posts!

There’s never a dull moment at TXT-TV HQ, especially when you’re building a television channel, so climb aboard (read: follow this blog!) and join us as we continue to go boldly where no channel has gone before!

I’d also like to know who you are, so don’t be shy to comment or ask questions.

Stay tuned ‘cuz the best is yet to come!!

On the Road Again

So, it’s been a little while now hasn’t it…

The last little while has been pretty eventful, more than I could really have ever imagined. Me and a buddy got jumped outside a bar (we’re fine – the other guys not so much ;-), I got to house-sit my best friend’s super funky apartment in an uber cool neighbourhood and, for the last four days, have experienced the ungodly wrath of a stomach flu that kept coming back for more.

With all of that going on, it was quite by accident that I found myself getting a new job.

So, I guess this is goodbye. But I’ve always preferred until we meet again…

Sometimes that’s just life – you fall ass backwards into something you didn’t even know you could do, and it fits and the stars and planets align and you say, well coincidence or not, something’s up here. Sure, its surreal – some would say synchronicity. I don’t believe in such things, but I’ve always appreciated the plot twists on the road.

So, it is with much regret that I bid you all adieu and move on to a new experience. 

Having documented TXT-TV on its way up from what was little more than an idea several months ago to a fully-fledged network has been very exciting to say the very least. But most of all, it was a real treat to work with all the fine people here behind the scenes. They know who they are and they’re all good people, it was indeed a pleasure getting to know them. It was fascinating and challenging, and ultimately quite a rewarding experience all around.

As I leave TXT-TV, I leave confident this network is in very capable hands, because when you enjoy what you do it’s effortless, and I don’t think I had ever seen a place where people went to work so at ease, so comfortably. It definitely caught the eye.

Long may you run…

Touchdown Chowdown Touches Down

So, as some of you doubtlessly remember from having read and carefully annotated all of my previous blog posts, we recently ran a Reverse Auction contest called Touchdown Chowdown. This was a contest that ran for a month where viewers and texters like you texted in bids in hopes of coming out at the end of the contest, with the lowest, unique bid and therefore, winning the contest. Many of you loyal viewers/testers played and interest was high enough to merit continued examination of whether such a program will be feasible in the future.

In case you were wondering, someone did win this inaugural Reverse Auction contest, right here on TXT-TV. 

Last Thursday, Neil L. from Scorborough, Ontario, and a friend drove down to Montreal as part of the Touchdown Chowdown grand prize, which included 2 primo tickets to see the Argos take on the Als at the newly renovated Molson Stadium, 2 nights accommodation at the Hotel du Fort, a gas card to get from Scarborough to Montreal and back, and last but not least, $500 worth of eats and drinks at some of Montreal’s finest pubs, including: McKibbins Irish Pub, PJ O’Hara’s, Ziggy’s Pub and the Irish Embassy.

We trust that Neil and his friend had a blast in Montreal and remind you, my faithful readers, to stay tuned to TXT-TV for more Reveres Auction contests – you never know, you could be our next winner!