Cam I Am

This past weekend, my wife and I went down to Seattle to go see the Billy Joel & Elton John concert.  While some people may scratch their heads and wonder why I would want to do that, let me assure you, it was probably one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to.

Once we arrived in Seattle, we checked into our hotel (The Grand Hyatt), and figured out where to go, with the wonderful help of the concierge, Paul.  He directed us to Chandler’s Crabhouse, covered the cost of our taxi ride there, and surprised us by ordering (and paying for) an appetizer.  We had a great meal.  I had steak and seafood (and it probably was one of the best steaks that I’ve ever had), and my wife had Alaskan Crab Legs..   Unfortunately, we were in a hurry to get to the concert, so after dinner, we called a cab and headed over to Key Arena.

As I said, the concert was incredible.  They sang all the songs that I remember growing up as a kid.  At first, it didn’t look like there was much of a set or lighting, but we quickly discovered that the pianos and other instruments were raised and lowered through the floor when they were needed..

The concert lasted 3 1/2 hours with no intermission! We were impressed with how long it was.

Afterwards, we headed over to the Cheesecake Factory for some coffee and dessert..

The next morning, we went shopping and headed back home.. When crossing the border, we discovered that you needed to spend at least 48 hours before you could have an allowance for duty-free items.. Whoops! We got pulled off to the side, had to show all our receipts, then pay the duties on part of our purchases..

All in all, it was a very good trip!

I got up this morning and started my day in the usual way.  Started getting ready for work, turned on the computer and quickly checked my e-mail.  Usually, I just quickly look at the news updates that get sent to my e-mail, but one headline caught my attention right away..

News1130 Alert:  Steven Page has left the Barenaked Ladies

I did a quick search on the web, and sure enough, he’s left to pursue other “solo” opportunities..

Now, for anyone who doesn’t know me, I’m a big BNL fan.  For over half of my life, they have been a source of enjoyment.  Trust me, they are in heavy rotation in my iPod!  When I lived near Toronto, I went to every BNL concert that I could.  Even since moving out to Vancouver, I try to never miss a performance when they tour here.   

While I’m disappointed to hear the news, I’m not terribly surprised.  Even though they are denying it, surely his drug charges that he was facing several months ago must have played SOME factor in the decision.  It may not have been the leading reason, but it must have been one of them! 

But, I wish him the best in whatever he does end up doing.  I would like to see a little more from The Vanity Project!  Time will tell..

It seems that BNL will continue to move forward without him, with plans to go to the studio soon to record a new album due to be released in the fall.  I look forward to the “new” Barenaked Ladies!

I know two people who are going to get extreme pleasure from reading this.

It seems that over the years I’ve changed my preferences on a couple things..

First, it seems that I prefer to drink Coke more than Pepsi.  Yes, Mark, I know what you are going to say:  I told you so.  It all started with me deciding that Coke tasted really good with sushi, instead of Pepsi.  Then, partially because of the choice we have from the vending machine at work, it seems that when I am presented with a choice, I’ll usually choose Coke.  I’m not proud, but there..  that’s off my chest.

Secondly, I seem to be much more accepting of country music.  Yes, Colleen, it’s true.  I remember years ago, when I still lived lived with my parents, our neighbours would have it cranked up most summer days. I would retailate with whatever I had going, and eventually played Weird Al’s “Don’t Play That Song”, and they eventually learned to keep their music to themselves.  These days, I listen to some now.  I’m now not in denial that Shania Twain and others are actually country.  

I’ve been saving this post for almost four months..  I dread the comments to come..