Cam I Am

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!

Since I moved to Vancouver in 1998, I have listened to a couple radio stations.  One is News 1130, which I listen to for news, traffic, weather, etc.   The other..

Well..

When I moved here, it was Z95.3..   For a number of years, I would listen to this Top 40 station.  A lot of the music I didn’t care for, but sometimes, they’d play what I consider to be some decent stuff.  True to this type of radio station, they played some music and then a ton of commercials.  A few years ago, they tried to revamp the station format, but essentially it was the same.

Then, about 2 years ago, they “changed their name and format”.  They became 95 Crave.  The first few weeks, it wasn’t bad.  They played a little more from the 90’s, and a little too much of the 80’s.  But it didn’t take long before their old habits returned.  Too repetitive, too many commercials, and too much music that I wasn’t interested in..

A few weeks ago, I turned it on, and now they are Virgin.  Same staff, same theme.  Nothing has changed but the name..

This radio station has a serious identity crisis.  They change the name, say that they are going to make changes, and yet, it stays the same. The only thing I enjoy about it is the morning show.  The only problem with the timing of the morning show is it falls when I’m driving to work and listening to News 1130 for stuff that matters..  like traffic.  Besides..  the on-air personalities at the news station actually are entertaining to listen too..

There are other stations in the Vancouver area to listen to, but I none of them hold me interest for long.  Jack FM isn’t bad, but most of the others are crap.

So..  keep up the good work News 1130!   As for Z95/Crave/Virgin..  well.. keep trying..  someday you’ll actually achieve the change that you are looking for..

Old habits die hard I guess.

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..