Oh be joyful, I'm an idiot!

Matt Good has renamed his new single by this title especially for one of his Arizona fans who reads his website nearly everyday but dind't realize she could listen to the new single on his site. Not only could she listen to it, she could watch the spellbounding video modelled after "Bastards of Young" by The Replacements. It's a good song by the way, gotta listen again when I can listen closer.
In one of the more eventful days as of late, I looked at Sloan dates everyday like I always do and there were new ones. There in front of my eyes was one I hadn't really even thought of...one in Michigan, on Labor Day weekend. Go back to Michigan, that is what I tried to do when I went to that convention in Indiana but gt sick. I have been waiting for an opportunity but my 20th High School reunion wasn't attractive enough. Next I called Nina, knowing I haven't been able to spent much time with her in my past visits. All my revisiting the past via writing about college radio has made me miss her more. The push to go for it came when I saw the price of $208 for roundtrip...heck Dan and I can blow $200 in a trip to Target, that was the best deal to Michigan I have ever seen. So I can finally go see Mom's gravestone, have a nice visit there at Glen Eden. It may seem frivoulous but it makes sense, the timing, the opportunity and the chance to do research for "bay window"
The eventful day continued as we finally decided to get rid of my Monte Carlo and trade it in. I am now a truck driving gal. I never really pictued myself a truck driving gal but it's further proof that I will do anything for that race car including driving something that could double as a tow vehicle. I just wish we would have done it when we bought the Monte instead of that money wasted. Impulsive buys can bit ya in the butt later! It's a GMC Sierra Denali, lots of bells and whistles.
Then today Get Out decides Blush is a cover worthy story...oh, he has to be revelling in all this attention. He got all the rockstar attention he always wanted by being a pathtic drug abuser instead of using his God given talents.
I am glad I was reading about his recovery and not his death to be totally honest. I am not a total expert on astrology but he is an example of when a talented Pisces gives into their weaknesses.

Life is a highway to Canada

I am going to see SLOAN!

The next singer of INXS? We vote MIG!

I got Dan to watch my cheese reality show tonight. But it's hard to call something with one of my favorite bands of all time - cheese.... 'Course I do love Cheese you know. Dan thinks JD still has a pretty good chance even though he killed Queen. He thinks it's a scam to give him a chance to sing an INXS song tomorrow. I am beginning to wonder because I tried to vote again tonight and for the second time it didn't work...hmmm....west coast block out or? They did already have this picture on the website, it all seems weird as to whether it is live, if they are taping earlier in the day ala a late night talk show or what? Well Mig seems to be my favorite today. Ty, Jordis, Mig, JD and Marty are probably going to be in the final five. If they keep eliminating only one a week, this show is going to be on forever.
Today I was completely frustrated trying to write a promotions section for the Blaze operations manual. I have been writing 4000 words a day on the novel but I could not settle into writing manual style. I tried to make myself not touch the novel again until I was done with the promo pages but alas, no self control, I was working on "Bay window" first thing this morning. My frustration came from the stupid Tower Center heating and lack of cooling and the music on my streaming today. How's this for a slap, I choose to go with CFOX yesterday to hear the new Matt but I had half a mind to try Winnipeg station. So after no sucess on CFOX, I try Winnipeg's Power 97. I open their website and front and center is a vote if you like the new Matt Good track. I'm pschyed, this is a good indicator I will hear it right? NO NO NO I have to hear 3 AC/DC tracks, 3 Jimi Hendrix, 3 Pink Floyd, 3 Stones and even 3 OLP in a span of 6 hours. Can I tell you it was the worst artist separation programming I have ever heard. If they want to play classic rock with their new rock, they should try finding more than 4 classic rock artists. I mean no Zepplin or Kiss or whatever to add...it was excrutiatingly painful. I know I am not the poster child for classic rock but I know radio well enough to know their programming today was a clusterfuck. Not just because I didn't hear Matt. Oh I heard Matt today, never was I so disappointed to hear "Everything is automatic"
The quest for "Oh be Joyful!" continues. Who should I try tomorrow? CFOX had the new Default-whoopeee...kill me now!
I realized how little some of my habits have changed. I got out my old college calendars from 1985, 86. You can look at my calendar today and it has scribbles of what songs I heard, some I already know and new ones to check out. My 85 one says I should look into songs by The Spoon, Eye Eye even The Church. I guess it is a sign I never grew up? I am using these for research as my main character is in college so I wanted to see some reminders of my own hectic college life. A life altering day is listed on there, it is an appointment with my academic advisor to change my major. Yep, sophomore year I changed from Creative writing to Broadcasting. Now I teach one and aspire to be the one I gave up.

Take a picture it lasts longer

They had to go and make it better a few months after you buy it! Not only that, they go and lower the price- That sucks! Don't get me wrong, I would have to say I have loved my ipod this week more than ever before. It is bizarre that a product could bring such pleasure but I swear it has played just the right songs at the right times on shuffle this rotation. I am sure it's all in what you program in it, not the ipod itself right? Music has been so instrumental in this writing odessey I have been on. I alter between my ipod and XM's channel Fred for inspiration. Dan has spoiled the heck out of me with all these techie music toys.
Dan is playing The Katies self titled CD right now, this CD could be on par with "Beautiful Midnight" for the biggest records of the past 6 years for me. Big statement, eh? I have never felt so bad that a band didn't get it's shot as much as I do for The Katies. Not since Eye Eye have I been left with so little music for a band that has made such an impact on me. I always thought it was not quite right to think of Eye Eye as one of my Top 5 favorite bands with only two releases. Now the same goes for The Katies...some amazing talent just never get a full shot, but thank god for two releases from them both! Who can you think of that are among your favorite bands who only have one or two releases?
Watched RockStar tonight, Timmy got some screen time. It was amusing enough tonite. No Dave Navarro made it even better.
I waited most the day on CFOX to hear the new Matt single, no go. I emailed the midday jock Neil Morrison. He is pretty funny. He said he didn't know anything about it. He played me Sloan though on his 90's lunch. Yep got my name on Canadina radio again today, wasn't really trying. Tony was witness, said I was proliferating Canadian radio one city at a time. It is my only way to make up for never achieving my dream of moving there and programming CanCon!

Breathe - How can I fall?

Ok Karen likes my product reviews so here's another new one I got recently on a trip to Bath and Body Works (the best lotions- bar none) I love the little spray bottle you can spritz just a little and smell all refreshed up after a walk around ASU campus on 114 degree day! Who am I kidding, I drive the golf cart at any given chance. Speaking of, it is hilarious that people in cars tail you when you drive those, like I can speed up?!
Tony fixed BOB for me today! I was missing my dose of Canadian 80's tunes and Milky's request lunch hour. I think I am done with Winnipeg, they love Matt but I haven't heard Sloan all week.
I wrote another 3000 word scene last night, I am obsessed with writing right now, it has made my website suffer but I needed a break from that anyway. I bought some software but I just need to get everything in my head out first before I try to use software to organize it. I read this book about a online writing contest where you spend all of October writing a 50,000 words novel. It sounds like a blast, for the amount of words I have written so far, I don't think that sounds too difficult to obtain. The rules state you must start a new so I wouldn't be able to use "Out my bay window" (working title) for this contest. I have other stories in my head so I think I could do it. We'll see where I am at in late Sept as I know I will be overwhelmed this school year with both the Village and The Blaze at once to look after.
I need to go back to my old reflection stories on this blog. Soon... For now my creativity is in use elsewhere and I'm loving it!

Who are the kings of power pop?

Get out has a review of Sloan's GH record today written by my old pal Thomas the power pop fan! He called them one of the best power pop bands in the same breath as FOW and Teenage Fanclub. I guess I didn't convert him to Posiesland while I worked there... FOW is so derivative of The Posies, it's hard to swallow them being more recognized than Jon and Ken. Speaking of, I see The Posise are playing Bumpershoot this year. I knew they would be before I even found their name. Karen and I went to Bumpershoot in 1991. It was sooo packed. We saw said Posies open for Crowded House. We also saw The Young fresh fellows (I think..I am hazy headed today...headache) I am still not digging the new CD....it got a mediocre review in Blender. That review also referenced FOW as being superior...grrrr...listen to Dear 23 and Frosting on the Beater before saying such blasphemy!
Listening to Winnipeg again today. The DJ mentioned the new Matt song, said it was a rocker. It should be out Monday, I can't decide who to listen to to make sure I hear it. I figure CFOX but this Winnipeg station seems to love him.
Back to Sloan, Andrew says he has become a full fledged fan after purchasing the hits collection. That is cool! I check their date’s everyday, nothing west coast yet. I met the guy at Hoodlums who is a Sloan fan. I said to him "I hear you are a fan" and he said "What do you want to know?" umm..... I said, "I want to know if you can get them back to ASU and play your store" He said he was the drunk at the show and his sister was throwing beer at them at Big Fish. I didn't continue my convo....
Dave Navarro is useless on Rockstar. I thought I liked him but he is annoying the crap out of me on the show. He looks bored and has dirty looks going on, I think he is wondering why he is there. Timmy could have easily been the spokesperson from the judges. As the singers keep singing tunes each week, there are very few that have a lot of talent. Even front runner Ty looked weak this week. From the looks of it, a dreadlocked girl named Jordis looks like a shoe in to win. I can't stop watching, I still love INXS too much to not watch despite the huge cheese factor and Dave Navarro.
I wrote a 4000 word scene the other night, pretty much took me all three hours of my laptop's battery. I can't describe the rush I feel writing, it's glorious. Gotta go!

Oh be joyful

I'm in Winnepeg via radio today, I am exploring new provinces lately...I hate Staind, just in case you wondered...
Feeling blahs of summer....I think I hate Jet too, they get played so much in Canada... I heard Tragically Hip in Fry's last night!! This station, Power 97 in Winnepeg, has a Hip spotlight daily "In our Hip pocket" I guess they are at that point, a feature daily like Zeppelin or Metallica on most stations.
Yummy new product of the day- Dannon Frusion Smoothie! The strawberry blend is making my morning better than average. I am obviously not in the mood to work today. I have a class today about Powerpoint. My excel class last week was kinda useless except that I researched clothing from the late 80's, early 90's during the class. It was not geared towards what I use excel for.
Matt's new single comes out this coming Monday, can't wait to hear it. I heard "Weapon" on my ipod the other day and I think it is one of my top 5 Matt songs. I will have to work on my list of his songs. (10 minutes later)

OK I did my top ten Matt Good songs for ya, here I go:

1."Rico" - Sometimes in life, you just need to sing "Fuck you" three times in a row very loudly in your car. If I had a stereo in Big Red, I'd play this before every round along with "Time to Move" by BSA and "Deep Six" It's my Racing motivation!

2."Hello Time Bomb" - Sentimental favorite as you have to go back to that point of discovery and say if it were not for this song and for Beautiful Midnight being so freeking good, I would be the huge fan I am today. Of course Time Bomb was also the song of Dan and I's honeymoon!

3. "Weapon" - This song is one that can give you shivers, it was so powerful on first listen. Try it a few more times with earphones, it is the number one testiment to Matt's talents.

4."Deep Six" - Matt uses my favorite sport as a metaphor. I will acknowledge any song that mentions drag racing. It is a listen loud in car tune for me-see "Rico"

5. "It's been a while since I was your man" - I think this is Matt's first full fledged love song. This song is like a romance novel you want to read, so much sentiment in it.

The rest of the top 10-
"The workers sing a song of mass production", "21st century living", "Look happy, it's the end of the world"(His GBs sounding tune) "Anti-pop", "Prime time deliverance" "Strange days" "Everything is automatic" "Load me up"
Oh, oops was that more than 10?...Matt had his own up on his site but he took them down..I think I wrote them down in my Blaze office. I can't understand why he changes stuff on his site soo much.
Oddly, just as I finish this ode to Matt Good, the Winnepeg station is playing "Flashdance 2" I don't think I have ever heard this one on the radio! Very cool!

Chocolate heaven

This could very well be the best Chocolate ice cream I have ever tasted! Wow! Here's the description: Chocolate ice cream with chocolate ice cream pudding and chocolate cookies! Almost better than the Baskin Robbins dark Chocolate brownie.
Random thoughts: I see the most bizarre things when I drive down Apache Blvd. to work. Yesterday actually I saw a near midget asian man carrying a large rod with two huge trash bags on both sides of the rod. I assumed they were heavy and it was some type of exercise. I am not trying to be racist in anyway, it was just an odd sight. Today I saw a large group of 5 year olds all wearing green shirts holding hands as they walked up to a tire service station. Were they getting a school tour of the tire bays? again, sort of odd. And by the way, the Mesa Thrift store parking lot is always full yet I drive by two other thift stores on my drive to work (Gracies and St Vincent de Paul) and they are never as busy. I always wonder the difference.
Ty immerged as my favorite on the second night of RockStar. I like Tara, don't get me wrong but my friends who are also big INXS fans don't agree that they could have a female singer. If fans won't acccept that, ok...then just not a guy who mimics Mick Jagger's moves. Articles often compared Hutch to Jagger but I never agreed, I thought Michael had his own swagger.
BOB is not working this morning so I am listening to Andrea doing the Nineties at noon in London. She played Pluto then Limblifter is on as we speak "Tin foil" Of course Ryan Dahle is playing with Matt now- great combo!
I am supposed to race this Saturday, what are my chances of getting to race? Do I still have my zen like calm? The heat will lull my competitors to sleep.
It is supposed to be 115 today, ugh...if only we had a pool. I certainly never used my parents pool enough. As Cinderella sings "Don't know what you got til it's gone" Yes a Cinderella reference....why not.
Maybe more later....
Now she's playing The Doughboys "Shine"- YEAH!

RockStar debut for INXS show

Here's my pick for the new singer of INXS. Shocked it is a female? Don't be, it would be the answer for them to move on past Michael and have people give them a different listen. Will their fans agree? Well, personally as a fan that followed them on tour and saw them in their heyday over 10 times, I say, I don't really want anyone else trying to sing like Michael. When Jon from Noiseworks was singing for them 2 years ago, it was too much like Michael and it made it seem like a cheap feeling. They were fantastic but it is like the movie Rock Star- you want the original. So if INXS want to attract new audiences and write hit music in 2005, they do not need someone imitating Michael.
The show was ok, I am not a reality fan and it smacked of MTV style reality. I felt more comfort in seeing that the singers were actually semi professionals who have some experience in local bands, etc....I didn't really see the need for Dave Navarro but I guess he is bridging the gap between my generation and the young folks who may watch the show. I heard some radio commentary yesterday on CJAY, the young girl could care less who sings for INXS and it seems to be the problem with the show, younger music fans can't understand why anyone would want to sing for a shriveled up old band. (Timmy hardly looked shriveled to me-yum!) I watched for the INXS interaction and enjoyed that portion the most. I wonder if they will play a role every time as Navarro seemed like he had a bigger role yet to come. It seems like the INXS guys could easily filled that role but...again...they used Dave to attract the MTV crowd? Dan was relatively interested after it was over and asked all sorts of questions as he was listening through the wall. I told him to watch it tonight with me since he likes to sing so much. My favorite quote of the night was from my pal Karen who says via text message. "I don't know if I want to invest three months in this" Yet....she text message her opinions on each one as they sang... I am teasing ya buddy but How could you be a true INXS fan and not care who ends up singing for them? Or do you give up being a fan after they made this cheesy choice to broadcast their search? Karen's choice is Neal by the way. She and I both agree on Ty also. Hard not to get hooked for me....Tim Farriss on my TV 3 nights a week- Damn I am 21 again and heading to the Arizona Biltmore to meet them- (blog that story later!)
Tara Slone, former Joydrop singer, hails from Halifax originally...probably dated a Sloan guy eh? She's my girl! She'd kick butt with INXS.
Tried a new station today- The Wolf in Regina. A little bit of a smaller town feel and talent to match. No Matt or Sloan yet today which makes it an unlikely choice tomorrow. Some Moist, Tea Party, OLP...usuals there. Some older Adams, Jeff Healey, Red Rider and Colin James made them a bit different. Apparently it is hot in Moosejaw...high 32!
I got lots of work accomplished today. Yep I worked hard all day! I also stayed up past midnight writing the great novel...now that I started, I want to write all the time. I have no expectations of publishing, just doing it for myself to say I did... I was a creative writing major when I started college, radio lead me astray...my only "A"'s at ASU were in Creative Writing...go figure. Too bad my spelling, grammar and punctuation brain cells died.

How was sweet was this guy when he told the girl she didn't have the chops to be the singer of his band. Always my fave-Timmy! 

Should 80's bands give up?

Just had this conversation, how many bands whose popularity was predominantly in the 80's are capable of a comeback? For that matter, how many 90's bands? Two examples lie within two of my major bands in my life. This snide little article appears on chartattack today
While I am cynical about the RockStar show with INXS myself, to say they should not be allowed as musicians to continue because their lead singer committed suicide is the same as saying New Order should have never formed. Is it because INXS members are over 40, they should not be allowed to perform or release material?? The article also states that Hutch was their driving force. The journalist who wrote this is obviously unfamiliar with the band. Andrew Farriss was long the quiet leader and writing force of INXS. Hutch was the face, an amazing front man with the presence every band could only wish for but INXS was never just about him, ever! When we (Karen, Marcus and I) saw INXS in 2003 with Jon from Noiseworks singing, they were the same incredible live band they always were. These guys were always underrated for their live shows in a world of U2, ETC.. They are great musicians, and at the show at Celebrity, they were so happy to be playing, it was obvious! It was one of the better concerts I have been to, yet it is wrong for these guys to still play? I fear a young singer will be too odd with them but to just think they should stop playing? In the world of Chart, which I have read for years, should the Sloan boys stop when they reach 40 also, because they are not far behind...
Then there's the Blossoms, bands from their era have had a tough time surviving. How many can you name still recording with success? I have been impressed that Better than Ezra has survived, most of the bands still record but don't have major deals anymore, like Soul Asylum for example. The Blossoms are an odd case because there are just 2 records well known...then nothing recorded in over 10 years. Is there interest in something form them? For their fans, of course! For the 20-somethings I work with, most of them are even too young now to remember them. The new Blossom songs I have heard are amazing. I just wonder if a new Gin Blossoms song could fit into the current music scene? They would sound fine on a MIX style format but are those PD's willing to give it a shot over a newer, younger band. I know MIX 96.9 here in Phoenix gave the new Duran Duran a shot but it just didn't develop into a hit. There is talk on the Blossoms website that they are being looked at by Lost Highway (Sam Roberts, Jayhawks, Glen Phillips) and Universal. I just want to the new music from them...but do I want new music from INXS? hmmm..? Def Leppard put out a very good album a few years back,got no play...now they cover "No Matter What" and are getting airplay. Jellyfish did it so much better!
In other thoughts, I went swimming yesterday. I am truly a pisces because I never feel better than when I am in the water. It is like a shot into my system with warm energy bursts. I was thinking about this because Missy said she doesn't like the feeling of being wet. I was reflecting that I am the exact opposite of this. When I was young, we would travel from city to city and all that mattered to me is that we stayed at a place with a good pool. I made my mom watch me at the pool as often as I could talk her into it. The best hotels were the ones who had large indoor pools like the Midway in St. Louis. One time we stayed at a sheraton in Ohio that had a water slide, in the 70's, this was onheard of! I begged my parent to go back there many times. (Never did) In London ONT, we would race there in May or June. Outdoor pool there was truly swimming in ice but I never cared, just let me swim! Watching Hunter learn to swim has been a joy because he has they same love I did. Although not by blood, he's got some of his Aunt in him! So I'll go back to my dreams of being a synchronized swimmer to get through the rest of this unbearably hot day......

Get Out's Top 50 valley songs

Much more to comment soon on the Chris Hanson Orf list of top songs from the valley. I am up too late to make proper commentary. I will say at first read I agree with many and surprised to see some of the nds that made it. Just like my record shopping in the cut out bins, many of my choices are in honorable mentions! For now, pick up a Get Out or www.getoutaz.com. Hoping to have some lively discussion on this list. I included an old Dead Hot flyer in honor of the list.
I spent most of the last hour watching some Live8 on AOL but it is distorted. Nothing could help Raine Maida's distored vocals, man they have sound problems a lot. Since this is Maple musings, may I say there is a fellow who should not try a beard! Sam Roberts, yes, Raine Maida-NO! Despite OLP's less than great Live8 performance, I would predict thet new single as a possible top tune of the year for me....but alas some one larger in my music world has a new single at the end of this month so I will hold judgement.
On Robin Wilson's blog, he has a list of cool things he can say he has done that no one else has, something like that. I will have to post it here, anyway, I was watching the Live8 videos and realized that I could say I actually know someone who performed on a Live8 stage. Someone who would know me by name at first sight, pretty cool eh? I am very excited and proud that one of my favorite musicians was actually on London's stage! I speak of the one and only Ken Stringfellow! As a long standing Posies girl, how could I not be proud of my favorite band's member being a part of such an amazing event! I swear the camera man hated him but obviously he is not the focal point of REM. Actually REM sounded great, I like "Imitation of Life" and kinda think I should explore the last three albums a little more. It is a pretty sweet gig he got, playing with them! I watched some REM at AOL sessions and Ken was much more prominant.
OK better get to sleep.....
Here's Robin's list:
Ten things I've done that you probably haven't.
posted at 02/25/2005 12:21 PM EST 2 Thumbs
Joe Rybicki and John Scalzi of OPM have encouraged us all to make such a list. I invite you to post yours here.

1. Smoked a joint with Phil Hartman backstage at SNL. When I met him he shook my hand and said "Hi Robin, I'm Troy Maclure. You may remember me from such educational films as Locker Room Towel Fight: the blinding of Larry Driscol!"

2. Wrote a top ten single.

3. While in the studio with KISS, I was the first person to show Gene Simmons a "Spawn" comic book.

4. Awarded a gold record backstage at the LA Forum.

5. Bought a Sega Genesis in London. Gave it away at the end of the tour.

6. Married by my wife's old boss Jon Stewart, host of The Daily Show and Minister in the Church of Universal Light.

7. Taught a dog to Jet Ski.

8. Collaborated with one of my favorite comic book artists on an album cover. Artist Geof Darrow of Hard Boiled and The Matrix.

9. Performed National Anthem at a Major sports event. Suns, D-Backs, Monday Night Football.

10. Got a part time job writing for one of my favorite magazines. Seriously.

Hey Jealousy

Wow, I had to be in the middle of an arguement today, and it wasn't between any of my students! Quite frankly, I am used it around the Blaze, two students, altering opinions, escalating into silly pissing match. I witnessed many and tried to referee sometimes. I learned my lesson near the end of the school year and listened to both Dan and my boss who said to get up and walk away instead of letting it stress me out. This time it was between two co-workers, all over jealousy I believe. We went to a computer class. One gal, we'll call Martha, one named Carrie. Carrie asked if Martha and I already knew the material, I said yes because we had taken an online class already about the topic. Carrie was upset that I did not tell her about the class because obviously I had told Martha. Oddly, I don't remember telling Martha. Anyone can find courses offered for staffers online. Carrie went on to ask Martha what more she knew about the classes they are both teaching. Martha said she had a list that Carrie did not. This all happened as we were waiting for our orders from Burger King, right there by the counter. There were plenty of other students, staff within earshot while this escalated. Carrie was playing the "I was left out" card then Martha gave up explaining that she wasn't purposely leaving Carrie out. Martha took a sort of martyr role, saying "I guess I'm a lier if you won't except that I just haven't got to the act of giving you the information" It went on and on, both staying in the roles: Carrie- wounded, left out deer in headlights, playing dim(all the info could easily be obtained) Martha: frustrated, taking the attitude of "ok I'll take the blame" I finally said we needed to leave as it was starting to attract attention and there was no stopping it. Carrie kept it up on the return, Martha decided to stop arguing back. I am most interested in the roles they took, it didn't take long before both fell into a rut and couldn't work their way out of the arguement, each appeared to be enjoying the role more than looking for a resolve. It was similar to a married couple who automatically take a an attitude. I see it in arguements myself, I take a role with Dan I never did with anyone else. I kinda hate it, it becomes expected. I saw it full force between these two, as if they had practiced these roles in prior arguements. I am feeling a bit awkward towards my co-workers after being in the center of this escalating situation. I know arguements happen in the workplace, I just get enough of it with the college radio kids, don't really need to be in the middle of co-workers also.
Treble Charger just on The Bear...Drove the golf cart all over today, didn't get any work done. Maybe tomorrow....

Where have all the good people gone?

Technology can be a determinant to getting things done. I have spent the last half hour trying to get the AOL feed of Live8 to work and watch Sam Roberts. Should I been doing work instead of pressing ten buttons at once and yelling at my laptop? Surely work should be in there somewhere between the struggle to get blogrolls or AOL video to work! Guilty feeling? Not really...hahaha!
Karen and Cheryl drove me to work because I had to take the Monte to the dealer to get the window fixed-one month after the warrenty is over-of course! That was super kind of them! They totally blasted me when they found out that I had never been to Niagra Falls. It was pretty funny, they were both shouting at me and appalled that a Canada fan like me had yet to experience the ultimate tourist trap. I would certainly love to experience the Maiden of the Mist! The down side of growing up with a drag racing family is that we didn't go on normal summer vacations. The places I went every summer were based around where the race tracks were. Fortunately one was in London, ONT-hence my orgins of loving Canada even as a youth. I always wanted my family to go to Hershey, PA too, never had a race near there....
BOB DJ says it's National Kissing Day!
Gotta go over to the Blaze and to a computer class today. I will try to write something of substance later. I have been reading some books on how to craft fiction. It has some writing exercises that I may try on my handy blog here.

Happy 4th of July

Hello, Just messing about with the new blogger add an image feature. It's the 4th of July, last of 3 1/2 days off. We took Hunter to see Batman Begins last night, also went to Sugar Bowl for dinner and the new Zia. I bought some Thrush Hermit and a GT LP for a craft project. Dan got Coheed's first CD and The Rosenbergs. I will write more soon, maybe tonight...

Found this in my search for photos from Barrie

I found this guy's rant.... Hilarious .... a Cats Can Fly reunion would be great, he forgot Haywire, Plat and Corey...those artists would have made it better....GT was great the other night on that dumb show! Why do Canadians hate their 80's stars so much?

The question wasn't whether the Canadian Live 8 concert announcenment yesterday would prove worthy of scorn, but how much. The answer is SCADS. It's like they gift-wrapped the whole thing for critics and naysayers with a big stinky bow on top. The concert will indeed be held in Park Place (née Molson Park) and feature such luminaries as Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Blue Rodeo, Great Big Sea, Our Lady Peace, African Guitar Summit, Barenaked Ladies, Jan Arden, Bruce Cockburn, Deep Purple, Gordon Lightfoot, Tragically Hip, Tom Cochrane, Motley Crue and Sam Roberts and it will be hosted by Dan Ackroyd and Tom Green (I would have rather had Terrance and Phillip, especially with Celine taking part). I find it amusing that the CBC article says that Barrie "won" the concert. Getting stuck with Our Lady Peace doesn't feel much like winning to me.

Now I don't necessarily have anything against most of these performers but collectively put forward as the face of Canadian music, it's about as horrid, irrelevant and anachronistic as you could possibly get. It's like they've taken every bit of progress we've made in recent years in building a reputation as a country that produces innovative, creative and just kick-ass music and summarily dismissed it. "Yeah, you young'ns are all great but we're going to go with the 'Everything I Do' guy". Celine won't even actually BE at the show, she's phoning her performance in. Nice "headliner" (I've heard Bry-boy is doing the same but can't confirm that). It's a sad day when Motley Crue is the most exciting act on the bill. Hell, I could have accepted it if they had gotten Nickelback and Avril - certainly not my cup of tea but at least you could rationalize their popularity and global profile. Instead, we get artists who aren't even relevant in Canada anymore, let alone abroad. At this point, it wouldn't shock me if they added Glass Tiger, Honeymoon Suite, Cats Can Fly, The Box... Sigh. Know what a better lineup would have been? Leonard Cohen. Just Lenny. Sitting on stage, doing whatever. Making toast. Gawd. CHAGRINED.

Chart is hoping against hope that rumours of more acts to be added will make the event worth covering (since they'll have to anyway) and Radio Dan has his own act-by-act take on the lineup. Hello Newman prognosticated this days ago, Torontist is enraged and Pop (All Love) is just confused. As are we all, Aaron. As are we all.

Some good quotes from Live 8

SIMON LE BON (Rome)

"I think 20 years ago people thought that it would be OK to just dip into their pockets and that would be the end of it. That's like the Western mentality -- you know we just want to give somebody some money and forget about it.

"I think what this is about now is us actually taking responsibility and it's only going to work if it's the beginning of something that carries on."


BONO, lead singer of U2 (London)

"The rock stars and the hip hop stars can't change anything but our audience really can.

"We're not asking you to put your hand in your pockets but we are asking people to put their fists in the air."
DAVE MATTHEWS (Philadelphia)

Asked if the G8 leaders were watching: "I think they're paying some attention. I don't know if they're rocking out right now, probably Tony Blair might be, and Putin might have some moves ... I think they're aware of what's going on.

Live 8 let down?

Spent the majority of the day listening to the show from Barrie. I really think it was a poor representation of Canadian artists. I don't deny the relivance of the ones who were on stage, nor is it just me wanting some of more of my faves on. It just seems like the artists were not energized enough. I actually really enjoyed Bruce Cockburn, Blue Rodeo sounded great, OLP has sound problems(just like everytime they come to AZ) Hip had odd song selection except one, BNL were sorta sedate. It was hilarious that the crowd booed Celine Dion is her taped appearance, the announcers on XM were speechless as were Tom Green and Dan Ackroid. I think it needed more rock bands, even if it was crappy Nickelback, it needed something. Jann Arden between OLP and Motley Crue was obsured! I missed earlier acts due to sleeping in, missed Sam Roberts but hoping to catch him on replay. Took my new XM boombox to pool with Missy and kids! Got a tad burnt, but I have had no tan this summer. It was difficult to listen there but still had to have it with me. My music geek friends and I were text messaging (Nick, Karen and Jon) about the show. I caught some others when I would switch for a minute or two. I heard Def Lep doing "No Matter What" I heard all of Keith Urban, who was great-YES I like a country artist-unbelievable! I did not stay for Neil Young (sacrilege to some) 'course I skipped him live at Blockbuster years ago too. Besides, it was shaved ice time and who cares if the Stones got on stage (Never heard yet if they did) Why Jet? Ugh, anyway it was fun, I am liking my XM but I agree with Hutch, none of the performances stood out for a memory, just the event in general.
I heard a band called Hurst yesterday and guessed it was Econoline's singer, I was right as I saw an add for them in my new Chart magazine.
A major occurance happened yesterday and I forgot to mention it! I think I blocked it out due to disappointment. I got the new.....Posies CD in the mail...... Yes them, my favorite band for many years, yep! they got back together last year and decided to record again. Here's Dan's quote "Stick to what you know" oh boy, I sure hope it can grow on me. There are 2 songs that are pure Posies, just awesome. I would have to say the rest were outtakes from Jon's never released solo effort. Yikes, that was hard to say.... I guess I think Jon has lost his touch and Ken likes to experiment. The two have developed distinct differences and it's not hard to guess which one I prefer. Ken just still has the chops to write great lyrics and you can tell his years now with REM have influenced him. In fact, REM played Live8 today which means a Posie made it to Live8! The best thing they did with the new Posies record is layered vocals and used harmonies, the thing that works best for them, their voices combined. I will give it some more time......kinda sad....I never thought they could do wrong.
It was a black cherry shaved ice... I am sorry Neil Young fans....;)

Paul and the boys in Haywire back in the day! 

Barrie Ontario, center of Canadian universe tomorrow

Not accomplish much today, long weekend in mind! Found an article in my readings this morning giving motorist tips in getting to Barrie, ONT. http://chartattack.com/damn/2005/06/3005.cfm
My tip from being in Barrie once long ago, Just keep driving, you'll get there eventually. When leaving parking lot, don't back into fences and have some good conversations in mind for the 3 hour wait to get out into rural Canada roads!
I got my XM set up so I can listen to Live8. I bought the wrong boombox at Wally world so I have to take it back. It doesn;t appear that they make a boombox for my receiver but they have a home set up kit. I will trek to Best Buy to find this instead. Doing some shopping today anyway. I am going to AJ's Fine foods because Karen tells me they carry Faygo. How amazing! I can get my favorite pop from Michigan here in the dusty, friggin hot desert.
Today is the anniversary of the walkman, introduced in 1979. The jock on CFOX just told me this. It is Canada Day. They should play all Canadian artists on the radio! May switch to Bear in a bit, BOB sucked this morning.
Karen says I should blog about all the technology we have now. I said to Dan yesterday that I would never have believed I could listen to Canadian radio everyday in Arizona. When we moved from Michigan, I was seriously depressed I could not listen to Canadian radio anymore. I begged my parent to get a satellite dish so I could watch Much Music. Of course I was not that spoiled, dishes were super expensive back then. We would visit friends in Parker who had it and I would sit in front of thier TV watching Much the entire day. I remember seeing the Hip back then (1987, 88) I also remember they showed an REM video (which song?) and the girls were all topless and on Much they showed it while MTV put black bars across the girls boobs. I did finally have Much for about a year until they changed to Much USA and Fuse. They seriously sucked by then but I did get to see Matt Good a bunch while wading through Spice Girls and Outkast.
I survived the years with out by reading Canadina magazines and Chuck Cordell taping me episodes of Stu Jefferies. I remember Roger had a Canadian section at Rockaway of imports-aor style of course but it helped make it less far away. Roger was probably one of the first people I met that I could talk Can-con with along with Pamela.
I am glad we didn't have computers or cell phones back in college, they just make commuincation more convoluted. I watch kids at the Blaze talk to each other via IM when they are in the same room. I admit, I have done it. So silly! Cell phones are a pain in the neck if you ask me. Don't get me wrong, I have had flats and witnessed crime, all of which were make much easier by having the phone. I just think cell phones are a distraction for people in communicating also. I could not believe a student had the nerve to call someone at orientation this past Monday while we were in the midst of explaining how to register for classes. I truly try hard to not use my cell phone in my car and the text messaging thing is crazy, just call the person!
I just got the politest message on the phone"Your party is not answering, we're sorry but your call will now be disconnected" Leave it to Canada to even have a nice message from their phone company. OK, I am geek again, I just requested a song on CFOX- Deep Six from Matt. It is a request weekend.
I better do some work, I am getting guilty here. I will at least clean my desk before the weekend!

Awesomely not a good show

So I just wasted an hour on a show that lured me in with this:
Canada is doubtless one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world. With thousands of miles of breathtaking wilderness, cosmopolitan cities like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, superlative ice...
I was admittedly not having a great night, just kinda bumming and soaking in some things I found out today. I check my email and I get one from VH1 that says they have a show called Awesomely Canadian. I'm thinking, how cool that VH1 is honoring our northern brothers on Canada Day. I clean my kitchen to pass the time til it comes on and it is one of their typical shows making fun of everything. I thought they were going to expose places, and cool bands.... no just another excuse to make fun of Canada. I know Loveboy is the brunt of many jokes, heck I was even embarassed for them being on that show "Hit me baby one more time" This show was just plain stupid and reaching to the same old jokes, Canadians drink beer, love hockey...doh... You know, some of the most amazing cities in North America are all there- TO, Vancouver and Montreal. I saw my first punk rocker when I was like 12 when I was in Ontario for a drag boat race. UGH I am so mad I watched it. Here's the absolute worst part, Rachel Perry was the host. Canadian, former Much hostess and she kept referring to them as "they" She never owned up to being Canadina in the show... So lame, a reminder again why I don't watch TV. I miss Ahmer and "Bands Reunited"
Answer to the question "who is in the picture?" It's Paul MacAusland, singer of one of my top five all time favorite bands Haywire. They played a show in Dartmouth, cross the bay from Halifax tonight. I was quite sure at one point I was going to marry him and move to PEI. So things change 20 years later, but I would still marry him.. ;)
Back in real life, I had a fine lunch with my buddies at Get Out, found out that Brian moved back to AZ(ugh), enjoyed an afternoon shopping with the family and then got my XM set up to listen to tomorrow for Live8. Dan says he may only have to work tomorrow, I wish, I miss him and I see him everyday-crashed out sleeping.... Still uncertain about the Cruise, I think a new wrench has got my mind changing about it.
I got to pick my favorite local song for an article in next week's Get Out. So nice to be asked still. So many to choose from but it had to be the Blossoms, they were my life for so many years, all the rest are icing on the cake. I will have to think about my favorite local songs...make my own list. I picked Kelli Richards, once I thought a minute, that seemed obvious. I could have said Found out about you, remembering the time Karri V and I listened to it million times to transcribe the lyrics but Kelli encompasses early era GBS and makes me remember how many times I would put them on while mom and I would be in the pool or doing something. It represents my parents supporting me in all my interests, including going to Blossom shows and loving them too. They listened to many a tale about the Blossoms at the dinner table.
hmmm, top of my head without going in the closet... My Star- Sugar High, Burger Christ - DHW, Hold Me down - Blossoms, Drive - Jamie's Brother, Stay away sister-dare I say it?, I got more, give me a chance to look in the closet, definately some Spinning Jenny, Beat Angels, Ashbrook/satellite, Deadly Arnez, a song I love from Serene Dominic, hmmm... good, this has got me thinking.....Steve Larson singing The Cure, Whose's side are you on- Gas Giants, Do we count the Sidewinders? hmmmm, Looking forward to seeing the list!