In and out of love - Bon Jovi

There are a set of people I have adored since I was a teen. This guy above is one of them. He is Mark Oswald, former driver of the In and Out Funny Car. He jumped back into a race car last weekend in Chicago and qualified 2nd. I just wanted to shout it out as he is one of my all time favorite people I admire!

I got the wisdom tooth out on Friday.... the one that was supposed to come out in 1986 (Best year ever for Canadian music!) In March I found out it was coming out but kept putting off the extraction. It was abcessed...no wonder I have had such a hard time sleeping! Now I am bruised and swollen but it is gone before the big trips!

New York is a go as long as we get on a flight. (flying stand-by) Dan is going to help me make some coasters today for Rob and Jay. I want to give Rob something for getting us into Mamma Mia! Want to make Spoons and HMS coasters for him.

I have a ton of work to do before NS but I will be dilligent to get it done so I have no worries while I am gone!

In my search for a show to see while I am in the mariti,es, I finally found it!!! The New Bruswick countdown to Canada Day announced it's headliner!! In-Flight Safety!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More soon :)

"It's a mistake" - Men at Work

Iceberg is STILL playing something by New Pornographers that is NOT "Myriad Harbour" I was laughing as the idiot DJ stumbled through the pronounciation of Myriad then out comes this fantastic other song. I wish I knew what that song is that they are playing because it is not on Challengers! The song ends, I go out in the kitchen and The Verge is playing the real "Myriad Harbour" Oh I laughed!!!! (And yes I keep radios on in most every room)
So have the real "Myriad Harbour" It is a cool video! Iceberg is not cool for this blunder! I really have to wonder if they are playing a B-side from a CD single or what??

"Lost Together" - Blue Rodeo

I can not get the above song title out of my head. It was the encore for the Blue Rodeo show I attended this week. They called Luke Doucet and his wife Melissa McClelland on stage to sing the song. The entire night was a fantastic night of Canadian music talent new and established. This was the third time I have seen Blue Rodeo but the time lapse between is so lengthy, it felt anew. Best I can recall off hand, it was 1993 they played an opening set in Hayden Square. I also saw them at SXSW but festival shows are never the satisfactory way to see a band. This was 2 hours of all the hits and the latest CD. I felt like I did the first time I saw Sloan. Here is this huge bus at this tiny club, a high caliber, Canadian headliner playing to 60 people. Sad representation of our country but huge advantage for the diehards who "know" how fortunate they are. People shouted out "Thank you" to Blue Rodeo for coming to Phoenix. That gives you an idea...Sigh for the talent little known to the mass public. It probably goes without saying but Blue Rodeo was fanastic!

I am listening to Main Street on CBC Halifax so I can pretend like I live there. They are talking about gas prices and if it will affect your summer travel. Gas prices are not even in my head for my travel plans to Nova Scotia-haha! It cost $95 to fill my truck today. It is hard not to mention this. I was stuck in traffic the other day, no clue why as it was in the middle of the day but it turned out "W" was in town at some small Mesa business. There were tons of protesters, I raised my fist in solidarity. I am not political whatsoever but I know the government could change this oil issue.

The Blaze received the new Sloan CD yesterday. It makes a difference being able to listen to it on my stereo in my truck. I would still say my Sloan mood is Jay lately. I do believe I go through Sloan member moods in regards to their songs. I remember in Nova Scotia, all I wanted to listen to was Andrew. Chris ruled the NHTEOI era. Patrick was the reason I was sucked in hardcore around Action Pact era. Jay's songs were the early Sloan songs I liked so I guess I am back around. I hope Andrew and I get to go to the show but we are going to try stand-by. It is tough getting on flights these day that way. If not, I will find a show later this summer I suspect.

The Blaze is also playing Two Hours Traffic and Tokoyo Police Club. Also Jason Colett and Black Mountain. I have my CanCon at work all day now too! :) Having an office at a radio station means music the entire day. Good thing we have excellent music! When I listen to Jian, I have to turn it up to overpower the Blaze monitor because it doesn't have an off switch.

Still no luck with artists playing in Halifax while I am there.

We have an interview with Hayden on the Maple Minutes in two weeks.

Iceberg is still playing the wrong song by New Pornographers. Hilarious! I heard new Sloan on both Iceberg and The Verge.

Finally, I saw Speed Racer with my nephew. I have thought a lot about it since. I understand why it is not a hit movie. The story is pretty convoluted, even I lost what was going on at certain points. BUT I think they cast it very well, the actors made the movie. I liked it, I wasn't expecting to. It has it's problems, it is much too long but as a fan of the story of Speed Racer I am pleased with the tale.
KBM found a Barbie doll set of Speed and Trixie. I am trying to avoid buying the new merch. I have collected Speed stuff all my life, it has never been the easiest stuff to find. Now it is everywhere but I have resisted. Except the Barbie set...;)

27 days until I leave for Nova Scotia!

Magic Power - Triumph

You know you think about Canadian music too much when you have a dream you are making out with Rik Emmett of Triumph. I swear to god, I never had any crushes on any Triumph members or was really ever that much of a fan. My Canadian music subconscious got mixed up!

In something that was a dream to do, yesterday I interviewed someone I have adored since I was in high school, Rob Pruess of The Spoons. (And Honeymoon Suite) Long story short, I googled him after writing “God Bless Rob Pruess” in my last blog. I found he had a myspace, asked if he would do an interview and here is the result:

http://www.theblaze1260.com/events

Rob's story is absolutely fascinating- He started in the Spoons at 15. You always hear about Tommy Stinson but Pruess got his start just as young! The Spoons toured with Culture Club on CC's first US tour when "Do you really want to hurt me?" was starting to happen. Rob quit the Spoons at 20 because he needed to relax.....at 20!!
Then he joins Honeymoon Suite at their highest point. When HMS started having manager problems; Rob moves on to the call of Phantom of the Opera in Toronto. Ever since he has been working as a musician in huge Broadway plays! He lives in NYC now and is an assistant music director for Mamma Mia! His story is book worthy and made for a hell of an interesting interview. I mean, I know I am a fan but Danee and Andrew were impressed with his story also. He is so super nice! He invited us to come to New York to see the musical. Here's the kicker- I think we are going to!!!!!!!

Does this also involve Sloan? But of course. As I said on the air, I am a one-track mind. I'll explain more when I know more, it may fall through, or it may be amazing!!

In the meantime, I am already packed for NS/NFLD...5 weeks in advance...

I have been delving into something else I have been a fan of for years-WKRP in Cincinnati. IT is SO AWESOME to finally have it on DVD! It was my favorite long before I ever imagined I would have a radio job...it was meant to be! And I think The Blaze has elements of it-hahahaha!

So once again I say, God Bless Rob Pruess!

"Walking in my shoes" - Depeche Mode

I adore shoes just like most women. People ask me all the time how many Converse I have. I honestly don't know because they are scattered around the house. We used to have Converse outlet stores in AZ. I would buy a few at as time, they were cheap back then. When the company moved to Asia, the shoes got more narrow and I had to go up a size. I actually sold a few pairs on ebay that just didn't fit. Ask KBC, I almost fell to the ground crying when I saw Target was selling One Stars. (In joy...I love One Stars also) Surprisingly I have yet to design my own like you can now. My most recent purchased Converse were ones with a Diner Menu on them and a no lace pink pair on sale at Target. An old friend bought me my first pair, plain old black, as a joke because Robin wore them. Now it is an obsession collection.

What I never realized is that they are not really the best walking shoes. I have very wide feet but Converse always fit so I don't bother with much of any other kind. I have a soft spot for Doc Martins so my nice shoes are DM Mary Janes. Ever since Dan and I started walking, I realized Converse offer zero for support or cushion.

I can't be the most fashionable but in my life, I HAVE to wear cool shoes. I found out this week that I am a complete shoe snob and picky as hell! Wal Mart had plenty of fine, wide size Dr. Scholls walking shoes that would be perfectly fine for our neighborhood strolls. BUT I COULDN'T DO IT! I hate white tennis shoes, in fact I realized I hate tennis shoes in general. I saw some flat looking Puma that kinda look like my race shoes but knew they would not be the cushion I need. I went into almost every shoe store in Fiesta Mall (Malls are shoes and jewelry, ya know!) My last store I went in, one I never go in, was Macy's. Not only did I find the shoes I saw in the newspaper as a possiblity, they were on sale! Anguish over, somewhat acceptable shoes found! That is them in the photo above. I don't adore them but they will do. I know I need something for the trip too as many items in the travel books say you need to walk a bit to see them..(Vistas, Lighthouses, Seals)

I do still have a problem heel. I have had it for over a year. I thought it was one of those bone spurs. ( I Sound so frickin old discussing aches and pains!) But now the handy internet tells me this: Atrophy from Diabetes!

Ahh Yes, this Diabetes this.... You know, it took them a while longer than it should have to diagnose me. I guessed it a good 3 years ago. I realize now I had a crappy nurse practitioner. Ever since Dr. Jones took over the practice, he found it on a hunch. I have been really good about giving up sugar. I haven't had real ice cream in 5 months! Ice Cream is my absolute favorite food group! I gave up Dr. Pepper which was also an addiction. Diet Doc is ok but just not the same so I don't drink as much. Bread and pasta are still the problem... But I think I am managing. I got a blood monitor but have yet to use it (The doc just said we could check every 3 months if I just take my pills) Bottomline, I am dealing ok with the diabetes I think. Dan won't let me cheat anyway. I may have some ice cream on vacation though... wink!

Maple notes

** Sam Roberts was on Jian's show today. He is so smart and cleaver (Sam, really I mean Sam!) The new songs sounded great. One was called Detroit 67. I was born in Detroit in '67 so it is a fave already. It has great mentions of the city and eventually ends with the riots. I am looking forward to the new record which comes out this week.

** Know how I ended last blog entry with a nod to Rob Pruess. Well holy crap!!!!! I get another chance to talk to one of my fave 80's Candadian idols. Yes! Rob of The Spoons and Honeymoon Suite fame is going to do an interview on the Maple
Minutes! OH YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Raise a little hell" - Trooper

Oh am I nervous about seeing this film. Speed Racer was one of my first favorite cartoons growing up. It was on after Kimba the Lion on Ch 50 in Detroit, I believe. I read a review in the paper today that said Racer X died. I sure hope they didn't deviate from the original plot that Racer X is Rex Racer. I will be annoyed. I am still annoyed that Princess Leia says she remembers her mother in Jedi then Lucas kills her off in Revenge. I do NOT like plot inconsistencies!


OK this blog is supposed to be Maple musings, right?

*I am giggling about SMB having the lyrics for the entire new Sloan LP. Man, who has that kind of time to try to figure them all out?! I am giggling because of CMM's thinly veiled lyrics about giving up his Peter Pan life for fatherhood. None of us ever want to grow up but why let it completely drag you down?

*I went on about this on the Maple Minutes but I am still annoyed that Chart magazine has this headline of it's cover - Tokyo Police Club: The next Arcade Fire. I haven't read why but that might be the most idiotic headline in Canadian music history. They are supposed to be the sorce for Canadian college radio yet they make an ridiculous statement like that? TPC is 4 guys who make fun, quirky pop. Arcade Fire is a million members with stylish, plodding, intricate songs. I guess one must remember how affected this magazine is by US success for CanCon.... One year Len was their artist of the year. Every year their artist of the year is seemingly the one who sells the most. And has YET to have Plaskett on their cover!

*In pulling out some old files, I found articles about Harlequin and Headpins from teen beat style mags. Proof once again, I have saved everything... Harlequin put out a record last year. My pal Roger made me a copy but I have yet to listen. (bad LMC)

*Iceberg seems to not be playing New Pornographer's "new" track anymore...heheheheh (I wrote them to tell them the song they were playing was not "Myriad Harbour") Know it all brat I am...

* Andrew played the new Awkward Stage single and it was really good! I need to get a hold of a band called Elias also. I dig The Orchid Highway from Vancouver. CBC 3 is playing Kevin Kane of Grapes of Wrath. I need that record also when I go shopping in Canada.

* One of my Toronto pals texted to say she was seeing Peter Elkas tonight. Darn I need to reschedule that interview!!

* Andrew also told me that CBC3 did a listing of the best record stores in Canada. I want to see or hear that list! I wonder how many I have been to? I wonder how many are still in business thanks to me-LOL! He said one was in Halifax. I bet it is the one I spent $300 at! (Can't think of name) Recordland in Calgary probably floored me the most in recent years. I know there used to be a killer huge vinyl store in Toronto but I believe it is gone. (Jferg told me once all the old ones I remember are gone)

*I used a Trooper song as my title because on SMB I was joking about Trooper playing in Halifax for Canada Day and DAMN if it isn't true. I was totally just thinking of some old washed up band I didn't like (Because most are still my fave bands-LOL) I looked up Casino Nova Scotia and there they were! I hope some other show develops because it does not look good for July 1 so far! The PEI Festival of Lights show is posted. I was relieved that no one I die for is playing so far because it would be a major pain to get up there. It is a fine bill, don't get me wrong but no one I haven't seen a ton (except Matt Mays) OLP and The Hip who I have seen countless times. Hip maybe at about 16 times... Anyway, it doesn't appear that I will be trying to get to PEI. Keep your figers crossed for just one cool show for me while in NS!

Maple raging done for the night-Over and out! Long live Rob Pruess <3!

"Two hearts beat as one" - U2

OMG!!!! Strombeshi! I am dying! Two of my faves parodied!

"Dancing in the sheets"- Shalimar

HEE HEE One of my fab directors of the Blaze sent me the link for making your name in anything, including Vinyl...I couldn't resist. Not only could I not resist, I am crafting with them for the new office.

I never did report back about said new office which I saw. It seemed a tad small to me. I have a hard time visualizing things before they are done so I look forward to seeing it with the U shaped desk in it. Then I will truly know how much crap I can fit in it. I may need to stop buying stuff for it. I did realize I need shelves to move up instead of things for limited floor space. I have the record stand, a floor shelf from my living room, a small cabinet I painted from Michaels this weekend and there should be a bookshelf provided. I was pleased that the 3/4 window has a ledge. Ledge = more knick-knacks=LOL!

The last few weeks have been one year end event after another. Only graduation is left this week. The CV party was lovely in the secret garden. The Blaze prom was beyond cool. They transformed the station with black rolls of paper and sparkles. I said it reminded me of the end of Footloose but most of the kids hadn't seen it. (!) Dan and I did the DJing. We played fun 80-00 dance music. When kids wanted requests, they would just hand me their ipod... Crazy!



Some other fun things from this past week:

Took Hunter to see Iron Man. Much fun and good flick!

Two of my frosh helped me do the Maple Minutes while Andrew is in Germany. We had a blast doing it. They let me play 80's stuff and made fun of me.

Found out Blue Rodeo is playing in PHOENIX! I was looking for bands playing in Hali and found them here, this month!

Taught Cheryl and Karen how to make cute magnets for gifts. I want to be a craft teacher!

Met some great new CV kids at orientation.

Won best promo at the Blaze prom. Also gave the Hornstein-Kelly award to dear Ashley H who I will miss so much. She cried, I was touched.

Took three walks with Dan. 8 years of marriage, we have never gone on a walk. Now we are regulars, holding hands and everything.

That's a darn good week!

Far from over - BLVD.

Indeed the school year is almost over. Tonight was the end of the year party for Cronkite Village. CV3 as I call them. Watching the video they produced of all the year's events made me teary. It was a lovely evening weather wise so it set a nice tone in ASU's secret garden. I made cards for my peer mentors and paraprofessional. They worked a ton for me this year, I gave them gift cards in gratitude.

Last week was not the best week for me. I had some real rough times at work. Rather than re-hashing it, I am hopeful for a good week to come. In the photo is the band that headlined the Blaze Kick Ass Spring Concert. They are called Mostly Bears. I was stunned how good they are! To me, they were a mix of Sabbeth and Soundgarden. We rented a PA so the sound was huge and clear! I recommend them whole-heartedly. Sam had played them to me on Myspace prior to the show and I was not affected. I think their reorded material may not represent them fully.

The week hit me so hard emotionally and physically I decided to not go to see Stars. Timing just sucked. I had been so drained from responsibilities all week, I had no desire to drive downtown and find parking among people going to a Suns play-off game. I just knew I didn't have the patience. I haven't heard from Andrew how it was but I am sure it was fabulous. I had a nice dinner and time with Dan, we hadn't had dinner with each other all week.

On what would have been Mom's birthday, I had a very nice honor. One of the CV students took me to an ASU tradition called Apple Polishers. He had to get up in front of the room and tell why I was an influence on him at ASU. It was among Deans, faculty and staff members. It was a very lovely night and very flattering to be selected.

I am still trying to fill up the new ipod. It still kills me that I lost my old one. I can't seem to get the same great mix of music on this one which is ridiculous because I have the same CDS. It just took a long time to get that one the way I wanted it. I need it to be my company on my trip with all my driving I plan to do. I doubt there are killer can-con stations in Nothern Newfoundland. I just added a band called Big Bang. Shame on me, I can't recall what they sound like whatsoever.

I got my Sirius Subscription back. I wrote Iceberg today being the snotty know-it-all. They are playing a New Pornographers track and keep saying it is "Myriad Harbor" but it isn't. Sorry but a major CHUM station f-ing up is a big giggle for me. Funny thing is, I don't know what song they are playing, it is not on Challengers. I like it though....Nico and AC singing..

I have still only listened to the new Sloan once. I will listen some more this week. Tour dates are starting to trickle out. If west follows their east coast dates, I am completely screwed for US dates again. Not that I am complaining about going to Nova Scotia. Just looks like timing may be about when I am gone... Which is funny because my love for NS came from them.... Something will work out though, I will find my way to the right show!

This week I get to DJ the first ever Blaze Prom. I think it will be a blast. I am looking forward to it. Dan is going to come help me. It will be broadcast on the air so if you feel like reliving your prom from the 80-90's, tune in Wednesday night around 7pm www.theblaze1260.com

I'm not a kid anymore - Sloan

I just listened to the new Sloan record, it doesn't even come out until June 10. Well...I am not prepared to write a full review (Nor do I like writing them) I feel like it is a Jay and Andrew record. Their songs seem to shine. Patrick's don't seem as definitive as his. Chris' will need to grow on me. I can't say it affected me like NHTEOI. We'll see, I am going to hold judgment until I can spend more time.

School year is ending soon. I have the first of many year end activities tonight. So hard to let go of some of my kids as they graduate.

Blaze huge concert tomorrow. I will report more soon.

"The Perfect Size" - Jon Auer

Last week was spectacular! Two major events for the year in one week! Thursday I interviewed Jay Ferguson of Sloan on the Maple Minutes! Oh boy, I was so ready! I wrote all my questions out and stuck to them without sounding rehearsed (I think?) It is on www.theblaze1260.com. I was not nervous and he is just so easy to talk to. I kidded about Murphy, make jokes about Andrew smoking and Patrick being the penny counter in the murder records headquarters. My favorite question was asking Jay if there was anything else in his life besides music. I remember always asking Robin about other things in his life because he would always just update me on Blossoms news. Jay answered NO! :) Bless him- he is such a good man and he writes a damn good song or two! I teased Jay that they should come to me for once-as in Sloan in AZ! My fear would be them in AZ while I was in NS. I was lobbying Jay to find out about Paul McCartney playing in Halifax and how Sloan should open! (Because it maybe while I am there!)

I think I was more nervous about Jason Collett the week prior. That interview was fine, a little hairy because he was running behind and we had a set amount of time with him. It was fine though. Next is trying to get Elkas to reschedule!

Still pleased as punch over talking to Jay, I then had a full Saturday with my crafting guru, Mr. Tim Holtz. (See happy Leah in photo above with said Grunge God) He is very funny, and just has the best ideas for crafting that merge two of my loves, scrapping and antiques. Tim loves items that look old so he encourages you to distress, antique, hammer and grunge your crafts. I went to two of his classes last year and crushed hard ever since. He is from Prescott and worked at a Ben Franklin store. I loved those stores! LOL! Not all of my stuff ends up looking like his but I love what I have learned from him! Last time I was sick, I watched his DVD I got for Christmas in bed. Made me so happy-hahaha! I wanted to go on his cruise but it also was a choice of the cruise or NS/NL. Anyway, I had an incredible day, felt great about the projects I made and made a few friends too. Dan was even impressed with the items, especially the shadowbox.

Since we last spoke, I have booked all my hotels and rental cars for the big trip. I went home on one of my breaks on Tim-Day. In the mail I got both the NS Doers and Dreamer guide and the Newfoundland and Labrador guide. I have poured over all my books several times now. I made a few changes in my agenda. I think it would be near impossible for me to get to PEI on Canada Day. I booked a hotel in Halifax that night. I guess I will let the cards fall where they may. One of the hotels, the Blomidon Inn in Wolfville looks spectacular! It was an addition to my plan that I added last. Besides missing Danny and the dogs, I know this will be an incredible experience! I will certainly blog it all but it looks like there is no internet in Twillingate, Newfoundland. What will I do four days without internet? LOL! I will write!!!!!!

Touring the new Cronkite building tomorrow. Will I see my new office!?!

xoxoxLMC

Cold as Ice - Foreigner

I just blew my life savings to buy plane tickets to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland!!! LOL! I'll never make it to retirement anyway. More soon, so tired from work being busy! P.S. I didn't cry this time like I did when I bought tickets last time to NS. Heehee

Jason Collett on Maple Minutes Thursday..OK! AWESOME!

"Can't you figure it out?" - Sloan

This photo was taken by a dear friend named Beth in Toronto. She is so talented with her camera!
www.rockpaperpixels.com
OH YES! Jay Ferguson is going to talk to us on the Maple Minutes. I have always wanted to talk music with him but get kinda tongue tied in person. I mean, how do you start a conversation about about a million bands while other people are waiting to talk to him after a show. He is just a sweet, sweet man so I am honored. Hopefully I get out a few things I have always wanted to ask. When I would listen to his and Chris' show each week, I would pretty much be their third anyway-LOL! It should be fantastic.
Elkas forgot to call in this past week but sent the most charming apology. We will have him on also in a few weeks. In-Flight Safety's Daniel Ledwell is this week. I adore them too as you all know.

Today a member of local band The Love Blisters was on for guest DJ week. I heard the starting chords of "Fashionable People" by Plaskett. I hear that song so often on the radio it took me a minute or two to realize it was on The Blaze. After Plaskett he played "Last time in Love' by Sloan. I was floored. I went in and introduced myself. He proclaimed NHTEOI and Ashtray Rock the best records of last year. I said we need to talk more! Nice guy. He also played The Zombies! I had to leave to teach but wish I heard the rest of his set.

More maple madness today. Billy Talent is playing the Tempe Music Fest. I am not a huge fan but see no reason they do not come by the station since they are a block away. I called around and ended up on the phone with their publicity guy. Super nice guy, talked music for a bit. Turns out he does publicity for Arts n Crafts. Holy nice phone call... He was super interested in The Blaze and I mentioned we would like Jason Collett....What a huge connection! Hi, could we talk to Amy and Torq please? <3

My birthday last week tunred out to be a super nice day. No drama, all good feelings, fun gifties and wonderful friends and family around me. And I laughed so much at Sloan on with Jian that morning. Jian handles everyone so smooth but Chris Murphy always throws him off a bit. I told Chris that, he is about the only one who can snag Ghomeshi's cool demeanor on air. Hooray for fun birthdays!

We interviewed that gal Lights that Jian manages. She was just an absolute ray of sunshine. Super positive and very sure of herself and what she wants to accomplish. Sadly we lost the interview to a technical glitch. I can wish and dream Jian heard it, right? It went really well. I think she is going to be huge. The Old Navy commercial is already helping that.


I have been just pouring over Newfoundland books trying to plot my course of action. I am going to work at it again tonight to plan making both my Nova Scotia travel aspirations and Newfoundland ones work.

A little wrench in my plans to travel for now on came on Saturday. Dan decided to fire up Big Red and put her in the trailer. I know it may seem ridiculous to some but the minute it started up I balled my eyes out. I loved racing and hearing my car start for the first time in two and a half years was a jolt. Of course, uncapped, it jolts the entire neighborhood and all the pictures on the wall also. I can not imagine being able to travel and race. It was so hard to see Dan drive it the few feet he did to get it in the trailer. I just don't know.

Work is crazy but good. Orientation season has started and somehow I still ended up involved in it. Not all students are reacting well to our school's move to downtown Phoenix. There are only a few weeks left of school and I will have to say good bye to more of my fave kids. Plus 2 of the first Cronkite Village group are graduating (in three years!) It gets so hard to see them come and go. Then I have lunch with some of my past directors and hear all the new marriages, babies and even divorces. 8 years worth of students now, I am so fortunate to have a job I LOVE!

"Romance" - The Payola$

Or Bromance....
I am dying! Peter Elkas on the Maple Minutes this Thursday...YES!~

Cars - Gary Numan

Cars is one of the first New Wave songs I ever loved along with "Generals and Majors" - XTC and "Pop Musik" - M.

I am helping Dan sell auto parts at a huge auto swap meet this weekend. Having done many a garage sale, I find it facinationg how men at sales like this are so different. I suppose because they are more competitive, they behave worse? We got out to this event at 5:30am. It is supposed to start at 7am. Just as Dan opens the trailer door there are guys trying to come in his trailer to get first look at what he's got... He kicked them out but as he tried to unload, more and more guys kept perusing his stuff. He had to answer questions and could not get a minute to finish unloading the trailer. I don't think we ever got it all out. They are insulting in their offers but that is true of garage sales also. I understand wanting to get a deal but we price cheap anyway! It was amusing for me to hear my very shy husband be a sales man. He is pretty good at it, likes to be really nice and tell the part's entire history. The men at these sales have carts or wagons they bring. Differnce is, they have hundreds in their wallet. I have probably once had $100 if that to go garage saling. Dan made a few grand, so I guess all the work was worth it. The economy has made no dent in men's pockets who are rebuilding cars! The funniest part to me was these guys who tape pictures of their cars with a price on their T-shirts. This is their own walking advertisement as they are shopping. I saw so many, it was hilarious. Some would have no pictures, just lists of parts and prices. Too funny.


An old racer friend was at the swap meet. He stopped racing prior to me. We were catching up and he asked me how mom was. I froze. That was the first time I ran into someone who didn't know. My face must have told him as he reacted and said , oh I am sorry. (Mom had cancer for 4 years, so I am sure he knew she was battling) It was just so odd because I thought everyone in our circle of friends knew. I had that happen once after my dad passed away. A racer came up to me at the track, looking for my dad. I felt so bad for him because he broke down over it right there. Just hard to deal with. Mom is on my mind so much, it hit me so odd to think someone thought she was still with us. I wonder if Dan has had it happen yet with his dad? The person feels so bad too but you know it is an accident, you can still tell they feel stupid for not knowing. If you ever make that mistake to someone, just respond by how much you liked that person. That always makes it easier for me. I want people to remember how amazing my parents were.

I love swap meets, even auto parts ones bring out a few antiques. I am on this old radio kick to decorate the new office. I was determined someone would have one out there. I was so surprised to find a fella out there who was simply working out of his truck advertising old radio repairs! It makes sense as these old cars for sale need radios. He said that was the majority of his business. I asked if he had any radios with him. He pulled out a 1947 Philco, plugged it into his truck with a little mini amp and it played beautiful. I ran back to Dan who graciously gave me some of his earnings. It is gorgeous! Now I was very careful in my negotiations so as to ask for best deal but not insult what was obviously a beautiful radio that worked. I had been shopping on ebay for some last week but to actually buy it from a fellow who fixed it back up and was kind to sell it was much better. Spoiled me, I also found a tiny old transitor radio for $20. Like I need another collection.. Now officially I will get 4 old radios for my birthday. Two of them were only $100 which I believe were smoking deals. The other two were only $20 each. I will photograph them Monday when I "open" them. I will try to contain this collection...Is that possible with me?

Pickin flowers for - Best Kissers in the World

Tiny bits today:

*I took the posted photo! It may be the best photo I have ever taken! I had a bag of Anne of Green Gable wildflower seeds. We had so much rain this year, wildflowers are aboundant. I smile when I drive up and see them. Even Dan comments how beautiful they are. Need to go to NS to buy another bag of seeds-haha!

*I am listening to the new Bauhaus CD. Yes, they have a new release. I seem to have this tiny goth side to me. It is pretty damn good so far.

*Speaking of the NS trip. I had so much more planned by this time last trip. I am waiting for tax return to buy flight. I am just so confused what to do about NFLD. I need a panel of experts as to what to do.

*I did not end up going to California for Matt Good. Andrew could not get off work because it is Spring Break. Maybe we will go up to see him with a full band but those dates get close to the NS trip.

*Spring Break is right baby! Some folks have told me it was no big deal when I had to give up the stauffer office BUT this week is proof that I need my own time. Now don't get me wrong, I love the kids but just the opportunity to finish an email without interruption is a blessing. I needed the mix of alone time with student time.

*I turn 41 in less than a week. I dragged Dan around shopping so I assured myself some gifts-hahaha! I got it in my head I wanted an old radio for my new office. (huge shock, I found out last week I get a window!) I ended up with two radios, one from an antique store in Chandler and one from ebay.

* Saw video of 4 new Sloan songs today that they did at the murderrecords relaunch. Nobody seems to like the Murphy song but I did. Jay's song was my favorite of the 4 songs. Ever since Ruh told me that most folks in T-dot would like to hear a Jay solo record, I have thought about the fact that his songs are closest to the indie pop played on college radio these days. It is good old power pop to me but I can see why he is the indie kids fave member.

*No students at ASU for a week means Leah can play Jian's show loud in the entire Blaze offices.

* Billy Talent was added to the Tempe Music Festival. I am not really a big fan but it would be cool to have them come by the Maple Minutes...

* Sugar Free candy is pretty darn good. They need to work on sugar free ice cream.

* I eat yogurt now, with nuts. Who am I?

* I should have listened to Hutch, I love this macbook way better than my own laptop.

* Dan and I realized we are magazine addicts.

* Peter Murphy still has a great voice. A new generation of kids will want to slit their wrists to this record-hahah!

Oh How you used to know me so well - The Superfantastics

This is the band I interviewed today. This video is absolutely adorable as was Stephanie, the gal I interviewed. One of my students asked me how I prepare. I guess it is honestly the most natural thing I do in life outside of loving someone. No matter what career I have now, my most natural instinct is to be a radio broadcaster. Does that mean I should go back? No, not unless The Verge or CBC3 come a calling.

This same student, Sarah, is the last of a dying breed. A Tempe music fan, as in the old days of Mill Ave. She is egging me on to write something about those days. I can't really wrap my head around the idea. The writing coach I went to see suggested I write some personal essays about events and see where it goes. I feel like all my old aircheck tapes and articles in boxes need to be exhumed. It would take years. I also keep telling her that it would just end up being ode to Robin. I left monumental shows to go where ever the Blossoms were. Won't my memoir just be a girl with an unrequited love with alternative bands and radio set in the background? I heard a quote from Robin recently about the first time he heard the Blossoms on the radio. He said he was overlooking the Phx lights, on a date making out. I just shook my head because I guarantee you he had me on KQ. I am sure I was playing it, it was probably the day we added Dusted. I know I was the first to play them on KUKQ. In fact, I am such a stupid pack rat; I still have the index card from KQ. (We had all songs on a card system; you initialed the card when you played a song) So are my memories of that time period worth repeating? Maybe as I tell someone or blog but probably not a novel. I need to think on it. I would love to write another fictional story. That seems ten times easier than real life.

Sloan is playing their Canadian Music Week show as I type. I am ok not being there. It just didn’t seem to be the right time to go back yet. I would guess I will sneak to a Detroit show so I can visit. My heart is thinking about the NS trip now, not really much of anything else.

Beat So Lonely - Charlie Sexton

I had a dream about Charlie Sexton a few nights ago. Now I certainly like the guy but seriously, how does someone like that end up so vivid in one's dream? My best guess was that recently, while researching how to contact Peter Elkas for a Maple Minutes interview, I saw Charlie's picture for his myspace on Peter's myspace. (Because Sexton produced Elkas latest release.)

In the dream, I was watching a movie Sexton starred in. He was the hunky romantic lead who the main female gets to kiss in the end. I remember I was thinking to myself, "Wow, I didn't remember Charlie Sexton was in a movie." (He was not, this is the dream.) Dreams are such weird things; my mind tries to rationalize even in my dreams. It is just like every time a guy gets near me in a dream, my mind says no, I can't I'm married. Jeez, let me dream without guilt!

I do have a few Charlie Sexton stories though. I remember in high school my old pal Michele and I waited up on New Years Eve to see him on their special. Sexton was our age, so cute and pouty. He was the last artist on the show, like at 2am or something. We were so cool for staying up so late to see this hot new artist!

His second LP has a song written by Marty Willson-Piper. Now there is a dream duo of high cheeks. Put John Taylor along for the ride and I will explode in teen screams for sure.

When I was station manager at KASR, my team of gal directors all traveled to SXSW in Austin, TX. Debauchery was abounding for that weekend. As we arrived at Sky Harbor to leave, we walked by Charlie Sexton. Girl squee ensued. We kept watchful eye as he meandered into the bar. We followed. (5 girls all approaching? -look out!) I recall trying my brainy about music approach that got me nowhere all of the time. My music director Christine managed a few more words out of him with her earthy approach. We finally left him to his drink after discovering he was on our plane to Austin. We all hoped our ticket would be next to him but alas, Charlie didn't take any of the KASR girls home to Austin with him.

That weekend in Austin was all about the schmoozing. Label reps bought us Shiner Bock at the all Arizona bands showcase starring the Sandrubies. Blossoms were involved, naturally. We drove to Houston to see them play with Dash Rip Rock. It was a long drive but come on, did I ever not follow Robin where ever he went? Doug was in rare form at that show. The Blossoms played downstairs, Dash Rip Rock upstairs. Robin jumped on stage with them and wore the singer's ten gallon hat. Pictures exist somewhere. Oddly I remember having a long conversation with Phil Blossom outside that club. We stayed with Jules's family then drove back. The party was in our room the next night. Mercury reps took us to the hotel hot tub to listen to the "next big thing", Mother Love Bone. They were half right.

As I recall, I had a puppy following me the entire weekend, yes I mean a guy...I never got the guy as I always had gorgeous, slim friends but for once, this one was after me. I had spoke to him a bunch by phone prior as he was a college radio PD from Florida. He was Jewish, he must have thought he found his girl when he saw my nose-hahaha! He was smart too. Yeah, if his name wasn't Robin, I never took a second glance. Too bad as this fella even came to visit me in AZ later for my graduation! Years later I saw him on TV, he was a doctor on some late night paid programming. I kid you not!

I spoke to a writing coach today about writing non-fiction. It was interesting but just as I write blogs, I can really only remember bits and pieces of events. I would guess if I could remember what we tried to talk to Charlie Sexton about at the airport would make a more interesting story but I can't. I feel like I have interesting tidbits from my past but not a memoir. I have to think on it. I enjoyed writing fiction so much, I think non-fiction would annoy me. I think not remembering as well as I would like would just tick me off.

Two bands on Maple this week- The Superfantastics and The Blood Lines. I am excited!

Radio - Sproll

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Oh I love that band! I had such an awesome interview with them! We finally worked out a way to host the interviews on the Maple Minutes. Here is the link:
http://theblaze1260.com/events/

We are working on getting more including Marianas Trench, Blood Lines, The Superfantastics, In-Flight Safety (sigh!) and ...Eek- Peter Elkas!

Take that Situation - Nick Heyward

Tidbits today

*One of my racing best buds won a huge National event here in Phoenix this past weekend. I was happy for him but went into sad mode that I don't race anymore. My mind debates the issue of returing ot racing often. As Dan pointed out, when we get the tax money I plan to buy a ticket to Nova Scotia, not fix my car...

*I still haven't decided if I am going to Toronto or LA. At this point, it looks like neither since I have nothing BOOKED! The Mark Inside is one of the reasons I want to go to Toronto! Really!

*I love The Hollies.

*This weekend is the Rubber Stamp Convention. I am more excited for this than the drag race last weekend. Another clue I might be over the racing portion of my life.

*Kill the Lights is a new band I love. I also discovered a singer yesterday named Jon McKiel. Looked him up, from Halifax-what a shock!

*I definitely decided on NS over Alaska BUT I need help deciding how and if I go to NFLD. I think I would be happier just driving all over NS but I want to see Icebergs, Northern Lights, whales, etc.. I need help figuring it all out. I relish the idea of driving where ever I want. I think I need to not plan to tight depending on that huge July 1 P.E.I. Festival of Lights. I just have a "feeling"

*A Canadian band - Hello Operator is playing The Blaze's Kick Ass Spring Concert thanks to my noticing they were playing in Tucson the day before. Yes! It will also be the last day of CV's class so what a fun way to end the semester!

*I am constantly thinking about decorating my new office in the Cronkite school when we move in July. I am already crafting items for it! I am going with a music/radio theme. (How bizarre!-;P) I am looking for old radio items, I am going to frame some KASR/KASC items, use some of my gold records and frame some band photos. I guess if I don't have a window, I should be glad as it means more wall space-LOL!

*I love that blogger now automatically saves as I recall losing a post or two. Way to go blogger.

*Maple Minutes tomorrow. My favorite day of the week.

xo

She's got fashion in her eyes, fashion in her eyes, eyes, eyes...

I think someday I will finally meet Jian Ghomeshi because he is everywhere in my life. Admittedly this because I listen to him on CBC everyday but seriously how could I not? I think I have documented this before but indulge me. Back in those forgotten Canadian 80's, I saw a video for a band called Tall New Buildings on Good old Sam Taylor's show Video Hits. Hooked... Searched and searched, only found the 12 inch mixes for "Breakin on through her walls" and "Fashion in her eyes".

As I entered college and started my creative writing courses, I needed my male hero for my short stories. That character was the image of the guy I saw in those Tall New Buildings videos, yes...my character was Jean (as Jian was known then) I got A's on all my Creative Writing classes! I never got an "A" in a broadcasting class. One of my fave silly facts about me. "Jean" and "Andi" went through a lot together-LOL!

While doing the Maple Minutes in college, I interviewed a gal and her brother known as Candi. They were a dance hit duo. In Candi's video, guess who reappeared! Yep, Jean was in their video, I even asked her about it. I recall her being surprised and said "you know who he is?" My guess by her reaction was, he was "close" to her. Hmm?

Now here comes the ridiculous, fuzzy, middle period with Jian in my life. Years pass, I hear of a band called Moxy Fruvous. I was at a festival in Barrie, Ontario that they played but did not get there in time to see Moxy but someone handed us free cassettes. I have no idea our hero Jean is now in Moxy Fruvous using his real name Jian. It gets worse. KBM and I go see Nick Heyward here in Phoenix, guess who opens?! Oh yes, I SAW Moxy Fruvous. We loved them, bought merch, I start collecting their CDS. Seriously, still no clue nor make the connection. Remember there was no internet back then. I read liner notes but how would I have translated Jean in TNB to this guy. I live in Arizona, I didn’t have videos on youtube, only one magazine, etc..

Now fast forward to about 6 years ago. In my fave ebay searches I would always looked for Tall New Buildings. I was still in the dark whether there was a full length LP or just those two 12 inch singles. (I still have this mystery) One night, while working with Wake at Rockaway, I notice in the title line in one of the TNB 12 inches it says Moxy Fruvous. I was perplexed so I head over to the M section; grab a MF CD we happen to have in stock. It was one of my favorite discoveries of all time....there he was...Jean! Then I hit myself over the head a zillion times fully seeing him in my head playing with Moxy Fruvous.

The rest is what you would figure. I research, see him on The National when I still had that on cable, turn on all the CBC shows he has been a part of online. (I never saw him on The Hour, living in the US has it's limitations you know...)

He walked by my table last year at a High Dials show during Canadian Music Week. Ask my T-dot friends how I dealt with that...

So why the Jian fawning today? My Maple Minutes co-host and Cancon pal Andrew is really into this Toronto band Lights. Andrew emailed Lights' manager for an interview on the Maple Minutes. Lights' manager? Jian Ghomeshi.... I told Andrew forget Lights, get me Jian on the phone! Don't you think?! Jian responded promptly today, said we had Lights for next week. Andrew told him I was a fan. Is that the correct definition at this point?

Shake Some Action - The Flamin Groovies

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It is one of those work days where I just want to come home, curl up in bed and read. Over a year ago, I ordered this book. Somehow Not Lame lost my name, I wrote them several times and finally, according to the owner, I got the very last copy! I am eager to read it, see how many of the Top 100 power pop lps I own, etc.. I started glancing through it briefly and got a tad discouraged. First off, my fave LP of all time "Dear 23" by The Posies was #84 below some lps that I think pale in comparison. Then I am reading the post script of artists that didn't make it.

Some other artists didn't show up because they either seemed too inconsistent for my taste (Split Enz/Crowded House, The Lemonheads,Let's Active, Grin, The Odds, The Last and Apples in Stereo all fall into this camp) or because quite frankly, I never did - and still don't "get" them. (The Jam, Frisbie, The Sorrows, Zumpano, Sloan, Weezer and the Dandy Warhols are the best examples.)

Needless to say this turned me off to the book. I am angered enough to blog about it-lol! But I can somewhat see his point as I think more about these artists. I know you think I am angered about Sloan but seriously, there is no Sloan record that is completely power pop. Andrew Scott does not write power pop. I was most stunned by two of these bands mentioned. One is The Jam inclusion, this guy has to be deaf to not get The Jam's contribution to melodic hooks and melodies. The second floors me but not many will understand because they don't have their LPs. One of my pop Holy Grail finds was The Sorrows. I first heard "Christabelle" on a compilation around 1980 called Exposed. The song is power pop magic as are both Lps which are impossible to find and expensive. (They must have had the same distribution problem Candy did.)


I will attempt to read some of the book, forgetting the postscript. Guess I should not have skipped ahead. I think they should have done singles also to make use of some of the bands who's entire records may not be power pop.

I really need to stop buying these kinds of books. I picked up the Top 100 Canadian LPs of all time while I was in Toronto. I will count for certain but it may have only had 10 lps from the 80's. (If that many!) And trust me, those are whatever Hip or Blue Rodeo records came out then. Canada avoids it's own 80's music like the plague. Are they afraid to admit "Thin Red Line" by Glass Tiger won 6 Junos in 1986. It is a brilliant record whether it is cool to like GT or not.

I flipped a page to see Kyle Vincent's Ten Favorite artists. His #6 is Gin Blossoms. Hmmmm I had See Spot Run on the Maple Minutes a few weeks again and Chris, their singer, brought up his love for the Blossoms too.. I guess they are ok for the author to mention. I will comment again after I read some more.

Vs.

I missed bloggin so much! I am BACK! I don't have nearly the time I used to but I am going to make a big effort to update often.

Today is about travel choices. This March I would like to take a mini spring break. Last year I went to Canadian music week. It was perfect, I got to see 12 Canadian bands in 4 days. This year, I have been watching the line-up and have not been as impressed. In the meantime, while deciding Matthew Good announces a U.S. tour. This happens never. Matt may have toured here once, pre-Underdogs. So my Canadian music loving pal Andrew and I have been planning a trip to California to see Matt's LA and SD shows. Yesterday Ruh tells me what I expected to hear, Sloan is playing Candian music week. My husband says go see Matt, I have seen Sloan and will see again. I would love to see Sloan in a small club again like last year. Plus new music... Any point and counter point discussion would be appreciated. Meligrove Band on Sloan bill, Matt Good playing acoustic.. What to DO?

Next in this versus discussion, I may have another decision to make for summer plans. I have had it in my head I was going back to NS and NFLD this summer. IN fact, I was not far from buying the plane ticket when I get our taxes back. However, my cousin Susan and I talked tonight. She says she wants to go to Alaska in July. Wants me to come too. Says the Northern lights woke her up last night! (She is there right now, as my Aunt Janet lives there) Place to stay in Alaska would be cheaper than hotels in NS BUT I have been plotting the return in my head since I left there in 2006. BUT I have wanted to go to Alaska since I was a kid. I haven't askedmy hubby's opinion yet but I know what he will say, go to Alaska, you haven't been there. Again, I am going to be so torn.

Sloan vs. Matthew Good
NS vs. Alaska

???