Newfoundlanders can speak at length on just about any topic-and that's what they do, in their own time, on "Voice of the Common Man"

"Dat you Bas?"

"Yiss, my love, what do you want to talk about today?"

There's hardly a Newfoundlander or Labradorian alive who isn't familiar with these words. Bas Jamieson was an exceptionally popular host on the VOCM radio call-in show in the province. Retirement has called to him a few times, but each time his fans objected. He has been gruff at times, understanding and encouraging at others, knowledgeable about a range of topics, and superb at getting the thoughts and opinions out of people without seeming to rush them.

VOCM radio, known affectionately in the province as the "Voice of the Common Man," runs talk shows each evening, Sunday through Thursday. These shows, called "Nightline," are perhaps the most popular forum for public communication in the province. Matters of community interest are discussed, political issues are raised and debated, or sometimes people just want to tell a story of something that happened to them. The discussions might be heated, but they're always informative and entertaining.

It's been my experience that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can speak at length on just about any topic, perhaps more so than other people in this country. Quebecers are outspoken about matters of a political nature, certainly, but NL'ers have stories and opinions about everything. People of all ages and levels of education-you may hear a homebody, a school student, a bus driver, a doctor or a politician-call in to express their thoughts on a range of topics.