Bill-blog

2006-11-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

Last night i was invited to a surpise birthday party for my pal Brad. As i approached the door to Brad's house i noticed my Aunty Pearl in the window... strange... i didn't know Brad and my Aunt were that close Hmmmmmm.

I still didn't catch on until i walked in and saw the house was full of my Cousins, Uncles, Aunts and friends. Thats right... a bachelor party of the most conservative style =D

Here is a picture of Myself (with beard), Jackie, Brad and Paul.

Point form

2006-11-01T01:24:00.000-08:00

I just finished a suprisingly long blog entry and before publishing it i thought i would be nice to add a picture, and in doing so i erased the whole thing.

It is late and i am lazy so i will re-write it in point form only.

- i miss my friends i can't see now that i am working a lot

- in theory i should be wed to Carol (seen above) Dec 10th

- i am happy to see Mark Trew is back wife in tow

- i miss being in a worship band and being at church on a regular basis as well

2006-08-21T22:49:00.001-07:00

If I ever live in Brasil I am going to buy a VW Sp2. Although it looks like this Dash has been modified.

Goodnews and Badnews

2006-08-21T22:10:00.000-07:00

The good news is my back is finally 99% better.

The bad news the papers i filled out and sent to brasil expire tomorrow, unused, due to forces beyond my control (they are only good for 3 months and that one stinking form kept thier government from starting the process until it was too late) so i have to start them all over again from square 1.

At first I was mad about the whole situation, BUT soon after i realised that all this amounts to nothing but a few extra weeks.

Ps. I think I looked at little like Don Knotts when Carol told me the papers where no good any more. :-P

2006-08-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

2006-08-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

One of the papers i finished to get married in Brasil was not good enough for thier Notary... soooooooooo i guess i will have to fly to Ottawa to go to the Brasilian Consulate there OR just fly to Brasil again and do it in person. OHhhh well how could i say "no" to that face :P

*sigh* and i hurt my back at work last week and it is still bothering me. I hope it gets better becuase i have only been working 1 year and that means i have many, many years to go.

2006-07-26T01:55:00.000-07:00

Well nothing really new is happening in my life. I am working a lot and trying to save $, the paper work to get married in Brasil is done (at least my part) and sent. Now we wait.

Interesting Fact: TYLER LEWIS... Canadian Idol (top 9 so far) was a guitar student of mine back in the day, i was in a "classic rock" cover band with his older brother Travis Lewis (whom is a pretty talented guy himself) for about 3-4 years.

Another Interesting Fact: I work with Theresa Sokyrka's Mom at St. Pauls hospital sometimes... altough rarely.

Botanical Gardens

2006-06-12T00:53:00.000-07:00

This is a fairly nice picture of Carol and I in "Botanical Gardens" a Greenhouse in Curitiba (where Carol lives).

As much as this picture looks cheesey it was taken candidly.

Turn your mp3 player on shuffle and use the song titles to answer the following questions:

2006-06-12T00:26:00.000-07:00

I stole this form of entertainment from Mark Trew.

How am i feeling today?
There is no secret what God can do (Willie Nelson) ... i feel this way from time to time

Will I get far in life?
Grave robber (Petra) ... interesting

How do my friends see me?
I won't forget you (Poison) ... Nice to hear!

When will i get married?
Magnet of the world (Petra)

What is my best friends theme song?
Magical Mystery Tour (The Beatles)

What is the story of my life?
Black Jack Jenny (Tom Fogerty)

What was highschool like?
Hidin' from love (Bryan Adams) ... hahaha

How can I get far in life?
Ain't nothing but a G thang (Dr. Dre and Snoop Doogy Dog) ... Wow what is this doing on my ipod!

What is the best thing about me?
Draggin' the Line (Tommy James)

How is today going to be?
Angel's Disguise (Whitecross)

What is instore for the weekend?
Carrousel (Axel Rudi Pell) ... Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee fun!

What song decribes my parents?
Senimental Journey (Micheal Maxwell and his Orchestra) ... sounds about right

What song describes my Grandparents?
Limelight (Subdivisions a tribute to Rush) ... *hangs head* yes only a real nerd would listen to a tribute to Rush : (

How is my life going?
Flying (The Beatles) ... yeah lately

What song will they play at my funeral?
I've for to get a message to you (the BeeGees) ... "one more hour and my life will be through" from the song

How does the world see me?
Here I go again (whitesnake) ... "There he goes again" is more like it

Will i have a happy life?
Lie down, I think I love you (whitesnake) ... that sounds like a happy life :D

What song describes my relationship with my friends?
Time Stand Still (Rush) ... I will take this as my friends are not the kind that come and go out of my life quickly

What song describes my romantic status?
My Heart (A song my girl Carol sang and sent to me) :O I did not set that up! COOL! Divine Intervention?????

Some were not funny but i think the last one really says it all. :D

2006-06-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

Well I not to any ones surprise i got engaged to Carol on my last trip. We don't know when we will get married probably because we don't know yet who and what needs to be involved to make it legal in both Canada and Brasil, but i am hoping it will be before Christmas!

Here is a very small picture (sorry ladies I being a man do not own a picture of the ring).

I AM BACK!

2006-04-13T00:02:00.000-07:00

Well i have been back from Brasil for a few weeks now and i finally no excuse not to blog about it.

I had an awesome trip, Carol is an amazing girl! She is everything i was hoping she would be and alot more. Her family loves me and they mirror my own family as far as ethics and values go which is unspeakably important.
Here are some pictures.

2005-11-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

Well i have decided to travel to Brasil... and as soon as i can make it happen... there a few things i have to accoplish first.

#1. I have got to get a passport. This is already started...

#2. Since the job i have is over in January... i need to find a stable job with reliable hours before i go anywhere.. My manager said she would try to hire again for a similar job to the one i hold eight now if she can... so this this shouldn't take too long.

#3. Get a Visa

#4. Gain some courage

So i think i should be ok to go within 6 months maybe sooner.

Disappointed but not surprised

2005-11-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

Well... Carol was denied her visa agian because her acceptance letter from CPC did not specifically say "Carol will return to Brasil once her school year is over". Although i am sure if it did they would search until they found something else.

Oh well... 3rd times the charm... maybe next September.

Hmmmm

2005-11-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

So... the Canadian government wants us to pay... thats right you and me through taxes... for prisoners tatoos. This way they will have less chance of getting blood born diseases.

I am so proud to be Canadian. *shudder*

CHECK DIS OUT!

2005-11-05T03:28:00.000-08:00

THIS!

Carol

2005-11-02T00:50:00.000-08:00

here are some pictures:
Carol with door
Carol with children
Carol with waterfowl
Card for her "bibily" (thats me) from Carol... her grammer is improving i swear ; )

How could i not like her? : D

2005-11-02T00:46:00.000-08:00

Well November 14th Carol goes for her interview to see if she is accepted or not... i would be lying if i told you i didn't have my doubts... But i am trying to but my faith in the Lord... i know she is.

Music review #8

2005-10-11T00:03:00.000-07:00

It has been FOREVER since I wrote a music review!

So here goes...

The Black Crowes - The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (1992 American Records)

First i would like to say that this cd was recomended by one of the most trustworthy friends in all respects (including musical taste)... Mr. Coates.

Track #1. Sting Me - Congruent with the rest of the album it is very Southern Rock sounding, somewhat gospel sounding with real "fat black woman'' singers in the background. The words are forgetable... infact i can't remember any of them at all although i assume the words "Sting me" appear somewhere.

Track #2. Remedy - It has come to my attention that bands generally put thier best songs in either the #2 or #4 spot in the track listing. This is no acception as my favorite song on the Cd, it wounds like "High Road Easy" by Sass Jordan... exept it has a more country sound to it, which is usually a bad thing but not in this case. The song is mixed really well and the Back girls are also included on it. It does not sound current at all... more in the vien of Led Zep or Free (both of which i recommend). Also i think it is cool that at points durring the song i can hear 2 piano's and a key board all at once.

Track #3. Thorn in my Pride - This has the same Leon Russell sound the last song had. This song has some sweet wailing organ in it : ) this is a good idea to include in practically any song. A good old sounding slow song.

Track #4. Bad luck for Blue Eyes Goodbye - This is a good song ... excuding the intro "B in B with a little weed" Which i think stand for Blues in B. Well i am nothing if not a blues fan and this seems to be pretty much pure blues... The best kind of blues... sad and slow... MMMMmmmmmmmm *salivate*.

Track #5. Also a fantastic song... You know... There are some CD's where you like ALL or MOST of the songs on the whole CD well fits into this category. Slow, Bluesy, and really good scratchy-sad-man voice. : D

Track #6. Hotel Illness - A good song but nothing to write home about. Kinda forgetful.

Track #7. Black Moon Creeping - I am pretty sure they are using a Mouth Wah here... and i am always a fan of that. Do you feel like we do?

Track #8. No Speak No Slave - Hmmmmmmm i am bobbing my head. Sorta Zeppliny.

Track #9. My Morning song - Bluesy... some more. Good but forgetful.

Track #10. Time Will Tell - Sounds like Wide Mouth Mason. Which is cool. Becuase i really like the old WMM stuff... before they turned crappy.

Well. I guess the best thing to say is if you like old Blues Rock and Roll... Zep, Bad Company, Free, CCR... You will probably like this. Put it this way this is one of the old CD's recorded in the 90's my father (53) would ever enjoy. These guys are REAL muscians and don't pussy-foot around with fake instuments and electronic drums.

There is no doubt in my mind why this was one of thier biggest CDs. It has alot of soul for 6 white guys (which equals out to be about 2 1/2 black guys).

OVER ALL - 8/10 Bill Points becuase it has lots of good songs that a wide variety of people would enjoy. This CD is best listened to when you are having a heart-to-heart with a another guy where you talk about being jerked around by past crappy GFs (or something along those lines).

Acceptance

2005-09-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

This week Caroline was accepted into Central Penticostal College... Whoohoo! Now she needs to get a student visa... so it is not over yet but we are closer.

In other news i am sick with a supersucky cold... which force me to take my 3rd sickday in 6 months from work... i feel really bad becuase at my job we need to phone the boss when we are sick and kind of explain outselves : ( and i never feel justified 100%... becuase i COULD go to work but it would prolong my illness even longer and put alot of already sick old people in danger of getting sicker.

Anyways keep praying for Caroline please.

2005-09-20T00:40:00.000-07:00

If you would like to see Spiderman's thoughts on Crayola Crayons... put your mouse on the fish and double click. < '))> <

Interesting picture

2005-09-20T00:31:00.000-07:00

Before you view this picture... i want to warn you it is very graphic. click here

2005-09-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

Last Monday i played at Monday Night Contact at again. It sure is alot of fun, although i must admit that i was very rusty to say the least. I hadn't played with a band since last time i played with the guys... a few months ago.

BUT all was fine... the band i played with were super dependable. Infact i really didn't need to be there.. hahaha... but i am glad Trav keeps inviting me : ) It was nice to see Al, Andrew, Ivan (the Great), Phil, Sheena, and the new girl who's name i forget.

Carol's application is at CPC... now all they need to do is approve her and she can work on her student visa... i must admit it freaks me out how much work it is just to see her. And reading Mark Trew's blog i think it will be just plain retarted if down the line we decide to marry (as far off as that could be... it would be ignorant the fact now).

OH well.

I don't anyone reads my blog anymore.

please...

2005-08-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

Soon Carol will hand in her application for CPC bible school, here in Saskatoon, and then if she is accepted (which i am sure she will be)... it is up to the Canadian Gov't to give her a student visa... please pray that this will happen without a hitch...

Thank you

QUOTE

2005-08-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

''Music comes from what's in your heart... not what's on your teeth'' -Bleeding Gums Murphy

hehehe It is not that funny... but i thought it was at the begining of the post.

Good things

2005-08-16T22:14:00.000-07:00

Well one good thing is now I am Registerd as an RN, thats right... the real deal.

And another good thing is that Carol and I are working on getting her a student visa so that she can go to Central Penticostal College in January... i always feel like a geek asking but any prayers towards this would be GREATLY appreciated.

List

2005-08-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

Well here are somethings;

1. work is getting better... i pretty much know what i am doing and i don't have to worry before i go to work. (this is important to me) : )

2. the Ex is comming to town... which in itself is rather uninteresting BUT Glass Tiger, April Wine, the Stampeeders and Wide Mouth Mason will be there : )

3. I spend alot of money on music : ( but i don't consider it a waste of money : )

4. I played volley ball the other day... i was very bad at it. but not worse than i remembered : )

5. Carol is still in Brasil : (

6. I spent some quality time with Travis H : )

7. My new house doesn't smell like mouse : ) : )

8. I redescovered the Beach Boys : )

9. One of petra's last shows EVER happends to be at the same city as my brother Jesse lives ; )

10. I gained a little weight this year... now i am a 160 lbs weakling : )

: )

2005-07-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Well i have been "dating" my sweetheart for one month now today and i am just as fond of her as ever... she still has not come to Saskatchewan yet... hopefully soon : )

YEAH!!!

2005-07-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

My girl (gone gone gone she been gone so long) is finally comming to Toon Town... Supposed to be the 22nd. : )

AND she want to go to my church and meet all the churchy people... I work the 24th so it will have to be the 31st. And we will to make it to a Contact too if we can : )

I am happy.

: (

2005-07-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

Wow...

My friend Jamie got married lately... and there was a bunch of pictures taken. I was in a few. These new digital cameras are really great... exept when you get a picture of yourself emailed to you... and you open it and there is a huge detailed picture of your face you start to realize how ugly you really are.

I never realized it over the past 5 years or so i am now a grown up and am no longer cute in that "Kids are cute" way. : (

Now i am ugly... I don't feel too bad about it becuase most people are about the same as me... so i blend in well... But wow that was a unwanted reminder.

Oh well. I could be fat or short.

: )

2005-06-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

Well... I have a sweetheart : )

She is the most beautiful girl in the world... she is so nice and a wonderful Christian.

Sometimes i forget how the Lord watches out for us.

I wish i could put a pic of us up... but i don't have one and i don't know how to put it up anyway hahaha.

OH YEAH

2005-06-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

I just bought a new (to me) 2001 mustang --> candy apple red... sweet condition!! it looks pretty much like the pic... but i have nicer mags ; )

Work stinks!

2005-05-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Working Stinks! : (

The job is ok... but i get up at 0530 and don't get home till after 2000... this in itself is to be expected... but becuase i am just starting i work 2X as hard to try to keep up...

It will come i know... but it sucks getting there.

Music review #7

2005-05-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy with my new job i have little time to do anything else.

I have been thinking of writing another music review... so let me look thu my Cds and clean off my glasses and get down to business.

... Oh buy the way Petra is retired : ( they are finishing their last few concerts and thats it... sucks

I choose... Richie Sambora; Undiscovered Soal , Mercury Records, 1998

I aquired this Cd in an interesting way, it was my first year of Nursing and the kids at school threw me a Birthday party... haha sometimes i feel unpopular... then i think, like, what University student knows enough kids in his class for them to throw his a party in the hallway...haha

Anyways one presant i recieved was this CD. I had never heard the name Richie Sambora before... until it was pointed out to me who he was. Ritchie was the co-founder of BON JOVI. Thats right he was the Bon Jovi guitarist...ok now you all know who he is.

After listening to this Cd only a few times it quickly became one of my favorites... Not only is Richie an awesome guitar player, he sings too... actully better than JBJ himself. Ritchie sang a ton of backup on the Bon Jovi stuff. OH yeah and he is married to Heather Loclear (spelling) and that doesn't hurt his street cred.

The First track is called "Made in America" and i think it is an autobiography. It sets the tone for the rest of the Cd. It is easy listening with gospel/blues feel. very mellow. very well produced.

Track #2 "Hard Times Come Easy" great song... almost country-ish but not fake like most new country. This is a song about how love gets hot and cold. Great back-up vocals... very recommened to check out.

Track #3 "Fallen From Graceland"... terrible title. A slow song, very soothing in a non offensive masculine way. Tear jerking good.

Man i forgot how good this Cd is.

Track #4 "If God was a Woman"...hmmmmmmm less good. Expectantly the worst song on the Cd.

Track #5 "All That Really Matters" Reminicant of Elton John meets Jon Bon Jovi. Boring tho... i skipped it.

Track #6 "Your Not Alone" This is a more rocking tune. Very 90's sounding, not my favorite... he trys to sing tough (not a good idea) and he has a strange phlange on his voice which gets tiring (Skip*)

Track #7 "In it for Love" Hmmmm. This is a song that a girl would really like, like something for a wedding i guess. Not a bad song. Catchy. Great voice in this one, super harmony.

Track #8 "Chained" Recognizable beginning! The rest of the song meh.

Track #9 "Harlem Rain" You know that Flaminco style playing. Not a big fan. Super mellow song. Great singing voice!

Track #10 "Who am I" This is filler. More JBJ-ish

Track #11 "Down side of Love" This is a great song... it should have been #1. I must have listened to this song a million times. It is the perfect song when you have a broken heart.. If you are sad down load this song. Gospel style singing. Joe Cocker-ish song. I have showed this little known to some others along the way... it has been well recieved. One of my favorites of this Cd.

Track #12 "Undiscovered Soul" Probably the best song here. It is a great song too. Very well mixed... one of those songs (at least for me) as soon as i hear it, it touches something in my heart or soul or what have you. The other song that comes to mind that does this to me is "California Girls" by the Beach Boys, when i hear starting something inside of me says "Yes!"
I think this is also an autobiography... becuase it basically talks about the same things as the first song. I remember back when i got the Cd listening to tracks 11 and 12 over and over again in series... great songs.

Synopsis: I really like this Cd. It is one of my favorites. It has some really good songs that are right from Ritchie's heart i am sure. I also am bias because the Cd has so many good memories for me... University days... good friends i will probably never see again.. and so on.

So basically out of 10 Bill-points I give "Undiscovered Soul" By Ritchie Sambora a 7.5 out of 10

This is a pretty good mark! And it would be higher but i know i am bias.

I would recommend this Cd to anyone who is lonely and likes music that has alot of passion in it.

2005-05-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Can't blog... working

MIke

2005-05-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

After a short but meaningful stint my land lord is back to calling me "Mike".

Benifit of the Doubt

2005-04-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

Friday i went our to Olser, and there i saw Travis and Ivan (and 2 others) play in thier band "Benifit of the Doubt". It was pretty good, the boys played well... if you see they are playing check them out! I had a lot of fun..

Favorite song of the night: Whisper.

2005-04-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

Last night I got a copy of a cd that one of my friends had recorded. She wrote and played the songs her self, my estimate is that it sounds more like Billy Joel meets Elton John with a little Tracy Chapman /Alanis Morrisette mixed in.

My favorite track (Heaven Bound) is strait up blues, and as any REAL music lover knows: if you can play the blues and make it original and your own then you have some real talent!

I consider myself very fortunate and blessed to know people with such talent.

AWESOME!

2005-04-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

I have 3 pet mice. NOW I HAVE 5 *air guitar* that's right BABY MICE!!!!

They are pink and wriggily.

Ramble on.

2005-04-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

I need a life, or at least more friends i think. I didn't really talk to anyone i know today other than my brother i live with. I wasted the day. Now it is night and i am eating winegums and watching Iron Chef.

I usually have one really good friend that will spend time with me. The latest friend like that i had just moved away last week.

I also think i have an ear infection, but i may be wrong we shall see what happens tomorrow, if it still feels wonky i will go get some antibiotics.

I also tried to order an old christian rock album by a band called "Shout" the other day... and today i got a call that it is no longer being printed so i guess i am out of luck. I could try ebay... but i suck at all technology.

I went to Monday Night Contact the other night, it was a coffee night. It was really good! Mark was really funny, and lots of good enterainment. Especially Jer, Marie and Ivan who blew me away with two excellant songs.

I like winegums. They are probably my favorite kind of gummy candy now that they have changed how they make blue whales. Honerable mention gummy lobsters.

OH yeah

2005-04-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

I got that job. "Shout out" to Luke who told me I forgot to write it in my blog.

WHY MIKE?

2005-04-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

For YEARS now people have been calling me "Mike". People who have known my name for a long time all of the sudden start calling me Mike. As a student the Nurses would called me Mike so much I just let them. I have been on at least 6 or 7 floors and it never fails they start calling me Mike. And to day my land lord started "Hey Mike, you mind if i change this lock over?"

I think it's becuase of Mike Myers, or maybe I look like a Mike. Or perhaps it is slang for jerk or something.

Holding back anger for SIAST/ KELSEY

2005-04-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

For those who don't know the Nursing program is cut in two. The first two years are at Kelsey, the last two at the U of S.

Kelsey is filled with morons.

There is a bursary I want to get-- $2,000 if I agree to stay in Stoon for a year... sounds great.
I need a transcript of my marks.. easy enough if you are a U of S student right? But what if you spend two years at Kelsey? Well thats another story.

U of S transcripts --- 2 -3 working days

Kelsey -- upwards of a week

I need to get these marks in before I get a job (stipulated in bursary)... so basically if I can't convince Kelsey to get thier butts in gear it costs me $2,000. Nice. Or I suppose I could just tell the people who are trying to hire me now that they have to wait a few weeks till Kelsey gets their act together.

1 hour

2005-04-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

Well it is one hour until my interview to solidify this job. I am a bit nervous although i don't know why, she said she "wanted me aboard". I will be off to the hospital soon. I hope i don't forget anything.

If I don't get this job it's not the end of the world i will just find another one.

JOB

2005-04-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

I think I have job! The Nurse Manager from Orthopedics (St. Pauls) called me this afternoon and things sound encouraging. I most likely will start work in May as a "Grad Nurse" which means: Since I haven't written my RN exam yet I won't get full pay. Thats alright with me.

Orthopedics means BONES. Thats right broken legs, arms, hips you name it.

I pretty happy about it. St. Pauls was not my first chioce and neither was Ortho, but hey work is work and nomatter where I start I'm sure I won't really enjoy it for the first month or two anyway. Things will get better once I learn my way around the ward and get to know the staff.

New jobs are a lot of stress for everyone. Therefore I am taking it easy, listening to England Dan and John Ford Coley and eating family pizza tonight.

Overlooked

2005-04-07T13:36:00.000-07:00

In my former post I forgot to mention all those who help with the technical side of music. It's sad they are often overlooked... but they make a HUGE difference.

A thankful post

2005-04-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

You know I actually a lot luckier than I give credit. One thing that I am particularily thankful for is that I have been give some talent to play guitar (not a tremendous amount, but enough to get by), and hand-in-hand with that I am really thankful that I have really good musicians surrounding me at all times.

I started playing guitar when I was about 13 and i realized right away that I could outplay all of my friends without practicing. There was a little band starting in the town consisting of some kids in my classroom... I when in to watch them practice on day and came out the new singer/rhythm/lead for the band.

When I moved to Saskatoon I started playing with Campus Crusade for Christ, and I really, really enjoyed it. For the first time I could play in a band that didn't just play meaningless songs in a basement or in a school gym.

I loved playing there, and I was really good friends with the band. It was the highlight of my week, and I felt like it was what God wanted me to do. Unfortunately after Campus Crusade... shall we say soured... I immediately found some really nice and SUPER talented folks at Forest Grove and that's where I am today. Last monday we played another set, and did it ever feel good to be back up there.

Ivan... NO DOUBT the best drummer I have ever played with! WOW is this guy fun to play with.

Travis... Nice guy and VERY talentled. He is always right on and dependable.

Phil... Where did this guy come from? He is an awesome guitar player and singer... not to mention modest about it.

Jer... Great voice and a pleasure to work! It's hard to comment on him becuase he is so talented and yet he is really down to earth. When I first heard him sing I was afraid to talk to him becuase I thought he would have a HUGE ego. hahahaha

Marie... Unbelievably talented. Doesn't know how talented she is. and encouraging.

Sometimes I feel guilty I haven't taken any time to really become "good" and learn how to actually read music and stuff. But I know God wants to use me for other things other than music too. I am done school now, and will be starting a career in a matter of weeks.

I guess I will never be a rock star, which kind of makes me sad. Actually it bums me right out. But who REALLY gets to be a rocker for a living? I'm just happy I have been given the chance to see what it is like to play in bands, and to play with some nice kids for the Lord.

P.s. Since the old CCC days I have been writing/recording this Christian throwback album (70's blues stuff). It's poorly recorded but it is not all that bad, my dream was to release it someday in the future... under a pen name, just to see if anyone buys it. It will probably never happen.

The Tragically Hip

2005-04-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Hip are sort of cool. At least they were. I just got done wathing them on the Junos and man did they ever stink. Gord did WAY to much "ad lib". The song was pointless and as far as i can tell had no actual song part in it. I feel bad becuase they have potential.

"But Bill you really have to see them live!" i did about 3 years ago, and they were pretty good i guess, but that's becuase they sang some of thier old songs. And face it, they have only put out pretty much crap lately.

...................................................they shot amovie once in my home town.......................

A JEEP?

2005-03-31T13:00:00.000-08:00

So i am getting darn close to being done school, and i don't really have a reliable vehical as it stands. I test drove a 2000 Jeep TJ the other day. It was loud and uncarlike... yet i liked it. I hear they get pretty lame gas mileage though (the one i tested had the smaller 4 cylinder engine so this may not be as bad). I know that a "normal" car would be more practical , but on the other hand i am 23, single and will have a good paying job if i don't get interesting cars now i may never get the chance again.

I guess I am wondering if anyone out there has Jeep Wrangler and wants to give the scoop. Travis this means you since you seem to have oppinons on all subjects : )

Jess

2005-03-26T18:37:00.000-08:00

In 2 hours my bro Jess-man is comming to toon town! I haven't seen him since this summer. Mom and Dad came up too so the whole fam will be here!

2005-03-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

I think that last font was a little distracting.

Blues Band

2005-03-19T17:27:00.000-08:00

I have a dream.

There has been a little voice in my head lately (not the bad kind that tells me to burn things) that has suggested that it would be a lot of fun to play lead guitar in a blues band. I think with a little practice I could be very good at it. Now all I would need is a band. Hmmmmmmmm.

I suppose I could sing too if it came down to it.

Maybe just a bass player and a drummer would suffice (my old high school band was a 3 piece, and that seemed to work alright).

Well if it happens it won't be for a while.

2005-03-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

I have been talking to some people who have notified me that they read my blog YET do not leave comments. Shame on you.

Music review #6

2005-03-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

Alright, I am in tramps on 8th street (this is about two years ago, before they closed down and gave all thier merchandise to the one downtown) and i go to the Christian music section and i see this CD there that looks really out of place. No where on it does it say anything about being a Christian CD and the title is simply "Rock of 80's vol.1" and there is a picture of a blue strat on it.
OK so I look on the back and I see Whitecross, Whiteheart, Petra and some other of the usual suspects and i think "11 dollars is it worth it?" I decide it is and i buy it.

I get it home and i realize there is some real crap on this thing!

Here is My review of "Rock of 80's vol.1" on Starsong records, 1998.

Track 1. Invitation -> Whiteheart. This is a pretty good song although frightfully cheesey. Bill Smiley (I think is the name) is the singer for this band and definitely should be a singer for a living. Very 80's sounding, and therefore a lot of unnessesary sound F-X are present like lazer sounding (phlang) on the voice. Around the 2:30 mark in this song there is a really confusing break with this skat singing and tap dancing noises... : (

Track 2. Love comes Down -> Rez. This is possibly the most annoying song on earth. The first thing you notice is that the singer for this band (whoever it is) should NOT be a singer. It sounds like he is being attacked by a mongoose. Seriously. It sounds like a guy who is a poor singer who is singing his best Huey Lewis alone in his car.

Track 3. Devil is a Liar -> Rallies. Meh. This song was not a hit becuase it sounds like the worst track Sammy Hagar every did. This man sings almost exactly like Sammy, but this is definely not VH or even Montrose. I am listening to the song right now and its amazing i actually am forgetting how it goes as i am listening to it. Not a good sign.

Track 4. Always There For You ->Stryper. THANK YOU LORD! The difference is unspeakable. Maybe thats why this band has albums that sold in the PLATNIUM catagory in the secular market. Better singing. Better recording. Better everything. Singing is a little femmy but it still kicks. *note when done listening to this song I listened to it a second time purely becuase I enjoyed it.*

Track 5. This Means War -> Petra. Well its definately not Petra's best songs. But still one of the best on the CD. The title track of the CD that this came from. Very cheesey. Here is a little Petra trivia... two brothers produced and sang back up for Petra for years and they were the main singers/song writers for the band Kansas for years (Carry On My Wayward Son, and Dust in the Wind were their biggest songs).

Track 6. six, six, six -> Degarmo. Ok I have heard that this guy was good from somewhere but this song is really forgetable and rather suckie. Like most of these songs they carry a good message but mucially bite. I have to turn this off.

Track 7. Sixteen -> Mylon & Broken Heart. This song is ok i guess, but i cannot find anything even hinting at a Christian theme in it. "16 going on 25" is the entire chorus, and he mumbles the rest. This song should really not even be on the CD. It's about a girl... and i suppose it is about her choices in life. At any rate....OH WAIT! I heard the line "Jesus can be placed" whatever that means.

Track 8. Lie Down in the Grass -> Charlie Peacock. OH MAN THIS SUCKS!! WHO LET THIS MAN BEHIND A MIC? THIS IS THE WORST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD!! Its nothing but creepy sound FX and his annoying voice... I am glad i was 2 when this came out so i don't have it tainting my childhood memories.

Track 9. A Place to Stand-> Geoff Moore $ the Distance. (the mans name says it all) It sounds like Mr. Mister but way worse. Yuck. HEY!! Mr. Mister was a quasi-Christian band... why arn't they on this CD?? OH well this sucks. I have to turn it off.

Track 10. Wear Your Colors-> Hmmm kinda catchy... I'm starting to remeber what made me buy this CD. Really good singing although really meaningless words. I think I might listen to this song more.

Track 11. Showdown -> Shout. Remeber how I said that other poor singer sounded like Sammy Hager... this guy doesn't (even though in real life he is first cousins with Sammy) . Ken Tamplin!! Yes he shot himself with a bottle rocket as a kid and really hurt himself... he prayed to God that if he could be healed he would use his talents for God... he did. This is not the BEST music on the 80's but it gives a fighting chance.

Track 12. Darn Floor -> Big Bite-Da. This is so bad i refuse to review it.

Track 13. Enough is Enough-> Whitecross. Well there is only about 4 actual "songs" on this CD. This is a Ratt ripp-off but I don't care. Unoriginal, cheesey, and very good.

Track 14. Mercy Mercy -> 77's. AHHHHHH... I can't begin to explain how poor this is. I think this track was added simply to remind people that there there has always been bad music.

Overall rating. This is Tough. About 1/3 of the songs are really good. But the rest are so bad that I can't even force myself to listen to them. I guess the good outwieghs the bad in the end i'll say 5 out of 10 billpoints.

Sir William of Myers

2005-03-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

I am getting so sick of school. Specifically journaling. I am no good at pretending that i really like things i have very little interest in, thus i am poor at BSing... which is most of nursing. Don't get me wrong you learn a lot of useful practical things in nursing but you have to wade through lightyears of touchy-feely, theory based fluff that NO ONE uses when they graduate.

I am working with community health at the moment-- which means i have to act like whatever meeting i am sitting though, or whatever health promoting thing it happens to be is GROUND BREAKING!! and that THE WORLD WOULD BE SO MUCH BETTER IF EVERYONE JUST (insert anything here)!!!

On the bright side, this last month i am supposed to be teaching grade 12 kids to wear their helmets as they skateboard...joy... BUT no schools are asking for this particular presentation so i have spending my time doing MUCH cooler things to pass the time such as doing EEGs and helping/observing with brain surgery.

I know i sound crabby, afterall nur$ing is not that bad.

Simpsons...

2005-02-20T17:08:00.000-08:00

I am watching the Simpsons as i type... and i have to say i am very, very disapointed in it. The Simpsons, who used to embody everything funny have hit a low that i never thought they could. Not only is the show no longer funny at all but also it is Pro-Homosexual. They should have stopped making episodes a long time before it got this bad.

Music review #5

2005-02-20T14:27:00.000-08:00

A while back ago i recieved a birthday presant from my brother Jesse and his new wife Marilyn. It was "The Best of Pat Benatar Volume One" and a request to review it... so here goes.

Before i get into this i would like to say i don't have alot of experience with Pat Benatar... the only sonsd i was aware of by her prior to owning this CD was "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" and "Shadows of the Night".

Track 1. Heartbreaker: This song has that 80's punk sound with that tempo that makes me feel like i an old man despite the fact his song is before my time... the chorus is good, and has a shrillity that Pat got from being a classically trained singer (true story).

Track 2. Treat Me Right: This is one of those songs that you have never heard but then when you do you think to your self "why don't they play this on the radio" i mean considering the crap they play. Again the song is basically typical, but has a good chorus that saves it from being bland.

Track 3. Shadows of the Night: Ahhhh... the first time i heard this song was on a Harley Davidson Road Songs album, i liked it the first time i heard it and still do today. It sounds very sterile if you know what i mean... stadium rock the same way Def Leppard does... really clean cut and produced well. The guitar solo is just abunch of scratching and little whining yelps which is a little differant.

Track 4. Le Bel Age: Again, the chorus saves this song. Good harmonies.

Track 5. We Belong: There is funny drumming noise in this song that confuses me. It reminds me of Phil Collins' "Take Me Home" becuase the the BIG fake drum sound.

Track 6. Sex as a Weapon: *cough*

Track 7. Hit Me with Your Best Shot: Her most famous song and second best. Super catchy and made her career. Unfortunately it is -- I am woman hear me roar-ish, the band Toronto basically took this song and recorded it again calling it "Your daddy don't know".

Track 8. Promises in the Dark: A ballad which is kinda boring, really missing something and turns fast and punky.

Track 9. Anxiety: This song delivers what it what it promised. Fast tempo and a constant flickering guitar sound keeps adrenaline in your system.

Track 10. One Love: Ballad-y... not a bad song but you will never hear it on the radio because it is not catchy enough.

Overall not a bad CD... but its not really fair becuase it is a greatest hits. Out of 10 Bill-points i give it a 6. Worth owning becuase he is the posterchild of the Joan Jett, Headpins, Toronto style.

The Story

2005-02-14T22:03:00.000-08:00

Ok it goes like this... I see my friend Al and he says "I hear you got a new car or something" and I say "sure I'll show ya" 5 minutes later a 19 year old girl swerves into us and (probably) totals the car.
I fear this is the end of the dodge dart I was so eargerly awaiting. But more than the car i feel really bad for the girl. I being two months away from an RN... started doing some neuro checks on her (she was fine) but the whole time she was hugging me and telling me she was sorry.
On a happy note i got a hug from a cute girl on Valentines day.

Think First

2005-02-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Well I am finished with pediatrics (for now), and am working with the good folks at "Think First" head and spinal injury prevention program. Over the next seven weeks or so i will be traveling to schools all over the city with the message wear your helmet!!! Which is really odd seeing as i have never owned a helmet for anything... biking or otherwise.

Monday night contact

2005-02-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

Well last night was the first time since Christmas that I have had the time to go back to C'N'C at Forest Grove. I was nice to see the familiar faces and catch up with some great people.

Good and Bad

2005-01-30T02:16:00.000-08:00

Well you take the good with the bad i guess. Yesterday a bad thing happened when my pet mouse named Edgar (after fellow albino Edgar Winter) bit the dust. He shall be missed, the funeral was short but sweet.

A good thing also happened. I met Andy Kim... WHO IS ANDY KIM? Andy Kim is the king of the bubblegum rock world writing many songs in the 60's probably the most recognizable is Sugar Sugar (dada da da dada).... you know that one... anyway he was super nice and signed all my cds of him... he wanted me to e-mail him so we could hang out next time he is in town... that is makes me happy.

Over all the good outwieghed the bad.

I am still here

2005-01-25T23:18:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post something to let everyone know that I still exist, and if anyone cares, still blogging.

0410

2005-01-17T02:11:00.000-08:00

I went to bed at 2230 las night... i woke up at 0230 COMPLETELY AWAKE... i have no idea what happened. I go to the hospital at 0710 or so to work (so i am glad that i am awake) but i need to work for 12 hours and i am wondering how my body will handle it.

Music review #4

2005-01-11T23:55:00.000-08:00

I am up again for another night... lets see what i can find.

BOZ SCAGGS : Silk Degrees (1976, CBS)

Most people don't know who Boz Scaggs is. He is an american blues/rock musician who grew up with Steve Miller and finally was part of the Steve Miller band in 1968, later his solo career lead him to make the album "Silk Degrees" which went #2 on the charts.

I really like this whole record becuase it has so much soul. His sound is probably considered funk to most people and can get pretty disco-y, but this is forgiven by his bluesy-not disco-y voice.

Here is a list of the best songs:

"Georgia" is a dreamy, catchy song about a girl who he misses when he is in jail (or at least thats how i hear it).

"What do you want the girl to do" is a super good song. It is about a girl who is in love and the man she loves ("you" as he puts it) won't really accept her even though she is trying to get "your" attention . The best thing about this song is the little sounds be puts in, most notably the oragan in the chorus... the organ sounds so much like his voice i am not sure which it is. Also i find use of trumpets in all forms of music excluding classical to be unfortunate... in this case it ACTUALLY improves the song WOW!

"Low Down" is a really famous song that you have heard wheter you think you have or not. This was the big selling point for the album, it is really funky and probably gets all those fat middle aged people on the dance floor at thier class of '76 reunion. It has a driving beat and a bass that smacks of white bell-bottom suites. As tacky as it is... i bought the CD for this song in specific.

"We're all Alone" is a ballad i guess. It is mostly the piano and his Kermit the Frog like voice that carry this song. The song is about love i guess, the words are forgetable but the way the music swells reminds me of latterday Beach boys.

As a whole this is a record that if I didn't own by now I would eventually just acquire, if that makes any sense. Its not a must buy at any stretch, (especially if you are one of those guys who pretends to like music becuase you think its cool to head bang) but if you like soft rock/ blues... the likes of "Leo Sayer" or "Air Supply" you'll like this.

Lets see Bill-points : 7.2 ou tof 10 <- not that bad.

0215

2005-01-08T01:13:00.000-08:00

Well i am finally doing my final practicum which means i can see the light that is graduation. My practicum is happening on 3000 at RUH... for all those who are not in nursing or medicine that is big pediatrics (ages 4 - 18). I am working a lot of night shifts so i am conditioning myself by staying up as late as i can these past few days. It is 2 :16 am right now.

This preparing myself is OK... almost fun... but you know i think i am becoming moodier (than usual). I feel bad for all those who will come into contact with me for the next few days. I apologies in advance.

Music review #3

2005-01-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

Petra: Beyond belief (1990, Dayspring)

HEY hey HEY hey!! Listening to first 3-4 seconds of this album one will notice it's very Def Zeppardly, and picks up right where "On Fire" left off.

"Armed and Dangerous" is the first track and sets the pace for all the other songs. Laced with ultra-cheesey keyboards and nothing resembling a real drum set, it was/is the cream of the crop of all Christian-not offensive-stadium rock.

As probably the closest to a single, " I am on the Rock" rips off Def Leppard' s "Pour some sugar on me" so badly that a lawsuit was reportedly in the works (this would not be the last time... as will be discussed later). Never the less "I am on the Rock" is a really catchy song, and boasts faith in God no matter what.

"Creed" is just that. It is as close to the Apostle's creed as one can get while still rhyming.

"Beyond Belief" is the title track. At first i hated this song becuase the keyboard is is SO whimpy, but i came around and now its poppy, harmony based chorus gets me singing along everytime. The last 30 seconds or so of this song show off John Schlitt's child-like and at times so cheesey that its hilarious voice. My favorite Petra quote comes from this song "waters never part till your feet get wet" its simple but to the point.

The first ballad is "Love". A Theologically sound song that comes from 1 Corinthians 13, very typical and very effective.

"Underground" is more like a real rock song. John really has 2 voices: a soft ballad voice like what he uses on "Love", and his more Def Lep. one that he shows here. This is a good song overall. Lyrically it is song a proclaiming the name of Jesus and how he is not ashamed and won't go "underground" with this faith.

"Seen and not heard" is the next song and is also the most controversial. The Lyrics are not anything too special... what is interesting is that the entire chorus was lifted from a Kiss song called "Heaven's on Fire", settleing out of court it was blatant to Kiss and Petra that the songs are one in the same. I would encourage anyone who needs a good laugh to listen them back to back.

The 8th song is "Last Daze" this song is pretty catchy and i don't have must to say about it. It is a typical Petra song of this era.

"Whats in a name" considers what people have thought of, and what names that the Lord (or Jesus) has come to be known as. Rabbi, Master, Elijah come again, Lamb of God... and a bunch more.

The last song is called "Prayer" and is more related to the band member's personal lives. Sung as a prayer, John thanks the Lord for all he has recieved and prays the Lord will watch over his family as he is gone (pressumably while they is touring).

The legal trouble that arouse pushed Petra to make thier next album very original, which is a good thing for the most part. Overall i really like this whole CD, it may be cheesey and it may not cool on some levels but theologically i started listening to this CD right when i needed it and therefore i am bias.

Petra: Beyond Belief rates 8.5 Bill-points out of 10. The songs are good, heartfelt words, exeptional harmony on all of the songs... it is the best example of Christian stadium rock and is widely known as the best Petra album by fans everywhere.

"Employee of the month isn't all ham and plaques you know"

2005-01-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

I declare the third season of The Simpsons to be the best.

Music review #1 & #2

2004-12-29T20:32:00.000-08:00

Ok. Christmas is over for the year-- let's get down to business.

#1

*word to the wise - if you have never heard of Whitesnake you will find this blog of no interest whats-so-ever*

What do get when you mix Led Zep with Whitesnake??? You get a collaboration called "Coverdale-Page."

Before i get to far into this i want to mention that from the begining W/S was heavily "influenced" by L/Z so there is little to no surprizes here.

Four days ago i received the C&P CD from my brother Jesse who it has very good musical taste. It was released in 1993 under the Geffen record label. Overall the CD is basically just Whitesnake over again without a real good hit single. (Notable songs by Whitesnake include "The deeper the love", "Is this Love", and of course "Here I go again").

As far as Page goes, he come out looking very typical for him, "take me for a little while" has a nice quite stairway-ish solo in it. David Coverdale (vocals) has the same old voice that goes from deep rumble to a shrill-ity that is both awe inspiring and creepy. David is older now and has therefore lost some of his power and spends more time in a more typical human range these days (this fact leaves me crying in the rrrraaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAain)... Don't get me wrong tho he is still one of rocks most impressive specimens.

Over all it was not a bad disc "Shake my tree" and "Take a look at yourself" are definitely the best cuts.

I would say 6 out of 10 Bill-points... this is not bad for two old guys who everyone realizes have thier best days behind them.

#2

WHITECROSS- in the Kingdom (1991, starsong)

I first heard of Whitecross about 5 years ago from two sources Brad William (my good friend) and Jorin Green (an ex-pastor as well as friend), before this time I listened to NO Christian music for the usual reasons: Poor musicianship, cheesey songs, and the fact that many are basic rip-offs of other bands. This record changed my idea on the the first of the three points forever.

The very first song by W/C i ever heard was "Love is our weapon" from in the kindom. I was blown away by two things, firstly that the guitar playing was BEYOND AWESOME and very, very air guitarish, secondly that it sounded exactly like Ratt (of "round and round" fame).

Honestly W/C sounds so much like Ratt that one virtuely has to follow the words to distinguish the two. This distinguishment is not hard seeing as they are on opposite sides of the moral realm.

In the kindom is to my ears a new step for the band. It containts the usual eye-popping instrumentals by the "Van Halen" of all Christiandom Rex Caroll, these are very pleasing and inspiring to any person who remains interested in White Metal rock.

There are three really good songs on this CD: "Love is our weapon", The bluesly and slower paced "You will find it there", and of course "If he goes before me". These songs are quite unique and i truely love them.

Alas there is one really bad part in the song "Holy war", this is due to the fact the album was written in 1991 and there for there is a truely gut WRENCHING rap in it. *shudder* Alton Hood from D.O.C. shows his talent by adding "It won't be no thing but a chicken wing" : ( to this other wise acceptable song.

Unfortunately this is the last Whitecross CD Rex Carroll will play on and will be replaced with "meh" players for years to come and therefore leading to the demise of one of White Rock's classic bands.

In the Kingdom Rates an impressive 8 out of 10 in the Bill-point scale.

Flintstones

2004-12-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

I am watching an abosolutely horrid Flintstones Christmas special. It comes as not surprise the plot sucks... but it is the voices that get me. It seems that they dont even TRY to get voices that sound like the originals. *sigh* Pebbles and Bam-bam no longer exist and are now replaced by "Rockie" a sassy trash talking 7 - 10 year old with a backwards hat most likely to emulate one Bart Simpson. Also they drive real cars with wheels (not foot power)! It is my opinion that each member of the production team watch at least one episode before embarking on making this "reproduction".

God works in mysterious ways

2004-12-19T23:02:00.000-08:00

So my car is wrecked... i have come to accept that. So now what... i get a call from my dad and he tells me that since i dont have a car right now he is considering lending me his 1963 Dodge Dart 440!! (i dont have to tell you that this is much cooler than my Daytona)

So i am happy again!

Standing corrected

2004-12-18T16:12:00.000-08:00

Apparently oil does not expand as it cools... so much for that theory.

OOPS!

2004-12-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

So i get in my car this morning and start it and drive about 30 feet down main street and i think to myself something is wrong here. Then i realize there there is alot of exhaust comming from my car... not just a bit more than usual. Wide eyed and fully annoyed i drive back home.

There is something wrong with my car. The fluids are all up and it starts fine. My hunch is it has something to do with the oil... i put new oil in about a week and a half ago and i topped it right up to the max on the dipstick... then it was cold today for the the first time really... i think the oil expanded and is now TOO full... can this happen? I seem to have become a car-hypercondriac.

Anyways i am somewhat worried about this.

Done tests now what?

2004-12-17T23:07:00.000-08:00

Well I'm finished with tests... almost i have one left and thats the BIG ONE in June. Now that all the unpleasantness is behind me it's time to switch into what really matters, by this i mean music and specifically the blues. Monday night i will be playing guitar and bass at a coffee house at Forest gro(o)ve church, this is both good and bad.

It is good becuase i love to play the blues, and also becuase i have many people to play with there that are much more qualified than i am to be up on stage (or whatever they call the platform at a church). It is bad becuase i have not played anything but worship music for a long, long time and even then only on every second monday night. The bottom line is I haven't played anything even close to a "gig" since my high school days and I am afraid I will fall flat on my face!

Oh well no one really cares but me and no one seems to notice when I mess up anyway (or at least they don't fess up to it). Things will turn out and I don't think God will give me a flat tire on the way home even if I suck.

Thank you

2004-12-16T22:14:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your comments... they have expanded my horizons and in doing so also truely empowered me to reach my wholistic potential.

Studying

2004-12-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

I have a test this Friday in a class called "communities" i just had a test in a class called "issues" and last week one called "management". I am so used to reading/hearing buzz words that my daily vocabulary now includes the words such as "proactive", "synergy", and "intersectoral collaboration" .

Durring Christmas i intend to spend most of my time thinking INSIDE the box.

START OVER

2004-12-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

Since my last posts have been so profoundly stupid i have decided to start over.