Furious Rodimus' Forge

Testing Testing

2009-08-26T16:47:00.000-05:00

Giant Robots are for FUN!

2008-03-22T21:39:00.004-05:00

[rant]

As a M.Div student I spend a good portion of my day thinking. I think about the consequences of certain points of theological systematics. My assignments revolve around the uses of certain Greek and Hebrew words, and the implications of verb tenses and adjectival modifiers. Therefore when it is time to relax, it is time to do just that. Where do I turn for some good time just to hang out by myself, either 1st thing in the morning or before going to bed? To movies and anime. Why? Because my creative juices are usually spent by the end of the day, and I don't want to disturb my landlord at 7am with electric guitar. If I want something purposefully deep and compelling I'll turn to a novel, but usually I opt for action/something that only takes 22-25 minutes of my time in a go. Giant animated Mecha have been my downtime of choice this year.

I'll admit it, I liked Gundam Wing (didn't like Gundam SEED). A lot. Why? because it was fun, and my first introduction to anime. The characters were emotionally engaging (I was 15 when it came out so I drew a lot of parallels with most of the characters). I liked the ambiguity between good and bad that was portrayed in the show, I thought the story was compelling. And besides, you have David Kaye and Brian Drummond handling the vocal duties for Treize and Zechs and I was hooked (just look up their lists of characters on imdb.com or animenewsnetwork.com, and its very impressive). I finished re-watching it this year, and dang, it was good times.
Favorite Character: Zechs Marquise/Milliardo Peacecraft

The Transformers movie was fun. Not perfect, but certainly not as ridiculous as it could have been (especially when one considers the episodes Kremzeek, and Carnage in C Minor *shudder*). The designs were definitely new for the series as whole, but a needed breath of fresh air. Yet it gets a lot of hate, apparently. I still say it stands above some of the G1 cartoons, and that it is still better than the 1st 4-issues of the Marvel run, which had approximately the same story ideas. Definitely was not as good as Transformers: Masterforce, which in terms of coherent storytelling, next to G1 Seasons 1 - 4, is a masterpiece with compelling villains, and cool heroes, and a lot of concepts which are very cool, and well executed (Pretenders,and Godmasters specifically). It was fun though, and had really awesome effects. Can't wait for #2 in 2009

Surprise find of the week goes to Dancouga: Nova, a short little 12 episode series. Very nifty, and well animated, although a little more sexualized than I'm used to. (Most of the Gundam series that I've seen [Wing, bits of SEED, 08th MS Team, 0083] are pretty well devoid of of anything even remotely sexual). At any rate it was a fun diversion, that didn't take itself too seriously at all.

Major Disappointment: The last two-three episodes of Transformers: Animated. Really, really boring, and not much fun. If people thought the new movie lacked Decepticon action, they definitely have not seen Animated. Although, it does have David Kaye playing Prime, which is cool, but I'm losing interest in it very rapidly.

Question of the Week: Why is it not possible, now in 2008, to get a new Transformers cartoon/anime that is properly animated, with fluid motion and wicked designs? (See the OP for Gundam 00 on youtube.com for what I'm talking about). The openings I've seen on youtube for Beast Wars II and Beast Wars Neo suggest it is possible. So come on, after Animated lets see Transformers done up right for the new century.

[\rant]

2007-08-12T19:41:00.001-05:00

A signature pic made for me by Whisper on Seibertron.com

Transformers: The Movie

2007-07-22T19:27:00.000-05:00

I can't lie. I saw the movie three times in theatres. That's a first since Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace. So what's one to do when their childhood comes raging on the big screen with the force of a runaway Kenworth truck? Strap in an enjoy the Ride!

The Story: This is not great cinema that's for sure, but it is Transformers to the core: Nerdy kid, Heroic Autobots, Evil Decepticons, interfering humans, and one object that can create and destroy worlds. Yea, this the Transformers, for sure. Filled with just the right amount of cheese to be an homage to the series that started it all. Honestly , if you were there for the story, you need to wait until the sequels once we have time, and enough money to render that kind of in-depth Transformer history (here I'm referring to ridiculous 38 hours per FRAME of rendering that ILM had to do). I'm willing to wait for a more in-depth story. This was an excellent intro movie.

The Characters: The Autobots remained true to the heritage of their characters, although Bumblebee's speaking voice didn't seem to fit. The Con's though, well they were there, with Barricade and Megatron getting the most screen time, but certainly stand to more fleshed out, along with the human characters. Still they crammed a lot into a 2.5 hour movie, although that was mostly plot.

The Action: Hold onto your transistors, and don't blink a diode or you'll miss it. Still when you have characters having nearly 10, 000 moving parts each that's sheer technological grunt working for you. And the Bumblebee on the tow-truck fire-fight was inventive and worked well. The Prime vs Megatron fight was tough to sort out, needed to pull back a little (although with repeated viewing it becomes more clear).

The Graphics: One word: Intense. Congrats to Industrial Light & Magic for one-upping themselves on this one. Like my friend Nick said, if you didn't know giant robots didn't exist it'd be hard to argue against it from the looks of this movie. 10 000 moving parts, 38 hours of rendering paid off in a big way, even the Transformations are sweet, and jaw dropping to look at. Even though I hated the designs at first blush, this movie, and the way they move justify the designs.

The Verdict: Go check it out. It's great summer movie, with hilarity, action, Old School Heroes and Villains, and JAW-DROPPINg GRAPHICS!

Songwriter's Competiton Pics

2007-03-26T12:36:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my friend Linda for taking and posting these pics on her Facebook.

It was a fun night playing two of my own songs, one called Wild at Heart and the other called Revelation. i have video too, but I'm having abear of a time getting it compressed so I can email it out to all you guys. So if you have any sweet ideas on how to do that let me know. There's a few more pics that I have on my comp, and Tammy will have some more too, but this should be enough to satiate all of you: my ravenous fans

This is me playing and smiling, which is a rarity.

Me rocking out hard

"The Third Rule of Thrash metal
is that you have to sing a song
about the book of Revelation
from the Bible" - Me

Me doing my best Dave Mustaine impression

Megadeth: March 13 2007

2007-03-14T12:14:00.000-05:00

Hey All!

So I went to see Megadeth last night for the 3rd time at Rexall Place, who were opening for Heaven & Hell (i.e. Black Sabbath w/ Ronnie James Dio as front man). There was a fairly good sized crowd waiting outside, including two drunks who were there to see Down. Then Down cancelled b/c of illness so they were now drunk and pissed, and eventually left. Trash-talking Megadeth and Sabbath is a terrible idea, by the way.

So we (Tammy, my friend Quinn and his friend Geoff) got in around 6:15ish and proceeded to the merch table to procure swaggage. I was a little choked that they didn't have any Megadeth women's-wear for Tammy. So we got our gear, and went to our seats and proceeded to wait until 7:30ish for Megadeth to come on. The United Abominations backdrop was sweet to the max, and covered over thier amps. And then lights out.

And the intro part of Sleepwalker comes on, and then the riff and drums explode into existance and we could see the band rocking out hard. You could tell from the get-go that Dave was driven, and ready to kick all our heads in with his music. He was all over that stage, and was playing his guitar more recklessly than I'd ever seen him play before. They blasted through tthe first four songs : Sleepwalker, Wake Up Dead, Kick The Chair and In My Darkest Hour before taking a break to address the crowd. Dave's new Dean guitar looked sweet from back where I was.

Then they launched into Washington Is Next, which was sweet, and one of the songs that I really looked forward to hearing. Then they headed into Trust and I got to watch Tammy headbang for the first time. She was so into it! It was really cool to go and experince such a high point with her and see her enjoy it as much as I did. And then they play A Tout Le Monde, one of Tammy's favourite songs, which we both enjoyed immensely.

Out of nowhere they started the Hangar 18 riff, which caught me off-guard b/c they hadn't played it in Vancouver, but it was awesome. Glen shredded those solos, I've really enjoyed watching him get better and better and gain confidence in the band. I can't wait to hear his work on the new album (May 15th if you're wondering). Then they blasted through Symphony of Destruction, Peace Sells, and came out for the encore Holy Wars. Also I had time to scream at Dave that we loved him after the encore. Acorrding to Quinn I crossed a line. I don't see how. He has/d a man-crush on Dio.

They played so well and had the crowd just right fired up for Sabbath. I won't say too much about Sabbath b/c I didn't enjoy them all that much, but I was beat after Deth so that may have had something to do with it.

The Bottom Line: This band rules. This line-up rules. Go see them when they come through your city b/c they are on FIRE right now!

The Winds of Change

2007-03-08T10:35:00.000-06:00

Out of the ashes of my youth
I rise a man
~ Out of the Ashes by Symphony X

Two months to go. The changes I knew were coming are finally here. I'm not single anymore, and my path of next year is clear now. For the first time ever I am being asked to be man, and I feel like I can handle it. My faith has grown this year like I had never known it would.

Where there once was weakness there is strength to be had, to be made, to be re-awakened. Am I scared? Of course. But there's a difference this time. I'm not alone, and I know it. The future that I have laying itself before me is huge. It's much bigger than I had envisioned. But I am much bigger and stronger than ever, and I will grow into this future. I cannot take all of its joy or sorrow yet. I am not ready for it. But I am ready to journey along it, growing as I go.

The flag I once planted as a king I abandoned
And now I reclaim this banner by God, my sword and my name
In a truce sealed by blood within this metal skin and all that I own
Blood, bone, and courage in my veins and the heart that pumps it

Drink from the chalice and be reborn
And the land with me, it will change and transform
~ My Kingdom by Megadeth

Everytime I talk with the men that will be going into seminary with me or after me, I can feel the winds of change blowing. Something big is coming. Something good will be shaped by those of us who dare to take up this office. We are the the crashing wave. You can tell that we are a new breed of leaders and servants. As long as we give the glory where it belongs our paths will be blessed. Not to say it willl be easy, but it will be blessed. Rise up men. Our training awaits.

And to those women that will stand by our sides. Always know that you are appreciated, and loved. We come to offer you our strength. And believe me, I'm glad that you will be travelling along with me.

I heard the voice of redemption
For me there is no exemption
I started praying
~I'll Be There by Megadeth

Spark of the Forge III

2007-03-04T19:04:00.000-06:00

1. Tammy's birthday is this coming weekend. Yikes! Oh well, now she'll be an old-timer like me. Time to start planning retirement lol. :p

2. Also next weekend is Spring Formal (the 1st Annual, no less.) Therefore that means I will have to keep my flowing locks under some semblance of control. Any maybe wear deoderant. Maybe.

3. Filling out my seminary application form, which is all kinds of crazy. 50 months from now I'll be getting my M.Div and heading off (God-willing of course) to Destination Unknown. 26 months from now I'll be getting my envelope for vicarage.

4. 2 months from now I'll be getting my BA.

5. 9 days from now...MEGADETH...MEGADETH...WITH TAMMY!!! I'm so stoked to hear them live again. I haven't been to a concert in months (Blind Guardian on Nov) and it's time to unleash again. They haven't ever disappointed me live, and I'm sure this time will be no different. In fact I'd better get earplugs before I forget.

6. I quite enjoy my new Children of Bodom DVD. Alexi is one crazy dude that's for sure.

7. I recently finished reading The Way of the Wild Heart by John Eldredge. It's a good book, and there's a couple chapters I'm going to re-read right away here.

Isolation: Wednesday 21

2007-02-21T22:33:00.000-06:00

The Log for Wendesday 21 2007 follows

Things keep getting stranger around here. Steve has become merely a whisper. I can no longer detect Gilbert's presence...this concerns me greatly. As for Eric..I hear his meaningless ramblings in the hall. I hope some supplies come in soon, as mine are growing thin. I can't eat my guitar...basswood is hard on my stomach to say the least.

I got another note from Tammy today. She's resourceful to say the least. They're keeping my spirits from totally plummetting.

As well my MegaFanClub membership paid off. Sleepwalker!

I only hope that eric, steve and I all make it through this week with our sanity intact.

For the lies of the fiends see

http://thestatutesofsteve.blogspot.com

and

http://muffinsrsweet.blogspot.com

Rodimus Out.
9:41 PM

Isolation: Monday 19

2007-02-19T14:47:00.000-06:00

Here follows the log of Rodimus. Monday 19

i've heard rumours of a new high school student. Gilbert or something like that. He's kind of a creep. I can sense his presence in the room below me. It's like a thousand scorpions coleasced together in dissonance. I think he was peering in my window last night. Thank goodness for the bars of the windows. Heaven forbid i decide to try to escape from a fire or something like that. Ive been brooding

The tension continues to rise in dorm. So far my absence from daily life has been ignored...as near as i can figure. I wish Tammy was around, or at least could make contact. The notes however buoy my spirits making this isolation more bearable. For right now through I have to rely on myself. Even now though I feel my sanity begin to crack. Meditation will be required.

Eric and Steve have been quiet lately. The ride to church was near silent. Only the howls of my music breaking through the icy silence. This silence is doing me well. Quelling my spirits and returning to a glass-like lake of serenity.

For more lies and propoganda see

http://muffinsrsweet.blogspot.com

and

http://thestatutesofsteve.blogspot.com

Rodimus Out.

Reading Week: Isolation: Sunday 18

2007-02-18T19:24:00.000-06:00

This is the log of Rodimus. Sunday February 17. 2007.

A tension pervades the hallways. I have barricaded myself in. All I hear in the halls are the screams of men, women and children. But it's only Eric & Steve. I don't know how they are pulling off the screams of the damned...I don't particularily want to know. They argue about pop-tarts and Jazzercize. Their screams are soul-rending. Chocolate S'more is also the best flavour of Pop-Tarts.

My girlfriend is preparing to sortie out to an isolated BC community tomorrow. My prayers go with her. By some supernatural means she has been able to send me a note on each of the days since her departure. It's been two days since she's been gone. So far I've been able to keep it together. Hearing her voice on the phone last night was the boost I needed to keep me going.

It may be time to upgrade the defenses of my sanctuary. If the fighting between Steve and Eric were to escalate it may even infect the university floor. I will be ever vigilant. And by ever vigilant I mean asleep. I wonder what sort of defenses I can fashion out of the pens, paper, electronics and few missile launchers.

Although it may not be the defenses of my room that need preparation. It could be the defenses of my mind and sanity...

For the lies and propganda of my...friends? see

http://thestatutesofsteve.blogspot.com

and

http://muffinsrsweet.blogspot.com

Rodimus Out.
6:38PM

Spark of the Forge IV

2007-02-06T10:17:00.000-06:00

1. Conquesting is fun. Especially if your Cosby. If you're Rodimus you find it fun as long as you use a pistol.

2. So I have managed to squeeze 300 songs on to my iPod Nano with approx 3oo MB to spare. I have the feeling I'm not going to make 400 songs. Well not if i keep adding Opeth, Dream Theater and Symphony X.

3. All good things come to those who wait. As long as you're waiting proactively.

4. MEGADETH! MEGADETH! Going with Tammy promises to be a lot of fun.

5. Across the seas through sands of time
Knight of the Templar
A charging steed through lands unkind
A Legend Forever

A heart of gold pumps within his metal skin
A noble line he carries on
~ The Accolade by Symphony X

6. Exams start up this week. Lame.

7. So I saw another guitar I want to at least try out. It was a Jackson Randy Rhoads (I forgot to memorize the model) but it was on sale for 799, regular 1300ish. i figured it was better to walk away b/c if I had played it, it was probably coming home with me.

8. I'm quite enjoying my creative writing class. It's cool. Well the room is warm...but ah you get the idea.

9. i should probably be studying.

10. I'll Be There for you, when you walk through the fire
I'll be there for you, when the flames get higher
When nothing fits and nothing seems right
Til the very last breath of my life
I'll be there for you, I'll be there
~ I'll Be There - Megadeth

Random 6

2007-01-21T16:30:00.000-06:00

So Lauren Tagged me. Now i get to post 6 random facts about myself. Wewt!

1. I've broken some many guitar strings I don't even swear when it happnes anymore.

2. I was once a Drama minor

3. I'm two religion courses short of a double major.

4. My favourite line from the Transformers TV show is Soundwave's "All talk, no shock" quote.

5. I own 20 Megadeth CDs.

6. My girlfriend has more band t-shirts than me. :-(

I tag..the world! Perry!

Wewt!

2007-01-16T09:17:00.000-06:00

Wewt!

So yea. Guess who's not single anymore? That's right! Me! Yea, it's basically awesome. And so is Tammy. It's great, stupendous, and whole bunch of other positive adjectives I can't think of right now! I can say this though. The wait was worth it. Very much so. Yea... *contented sigh and a silly smile* Words fail me at this point. So adios! Thanks to everyone who's been supporting us!

"I think I've got myself in deep
With an angel from above"
~ The One by Annihilator

A Long Time Ago...

2007-01-10T18:03:00.000-06:00

"Intelligence has a report for you, sir."

The captain looked over from the bridge of the Star Destroyer to the young comm officer. "Well, what have they got for us?"

"Nothing really sir. Minor variations, but nothing drastic, and nothing certain, if that's what you're asking sir."

Indeed, that was what he was asking. It's all he ever seemed to ask for, but so rarely what he got. "Keep our sensors turned outward, and see what we can get. Engine variations hyperdrives coming online, combat manuvers, weapons banks warming up, anything."

"Yes, sir"

Four years. It had been four years since he had come on board the Relentless. He'd started out as minor fleet officer, but through his ingenuity and dogged determination he had been given command of the Relentless in his 3rd year aboard, and had gone about filling out his crew with the best men and women he could find. Some he had known from the academy, and others were new recruits from all manner and walks of life. He was proud of them, so it saddened him to know that although his next promotion would move him on to supposedly bigger and better things he would have to leave the majority of them behind. It was a big galaxy after all, and there was much he could accomplish elsewhere. Still...

"Sir?" The question snapped the captain out of his reverie.

"Yes?"

"What are we going to do about that?"

That happened to be an Imperial Star Destroyer that had jumped in system not all that long ago, with a captain that seemed to be similar to himself. Communications seemed to confirm this. And that the two captains and ships were similar, but far from being identical. It was clear though that the Relentless ran a much smaller crew, than this new one did, and that the Relentless did not have the same level of scanning technology either. And that fact was giving the captain fits. To his credit he made good use of what was available to him, but that he was still at the overall disadvantage. However it did seem that the Relentless had a better shielding system around it's core, but even that was uncertain. However, it was clear from the scarring on the hull of the Relentless that it had seen considerably darker times, but maybe that was simply because the captain was too proud to hide his wounds.

"Leave it be for now. Continue plotting a course to take us to any of our potential destinations. It doesn't seem to want to do us any harm, or particularily stand in our way, although it does seem to at least want to exert some influence."

"Aye, sir. What if their captain decides to..."

"To do what? Communications about our destinations haven't given us anything to work with. They're not going to simply blow us out of space for trying to run our course. They'll talk long before they'll fight about it. We're on the same side above all else."

"How do you kn--?" Then the ensign's eyes widened with sudden understanding "Captain, you want to fight alongside her don't you?"

The captain sighed. Yes, that was indeed the truth of the matter. The technical readouts of the Destroyers and profiles that he availabe about the personnel of each ship seemed to indicate that in combination that the Destroyers would form a verypowerful team. A lot was still uncertain, but it was the crux of the matter. They did know that while both ships flew under the colours of the Empire, that they were in different branches. Ultimately though, they served the same Emperor. Unfortunately with the Relentless due Coreward in the next four months, there was precious little time to explore the possibilites. Why float away from something so rare in the galaxy?

"Yes, ensign. I would like to very much," he said wistfully. Then his voice took on an edge, "Continue setting those courses, and ensure that everything is in readiness. Make sure all the systems pass their checks so that we can launch into hyperspace on schedule. This jump has been put off long enough."

"But, sir, I don't --"

"And, ensign, if anything occurs that changes my mind, we'll deal with it as it comes, and not before. Understood?"

"Aye, sir."

Centred and Focused

2006-12-28T21:38:00.000-06:00

Being home for an extended period of time does have some benefits, especially when that time is quiet and free to be spent as one sees fit. The healthy supply of food doesn't hurt either.

I find my soul is rather tranquil here at home, without the hustle and buslte and distraction of a dormitory. It's very...Jedi like for want of a cooler term. I find myself able to focus on music and reading without my emotions getting the better of me. A few songs and things till hit home, but they don't throw me as badly as they could. to be driven by wanting to play my music well instead of trying to take out my frustrations or anything like that.

I'm not troubled by the things that may or may not be, or the fact that the road of life is openingup to grand new vistas. these do not faze me. they will be dealt with at the appropriate time and not before.

My musical selection has been very mellow as of late, shifting away from the aggresive thrash and melodic death metal that propelled me through the semester onto power ballads (of varying quality) and lighter fare, grasciously provided to me on the CD 'Rod's Radical Rhythms', and even the crooning of Roy Orbison. Yes, this a place of peace. Even when I play my own aggressive fare it is with a cool detachment, and attention to detail that has been lacking as of late.

Of course " life is a map and is quite confusing" , but everyone's life is like that, and mine is no different. I hope the serenity and rest I'm finding here will help me with the coming semester.

May the Peace that surpasses all understanding
Be with you all

What I've Learned over the Last Week

2006-12-23T13:21:00.000-06:00

1. When you see something that looks suspisciouly like the Christmas List you sent to your family, DO NOT GO IN FOR A CLOSER LOOK! it is your Chirtmas list, and will have things checked off. Way to ruin the gift exchange part of Christmas for myself...unless the list is lying...at least somewhat. Come on vacation property in Hawaii!

2. I will not just go away in a game of Wii Tennis. Ask Joel. He may have won the match 3-1 but he earned everyone of those wins. Also, in Wii Bowling, 4 strikes in a row will orchestrate you a come back on your friend who previously scord 3 strikes in a row. boo ya! Addendum: My Wii character is stoked beyond all reason, all the time. He must being getting some...high scores. muhahaha

3. In the Oilman board game, do not push too hard. it will cost you oil in Greenland!

4. An hour of recording will earn you approximately 5 minutes of useful material. And recording tracks underneath each other is much harder than you think it would be.

6. (Five is dead to me). When travelling; if the truck shimmies twice, you should maybe back off the throttle. Also, choose your travelling partner well. It can make a bad situation worse, or can make a bad situation a pretty cool adventure.

7. The 80s aren't coming back. The Transformers will look different. Monter Trucks will be faster. He-Man is not as cool as you remember. But 80s metal will always reign supreme (apparently).

11. (8,9 and 10 are having issues and fistfights). when i get home, i graze like a cow. Mooo! hooray for food with nutrients!

A Good Biting Track is What It's Built For

2006-12-19T22:38:00.000-06:00

Random Trackside Commentator (RTC): So, Rod, you've done a lot of work on the truck since last we saw you can you tell us a little bit about what you've done to it?

Rod: Well, we've got one of the biggest motors out here, but we've had a few stability issues with the truck which was effecting traction, and really screwing around with us the last few times we'd been out with it. We're hoping to find a little more bite with it once we get it up on two-wheels.

RTC: You talk about balance, how important has it been for you to find it, and put that out on the track.

Rod: It's been huge. Like I say, very few guys can run with the motor that we've got in here, so for me balance has been everything.

RTC: What do you think about the track in particular?

Rod: This is a great track, a lot more consistent than the last few we've tried to pull on, and it seems like we're getting a lot of traction when we put power to the wheels, so hopefully it'll work out. The last few tracks we've been on have been very hit-or-miss, this one seems like one where we can finally put the motor to work and blow away the competition. we had a lot of time to see how things can work, so it looks promising.

RTC: There seems to be a lot of guys eager to get out there and put you away, what do you think about that?

Rod: I guess that just means I'm the one with the target on my back, which is a compliment to the crew that helped me put this thing together. They're still going to have to try and beat me though, because I'm not going to roll over for just anybody on this one.

RTC: You seem confident, even though a lot of people say you're taking the wrong lane and angle down the course.

Rod: Well, I just have to have confidence in the motor and everything else right now. We've done a lot of work since we first came out of CCI and in the last few years we've done and learned alot, so hopefully we can make use of all that and get a straight run for the distance even if people think we're going about it wrong. The truck has changed, and the driver's learned a lot since we got here to CUCA, so we're just hoping to make one last clean pass to the finish line here. Thanks to everyone who's been supporting us. See you at the finish line.

Growing On Like Mold and Massive Amounts of Confusion

2006-12-13T11:15:00.000-06:00

The Growing of Mold
Alright, I've owned the album Sacrament by Lamb of God since...July? I bought it shortly after I saw them live in Toon Town. And you know what it did nothing for me. Zip. Zero. Nada. There was nothing there for me. I didn't want to get rid of it but I had it relegated basically to the backburner of my collection, and I expected it to collect dust for the foreseeable future. I didn't hate it, I just didn't like it in that special way that new albums typically take with me. In my mind bands like Dark Age and Children of Bodom were doing it faster and cleaner and more to my liking.
Time went on. I tried giving it the pity spins in my CD player just for kicks, but still nothing. I knew intellectually that this was an album I should like: it had the makings of a 'Rod' album: the fast guitars, the ferocious lyrics, the intense mid-pitch screams, but still nothing. I was perturbed. I had invested 20 bucks on this CD, I wanted my return dammit!
So a couple days ago Eric and I were in 'Lets watch DVDs that talk about bands and their lives/recording process' mode so we ended up watching the Lamb of God one, because in my infinite wisdom I bought the collector's edition. And it was like listening to it with new ears. I heard the guitar work that I knew was there. I felt the emotion of the lyrics and the vocals, and the pounding of the drums. It was ridiculous. Now, I actually like the album. In short, sometimes things grow on you, and it's awesome.

Massive Amounts of Confusion
Let's turn things over to the boys at Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field, Glen Sui...err Eric Moffett and Rod Parker
Moffett: What the HELL is going on down there? The Riders defence looks...stunned
Parker: Indeed they do. They seem to be holding their own despite the fact that they HAVE NO IDEA what is going on.
Moffett: It doesn't hurt that the opposition have Randy Moss playing. And by playing I mean dropping balls all over the damn field. Those receivers are morons, I mean what do they get paid for?
Parker: Well that's good new for the Riders D because they're coverage well good, has been far from stellar. But at least it's been more solid that the Riders offence.
Moffett: I know. The Riders O has a bunch of retards out there. They had one good play on 3rd and 15, but they struggled mightily after that, and ended up getting rejected in the red zone. I don't know why they pay those receivers? Like come on boys, come on. Not even a field goal. That whole team should be cut.
Parker: They really iso'ed in on a receiver early on and it hurt production in what was looking to be a promising 4th quarter.
Moffett: This seems to be a problem with the Riders in general: Abandoning the running game in the fourth, and trying to take to the air which never turns out for them. I don't even know why the come out in the 4th quarter. My grandma plays better 4th quarter ball than these pussies.
Parker: Well there's still 7 minutes left in the 4th. Any suggesstions for this struggling Riders team?
Moffett: Yes. Don't drop the ball! Keep the defence in a position to make a huge play, go for the forced fumble or the interception and take that to the house. And for the love all things holy, don't committ turnovers, and run the ball! And keep it out of the hands of the morons.

Stealing this from Lauren

2006-12-05T13:07:00.000-06:00

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool...

OPENING CREDITS: Heaven Can Wait - Gamma Ray

WAKING UP: Starlight Kingdom - Battlelore

FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL: Under the Ice - Blind Guardian

FALLING IN LOVE: The Village of Dwarves - Rhapsody (my iTunes is on a power-metal kick)

FIGHT SONG: Valley of the Damned - DragonForce

BREAKING UP: A Tout Le Monde (Live) - Megadeth

FORMAL: The God That Failed - Metallica

FINAL BATTLE: Elysian Fields - Megadeth

DEATH SCENE: Killed by Death - Motorhead (How hilarious and appropriate)

FUNERAL: Time What is Time - Blind Guardian

ENDING CREDITS: Touch Like an Angel of Death - Children of Bodom

Apparently this is the soundtrack to some strange mystical medieval horror flick. I should get to work on that.

My Train of Thought has Become a Wreck

2006-12-02T14:29:00.000-06:00

Please, excuse this post as it promises to be random, potentially mean, and inarticulate to the max.
I've been at work for 2.5 hours and I've changed CDs more than 5 times. That just doesn't happen to me.

What I am searching for? A voice of understanding? I don't know. I can't it in my music for some reason.

I don't want to be angry I'm tired of it. I'm tired of being jealous. I'm tired of hating myself because of my weaknessess. This is pathetic. Everyone has weaknesses, don't they? So, why do mine seem to be so particularily destructive and damaging? Am I not worthy of what I'm after? This is dumb. Everything is futile!

I Hate your contention
I hate your violation
I hate your corruption
I hate your life destruction

I will resist ENDLESSLY!
~ Transgression - Fear Factory

Why is it people seem to be most capable of destroying what they're after? Is it human nature to lose everything we hold dear through our own doings? Is that the fate of us, do be undone by our desires, or our needs?

You should be a saviour
Once on earth to bleed for the weak
Try Modern behaviour
For a world that cannot seek

This fallen belief I know
Has no prospect
Will never achieve to grow
If we carry on hiding
What is deep inside of us
~ We Who Suffer - Dark Age

It's just frustrating because I know, know for a fact that I'm better than this, that I'm better than what comes through. But who will be there to see me through my follies and weaknessess and darkness. Who will be there to hold me when it all gets to be too much? Do I even dare show that to anyone? Or will it be my guitar that pays for my frustrations again?

Caged inside
I cannot seem to end the battles
Breaking down, I worship the insane
~ Oscillation Point - Scar Symmetry

Is there no other road, then the way of pain? Of course if success comes my way the road was worth, but dammit I've been here before, and I feel like screaming because I am not dreaming.

I cannot get out of here anymore
Cause none of my keys fit the door
There's fear and anger
Hate and love
I must confess
It's out of hand

If there's anyone in
It soon will be over
We'll burn out
Our soul's aflamed
And we're on our own now
Give up your cruel invasion
Your insane I'll show you
~ Another Stanger Me - Blind Guardian

It's hard. This game we call life. This has gotten all out of hand. I wish I could rewind and see the moment where all this came to be. Hopefully if the sowing is sweet, but germanation and growth is bitter then the reaping will still be sweet. If not...gah!

This year wasn't supposed to be like this! It just wasn't! It was supposed to be mop-up duty, simple tricks and fun. How do I do this to myself?

Do not turn your face towards me
Confronting me with my lonliness
You are in a forest unknown
The secret orchard
And your voice is vast and achromatic
But still so precious
~ Black Rose Immortal - Opeth

Holding Out for a Hero

2006-12-01T22:34:00.000-06:00

First off I love this song. I've been learning it on my guitar, b/c that's how sweet it is. The lyrics however I'm going to have to change the lyrics for me to sing it. Then my friend Holly was like, it could be a statment abouthe pressures facing men in Western Culture, which I almost dismissed out of hand, but here I am challenging the lyrics because I am bored, and it could be fun. So here we go foolios!

Where have all the good men gone and where are all the gods?
Well, I know some good men. They're hanging out in Founders hall. My particular room number is F217. You should swing by time. As for the gods, there is only one True God!

Where’s the street-wise Hercules to fight the rising odds?
Whoa, smart and strong? Pick one. While I'm not terribly strong, I am smart. Although apprently when I'm clautrophobic enough adrenaline kicks in for me to force my way out of a mosh pit. Fancy that.

Isn’t there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
Will black leather count? And I have my choice of steed if you will, and one definately falls into the category of fiery! *Sounds of tires squealing*

Late at night I toss and turn and I dream of what I need.
That is unfortunate. I recommend seeing a shrink. Or Doctor Steve.

I need a hero, I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night,
Just till the end of the night? Aww man, my cars aren't that fast. Although I would suppose that would depend on your current location. Call me.

He’s gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fast,
a) Hooray for adrenaline b)Oh, you should see my guitar skills.

He’s gotta be sure, and it’s gotta be soon,
Sure, okay. Soon, well contact me. I'll figure out something.

And he’s gotta be larger than life...
Boo yea! I got that one covered! (Get your mind out of the gutter you sickos).

Somewhere after midnight in my wildest fantasy
I'm listening...attentively no less...

Somewhere just beyond my reach there’s someone reaching back for me.
Is that so? I was uninformed.

Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat
Oh yea! I'm rockin' this thing now!

It’s gonna take a superman to sweep me off my feet, yeah!
That's unfortunate. Superman's not real. I'm real enough, and super enough.

...
The rest doesn't really apply until...

I can feel his approach like the fire in my blood
That's right, I ride in on Fire and Thunder. That's how I roll!

Spark of the Forge III

2006-11-25T13:45:00.000-06:00

So it's been a crazy week, well not totally crazy but kind of. Here's what I've learned.

1. When you lose your voice and are not able to sing, there seems to be an inordinate amount of singing going on around you, and it can become quite frustrating not being able to join in. At least I had someone who is basically awesome to keep from doing anything dumb like singing and therefore making my own predicament even worse. But I totally wanted to sing out Fly at the top of my lungs. I will when I get healthy.

2. The new Megadeth demo song 'Gears of War' fills me with glee. It's a little slower but that riff is crushing. And by crushing I don't mean like a girl crushing on a guy, I mean a batallion of tanks and monster trucks that can transform into giant robots crushing the skulls of the hundredfold swinging the judgement hammer, in a cacophonic symphonic epic of devastation. It's awesome. I want, nay, I NEED that new album.

3. Epic of Devastation would make a cool band name.

4. The girls I take to church make me happy. They're so cute when the kids come up. And I then I look at the gals thinking they're so cute. Somewhere in the church there is probably someone watching me going 'Aww, he's so cute.' It's probably God looking down from on high thinking that, and 'Sure, I made him look tough, but inside he's a sweetheart.'

5. Not having a voice can make rehearsing a pain in the buttocks. At least, typically my guitar gets to talk for me.

6. I should probably get around to naming my guitar. Something feminine yet strong. Like Darksyde. or Dark Lightning. Black Lightning? Mistress of Chaos? V of Misery? Rhombus of Terror! Now I'm just being silly.

7. Red vs. Blue and Dane Cook leave me in stitches. They make me smile. Not safe for work or more polite company but high-larious all the same. Thanks for that disc Holly. It is awesome to the max.

8. School's almost done for the semester. Only one more semester to go, and I'll be graduated. Woot!

9. When your friend tells you he's gotten engaged, you should probably remember something like that. Congratulations Vince, you sly dog! Take that matty, I stole your saying. Seriously though, I was missing the lynch pin. I had all the piping laid out, somehow missed the lynch pin. Maybe no more important conversations after 11pm.

Guardian of the Blind!

2006-11-16T20:21:00.000-06:00

"We are following the will of the one
Through the dark age
And into the storm"
~Into the Storm - by Blind Guardian

Well, greetings to all my loyal readers! I've safely arrived after the Blind Guardian concert in Vancouver. I must say it rocked my boxxorz to the maxxorz. My goodness, words cannot do justice to the awesomeness that the show was. Let's just say it was the best of mix of geeks and metalheads that could ever be put together. It made for some very interesting conversations throughout the night

"This is a Blind Guardian concert. This is going to be the biggest group of outcasts ever"
"The biggest group of outcasts since Jesus and the disciples."
- Rod responding to a fan

"I wish we had some lightsabers so someone could have a duel to entertain us."
- fan outside the Commodore Ballroom

"I failed my dragon riding licence exam last week. I can only ride rancours."
"Dude you can totally pick-up chicks with a rancour!"
"Except it eats them"
[ . . .] conversation shortened due to ridiculousness.

"I have get to the front of the crowd boots +3!!"

"This is taking so long. i should have brought a game table and we could have played"
"I attack the orc. I roll a six. Do I hit him?"
"Yea, you kill him, he was hanging on by a thread."
- the obligatory D&D convo held by Rod and another guy while waiting for Leaves' Eyes

"Stop. Be quiet now.
Out with the light
Then up and down it goes
Fly
Out it goes!"
~Fly by Blind Guardian

I was so totally stoked by the time BG hit the stage, it was ridiculous. Hansi, Marcus, Andre, and Fredrik tore that stage up! I was so pumped. They played all the songs I wanted to hear! Valhalla, Fly, Skalds & Shadows, And The Story Ends, And Then There was Silence and The Bard's Song were all music to my ears. It was like taking a quadruple billion dose of Audio Ecstasy. I don't think I spent more that 30 seconds total on my feet during And The Story Ends.
I was so excited to hear Fly. I wish one of my friends could have been there for since that the only metal song she actually likes...doesn't find completely annoying? I don't know. It would have been awesome...but I LOVE THAT SONG!!! It's so raw and powerful when it's played live.

"I know that Vancouver is not the coldest place in Canada. But I think that you are still well acquainted with ice and snow. Acquainted well enough to walk with us through the halls of VALHALLA!"
- Hansi moments before launching into Valhalla

I loved rocking out there. I totally found what I'm passionate about. I'm passionate about intense, heavy music. And speaking of passionate intensity watching the band play was soooo cool from Andres leads, to Marcus' riffs and swirling hair, Fredrik playing like a beast on the drums and Hansi's voice was as driven, raw and on-pitch as I have ever heard it on the Live CD and DVD. I wanted to play chapel this coming Friday just so I could attempt to give all you here some of the intensity that they gave me. So I'm going to try and bottle it all up for next weekend's (Nov. 26) Sunday Night Praise. If all is well with the world you should see me at my most driven and passionate (hopefully).

"We feel that you deserve a few more songs. And that you probably don't care how tired we are. So here it is! Imaginations from the Other Side!"
- Hansi just before the three encore songs.

I cannot do this show justice on a mere blog. You'll have to come visit me, hear the tales, see the merchandise and view the photos. Until next time...

"The only thing you have to do Vancouver, is the same thing you've done all night...just try to be a little bit louder"
- Hansi before The Bard's Song

"And then there was silence
Just a voice from another world
Like a leaf in an icy world
Memories will fade away"
~ And Then There was Silence by Blind Guardian

The Coming Week...

2006-11-06T21:07:00.000-06:00

So, what all is new in the land of Rod, you ask? Not a lot, actually. The weekend was unspectacular up until Sunday afternoon. I went and saw the school play Saturday night too.. Holly's scream made my blood curdle. Good job Holly!

Ah, but what a day Sunday was. I assembled as many members of the Rider Nation as I could (in this case 2) to behold an epic struggle between to arch enemies. The Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Calgary Stampeders. It looked bad for the Green & White early in the second quarter, until Isildur, took up his father's sword and cleft the Ring from...oops, wrong channel. Until Kerry Joseph hit a wide open Matt Dominguez for a touchdown and a major momentum shift.

It was nerve-wracking, it was heart-pounding, it was everything great CFL play-off football should be! And then when the dust finally settled...the Riders had won! But, alas, jubilation did not last long as Rider Nation quickly turned their gaze toward the coming Sunday when the battle-hardened Roughriders must enter the Lions Den. This will surely be a mighty struggle, in which two teams will rip, slash and tear at each other to claim dominance and mastery over the other. This Western Final may prove to be a much more intense game than the Grey Cup.

Ride for Ruin. Ride for Wrath. Go Riders!

Onto the coming week though. As if it's not enough to be able to watch the Riders in more post-season action, Steven and I will be off to Vancouver to witness the might Blind Guardian concert. Ah, what greatness shall that be? Steve's first metal concert! My first trip to Vancouver in 6 years. This will surly be a trip that will be talked about for years to come. I'm ready to rock and roll on the West Coast!

One warning should follow though. If the Riders should defeat the Lions, and Should the Blind Guardian concert kick ass, and then I find a girlfriend within two weeks of all that...the world is truly, truly doomed. Just a head's up for y'all.

And Ash, they definately won't know what hit them. When you put our combined amount of Awesome and Cool on the floor, it's like a Tornado of Awecoolsomeness!

Happiness is Good

2006-10-30T21:58:00.000-06:00

Wow, crap. I can't say this past little bit has been anything short of mystifying. I mean really, just mystifying. There's so much going on that I never expected, good and bad.

The good though:
Ballroom Dance Lessons. It's always nice to see that old rhythm guitar influence coming out in an arena where girls actually see the benefits of it (surprisingly most don't understand thrash metal.What is up with that? Come on ladies! Seriously! That's like sexxing rhythm to the max at 3000 miles per hour. Rattlehead!). I can waltz, swing and rumba like nobody's business (well not quite).

Marcus. Always good to see members of the old crew doing well. Apparently I'm the last member of the crew without a significant other. However, I am the one with bitchin' guitar and the sweetass car. We'll call it a draw. At any rate, always good to see a buddy and putz around and shoot the breeze for a couple hours.

Sunday Night Praise: At a 1:1 band to congregation (?) ratio things can be interesting, but it was awesome to set aside the axe and take up the vox for awhile though. *Sigh* I remember why I loved Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, and Chalice so much.

The Riders. Into the playoffs for 5 years straight! How sweet is that? 30 more to go and we'll catch the Eskischmoes.

My last birthday present. A wicked cool Optimus Prime t-shirt from my Aunt, Uncles and cousins back in Saskatchewan. "Megatron must be stopped. No matter the cost."

Cookies. From Grandma & Grandpa. These are the life savers of every college student, and my life in particular. So good.

Steak. Particularily when cooked by Vince. Holy crap. Best meal in a long, long LONG time. Steak it tr00 m3thul!

Friends: The people, not the show. Thank God for my friends, or this would the most miserable exitance EVAR! Eric we need to rock out and come up with sweet new chapel tunes (complete with lead fill solo). We can do it!

Thank you Detroit. Goodnight, We Love You!

P.S. I will give you hand with your blogging questions Ash.

P.P.S. Blind Guardian in Motherf**king TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!!! VALHALLA!!!!

News From the Lab

2006-10-21T15:26:00.000-05:00

Welcome everyone to the Saturday edition of the CKCK News @ Noon.

Our top story this hour is how bored I am. However, here are some stories that we are working on at this hour.

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
- The Unforgiven by Metallica

This week has been a lesson in frustration with just very little going right, well not right, but certainly not spectacularily. I feel just stuck in a bit of rut, like I'm going to relive the previous two years in microcosm, and you know, I don't really like that idea at all, b/c it seems like I'm going to be reliving the negative aspects of it, and that would suck immensely.

The above quote illustrates this for me a lot of ways. One example is SNP. I practiced for it, and did what I could and I still went out and played poorly, and got lost and confused and so very, very frustrated. It doesn't matter to me that no one noticed, I noticed And then Wednesday morning to go into my Drama class and perform my scene poorly is irritating to the maximum. Of course this sort of frustration gets carried over into my friendships, which causes gaps and separation that I don't want to exist which causes more frustration...you can see where I'm going with this.

And as for what I've felt never shining through we'll get to that later is this broadcast.

*Station Break*

And I still
Can see through the mist
To the very end
There I'll face
What I fear the most
- Carry the Blessed Home by Blind Guardian

This also has been weighing on the ole gray matter as well. As I come up to the end of the section of my academic career, the end is what I fear the most. I've become very attached to this place and to the people here. I'll admit it. I'm scared to leave. The reason I've made this far has been because of you my friends. It will be tough to part with you. But unfortunately my time here at CUCA is reaching twilight and soon the night must fall. Although perhaps I should embrace what sweet dreams may lie therein. Rockstardom to the max!

*Commercials for PUMA Pest Control Products*

Summer is miles and miles away
And no one would ask me to stay
And I should contemplate this change
To ease the pain
And I should step out of the rain
Turn away
- In My Time of Need by Opeth

Oh this could apply to so much right now, it is ridiculous. Summer is miles and miles and if someone asks me to stay...then well crap I'll stay. I know it too. Hooray! Or it could apply to right now, and just turning away from the previous problems and trying to just to get on with my life as best I'm able as that's all we're really capable of doing. Although some time for contemplating the changes right now would be welcome and perhaps even necessary to ease some of the pain of life. And certainly stepping out of the rain right now could be good too.

*Commercial for the new Corvette!*

All I ever want
Is to be at your side
- Skalds & Shadows by Blind Guardian

This one is pretty self-explanatory, and also goes back to how I feel never shining though. Here, let me kick sand in your face and make fun of you! Show you how I really feel? Why should I? What's in it for me? Would you accept if I showed you anyway? Can you see through the shallowness of my actions into my core and my fears? Geez, no wonder I have people problems 3.5 days out of 7. You'd think at 21 you'd be secure enough in yourself just let how you feel dictate your actions instead of trying to mask them or becoming resentful toward them. I mean, why should we resent our own feelings? Isn't that just pure hypocrisy? Although writing this down has helped me decide that just being honest with my feelings and allowing them to dictate my actions might be a good idea. Who said blogs are good for nothing. Oh wait; uh...this concludes the CTV News @ Noon.

Reflections of my Mood on the Water...

2006-10-19T15:04:00.000-05:00

"What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through what I've shown
Never be
Never see
Won't see what might have been"
- The Unforgiven by Metallica

"Blind my eyes
And I still
Can see through the mist
To the very end
There I'll face
What I fear the most
Blind my eyes
But it all doesn't matter
Right now"
- Carry the Blessed Home by Blind Guardian

"This time there is nothing left for you to take, this is goodbye
Summer is miles and miles way
And no one would ask me to stay
And I should contemplate this change
To ease the pain
And I should step out of the rain
Turn away"
- In My Time of Need by Opeth

"Do not fear for my reason
There's nothing to hide
How bitter your treason
How bitter your lie
Remember the runes
And remember the light
All I ever want
Is to be at your side"
- Skalds & Shadows by Blind Guardian

Concerning Hobbits and Being 21

2006-10-12T19:55:00.000-05:00

So on a momentous occassion today I became 21 years of age. And this has given me pause and cause to relfect back on the previous 4 years, and to speculate about this my final year (God-willing) here at CUCA.

"Back when I was just seventeen
I thought that I knew everything
I could make it in this scene
To be a rising star that only gleamed
But all the answers disagreed
With the questions held for me"
Of Mice and Men - Megadeth

There's not much to tell about 1st year. My first love and relationship began. I turned 18 a few months before that, and the world was still large and fresh. Still a some crap went down, feelings were hurt, things were said. Shirts were taken off and a giant green 'D' was painted upon my chest in -30 degree weather. I took my first language in a long time, I took voice lessons. And I grew slowly toward the person who stands before you today.

"Outside on a winter's night as the rain begins to fall
There's a chill in the air and the howl of a wolf while the rain beats at the door
Seven kings will ride on the wind up towards the mountains high
And the only sound that will break the air is the warrior's bitter cry

Burning starfire shine in the sky
For the lives of great men who stand by your side
When the night fall on we will ride
For no lost souls will live on forever"
Starfire - Dragonforce

Second year was much more hectic and taxing on me. Dealing with mentors, and trying to breaking out from under their wing, and still trying to learn from them. Learning how to balance a job, Stats, Hebrew and a relationship taught me time management. I found a community of faith that I could belong to, and participate in.

I went to my first ever Megadeth concert and that was awesome beyond all reason. The relationship taught me things about myself both good and bad, and further galvanized my personality. And the break-up taught me even more. Babysitting my cousins was fun that summer though. As was watching anime with Joel and Nick. And making new friends in Regina (Hey Heather *waves*) was coolio to the max.

"Brace up, defend,
never ever be outdone in bravery

This is the way we want it to be
This is The Way Of The Warrior
This is the way we want it to be
Walking the way, the honest will see
Walking The Way Of The Warrior
Walking the way, The Way Of The Warrior"
The Way of the Warrior - Hammerfall

Third year was interesting to say the least. It started off with a bang though as Gowan, Joel, his friend Laura and I embarked to the first-annual Gigantour show headlined by Megadeth, oh it was sooo good and a kick ass way to start a year off. On the rebound and seeking to recover, well let's just say things didn't go so well. The old guard of friends I had at CUCA had moved on, and in a sense I was able to move out from underneath their shadow, and take some of the limelight.

New friendships and bonds were formed, and they still stand to this day. I learned even more about myself and life in general. I found what I would and would not stand for, and how I would approach and deal with people. a new knighthood was formed (Vince, where's our Constitution?, lol). My heart took a beating but it was worth it. Then the summer came, a guitar was bought, a tour guide I became. A new confidence was found and carried into the coming year.

"Some words will trigger certain acts
Belief in limitations we have learnt
Some acts will trigger certain states
I'm taking back what I gave away

Deviate from the form of nothing
Deviate from the norm to something
Deviate from the form of nothing
I deviate, farewell to the tribe"
Deviate from the Form - Scar Symmetry

And now two months into what should be my final year here, I find myself reaping some of the benefits of all the trials, all the heartaches, all the doubts. A renewed vigor burns deep within and we all know who it comes from (hint: we can't see Him). I've found my niche being on stage with my axe and rockin' hard. I have my friends, I have my niche, I have everything one could really want or ask for (minus 500 points for lack of a girlfriend, lol).I have a Blind Guardian concert to look forward to, and graduation even further on after that. I should on all accounts be some kind of awesome.

"Look around and see
The world is turning fast
Faster day by day
Somewhere far beyond
I'll try to change it If I can
Somewhere far beyond
There's only one chance
And it lies
Somewhere far beyond
Somewhere far beyond

The march of time it has begun..."
Somewhere Far Beyond - Blind Guardian

Early in the Fourth Quarter...

2006-09-30T11:27:00.000-05:00

Randorf: Let's turn back over to our boys at Mosaic Stadium, Glen Suitor and and Chris Cuthbert...

Cuthbert: Thanks Dave. It looks like the Riders offence is finally starting to get some production out of an offence that a terrribly stagnant third quarter.

Suitor: Yea, they are, it's been a bit of a struggle at moments but this has been a much better quarter thus far.

Cuthbert: It looked though like the quarterback was having an awful time holding onto the ball there, I'm thinking specifically of the two back-to-back fumbles that really put the entire offence in the hole.

Suitor: Oh yea, those should have killed that drive, but on 3rd and 15 the QB went over and basically begged the Head Coach and Offensive co-ordinator to let him have a 3rd crack at it. And by all apperances that gamble has paid off.

Cuthbert: As well the QB seems to be making use of everyone that's on his team to move the ball, gain yardage, and he's looking put up some points before the end of the game here.

Suitor: It's true we haven't seen the long play and the touchdown strike since late in the first quarter, but this so far has been a much more composed, poised and well blaanced team so far this quarter. And you can see it in the QBs swagger everytime he comes under center to call the play.

Cuthbert: This is true, he's got a lot more confidence than from the 3rd quarter and he's turning it into on-field results. Playing pitch and catch with a receiver basically since that huge third down gamble, and it's been a nice steady march ever since.

Suitor: It's also sending a mesage to anyone on the defence who might try to get in his way, that he's reading the situations well enough to make adjustments and keep fiding holes and making the big plays. But so far this is looking to be a very productive 4th quarter.

Why Men Start Death Metal Bands

2006-09-22T20:25:00.000-05:00

A list of reasons to start Death Metal Bands:

1. Women.

2. Rick from NAPA. All I wanted was some f***ing help, not a lecture on how I did it wrong. Clearly it was done wrong b/c I'm here again. I hope your flesh is flayed from your bones by rabid angry vampire wolverines crossed with scorpions and wasps. Tr00 Norsk Arysk Blak Metal!! RAHHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

3. Stupid Edmonton traffic. Why on earth is your stadium is the worst location ever? Who on earth decided on the road system aroudn there? Pagans!

4. The crazy religious puritanical right.

5. The cafeteria suppers! There are more meats than Chicken and Pork in the world. I have heard tell of a magical meat known as BEEF!

6. Stupid internet! Wait, nm it's working. Good work team!

7. RAREREARAEAAARRRGGGHHHHHHH!

8. Missed oppurtunities. Gutting out. Choking hard.

For My Heart

2006-09-12T13:06:00.000-05:00

Simply put, why is it that the things that we place value on and the things that attempt to obtain are always beyond our grasp. I don't understand the lesson that's being taught to me, what am I supposed to be learning here? I try and I change and still I fail. This makes no sense to me. If I knew what I had to protect or what I was fighting for then maybe I could sense my purpose, and obtain some direction. I heard a saying that the only prayers that are answered are the ones that are driven from a soul-felt need to help someone else. Then what use have I for a desire for myself?

I wish that I was free to operate as I saw fit, without having to worry about my actions and intentions being judged and evaluated by others. Without knowing a persons heart then how can you possibly know what is driving their actions? Aren't actions to be judged by what need is driving them as opposed to what is simply seen, because what is simply seen is open to interepretation.

We all stand on the stage of history, and have our own roles to play. For some this act of the play is merely the beginning, yet for others such as myself we can see the curtains drawing close on this act so that the set and the actors can be re-arranged for the next act. However, even if the curtains are to close on this scene there is still much to happen before that time. The actors for this scene have all been assembled and cast, and the curtain has already been pulled back, andall that we are left with is each other and this temporary stage, and the lines that should be born of pure, and genuine heartfelt expression. For some this act will allow their souls to shine forth as a light to the world that is sorely lacking in compassion and kindness. Still others will discover their inner darkness, and show that to the world. Some will be crushed by the weight of what they feel from those around them.
Make no mistake, many things will change within this act as it unfolds. Discoveries about self will be made, debacles will occur, and yet love may flourish like a rose from amongst a world of ash. And where will I fit within this scene? Unfortunately, that has yet to be seen.

Spark of The Forge II

2006-08-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

1.
"If I wrote a song it would go
G CHORD, G CHORD, G CHORD, G CHORD, G CHORD, G CHORD, G CHORD, G CHORD, G CHORD, G CHORD, G CHORD, G CHORD, G CHORD, G CHORD,
"
"OMG! It's Blink 182!"

2. Lamb of God's video for Redneck is hilarious. I like the part where one of them punches the clown! Stupid clowns!

3. Can't sleep. Sharkticons will eat me.

4. Rodimus Prime was cool. He only had to take over an army after they had one leader for 4 million years! It's going to take the troops some time to adjust, don't ya think?

5. I am suddenly less pumped to go to school. But i don't want to stay here. Iceland would be nice, methinks.

6. Starscream got butchered for the new Transformers movie is the toy prototype is any indication. Rest in peace Screamer.

7. One more day of work! Wewt! One more day of spreading mass terror. Muhahaha!

Random Quizzes of Doom!

2006-08-18T21:39:00.000-05:00

You Are A Rowan Tree

You are full of charm and cheer. You light up a room.
And while you crave attention, you do it without ego.
You are an interesting mix of contradictions - and very unpredictable.
You are both dependent and independent, calm and restless.
You are passionate, emotional, gregarious, and (at times) unforgiving.

What's Your Celtic Horoscope?

You Should Drive a Saturn Sky

You're sleek and smooth, and you need a car to match your hot persona.
Besides, sometimes you want your top up - and sometimes you want it down.

What 2007 Car Should You Drive?

You Are 36% Shy

You are slightly shy, but overall, your reactions to social situations are normal.
You dread difficult social situations, but you still handle them with grace.

How Shy Are You?

You Are 60% Normal

Otherwise known as the normal amount of normal
You're like most people most of the time
But you've got those quirks that make you endearing
You're unique, yes... but not frighteningly so!

How Normal Are You?

Spark of The Forge

2006-08-11T16:39:00.000-05:00

Random Musings now has a new name!

1. It has been hot and humid here the last cpl days. I think the humidex was at 41 yesterday, which is clearly too hot.

2. Only a few more weeks before I head back west again. I'm pretty pumped. I have a good feeling about this year.

3. Weird dreams are disturbing. Eek!

4. Still rockin out on the guitar a month and a half after purchase. Still logging about 30-45 mins a day before or after work. I think I'm addicted to DV-200. And that's fine by me. It's cheaper than drugs.

5. There better be some good metal shows in Edmonton to make up for a lack of Gigantour, and for Joel and I to launch our ingenious plot...well not really a plot, more of a ploy than anything.

6. Blind Guardian. That is all.

7. Relationships are for people who don't own guitars.

8. Manowar is too metal for sex and clothing.

9. Roughriders! What is up? loss-win-loss etc. Lame! So lame! Lamer than Big & Rich! (and that's hard to accomplish)

10. Notice to the guitar player from Big & Rich. Country players aren't allowed to use Flying-Vs. That's Metals guitar shape. NOW GIVE IT BACK! You don't want to deepen the Blood Feud b/w Country and Metal any further do you? That's what I thought, now go play a Gibson Strat, those are *high quality* guitars as of late.

11. People in Saskatchewan are some of the biggest band-wagon jumpers in the world. I highly doubt that if the province was as deeply enamoured with the Rolling Stones as they suddenly claim to be, that they would have been passed over for, how many decades now? If you were truly the hardcore fans you claim to be, you would have found a way to go see them SOMEWHERE ELSE! What a novel concept. It's not like they haven't been around for a few decades now, I'm sure you could have had time to save money for a Rolling Stones concert at some point, and made a vacation out of it. Nice try though, with your complaining. And no, i don't feel bad for the people who didn't get tickets. You've probably been a Rolling Stones fan since the concert was announced and not a second more. [/rant]

Jaded vs Crucified Barbara: Female Metal Showdown!

2006-08-02T23:13:00.000-05:00

Well, folks, welcome to my first Versus Review. And probably my only one b/c I'm not so terribly biased in this one as possible other match-ups (such as Metallica vs Megadeth, or Dream Theater vs Opeth). So lets dive on in!

The Stage
Needless to say I was pumped when I discovered Jaded, an all-female rock band from the USA's Eastern Seaboard. I was also pumped to find Crucified Barbara from Sweden, another all female hard rock outfit. So which chick band rocks harder? Read on!

Drums & Bass
I'm starting here b/c of my lack of familiarity with either of these instruments. Needless to say both bands have competent players in both the bass and battery positions, but again with my lack of knowledge it makes it hard to comment on relative skills. However, i will comment that since Jaded has only one guitar player that if Abbey (bass player for Jaded) handles the rhythm parts through distortion effects on her bass while Britt is playing the leads then that scale tips drastically in Jaded's favour.
Advantage: Draw

Vocals
Well here is something that I am quite familar with. Both bands have their definate strengths in this category. in terms of Lead Vocals, i'd say that Jaded's Julie would have to run away with this one. She simply has more variety in her tone and emotion. The difference in this is clear between songs like, Fire, Tragic, and Knock It Back.
In terms of backing vocals, and successfully getting 'one voice' then Crucified Barbara, easily takes this one. The cohesion and unity between Mia, Klara, and Nikki, clearly outclass their Jaded counterparts consistently.
Advantage:
Lead: Jaded
Group: Crucified Barbara

Guitars:
On paper this comparison hardly seems fair. Crucified Barbara's two players versus Jaded's one. And that would be truefor most bands but... I must admit when I first span Jaded's album I was blown a-f**kin'-way by the guitar playing contained therein. Solid Mustaine(rhythm player for Megadeth)-esque rhythms and face-melting leads, contained in one explosive package known as Britt Lightning.

Crucified Barbara's players Mia and Klara are both excellent guitar players, and lay down some strong rhythms and cool leads, but there was nothing on their album that really made me stop and go 'Wow, that was awesome." Although I will admit that in terms of catchiness they really do blow away Jaded on a lot of their songs, and have consistently catchy hooks. That being said, in the metal world technicality rules all, and Britt clearly has technical skill in spades.
Advantage:
Lead: Jaded
Rhythm: Jaded
Catchiness : Crucified Barabara

Lyrics:
Two very different philosophies on display in terms of lyrics. Jaded come across very much as 'We're chicks who play fast and heavy, and want to be very sensual and seductive' whereas Crucified Barbara are more "We're chicks who rock out, and boy are we pissed off at the males in our lives!" So really I guess it depends on what're you looking for. I prefer the more sensual stuff, although that's not surprising...I am a guy after all.

Although I think most of the girls I know would appreciate the sentiments of Crucifed Barbara far more. And any sensuality that Barbara displays comes off more as overt sexuality, and somtimes it feels a little crass/forced, whereas Jaded strokes the playful sensuality thing just perfectly.
Advantage if you are...:
Guy: Jaded
Girl: Crucified Barbara

Overall Albums:
Jaded's self-titled debut is chock-full of the good stuff, and covers a variety of styles from the seductive Fire, to the fist pumping Get Up, and the fun song Jet Car. On one hand it is cool to see a variety of styles being played by them, but at the same time the album almost feels like it's lacking a identity, or at least unity in some regards.

Crucified Barbara's debut 'In Distortion We Trust' almost goes too far the other way, and has great unity but sometimes feels like its lacking variety. Catchy the whole way throughout, and very easy to hum along to or get stuck in your head, but at all times very rock&roll.
Advantage:
Unity: Crucified Barbara
Variety : Jaded

In The End:
Advantage: Jaded, but both bands are definately worth checkin' out, b/c they can both play.

Random Musings XII

2006-07-27T23:09:00.000-05:00

1. My new job officially kicks butt. I love being a tour guide, and being in front of people. I live for the applause at the end and the looks of terror as my character morphs in a heartbeat from mild-mannered tour guide to mean-spirited Mr. Dawson! Good frickin times!

2. I wrote my first Power Metal riff today. Knights of the Black Rose is well on its way to being my new favourite song to play. "Knights of the Black Rose/In fire and flame we rise/The path of glory we chose/ We come to claim our prize!"

3. The Thrash Metal part of me was wounded and chagrined when I wrote my first power metal riff.

4. people are odd.

5. It has been ridiculously hot outside, good thing i work underground in a clime-controlled environment. If I was a vampire i'd thrive down there.

6. Gigantour 2006! Why hast thou forsaken me! and the Edmonton-area droogies! Why?!

7. Anyone know a lutheran (or even just Christian) drummer from the Edmonton area? Preferably like 20ish with Hard Rock/Metal influences?

8. I <3 My ESP DV-200. It is teh leet roxxorz. Too bad I am teh m3di0c0r3 rokker. Oh well practice makes teh leet roxxorz.

9. Riders! What is up? How do you dominate one week and go docile the next? Get a grip, go dominate all the time! Be like Line 6 Amps and use the slogan 'Domination of the Species!' Gah! being a Riders fan is like being married (or so I'm told)!

10. Can't wait for November, Blind Guardian in Vancouver! wewt!

This is Furious "Preacher by Day. Badass Thrashr by Night!" Rodimus Signing off. Goodnight Canada!

Me and my New Girl...Pics included!

2006-07-13T17:43:00.000-05:00

Me and my new girl. She screams, she moans, she does it all. And she's mine.

Concert Review: July 10, 2006.

2006-07-11T19:06:00.000-05:00

On the bill:
Thine Eyes Bleed
Children of Bodom (cancelled)
Mastodon
Lamb of God

Thine Eyes
Okay, I know absolutely nothing about this band at all so it's hard to say much about them. The lead vocalist had good intensity, as did the rest of the band. Not much that really stood out to me other than the intensity.

Children:
Biggest let down of the night goes to Bodom who didn't show up or cancelled. No explanation was ever given. Disappointment all around as I was looking forward to Alexi tearing everyone a new one with his guitar skills. The man's a freak!

Mastodon:
The band I was most familiar with in terms of their catalogue. Put on a good show. I definately liked the fact that the two guitarists and bass player all shared the vocal duties, giving a nice bit of variety (well as much as you can get when you're doing the death metal/screams thing). Their music got a bit repetitive after a while. Big props though for the song Blood & Thunder which I enjoyed to no end.

Lamb of God:
Only semi-familiar with their stuff. I enjoyed the 1st half of the set more which included Laid to Rest, and I belive Ashes of the Wake (cue: fan telling me I'm wrong). Their last two songs were frickin' intense Redneck...and Shadows of Persuasion? (or something like that)

The Crowd:
Insane. Saskatchewan metalheads are some of the most ferocious I've seen in the pit. Good size, and friendly when you actually take the time to talk to the people.

The Venue: Awesome, easily one of the best I've been in.

Overall: 3 Bloody Knuckles out of 5. No Bodom really hurt this effort. And I needed to do better homework on the other bands. But they didn't offer much to me other than being very intense. But they're young so we'll see if the develop further.

Waiting For: Gigantour 2. Blind Guardian.

The Third Quarter Stretch...

2006-07-02T12:08:00.000-05:00

So let's send it back to TSN control with Chris Schultz, Matt Dunnigan, Jock Climie, and Dave Randorf...

Randorf: Well folks what a wild third quarter we saw out there. Some good hits, flashes of pure arial brilliance, but really we have to start with play of the Roughriders backfield and slotbacks.

Schultz: Oh absolutely. The Head Coach and General Manager of the Roughriders have done a brilliant job of surrounding their young quarterback with heaps of talent in that offensive backfield, and the quarterback is making very good use of it. Not picking up big yardage, but enough to keep the defense on its heels a little bit and keep pressure off of the quarterback, which is helping him with his decsion making. Even after the big drive at the end of the 1st quarter that went all the way through the 2nd, he didn't make the greatest choices. I think in this third quarter we saw a lot more poise out of him.

Dunnigan: I'd have to agree. Although he did struggle early on in the 3rd. Losing his star wide receiver at the end of the 2nd quarter really hurt his confidence, and it showed early on with an early throw to a running back that appeared to be streaking downfield that went out of bounds. They came back to the huddle got it sorted out, and after that the ground game really took off, racking up quite a few yards along the ground. Up the middle, springing to wide side, little swing passes, the occasional shovel pass when he's desperate. That backfield was truly dominant in that third quarter, and what an excellent one-two punch the quarterback has back there.

Climie: There are certainly a lot of positives going on for the Riders here, but there are some things I am concerned about. The quarterback has not looked a ways downfield since about halfway thrrough the quarter, although once in a while I'm sure he saw some potential receivers getting little breaks from their coverage. He did hit those with passes twice, but they were wrapped up quickly, but importantly moved the chains. Once he did go for the deep ball, but it was bobbled, and went for a incompletion. The QB needs to trust his receivers that are getting those little breaks are going to hang onto the ball...

Dunnigan: Well to some extent I agree, but he's trying not to turn the ball over in what has been a very close game, and not give the opposition a chance to capitalize on his mistakes.

Randorf: One of the other interesting things that occured in the 3rd was the appearance of that receiver on the sidelines again, and where the Quarterback spiked his helmet out of frustration, and basically told the receiver "Get off my field, you're a distraction here, and taking away from my teammates. " I think he missed the deep threat but not enough to shake up the core of the team.

Schultz: I agree, but there he made a good call, and chose to focus what was right in front of him as opposed to being involved in off-field drama.

Randorf: Well the teams are getting ready to take back to the field, so what do we have to look forward to out of the Riders in this very important fourth quarter?

Schultz: I'd say watch the offensive line to continue to keep pressure off the QB, and watch his descion making become even more confident and poised.

Dunnigan: I'm going to have to say watch the runningbacks. They've nearly broken away on a few occasions, so watch for that one-two punch to maybe have a gamebreaking run.

Climie: And if they don't have that big run, it may open up some deep passing lanes for some huge arial gains. But he needs to take a chance on his receivers who are in one-on-one coverage.

Randorf: Well that's about all the time we have but just on the sidelines there we saw the quarterbck throw and absolute bullet that went clean through the receivers hands, so he's showing some of that arm-strength that we saw earliar in the game. And there have been rumours of a couple new players maybe coming on to the field for the 4th quarter, we'll have to see how that turns out...

The Soundtrack of My Life

2006-06-28T19:05:00.000-05:00

Here's the tunes that have stuck with me for varying degrees of time, and categorized by blatant movie titles, or other random thoughts that wander into my noggin. Although my memory is short so it may be like "Soundtrack to my Last 6 Months with some longer stuff thrown in there"

Fight Club - For those times I just wanted to rumble.
Take No Prisoners - Megadeth
Crush 'Em - Megadeth
Triple Corpse Hammerblow- Children of Bodom
Daily Combat - Dark Age

Recipe for Hate - For those days I hated everything
I'll Get Even - Megadeth
Recipe for Hate...Warhorse - Megadeth
Liar - Megadeth
Forget Your Name - Gravity Kills
If - Gravity Kills
One - Gravity Kills
Fucking Hostile - Pantera

Step Back from The Man - For when people were just too close for comfort
Zer0 - Dark Age
Needled 24/7 - Children of Bodom
Angels Don't Kill - Children of Bodom
Zero Signal - Fear Factory

I Will Wish Upon a Star - Oh what I wish tonight.
Know Me Strong - Dark Age "If you see me weak, you should know me strong"

It's Kind of like a Love Song - Well sorta.
I'll Be There - Megadeth
Starfire - DragonForce
Portals of Light - Falconer
Losing You - Dream Evil
Always Will Be - HammerFall
Dreamland - HammerFall
Promises - Megadeth
Dreamin' About You - Kick Axe
Nothing Else Matters - Metallica

Let's Rock! - Pre-game, Pre-date. Whatever. Let's Rock!
Nothin's Gonna Stand in Our Way - Kick Axe
Hunger - Kick Axe
Make Your Move - Kick Axe
Roughrider Anthem Remix - Frontlyne
Instrumentals (I don't know the real titles) - Gravity Kills
Mortal Kombat Theme - The Immortals
The Clarion Call - Falconer
For Life and Liberty - Falconer
The Prophecy - Dream Evil
H.M.J. - Dream Evil (that stands for Heavy Metal Jesus).

Let's Make Rock! - Muhahaha
Fire (Turning Ring) - Jaded
Burn - Sister Machine Gun
I Like It - Jaded
Fever - Jaded
I Need a Cowboy From Hell - Crucified Barbara
She-Wolf - Megadeth
Slip Inside My Dream - Kick Axe
Mechanix - Megadeth

Songs For My Friends - Try and find you, and if you can't find you. I'm Sorry.
Phoenix Rising - Annihilator
Guardian - Fates Warning
Seize The Day - Demons & Wizards
Valhalla - Blind Guardian
I Thought I Knew It All - Megadeth

Wow this is long. I cry off.

Boredom = Quizzes

2006-06-26T20:50:00.000-05:00

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.

In love, you feel the most alive when everything is uncertain, one moment heaven... the next moment hell.

You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was ruthless, cold-blooded, and sarcastic.

Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

In this moment, you think of love as something you don't need. You just feel like flirting around and playing right now.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

You Are Austin

A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll.
You're totally weird and very proud of it.
Artistic and freaky, you still seem to fit in... in your own strange way.

Famous Austin residents: Lance Armstrong, Sandra Bullock, Andy Roddick

What American City Are You?

Your Seduction Style: Ideal Lover

You seduce people by tapping into their dreams and desires.

And because of this sensitivity, you can be the ideal lover for anyone you seek.

You are a shapeshifter - bringing romance, adventure, spirituality to relationships.

It all depends on who your with, and what their vision of a perfect relationship is.

What Is Your Seduction Style?

Your Career Type: Artistic

You are expressive, original, and independent.
Your talents lie in your artistic abilities: creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art.

You would make an excellent:

Actor - Art Teacher - Book Editor
Clothes Designer - Comedian - Composer
Dancer - DJ - Graphic Designer
Illustrator - Musician - Sculptor

The worst career options for your are conventional careers, like bank teller or secretary.

What's Your Ideal Career?

How Not To Run a Band

2006-06-24T11:41:00.000-05:00

This post is inspried by the insipid losers in the band Idle Sons (except for the drummer, he was the only one in the band with talent). They were supposed to be opening for Thornley, who my friend an I ended up not staying for b/c we have things to do today, and didn't feel like being out til 2am and then not getting home til 3 or later. So thanks for nothing Idle Sons. And without further ado my list of How Not to Run a Band/Concert. (or a How-To as the case may be).

1. If the doors open at 8, you need to be on stage by 9-9:30. 10 is pushing it. Showing up at 10:45 like they did, when all their gear is already set-up and sound-levelled is UNACCEPTABLE. When a 7-band festival can run on time, a 2-band gig can certainly do it. No excuses.

2. If you are already nearly 3 hours late, DO NOT JOKE ABOUT IT!. We all saw your "groupies" (read:sluts) coming in through the back door. We KNOW what the hell was taking you so long. And for the record, that kind of debauchery is best left for after the show, not the pre-game warm-up. I'm pretty sure even Spinal Tap knew that.

3. Do not come on-stage and ask us if we've had enough to drink. This is Saskatchewan, those who wanted to get loaded were loaded by 6pm. We can already see your drunk. At least when you play power-chords @ 80 bpm there's really no concern that you can't do it. (And I get to say that b/c I'm a power-chord whore myself). When there's no solos to screw-up there's nothing to fear.

4. Realize that being in a band, your success is TOTALLY dependent on the impression you make on the people. Showing up late for shows is not a good way to endear yourself to your audience. When G'n'R didn't show up in Vancouver there were riots. At least Idle Sons will never have to worry about that with their unprofessional attitude. They'll never be as big as G'n'R, or even Kick Axe for that matter.

5. When making music is your way of keeping food in your belly, wouldn't you maybe want to take some pride in your product? Wouldn't you want to be remembered as someone who was professional, and dedicated to their music and what they had to say. I hope Thornley throws you off the tour for all the aforementioned crap.

6. When you're late for a show in Regina, Saskatchewan you know you're 15 Minutes are all most up...oh, what's that? I think I hear a watch alarm going off. I'll get back to you on that.

Happy Dance!

2006-06-21T12:03:00.000-05:00

Hey all you all.

What's goin down? Well my guitar came last Thursday..and it has consumed me ever since...until my elbows started swelling causing disconcerting numbness in both my hands. And yes i was doing the proper stretches and such. So I'm taking the day off from it so hopefully the tension and such will go away. And yes I realize that typing isn't really all the much better for me.

And i got my job at the Tunnels. Wewt! So I'm stoked to do that for a couple months before heading back to school . I can't wait. Last year coming up! I'm pumped.

And a Thornely concert on Friday night in Regina. I haven't heard much by them but my buddy is stoked to go, so I'm gonna go check it out.

Hopefully I'll get out to the Riders game Sunday night. I know they got totalled last weekend (all my friends from BC point and laugh) hopefully they won't be nearly so pathetic on defense. But I was impressed by Dominque Dorsey's ability to mkae great punt/kick-off returns. And our new kicker...well McCallum who?

Exciting things I'm looking forward to this summer (and beyond)
1. Lamb of God, Children of Bodom, and Mastodon in Toon Town (somebody come with me!)
2. More guitar jamming.
3. More Riders games
4. Blind Guardian's new CD Aug.28 I believe
5. Dark Age's live DVD
6. Sounds of the Underground Tour Aug 8 (hope I can go)
7. Getting back to dorms, not so much the food.
8. Megadeth's new album October 31!
9. Blind Guardian in Vancouver Nov. 14
10 Megadeth and Gigantour II! (C'mon announce the tour dates already!)

Muhahaha

2006-06-15T11:38:00.000-05:00

So, I did it. I took the plunge. I went all the way. I bought my electric guitar (you thought I was talking about something else, you sicko). I can't wait until it arrives. I already have the amplifier. Hell yea! ESP DV-200 Dave Mustaine Signature Flying-V. Uurahh! I can't wait to plug it in and fire it up. Oh we're going to have some fun now. Megadeth songs that sound like Megadeth songs instead of blusey acoustic songs. Muhahaha. i'm stoked beyond all reason.

And for those of you returning to dorm and who enjoy coming back loud and drunk...I have extension cords and will use them...to plug in my amp right outside your hungover asses door. I think I'll come up with a custom tone setting affectionately known as "Banshee". I think that would be sufficiently ear-splitting . For an example of the tone I would call Banshee check out the first 19ish seconds of the Children of Bodom song "Touch Like an Angel of Death". Not very pleasent is it? I like it. It would be sutiably evil.

So I'm still waiting to hear about my job interview from yesterday. Blarg! But I must be off. Catch ya later. Muhahahaha!

Boredom Again.

2006-06-10T13:10:00.000-05:00

In honour of my wet, boring day i present to you my Weekly Top 10, brought to you by my iTunes library.

Top 10 for the week of June 3- June 10
10. Because The Night (cover) - Jessica Robinson
9. Nothing Else Matters - Metallica
8. Addicted to Chaos - Megadeth
7. Take the Time - Dream Theater
6. Dive For You - Boom Boom Satellites
5. The Raising Fighting Spirit - Toshiro Masuda
4. Rebirth - Angra
3. Guardian - Fates Warning
2. Torn (Natalie Imbrugilia Cover) - Jessica Robinson
1. Phoenix Rising - Annihilator

Hot New Artist = Dark Age. I can't wait for their newest album to be back in stock online.

Am I Evil?

2006-06-04T22:45:00.000-05:00

You Are 64% Evil

You are very evil. And you're too evil to care.
Those who love you probably also fear you. A lot.

How Evil Are You?

Feeling Philosophical

2006-05-29T23:28:00.000-05:00

We live in a hostile world these days. Not necessarily hostile to our physical well-being. but that depends on your global location. I find myself these days yearning for adventure. Maybe it's because i recently joined the workforce and became a corporate mercenary, selling my soul to the highest bidder. It's pathetic. I know that isn't where my place is, but I also know that for now I must endure. However, if I were to die today, I would certainly have regrets about it. I long for solitude and the open road. That I could criss-cross the land for even a month, relying on my car and myself. But that is not to be for the time being. I find routine dreadfully boring, even though during the school year it becomes somewhat of a necesscity. But to take my closest companions and journey seems so beautiful. I know I'm being idealisitic, but that is how I am.

I'm not meant to be domestic, or tamed...not yet at any rate. I would like to go, and find peace somewhere. Silence, and Solitude would be fantastic. This world, this greed-driven world is hostile. Hostile to our souls. Hostile to the driving force, whatever you believe that to be, it threatens to crush us, and make us just another number, make us work for just another pay slip. It's sad, but we all do it. I'm not saying we should go commie,but maybe that it's time for each of to re-evaluate what it is we want out of life. Sure we all want to be secure, but how secure do we need to be?

It only takes a single voice to start a revolution.

This is a test...

2006-05-27T23:25:00.000-05:00

Testing...1...2....3. Testing.Testing. Are we on?

Summertime

2006-05-25T17:36:00.000-05:00

1. There is a cure for the summertime blues. It is known as 1977 Firebird + Ashphalt + Saskatchewan Hot Summer Evening. Good times.

2. My car is the hottest thing on wheels. Unless some of the girls I know start using rollerblades. Then it's a draw. Onto the cuddling competition, lol!

3. New song of the moment: The Soul Eclipse by Dark Age. Who knows how to use a violin, with a matching electric guitar melody underneath? That's right, these guys do.

4. Blind Guardian: Vancouver, Nov.14. Who's in?

5. Sub-Zero and Scorpion are the coolest characters in Mortal Kombat history. 'Get Over Here!'

6. Rain, rain go away, come again some other day...or i will whip my self into a righteous frenzy and kick you all the way to Wyoming!

The Secrets of the Heart

2006-05-22T12:57:00.000-05:00

The secrets of the heart, lie within the deepest dark of night. Where the light has no dominion, that is where what we truly are hides. Although we show to the world some of those secrets, much of what is known is merely the surface of knowledge, only the surface of understanding. The torrents and storms which lie beneath, that is where the struggle is. Our daily combat swirls within here. If there is a war to be fought, it is to be fought within first. Only then can we escape our inner darkness and come into the light of those around us. To view the outer layer will not bring understanding. How can you understand the depth, by only knowing the surface? It is cruel that all we ever know of one another is merely that surface, and we fail to contemplate that which exists below the seeming randomness of action and word. If we fail to look within and see what truly lies there we will exist at this surface state forever, and never know another human being with any degree of depth.

"I was born to fight in a daily combat
But I found my way to a better day
All that you give will be all that you get
This time it is too late for regret "
Daily Combat by Dark Age

"Cause if you see me weak
You should know me strong
If you think I'm weak
You should know this song
You think that I am weak?
You should know me..."
Know Me Strong by Dark Age

The Warrior's Heart.

2006-05-16T23:53:00.000-05:00

The Warrior's Heart Longs for Adventure.
The Warrior's Blood Lusts for Combat.
The Warrior's Mind Yearns for Training.
The Warrior's Soul Fights for Honour.
The Warrior's Hands Kill for Justice.
The Warrior's Feet Stand for Love.
The Warrior's Voice Speaks for Truth.
The Warrior's Eyes Look for Injustice.
The Warrior's Ears Listen for Cries.
The Warrior's Nose Smells for Blood.

The Warrior Lives for Others.

A Snapshot of the Mind

2006-05-07T10:10:00.000-05:00

1. I have my first interview for a job tomorrow in town. I'm plenty stoked, and I'm praying it'll go well, so i can start enjoying my summer instead of worrying about money all the time.

2. I found both Dark Age CDs for a low low cost on the interweb. Thank you Century Media!

3. So I picked up Opeth's album Damnation a while ago...and wow, the vocals on that disc are fantastic. So shamelessly...vulnerable. It's quite a departure from my normal mid - high tempo sonic assaults that I enjoy so much. This a very solid album from beginning to end. Beautiful acoustic guitar work, that works so well with the quiet, introspective themes of the album. I give this album 5 tearjearkers out of 5.

4. Honesty = nescessary. But so hard to just stand in and do. Especially when you may take a shot for what you have to say.

5. Metal: A Headbanger's Journey will be released May 23. Wewt! Go and pick up a copy of this fabulous documentary.

6. I'm out of mental go-go juice. Goodnight!

Week 1 At Home: The Boredom Chronicles

2006-05-01T14:31:00.000-05:00

So after a longish drive home I arrived at home, where I vegetated for a few days, and then went out of town to begin the annual Job Hunt. Early results are not encouragiing, but apparently I have a few more connections than inittially anticipated so hopefully those will pay off. And there are the local options which I will begin pursuing tomorrow once my pursuit clothes are ready for action again.

On the plus side I picked up a new CD. I got the soundtrack to 'Metal: A Headbanger's Journey' This is a good, long CD action packed with Metal goodness, past and present. My fav tracks so far are Summertime Blues by Blue Cheer. This song is so old-school. Like late 60s old-school. And I love the lyrics, so very, very appropriate. Another one I'm enjoying is Blood Lust by Venom, b/c everyone enjoys songs about vampires. Lots of variety in styles on this disc for sure.

Everyone should go check out www.myspace.com/darkage404 for the German Metallers known as Dark Age. Check out the wicked cool songs 'Dare to Collapse', 'Zero' and 'Suicide Crew' Really cool guitar hooks, and awesome lyrics on those songs.

Other than that have a cool time and stay Metal!

Reflections From The Other Side

2006-04-25T19:53:00.000-05:00

The other side of the border that is, lol. I think this will follow the standard Random Musings format, but with some random awards thrown in for shits and giggles.

1. Well I now my home office set-up wewt, but not my home theatre yet. Oh where, oh where will it go? Just call it the Earthshaker!

2. Most Over-Played Song of the Year Award goes to...Valhalla by Blind Guardian! Oh man did we go overkill on that song in dorm this year. Thanks to everyone who made this award possible! Runner up goes to every other Blind Guardian song that we listened to!

3. Driving through Saskatchewan by night is far more entertaining than during the day, especially as you realize your night vision is not what it once was.

4. The Award for _______ _____ ___ ____ ____ ___ ____ goes to: Barwein and Rodimus. Keep up the good work!

5. To order the DV-200 or not to order the DV-200. That is indeed the question. Any input would be appreciated.

6. Who wants to go see Children of Bodom and Mastodon in June? I do! Who else?

7. Home is not conducsive to my wanting to play guitar it seems. Apparently I need the ups and down of dorms to inspire me. Or I'm just tired right now.

8. Holy Crap. I have a lot of stuff in my room. Interesting.

9. I'm going to all the concerts I'm interested in next year, even if I have to pay for people to come with me. Please come back Sonata Arctica (although I missed you for a most lovely and worthy cause), Kreator, Napalm Death, Opeth, Arch Enemy and everyone else I forgot.

10. As I looked through my pics I have from throughout the year I realize how much I came to love everyone (even the jerks, j/k) who had an impact on my life this year. You've been great! We've been Rodimus, Goodnight!

11. And so the job hunt begins on Friday. Yay! Blah. It's all the same.

Thanks to everyone who made this year so memorable!

Musings of Randomness

2006-04-19T21:25:00.000-05:00

1. Sociology is so useless. I'd contend that philosophy has better everyday application.

2. Spring is upon us and I'm stuck inside. Yay!

3. I get to drive home on monday. yay?

4. I have decided that Heavy Metal is a bit of an anomaly within the music community. Metal bands seem to command a loyalty from their fans like no other genre of music. And by loyalty I mean 'The willingness to punch a naysayer, or detractor of one's favourite band, straight in the mouth, and then pee on him." I can use myself as an example. I was at my very first Megadeth concert there were these two guys standing behind me who were slamming Dave and Megadeth something fierce. Let me tell you, if they weren't a combined 4 times my size, and if I wasn't standing front row of the balcony I'd have belted them right in the collective mouth.

5. I like my tiger-pig piggy bank. It is cute.

6. Go Riders!

Insomni-omni-omni-a

2006-04-16T00:20:00.000-05:00

1. What on earth is this? I'm tired yet, I cannot sleep. I eat and eat and I cannot sleep. What ill omen does this portend?

2. Why? Why the fuck won't you get of my head?! I burned that bridge, and yet you...you are still here. I won't miss you if you just go away! Take all your baggage with you while you burn at the stake!!! I know I've left your mind, so do me a favour and leave mine!

3. Is this what happens when you realize that you left someone over a year ago, but they still haunt your waking and sleeping mind? DAMN!!!

4. What strength of will I have been granted has been robbed by those poisoned memories.

5. "Extreme Aggressions
My Emotions, twisted by your lies!"
-Extreme Aggression by Kreator

6. RRRRRAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

7. "Despite all the piety you've been consuming thus far,
A backstabbing motherfucker to the bone is what you are! [...]

A foot away from you is like a bit closer to heaven,
Then again it's like being needled 24/7!"
Needled 24/7 by Children of Bodom

Random Musings XI

2006-04-13T14:25:00.000-05:00

1. Easter is upon us. Cool.

2. Finals are upon us. Lame.

3. The Heretic Speaks: "Love and Forgiveness!"

4. 'Metal:A Headbanger's Journey' is one of the best documentary's I have ever seen, not just because of its subject matter, but b/c of its balanced academic approach. So well done. Highly recommended!

5. "I don't know what i'm running from
I don't know where I'm running to
Somethings compelling me
To run into the dark"
- Die Dead Enough by Megadeth

6. These are some pretty weak random musings.

7. I should begin formulating more ideas for my D&D campaign that are sutiably evil.

8. Metal+D&D+Christianity = a Christian. Duh.

Subject Analysis

2006-04-06T15:39:00.000-05:00

Case: 1985-PF-10-FR-12-DV
Subject: Rod.
Known Aliases: Rodney. Hot Rod. Rodimus. Pastor Megadeth.
Occupation: Student/ R.A. (for two more weeks).
Status: Single.

Natural Habitat: A room. Filled with enough electronic and sound equipment to shake down a small, poorly constructed house.

Thrives In: Spotlights with prepared material. Spotlights with semi-prepared material. In coffee shops/restaurants with a single (In number and status; although Subject is more than capable of handling himself with larger numbers of the female species) member of the opposite sex. Subject performs admirably in one-on-one encounters, however addition of a same-sex member dramatically decreases Subjects proficiency. Also thrives in darkened settings with extremely loud 'heavy metal' music. Also thrives encased within a vehicle in all forms, densities of traffic and road conditions.

Survives In: Classes of minimal interest. In larger groups settings where the Subject is not the centre of attention (Subject has a natural preference for the limelight it seems). Survives in calmer situations with close friends where there is little or no verbal contact (Subject prefers conversation). Room alone listening to music and reading, although after lengthy stints of social contact the Subject needs these breaks in order to thrive again.

Dies In: Extreme heat and humidity adversly affect both physical and mental functioning. Large conversations where the topic has strayed from the Subject's areas of expertise. Settings where others family's are unsure of how to deal with him. Vast amounts of stress from several different aspects of life although Subject's endurance has increased dramatically within the last Planetary Orbit.

Analysis: Subject is highly versatile, able to survive and succeed in a wide variety of situations. Has the confidence of a frontman, as well as the compassion of a highly-skilled counselor. Could use more support, and acceptance from his father figure, especially after acheiving things thought previously beyond Subjects reach. Rapid influxes of stress still can play havoc with overall functioning, but increased coping, and proactive solutions are decreasing the risk of breakdown signficantly.

Verdict: Highly talented, intelligent, and compassionate. Why this Subject has been unable to find a suitable mate is beyond our analytical capabilites. Subject theorizes he may have fallen victim to the 'Pastoral Barrier'. Further investigation in on-going.

Heart vs Mind: The Ultimate Battle

2006-04-04T12:14:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, there is a devastatingly long distance between the heart and the mind on all sorts of issues. Examples include jobs, relationships, musical tastes, vehicle preferences etc. And finally I came up with a suitable analogy for the heart/head relationship.

You know that scene in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers where Sam is dragging Gollum through the rocky border of Mordor? Notice how Gollum is holwing at the distress Sam (and the elven rope) are placing upon him. Notice the fury, and seeming cruelty that Sam employs uses to keep Gollum heading in the right direction, although Gollum's cries threaten to bring down fire and ruin upon their heads.

So in my analogy, Sam would be the mind, rational, knowing the right direction. Gollum is the heart screaming under the mind's cruel whip. And somedays it really feels that way.

However, my analogy fell apart when I realized that if Gollum had not gotten free the Ring would not have been destroyed. Then I realized Gollum was immolated in the process...so my analogy almost stands up, but not really. So yea, Go Team!

Random Musings X

2006-04-01T01:28:00.000-06:00

1. School is almost done. Yay!, or Nay? Classes Yay, People, Nay (cry).

3. I'm skipping number 2 because it is useless.

4. When performing (singing in particular) in front of a large group of people, your nerves play a huge factor in your pitch. When singing Death Metal, or Thrash this does not matter much. However when attempting to sing clean vox they can clearly play havoc with what you think you know. Curse you nerves!

5. All hail the Christian Metalheads whom I can count on one hand! RP, QM, BP, KK, DM, (oops i lied two hands) HK, but I don't actually know the last two. Maybe KP too, I'm not sure. Gee, you'd think we were underrepresented or something. (LP, maybe?). If i'm wrong sing out and let me know.

6. Blind Guardian needs to do some hymns of something b/c they rule so much.

7. I can't wait to DM for D&D..muhahaha. Killing Will Be My Business...And Business Will Be Good!!! *insert insane guitar solo*

9. Opeth = Kool. Killer Tracks: Face of Melinda, Benighted, Black Rose Immortal. (Yes, I'm aware 9 preceeds 8 here, but it's my blog, so STFU NooB!)

8. "Will My Weary Soul Find Release for a While?
At the Moment of Death I Would Smile"
- And Then There Was Silence - Blind Guardian

Random Musings IX

2006-03-21T10:28:00.000-06:00

1. Words are cheap. A picture is worth 1000 words. Actions speak louder than words. So why then do we place such value on the things that are said about us? It's kind of contradictory don't you think?

2. And so the circle of life continues, but does anything really change? The world has moved on, but do we move on with it? Or are we just clinging desperately to the shadow of who we once were instead of embracing the changes that have occured within since the last time we checked?

3. Do you ever feel that people's expectations of their relationships are too demanding? Isn't it sad when people become so wrapped up in their false standard for a partner in a relationship, that they miss the good around them? Maybe this is just a way of controlling the population of the western world: raise everyone's expectations so high that no one breeds, and eventually we all just die off cursing ourselves for our ridiculous idealism.

4. Does no one else believe that sometimes, maybe even a majority of the time you have to learn to love someone. Isn't that more satisfying than just 'falling in love'? If you learn how to do something you're less likely to forget it, as opposed to falling which always ends with some form of a landing. In my experience love is not about the feeling so much as it about the commitment of the heart and its secrets to someone else to hold them in trust. Love = Commitment. There is no other way to a successful relationship. (P.S. Don't forget a lion's share of forgiveness).

Metal Degree Program.

2006-03-16T16:16:00.000-06:00

As it has become rather obvious that people seem to be confused about what I consider metal, and what I consider 'good metal' I have decided to make a small session of albums that everyone should listen to to get my perspective on the subject:

Metal 101: Introductory Metal. A small class designed to introduce listeners to the more mainstream sound and less complex compositions.
Required Listenings:
Megadeth: Countdown to Extinction or Crytpic Writings
Metallica: The Black Album
Corrosion of Conformity: Deliverance
Hammerfall: Renegade or Legacy of Kings
Dream Evil: Dragonslayer
Gamma Ray: A Blast from the Past

Metal 244: Intermediary Metal: A look at both a more aggressive sound, and more complex compositions found within the genre.
Required Listenings:
Megadeth: Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?
Metallica: Kill 'Em All
Demons & Wizards: Touched by the Crimson King
Blind Guardian: Somewhere Far Beyond
Corrosion of Conformity: In The Arms of God
Mastodon: Leviathan
Jaded: Limited Edition

Metal 333: Advanced Metal: A look at more extreme aggression, and even more complex compositions.
Required Listenings:
Megadeth: Killing is My Business...And Business is Good!
Metallica: Master of Puppets or . . .And Justice for All
Demons & Wizards (self-titled)
Blind Guardian: Imaginations from the Other Side
Children of Bodom: Hate Crew Deathroll
Dream Theater: Images And Words
Dragonforce: Valley of the Damned

Metal 405: Capstone Metal. A look at the best as well as the classics within the genre.
Required Listenings:
Megadeth:Rust in Peace
Blind Guardian: A Night at the Opera
Dream Theater: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Opeth: Still Life
Iron Maiden: Rock in Rio
Dragonforce: Sonic Firestorm

You have your course outline. Get to listening. And in the words of Dave Mustaine from the song 'Rattlehead' - "Rattle Yer Goddamn Head!"

Metal vs. Country

2006-03-14T17:11:00.000-06:00

In support of my friend who has made some controversial statements about counrty, I have decided to come and support him, b/c no one should find themselves in a hole alone. And if I offend people, meh, it happens.

Topic #1: New Vehicle.
Counrty: Sing about new vehicle
Metal: Sing about having sex in new vehicle.
Advantage: Metal

Topic #2: New love
Country: Sing about her lovingly in twangy voice
Metal: Sing about the beauty of the relationship in soaring Operatic vocals.
Advantage: Metal.

Topic #3: Broken love
Country: Shoot yourself face down in a pillow.
Metal: Blow up the earth. Blow up other person.
Advantage: Metal

Topic #4: Cheating
Country: Leave it in Mexico.
Metal: Fear the wrath of significant other whilst sneaking into your own house.
Advantage: Metal

Topic #5: Heroes
Counrty: Celebrate with whiskey for men and beer for horeses.
Metal: Dedicate an entire album full of soaring majestic anthems.
Advantage: Metal

Topic #6: Anger, Sadness.
Country: Drown it in beer, and dirty women.
Metal: Drown it in blood and dirty women.
Advantage: Draw

Topic #7: Sex
Counrty: Saves a horse. Whoopty-f**kin'-doo.
Metal: Sensually in a turning ring of fire. (Thank you Jaded!)
Advantage: Metal

So for those of you who are too lazy to read the whole thing here's the final tally:
Metal: 6
Country: 0
Ties: 1

Let the flaming begin!

Cool Band Names

2006-03-13T22:29:00.000-06:00

Here's some things that could be cool band names. If they're already in use, then I apologize. I'm not going to go out of my way to see if any of them are being used.

Legislation of Sterilization
Legalization of Sterilization
Reverse Eugenics
Bloody Roses
Thunder & Roses
Covenent of Death
Conformed Deviance
Perverted Lover
Cobra Child
Scorned Beauty
Pale Night's Mask
Retributive Justice

Well, I'm done with that now

Extreme Aggression

2006-03-07T21:14:00.000-06:00

Gah. Still mad, still furious, and its totally undirected now since i talked about the one thing i knew was buggin me. Now I'm like a walking cluster-bomb of hate. I think the things that are now in my recipie for hate, were probably just little things that I ignored, or made nothing of at the time, and now have become a semi-lethal concoction of anger, frustration and annoyance. So here's the things I can identify that I'm willing to talk about in a semi-public forum.

1. School work. My hatred for it is now complete.

2. I want my shot at the track. (I'm now speaking metaphorically, and if you can't dig that I'll speak leave-aphorically, scram-aphorically, piss-off-aphorically). I learned a lot from my last run. I've had a lot of time in the pits. I've got the engine retuned, and built to a new specification. I'm running a new fuel mixture. I've let air out of the tires for more traction in the rough parts of the track. I've reset the weight balance to help with traction too. The truck this year is definately not last years truck. I'm ready to go, I'm just waiting to find a track with the right bite, and you watch, I'll go down for a full pull this time. No more running out of power and traction at the 3/4 point.

3. I'm not nearly talented enough on the guitar as to allow adequate expression through it.

4. "I forget your name but I want you (want you). And I think it's gone to your head. And I hang on every word you've said, and you know I think it's gone to your head, because I hang on every word you've said!" - Forget Your Name by Gravity Kills

5. Metal does not make people angry. I was angry, and then I found metal. Too bad for you who would believe otherwise.

I'm out of juice. Curse you juice!

Random Musings VIII

2006-03-05T18:58:00.000-06:00

1. What is the one thing everyone wants? To fit in somewhere and belong. It's a great concept isn't it? So far this year I'm succeeding with a higher degree of success than my previous two years here, but I'm still not perfectly content for whatever reason. But at least: Forward Progress!

2. You have to options: Do you want to be safe? Or do you want to be Metal?

3. Talking to people about stuff is a good thing.

4. Politely talking to people about stuff is better.

5. Annihilator seems to be a pretty cool Canadian band. Apparently I'm going to have to pick up one of their albums. Set The World on Fire, or Schizo Deluxe? Shout out people.

6. Is it sad when you see your life in a sit-com? Or is it funny because someone else went through it too?

Furious...Rodimus

2006-03-02T15:26:00.000-06:00

Gah. So angry, blood-pressure rising, body-temperature increasing, metabolism- off the chart (oh wait that's a good thing).

Have you ever had it where someone has said something to you that normally you would just brush-off and not think twice about it, but the tone in which it delivered just rubbed you completely the wrong way, and settled in to your mind and unfolded itself and its trailer-trash cousins? That's how I'm feeling right now. So frustrated, and angry!!

Normally something like this wouldn't get to me, but for some reason this time it is. Maybe it's b/c the tone reminded me of how a lot of fights with my ex started, and ineveitably ended. I think it's equally frustrating b/c I'm not in a relationship with this person, so to hear that tone was very vexing. And esp. b/c what was said did not jive with my memory of how that situation went down. And that's another thing that makes me mad, the whole sitch went down over 5 months ago, and it was brought back up (by someone else).

This may be the most incoherent rant I've put out in a long time. Have fun deciphering it!

Random Musings VII

2006-02-28T19:19:00.000-06:00

Well, after a week of near total seclusion, I have come to the conclusion, that for as many pages of papers I wrote (20+) I have figured next to nothing out that I had hoped to. For those of you keeping track, that's now twice in the last 3/4 months, that I haven't figured out the really important stuff b/c other stuff was getting in the way. But here's some stuff i did figure out.

1. My temper has been very VERY good this year. I've only lost it once (that I recall). Thinking before speaking is a good thing.

2. On the topic of me losing my temper; it has two corresponding anlogies:
i) It is like trying to hand-crank a 572 cubic-inch engine, with summer-weight oil, in -30 degree weather.
ii) It is like trying to start a 572 cubic-inch engine with a killer MSD ignition system, with summer-weight oil in 20 degree weather.

3. The highway is a great place to come up with random musings.

4. Monster Jam this past weekend was cool. I really enjoyed the "Street Warriors" Everyone knows it's called "Tough Trucks." Silly USHRA.

5. Going away from your normal surroundings is a very good thing.

6. Being single isn't so bad. It means I can leave and go places just about whenever I want, and can be friends with as many girls as I want to and not feel guilty.

7. Most things I like are loud, fast, and heavy. My music, and my vehicles both fall into this category. Girls that fall into those categories, I'm usually not a big fan of.

8. Extreme Aggression would make a cool monster truck name. As would Power Thrasher.

9. Titus is an awesome TV show.

10. Grave Digger is the worst thing to have happened to the monster truck world.

Ashphalt Addiction

2006-02-20T16:45:00.000-06:00

So, here's some background into my life. What are some my first memories of life as a child? Oh yea, that's right, watching Bigfoot stomping out the competition in the Houston Astrodome while sitting on a stool in my grandparents living room. After that i became obsessed with 'Big Blue Fords' (and i don't mean a cute, oh look he's obsessed with Bigfoot, I mean full-blown, if I had been able to chase down Big Blue Fords on my tricycle I would have). I have worn out more Bigfoot merchandise than I care to remember (thanks mom and dad, I love you). Let me put it to you another way: Pick-up trucks don't look normal to me unless they're sporting 66 inch tall Terra Tires, and have chrome light bars and KC lights. Needless to say my choice in vehicles tends toward the large and retardedly powerful. And watching Titus on DVD has rekindled that part of my soul that is addicted to ashphalt and gasoline (let me tell ya, rehab suuuuucks).

As I watched my old monster truck/truck & tractor pull/mud bog tapes from childhood, that annoying addiction came back. Right now, if someone offered me some high-powered four wheel performance vehicle, I would be gone. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you want to look at it) I'm not mechanically talented enough to build my own street rods and such. I know it's bad when after watching said tapes I automatically want to go try and get my 2-Wheel Drive Ford Ranger stuck in the snow, or enter into a Tuff Truck competition (for those of you reading at home, using 2WD vehicles for this type of activity is an EXTREMELY BAD IDEA).

And I think I've run out of things to rant about so I'm going to go buy some Hot Wheels and feed my addiction with the cheapest vehcles I can think of.

Random Musings VI With Quotes

2006-02-15T21:49:00.000-06:00

1. 'God is like Santa Claus, right?' - Matty

2. 'Never is the word God listens for when He wants a laugh' - Stephen King: The Dark Tower

3. 'Can't say what's on my mind. Can't do what I really feel' - Tornado of Souls by Megadeth

4. 'Never turns to more. And we lost the days we thought were ever more' - Never Turns to More by Corrosion of Conformity

5. Ever notice the devastatingly long distance that exists between the heart and the mind? Like the times when your mind absolutely knows that something is one way, but the heart absolutely refuses to listen to what is logically a clear situation. It get so annoying, and can be so ridiculosly painful when you feel two different ways about the exact same situation and/or person. But you're also not willing to sacrifice something in order just to end the pain, b/c leaving it behind would be even worse. Gah!

Random Musings V

2006-02-14T14:15:00.000-06:00

1. Valentine's Day = Teh suxxorz. Turn up 'In My Darkest Hour' or 'Tears in a Vial' or '1000 Times Goodbye' or 'Trust' or 'Almost Honest' or 'Tornado of Souls' by Megadeth instead.

2. Interesting fact from Gospel of Matthew class: The Old Testament laws were meant to be a way of reconciling people to one another and to God, not for a legalistic condemnation of people.

3. According to D&D, you may not want to call me to slay your dragon. Large ground based creatures on the other hand are right up my alley.

4. I wonder how much trouble I would find myself in if I posted my list of what makes a Perfect Woman. (I do realize this would be impossible. Make me an offer, and we'll haggle, lol).

5. And Then There Was Silence by Blind Guardian, is proving to be a very difficult song to play. In honesty the lead guitar might be easier than the rhythm guitar.

6. Reading Week is nearly upon us. I have atleast 30 pages of papers to write. Oh joy!

7. My hair is getting so long it's awesome. And it's been windy lately to it blows it around all cool like. All I need now are a mic, a monitor, a stage and thousands of screaming fans and I'll be set.

8. "It's all over you evil Chizzler"

Why I Can't Be a Prince, But a Knight

2006-02-11T11:23:00.000-06:00

A) A prince is already rich. A knight survives by his talents (deadly and otherwise).

B) A prince fights for his kingdom. A knight fights by his heart's direction.

C) A prince is famous by bloodline. A knight is famous by his exploits.

D) A prince always has shining armor. A knight's armor is always battle-scored, and blood-stained, a testament to his life.

E) A prince wins the girl by what he is. A knight wins the girl by who he is.

F) A prince is master of many men. A knight is master of his own heart.

G) A prince can risk another neck to get the job done. A knight must risk his own neck to get the job done.

I'm sure I could think of more. But the train has come off the tracks.

Cool Song Quotes

2006-02-07T15:01:00.000-06:00

I'm bored, and don't want to do homework, so here are some random cool song quotes.

"I refuse to be brought down by you!
Praise is far away from what you do!"
- Sixpounder by Children of Bodom

"Split your lungs with blood and thunder
When you see the white whale
Break your backs and crack your oars men
If you wish to prevail!"
- Blood & Thunder by Mastodon

"I gave up something I loved
For what I loved even more
And I saved my tears for you
In a vial, and walked away"
- Tears in a Vial by Megadeth

"The load upon my shoulder
Makes me stronger, even bolder"
- Heaven Can Wait by Gamma Ray

And now I'm bored with this too. Laters!

Tagged Eh?

2006-02-05T17:54:00.000-06:00

Four Jobs I've Had:
- Bus Boy
- Babysitter
- Worksite labourer
- Rez. Assistant

Four movies I can watch over and over:
- The Transformers: The Movie
- Blind Guardian: Imaginations Through the Looking Glass
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
- Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz

Four Places I Have Lived:
- Weyburn
- Moose Jaw
- Regina
- Edmonton

Four Rockin' TV Shows:
- Corner Gas
- Full Metal Alchemist
- Gundam Wing
- Video on Trial

Four Places I've Vacationed
- Rapid City, South Dakota
- Vancouver
- Winterpeg
- Minot, North Dakota

Four of my Fav. Foods
- Steak
- Potatoes of most varities
- Lasangna
- The Blood of my Enemies

Four Sites I Visit Daily
- Megadeth
- Blind Guardian
- Yahoo
- Seibertron

Four Far Preferred Places
- Iceland
- Wacken
- Wherever the next Blind Guardian concert is
- The Dominican

Bloggers Tagged:
- Bruce
- Neal
- Whoever else wants to

Latest Acquisitions

2006-01-29T19:27:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally got off my lazy buttocks to go buy some things with the money my grandparents were so generous to give me.

1. The fifth and sixth books of the Dark Tower Series. Good, but kind of disappointing set against the sheer greatness that was the first four, and the the seventh seems to be making up for it. Hile Roland! Hile, Gunslinger!

2. A monster truck book full of pics. Enough said.

3. Stephan King's 'The Eyes of the Dragon' novel. I'll let you know how this one is after I finish barrelling through the Dark Tower series.

4. Gamma Ray's 'A Blast From the Past'. This has proven to be a very good compilation of a very good traditional heavy metal band. Kai Hansen is very quickly working his way up my list of favourite guitar players/vocalists. "We're the last before the storm!"

5. Mastodon's 'Leviathan'. Wow. Heavy stuff man, but all the lyrics are based on Moby Dick so that's pretty sweet. Who says metal heads are uncultured?

The Ramblings of a Bitter Mind, and Bleeding Soul

2006-01-23T16:23:00.000-06:00

Okay, so here are some things that have been on my mind, and either bother me or not.

1. People, you are not stuck in a loop/circle/viscious cycle. You ARE the loop. Think about it. If things are going for you exactly the same for you in your new location, as they were in the old one, what is the one thing that is the same in both? That's right, it's you! You are the lowest common denominator in every situation you're in. What a novel concept! And if you don't believe me, try moving again.

2. Accountability. This word is for bankers only. Not for religious people, and definately not when applied to intrapersonal relationships, b/c people are ultimately only accountable to God, and since He hasn't given us (necessarily) His divine insight into everything there is no real point in trying to hold anyone accountable to our own standards. Remember a faith relationship is vertical between you and God first, and then your faith is reflected through your actions. And so you understand me and don't label me a heretic here it is in list format: First = Faith. Second = Actions born of faith and reflective Christ's love for us.

3. Being a really nice guy. It's frustrating, and some pointless sometimes. Somedays it feels like all you do is give (which i intellectually know isn't true), and what do you see for it? Other people getting to be happy while you sit alone, and forgotten. Whatever, however people justify using other people is beyond me. Grr.

A Heavy Metal Story. A Sample...

2006-01-20T21:04:00.000-06:00

It was the year 2006, and across the Atlantic Ocean the Germans were preparing for the great metal-fest known as Wacken. A particularly heinous Death Metal band known as Holy Moses fronted by an ugly titanic slab of a woman ,whose name shall not be uttered here, was preparing to take to the stage.

Across the ocean in the US of A, a beautiful young metal princess known as Brittany was going about her day as usual. Riding her horse known as Nightmare across the sunny plains of America when she felt a disturbance in the Metal Force, the energy field that binds all things Metal together. Being particularly adept with the Metal Force she was able to locate the disturbance readily. She urged Nightmare back to her Metallic Fortress and there she underwent a dramatic transformation; from Brittany to Britt Lightning, Metal Maiden of Steel! She picked up her Tiger-Striped Jackson Flying-V and struck a mighty E-chord, flipped it over, placed one foot upon the headstock, and another upon the body and was sent flying at hypersonic speeds toward Wacken and near-certain Death Metal.

Random Musings IV

2006-01-18T23:30:00.000-06:00

1. I'm tired, and I'm tired of being tired.

2. True Norsk Blak Metal! RAHHH!! (btw, the song Nepenthe by Sentenced, not too shabby)

3. Metallica = Over-rated. Yea they're good, and Master of Puppets is sweet, and Kill 'Em All is classic, but too many people think that The Black Album is the be-all and end-all in the metal world. This is simply not true. If any band has right to that claim it's Iron Maiden, and even then...

4. School is overrated. If it weren't for the people and kewl psych classes I'd have been long ago.

5. "Forget all your fury there's no need to cry"

6. Gamma Ray is an impossibly sweet band, and I really need to go buy one of their CDs.

7. Yes I'm still single. All those wishing to apply I'll be having interviews from....haha, yea right.

2005: The Songs of a Year

2005-12-30T00:38:00.000-06:00

Hey all. I feel like throwing out some random stuff abou the songs of 2005. As a side note, for those of you who know me i'm woefully behind the times in darn near everything, so there will definately be some stuff not released this year, or even this decade potenitally. And we're gonna follow a category style as they come out of my twisted little mind. So let us begin!

Song of the Year: Definately has to go to Seize The Day by Demons & Wizards. A totally uplifting, motviating song for when you feel like crap in the field.

Angry Song of the Year: Always a tough one b/c there are some many in my collection but this year it probably has to go to Tornado of Souls by Megadeth. If you've heard this song you know how furious it is.

Sexy Song of the Year: There is only one song to rule them all in this cateogry; Ring of Fire by Jaded. The undisputed Queens of this category, run away with this one. This is song is oh, oh oh, so sensual, hot, and down-right sexy. Hiyo!

Love Song of the Year: Yes there was some love for the first third of 2005, so in memory of those happy times we have Starfire by DragonForce.

Break-Up Song of the Year: Yep, because this occured too. So we have a tie in this category: And the Story Ends by Blind Guradian, and Down Where I Am by Demons & Wizards.

The I Hate People Who Misuse the Bible Song of the Year: For all the ignorant and arrogant people out there we have In The Arms of God by Corrosion of Conformity.

Acoustic Song of the Year: This has to go to Fiddler on the Green by Demons & Wizards for being so darned cool, and having a wicked performance by Hansi Kursch on it as well. Tune in a 3:35 for the real kick-in to the song.

More later potentially.

Attention!

2005-12-16T11:05:00.000-06:00

This is Furious Rodimus with an all-point bulletin alert, so shake up, wake up and heed the call! Inside sources of the female community have come forward with some shocking revelations about a little phrase that occurs once in a while: "We seem to have a lot in common" and variations thereof are no longer safe, I repeat do not use this phrase because it does not mean what we think it means!

Apparently this pharse does not mean "Based on a cursory evaluation of the data that I have collected while spending time with you we seem to have several points of intersection in terms of our personalities, interests, and past experiences." This is what I mean when I say things like "We have a lot in common" An even more sinister usage that I am guilty of using is the aforementioned meaning combined with "Therefore I feel it is sensible that we continue being friends." or "No wonder we get along so well." Truly diabolical. I know.

Alas, this is clearly not the case. My inside source indicates that the meaning of "We have a lot in common" heard by women is more along the lines of "We have a lot in common, therefore we should attempt procreation to the end of spreading our ideologies throughout the land." No wonder girls get a little evasive when I say things like "We seem to have a lot in common" when what they are hearing is things about commitment and procreation.

Oh by the way if a girl says "We have a lot in common" take it at face value. It's just safer that way.

Many Bothans died, and I have been heartily embarrassed, to bring us this information. Make use of it!

Furious Rodimus Out.

Random Musings III

2005-12-16T08:44:00.000-06:00

1. They need to make a wicked cool Dragonlance movie, because that would be just plain sweet. As well if they were do that they should cast me as Lord Soth.

2. The new live-action Transformers movie better be the best thing to grace the big screen since sliced bread.

3. Oh Roughriders, why did you have to go blow it so spectacularily?

4. Jaded rocks. Megadeth rocks. Demons & Wizards rocks. Blind Guardian rocks. Thank you Detroit! Good Night!

5. Coming up with random thoughts is harder than you think.

6." [. . . ] we have a lot in common!"

7. I'm going home on Sunday, hey, hey, hey!

Catch ya later!

Finals Suck!!

2005-12-14T18:57:00.000-06:00

I hate Finals. That is all.

Jaded Rocks

2005-10-29T17:33:00.000-05:00

Well I figure I'll do my part in the word-of-mouth department for this up and coming band called Jaded. It doesn't getter much better than female metal let me tell ya. I really do hope this band goes far because they are quite talented already, and it can only get bigger and better for them from here. I recently picked up their limited edition CD, and wow was I ever impressed, and I'm a fairly jaded (no pun intended) metalhead. I've heard bands sing about everything from the Impending Apocalypse, to Nuclear War, to Interpersonal Struggle, to Slaying Dark Lords, to Mighty Templars... so hearing a female voice, and perspective is like a breath of much needed fresh air. And their guitar player Britt Lightning will definately have a career ahead of her, she's really good now so I'm very interested to see what will happen with her as she matures and finds her own sound. Very few guitar players handle both the rhythm and lead aspects as well as she does. So check 'em out at www.jadedrocks.com where they have some MP3 samples.

Furious Rodimus

P.S. Britt Lightning is HOT. Anyone who says otherwise needs their eyes checked.

Random Musings II

2005-10-28T21:07:00.000-05:00

Hey,

New color, for the 2nd installation of Random Musings.

1. The Best Advice: Don't listen to advice. Why? Because everyone and their dog has an agenda, and an opinion on your life. And even though they might have your best intrests in mind, but all advice is tainted...just like the advice I'm giving you now. But really, even I need an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on. Why can't people be compassionate/excited after the outcome of a decision I make. I'd rather people would be there after something blows up in my face/works out spectacularily, instead of trying to sway me beforehand. I'd rather make my own mistake than make someone elses.

2. Jessica Robinson from RockStar: INXS is smoking hot in my opinion. And she's taken. Welcome to the story of my life.

I'm out. Take care all!

Random Musings

2005-10-28T21:05:00.000-05:00

Hey All!

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Random Musings!

1. I'm getting pumped up to go back to school. Things are going to be really different, just because of the people who are and are not around, and who will be playing a central part in my life this year. As well I'm just a new dude, I have a whole new attitude: I know what I want, and I know how to get it. First: I want my bosses job, and I'm going to get it by being more social, and more vocal. and just really stepping up to the plate this year. Second: No more fighting with people over their $h*t and issues, and crap. I'm just going to walk away, and be myself, and live my own life, and not get bogged down in the high school garbage.

2. The new Demons & Wizards album rocks my world. Hansi is just showing off on this album, singing the cool lyrics with an outstanding range of emotion, and voice contol. Killer Tracks: Beneath These Waves, Love's Tragedy Asunder, Down Where I Am, Lunar Lament.

Mystical Stuff Part Deux

2005-10-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

Here's how the typical evening conversation would go if I were a mystical warrior.

Insanely Hot Medieval Babe Wife -"How art thou, my handsome armored warrior husband?"

Handsome Armored Warrior Husband (me) - "I art exhausted my fair lady. I had to smite three dragons, five death knights, a horde of ghouls and two bunnies to get to work today. On top of that my barely-tamed black stallion ran over four peasent children. Thus I had to smite the whole village to avoid paying a fine to the local lord."

Insanely Hot Medieval Babe Wife - "Aww, my poor warrior. Come back to the hay pile so I can give you a massage and you can tell me all about your day."

Handsome Armored Warrior Husband - "You are too kind my fair lady. But I gladly accept your offer."

cue Shcav

I think we can see how that's much better than having a Ferrari.

Furious Rodimus

Fire and Steel in My Heart!

Mystical Stuff

2005-10-28T20:59:00.000-05:00

Ok, here's some background into my life. I have spent most of my childhood/adolescence/college carrer watching movies, shows, and listening to bands that very people have ever heard of. As a result I'm not exactly up with the mainstream culture. Because quite frankly I think mainstream, especially Top 40 radio (even rock radio)sucks extreme shit.The best part is when people tell me that I'M deprived for not seeing a movie approximately 50 million jerks, wankers, and posers have all seen. Or that this bands is oh so frickin' fantastic because of their 'cred'. Excuse me for wanting to be different once in a blue moon.

I'm sorry but I can't really relate to how hard life must be selling multi-platinum CD's, starring in crappy movies, driving Ferrari's, flying in my own private jet, while scantily clad chicks do everything thing for me.

Yea, I just can't relate to such a rough lifestyle. Not that I can relate to mystical warriors, blind guardians, falling hammers, evil dreams, or dragon forces running around the forest smiting dragons old-school. But frick, at least that would be an entertaining lifestyle.

Greetings!!

2005-10-28T20:55:00.000-05:00

Hey all, this is my new blog, I'll be slowing moving my posts from MegaFanClub blog here to take advantage of some increased functionality hopefully.

Catch ya all later!

'Fire and Steel in My Heart!'