Pirate Life

Finally got to see Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer. I guess their singer had had some sort of accident and they had been at the hospital all day. In any case they sounded perfect – just like their CD’s. I admire that in a band. I also got to see, meet and spend some time with a cool band I was not aware of before the show called The Transit War. They were kind enough to give me a free CD, compilation AND t-shirt. Dang guys, thanks! Anyway, they were really good too and seem like good people. You should check them out and pick up a CD if you like what you hear. They are from San Diego (where I went to junior high and high school) so I feel like I’m supporting the home team.

Ronee and I went out to visit family on the farm for my Grandma Martha’s 91st birthday Sunday morning. Wonderful breakfast on the porch! Man, I felt like I was in a different place and time. Just peaceful and beautiful. They have a big pond out there with fish and turtles in it. We fed catfish who were jumping all over the place. They also have ducks, chickens, guineas and all other kinds of wildlife out there. It was really cool, even for a city kid like me.

My lovely wife is still plugging away with the Nashville Rollergirls roller derby league. She’s at practice tonight. She also got a job as a nanny. So, I’m real happy for her and that answer to prayer. She starts early tomorrow morning, so I’m sure she’s going to be tired. She’s like me, in that she is not a morning person.

I have an interview for my show tomorrow with the deputy director of the democratic party in Tennessee. Should be interesting. Was supposed to interview my pastor this morning, but he had to re-schedule. Also looks like I’ll be interviewing Derek Webb late in the week. That all came together really quick!

It’s getting really hot here (over 90 the last few days) and I’m preparing myself for the miserable southern summer. I’ve been warned. Looks like I’ll be staying indoors with the air conditioning as much as possible. I do not do well in the heat.

I wish I could get back to reading. That is one thing that I miss about my security job. I had time to read tons of books. I could make time, I suppose, if I wanted. I should start reading during my lunch break. That would be a easy way to get in at least an hour a day of reading time.

Steve Kleisath (former drummer for Further Seems Forever) is in a new band called En Masse with Jake from Moments In Grace and Decahedron. Steve was cool enough to e-mail me MP3′s of their new EP which is due out in July. It was produced by J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines, Channels) and I’m jealous. It’s cool/different stuff. Speking of Further Seems Forever…Ronee and I will be making the trek to Atlanta for their last show ever at the Masquerade. If you live in the 4 or 5 state area you should consider doing the same. It’s on Saturday, June 17th.

Help A Brother Out

You don’t have to, but it would really help me out if you would click on the advertisements that appear in the top right corner of my blog. You don’t have to buy anything and it doesn’t cost you anything. But I get paid by the click. It does cost money to keep this site going that I pay out of my pocket every month. If you want to contribute in a more significant way you might want to pick up a shirt or something at the Urban Achiever Store.

Sorry for the blatant plugs. But I’m trying to get some stuff going. Hopefully it wasn’t too offensive.

The Kung Fu Crew

I went with Marc last night to see Ignite and Set Your Goals at The Muse (aka. the concrete box). When is this stupid karate kid hardcore dancing going to be unpopular? I saw this poor girl get hit and her glasses knocked off her face. Is that fun? Look, I understand and accept that at hardcore and punk rock shows there is always going to be slam dancing (moshing for you post-hardcore and metal kids) and a certain amount of people getting hit. But do you really need to go out of your way to punch or kick people in the face who are on the outside of the pit? They are 3 or 4 rows outside of it for a damn reason. It’s about the music first. All this dancing is, is a distraction from the music. That’s my view anyway. Circle pits = good. Random punching and kicking people = bad. If you are in the middle of the pit or staying in the pit doing it, I guess I can live with it. You still look stupid. Maybe 10 year olds look up to you, but I sure don’t. The singer for Ignite was having vocal problems. I love their new CD, but was bummed that they did not play more of the great songs off of it. Set Your Goals was great. Very positive and fun set. The other bands…well…don’t quit your day jobs kiddies.

My allergies are still killing me. It’s almost Memorial Day Weekend. Sweet. Goodnight!

American Idol, Etc.

The guy we were rooting for, Taylor Hicks, won American Idol. I liked him because he was clearly somebody who loved to sing and loved music. Happy for that guy.

Met with my boss/friend today about my new show. We decided to skip having a live audience for now, which I am relieved about. Seems like a lot of bother. The first episode is going to be about “Christians” and politics. It will be interesting to get some opinions on it and see what people think. I’m getting pumped to do it now. If you want to get the latest on what’s up with the show go to The Urban Achiever Show with Bill Power MySpace page. Add yourself as a friend and you’ll get the blogs/bulletins about when it will debut. We start filming next week…hopefully!

You should download the new Dashboard Confessional single from iTunes if you are into that guy. I’m not sold on the Big Country cover. I love Big Country, just not sure if I like him doing it. But the new single of his is reallly good. Very inspiring.

Went into work late today. This whole allergy / cold or whatever it is, is sapping my energy. Time to go to the doctor.

I’m doing my best to update this every day. Things are about to get exciting so keep coming back would ya?

Achoo

Achoo. Achoo Achoo. Aaaaaaaachoo. Achoooooo. Achoo.

If you’ve heard somebody sneezing like a madman, it’s probably me. My allergies are going like crazy. I’m using allergy eye drops, taking Alavert 24 hour non-drowsy medication. It’s not fun.

Imogen Heap was amazing. But, the show was miserable. I can’t really drag myself through the story again. But in summary. Jocks. Drunks. Smokers. Jocks trying to pick up on drunk girls. Etc. I don’t think I can go anywhere anymore. I find myself thinking “how does Jesus love all these people.” I can’t ever do it. In fact I might just punch somebody in the face before it’s all over. So much for pacifism.

Had a wonderful picnic lunch with my wife today. She is the bright spot in every day. Seriously. Today was lagging in a lot of other ways. And there she showed up with my lunch – in a picnic basket no less. We sat by a pond. We saw some geese. We saw some turtles. For an hour I was in heaven. Well, except for the bugs. I could do without them.

Ronee should be home from roller derby practice soon. Yeah dude. Catch you people later on.

Descendents Vans

These are coming out on June 1st. They are as good as mine! Seriously!

Click here to see a picture.

Jetsetting Lifestyles Of The Not-So-Rich And Semi-Famous

Ronee (that’s my wife, for you new people) is enjoying time with family and friends in New Jersey. Weddings, musicals on broadway, champagne, caviar, etc. Must be nice. Muuuuust beeeee niiiiiiiiice. Just kidding. She deserves it. She’s making all the tough decisions.

Had a great time hanging out with Josh from Society’s Finest at Uprise Fest. Haven’t seen that guy in forever. If you are into the metal thing you should go check his band out. They are on tour.

Went to Church this morning and was recognized by a girl (now a woman with child) who went to a Blenderhead show back in 1995 in Myrtle Beach. Random. Even more random is that she lives around the corner from us and works around the corner from me. Small world, indeed.

After Church had lunch at Pei Wei with Dave from our couple’s group. Good lunch, great conversation.

Stopped by work to help out Marc in screenprinting only to find Bruce, Mike and Adam already there printing! Hard workers at Zambooie! I tell you. It’s a 24/7 operation.

Got some groceries. Talked to my grandma. Hi grandma! (She reads my blog, no kidding.)

Looking forward to new episodes of The Sopranos and Big Love tonight.

I’m going to Orlando this weekend for Cornerstone Florida. If you’re going or in the area you should stop by and say hello. I’ll be at the Zambooie booth or out and about at the fest.

That’s about it kids. And remember, Hugs Not Drugs.