Equivalent Exchange

Corey Allen Schultz: Oct. 5 1992- Aug. 19 2006

2006-08-24T14:23:00.000-04:00

Rest in Peace, my nephew and my friend...

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When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly

I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here

I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him
Every minute since he left
Then I'll hug his neck

Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here

So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do

But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going
Yeah when I get where I'm going

-"When I get where I'm going" by Brad Paisley w/ Dolly Parton

"And Me? Can't ya tell...I'm the new Lust..."

2006-08-09T11:16:00.000-04:00

What Humonculi Are You?
Hosted by theOtaku.com: Anime. Done right.

Listen To Your Heart (R. Zion's Remix)

2006-08-03T21:52:00.000-04:00

I know there's something in the wake of your smile
I get a notion from the look in your eyes, yea
You've built a love but that love falls apart
Your little piece of heaven turns too dark

Listen to your heart
When she's calling for you
Listen to your heart
There's nothing else you can do
I don't know where you're going
And I don't know why,
But listen to your heart
Before you tell her goodbye

Sometimes you wonder if this fight is worthwhile
The precious moments are all lost in the tide, yea.
They're swept away and nothing is what is seems,
The feeling of belonging to your dreams

Listen to your heart
When she's calling for you
Listen to your heart
There's nothing else you can do
I don't know where you're going
And I don't know why,
But listen to your heart
Before you tell her goodbye

And there are voices
That want to be heard
So much to mention
But you cant find the words
The scent of magic,
The beauty that's been
When love was wilder than the wind

Listen to your heart
When she's calling for you
Listen to your heart
There's nothing else you can do
I don't know where you're going
And I don't know why,
But listen to your heart
Before you tell her goodbye

~For Moments When One Thinks He Has His Feelings Figured Out, Only To Find Them Come Crashing Down

Meh...

2006-01-02T19:12:00.000-05:00

Pardon me while I vent a little...

As you all read in my last post, my dad suffered a moderate to severe heart attack on Thursday. He was in CCU from Thursday to Saturday night and then moved to a private room. If things go well, after he gets an Echo Cardiogram tomorrow, he should be able to come home. He looks a little pale, but he sounds mostly good, feels relatively good and is in high spirits.

Anyway, I had just called my supervisor for work like I always do on Mondays and Wednesdays to tell him how many appointments I have. I had told him about my dad on Thursday, so I gave him an update on him then told him I had 2 appointments for the week. In reality, I should have 8-10 (they say 15 should be the number we should go for), but I was happy for the fact that I actually had two when I usually didn't have that many the last few weeks. Because of the holidays, my friend being home, a bit of winter laziness and the problems with my dad, I haven't been getting out as much as I should have to market, if at all, so my numbers have been kinda low. Anyway, after telling him the numbers I had, he again reminded me (not in a harsh way), that I need to be getting my appointments numbers up to that goal range, start calling 100 people a week, and hopefully bring in 10,000 AV a week during the next few months (It's an attainable goal if I get a few good sales a week). However, with all that's going on and the plans to help my dad this week, if feels like a weight has been piled onto my shoulders. Either my nerves are bothering me again (and I know they are), I have a stomach virus, or its a little of both, but my stomach and digestive system has really been bothering this morning. After my supervisor told me all of these things, it felt like my stomach knotted up. I either want to yell to release stress, cry, or something to release whatever is pent up.

I know this all must seem like pathetic whimperings compared to what some are going through now, but I needed to get this off my chest. Instead of screaming or crying or what have you, what I really need to to get down and pray... talk to my heavenly Father and tell him what's going on (not that he doesn't already know, of course). Right now, this all seems an unbearable weight, a horribly shadowed and seemingly endless path, but I just need to remember that my path is planned out and there's one who guides my steps even when things seem dismal. He's there. From the time of my birth to the this very second I have seen and experience his hand and known his work in my life in many dire circumstances. I know he is working to bring this about for my good, though right now it seems all darkness. I just need to press on, not give up, and keep relying on him to carry my burden and to give me the strength I need to endure.

If you've managed to read this far, you must either really care for me, in whatever way, or be desperate for something to do or read, but I thank you for hearing me out. I ask you again, continue to pray for my family and I through these time.

God bless.

~R. Zion

Musings...

2005-12-30T22:00:00.000-05:00

First off, since it's been a while, let me wish any readers I may still have Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

Creatively, I've been working on several fronts lately. For one, I've been working on the script for my FullMetal Alchemist Doujinshi, 'The Shining Light Alchemist.' Still need more artists for that. I've also been working more on my Star Wars fanfics. Almost done the second story of Tales from the Fringe, then I may work on a KOTOR-era fic before working on my other prequel and the third story from TftF. Also, I've been thinking about continuing on a series of pictures called 'In Years Gone By..." focusing on characters from the series Rurouni Kenshin and where I pictured them in the years following the story's end. I've worked on a few, but I'm not wholey satisfied.

Job-wise, I'm still plugging along with my insurance business, putting out take ones and trying to get appointments. I have a pay check I still need to get from a sale I made the other week. With two appointments next week, maybe I can get another sale.

Before moving on, let me give a big hello to my best friend Scott and his fiance Tab should they ever wander through here. It was great seeing you two this week! We'll have to get together again soon!

Now, to more serious business. Last night, around 4:30 I was home here with my dad when he suffered a major heart attack. We rushed him off to the hospital and, long story short, he had a seriously clogged artery at the front of his heart, which they thankfully managed to clear. He now has a stint in his heart, is in the Cardiac Care Unit, but getting better every minute and as light hearted (no pun intended) as always. Even with all that happened, he was thinking about others. ^_^ Anyway, if you all could, try and remember him and the rest of the family in your prayers! Pray for our well being and a speedy recovery for him. There is a blessing in all of this in that, while I should have been out working, because of the miserable day, my dad suggested I come home, which I did. Had I not, my dad would have been home by himself when he had his heart attack 'cause my mom had a hair appointment at 4. It was a wonderful blessing and we were able to get him to the hospital ASAP.

In other news, I wrecked my car the other week. We had had an ice storm the night before, so instead of going to my morning meetings the next day, I waited til later in the morning in went out marketing. Travelling through back roads, I decided to look for places other agents hadn't gotten to, but instead found an icy corner and drove my car onto the side of road and put it onto a tree trunk. The bumper had to be pulled off and the radiator was speared, so all of that had to be fixed, and more. The blessing in all of this was, had I slid off a little farther down the road, I could have gone down the hill and into the Conewago Creak. To be honest, it wasn't really a day for a swim. :p

Now then, on to another subject I want to get off my chest. For those of you who know me or have been following this blog before I edited past posts, you know for several months now there's been a young lady I've been enamoured with...whom I've grown to care for quite a bit. We became quite fast friends in our time and I have many fond memories of both meeting her and our conversations. Anyway, about a month of so back, she left the island where she was helping her cousins and returned home with her parents for the time being in the South East. When this happened, we lost contact. I know longer had a number I could reach her at and, well, she's never been one to call, in all honestly, save for certain times or when returning a call. Anyway, by means of my best friend and her sister I tried to get her new number the last few weeks when I was told, before they gave it to me, that she was dating someone now. Needless to say, this was somewhat depressing news on my end. Thus I am at a crossroads, I have developed feelings for this girl, thus I have said, but if she has found someone, I will not intrude. I only wish for her to be happy. Despite this, however, I still wish to be there for her as a friend, though this will require the disemination of feelings within myself. It may be difficult, but it must be done.

The only thing is... I miss talking to her. -_- If and when I get the number, should I call her? Am I actually able to diseminate these feelings? Was I miss interperting things all along and only deluding myself in fantasy? I don't know. What I do know is that, though it is difficult at times, I must press on. If anything is meant to be, whether it be friendship, beyond, or perhaps even nothing, I must wait and see where the road, and the Lord leads. Frankly, patience is not always something I'm best at, but I might as well start developing it.

Did any of that make sense? I guess I was just spewing out for once what I've had bottled up for so long, but I needed to get it out. Anyway, prayer for wisdom and guidance would be appreciated in this area as well.

Anyway, I best be moving on. I've typed a novel already. God bless and later days, all.

~R. Zion

Don't Speak

2005-12-30T21:55:00.000-05:00

You and me
We used to be together
Everyday together always
I really feel
That I'm losing my best friend
I can't believe
This could be the end
It looks as though you're letting go
And if it's real
Well I don't want to know

Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts

Our memories
Well, they can be inviting
But some are altogether
Mighty frightening
As we die, both you and I
With my head in my hands
I sit and cry

Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts (no, no, no)
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts

It's all ending
I gotta stop pretending who we are...
You and me I can see us dying...are we?

Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts (no, no, no)
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't tell me cause it hurts!
I know what you're saying
So please stop explaining

Don't speak,
don't speak,
don't speak,
oh I know what you're thinking
And I don't need your reasons
I know you're good,
I know you're good,
I know you're real good
Oh, la la la la la la La la la la la la
Don't, Don't, uh-huh Hush, hush darlin'
Hush, hush darlin' Hush, hush
don't tell me tell me cause it hurts
Hush, hush darlin' Hush, hush darlin'
Hush, hush don't tell me tell me cause it hurts

FullMetal Fan Creations- Cast

2005-11-23T11:57:00.000-05:00

Heh, long time no see all. I'm afraid I don't have much of an entry this time around, more of just an easily accesible cast list online for my FMA OC Doujinshi (yup, I've decided to make a Doujinshi out of it). For those of you in the know or have read past entries, this will make sense. For everyone else, ummm.....enjoy reading a bunch of names you may not recognize! ^_^;;;

This list isn't quite final and more characters will probably be added as the story develops

~R. Zion

-------------------------

Doujinshi Cast:

-The Slicer Brothers (Still Human)
-Major Jacob Traugott, the Shining Light Alchemist
-Colonel Redford Black
-Sergeant Denny Brosh
-Major Alex Louis Armstrong
-Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Kregan (from FMA 3: The Girl Who Surpasses God)
-Colonel Zerah Solingen, the Blade Alchemist
-Father Azekel Bastian
-Burk Traugott, Mayor of Rossenburg
-Natalie Traugott
-Amelie Traugott(youngest child)
-Serenity Traugott (4th born)
-Grace Traugott (2nd born)
-Anson Traugott (3rd born)
-The Sherrif of Rossenburg
-Feodor Breslin, Deimos of the Holy Order of Kale'rawsh
-Hadria
-Geber Breslin, former Deimos (deceased)
-Leora Breslin (deceased)
-Edward Elric, the FullMetal Alchemist
-Alphonse Elric
-Major Aleks Maxwell, the Frost Alchemist
-Lieutenant Colonel Morris Drake, the Phase Shifting Alchemist (deceased)
-Scar
-Major Frank Archer, Investigations
-Major General Isaac Maclure, The Cold Stone Alchemist
-Voss Wheeler, Formerly the Steel Strike Alchemist
-Colonel Myra Knallton, The Sonic Alchemist

The Transcript From the Vic Mignogna Chat Over At CAA

2005-08-25T17:40:00.000-04:00

I forgot to mention this in my other post, but the chat with Vic Mignogna, the VA for Ed Elric in FullMetal Alchemist, got delayed because of some unexpected obligations at his church, so it got rescheduled to this past Tuesday. Anyway, here's the transcript:

--------------------------------------

[shooraijin] all right, we'll begin

[shooraijin] first, we'd like to thank Vic very much for agreeing to come by and see our little group

[Ashley] yes, indeed

[fullmetalvic] my pleasure!

[shooraijin] I'm sure we'll have other people coming by and we'll make sure their questions are thrown in the hat

[shooraijin] as before, we'll do this one at a time -- ask your question, and then signal when you're done, and then we'll let Vic answer it

[shooraijin] if you don't have a question or want to pass, just pass and we'll go to the next

[shooraijin] once we're done with everyone, we'll open it up for other questions

[shooraijin] we'll try to wrap this up by 6:45 Pacific/9:45 Eastern

[shooraijin] so we'll start with Steeltemplar

[fullmetalvic] let me just say that I am honored to be able to spend some time with fellow believers and discuss what we all love...

[fullmetalvic] so let's go for it :)

[shooraijin] Steel?

[Steeltemplar] Oh, no question for me, thank you.

[shooraijin] right-o, thank you

[shooraijin] CR, your turn

[ChristianRoni] OK!

[ChristianRoni] umm I was wondering If I could hear your testimony Mr. Vic? How did you come to Christ? If I may ask?

[shooraijin] thank you, CR

[fullmetalvic] Absolutely. Bear with me because I dont type that fast :)

[fullmetalvic] I grew up in a Christian home where my grandfather was pastor of our church. I knew the Bible inside and out and told everyone I had accepted Jesus when I was 5. But as I grew older I felt no change...no Spirit inside me leading me.....so at 13 I heard a message about kids growing up in Christian homes and THINKING they were saved..

[fullmetalvic] but were not truly saved...and what a sad day that would be in heaven when Jesus had to say "I'm sorry... I dont know you"...

[fullmetalvic] so at 13 I truly accepted Jesus to be Savior! That's it!

[shooraijin] excellent :)

[shooraijin] next, Danny

[fullmetalvic] thank you for the question

[Danny] Hey! What's your favorite movie of all time?

[shooraijin] thanks, Danny :)

[fullmetalvic] well... I would have to say Star Wars...although I love so many!!

[fullmetalvic] Lord of the Rings trilogy...

[fullmetalvic] too many to name really!

[fullmetalvic] another question?

[shooraijin] okay

[shooraijin] MSP, you're next

[MrSmartyPants] righteo

[MrSmartyPants] hey im the guy in the dr cosplay at the autograph line

[MrSmartyPants] i was just wondering

[fullmetalvic] hi again!

[MrSmartyPants] are there any other voice actor collegues who are Christian that you work or have worked with?

[shooraijin] good question

[shooraijin] thanks, MSP

[fullmetalvic] yes there are quite a few actually...

[fullmetalvic] Carrie Savage...

[fullmetalvic] Johnny Young Bosh...

[fullmetalvic] Steve Blum...

[fullmetalvic] Michael Coleman...

[fullmetalvic] Michael Dobson...

[shooraijin] do you have phone numbers and their license plates for future CAA chats? ;)

[fullmetalvic] hehe....

[shooraijin] we'll tail their cars

[fullmetalvic] LOL

[fullmetalvic] next question?

[shooraijin] let's see

[shooraijin] SaintKevin, you're up

[SaintKevin] Thanks again for coming Vic. I heard your interview on KSBJ (Thanks to Sam), and got to thinking about some things you had told the daretoshare kids. Maybe you could just offer a little encouragement and advice to us on how to share our faith to other anime fans...

[fullmetalvic] Hi saint! let's see....

[SaintKevin] Thanks again. :)

[shooraijin] thanks, Kev

[fullmetalvic] well.....one thing is for sure...anime kids are a unique type of person...

[fullmetalvic] many of them are outsiders who dont really fit in in their schools, etc

[fullmetalvic] so I would encourage each of you to LOVE them...if Jesus were there he would be gushing over those kids, complimenting them on their costumes, etc...LOVING ON THEM...

[fullmetalvic] at cons I mean...

[fullmetalvic] the message of Christ is simple and powerful...

[fullmetalvic] share it with a pure heart and genuine kindness and the Holy Spirit will do the rest

[fullmetalvic] thanks Saint!

[fullmetalvic] next question?

[shooraijin] okay, Yumie?

[Yumie] First off, it's is wonderful to have the pleasure of talking to you!! Now, on to the question. OK, I've always been interested in doing something like voice acting or just acting in general, but I wondered if it might be hard to find work that didn't "violate my moral convictions". In otherwords, since I'm a child of God, could I play a character who did things that God told ME not to do?. . . So I was wondering, has that been any sort of a problem for you? How do you decide what parts you're ok with playing and have you ever had to draw the line and say "I just can't play this character"? Thanks for taking my question!! ^-^

[shooraijin] thank you, Yumie!

[fullmetalvic] great question....

[fullmetalvic] well, you may be interested to know that I have turned down a number of roles because I knew God would not be pleased with me doing them...

[fullmetalvic] at the same time, acting is ACTING...portraying a role that may not be you at all...

[fullmetalvic] so I guess the test is this...does it GLORIFY a lifestyle or attitude that is not God honoring?

[fullmetalvic] a few Christians have asked me about playing a role like Ed....

[fullmetalvic] who is very anti religion, and anti God...

[fullmetalvic] and my take is this...

[fullmetalvic] Ed is a tortured and tragic character who is carrying a pile of guilt and pain...

[fullmetalvic] he is searching...like so many others...and I believe that there is more to him than meets the eye...

[fullmetalvic] plus....let's not forget...it IS fiction :)

[fullmetalvic] he has alot of admirable qualities and presses on to a goal that includes the selfless restoration of his brother

[fullmetalvic] I LOVE HIM :)

[fullmetalvic] next question?

[shooraijin] okay

[shooraijin] Yokochan, you're next

[Yokochan] Hello! Huge fan! I was wondering, what was it like for you the first time you heard your voice on a show?

[Yokochan] thanks!

[fullmetalvic] hi yokochan!

[shooraijin] ^_^

[shooraijin] thank you, Yoko

[fullmetalvic] WEIRD! I thought "this doesnt sound real at all!!!"

[fullmetalvic] then I became more settled in and now...I am easier on myself about it

[fullmetalvic] but I am very critical of my own work :)

[fullmetalvic] next question?

[shooraijin] dragonnova, your turn

[dragonnova] ^_^ Hi!!! um, just out of curiosity, what’s your favorite Bible text and why? Sorry I know that's actually two questions, but they go hand in hand... or so I think.

[shooraijin] lol, we'll go with it

[shooraijin] thank you, DN

[fullmetalvic] thanks dragonnova....let me think...

[fullmetalvic] ya know what I love? Have you guys heard of or seen the translation of the Bible called the message?

[fullmetalvic] it is such an incredible translation...

[fullmetalvic] and I am particularly fond of I Corinthians 13 in the message....

[fullmetalvic] I am also very fond of Habbakuk 3...the end of the chapter...

[fullmetalvic] because when I was young I pretended to preach a sermon from that text :)

[fullmetalvic] WHY? read them when you get a chance and you will know :)

[fullmetalvic] next question?

[shooraijin] RZion, you're up

[shooraijin] RZion?

[RZion] hmmm...must of still been gagged

[RZion] let's try again

[RZion] Hey Vic, thanks for taking the time and coming out to speak with us! My original question kinda got asked already, so bear with me. ^_^ Anyway, have you ever been approached with a fan of one of the shows you have worked on that is so engrossed or knowledgable about it that that come up to you at Cons and the like and start asking you questions that you have no idea what their talking about? Such as Star Trek fan who might know the length of Spock's left big toe nail and start asking Leonard Nimoy very indepth questions about obscure episodes from eons past, for example. Ever have any times like that and anything you could share with us?

[fullmetalvic] she musttype like me :)

[shooraijin] lol ^^

[shooraijin] thank you, R.

[fullmetalvic] evening, Rzion.... MANY TIMES!!!

[fullmetalvic] what you guys may not know is this...

[fullmetalvic] we dont see the whole episode..only the parts our lines are in. So I have no idea what is going on in the rest of the show unless I watch it once I get the DVD....

[fullmetalvic] and I just have WAY TOO MANY DVDs to do that... I can count on one hand the number of series I have been in that I watched in their entirety...

[fullmetalvic] I have racks of DVDs that still have the wrapping on them!

[fullmetalvic] next question?

[shooraijin] RZ would like to point out for the record that he's a he ;)

[shooraijin] um ...

[fullmetalvic] oops! DOH!

[shooraijin] Osaka-chan, you're on

[Mangafanatic] Yes!

[fullmetalvic] sorry!

[Mangafanatic] Well, Hi Mr. Vic!

[Mangafanatic] Thanks for coming!

[fullmetalvic] hi manga!!!

[fullmetalvic] my honor!

[Mangafanatic] My question is:

[Mangafanatic] I love theater and speech, and I was thinking that I would probably really enjoy voice acting. If I wanted to get into voice acting, what would you suggest I do? So, I gues my question is, really, how does one become a voice actor/actress?

[shooraijin] nice

[shooraijin] arigatoo, Osaka

[fullmetalvic] well that is probably the universally MOST ASKED question we get....

[fullmetalvic] and here is my answer...

[fullmetalvic] first, ACT. Take every opportunity you can to develop your skills as an actor...school, community theater, church....anything...

[fullmetalvic] secondly, you MUST live where the work is done. Sadly, there are only a handful of cities that do this kind of work...LA, NYC, Houston, Ft Worth and Vancouver...

[fullmetalvic] and that is it,....simple huh!

[fullmetalvic] next?

[shooraijin] let's see

[shooraijin] Yeito, you're up

[Yeito] Hi there. ._. Its an honor to talk with you :bows: Anyway... The question. My original question got asked as well ^-^; But to go with what she said, I have also been thinking of doing voice acting one day, and I know that it most likely involves some opposition (I get opposition sometimes just for being a fan of anime let alone working on it in some way -_-; ) but to go on the flip side there should be many pluses to working in this type of area. What do you think is most rewarding against what is most... discouraging (goodword?) ? Thank you very much.

[Yeito] sorry its so long -_-

[shooraijin] ^^

[shooraijin] thank you, Yeito

[fullmetalvic] Hi yeito...well...the most rewarding thing is THIS...getting to do something that great peeps like you enjoy...

[fullmetalvic] we record in a box! And it is always great when the stuff finally gets out and you start getting such wonderful and encouraging feedback...

[fullmetalvic] the down side? If you want to be an effective witness for Christ, there will be things you MUST defend against and watch out for...

[fullmetalvic] but nothing is more important than being a testimony and reflecting the Lord where He has put you

[fullmetalvic] does that answer your question?

[shooraijin] as a corollary to that, Vic, what things did you personally need to defend against and watch out for?

[fullmetalvic] well...there are alot of temptations out there...and satan would love nothing more than to take down one of God's soldiers who are trying to make a difference...

[fullmetalvic] maybe with pride, ego, attitude, sex, partying....

[fullmetalvic] see.....voice actors who dont claim Jesus name dont have to worry about that...

[fullmetalvic] they do whatever they feel like...

[fullmetalvic] but if we are to be true and consistent reps for God...we must always be on the alert...

[fullmetalvic] you guys please pray fro me that I will do that:)

[fullmetalvic] next?

[shooraijin] we're time limited, so we'll take three more from the hat

[shooraijin] digging in hat, hang on ;)

[shooraijin] NightshadeX, go for it

[shooraijin] Nightshade?

[fullmetalvic] nightshade?

[NightshadeX] um... working on it

[fullmetalvic] :)

[shooraijin] lol, okay

[NightshadeX] do you have any particular plan of preparing for a certain voice role?

[shooraijin] any role in particular, NX, or just in general?

[NightshadeX] um...

[NightshadeX] in general

[shooraijin] okie

[shooraijin] thank you :)

[fullmetalvic] well.....each role has a unique quality...and you have to remember what you did the last time you played the character!

[fullmetalvic] but like for Ed....he has a higher voice than I do....so I HAVE to be in clear and healthy voice to do him teh way I want to...

[fullmetalvic] I am VERY committed to making Ed the best he can be...wait til you guys hear the final episodes...

[fullmetalvic] but when starting a role...

[fullmetalvic] you draw alot from the look of a character...that gives you a strong direction for the voice

[shooraijin] for the final question, Vic, this is probably a common one and pulled from the list of people who couldn't make it -- what was your most difficult role? and we'll close with that one

[fullmetalvic] easy...BROLY!!!

[fullmetalvic] but not for any dramatic reason :)

[fullmetalvic] simply because he yelled all the time and powered up and up and up!!!

[fullmetalvic] I was completely FRIED when movie 8 was over...

[fullmetalvic] then there was 10, 11, budakai III, etc...

[fullmetalvic] I would be happy of Broly would go away FOREVER!!!

[shooraijin] lol!

[fullmetalvic] and that is it :)

[shooraijin] thank you very much, Vic

[shooraijin] unfortunately, he has to be getting on, but we'll be scheduling him again in the near future

[Ashley] Once again, we want to extend a huge thank you to Vic for taking time to share with us

[Ashley] we do want to send him off properly and have a word of prayer

[shooraijin] so, we'll close with prayer, and then we'll ungag everyone -- please let us know if you're still gagged after a couple minutes

[shooraijin] yes

[fullmetalvic] I would love to do this again very soon!!!

[shooraijin] oh, I'll pencil you in ;)

[fullmetalvic] thanks so much you guys... let's spend another evening soon, K?

[Ashley] Heavenly Father, Lord we just thank you so much for providing Christians in prominient places in this industry as a light to such a dark world

[Ashley] We ask that you please protect Vic and the others living their lives out for you and bless them richly in their ministry, giving them peace, comfort, strength and encouragement

[Ashley] Lord, may many souls be won for you

[Ashley] in your son's name we pray, Amen

[fullmetalvic] AMEN....thank you CAA!

[shooraijin] all right, folks

[shooraijin] the transcript will be posted, and we'll be taking gags off

[shooraijin] thank you all for coming

[shooraijin] please come next time, and to those who didn't get their questions in, keep them for the next run

--------------------------------------

~R. Zion

Catching Up Is Hard To Do...

2005-08-25T17:35:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I know....the line is actually, 'Breaking up is hard to do', but with the way I go, not actually doing a meaningful entry that often, catching up really IS hard to do! ^_^

Anyway, let's see, where to begin... I passed me Delaware License Tests and now have my License to sell Health & Accident and Life Insurance in Delaware. Now I just need to apply for my PA license, take my company training, and I'm ready to work! Hoowah!

On another random note, I've been reading the Rurouni Kenshin manga and finally caught up, finishing Vol. 17 today. And, even better news, the Jinchuu Arc, which covers quite a bit of Kenshin's past and was never animated, save for a bit in the Reflections OAV, begins next month. I can't wait!

I've been on a drawing kick lately. Save for some of my OCs from my 'Tales from the Fringe' fanfic series I've been drawing and planning out, I've done realistic portraits of Aayla Secure, twi'lek Jedi, and Chancellor Palpatine. I've also done a realistic rendition of Ekria, a computer expert and Jedi Padawan in the 'Reversal of Fortune' and 'Evasive Action' webcomics on Hyperspace over at Starwars.com (I've been doing the 7-day free trial and read the comics), an FMA comic as a present for Sarah's birthday, a superhero I've been playing on COH and another I've been trying to draw without much success, and tonight hope to do a picture of Sesshomaru from Inu Yasha as gift to help cheer up my friend Tam. I'm also planning to eventually do a picture of Jinenji and Jaken, two other characters from Inu Yasha, eventually. I'll have to post some of them on here sometime.

Oh, and speaking of Tam, I've added her new blog to my links on the side. I suggested her starting one as an outlet for... therapeutic venting... when noone's around, and so far she's listening. She and I met through a Star Wars RP, which seems to have died, and have become quite good friends since then.

Also, having spoken of Sarah a few lines up, last Saturday was her 23rd Birthday! I'll say it again, for posterity....Happy Birthday, Sarah! ^____^ Now I just need to hear from you a little more often and I'll be happy. Oh well, hope everything's going well with you and your cousins in Hawaii.

Something else that just came to mind, if anyone who wanders through here, whether you know me or not, have something you would like prayed for, just leave a response and let me know! I'll help out anyway I can. ^_^

Hmmm...has anyone else heard of the anime 'Naruto'? It's rather big over at CAA and the anime community in general. It's a ninja-based series, it looks like it balances between the serious and the light hearted and the character designs look quite interesting. At first when I saw it, I wasn't overly impressed, but now my interest is starting to grow. The dubbed anime comes out next month on Toonami (edits abound, undoubtedly) and about 7 volumes of the manga are out, so maybe I'll check it out.

On a random note, if you watch the dub of Inu Yasha, you know they throw the word 'demon' around alot. From what I've picked up from conversations I've seen over at CAA, the word in the Japanese is 'youkai', which is more of a mythical creature and not a demon as associated with Christianity. If we were referring to the more spiritual demons, I think the word to use would be 'oni', though even then a Japanese oni I don't think is the same as a Christian 'demon.' Anyway, I'm positive on the 'youkai' part (assuming I spelled the word right), but don't necessarily take my word on the rest since I'm slightly unsure. Anyway, if anyone of you out there might have been interested in the show but were turned off with 'demons' as sometimes nice and acting as heroes, rest assured that they're not actual demons. If you don't have too many problems with Greek mythology, then you shouldn't have a problem with Inu Yasha. There IS brought up the issue of reincarnation, but it is just a television show. Anyway, I'll put it this way, if you feel nervous about all of this and don't think you should watch it, DON'T. If you're alright with it, go right ahead. Personally, the 'reincarnation' is wierd in the show....the one girl is supposed the reincarnation of this one priestess, yet the same priestess' spirit is still wandering around as a character. Wierd, no?
Anyway, I didn't like the show at first when I was younger in my faith, but as I've learned more I don't have too much of a problem now. It's just a TV show, after all, and I take it with about as much seriousness as Star Wars or a fairy tale, as far as reality goes. Like I said before, though, if you feel like watching the show will cause you to stumble spiritually or become tempted in some way, DON'T WATCH IT!

Another thing I've been reflecting on, in the day or so after I got my license, I was surprised to see how much I could see God's hand working in the events around me. That's not to say He wasn't working there before, but I got too distracted on other things to take notice of his work. In my life, I've seen alot of things that have worked out in just such a way that I know it has to be guidance and work of God moving in my life. My friends, my brothers and sisters, remember this... as you go through life, when things get dark, when life gets hard, and when your concentration gets locked on the worries and concerns of life, trust and know that God is working. He is and always will be there. Nothing happens without his know and, though things might not be the best right now, he's using the situations you go through to shape, to mold, and to prepare you for the future. God loves you unconditionally, no matter what we've done, is always waiting with open arms. Hear and go to Him and trust that he is always there.

Hmm....I think that's just about everything for now. My mom just went out to get us some Ice Cream (and me something to drink), and in 30 minutes or so we'll be doing devotions, so I best get off. Until next time, folks, take care and God bless!

~R. Zion
------------------------------------------

Bible.com's Verse For The Day: The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. (2 Peter 2:9 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: "Why should I put my life in peril? It's because you should open your eyes to the truth" ~Kenshin Himura, Episode 16 (apparently)

ACK! Roy Mustang Wants to Kiss Me!

2005-08-22T23:49:00.000-04:00

Fullmetal Alchemist: You as a State Alchemist by SilvernFalcon

(User)Name?:

Age?:

Favorite alchemist?:

Favorite homunculus?:

Your alchemy element:

Plant

Your alchemist name:

Sun Alchemist

Roy Mustang...:

...Wants to kiss you.

Edward Elric...:

...Thinks you're related to him.

Scar...:

...Loves you.

Envy...:

...Hates you.

Your alchemy success percentage:: 77%

Your rank:

Colonel

Quiz created with MemeGen!

~Colonel R. Zion, the Sun Alchemist

Love and Peace

2005-08-20T17:42:00.000-04:00

What's Your Trigun Personality?
Hosted by theOtaku.com: Anime. Done right.

"Graciously Do I Welcome You Here..."

2005-08-12T23:03:00.000-04:00

~R. Zion

"Sorry, But I Have A Wife And Kid Waitin' For Me Back Home..."

2005-08-11T23:42:00.000-04:00

What Military Character Are You?
Hosted by theOtaku.com: Anime. Done right.

Does Verizon Offer Special Villain Discounts?

2005-08-11T00:35:00.000-04:00

This is a piece done by my friend, Melissa. Yes, the characters are from FullMetal Alchemist, but instead of wasting my breath describing it again, I'll just quote straight from her MyOtaku blog:

"The internet existed in Amestris and Sloth and the Slicer became internet buddies!!! And then decided to CALL each other...

and here we join them in the middle of the conversation....

SILENCE....

Nyah ha! ok.... that was weird I know... it's based on a conversation R. Zion and I had the other night about cosplaying as the Slicer and Sloth ^_^ and then about IMs and phone calls... so there you go Sloth and the Slicer talking (or breathing...) on the phone :P

yep... I'm one of those "blah blah blah blah ramble ramble" when I'm on-line... but get me on the phone and you have "........." and lots of it... anyhoo...

Just had to share that nyaaaaaah!

and I had to throw Envy in there @,@ hee hee..."

Well said, Sloth. Well said. ^_^

~R. Slicer....erm, I mean, R. Zion

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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: "Nya ha ha ha!" -Melissa/DragonNova/Sloth

Roy Mustang And Maes Hughes Are DEAD!

2005-08-09T21:56:00.000-04:00

Well, not technically....well, maybe Hughes....but what I'm referring to are the decimations of the Roy and Hughes figures I got a few weeks back. Apparently, either the two got knocked off of my computer or one of our little pooches got up onto my computer and took these two away from the world. How I found out this little fact was that, shortly after I woke, I went into the bathroom, sat down, and in came the pup (Bindi Sue) with something in my mouth. Curious, I took it out of her mouth and to my shock I found it to be the headless and limbless torsoe of Maes Hughes. I've not really seen what happened to Roy, but I suspect a similar fate. My mom probably junked his remains before I got up.

Needless to say, I was a little pieved earlier in the day, but I knew in my heart that I couldn't let something so small...so stupid... take away my joy. We're been studying about this subject at church through our exposition of Philippians. I guess it's good to know God is helping the seed I've heard to take root.

Anyway, in other news....*barely contains his excitement*.... VIC MIGNOGNA, THE VOICE ACTOR OF EDWARD ELRIC IN FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, IS GONNA BE IN THE CHAT OVER AT CAA NEXT WEDNESDAY! I'm all a twitter! I can't wait! Sadly, though, I might be in Delaware that day getting my Insurance license (I'll fill you in on that sitch in a second), so I might not be able to make it. *weeps* Oh well, I leave it in God's hands. If I make it, WOOHOO! If not, there'll be other opportunities.

On behalf of this fortuitous news, I'll pass along a few cool links in regards to Vic:

Here's an interview with Vic with the Anime News Network:

HERE!

Here's a radio interview with Vic on a Christian Radio Station in Texas (awesome stuff):

HERE!

Here's the Discussion of the above ANN interview over at CAA:

HERE!

Here's the link for the chat announcement over on CAA:

HERE!

Here's the link to the Risembool Rangers, a group of Vic's adoring fans (think I'm gonna go sign up myself ^_^):

HERE!

And finally, here's Vic's own homepage:

HERE!

I don't know...he just seems like a really cool guy. Maybe I'll get to meet him one day if I ever make it to an Anime convention.

Oh speaking of which, I was talking to Melissa/DragonNova the other day on MSN and we brought up the issue of Cosplay and who we'd each go as. She's narrowed in down to Millie Thompson from Trigun or Sloth from FMA, and wants to get her friend Zero to cosplay Envy. I myself, we decided upon, could pull off Kain Fuery, Maes Hughes or the Slicer from FMA. Since all involve a great deal of costuming, I think I wanna try Slicer first. His armor is just cool and I doubt anyone has ever cosplayed as him before. I'll have to post a picture of him on here some time.

Oh, in other news, my best friend Scott and his former girlfriend Tabitha (you'll see why I called her that in a sec)......ARE FINALLY ENGAGED! It's about time, old boy. ;) It's been a non-issue that they'll be getting married next year, but at least now it's official. Three cheers for the happy couple! Hurrah!

Hmm...I submitted my 100 word essay for the FullMetal Alchemist Biggest Fan Contest last week. I think it turned out really well and am definately hoping I at least get one of the runner up spots. If I win the trip, I have a good idea whom I'm gonna take, but I won't reveal that yet incase he/she is reading. MWUAHAHAHA!

I also got the Fall of Ishbal, the fourth volume of the FMA DVDs, the other day. They....redubbed Envy's dialogue in his/her first appearance in his 'real form' (yes, according to his bio on the DVD, he in his normal form is actually genderless. Guess that explains the feminine voice). Not quite sure if I like all of the changes yet, not that I really HAVE to like them, but what irks me is that General Hakuro is still misdubbed at the end of that episode when he and his soldiers bust into the house where Rose and the children are hiding. His usual VA has a very distinguished voice, IMHO, and I would have liked to hear that vicious bit of dialogue in his voice. Oh well...

Anyway, I mentioned before I explain what happened in regards to my insurance test. I went down to Crofton last Tuesday and got a hotel room, taking the day to study. Then the next day I went and took my test. Well, I'm sorry to say I failed, but God has allowed me to see the brighter, blessed side of things beyond that ugly word. I passed the State and Ethics sections of both the Health & Accident and the Life tests, but didn't get a high enough grade on the General sections. A 70 was required to pass and I got a 66, but the good part is at least that show I mostly knew my stuff. It also means, since I only failed one section, all I have to retake when I go back are those sections on their individual tests, which is a relief. It's 60 some questions per test, 75 min. Max per test to do the questions, but that's still better than having to do the whole thing over.

Thus, with all of that said, I take the test again next Tuesday at 8 am (same time and place as before), but I'll be going down on Monday to get a hotel room. Then, if I pass, I'll go to Dover, Delaware on Tuesday to pick up my license, get a hotel room there, and then head back Wednesday. Hey, wait a sec....that means I'll be back for the chat! Woohooooooooo!

I'd appreciate everyone's prayers as I prepare again for the test. I've kinda slacked off over the last two days, but when I took practice tests over the weekend, I passed them both (something I hadn't done very often before), so that's a good sign. As I've said before, it's all in God's hands, and as long as I take the time to study, he'll help see me through. I can't just slack off and not study; then pray 'Ok God, pour in the info so I can ace this test!.' -_- I think not...

Well, I think that's about it, so I guess I'll be signing off for now. Until next time, my friends, God bless!

~R. Zion

--------------------------------------

Bible.com's Verse for the Day:And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (Revelation 14:6-7 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: "It's only after we've given something up that we obtain the thing really want. Isn't that the way of the Alchemist?" -Ishbal War Veteran, FullMetal Alchemist Episode 16

Big O! It's Showtime!

2005-08-05T20:53:00.000-04:00

CAST IN THE NAME OF GOD... YE NOT GUILTY

----------------------------------

~R. Zion

Gift of Cool

2005-08-01T16:07:00.000-04:00

I remember the day when the love of God
landed in our town
He took all the silent and broken hearts,
fixed them up and gave them a sound
you had almost every different kind of
kid from every different kind
of social background
taking all the cool they had and praising
God, as He spun them around
when God came to town...

And the people in our churches, they were
constantly amazed
at the kids kneeling at the altar with their
different fashion flares
you had squares, preps, and skater punks,
goths and techno-ravers
and the tattooed kids with colored
hair...and they were all getting saved
you think the 60's had good vibrations?
well, check out my generation...

We will run and never stop
yeah, we all will stand together
taking everything we are
and then praising Him forever
well, anyone and everyone, come and
join us for a good time
we are breaking all the rules by praising
God with your Gift of Cool...

Suddenly almost every kid in town had
finally found their way
to take all the gifts and talents and beauty
tehy had and worship God every day
man, you had all the high school parties,
and they were turning them into worship raves
and the sounds of the underground in
town had turned to praise

When Your people sing, all of heaven sings...
so sing! is that cool?
lift your hands up to the sky
yeah, we all will sing together
taking everything we are
and then praising Him forever

--------------------------------------------------

~R. Zion

Mad World

2005-07-31T23:30:00.000-04:00

*I got this song from an Anime Music Video that Melissa/DragonNova gave me.

All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places
Worn out faces
Bright and early for the daily races
Going no where
Going no where
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression
No expression
Hide my head I wanna drown my sorrow
No tomorrow
No tomorrow
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles its a very very

Mad world
Mad world

Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy birthday
Happy birthday
And I feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen
Sit and listen
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me
No one knew me
Hello teacher tell me what’s my lesson
Look right through me
Look right through me
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles its a very very

Mad world
Mad world
Enlarging your world
Mad world

------------------------------

Wow, that song's much more depressing and dark when you just read the lyrics. So you know, this song in no way reflects my thoughts or feelings, unlike previous songs, and in no way suicide, the thoughts thereof or anything else of the like. I've just been listening to that AMV alot and thought I'd post the song. Ummm....Tada?

~R. Zion

The Good Ol' Lads...

2005-07-28T18:23:00.000-04:00

Compo, Foggy and Clegg from the British Comedy, Last of the Summer Wine

~R. Zion

It's Natural Selectin' Time!

2005-07-25T20:51:00.000-04:00

~R. Zion

Aren't Loose Ends Fun?

2005-07-24T20:06:00.000-04:00

Alrighty then, this sunday night I've decided to go back through my blog and fill in any loose ends from previous posts. In otherwords, I'm going to fill you in on things I mighted started posting about and haven't mentioned since. Get ready for some fun! *cough*yeahright*cough*

----------------------------------------

2/26/05- Way back in my introductory post I mentioned I had worked on some Star Wars fan fictions. Here are the links for those stories (Note: comments are always appreciated ^_^)

Lost in the Sands (response to a Valentine's Day challenge in the Gentlemen's Writing Guild): HERE

Shifting Facade- Sillek's Tale (A prequel to the Tales series): HERE

Tales from the Fringe- Relentless Entanglements (An Original Story-based series set between ANH and ESB): HERE

Tales from the Fringe II- Bittersweet Reunion: HERE

-------------

2/28/05- Glad you all liked my 'Rurouni Christian' article. I'm glad it was able to help someone. One of these days I'll have to write something else like that.

-I mentioned that I gotten the first FMA DVD that day. I've also gotten the next 2 since then and am hopefully gonna get DVD 4 soo. I'm sure you're all glad to hear that.

--------------

3/01/05- Like that Pomato picture, I'm gonna have to do more of those random pictures and captions on days when I don't really post anything. Heck, even if I do post something maybe I'll post them.

--------------

3/03/05- Hmmm, I mentioned I was going to do several different kinds of posts in the future that day. Let's see here:
-I don't even remember the other Kenshin post I had in mind, so don't expect that.
-The Abenobashi Review...well, I basically summed it up there, but let me see if there is one over on CAA. Hmmm, well, it must have been for the Manga, but anyway, if you look back at that post you'll see my basic reactions.
-The Big O II review...I still may do it sometime in the future. Just don't hold your breath. ^_^
-As for the fanfictions, see above. We can discuss them here, I guess.

---------------

3/04/05- In my mentions of Gall Bladders, Ulcers and Gastritis, it turns out that the problem was related to stress, of all things. Thus, if I ever get too stressed out, I'll become quite sick in the stomach. Fun fun! I'm also stuck taking Prevacid each morning. Don't know if it's helping, but at least it's not hurting.

Also, in response to any other sicknesses mentioned throughout the blog, needless to say they're all gone now. ^_^

----------------

3/09/05- For all of you who have been following my FullMetal Fan Creations thus far, I'm glad you're enjoying them. There's plenty more to come; I just need to get off of my rump and type them up. I've started one for the local pastor in Rossenburg, Father Bastion, but we'll have to see when I get that done.

----------------

4/02/05- This was another Fan Creation Post (the one for the Blade Alchemist) but it reminded me that my friend Melissa aka DragonNova is actually drawing up some pictures of my characters. Once she can get them scanned, I'll put them up for all to see. Nya ha!

I had done some pictures of Jacob myself, but I was never very happy with them so I decided not to post them. However, I can give you the link for where I HAVE posted them already if you really do care to see them: HERE

----------------

4/23/05- My Grandmother has gotten back to her assisted living home (I would hope so by now). I believe after the hospital she went to HealthSouth, a rehabilitation place, for one week and after THAT she returned to the Autumn House. Now she's just back in her groove there, physically doing pretty well....mentally variable, depending on the day.

As for my Galaxies adventures with Dreelo, I still have the character but I'm gonna stop playing for a while when my account is up on the 26th. I'll have to keep in touch with my friends from there, though (Shout out to Ny, Ice and Peli! WOOOO!)

-----------------

5/14/05- Huh.... This post happened after my trip down to Florida to see Scott, but I was thinking that was in June. Guess it was actually in may.

Anyway, as a quick summary for that: My best friend Scott had his graduation from Clearwater Christian School where he was studying to become a pastor and I went down for about a week or so to see him and to go to the graduation. This was also the first time I met Tabitha, his fiance, and her sister Sarah. ^_^ Not to mention a lot of the folks at the dorms there. Aye, they be a crazy bunch. Wandering barefoot, lightsaber duels in borders, crazy antics, walks with umbrellas held straight in front of us, hunting a cell phone that fell onto the highway from the roof of the car, trying to get Scott to graduation on time when running late and having to change into my clothes for the graduation in the bathroom at the place they were having it. Ahhh yes, those will be memories to last a lifetime.

Oh, and expect more of these musical posts coming up in the future.

-------------------

6/10/05- Well, you've been hearing on and off about my continued smitten-ness, so that's nothing new.

Well, the Lord did help me in my job searching endevour, just as I had prayed. I came home one Friday after having been in Baltimore and saw that I was being requested for an interview by Cornerstone America, one day after posting my resume on Monster.com. Long story short, did the interview, got the job, and now my adventures continue as I wait to take the test and get my insurance license next week.....at least for Delaware. I'll have to file paperwork and wait for 2-3 more weeks before I can get my PA. license. Hopefully by my B-day I can start.

With all that said, you can basically assume I ditched any other job I had been looking in to that I had mentioned.

-------------------

6/14/05- Well, I think I fulfilled my quiz quota for a while. Maybe I'll do some more in the future.

-------------------

7/07 and 7/10/05- Well, after all that stuff, I DID finally get a hold of Sarah. Wasn't exactly my most eloquent conversations, but I was tired...and really just glad I got to talk to her for more than 5 minutes.

She had gone to Alaska for 2 weeks with her cousin, saw some whales, eagles and iceburgs, hiked a park, caught a fish, went on some boats, and just had a generally good time. Wooo! So where was my postcard!.....joking, joking!

Never asked for one anyway. ^_^
-------------------

7/22/05- I still haven't worked on my FMA Fan Essay yet, but I do plan to do that along with all my insurance studying. Here's hoping I can win!

-------------------

7/23/05- Seems my preliminary guesses about the FMA movie were relatively correct. Good for me! *pats himself on the back*

-------------------

Hmmm, I think that's about it. Please note that dates, while accurate to the blog, may not be accurate to reality since my little thing with changing the time zone yesterday. Until next time, faithful viewers!

~R. Zion
-------------------------------------------

Bible.com's Verse for the Day: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.(Psalm 51:17 KJV)

My Quote For This Entry: "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed." -Carl Jung

Marty, We're Going Back To The Future!

2005-07-24T01:10:00.000-04:00

*sigh* I had been wondering why the hours were off on the time when I had made my posts in the past, so I wandered through the controls and options and found out that I had things set on Pacific time. Thus, trying to set things right, I set it to Eastern and republished the blog. Now, everything is marked forwards 4 or so hours, thus my last post about the FMA movie and this one as well actually have been posted tomorrow, according to the blog.

Well then, if I knew time travel was this easy, I would have done it ages ago!

Anyway, that's just about everything I wanted to say for now. Talk to ya'll on the flip side. Enjoy the Lord's Day tomorrow (today, Equivalent Exchange standard time).

Hmmm....I just realized something. If I've set the time right, this post will appear before the movie post even though I posted it after. I guess, in this one circumstance, I'll change the post time to tomorrow so it appears after the movie post. Or something like that...

For the record, the time is now 11:04 PM on Saturday, June 26, 2005.

~Dr. R. Zion, Time Traveller Extraordinare

--------------------------------------------

Bible.com's Verse for the Day:Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27 KJV)

My Quote For This Entry: "Revenge is a beast that begets itself and solves nothing. It only leads to more pain. Remember the great words of Ishablah, my student, 'Even in the darkest of suffering a man can sleep, but for the man who inflicts the suffering, his mind cannot rest...ever.'" -Scar's Master, FullMetal Alchemist, Episode 25

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE CONQUEROR OF SHAMBALA

2005-07-24T00:26:00.000-04:00

This movie cannot be released in this county any sooner! I can't wait!

Anyway, here's a post from the wonderful Sycia over at fullmetal-alchemist.com after seeing it at the first showing. Enjoy folks!

-------------------------------------------

"Phew. Okay, now I can type the summary out like a normal person instead of fumbling with the phone.

The movie was great overall (a few weak points here and there) but it really is a treat for loyal fans to the series. : ) It's in the details that fans will find delight in, so I truly recommend you to skip the spoilers and await the movie so you can have as much fun as I did throughout the show.

-- SPOILERS --

* Note: The sequence of events switching from the real world and the Hagaren world, I might've mixed up a bit... too many switches within the movie itself eh

We start off with a Alphonse Elric talking to the masked guy in a factory (Alphonse is in his armor form). The masked guy wants to sell / promote this little bomb he devised to the 'National Alchemist', but Alphonse is disgusted at the idea of it and Edward Elric soon arrives and it turns into a grand fight where masked man ends up using human alchemy to try and do something with a heap of dead bodies. Ed tries to stop him from performing the taboo, but it's too late. He gets sucked into the Gate (together with his bomb) and the vaporous castle they were in collasps. It's then revealed that the Ed and Al of that time were 15 and 14 respectively.

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Ed is telling a laughing Alphonse Heiderich that tale while driving. He crashes the car in a ditch (lol) and they end up hitching a ride to their destination with a truckload of gypsys. One of them, Noah seems to be a little bit of an outcast, and she 'sees' things when she makes physical contact with Ed. Ed and Alphonse head to what looks like a carnival. There, Alphonse's pals (Alter!half-chimera gang minus Greed and snake-woman) and him set up a small rocket. Ed is uninterested and goes to rest in the truck. Meanwhile Noah is turned in to the Thule Society that wants to 'buy' her services. She flees, and Ed helps her escape.

He lets Noah stay at the place Alphonse and himself are renting. Apparently Gypsys are despised and hated as loose women who cheat men of their money because they don't have their own country, also snitching the jobs of others. Here we find out that Alter!Hughes (who I didn't pick up a name from, just 'omawari-san' meaning 'Mr Policeman') is one of those who is suspicious of Noah, and Ed makes fun of him to try 'proposing' to the landlady Gracia. Elsewhere the Thule Society starts getting ready for some decisive action...

Meanwhile in the Hagaren world, Winry talks to Sig who says Al went out on his own seeking Ed out. Izumi had taught him everything she knew. We see Al, walking in the middle of a desert, at his last drop of water from his tumbler. He claps both hands together and conjures a well (in the middle of a sand dune) that gushes water out (overkill! O_O). Then we see Winry paying a visit to Izumi's grave (the audience was O_O at that scene) where she finds Wrath nearby in a pathetic state, and offers to fix his battered-up automail. Somewhere else snowy, Havoc & Breda arrive at a small outpost (more like hut) looking for their 'Colonel', who's looking extremely pathetic standing a pile of snow at attention. Inside, he talks to his former subordinates as a lesser officer and even uses a MATCH to light Havoc's cigeratte, stating he hasn't used alchemy since the Bradley incident because it reminds him of his foolish actions (or the like, I don't remember). Havoc and Breda leave and sigh that they initially wanted to persuade Mustang back, but he seems set on staying a guard in the cruel cold. Armstrong's family is in Liol, trying to get the place back on its feet (haha, Armstrong's all sparkly as usual).

Back in the real world Ed and Noah are having lunch when a car drives by and Ed spots Bradley. He pursues the man and knocks his driver out, demanding to know why a Homoculus is still in this world. Bradley is confused. He turns out a regular human, Alter!Bradley, otherwise known as Mabuse, a movie maker. He leads Ed to a castle (well Ed knocked his driver out so had to drive Mabuse there) where he says he's being gone after by a 'dragon'. Rather, a large snake. Ed goes up the tower, half decided on getting outta there when he realizes the threat is real, looking at the damage done to the interior. He's shocked when a very, VERY familiar voice calls his name, and out bursts the green serpent we last saw Envy transform into before diving into the Gate. Serpent!Envy tries to devour Ed, but is attacked at all sides by the Thule Society with gun-mounted planes and stakes (>_< NOOO!!! ENVY!!!!!). The Thule Society's leader, Dietlinde Eckart has Ed held and is somewhat surprised to learn his name, then has someone knock him out with some gas. Serpent!Envy is taken away by planes.

The Thule Society uses Envy as part of their little 'magical circle' and try to get a link to the 'other world'. Envy's head launches to what little we can make out as Hohenheim. Light envelops the place and some people within armors (a lot of variations including the type Alphonse's spirit was trapped in) are transported to the other world.

Liol is suddenly invaded and attacked by the armored warriors. Most civilians are helpless but along comes Al, who transfers a part of his soul into the armors and makes them fight for him. He then alchemizes a tornado to sweep up the remaining armors.

Back in the Thule Society's lair, the armors return due to the 'magic circle' being incomplete. They're all dead, and Ed turns up to interrupt the party. He's shot at, so dives into the heap o armors, suddenly hearing one of them speak in Al's voice. It is an armor that is the exact model he forced his brother's spirit into years go, speaking to him. They fight their way out and talk by a river. Because Al has transferred part of his spirit into the armors, he can communicate with Ed now, but eventually he fades away, leaving Ed alone.

Ed returns to his room. Alphonse and Noah realize he's a little more cheerful than usual. Ed says he may have found a way back. A short while later Alphonse is looked up by a member of the Thule Society wanting to employ his services. That member also talks to Noah for a bit, all this going on without Ed knowing

Back in the Hagaren world, Al is happy at having met Ed at long last. He goes to Central to find some answers. Roy has heard of the invasion and heads to Central too. Winry too, heads there.

Ed meets Bradley again, who talks about the upcoming war and all (during which Alter!Lyla appears for a bit, snobbishly ignoring Ed). Ed decides to intervene with Thule Society's plans. He goes back home and tries to persuade Alphonse to stop helping the Thule Society because his research will only help with the war. Alphonse will have none of it and knocks Ed aside, then coughs blood out (TB?!) claiming that he just wants to leave a mark in this world, HIS world. He leaves.

Hagaren world. Roy is paying a visit to Hughes' grave. Wrath finds Al and leads him to that underground city (when asked why? Wrath just replies something like, 'It don't matter anymore'). Al tries to create a link to our world there, but something is lacking and he doesn't know what. Then a strange grey monstrosity appears. Gluttony, looking very big, ugly and undoubtably hungry. It attacks Wrath, who doesn't actually stand much of a chance until he eats a bit of the 'red stones' leaking from Gluttony. He kinda powers up and rips off a few .... apendages from Gluttony but is overpowered anyway. He finally lands on the Alchemy circle Al just made and rams the automail arm into the middle of it, driving it into rock firmly. Gluttony has, by that time managed to close his large, uncaring jaws upon the younger-looking Homoculus. His blood soaks the ground and Wrath yells to Al to use them both (Gluttony and him) as the exchange to open the Gate to that other world. Al hesitates a bit, but does it when Wrath says it's what he brought Al there for. We then see Wrath looking quite human (um, naked) standing in front of the Gate. It opens and there stands Izumi who welcomes him into her arms, then they disappear. Meanwhile, Winry and Scieszka walk to Hughes' grave to find a bunch of white flowers there already. They think it might've been Gracia and Elisia.

Our world. Ed is back at the Thule Society's lair. He inspects the 'magic circle' and dismisses it as child's play at first until realizing it's an alchemy one. Being the alchemist he is, he completes it. Then wondering what he's doing, touches it with his hands & gloves stained with his blood (he cut himself on some glass while creeping into the place), and the whole thing lights up. He stops in horror, then the Thule Society people come out and persuade him to carry on. He looks up at one point at Envy, and sees Hohenheim in the serpent's jaws, STILL alive. Apparently that was the only way the Thule could get the serpent to calm down. Hohenheim wants his son to return to his world, and closes the serpents jaws upon himself, going in a huge fountain of blood (I never knew a human had that much in him) with Ed screaming. The Thule are happy they're getting what they want. Noah is there to do their bidding; she remembers Alchemy circles from Ed's memory and is helping them because she wants to go to Ed's world (what they all call 'Shambala') because she faces so much persecution in this one. Having no more use for Ed, Dietlinde shoots him (THE BITCH!)(*&$()!^). Fortunately she only hit his mechanical arm and he only passed out to be strapped into the seat of an aircraft Alphonse has made while working for the Thule. Alphonse wants Ed to be happy, to go back to where he came from, so in the midst of the Thule sending off crafts and crafts of their armored warriors into the opened portal leading to 'Shamabala', he sends Ed (who's not all that willing to leave Alphonse behind) on his way. Sadly after Ed leaves, a Thule member who witnessed the deed, shoots Alphonse (-_-;). Noah is going, "TAKE ME WITH YOU!" as she sees Ed head into the portal, but he leaves without her.

Hagaren world. Well, the Thule crafts have somehow managed to break from of those lil black arms thingies (within the Gate) and have burst right out through Al's Alchemy circle. He's not sure what to think of it at first. Winry and Schiezka were creeping through some tunnel when it collasps under the impact of Thule's crafts wrecking havoc in the underground city and they find Al. A smaller craft comes through and crashes at a site near them, and when the smoke clears they find Ed on the ground whincing. Winry runs up and goes, "And just where have you been?" (awwwww) It suddenly dawns upon Al what terrible things are pouring out of the portal and he runs off in shock. Ed tries to follow but his mechanical leg is mangled beyond repair. This is when Winry smiles and opens that large briefcase she's been carrying all the while. It's Ed's automail limbs. She knows roughly how much he's grown and starts to get to work fixing them back on him.

Central is under attack. People are getting shot down by the armored warriors of the Thule and the millitary isn't holding up too well. While Hawkeye's sharpshooting through the armor's breathing holes does take a few down, they are too great in numbers. Even when Armstrong arrives to help they are still fighting a losing battle. This is when Roy Mustang makes his grans re-entrance into the scene. He well... blows them up and barks out commands to his subordinates (Breda, Hawkeye, Fury and that guy who used to be under Hughes) like in the old days when he was a Colonel. Though he's a private, his subordinates still call him Colonel and follow his command (:D). Hawkeye remains after the others have gone off, remaining in a salute while smiling to Roy.

Al is roaming the town getting more desperate at the terror he unleashed. He nearly even tries to resurrect a child crushed by debris before being stopped by Ed who reminds him of the taboo. 'You only wanted to bring me home.' But nonetheless, this war is their fault and they ahve to stop it.

War scene gets real grand and fun with Roy, Al and Ed fighting together against a borderline Dietlinde, who has deemed the inhabitants of 'Shamabala' (the Hagaren world) not fit to live since they aren't the same as she is (she doesn't even think them human). Ed and her are matched evenly in a one-on-one fight but she calls on more of her armored fighters to corner him. Fortunately Al had taken control of them (by transferring part of his soul into them) and they beat Dietlinde.

Ed knows the war will continue unless he goes BACK to the other world to destroy the Alchemy circle allowing the Thule access to their world. He separates himself from Al and Roy, and goes back (poor Al is crying at this). Ah yes, before he leaves, Ed tells Al to 'take care of Winry'...

Ed returns to find Noah holding a dead Alphonse. Dietlinde is gone. Then from a familiar armor comes Al's voice. Ed thinks it's just part of Al's soul talking to him again, but out pops his little brother from inside! He snuck back on, unwilling to be separated again. Says Roy would've by now destroyed their world's Gate, and he (Al) wants to continue his travels with Ed like they did 2 years ago (this is where Ed realizes Al has regained the missing part of his memory!) :D

Character endings: Winry is no longer waiting for them (woman's intiution; she knows they aren't coming back), she's doing her own auto-mail research. For some odd reason, Armstrong is at Pinako's place playing with plenty of kids. Roze too. Alter!Hughes is stalking Gracia (okay okay he tried to go up and talk to her at last). Hey where's Roy's ending?!

The final ending is Ed, Al and Noah hitching a ride. The former 2 look at the 2 people in the front seats of the truck they're getting on and smile. It's Alter!Scar and Alter!Lust (the audience was laughing XD)... The ending dialogue is Ed saying they can't detach themselves completely from this world (and the upcoming war) because now it is theirs.

END

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NOTES:

Gah what a long summary *dies*

Please do correct me if you see any mistakes. : )

What happened to Roy and Rize eventually, wasn't specified."

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~R. Zion

A Song Tribute to the Flame Colonel, Roy Mustang

2005-07-23T15:15:00.000-04:00

I'm a soldier, meaning that I'm
Both the defendent and the judge
I'm standing on both sides of the fire
Going around turns, overtaking death and life
I'm running to fight with the shadow of a lie

No matter how many threads deception would weave
Truth will show its face of light

*Save your tears
for the day
when our pain is far behind
on your feet
come with me
we are soldiers stand or die

Save your fears
take your place
save them for the judgement day
fast and free
follow me
time to make the sacrifice
we rise or fall

I'm a soldier, born to stand
in this waking hell I am
witnessing more than I can compute

pray myself we don't forget
lies, betrayed and the oppressed
please give me the strength to be the truth

people facing the fire together
if we don't, we'll lose all we have found

*repeat

After a dream to the edge of a chasm
Only that way can the world be saved

Don't you cry,
Hide the tears,
Because a new day will start
Your fire
Will be heated
By thousands of hearts
But now get up
Hide the pain and fear far
The one who's right will win
Know that everything is in your hands

*repeat

~Rise, Yoko Kano

(Sorry, but when I found that picture, I had to post it. ^_^)

A Song Tribute to Edward Elric

2005-07-23T02:57:00.000-04:00

How the hell did we wind up like this
Why weren't we able
To see the signs that we missed
And try to turn the tables

I wish you'd unclench your fists
And unpack your suitcase
Lately there's been too much of this
Dont think its too late

Nothin's wrong
just as long as
you know that someday I will

Chorus:
Someday, somehow
gonna make it allright but not right now
I know you're wondering when
(You're the only one who knows that)
Someday, somehow
gonna make it allright but not right now
I know you're wondering when

Well i hoped that since we're here anyway
We could end up saying
Things we've always needed to say
So we could end up stringing
Now the story's played out like this
Just like a paperback novel
Lets rewrite an ending that fits
Instead of a hollywood horror

Nothin's wrong
just as long as
you know that someday I will

Someday, somehow
gonna make it allright but not right now
I know you're wondering when
(You're the only one who knows that)
Someday, somehow
gonna make it allright but not right now
I know you're wondering when
(You're the only one who knows that)

Refrain
Now the story's played out like this
Just like a paperback novel
Lets rewrite an ending that fits
Instead of a hollywood horror

Nothin's wrong
just as long as
you know that someday I will

Someday, somehow
gonna make it allright but not right now
I know you're wondering when
(You're the only one who knows that)
Someday, somehow
gonna make it allright but not right now
I know you're wondering when
(You're the only one who knows that)
I know you're wondering when
(You're the only one who knows that)
I know you're wondering when

~Nickleback, Someday

The Conqueror of Shambala Cometh

2005-07-23T01:46:00.000-04:00

And so it is, finally, that the time for its arrival has come. What am I speaking of? Only the release of the first (and possibly only) FullMetal Alchemist movie, the Conqueror of Shambala. For those of you not in the know, here's a brief on the movie. Do not read if you don't want to know what happens at the end of the series!!!!

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"The story takes place in Munich, Germany year 1923. Two years after the end of the series, we find Edward Elric who was moved from his own world to ours, leaving behind his country, friends and younger brother, Alphonse. With no alchemical powers, he has been researching rocketry together with Alphonse Heiderich, a young man with lots of resemblances to his own brother, Al. Ed hopes to find a way back home. So far nothing has worked to help him, but during a archeologial expedition, Ed meets an old enemy , and is witness of an event that can be the key to end his ordeal , but could also wreak havoc in both worlds."

So far in the Alchemy world, Alphonse has his body back in his body and seems to be immitating his brother. I've also seen glimpses of Hawkeye, Roy (with his ever stylish eyepatch), Armstrong, Rose, Wrath (now with Automail arm and leg), Winry and Pinako. Apparently something big is on the state and events seem to be drawing us back to Lior. It will be interesting to see what has happened to Amestris in the last two years since Furher King Bradley's downfall.

In our world, Ed, as is said above, is trying to find a way back to his own world, is studying Rocketry, and is partnered with Alphonse Heiderich, his brother's doppleganger in our world. From what I've been able to gleen, some sort of organization with ties to the Nazis is trying to open a gateway to the Alchemy world, I would assume to subjegate it to their will. From what I'm aware of, they may have taken Ed's father, Hoenheim, into their custody and do/or will take Envy, stuck in his dragon form after passing through the gate. I'm assuming these two are the key somehow to opening the gateway. Familiar faces include the dopplegangers of Gracia Hughes, who is the landlady with whom Ed and Al H. are staying with, A gypsy-like Rose, possibly a version of Lust, and, best of all.... MAES HUGHES IS BACK, BABY! I just hope he doesn't turn out to be some sort of evil Nazi or something.

To be honest, I'd be curious to see Scar in our world, but I don't think it'll happen.

End of Spoilers

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Needless to say, I'm hyped! ^___^ Of course, I still need to see how the series ends, though I do know some major spoilers from there. This leads me to wonder if I should actually read summaries of the films and get the full download on the spoilers. Scott said I should, and I may very well, but I've ruined big parts of the series' end for myself because of my excessive research on the show and some surprise would be nice. Don't be surprised, though, if I come back in a day or two saying I know what happens. ^_^

I've actually been listening to ending theme, Lost Heaven, quite a bit. It's really a cool song. Anyway, as I close for right now, I'll leave you all with this picture...

Here's hoping the sad ending I fear doesn't come to pass.

~R. Zion
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My Quotes for this Entry: "No matter where I go, I can't get out of here..." -Edward Elric, Conqueror of Shambala

"Heaven is lost....I wish you good luck. I still remember every day."-L'arc~en~ciel, Lost Heaven

Question #20: All of the Follow Statements are True EXCEPT

2005-07-22T15:15:00.000-04:00

I should really be in bed right now, but after reading through some blogs tonight, I feel compelled write. Just don't expect anything awe-inspiring.

Since I haven't mentioned it on here yet, I got a job last week with Cornerstone America as an Insurance Sales Agent. Now, not exactly the most thrilling job in description, I know, but once I get the terminology down, I think I'll enjoy it. I just need to keep studying for my license will out melting my neurons. Hehe, sometimes that feels easier said than done.

Went out with one of the Agents on the job this week. One lady acted like we were Hellspawn because of some bad insurance experiences in the past. Definately was a day of varied experiences. Gonna try and go out with some other agents next week to get a feel of different ways to handle things, while at the same time studying for the license test. Need to start focusing on my vocab and definitions now. I have until Aug 3 at 8 am to get all of this down. Woohoo!

Hmmm....remember how I said I should be in bed? I did say that, right? Well, anyway, I have a sales meeting in the morning at 10:30 in Lancaster. Just some random information.

Sarah just got on Yahoo a little bit ago. That was nice to actually chat with her in person again instead of the way we have been doing it with offline messages. Makes it into glorified e-mail. Actually saw Scott on AIM this morning.......as he was logging off. Truly perfect timing there.

Oh, speaking of my best friend, he and his fiance got a little chocolate short-haired Daschund in SC the other week. Named her Kara (Greek for joy). Still waiting to see pictures of the little munchkin. I have a penchant for daschunds. ^____^

Let's see, what else? Oh, my niece and nephew were up the other day. I spent the day with my niece, got her into the funny bits of FullMetal Alchemist but am seriously debating showing her the rest of the series since she's only nine. Of course, she's seen LotR and Jaws and all that and liked them. Maybe I should let he mom see them first. My nephew helped my dad saw down some trees that day and then in the evening we had tacos and a belated B-day party for my Dad. Glad we could finally get a cake. If anyone deserves a party, for how hard he works, it's my Dad. If ever there was a man who showed an example of what it means to give himself for his family. By God's grace, I hope to be an even better provider, father, and husband than he one day. I love both of my parents and thank them for all they've done and are doing to help give me a good life and to train me up.

Anyway, back to my niece and nephew...they're coming over again tomorrow, so I'll get to hang out with them again when I get back from Lancaster. Then, on Saturday, we're going down to my sister's for steamed crabs. My word, I haven't had those in years, so it should be good.

In my wanderings, I found this article on crosswalk.com tonight:

CLICK HERE!

After talking with some friends, and then reading this article, I wonder if perhaps it is time for me to try and write another script. It would have to be after I get started with work, and I would like to try and keep going with my Star Wars fan fiction series at the same time. We'll just have to see how things go.

Hmmm....was there anything else? Not sure. Well then, I guess I should call it a night then. Tomorrow I know I NEED to get to work and finish my entry for the Biggest FullMetal Alchemist Fan Essay Contest since the deadline is coming up. That would be so cool to go to Japan. Would just need to find someone to go with me. Nonetheless, off to bed I must go. Hope you all have a great Friday and don't get into too much trouble this weekend. ^____^ Later, all.

~R. Zion, who would really like to sleep 'til noon tomorrow but knows he has to get up at 7 or 7:30
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Bible.com's Verse for the Day:I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.(Revelation 3:8 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: "I'll give you two quotes next time, I promise!" ~R. Zion the lazy

Lonely No More

2005-07-16T19:21:00.000-04:00

Now it seems to me
That you know just what to say
But words are only words
Can you show me something else
Can you swear to me
That you’ll always be this way
Show me how you feel
More than ever, baby

CHORUS
I don’t wanna be lonely no more
I don’t wanna have to pay for this
I don’t want another lover at my door
It’s just another heartache on my list
I don’t wanna be angry no more
You do know I could never stand for this
So when you tell me that you love me, know for sure
I don’t wanna be lonely anymore

Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh

Now it’s hard for me
When my heart’s still on the mend
Open up to me
Like you do your girlfriends
And you sing to me and it’s harmony
Girl, what you do to me is everything
Make me say anything just to get you back again
Why can’t we just try

CHORUS

Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh...

What if I was good to you?
What if you were good to me?
What if I could hold you till I feel you move inside of me?
What if it was paradise?
What if we were symphonies?
What if I gave all my life
To find some way to stand beside you?

CHORUS

Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh

I don’t wanna be lonely anymore
I don’t wanna be lonely no more
I don’t wanna be lonely no more
I don’t wanna be lonely anymore

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~R. Zion

Lost Heaven

2005-07-13T15:23:00.000-04:00

**End Theme to the movie Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shambala

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Woah! with our dreams together as one
onward to a never ending paradise
a distant road we ran down
unable to even find something to lose
we didn't have any reason to doubt

We'll say goodbye, lost Heaven.
How we longed for Heaven.
We're letting go of something we never had.
Time goes so fast, Heaven is lost.

the dream we caught hold of when we reached out our hands
was a gently crumbling castle of sand
I'm left just standing there at the fork in the road,
as you disappear toward the paradise you dreamed of
leaving me with a smile.

We'll say goodbye, lost Heaven.
How we longed for Heaven.
We're letting go of something we never had.
Time goes so fast, Heaven is lost.

all that stardust in the sky that can't come together as one
a bouquet of red flowers for the end of this play

even if what I see ahead as I start off again is just a mirage
We'll say goodbye, lost Heaven

We'll say goodbye, lost Heaven.
How we longed for Heaven.
We're letting go of something we never had.
Time goes so fast, Heaven!

I wish you good luck. I still remember every day.

It's Bloggerin' Time!

2005-07-10T02:16:00.000-04:00

If you couldn't guess by the title, I just got home from seeing the Fantastic Four with my friend Chris. Not a bad movie, I liked it. Reed, Ben, Sue and Johnny were all great, but Ben was probably my favorite character followed by the hot-headed, hot rodding Johnny Storm aka the Human Torch. Viktor Von Doom/ Dr Doom (which they never technically called him. Both words were said, but at different times) was.... hmm, well, he was there. Changing to a corporate mogul instead of a Latvarian warlord seemed to make his story line way too similar to that of Norman Osbourne/the Green Goblin. That, and with a villian like Doom, you NEED that (somewhat corny) accent. The way he talked in this movie was far too mild. Other than that, something was missing in the story....it felt like it should be beginning when it started to end. So here's hoping, if they make a sequel, it can only go up in quality, especially now that the origins are out of the way.

Now, on a random note, I reeeeally hope Venom is in Spider-Man 3. 'Nuff said.

In reference to my last post concerning my calling Sarah, I tried again and still never got through, thus I left a message on her voicemail and threw some random thoughts on her YIM offline messages. Finally, today, in my infinite wisdom, it finally came to me to ask her what day/time/phone would be best to call her. That would have been helpful to ask earlier.

Had I been more... bold?... I would have called her back on the house phone again the night I got her cousin on the home line. Oh well, can't change the past...

I felt like calling her again tonight as I was walking out of the movies, but I decided not too. I had told her that I wasn't going to try again for a week or three, inwardly planning this coming Tuesday as the ABSOLUTE EARLIEST. We'll have to see what responses I get from my offline messages. Most of all, I don't want to become a pest and scare her away, so thus I'm backing off a bit. *sigh*

It was curious, the other night in my devotions the lesson was about God's sovereign control and his allowing some things not to happen because he has better things planned for us. This got me thinking....is He trying to tell me something through all of this? Yeah, I could be jumping the gun here... it could all be a coincidence. Then again, perhaps God's trying to tell me I need to slow down a bit. Then again, there's also the chance He's telling me that He would have me look somewhere else. I had asked Him in my prayer the other day if he could perhaps show me what way he would have things go when I talked to Sarah. Oh, I don't know. I'll just have to keep praying and looking where for God's lead in the situation. I don't want to go to any extreme on the spectrum, beyond what God would have planned for me.

Anyway, I guess I should get ready for bed soon. I'll probably wait up for a little while longer, turn on Adult Swim and watch Samurai Champloo before bed. I may consider watching Paranoia Agent, but that show....is WIERD. And that's saying something coming from me. LOL

Night all and have a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow!

Oh yeah...before I go! I got 'Smile' by the band L'arc~En~Ciel yesterday while I was in Maryland, as well as Roy Mustang and Maes Hughes collectible figures. The CD is awesome! The second theme to FullMetal Alchemist, READY STEADY GO, is on it, which is what drew me to it originally, but I really like some of the other songs to. Revelation is currently stuck in my head. ^_^

Well...G'night again!

~R. Zion

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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity.(Jeremiah 29:13-14 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: "Same old Reed. Always stretching, reaching for the stars..." -Viktor Von Doom

*Looks a candy heart that says 'I Wuv You'* "This concept of 'Wuv' confuses and infuriates us!" -Overlord of Omicron Persiai 8, Futurama

The Number You Have Reached....

2005-07-07T13:40:00.000-04:00

*sigh* For the past two nights I've been trying to get ahold of my friend Sarah down in Hawaii to talk to her, but I have had less than stellar results thus far. Night One: I get through to the phone and no answer, so I leave message. She leaves me an IM message and says she got it but didn't call back because it was so late. ^_^ Last night I called again...AND I GOT AHOLD OF HER! I had been waiting to call, so I was happy. However, since I called her cell phone, we would break up every once in a while, so I tried to call her 'home' phone upon request. Instead of Sarah, I ended up interupting a long distance call from Sarah's cousin (the phone and home's owner), so I called her back again on the cell, only again to get her voicemail, so I left another message there and then just some random notes of IM. However, there was no response back this time meaning: She didn't call again because it was too late, she didn't get on the computer, or she didn't check her cell phone before bed. Those are the viable options I see.... unless she was just waiting for me to call back.

That was the end of last night's escapades. Anyway, I have decided again to try and give the call a go again tonight. It's kinda funny...almost every time I call her, we have to dial back and forth a couple times for various reasons. Now, it's just kinda like a much extended version of that. Anyway, with all of this in mind, I have decided to look into the following options:

A. Begin to design some way to either fast forward or rewind time to about 9 PM EST so I can call Hawaii in the afternoon.
B. Figure out some way to destroy the 6 hr. time difference between Pennsylvania and Hawaii, perhaps by moving all of the islands off the East coast.
C. Just call back again tonight...

Hmm...as I had agreed in above paragraphs, I think I'll go with Option C. That way I won't have to rip up the earth or get involved with this whole Time/Space Continuum thing.

Patience is a virtue, after all, and of late, I would say I definately need to develop more of it.

Until later, all!

~R. Zion
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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.(Psalm 145:8-9 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: "No matter where you are...Everyone is always connected." -Lain (Serial Experiment Lain)

Fullmetal Fan Creations, Part Five

2005-06-22T22:57:00.000-04:00

Wow, we're already to our fifth installment of FullMetal Fan Creations. I hope you've enjoyed them thus far.

Today, I present to you one of the key aspects of our main character, Jacob Traugott, his Alchemic expertise and the reason he is called the 'Shining Light Alchemist'...

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Light Alchemy- Down through the ages, the act of the manipulation of light was never widely pursued by Alchemic scientists. In the great texts, only a hand full of Alchemists can be found to have attempted to study the subject and postulate methods towards achieving a successful transmutation, but even then their work was often abandoned. It wasn't until recently that one talented young scientist successfuly created a process by which the alchemic use of light might be performed.

The inspiration for the work of Jacob Traugott actual springs from a treasured memory from his childhood. When he was but four years old, a friend of his father's that worked in the Rossenburg quarry brought the boy a gift, a small crystal prism. Jacob was entraptured by his gift and carried it with him wherever he was as his most prized possession. One morning when he was playing in his room, the young Traugott left his treasure sitting on a sunny windowsill while he went to gather some other toys. When he returned around to claim the prism once more, he was caught by surprise at the marvelous sight he saw...a spectacular rainbow of colors pouring out across his bedroom floor. Already scientifically curious at his young age, this display made him determined to discover what exactly caused this phenomenon.

Throughout his youth, he would go into his father's study and look through the books of Alchemy that Burk had collected years before. Though he didn't understand everything he saw, the images stuck with him and planted a seed for the love of Alchemyin his heart which would lead him to study the subject seriously as he grew older. What also remained within his heart was his wonderment at that prism and how the light had so wonderously changed through it. After he had witnessed that event in his bedroom, he went about to all those he could find and began to ask questions about the experience to try and understand what had occured, but it wouldn't be until he was able to read that he would go about trying to understand everything he could about light, its nature and the physical manipulation there. Jacob might not have been able to make sense everything he read in his initial studies of both light and Alchemy at first, but with determination he persevered until he was able to comprehend what was being said before moving on and delving deeper.

As it would happen, at the age of thirteen,as he went continued his research, he stumbled upon the records of those past Alchemists who had done work in the field of something called Light Alchemy. By this time, Jacob was already secure in his use in basic Alchemy, so he decided to dig deeper into the work of these scientists to see what they had discovered. He was intrigued by their research and made attempts at replicating their experiments to see where they had failed. With ever failure, as he compiled results from each of their works, he would make adjustments, learning from what each of them had managed to accomplish and then adding in his own experience in studying light and Alchemy. It was alot of trial and error as he went trying to manipulate light into various forms, at this time trying it only with transmutation circles to accomplish results.

Then, on one fateful day, he had a brainstorm and decided to transmute a prismatic lense and set it up over his circle. Gathering the light became the first step in the process, with the transmutation circle as its focal point, and drawing it from his surroundings. After he had gathered what he needed, he forced the light through the prism and, by alchemy, reorganized it into what he wanted. That was his theory, at first, but it took several different transmutations of the lense to get it just right before he was finally able to produce a hologram....the image of an apple. It wasn't a perfectly life-like image, but it was a huge leap forward in his research.

Through further experimentation with both the circle and the prismatic lense, he achieved his desired results. From there, he continued to experiment until he was able to create multiple holographic images, then taken that further and creating a dynamic transmutation to create a moving holographic image.

With his skill in the holographic field of Light Alchemy, he went on to create other uses, including the ability to refact light from around himself or other objects to make them nearly invisible, the ability to create an extremely focused beam of light which could be used benignly as a mere pointer or signal or a more destructive beam that could cut through nearly any object, and also the ability to create a simple source of illumination in complete darkness using only the light given off from a transmutation. These, among other things, were the successes Traugott was able to achieve in his work with Light Alchemy, though his research into other uses does not stop. All of his work is achieved using the same transmutation circle but before each attempt, the prismatic lense is changed as needed depending on what the user wants to create. Constant amongst all of his work is the desire to use it for the benefit of others, with only the laser transmutation being able to be used for violent purposes.

In his initial experiments, Jacob perminantly marked himself as, with the constant exposure to incredibly bright sources of light, he bleached his once dark brown hair stark white and even once made himself temporarily blind. These things did not stop him from continuing in his work, though. To him, they were the sufficient personal sacrifices or just temporary roadblocks as he persued his goal.

Feeling secure in his abilities and with an impressive repertoire of skills to show, Jacob travelled to Central and took the exam to become a State Alchemist so that he might use his gifts to aid his country. When the time of the practicals finally came, he first demonstrated the cutting laser by severing the top of a large mountain of rock amongst the raw resources available, then proceeding to cloak himself and his fellow applicants from sight, and finishing up by creating mirror perfect, moving holograms of Fuhrer King Bradley and the review committee. Thoroughly impressed by his skills and development in the experimental use of Alchemy, the 19 year old Jacob Traugott was accepted into the Amestris Military as a State Alchemist and give the symbolic second name of the 'Shining Light Alchemist.'

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~R. Zion

Fullmetal Fan Creations, Part Four

2005-06-17T23:44:00.000-04:00

Well, it's taken me a bit, but I finally got this next issue of Fullmetal FanCreations finished. This time it's a rather long one, as we follow the history and take a close look at the current members of.............

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The Traugott Family- For several hundred years, the Traugott family has served as leaders and administrators in the city of Rossenburg since its founding. Before that time, though, the family found its in the city of Aquroya as merchants, but an indomitable pinoeering spirit led Alden Traugott and his family, along with a hand full of others, to head to the North to settle their own futures. Upon reaching the Briggs Mountains, the group decided to go east along the range until by chance they stumbled upon several settlements of pilgrims from the Northern nation of Drachma who, similarly to the Traugotts and their company, to start their lives anew.

After accessing the minerals and resources of the area, as well as discovering that the area was close to a major waterway that could be used as transportation since it ran directly through the closest major city according to the maps, Alden decided that this region would be perfect for the new city that he and his companions wanted to establish. There was a major roadblock to their plans in the Drachma settlements in the area; since they had arrived and settled on the land first, and forcing them off the land was both unethical and out of the question, it was obvious that a compromise had to be made. Contacting the leaders of the Drachma people there, an impromptu conference was held to decide and discuss various options. Several days passed and, after much conversation, the two groups signed a compact of peace and fair trade, deciding that their peoples should group their resources and form one permanent settlement upon the land. Thus the city of Rossenburg was formed.

Currently, the head of the Traugott family and the Mayor of Rossenburg is a man by the name of Burk Traugott. Together with his wife, two sons and three daughters, they have lived in the Traugott House, an impressively sized manor, for six years now. This is not the first Traugott House, though. The original, built upon the same plot, burned down six years ago in a mysterious fire after having existed since a generation or two after Alden Traugott arrived on that soil.

Unlike others in their position, the family has not sealed themselves off from the general populace but instead built their home right into the city, at the base of the nearest moution of the Briggs Mountain Range.

As the stalwart head of the Traugott family, mayor of Rossenburg and head of the city council, much responsibility falls on the shoulders of Burk Traugott, but he manages to bear it all with an Atlas-like strength and determination. A man of fifty-two years, Burk was raised and trained, like every other first born male of their family, to take over the position of leader and family head from childhood. In obedience to his own father, he listened and underwent what teaching was necessary to fulfill this task, though his true heart laid in the arts. Thus, when his own first son, Jacob, began showing an interest in Alchemy at just a young age, he encouraged him to pursue it, remembering his own lost dreams, and supported his son as he signed up and joined the State Alchemists. Burk stands about six feet tall, with a rather strong build and mostly dark brown hair. The stress of his position and age are beginning to show on him, though,as patches of gray have already began to creap through his dark hair and deep lines have etched themselves into his face. He is a man serious about the responsibility he bears and who holds a deep love for his family, but he is one person you do not want to cross, lest you bring out his fiery temper. In his younger days, Burk had begun to study the science of Alchemy and had collected quite a collection of books on the subject, most of which thankfully survived the fire that destroyed their former home, but gave up his studies as he took upon himself the duties of his position.

Even strong leader needs a good woman behind him, and Natalie Traugott is just the port of rest Burk needs in the tumultuous sea of life. The two have known each other since their late teen years, when they met at the city's Summer arts festival, where she was performing with her family's musical troupe. There was an instant rapport between the two, and as time passed they only drew closer until, on the same day that they met three years later, Burk and Natalie were joined together in marriage in a grand ceremony in the city square. Together, they have fostered a loving family together and a marriage that has lasted for thirty-one years. While her husband oversees the running of the city and the family in general, Natalie works in the background to care for the children and make sure the house continues to run smoothly. She has a fair, kind hand over both the children and the servants, seeking that they continue to do their duties to the best of their abilities and flourish. She is a loving woman to all those she meets, and while she continues to persue the muscial tradition of her own family, in the past few years she has taken up needlework, selling her pieces in the town marketplace. A few years younger than her husband at forty-nine years old, she still holds the beauty and charm of her youth. Natalie stands roughly five and a half feet with a rather petite frame to her, and while she doesn't try to flaunt her wealth with gaudy jewelry and expensive dresses, she always tries to dress in a very neat way in honor of her position, mostly seen wearing some finely crafted dresses from the city's own artisans and keeping her light auburn hair drawn up in the back with a bow.

Of amongst the Traugott children, little Amelie is youngest, both amongst the girls and overall. She is an energetic, cheerful little child of three that follows along on her mommy's heels. Her near black hair is tied back into a ponytail that falls down to her to her shoulders and is usually seen in little floral dresses of her mother's choosing. Amelie loves all of her family, but holds an curious fascination with her brother Jacob, whom she has seen little of considering he has been in the military since before she was born, and recently she has even been seen looking through some of her father's alchemy books.

Before the birth of Amelie, the now fifteen year old Serenity was the baby of the Traugott family. An artist at heart, this young teenager has sought to dabble in many different skills, from painting, to sketching and lately to sculpting and pottery. She is a rather quiet soul, and though she is at the age where children usually begin to rebel against their parents' commands, she has tried to keep these impulses in check, staying mostly to herself and working on her art in her room. Lately, she has been dressing in rather casual gray clothes and a smock, all covered in dust and clay, with her light brown hair cut short, to around jaw, to try and keep it from getting caught up in her work. Her mother would rather she would dress a little cleanly when she is not working, but doesn't really the matter, only leaving subtle hints here and there. She often spends her weekends down artisans' gathering at the theater with her friends, and is constantly teased by her brother Anson and Amelie because of a young poet she is often seen hanging around with. Only she knows whether this relationship is only friendship or perhaps something more.

As the eldest of the girls of the Traugott family and the second born child, Grace recieves the privilege of being the oldest of all of the family's children at home. At twenty-one years old, she is officially considered an adult by the community and this had a hand in helping her family run the household. In all reality, Grace is the spitting image of her mother, right down to her basic maneurisms, but also inheritted her father's determination and fiery temper. During the day, she goes down and helps to run the family shop along the main avenue where they sell the various items made by themselves and those in their employ. These may range from baked goods, to fruits and vegetables, textiles, artistic pieces, and other assorted items. Then, in the evening, when she returns home, she helps watch over her siblings and helps them do their chores, while on the weekends she helps to supervise the events for the artisans' gathering and with the arts' festival in Summer. She stands about five foot eleven inches, wears her dark brown hair up similar to her mother's, and likewise dresses in rather formal wear.

Anson Traugott is the second son of the family, nineteen years old and the third Traugott child after Grace. With Jacob away serving with the State Alchemists, it was he took the step forward to become the heir to the role as head of the family. This choice, however, was not necessarily what he might have chosen had the circumstances been different. Even at a young age, after hearing stories of his father's childhood, he knew if Jacob was encouraged to persue Alchemy as his way of life, someone else would have to stand in the gap to take over the leadership of the family. Burk, however, was not necessarily going to make his younger son take on this burden if he wished to pursue another course in life, but Anson knew that in all of the history of their family, noone but the Traugott sons had fulfilled this calling and, to fulfill the wishes of those who came before and to honor his family, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps. He loves his entire family and does what he can to prepare to do the best job that he can to care for them and the city, but deep down in his heart, beyond even what he might realize, lies an envy and a strife against his elder brother for leaving him to take on this burden. Anson holds himself with pride and dignity, even in his young age, but there is already visible signs of the wear of stress upon him. He keeps his stark black hair combed neatly back and dress in a style of dress more formal that his father would even require of him. Both of his parents hold a special place in their hearts for what their son is doing and the sacrifices he's making, but all of this has seemed to go on nearly invisible to Anson's eyes.

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~R. Zion

Mas Quiz-os

2005-06-14T19:26:00.000-04:00

What Inuyasha Family Member Are You?
Hosted by theOtaku.com: Anime. Done right.

So THAT's what Inu-Yasha's father looks like....

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What Ninja Boy Character Are You?
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Wow, fabulous! So who am I now? @_@

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What Gundam SEED Character Are You?
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Lycus! I actually know who that is!

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What DragonBall Guy Are You?
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Hrm....well...Go Piccolo! Lol...I was afraid it was going to be Krillin.

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What Shoujo Mascot Are You?
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................................WHAT!?!?

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Who is Your Saiyan Battle Partner?
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GOHAN! WOO!

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What Gundam Wing Character Are You?
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Ah! Good ol' Duo...

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What Inuyasha Hero Are You?
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I'm.....another girl. Should I be concerned? Well....Kagome's not bad.

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The Anime Friendship Quiz
Hosted by theOtaku.com: Anime. Done right.

MORE PINK!? ACK! GO AWAY! SHOO!

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What Tenchi Muyo Girl Are You?
Hosted by theOtaku.com: Anime. Done right.

*sigh* I'm sorry....it was the only Tenchi quiz on the site and I like Tenchi.

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What Witch Hunter Robin Character Are You?
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Doujima! I like the character, but this girl thing is getting repetative and scary...

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What Wolf Are You?
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Finally, a male! Thank you, Kiba...

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What Yu Yu Hakusho Character Are You?
Hosted by theOtaku.com: Anime. Done right.

Hey, another male...and not only that, but I believe he could be categorized as a Bishie...

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What Yu-Gi-Oh Duelist Are You?
Hosted by theOtaku.com: Anime. Done right.

??? How they heck did I get Kaiba? I'm like....the anti-Kaiba....

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This entry has been brought to you by too much time on Otaku.com

~R. Zion

Quiz Madness

2005-06-12T15:19:00.000-04:00

You are Usui!

The Blind Swordsman. Long ago, your sight was robbed by Shishio. Blinded, you developed an overly acute sense of hearing, and thus developed your own style of fighting, called the Eye of the Heart

You say you help out the Juppon Gatana in order to have an opportunity to strike at and kill Shishio. Since you know that you can't beat him, it seems that the only person that's convinced by your lying is yourself. Still, your senses do allow you to fight on a higher level than most, and your skill is quite impressive. Your smile is really, really strange.

Which member of the Juppon Gatana are You?

Usui!? Why the heck am I Usui....blast it all... I'e gotten Sojiro on other quizzes.

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What Rurouni Kenshin Character Are You?
Hosted by theOtaku.com: Anime . Done right.

Hmmm, Kenshin. Well, at least it's better than Usui.

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You're Yuki - the mouse.

Which Fruits Basket Character Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Well, that's fabulous. Now I just have to watch Fruits Basket to see if that's good or not...lol.

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These are just a few I got off of a friend's blog (2 of which turned out the same as her's). Perhaps I'll hunt more down later and post them. Until then, enjoy this Lord's day!

~R. Zion

Confessions Of An Intentionally Vague Heart....

2005-06-10T15:57:00.000-04:00

Ok, I just feel like writing, even if it is just random stammerings. I'm going to leave some thing intentionally vague for now. Those who know will understand (and probably groan that I'm mentioning it again) and those who don't might never know, or at least not yet.

This one is smitten. There is a person I've met in the recent past that I can't get off of my mind. I don't know.....I....hmmm, *pauses* better gather my thoughts here for a second. Before I go on, I just wanna say the one thing I don't want to do is jump the gun and start assuming or thinking things that might never be or are against God's will for me. I've done this many times before (As I told my friend Scott, I have a habit of not just jumping the gun but, "leaping and going into orbit over the gun.") I don't know, maybe it's just the thought or a relationship and those things that come with it that get me, I don't know. I HAVE had, or at least been close to, relationships before, but they did not work out for various reasons. God just has something better for me out there.

Anyway, this person I've got on my mind. As I was saying, I don't know, there's just something about her that I really like. Similarities (quite a few), differences, her personality..... she's just a great person. I've been trying to decide how to proceed and have gotten some good advice from friends. I can't see this person very much, if at all, for various non-personal reasons, so I try to find other ways to keep in contact, to get to know this person better. The one thing I do NOT want to do is keep writing or calling to the point where I seem obssessive or...well, maybe I didn't phrase that the best. I don't want to seem pushy, I just want to try and establish a stronger friendship so I can get to know this person better. The one thing I believe about relationships is that their should be a strong base....a friendship there. Of course, this isn't to say that's all that's important, a shared spiritual base is the primary concern (and this person, from my observations, seems to have that base), but friendship is just one of those things that's important in any kind of relationship.

Anyway, even if it doesn't go into anything deeper, at least there's always a good friendship. And who couldn't use another friend, aye?

Hmm, well....I actually spoke to this person a couple times lately, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, I've been thinking of calling her again soon, but as I was saying, I don't want to seem pushy or...whatever. Any ideas? I'll just have to see how I felt lead...

I did say these were going to be random thoughts, didn't I? I just hope there's some semblance of coherence to the above thought.

Another thing big in my life lately has been the job search. My parents have been pushing this issue quite a bit lately, not to be mean or anything but so that I can establish myself, get some credit, be in a position to take care of myself should something happen to them, and prepare a means to be able to take care of a family....or even afford to go on a date, for that matter, when the time comes. As I said, they only want to see me do my best, though it does grate on my nerves at times...not the contents of the talks, but the sheer repetition of it. Sometimes almost everyday (not the same discussion, but mention of finding a job is some light). I don't want to say anything, because they are just trying to help, so I'll just have to bite my tongue and exercise patience. Lord, please help me in this endeavor.

I HAVE been looking for a job, maybe not checking the adds everyday, but I am checking. Actually, thinking about it, my parents' pushing is a good in that it helps get me off my butt and start looking. I do need some motivation or I'm afraid I'd probably just wait for Sundays and check the adds then, or just look over the ads and say 'Bah!' or 'I can't do that.' When one thinks clearly, it is quite beneficial that my parents push me. Perhaps I'm just too laid back or lazy. Who knows.

So far I've applied for a Community Outreach Advocate, Activities' Director for a Dementia Unit at a local Assisted Living Home, and just today for a part-time Tour Guide at the Harley-Davidson plant in town for 3-6 months. The first I was turned down on, the second haven't heard from yet, and the third I just put in for today, so I just have to wait. As I said before, I just need to be patient and see what the Lord has for me and where he'd have me to go.

Patience and waiting on the Lord's guidance seem to be the themes running through this entry, don't they.

Oh well, I think that's all for now. Felt good just to let the words flow from my mind and onto here....to get all of that off of my chest. Anyway, before I close, I'd like to give you all this verse, Jeremiah 29: 11-

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

~R. Zion

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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." (Philippians 3:7-8 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry:

Vash: Normally when you buy an old, used bike, you're supposed to repair it before riding it!

Wolfwood: Are you dissing my beautiful shiny Angelina II?!?

Vash: I'm dissing YOU, not your stupid broken bike!

- Vash the Stampede to Nicholas D. Wolfwood, Trigun

The Class of 9/11...

2005-06-09T22:50:00.000-04:00

There's been alot of talk in the news lately about the Class of 2005 being the Class of 9/11 because of having been the class that had just gotten into college when the events of September 11th occurred. Well, I would just like now to take a moment to remember back to those days when that event occured. I may have graduated in 2003, but I do believe my class members and I should be considered among the class of 9/11 since our courses were only 18 months in length.

Anyway, for whatever reason, I've decided to reach back into my dusty old memory banks and recall where I was and what occurred around me on September 11, 2001. I'm not quite sure of my reasons for doing this, but, well, it gives me something to post here, doesn't it?

One other note. As you read my recollections, keep in mind that at this time I was in a period of wandering in my Christian life, so view these events in the light of a person not thinking clearly from spiritual standpoint.

Now then, let's begin:

The day was September 11, 2001 and I believe I was in my first semester (we began in July) of Digital Arts at Thompson Institute in Harrisburg, PA. As I remember it, I was in the first or second row of computers in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator class. Some buzz began going about the class and people began looking through various photos going up on the news agencies' websites. This was sometime around or after 9. Buzz then began to go around in class and, as the period ended and people started congregating in the hall (our class was 2 periods long), that's when word really started spreading around a plane hitting the World Trade Center. I don't quite remember what exactly happened, but I remembered then that someone brought a TV into the adjoining room beside us and we all went over and watched as one of the towers came down.

Soon after I remember heading to lunch over in my dorm room and all of my roommates and a good many of our neighbors were in the room. I remember some of them talking talking about just nuking the terrorist or some such. At the time, I didn't really care, I just wanted to get a hold of my family and make sure they were alright. At the time, I didn't have a cell phone myself, so I was kinda at a loss. At that time, my maternal Grandparents were in Baltimore, my Mom was at home in Spring Grove and Dad was on the road somewhere. They were all far away from everything that was going on, but in times like those you don't care. You just HAVE to make sure they're alright.

I managed to borrow my friend's phone card (thanks, Adam, though you'll never read this) and make my calls. Thankfully and most blessedly, everyone was alright. I think after that I had a little thing of Chili and back to class in was. I remember just kinda wandering across the parking lot to class in sort of a daze, my equipment box in my hand and pack on my back. I don't remember if it was a sympathy act or just actual shock, but that's how it went.

Next came Drawing class....only, it wasn't so much a class as more a bunch of bodies (pardon the poor word usage here) gathered there. I remembered sitting back at my drawing table, arms folded over my equipment box, face down, which might have been more for show than anything. Sometime in this period the official announcement was made that classes were cancelled for the rest of the day and we were allowed to go.

The rest of the day is sort of a blur. I remember sitting in our living room with my roommates....it was dark outside and all that was on television was coverage of the attacks. We were growing stir crazy, probably, so to try and get our minds off the events of the day I was sitting with my roommate, Clint, watching episodes of Star Trek on his laptop.

The thing, in retrospect, that most bothers me, as a sign of the spiritual condition I was in, I don't think I uttered one WORD of prayer to the Lord at any time that day. I had fallen, I had wandered so far.....I believe in God and in the salvation through the Lord Jesus, but from years of learning from the Bible in Christian school, it was more just an educational matter, a concept. Something to know and repeat to get a grade. It wasn't applicable and it certainly wasn't personal for me at the time. All the more reason to be thankful I wasn't in the Pentagon, in those Towers, or on that Plane over Pennsylvania on that fateful day. I honestly couldn't tell you where my soul would have ended up on that day, but that's something now I'll never have to deal with. When my time comes, whenever and wherever that might be, I'm ready, spiritually.

It's been three years and nearly nine months, I believe, since September 11, 2001, and many things, both good and bad, have happened to me in that time. However, the images, those shadows, that are burned into my mind will probably remain for the rest of my life. It was a day of change for these United States and I hope ever a day to remember to praise and thank the Lord for how gracious he's been to me, how he's blessed me, and to continue to pray for those who's lives were scarred on those days.

Let us never forget...

~R. Zion

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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity. (Jeremiah 29:13-14 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: "The planes were hijacked, the buildings fell, and thousands of lives were lost nearly a thousand miles from here. But the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were an attack on the heart of America.

And standing here in the heartland of America, we say in one voice –

We will not give in to terrorists;

We will not rest until they are found and defeated;

We will win this struggle – not for glory, nor wealth, nor power, but for justice, for freedom, and for peace;

So help us God."
--Tom Harkin

"The Boy You Trained, Gone He Is. Consumed By Darth Vader"

2005-05-19T03:17:00.000-04:00

Well, I just got back from a midnight screening of Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge of the Sith. My throat feels kinda tight, kinda sick and definately tired, so I'll give you all the mini-review I left my friend on IM: it had its rough spots here and there, but over all one of my, if not my, favorite of the six movies.

There, I said. Now for some OJ and a good nights (mornings?) rest. See y'all on the flip side.

~R. Zion

Anime Christianity

2005-05-16T20:08:00.000-04:00

Ok, I just found this article mentioned over on the Christian Anime Alliance and I knew I had to post it. It's about the adventures in Ohio when a Christian youth conference and a Youth conference are hosted in the same convention center at the same time. Absolutely Awesome!

http://www.dare2share.org/-1999997895/-1999949771/-1999561142.htm

Just FYI, Vic Mignogna, mentioned in the article, is the voice actor for Edward Elric on Fullmetal Alchemist (a show which I have now gotten my best friend addicted to as well).

~R. Zion

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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.(Psalm 37:23-24 KJV)

My Verse for this Entry: "You can still believe...and hope, Rose. I still do." -Alphonse Elric

"It's All About the Bling Bling" -Hajime Saitoh

2005-05-15T01:38:00.000-04:00

Ok, I don't have much to say except that I just finished the Rurouni Kenshin: Legend of Kyoto boxset. The dubbing has its bad points and some voice actors they reused way too often, not to mention Shishio's plan to somehow take over Hell, but all in all that was an excellent story. I only wish they had animated the Jinchuu arc beyond what you see in Samurai X: Reflections.

Also, the extras on the last CD were hilarious. I really liked the little messages the characters gave to their fans now that the season was over, but the outtakes were absolutely HILARIOUS!!! And I just used three exclamation marks, so its gotta be true. The VAs just let go and put jokes and hilarious comments in some of the scenes instead of actual screw-ups, but if it wasn't nearly 2 AM, I would have laughed my butt off. Gonna have to watch it again tommorrow.

Until then all, sleep well and enjoy this Lord's day!

~R. Zion

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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.(Matthew 6:24 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: Hey! Shouldn't this entry's title be quote enough!!! What more do you want!? -Me

Moments of Love...

2005-05-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need.
I love you more with every breath
Truly madly deeply do..
I will be strong I will be faithful
'Cos I'm counting on a new beginning.
A reason for living.
A deeper meaning.

I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me...

And when the stars are shining brightly
In the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish
Send it to heaven
Then make you want to cry..
The tears of joy
For all the pleasure and the certainty.
That we're surrounded
By the comfort and protection of..
The highest power.
In lonely hours.
The tears devour you..
I want to stand with you on a mountain,
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me...

Oh can't you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes
'Cos it's standing right before you.
All that you need will surely come...

I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need.
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly madly deeply do...

I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me...

-Truly Madly Deeply, Savage Garden

Fullmetal Fan Creations, Part Three

2005-04-28T13:53:00.000-04:00

Hello and welcome again to the next installment of Fullmetal Fan Creations! This time, we have not another character, but a location...the main location for the ideas I have for my story, a city of the north named Rossenburg.

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Rossenburg: A secluded city located in the northwestern part of Amestris along the Briggs Mountain Range, the border between their nation and the nation of Drachma to the north. This small city was founded at least a hundred years before current times by the Traugott family, it's population made up of immigrants from Drachma and the native Amestrians who moved north to the mountains in search of a rich vein of natural resources. Reaching Rossenburg usually takes a bit of effort, at least a day or two,depending on if you travel by automobile, carriage or on foot, because of the great distance from which it lies from the nearest train station.

One of the things that stands out for a first-time visitor to the city is its great emphasis on the arts and crafting. Down its main street, vendors upon vendors open up into a great bazaar featuring permanent storefronts displays, carts, tents and other various means by which merchants, traveling or local, sell their goods. At noon on most weekdays, it is nigh impossible to move down mainstreet because of the great throngs of people who frequent the bazaar. It is also not uncommon to see many street musicians and performers around during the busy days around Rossenburg.

Another prominent feature to the city in the large outdoor theater on the outskirts of Rossenburg, where the city, the forest and the Reisender River, which connects it with the larger city of Verser, their trading partner to the south as it lies upon a rather important Northern trading route. The Rossenburg Theater is a grandly ornate piece of art in itself, commissioned by the Great-Grandfather of the current head of the Traugott family, Burk Traugott. At the end of every work week, actors, musicians and other performers gather to show off for those who come out to relax, and, during the summer months, the Traugotts hold a great festival for the arts in the area around the theater including food, games, and varied attractions, all to celebrate the city's great cultural heritage in the arts.

About half a kilometer outside the city, nestled right against the mountains is a monumental gorge dug into the earth....a quarry mined by those of Rossenburg almost since the city's creation. The Miner's Association, one of the four major organizations in the city along with the Entertainer's Guild, the Merchant's Union and the Medical Society, operates all administrative duties and operations in the Rossenburg quarry. The resources that are harvested from the mine make up a major portion of the city's economy and is used for the making of products by artisans within the city and also transported down the river by raft to Verser. There are rumors that are about the streets that great groups of people go to the quarry from time to time and disappear into the mines, but all such rumors are dismissed by the city council.

The local government is run by the city council, a body of individuals including representatives from the various guilds, administrative department heads and local law enforcement, all of this overseen by the current head of the Traugott family. Relations between Rossenburg and the State Government are generally positive and they have been allowed to remain self-independent, without any official state or military presence, but there are those in the government who have protesting this move, saying that such an independent outpost so close to the border of a nation Amestris had been at war with, and including the families of immigrants from that nation, should have both a military presence and a state-appointed ruler to make sure that it remains loyal. The Furher, thus far, has seen no reason for this and allows the city to remain in the hands of the Traugotts.

Law enforcement in the city of consists of a Sherrif who oversees the department and a squad of about twenty-five officers under him. Their efforts in keeping the city safe has been successful and the crime rate within it is low to non-existant, with mostly just pick-pocketing reported in the market and a few minor thefts and barfights started by those who have had a little too much to drink. On the road leading to the city there have been reports of bandits who have only recently begun terrorizing travelers on their way to Rossenburg, but the Sherrif and his men are looking into the issue and trying to bring as quick an end to the situation as possible.

Rossenburg is also home to a small population of civilian alchemists, including several members of the Traugott family, the most famous of which is Jacob Traugott, an officer of the state and the young man called the 'Shining Light Alchemist.'

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~R. Zion

"No! Don't Fall On Daddy! Elysia!"

2005-04-25T15:33:00.000-04:00

Maes Hughes

Which Fullmetal Alchemist Character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Underused But Not Forgotten- Almost Sounds Insperational, No?

2005-04-23T18:05:00.000-04:00

*Coughs as he walks back in and wipes away the cobwebs*

Man oh man it's been while. Sorry about that guys, but here's my excuse: Some time back I started playing Star Wars: Galaxies again and kind got drawn into it. Needless to say, I focused on the game and neglected the blog.

Anyway, life's been alot of travelling since back then. Finally got my G.ma's house off our hands, going to visit her in the hospital and then a rehabilitation center after a TIA (mini-stroke), but she should be going home on Monday. SHOULD BE, Lord willing. Well, all this also means that I can start looking for a job soon, so expect to hear about my adventures in Job Hunting. (Thrilling, no?)

In case anyone's curious, in SWG, I play on the Starsider server as Dreelo, so if you play look me up. I'm also just about ready to post another Fullmetal Fan Creation, so expect to see that later tonight (by a snaffu, Part 2 actually got posted on here before this post, but I ended up only saving it as a draft instead of posting). Until then, amigos and amigas. ADIOS!

~R. Zion, MMO Addict

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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.(John 14:27 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry:"What do you think is the matter? Once again I'll have to listen to Colonel Sarcasm tell me how I screwed up. 'Struck out on the Philosopher's Stone, again, huh? How am I supposed to keep funding this goose chase? Money doesn't grow on trees there,Chief. Ed? Where'd you run off to? Oh wait, there you are! I couldn't see you behind my paperwork, seeing as you're so short and all! Hahahahahaha!'" -Edward Elric to Alphonse, immitating Colonel Roy Mustang

Fullmetal Fan Creations, Part Two

2005-04-02T16:42:00.000-05:00

Hey, whataya know, I finally got this all typed up. I had written most of this up in my notebook during a rather slow AWANA on Wednesday, but have only gotten to (READ: forced myself to) get this up and posted.

In this installment of Fullmetal Fan Creations, we take a look at another rather important character forced into accompanying and protecting Jacob on his adventure. Without further ado, then, I introduce to you.....

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Zerah Solingen- The Blade Alchemist: A military veteran from shortly before the Ishbal Massacre, Colonel Solingen is feared on the battlefield as the 'Blade Alchemist', known for her ability to transform her katana and metal sheathe into any kind of bladed weapon.

Zerah in currently nearly thirty years-old and hails from a small city several miles east of Central. Because of a fear she held that she would be treated as a lesser, weaker being since she was a woman, she often dresses herself in larger clothes and keeps her hair short so that he sex is not easily distinguishable.

The Colonel has a generally thing, muscular build and in about 6'2" tall. Her personality is almost always serious, and if you're around when she ever does crack a smile, you had better run.

Her transmutation circle is enscribed directly into the hilt of her sword. She holds a deep admiration for Fuhrer King Bradley, leader of Amestris, because of the legend of his own undefeatable sword prowess on the battlefield and keeps on training so that she might one day perhaps even eclipse his legend.

Her hair is black with a distinct sheen to it, neatly combed back, a lightly tanned complexion, has somewhat angular facial features, and always keeps her equipment and uniform in the best of conditions. Despite her efforts to hide her true appearance and looking rather plain from a distance, up close you can still make out a feminine beauty to her, something which she is none to pleased about.

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~R. Zion

Every Single Jedi Is Now An Enemy Of The Republic

2005-03-10T21:30:00.000-05:00

I have plenty to write about, but I don't feel like writing to much. May I just say that Revenge of the Sith has THE BEST TRAILER EVER IN THE HISTORY OF CINEMA! This movie should be the best of the bunch!

My synapse is now blown. Here's a poster. Enjoy. ^_^

~R. Zion
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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.(Philippians 3:7-8 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: "Do what must be done. Do not Hesitate. Show no mercy." -Palpatine, Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge of the Sith

Fullmetal Fan Creations, Part One

2005-03-09T00:14:00.000-05:00

Hey there, ladies and gents. In tonight's entry I thought I'd bring you something special. As a part of my creative spirit, both in writing and in art, I often find myself writing or creating original characters and stories for the various fandoms I become involved in. So far this has included Star Wars, Big O, and Lord of the Rings, to name a few, but, since I have a Fullmetal Alchemist theme going on around these parts and it is my latest fandom, I thought I'd bring you some of the characters I've been coming up with. Whether these end up in any fiction or not is anyone's guess, but I just thought I'd scribe them out for all to see.

Anyway, without further ado, here is Part One of my series, Fullmetal Fan Creations.

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Jacob Traugott- The Shining Light Alchemist: A young man of twenty-four years, Jacob has been a member of the military and, more specifically, a State-Certified Alchemist for five years now and has attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He was born and raised in the city of Rossenburg, which lies on the western edge of the Briggs Mountain Range, which seperates Amestris from the northern country of Drachma. Jacob's father, Burk, was a wealthy landowner and oversaw the town government as their Mayor. With such a family, young Traugott was provided a considerable upbringing and was allowed access to some very rare texts on Alchemy, of which his father allowed him to study at quite a young age.

In his studies, Jacob focused on and developed a rare form of Alchemy that manipulated light into various forms, from a focused beam of light able to cut through metal (provided he used a special focusing lense) to creating life-like replicas of everyday items, including human beings. This earned him the tile of the Shining Light Alchemist upon his acceptance into the military.

Jacob Traugott is fairly tall young man of around 5' 11" with a moderate build, light skin tone and bleached white hair, a side effect from his work with light manipulation, in a rather unkempt manner. He has from time to time been seen wearing what looks to monicle, which in all actuality contains the transmutation circle for his Light Alchemy.

He has developed a policy to use his Alchemy for mostly constructive or defensive uses, but will use it in attack if the situation warrants it and he is forced into a corner. Also, while he has focused his studies on developing his Light Alchemy, Jacob is also well versed on other forms of basic transmutation.

To prevent him from having to draw transmutation circles every time he wants to perform basic Alchemy, Jacob has scribed a multi-purpose circle onto the belt buckle of his uniform while his special light transmutation circle is etched directly onto the lense of his monicle.

-----------------------------------------------

That's about it for this issue's installment. I've been trying to work on a picture of Jacob, but that hasn't gone so well thus far. When I get it done, you'll be the first to see it, along with some information on his personality, habits and behaviors, not to mention other characters I've devised.

Until next time, stay cool (or warm) and God bless.

~R. Zion

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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.(James 1:19-20 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: "You're thinking in Japanese! If you must think, do it in German!" - Asuka Langley Soryu (Evangelion)

This Is A Form Of Blogging Passed Down The Armstrong Line For Generations!!!!

2005-03-06T21:46:00.000-05:00

Awww man, such a waste to use a good Armstrong parody line for an entry in which I don't have much to say.

Been kinda blah both emotionally and physically today, but the Lord and I had a nice chat this evening and it is beginning to go away. Thanks, Father. ^_^

Ya know something interesting and actually quite cool that happened the other day. I forget the actual circumstance but when I was praying the other day, instead of just saying Father or God or Lord or something, I actually said 'Dad'. I try not to use that just any ol' time because I don't want to do it to sound like some kind of super saint or something, but when it does happen, like this (and I'm gonna go with that it was a subconcious saying and not just a slip of the tongue or something), it's just really cool.

Just thought I'd share that with you all today. Take care and God bless!

Armstrong: Remember the name... It's ALEX LOUIS ARMSTRONG! THE STRONG ARM ALCHEMIST!

Ed: Grrr... give it a rest already, Major Spaz!!!

Al: Brother...

~R. Zion
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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.(John 4:35-36 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: "And what's the real lesson? Don't leave things in the fridge." - Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop)

Pardon Me, Sir, But Could I See Your Gall Bladder?

2005-03-04T23:06:00.000-05:00

Hmmm, well then. This has been a most interesting day. Went to the Dr's again about 1:00 to get my stomach re-checked. Because of my current lack of insurance, this is what we've decided to do: until next week or so I'm gonna continue my Nexium and a new med I got today and see how well it does. If my symptoms continue, we're gonna get some blood tests and after that, if it's warrented, I'm going to get an Ultrasound to check out my Gall Bladder. I don't think it is, but I'm not a Doctor. Mom and Dad have thought it could be an Ulcer if it's not Gastritis, but hey... we'll take things as they come, whatever it is, and trust the Lord to see me through.

I just hope I don't have to give up spicy food, of which I am a great fan.

Anyway, this evening I watched Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (tonight it was a murder influenced by a Grand Theft Auto-style game) as well as the new Law and Order Trial By Jury (that featured a cop killer who was working as a snitch for the government and whom the defense was trying to play up as a Martyr). The perp tried to pull a holy roller card when he had nothing else, including a line such as " I saw a bright light that I thought was the Awesome glory of the Lord" or some such, all in an attempt to get sympathy out of the jurors. Thankfully the prosecutors blew holes into his timeline and he was found guilty. Its stuff like that that makes ya sick.

Sadly, tonight's L&A:TBJ also marked the last appearance ever of actor Jerry Orbach, who portrayed Detective Lenny Briscoe, before his death, so, as a tribute, I thought I'd close with the following:

Jerry Orbach (10/20/1935- 12/29/2004)

~R. Zion
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Bible.com's Verse for the Day:Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.(Isaiah 55:6-7
KJV)

My Quotes for the Entry:

Talent agent: "The man has--had--a lot of energy. I, on the other hand, have a wife."

Briscoe: "My condolences."

---------------------------------

Logan: "Have you been studying explosives in your spare time?"

Briscoe: "I worked on a similar case about the time you were born; a guy tried to kill his wife and blew up his cat."

---------------------------------

Briscoe: "[The Catholic Church as an] unindited co-conspirator? My aunt who says the rosary every morning is gonna have a conniption."

---------------------------------

Crime scene technician: "Last time we sifted a dumpster, the Investigating Officer got in here himself."

Briscoe: "That's facinating. I think you missed a spot over there."

---------------------------------

Van Buren: "What about Dr. Hampton? Any man in her life?"

Briscoe: "Yes, but his name is Fluffy and he's been neutered. Other than that, her social calendar is pretty light."

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Logan: "Now I know why I stayed single."

Briscoe: "I thought it was the quality time you spent with yourself."

----------------------------------

Briscoe: "Hey, they pay me good money to look like an idiot."

----------------------------------

Briscoe: "Some alibi--'I'm an extortionist, not an arsonist.'"

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Briscoe(in response to finding out about the Nobel Prize winner's snootiness): "So he never stopped in to borrow a cup of protons?"

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Mrs. Durban: "Richard was 47. His wild oats were sown long ago."

Briscoe: "With all due respect, Mrs. Durban, some of us old guys still have some life left in us."

When 900 Years Old You Reach, Look As Good You Will Not

2005-03-03T19:58:00.000-05:00

Well then, last night I fell asleep on the couch about 7:30 while I was finishing my devotions, woke up a few times but never really finished and totally woke up until about 12:30. I did a little surfing before watching the Big O, Wolf's Rain and X-Play before heading to bed. Didn't really feel like posting anything.

Tonight, my stomach has been bothering again and, while at the moment it feels half way good, I don't feel like typing to much, so y'all will probably just have to deal with another random picture from my archive.

I've been contemplating things I can do for my blog, including another post along the lines of my "Rurouni Christian" post, reviews of Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi (one of the oddest, unique, occasionally entertaining, extremely vulgar , and constantly repeated shows on G4. For most Christians [and living beings for that matter] I would recommend skipping this, but I can go into more detail later) and the Big O II, as well as discussion on my Star Wars fanfic series, Tales from the Fringe. But all of that will have to wait for the time being.

For now, though, let me see what I can dig up.... *hmmmm*, no, no, no, no...ah, yes, here we go....

Take Care and God Bless, All!

~R. Zion
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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.(Psalm 25:14 KJV)

My Quote for the Entry: "I don't care about no artificial humans!" - Chi-chi (Dragon Ball Z)

You Know You're Living In 2005 When....

2005-03-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

(Posted from the Christian Anime Alliance)

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.

6. You go home after a long day at work you still answer the phone in a business manner.

7. You make phone calls from home, you accidentally dial "9" to get an outside line.

8. You've sat at the same desk for four years and worked for three different companies.

10. You learn about your redundancy on the 11 o'clock news.

11. Your boss doesn't have the ability to do your job.

12. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home.

13. Every commercial on television has a website at the bottom of the screen.

14. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

15. You get up in the morning and go on-line before getting your coffee.

16. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :)

17. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

18. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

19. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

20. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

Second Lieutenant Jean Havoc's Guide to Vegetable Transmutation

2005-03-01T22:07:00.000-05:00

~R. Zion

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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-GOD. (Proverbs 31:20 The Message)

My Quote for the Entry: "He knows about me? What's going on? I don't think I did anything to make people mad... Actually, I did... But I didn't do anything that makes me deserve to be killed!"
-Edward Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist (from the fansub, I'm assuming)

The Rurouni Christian

2005-02-28T20:01:00.000-05:00

During the Bakumatsu, the revolution that lead up to the Meiji era of reformation in Japan in the late 1800's in Japan, there was an assasin who fought against the Shogunate government in hopes of restoring the Emperor to power. This swordsman was named Kenshin Himura, but he is more commonly called the Hitokiri Battosai, the sword-bearing master assassin.

However, as the Bakumatsu began to draw to a close, something happened that forever changed Kenshin's life and left him with a cross-shaped scar on his cheek and a scar on his soul as well. Because of what happened, Kenshin layed down his sword and the name Battosai. Now a Rurouni...a wanderer... he took up a Sakabato, a reverse-bladed sword, vowing never to kill again and to do what he must to make ammends for all the lives he had taken as a Hitokiri.

Though he tried to surpress it, the Battosai remained in him. Over time, as he began to battle more and more opponents to protect those whom he had taken as his friends and family, the old assassin began to rear its face. More and more, as he drew his sword, the Battosai returned to the surface until at times it came to the point that those he loved wondered if they would ever see the Rurouni they had grown to love again.

This is one of the threads running throughout the anime and manga series, Rurouni Kenshin, and it holds many parellels to the Christian life we need to remember.

There was a time when all of us walked in the shadows, living in our sinful desire, oblivious to the truth, but, by God's great providence and work in our lives, he used one circumstance or another to open our eyes to the truth of our sinful nature and our need for a savior and offers us his gift of salavtion. Then, as we accept him, our souls are marked with the shape of a cross as his children and we are given the Holy Spirit. With his help and the cleasing blood of Christ, we can lay down our sinful past, put it behind us (one thing Kenshin could never do), and turn to become wanderers (though not aimless) on the narrow path set before us. We become Rurouni Christians, so to speak, seeking to live a life where by God's grace we try to avoid sin and do what we can with the gifts we have been given to serve our Lord. We don't serve because we need to recieve salvation, we work because we HAVE recieved salvation. This, too, was something Kenshin never knew, but thankfully we do.

Likewise, though, as we live our Christian lives, there are times when our old man, that sinful nature that is in our flesh, tries to poke up his head. As Paul said is Romans 7:14-20 (NIV): "We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 1And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."

Things only become worse if we then indulge this sinful nature, don't try to flee it, and ignore the promptings of the spirit, we will just wonder more and more into a sinful lifestyle. We may not have lost our salvation, but what's to prove that to those around us.

Is this the end, though? THANKS HEAVENS NO! No matter how much we screw up, no matter what we do, God is always there to forgive us and help yank us back out of those tar pits we wander into. Thanks be to God and our Lord Jesus Christ that he and he only can, will and has freed us from this body of death!

So, keep running that race my friends, run for the prize (1 Cor. 9:24). Live your live as a Rurouni Christian, wandering away from sin, taking up God's word, a sword sharper than any reverse-bladed or double-edged sword (Heb. 4:12) and into the open arms of our loving savior waiting to recieve us when our path draws to its end.

I've Been Cursed!

2005-02-28T19:39:00.000-05:00

Well, not exactly, but I did get Fullmetal Alchemist DVD vol. 1: The Curse today! So far I've watched 3 of the 4 episodes so far, and besides Ed's little outburst about a scientist not needing a God and that Alchemists are the closest thing there are to gods, I still enjoy the series. Alphonse seems much more open, but I have been assured Ed changes as well, so it will be interesting to see his personal development throughout the 51 episodes.

For those who are curious, here FMA's review over at Christian Anime Alliance. Enjoy!

http://www.christiananime.net/reviews.php?display=127

I'll be back to post more later tonight... a little devotional-type entry using the character of Kenshin Himura from Rurouni Kenshin. I was inspired by my friend, Skotos, entries over on his blog: http://onetru7h.blogspot.com

Until late people! God bless!

~R. Zion

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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.(Psalm 40:4 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: "Those scriptures... maybe there is something else out there. Something we can't explain."
-Alphonse Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist

It's not easy... being green...

2005-02-27T23:25:00.000-05:00

Don't expect anything major tonight. In fact, this is all there's gonna be. I've been waving from moments of extreme to feint sickness.

Keep my mum and I in your prayers for being sick and my dad that he wouldn't get sick. As a truck driver and one for whom there's a 90% chance he wouldn't take off, he would be completely miserable.

Well, that's all he wrote. Adios, dear world!

~R. Zion
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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.(Romans 6:13 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry: There is but one truth. If you avert your eyes from it, you will always remain nothing more than a puppet.
-Schwartzwald, The Big O

Yeah, I said I might post again, but I never said I'd write anything! ^_^x

2005-02-27T02:07:00.000-05:00

~R. Zion
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Quote for this Entry: "Oooorooooooooo....."
-Kenshin Himura

And they called him Zion....

2005-02-26T20:56:00.000-05:00

As I said yesterday, here's the resposting of some of my introductions from the other blog. If you all are good, maybe I'll write some more later.

Maybe. ^_^

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"Gutentag! If you are reading this...good for you! It's somewhat later in the night so I'm kinda at a loss as to what to right. Well, I'll start with some background info...

My name is Bill and I'm a twenty year old from South Central PA. I'm a Thompson Institute graduate in the field of Digital/ Graphic arts and am currently unemployed. First and foremost, I am a Christian and proud of it! Be assured that you'll hear of my walk with Christ in my entries. I am an only child yet I have 2 bros and 2 sises (Most would call them half-, but I don't), all are older than I and moved out. We also have 7 dogs, Izzy, Boom/ Crystal, Bea, Hilde, Bindi Sue, Lex and Gordi(mine), and 2 Senegal Parrots named Rudy and Reggie (we don't know who's male or female, so it's either Rudolph and Regina or Rudy and Reginold) .I enjoy drawing (though I haven't done anything in a while), writing (I'm working fan fiction in the Star Wars universe. Expect to hear more), traveling (though I do little), reading, gaming, and spending time with my friends. I'm sure there are more, but I don't feel like writing anything else at the moment.

I am currently single, though looking...yet kinda not. I don't just want any girl, but the one the Lord has chosen for me, whoever she might be. Just need patience....just need patience...just need patience....erm, anyway!

I guess that's all for now. You all are now about to join me on this wacky little road called life, as long as I remember to update. Hope you visit again soon!"

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"Well, that's about it. Oh, yes, I did decide last night I'd explain my screen name on here. My usual name on webpages and messengers I either use the name Zion or JourneymanOf Zion (and variants) and I tried to use Zion on here, but it was taken. I wanted to try something new, and since I'm a fan of the Big O (I'm sure you would have never guessed ^_^) and my favorite character from it is R. Instro, I devised the name R. Zion. Thus is the story of how I got my name. Hopefully you all are still awake."

~R. Zion
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My Verse for the Day: And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. (Philipians 1:9-10)

My Quote for this Entry: "Definition: 'Love' is making a shot to the knees of a target one hundred twenty kilometers away using an Aratech sniper rifle with a tri-light scope."
-HK-47, Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords

The Prologue.... or it's 1:36 AM and I don't feel like coming up with a creative title just yet

2005-02-26T04:36:00.000-05:00

Hey, hello, how ya doin....

Well, welcome to my re-creation of sorts, my second attempt at blogging.

....

Ok, so my brain is not quite functioning up to par just yet to write too much, but at least I've been polite. Enjoy your stay, stop back often and hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised of what comes about when this one is fully functional.

Anyway...if you do need something to do, check out the remains of my first blog at the link below. Most likely my next post will be an introduction very similar to the one on that site, only updated, so stay tuned and try not to get too excited. ^_^

Until next time, loyal viewers!

http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=R_Zion

~R. Zion
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Bible.com's Verse for the Day: Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.(Isaiah 40:28-29 KJV)

My Quote for this Entry:

JourneymanOfZion (Me): I'm a little teapot short and stout....here is my handle, here is my spout

Lady X (My friend, who's name shall be kept hidden): *marks "delusional" on note pad*

JourneymanOfZion: yooooooooooooou bet!