Stop the Bill, call Rick Larsen and other Representatives to stop Internet Censorship

The percolating Hot Stove

Well, it's Christmas time and all I have left on my shopping list is my Dad's present. During these months, my beloved sport of baseball doesn't stop, instead, the always-exciting, sometimes nerve-wracking Hot Stove season of Transactions starts. My team, the Mariners, have already traded reliever Josh Lueke to the Tampa Bay Rays for catcher John Jaso and signed other players to minor league contracts. The big rumors with the Mariners, however, is that they are seeking and hopefully to sign free agent first baseman and power hitter Prince Fielder. Naturally, this would be awesome. However, recently, people seem to suggest that if Fielder signs, that means Ichiro will leave the team post 2012. I am a huge Ichiro fan, having seen him many times since 2002. While I know good things can't last forever, I feel like Ichiro is going to bounce back from his average 2011 season and can keep playing baseball for quite some time. As the Mariners bring forth their prospects like Mike Carp and Dustin Ackley as well as young talent traded for like Justin Smoak, Casper Wells and Trayvon Robinson, I would love it if Ichiro would be part of that team. Seeing Ichiro on the same team as all the exciting young Mariners would be a dream come true, which makes me scared when people talk about his contract being "off the books."  So, here's hoping for the signing of Prince Fielder and the continued reign of Ichiro Suzuki as the Mariners star player.

Stop the Bill so I can watch Let's Plays and read fan fictions!

Checking in

Hi all.  Sorry I'm not updating this as frequently as I'd like, but quite a lot keeps happening.  Right now, I'm volunteering at Northwest Youth Services, and keeping my job at Little Caesar's.  The same old issues keep playing at me, worsened by reading conservative opinions on video games and rock/metal music.  Now I keep thinking that I do the "wrong thing" by conservative standards, there is no good afterlife for me.  I keep doing the norm, though I've been playing less video games due to my schedule.  I'm also paranoid that the Mariners and the Cyrus family will let me down in these coming months, like Miley will forget about Jesus in favor of some Eastern god, or the Mariners will trade Ichiro and/or sign nobodies to help them next year.  On the plus side, I had my first video chat with my brother last night, and look forward to more of those.  I'm looking forward to Christmas and wish I could spend more time with my future sister-in-law this Holiday season.  Until next time, which might be in December, God bless.

A Hard Time

Well, in case you haven't heard, I went off my break from the Cyrus Family and they are now level with the Seattle Mariners in terms of captivating my interest.  However, I have wondered often about leaving them completely and stopping my belief that homosexuality is okay.  The reason for this is that their brand of Christianity, a liberal one with a heavy focus on love, is something that is viewed as no better than irresponsible sex and reckless, non-believing, non-saved behavior by many Christians.  It seems the more vocal and in-depth you are with Faith, the more Conservative you are and the more you want to admonish the world.  It's something I wanted to change, but I don't feel much of a pull to do that anymore, after all, I have no connections to Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Brandi Cyrus and/or Demi Lovato.  I'm honestly feeling a desire to become more Conservative, more rigid, more admonishing, yet those closest to me say such a thing is foolish, they've seen a woman cut off her son solely because he chose to be gay.  I'm not sure how to turn.
Another minor issue is sometimes I feel like I have too much music.  I sometimes listen to my iPod on shuffle and miss the days when there were less than 200 songs, mostly Cyrus family with some other Disney artists like Jordan Pruitt thrown in for good measure.  Now, my bigger iPod contains over 5,100 songs, many from video games, some from artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith.  My smaller one contains 720, mostly from Billy Ray Cyrus and The Beatles.  Point is, I miss a simpler time, when I could go through the entire iPod's library in only a few minutes.
To make this not entirely a sad post, I'll post two action scenes I have written, one is Mario vs. Bowser at the start of Super Mario RPG, the other is a fan writing of Tsuruhime/Ninja White from the Japanese TV show Ninja Sentai Kakuranger and Tori Hanson from Power Rangers Ninja Storm, with Kaoru Shiba from another Japanese TV show.

“Bowser’s throne room should be through here.” Said Mario.  He opened the door, but Bowser was apparently not in the room.  “Where is he?” Mario wondered.

“Looking for me?” asked Bowser.  “You’re not looking high enough!”  Mario looked up, seeing Bowser now stood on the chandelier, Peach tied up dangling on a rope next to him.  Mario jumped up, then jumped off a wall to reach a chandelier near Bowser’s.

“Don’t let Bowser bruise you, Mario!” said Peach worriedly.

“Mario, prepare yourself for the GREAT BEYOND!” laughed Bowser.  Mario growled and jumped off the chandelier, his feet aiming for Bowser.  Bowser jumped and swung his claws.  Mario avoided the claws, but failed to hit Bowser and was now dangling from the chandelier.  Mario jumped up and charged, his fist pointing at Bowser.  Bowser avoided the punch and thrust his spiny back at Mario.  Mario flipped over Bowser and the two stared at each other.  They charged, ready to strike.  Mario jumped at the last moment to jump on Bowser’s head and landed safely behind him.  Bowser arose and growled.  He charged and swung at Mario, who jumped over him.

“Mario, the chain!” shouted Peach.  “Hit the chain, Mario!”  Mario nodded and jumped over Bowser as he charged again.  Mario pounded the spot where the chain touched the chandelier with his feet, then punched that spot and jumped back to his chandelier.  The chain, which was a kind of Chain Chomp called Kinklink, began to let go.

“NO!” cried Bowser.  “It’s a chain reaction!  Hang on, Kinklink!”  Kinklink let go and the chandelier plummeted.  Mario sighed, then a hammer flew over his head and hit his chandelier’s Kinklink.  “Coming, Mario?” laughed Bowser.  He lobbed another hammer, hitting Kinklink once more and causing Mario’s chandelier to plummet.  Mario stared at Bowser.  “What, you thought I was just going to give her to you?” said Bowser.  “You’re always in my way!  Take this!”  Bowser jumped, his claws outstretched.  Mario jumped as well, bouncing off Bowser.  “Fungah!  Foiled again!” yelled Bowser as he continued to fall.  Mario landed on Kinklink and smiled at Peach.

“Mario, I’m so glad you’re okay.” Said Peach. 

In a desolate canyon, far from any nearby towns, a Japanese woman sat on a high chair made of bamboo.  Before her stood an older Japanese woman and a blonde Caucasian woman.  The woman on the throne was dressed in a regal kimono.  The other Japanese woman was dressed in a white ninja outfit, while the Caucasian had a black leather outfit with light blue trim and a red and black symbol on her upper right chest.  All three women had swords, the one in the kimono carried it by her side, the others carried their blades on their backs.  “Kunoichi,” said the woman in the kimono.  “You are both valued warriors in your forces, as well as strong individually.  Today, however, you are to spar with one another.  Tsuruhime, Tori Hanson, you may transform now.”

                “Super Hengen, Doron Changer!” yelled Tsuruhime, soon clad as Ninja White.

                “Ninja Storm, Ranger Form!” yelled Tori, becoming clad as the Blue Wind Ninja Storm Ranger.  They stared at each other.

                “You may begin.  Go!” said the woman.  Tsuruhime brought the sword in a cross-way slice towards Tori’s midsection.  Tori blocked and thrust, Tsuruhime flipping with a flip kick, sending Tori backwards to the ground.  Tori quickly got up and swung at Tsuruhime’s head.  Tsuruhime dodged the swing, but was hit by a round kick from Tori.  Tori leapt and swung down at Tsuruhime.  Tsuruhime swung up with the blade, blocking the sword.   She kicked Tori’s torso with both feet, Tori responding with a slash across Tsuruhime’s torso.  Tsuruhime swung with her blade, Tori blocking with her own.  They moved in a circle, locked, before backing away.  They ran at each other, leaping with their blades, both striking on each other.  They both landed somewhat painfully, but Tsuruhime and Tori turned to each other.  They charged again, Tsuruhime leaping.  Tori dodged and slashed across Tsuruhime’s back.  Tsuruhime swung at Tori, who blocked both times.  Tsuruhime then leapt up, slashing at Tori.  Tori backflipped away, then slashed forth with her own blade, blocking.  Tsuruhime fell back, rolling across the ground to cushion the blow.  Tori ran at Tsuruhime, who stood up quickly.  Tsuruhime quickly performed her special double cut, shaking Tori.  Tori looked at Tsuruhime, panting.  Tsuruhime also fell to one knee, panting.  They shook hands, helping each other up.  “Well done, Ninjas.” Said the Woman.  “Our groups that fight evil are honored to have you two.  I knew you were tough for fighting the forces of Daimaou and Lothor, now I see that made you equally matched.  Let us go and prepare the others.”  Tori and Tsuruhime detransformed and bowed, letting the woman lead them to a giant Japanese Castle decorated with a stylized lightning bolt.

Ten years ago

I'll never forget what happened ten years ago today, the day the terrorists stole America's security and fear zoomed in.  I was asleep, thinking about the day that lay ahead, going to school then going to practice Muay Thai martial arts.  Dad called so I could let him in, the divorce had happened, but he still took me to school.  Instantly, he walked over to the television set, that's when I knew something was wrong.  I saw the World Trade Center, the tallest buildings in New York City, with smoke pouring out of gaping holes.  I wondered if this was it for the structure, Dad assured me the buildings were too strong for airplane impacts to destroy them.  However, the burning fuel dramatically weakened the steel, and before I went to school, two of our nation's landmarks were gone.  Dad told me someone from the Middle East was most likely responsible.  I agreed, knowing of how Saddam Hussein hated America.  At school, the others blamed Japan for their history of Pearl Harbor and Kamikaze attacks, oblivious of the metamorphosis the nation had undergone in the last 60 years (now 70 years).  I told them to be quiet, stop slandering Godzilla's homeland, my statements fell on deaf ears.  Only the teacher could convince them otherwise from their "destroy Japan" sentiment.  I was nervous to do anything that day, but I was forced to do so by my parents.  In the years that came, the incident would prove to be the thing that robbed me, robbed my of my innocence and put me at odds with so many people.  As George W. Bush turned the fight to Iraq, a movement not unlike the Hippie movement arose, demanding peace at any cost.  I got swept up in this, stating that Bush was the reincarnation of Adolf Hitler through black magic and that he planned the horrible day, that the pilots of death were members of the Secret Service.  Hate fueled me, I despised the military, the Republican Party, this country and the one I called the antichrist, George W. Bush.  However, around 2007, that hate got burned out, tired and worn out from despising so much.  I had a new enemy then, the mass media, and how they portrayed Christians.  With that, I found the most vocal Christians in Hollywood, the Cyrus family, and began adoring them, especially since an episode of Hannah Montana dealt with surgery, which I had just received three months before the episode aired.  With that, there came a new call.  "Some Gave All."  Billy Ray Cyrus is very much a patriotic American Christian and has written and sung that many times, we need to fight for freedom.  My hate and paranoia slipped away, replaced with obsession, needing them to know such a perspective, which had been living deep within me the whole time, was okay, not an easy task when you live in a liberal town like Bellingham.  For that, I've given myself a one-day reprieve from the ban to listen to Billy Ray Cyrus' most patriotic songs.  I have also learned that his daughter is considering following Eastern Philosophy, however, I still feel like I need her and that the world needs her to be a Christian who supports gays.  Today I said a prayer in Church in the hopes that her paths would be made clear and that she wouldn't forget the beautiful sacrifice of Jesus.  I hate Hollywood less, though I do feel they treat people like garbage, and hope that my prayers are answered, and if she does convert, that God will be able to rescue her from any condemnation.
When Bin Laden was killed, it was amazingly refreshing, I no longer had to be angry over the events, it was over to an extent in my mind.  I've heard many differing opinions about the attack, one that really saddens me is the opinion that God let the attack happen so we would trust in him, rather than money and military.  I find it hard to believe that the God who led the children of Israel to the Promised Land, who willingly died for us, would support a man who hates Christianity, Israel and America and believes suicidal murder is not only justifiable, but supported by the divine.  Let's pray for all affected by war and remember, freedom isn't free.

Battling Depression still

Hey all,
As I mentioned on Facebook and Twitter, I've been told the Cyrus family and Rock Mafia family has become like heroin for me.  I have been instructed to take a break, which is difficult, I hate not listening to "Achy Breaky Heart," "Can't Be Tamed," "The Climb," and "Party" whenever I want.  What's worse, as I think during this break about it, I can only think how addicts can never develop a healthy relationship with their drugs, they must quit them outright and NEVER use them or go near them again.  If this has been my relationship with Miley, Demi, Billy Ray, Brandi and the others, it means I can never listen to their music again, which hurts.  Sure, The Beatles and Lynyrd Skynyrd service great music, but it pains me to not listen to all the music I like, as well as have to think of a future where I can't film a documentary about what Faith, Religion and Jesus mean to Miley Cyrus, Brandi Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez and AnnaSophia Robb.  I can only see me becoming a clerk in some local shop, and I don't want to sit on the sidelines as awesome films like the Transformers trilogy and the Avengers universe saga get made.  I also don't want to make films without the possibility of meeting people who've inspired me.  So, I keep thinking while I work and volunteer, wondering of a way out.

Battling Depression

First off I feel I should mention my Mario Sports Mix teams: Mario, Bowser, Daisy.  Daisy, Peach, White Mage.

Now that that's been said, I want to mention that my life has become pretty busy.  Between the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and looking for work, dealing with my current job at Little Caesar's, my volunteer hours at the Bellingham Railway Museum and the assorted related stuff, I get worn out very easily.  Beyond that, my anxiety kicked back up again, I spent the Trading Deadline dreading that Mariners fans would see the last of Ichiro.  With that fear passed, the anxiety and depression has zoomed towards my dreams.  My dreams, my goals have been detailed many times here, but in case you're new, I'll write it again.

201X-I move to Los Angeles, befriend Miley Cyrus, Brandi Cyrus, Codi Caraco, Demi Lovato, AnnaSophia Robb and Selena Gomez and make a documentary about them and their Spiritual lives.  For one night, Miley, Demi, Brandi, Codi and Selena make a band and perform at least the following songs, with Miley, Demi and Brandi on guitars and vocals, Codi on keyboards and vocals, Selena on drums: 

1.)    I Love Rock and Roll

2.)    Praise You in this Storm

3.)    U Got Nothing On Me

4.)    While My Guitar Gently Weeps

5.)    I Want You (She’s So Heavy)

6.)    Jesus Freak

7.)    Party

8.)    Can’t Be Tamed

9.)    Back and Forth 

10.) When I Look At You 

11.) The Climb 

Many songs from Miley, Demi, Selena, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Nirvana have also been considered by me, but it's ultimately up to them.  However, I am not immune to the news, and worry the magic Disney Channel starlet trio would break-up, or that Miley would wreck her voice.  Sadly, one of the worries has come true.  In the process of maturing, Miley has gone from beloved, to despised due to wearing skimpy outfits or experimenting in drugs (I am not endorsing drug use, anything that will kill you, quickly or slowly, isn't something I'd choose to take). Anyway, it doesn't effect the documentary, since I plan to release it directly on Youtube and not worry about corporate bigwigs trying to push an agenda (most left-wings would try to reduce the number of Christians and increase the number of Buddhists and atheists, which isn't my message (moderate/Liberal Christianity), FOX would demand Sarah Palin's presence and say gay people are evil, also not my message).  However, that does put the second part of my goals at risk.

202X-With our friendship, we visit Nintendo and obtain the rights to do a Mario Trilogy, based on the following video games:

-Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

-Super Paper Mario

-Super Smash Bros. Brawl (with the casts of Brawl, Melee and SSB4 (and Jill Valentine!)

However, as more people are saying "she's just a slutty druggie whore" and I dig in my heels, knowing Miley would voice a good Peach, Tippi and Mimi (and maybe other roles), I fear that my bold ideas are doomed to the same as most video game movies, Box Office Failure.  If the first film fails at the box office, there is no chance for a sequel, unless there's only one and it's direct to video.  My story works best as a trilogy, but I'm still scared.  Any connections to Miley, Brandy, Demi and Selena would be appreciated, as would any encouraging words.

Team Battles

Hi guys.  For fun, I thought I'd list all the teams I make in video games.
Super Smash Bros. Melee-Bowser (Me), Mario, Zelda.
Godzilla; Destroy All Monsters Melee-Godzilla 90s (Me), Godzilla 2000, Destoroyah.
Soul Calibur II-Link, Ivy, Taki.  Link, Sophitia, Cassandra.  Taki, Sophitia, Cassandra.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!-Bowser and Mario, Bowser and Daisy, Mario and Daisy.
Mario Superstar Baseball-Bowser, Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Baby Mario, Magikoopa, Shy Guy, Goomba.
Godzilla Unleashed-Godzilla 2000 (me), Godzilla 1990s, Kiryu.  Kiryu (Me), MechaGodzilla, MechaGodzilla II.  To be used once unlocked; Godzilla 2000, Godzilla 1990s, Godzilla 1954.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl-Bowser (Me), Mario, Zelda.  Zero Suit Samus (Me), Zelda, Peach.
King of Fighters, the Orochi Saga-Mai Shiranui, Yuri Sakazaki, King.  Mai, Yuri, Kasumi (not the Kasumi from DOA).  Mai, Yuri, Athena (cleared KOF 98 with this team).
Mario Super Sluggers-Bowser, Mario, Peach, Daisy, Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, Miley Mii, Demi Lovato Mii, Brandi Cyrus Mii.
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom-Chun-Li and Morrigan, Chun-Li and Jun the Swan.
Naruto Shippuden; Clash of Ninja Revolution 3-Sakura and Hinata.  Tsunade is often inserted as well.  Yugao and Komachi will likely enter as their own team.
Also, when I played Marvel vs. Capcom 2 at a friend's house, I used Jill Valentine, Iron Man and Psylocke often.

Now, I'd like to get something off my chest.  I am ludicrously paranoid about the default scenario.  I have nightmarish thoughts of things costing 100 times what they do now and China invading America, raping and pillaging for money that we withheld.  Also, I've heard Obama plans to kick Israel out of Palestine.  This is unacceptable, I don't care how you'll look to the Middle East nations, to forsake a relationship for this, to deny a Religious people their Promised Land is the essence of folly.  There must be a way to appease the Muslims living in Palestine without eliminating the world's only Jewish nation.  If Congress members read my blog, I urge compromise and a plan to resolve the default scenario, and a negotiation with leaders of Palestine and Israel.

My Top 10 Musicians/Bands

Hi, all.  This is kind of in response to Rolling Stone's "100 Best Artists" magazine.  I haven't listened to quite a few of them, namely because I'm not big on hip-hop, so I thought I'd try my own, deciding it'd be easier to just do ten.  Without further ado, my top 10 musicians/bands.
1-The Beatles
Composed of the four most talented people in music, The Beatles must be listened to.  Every album in their discography has hits, and I recommend everyone should have the albums "1," "Abbey Road," "Revolver," "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," The White Album, The Blue Album and "Anthology 2."  No artist has ever covered such a wide variety of styles, and so mellifluously, too.  You get sad, intense, psychedelic and revolutionary songs with John, fun love songs, and a wide variety of pop with Paul, Eastern philosophy from George, and your friendly uncle with Ringo.  Without The Beatles, none of these other artists would exist.
2-Billy Ray Cyrus/Brother Clyde
While he is regarded as a one-hit wonder, Billy Ray Cyrus is one of the most sensitive men in music.  Blending Country music and Rock music with a style unheard since Ronnie Van Zant, Billy Ray brings intense passion to his recordings.  He is a man with strong convictions, who will also produce good songs to dance to and sing along with.  Brother Clyde is Billy Ray Cyrus producing music in a similar vein to Led Zeppelin, Nirvana and Lynyrd Skynyrd, which really shows how upset he is that sometimes things just don't make sense anymore.  I recommend his albums "Some Gave All," "Storm in the Heartland," "Trail of Tears," "Shot Full of Love," "The Other Side," "Wanna Be Your Joe," "Home At Last," "Back to Tennessee," "Brother Clyde," "I'm American," "The Best of Billy Ray Cyrus: Cover to Cover," "Achy Breaky Heart; 18 Essential Classics," "20^th Century Masters; Best of Billy Ray Cyrus: The Millennium Collection," He's also one of my favorite actors.
3-Miley Cyrus
The daughter of the above, Miley Ray Cyrus is a fun-loving, compassionate teenager who cares deeply for her family and friends (including lovers) and also likes to just relax.  Her music has varied from heartbreak to love to seeking independence.  One of the things I really like about her is that she's a Christian who is friendly with people from other Religions, a John Lennon fan, and a proud supporter of homosexuals.  She's one of the few people in the music industry who seems to be a true person, someone who seems genuine.  Recommended Discography is Disneymania 4 & 5, Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus, Breakout, Hannah Montana; the Movie (which I forgot first time through), The Time of Our Lives and Can't Be Tamed.
4-Lynyrd Skynyrd
A Southern Rock Band famous for its three-guitar lineup and songs "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird," Lynyrd Skynyrd was the first successful blend of country, rock and hard rock.  With excellent guitar work, the band shows off impeccable talent.  Ronnie Van Zant, the lead singer, also has a lot of heart, singing songs about the joys of a simple life, like "All I Can Do is Write About It."  I highly recommend "Lynyrd Skynyrd Gold" as a way to get started, then the albums "Gimme Back My Bullets (Deluxe Edition)," "One More From the Road (Deluxe Edition)," and "Street Survivors (Deluxe Edition)." 
5-Demi Lovato
One of Miley Cyrus' best friends, Demi Lovato is a very passionate singer, one who puts all of herself into her songs.  Her loud music in her early days easily reflected an independent, free-spirited girl, in fact, I always place "Party" right before Miley's "Can't Be Tamed" in playlists.  Her music is very enjoyable, and her latest song, "Skyscraper," shows a level of maturity few artists her age have ever reached.  Recommend "Don't Forget," "Here We Go Again," and "Skyscraper (Single)."
6-Casting Crowns
A Gospel Band that uses rock-type music to express their message, Casting Crowns really speak to me through bringing their message to the reality of everyday life.  They have great passion for God and are definitely worth listening to.  Recommended albums are "Casting Crowns," "Lifesong," "Until the Whole World Hears," and "Peace On Earth."
7-Addison Road
Another Gospel band, they sound just like Miley and Demi with their pop sound.  I've only heard one album, but I love it, especially "Won't Let Me Go" and "Don't Wait."  I recommending their "Stories" album.
8-Frank and Derol
An indie pop band formed by Brandi Cyrus and Codi Caraco, they present a very soothing sound that is easy to love.  They haven't released anything, but I recommend their song "Back and Forth."
9-Paramore
An alternative rock band, Paramore has a very passionate force in the form of lead singer Hayley Williams.  She is close to Brandi Cyrus, and also has many great songs.  I recommend "Riot!" "The Final Riot," and "Brand New Eyes (Deluxe Edition)."
10-1964 the Tribute
A Beatles Tribute band, they specialize in songs from 1963-1966.  This includes "Please Please Me," "With the Beatles," "Beatles for Sale," "Help," "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver."  They expertly imitate John, Paul, George and Ringo, especially their George portrayer, and are great at playing Beatles songs.  Someday, I hope to see them live.  Recommend their CDs "All You Need Is Live," "Bootleg #1" and "1964 the Tribute."

Transformers; Dark of the Moon (SPOILERS)

Today, I saw Transformers; Dark of the Moon with some friends.  Those who know me know I adore the previous two installments in this series.  I found this installment to be much less carefree than the previous two.  Though Bumblebee's capture in the first movie was sad, the death of Optimus Prime and subsequent Decepticon invasion easily overshadowed it in the second.  This new film features new emotional depths.  In it, Optimus' mentor, Sentinel Prime is discovered.  However, it is discovered he turned to the Decepticons since he believed Cybertron was so important, that they had to ally and rebuild their planet using human slaves.  This revelation and the subsequent reveal of Soundwave and Laserbeak as beings that brought humans to the Decepticons for their own politics was much more impactful than even the death of Optimus Prime.  The film also features a scene where it appears all the Autobots have been slaughtered by the Decepticon Starscream, further showing the darkness of this film.  Ultimately, the film is truly engaging, the characters always impressing me.  It's got a few twists at the end, especially involving the commanding trio of Optimus Prime, Sentinel Prime and Megatron.  Fans of the first two movies and Transformers should check this out.  The only major question I have for the film is the presence of Decepticon star fighters.  The fights were plenty engaging on the ground, and it just felt odd that they never used them before now.  As for the rumors of the possible Spielberg-directed sequel, well, I never saw Soundwave die.  In terms of Faith, we could talk about how some of our best heroes are willing to sell their souls to hold onto the past and strike out against a possible future.  Sentinel only cares about Cybertron, not his subordinate Optimus or the humans he cares about, and was willing to become evil for Cybertron rather than accept Earth as a possible new home.  Similarly, we are sometimes willing to surrender our souls in order to preserve that which is familiar. 

My answers to the previous questions

1.) I was born and raised as a Christian, and though God was always important to me and I loved Touched By An Angel, I started really getting involved in my Faith in 2000, when my Mom brought the soundtrack to Touched By An Angel and WOW the 90s on our road trip to San Francisco.  Before that, God and Jesus were either figures from my Beginners’ Bible, or people in hymns I didn’t understand.  Still, it was mainly a Church thing, and I didn’t bring it into my personal life until 2005, when I attended the Western States Youth Gathering. I guess those two events had the most influence on me theologically.

2.) Every day, I try to do what I can on the Internet to try to spread God’s Love.  I pray nightly and go to Church every Sunday.  Some days, I’ll read passages from the Bible, though my anxiety distorts God’s words, I tend to either not do that or read about the miracles.

4.) There have been a lot of times when God seems very distant, like when I read about animals eating their young and people gleefully using Charles Darwin as ammunition.  God doesn’t seem distant when I pray, and usually, something good will happen, like someone I like will contact me on the Internet or I’ll get to go to an event like a ballgame or a rock concert.

6.) Honestly, I don’t think so.  Sure, I was raised Lutheran and we sing all the time, but I think listening to The Beatles, Bob Seger’s Old-Time Rock and Roll, Billy Ray Cyrus’ Achy Breaky Heart and knowing the Beatles’ drummer was Ringo Starr, aka Mr. Conductor made music more important to me than Hymns did, save possibly Christmas songs.  The Cyrus family made the world of music even more important later on by performing great songs and pointing to artists like Demi Lovato, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.

7.) No, but my family does pray for me to find employment quickly, and they’ve also prayed similarly for my brother.

9.) Hard to say.  These days, I listen to Addison Road’s “Won’t Let Me Go” and “Don’t Wait” a lot, they sound like Gospel versions of Miley and Demi songs.  I also love Casting Crowns, especially their “Lifesong” album, with great songs like “Lifesong,” “Praise You In This Storm,” “Stained Glass Masquerade,” “Love Them Like Jesus,” “Set Me Free,” and “And Now My Lifesong Sings.”  I used to not like DC Talk’s “Jesus Freak,” but as I get older and angrier at a world that doesn’t understand, it’s become a kind of anthem for me.

10.) This year, I stopped going to certain Internet sites.  Next year, I’ll probably stop going to either the same or others.  I sometimes wash off the ashes, since we have to go to the supermarket and don’t want people staring at us, but if we have nowhere to go, I keep them on.

11.) Yes, I am a current member of the Covenant Denomination, which was founded by Swedish immigrants.  Since the story of Santa Lucia ends with her appearing to Swedes, she means a lot to them.  I love the song, I have three versions of it, sung by Elvis Presley, Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli.  I couldn’t sing it correctly for you off the top of my head, I don’t know the exact words.  I could hum it, if you want.