Welcome March!

February was full of surprises. First was that I was really sick for over a week, at the very beginning of the month, didn't feel like getting off the couch to go see a doctor. Finally, after missing a whole week of work, I managed to get the strength to get up and go get checked out, found out it was a migraine and the doctor gave me a shot that made me feel better within few minutes.

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Other than that, I've been spending my time at work and hanging out with my family. When I'm not,  I'm reading books and watching DVDs I get from the library (Perry Mason mysteries, Columbo). 

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I really want to spend more time working on my writing and artwork over the next few weeks though. During February, I wrote a little story and did some accompanying sketches, depicting what my family might look like in twelve years and what we might be doing. (I speculated that I might be investigative journalist fighting injustice as well as uncovering people financing human trafficking. All very exciting stuff.)

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I had 22 posts partially written and scheduled for February, but they never went up because I never finished any of them. They were all reviews of Thomas & Friends episodes. I plan to finish writing them and then retroactively post them on the dates that I had originally planned to. [Eventually changed my mind because it took me so long to finish them. Planning to post them during my 245 Day Project.]

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So hard to believe that it's the end of the first day of March, but here we are!

My First WinterJam! Or, The Time I Met David Crowder

Friday, January 20th 2017, I got off work at 6:00 planning to meet my brother in the parking lot. Unfortunately, he was running late and when he arrived we had to stop at the gas station for a quick refuel. Then, finally we were on our way to Pittsburgh for WinterJam.

Colton Dixon

When we arrived at the PPG Paints arena, we found a great parking space in the garage at the side entrance.

We hurried inside, an hour late. The nice guards at the door let us in for free! 

We got in just in time for a couple songs from Colton Dixon. 

Tenth Avenue North

This was followed by awesome performances from Tenth Avenue North, Britt Nicole and others.  

Snapshot from Crowder's performance. 

My brother and I agree that, as awesome as everyone was, David Crowder was our favorite act that night! 

Crowder, Nathanael & I.

So,  after his grand finale performance, we slipped through the crowd and got in line for Crowder's autograph. 

We were the last people in the line and the guards cut the line off behind us. 

Turns out that the show was running 30 minutes behind that night, so staff were eager to keep things moving. 

David Crowder and yours truly.

 We only spent 40 minutes in line,  then got a moment to say hi to Crowder before the staff hurried us along. But we both got cool selfies with him. 

The WinterJam artists, preparing for takeoff.

When we got back to the car,  I looked  out into the city for a photo, and seen the tour buses below us and got a cool photo. 

Definitely a night to remember! 

"Saving Time" Review (Thomas & Friends S20E6)

The sixth episode of the twentieth season turned out to be another clever one, with Samson providing another interesting situation that the show had never used before.

It has been suggested numerous times by a number of fans that Samson is the first legitimately flawed character in the Thomas & Friends television series, and this episode continues to prove that. He lives in his own little world, over-confident and self-assured, making decisions based on his (limited) understanding and not taking the helpful advice (or direct orders) issued him by his coworkers and superiors. Now we just need an episode where he faces severe personal consequences. Time in the shed or something.

Image from TTTE Wikia

Anyway, this installment saw him trying to save time. First, by taking too many cars and causing confusion and delay, and in a humorous twist at the end of the episode, too few cars - in a further attempt to save time. 

Another plus for any episode about Samson, is that he is a mainland engine and not from Sodor. Considering how overcrowded the little island had been in years past, it is always refreshing to see engines like Connor, Caitlin, Hiro, Gator and Samson, who are just visitors. 

Image from TTTE Wikia

An additional quirk that makes Samson interesting to watch is his unique speech patterns; the way he talks is different to all the engines we already know and love on the island of Sodor.

Moving beyond Samson though, the episode was great and had a lot of well written and animated moments. The scene in which Samson tries to scale Gordon's Hill with his heavy load made you feel the strain - it was painful to watch. 

Other high points for the episode include the soundtrack, Thomas pushing the train backwards like a real engine might, seeing the Blue Mountain Quarry again and Stanley (who doesn't like him?)

Image from TTTE Wikia

This episode was brought to us by none other than Andrew Brenner himself, back for his second outing this season. This episode is a great addition to the series and gets a solid 8/10 rating from me.

Starting Over, Hello 2017!

Hello everyone, I am finally getting around to reviving my blog (I also have plans for my YouTube channel) I made some efforts to begin posting again over the past year, but was largely thwarted by my busy schedule. Now, I've made some time for my writing and my blog is included in that.

Firstly, I intend to make good on old promises and write some posts which I have promised for a long time - some reviews, some short stories, fan fictions and other fun stuff.

Also, it is noteworthy that while I have no immediate plans to continue my journalistic interviewing endeavors, you can read my short lived "ZEM Interviews" blog right here on "zem2point0." My interviews with Neil Jackson, Kristin Booth, Cara Gee, Miranda Frigon and Matt Price were all merged into this blog when I no longer had time to maintain the other one. I figured this blog had more of a future and potential traffic than the other.

As for the forthcoming reviews I mentioned, in lieu of all the reviews I had talked about writing over the years, evaluating various Thomas & Friends productions and such I've decided to review "The Great Race" and the show's 20th season as well as 2 of my favorite films, namely "Valkyrie" and "12 Angry Men." (Read my previous reviews here: "Sidney Sings," "Toby's New Friend," "Henry Gets the Express," "Diesel and the Ducklings" and "Bradford the Brake Van.")

Hopefully cooking and recipes will have a chance to shine too! Like when I posted one of my Mom's favorite recipes (Asian Broccoli Noodles).

Now, for the really good stuff: The most important thing in my life is my Christian faith. I want my faith to shine through in my original writings, which is why I'm so excited about the books, films and online content which I'm currently writing. (See my previous faith-based posts: zem2point0, Jenny the Cat, The Cross, Practice Makes Perfect and Jesus - more than you think He is). Also, I love to share the fun little adventures I've had with my family and animals, life is truly full of blessings and wonder and I enjoy sharing that too. (Check out my adventure-related stories: The Cow(s), The Ostrich of New Jersey, Alligators and Ebony the One-Eyed Dog).  Ultimately, more posts like these are the goal.

This photo of dear, sweet Ebony was taken on New Year's Day 2014. Ebony passed away in November 2016.

I'm so excited about this new year! I want to make the most of it! Like I said on Facebook:

"It's a new day, a new year, to make the most of every minute and show our love for one another! Just like every day when we wake up, we have a chance to do our part to make the world a better place and to do everything to the best of our ability; and to pray and listen for direction in how to do that.

"...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2 

"...whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34-35"

Asian Broccoli Noodles Recipe

My Mom has imparted her interest in cooking and baking to me and shares with me a delightful assortment of cookbooks and recipes for all sorts of delicious meals and goodies. For years I have said that I would begin compiling a list of some of our favorite recipes and where we learned them from, now I make good on that. Starting with a recipe that is a big hit with my family; the following recipe is from the cookbook “Vegetarian Express Lane Cookbook” by Sarah Fritschner. Available to order on Amazon.com. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments!

Available to order on Amazon.com.

Asian Broccoli Noodles

• 1 Medium Head of Broccoli
• 2 Bunches of Green Onions
• 1-2 Large Garlic Cloves Minced
• 2 Tbsp. peeled, minced fresh ginger
• 2 Tbsp. peanut butter
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp water or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• 8 ounces spaghetti or vermicelli
• 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil

Trim and discard tough bottoms from broccoli. Cut florets into 1-inch pieces; peel stems, if using, and cut them into ½ inch squares.

Trim and discard roots and any wilted green tops from green onions. Mince green onions and combine in a small bowl with garlic, ginger, peanut butter, soy sauce and sugar. Stir to blend peanut butter, then add water or broth, lemon juice and salt. 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions, about 8 minutes for spaghetti, a little less for vermicelli, or until barely tender. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain again and set aside. 

Heat a wok or other wide, deep cast-iron skillet over high heat for 3 or 4 minutes (if using an enameled or nonstick, don’t heat without food in it). Add oil and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add drained noodles, stirring constantly to heat to heat them evenly.
Stir peanut butter mixture to distribute garlic and ginger, then add to the pan, stirring to distribute sauce evenly throughout. Serve hot. Serves 2 to 4.

"Bradford the Brake Van" Review (Thomas & Friends S20E5)

Today's Lee Pressman episode was a clever introduction to a unique new character. Bradford's military vibe was amusing,  particularly as we've never had anything like that in Thomas & Friends before. The mood and humor was very much akin to the Bluenose character in TUGS (for those of you who don't know, TUGS was the short-lived sister show to Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends in the late '80's).

This episode seemed to be a stream of tongue in cheek gags referring to the "dark ages" of Thomas & Friends. Bradford is highly critical of the way things are done on Sodor, citing safety codes that have often been ignored on the railway. All in all, this episode was a neat introduction for Bradford. This episode is also one of the few to emphasize the importance of the brake van. Bradford eventually takes his criticisms too far, leading to a humorous scene with Henry and an extremely tiny crack in his headlamp.  

Thomas' somewhat oppositional-defiant attitude rears it's ugly head and he ends up hauling too much stone in his trucks from Blue Mountain Quarry, which I thought was a clever reference to the dark ages and the crazy, unsafe "special. specials." 

My only real problem with this episode was the fact that some of Bradford's more legitimate concerns were ignored. Nevertheless, it was an amusing episode, and while I thought it could use some improvement, I'll give it an 8/10 rating, largely for the originality of the new character.

"Diesel and the Ducklings" Review (Thomas & Friends S20E4)

Today's episode gave me some mixed feelings, and I spent most of it enjoying the music and animation. Diesel is a hard character to nail down, because so many conflicting things have been done with his character over the years, today's episode felt like it could be the beginning of a new look at Diesel's character and who he is and why he does what he does, but it also felt like a filler episode, with very little to offer in terms of story.

The episode did provide some humor, in the forms of Thomas blackmailing Diesel as well as the diesel engines trying to be tough, but baby-talking to the ducklings.

Another good thing about the episode was 'Arry and Bert's appearance. They were in character and got a speaking role for the first time in years. 

So, in conclusion, this episode only gets a 6/10 rating from me.

"Henry Gets the Express" Review (Thomas & Friends S20E3)

The third episode of Season 20 has broadcast! This season is looking fantastic so far; this episode penned by Helen Farrall is an instant classic, in my opinion. Once again, the writing is strong (particularly so in this installment), the humor is spot on and the audience is given further insight into the beloved characters of Sodor.

Image from TTTE Wikia

One of the greatest aspects of this story is its simplicity. It takes some of the most ordinary original characters in the franchise and delivers a strong and amusing story by just exploring some of the most well known aspects of their characters in a new way. Gordon is arrogant to the point that he thinks that he cannot be replaced, Henry is as capable as Gordon, Sir Topham Hatt is a wise and benevolent leader who is adept at assigning his engines jobs that will teach them lessons and keep the railway running smoothly. No gimmicks, nothing new, just a good, simple story - solidifying its place as an instant classic.

Image from TTTE Wikia

Other highlights in the episode include the well-crafted and sometimes subtle references to older episodes, particularly the "Hi Gordon, Bye Gordon" line. Also of note, seeing Gordon doing unusual work in different locations than usual. The animation is always fantastic, but particularly in episodes like this one, in which several scenes are set in early morning or late evening; personal favorites of mine. Another personal favorite of mine is the character Porter, who made an appearance in today's episode - showing the writing team's ability to use newer characters alongside the classic ones - one of the best aspects of recent years.

Image from TTTE Wikia

Finally, since I usually point out a comedic element in the episode, this episode's finest funny moment would have to be when Henry manipulates Gordon, suggesting, (like Gordon had earlier regarding the express), that he couldn't handle The Flying Kipper. The scene was written and acted so well, that it was a real highlight. This episode didn't lag, lack or alter fundamental elements and definitely deserves a perfect 10/10 rating from me. Bring on tomorrow's episode!

"Toby's New Friend" Review (Thomas & Friends S20E2)

I didn't get a chance to work it in yesterday, but I just want to say that the remixed theme music they introduced last year is the best theme since the original. It's got the pep and fun that the show is supposed to have. The original Engine Roll Call seemed a bit dull by comparison. Likewise, the second episode of the new season is a bubbly and fun installment in the Thomas & Friends franchise.

Screenshot from the TTTE Wikia

Perhaps I had a bit of a positive bias from the beginning of the episode, seeing as Andrew Brenner wrote it and I'm generally quite fond of the episodes he pens, but I feel that the episode really delivered.

I've liked Philip since he was introduced; perhaps because he reminds me of some of my friends. I think this episode is perhaps the best treatment of the character since his introduction, providing perhaps the best foil yet in Toby, an older and wiser engine who likes things slow and quiet - contrasting with Philip's ever-present desire to go faster and his (perhaps unintentional) loud volume.

The moral of being friends despite differences is a great one, and much needed in society.

It was also very sweet and good message that Philip was able to find something in common with Toby - a love for trips through the countryside - which also showcased a whole new side to Philip that hadn't been seen before. So definitely another strong episode from Mr. Brenner.

Philip collage by @PeterSamFanNo4

Of course, there was plenty of comedy in today's episode, notably the scene in which the workmen instigate a race between Toby and Philip; quite probably the most comedic moment of the episode and sure to remain memorable even by the end of the season.

And on a final note, I noticed the Scottish Twins at the beginning of the episode - it's great to finally see some of the elements of Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure making their way into the television show.

So, all in all a great episode. I give it an 8/10 rating, puffing full steam ahead to the rest of the season.

"Sidney Sings" Review (Thomas & Friends S20E1)

Well, here we are, the premiere of Thomas & Friends Season 20. It's kind of crazy, I still remember watching the third and fourth seasons when I was a kid and they were they latest. Now, I've been talking about doing reviews on new Thomas & Friends episodes since around Season 17, but I've never got around to it. Fortunately, I put it on my agenda as soon as the new episodes were announced and today the first one broadcast, "Sidney Sings."

Lee Pressman wrote this season premiere, the same scribe that brought us such gems as "Gordon and Spencer" and "Snow Place Like Home." This episode had all the charm and wit that we've come to expect from him. It also finally made use of Sidney, who has existed for 5 years and never got his own episode, (though he did get a role in "The Missing Christmas Decorations" a few years ago, which was neatly referenced in today's installment.)

While we may not have seen Sidney much before, a humorous scene at the beginning of the episode involving the Earl gave clear indication that Sidney does get out and about, apparently causing confusion and delay with his forgetfulness. 

There was a healthy amount of rhyming and singing used in the episode, and it was part of the episodes' charm, unlike some of the dreaded installments of the "dark ages." The once-infamous three strike formula was also put to use here and wasn't too painful, though my only complaint regarding this episode would be the lag in the middle, so perhaps the formula was a bit of stretch for this particular plot.

Though, in a refreshing twist, the three strikes set up led to a rather humorous and usefully serendipitous surprise ending to the episode leaving everyone happy and Sidney completing his initial job he was tasked with, even if he was completely ignorant of what was going on. 

  

It really goes without saying, but as always the animation was fantastic, living up to everything we expect from Arc. I can't wait to see these new episodes on DVD, and an eventual release on Blu-ray would be fantastic, though I'm not sure how likely that is to happen.

Overall, the episode was a good season opener and was plenty of fun, I give it a 7/10 rating. 

On that note, bring on the rest of the season! 

Blog Merge

Recently, I made the decision to merge my other blog,  "ZEM Interviews," with this one.

I'd let it go defunct some months ago, due to lack of time to conduct new interviews; pursuing other projects.

Part of me would like to revisit the project, the other part of me knows that I've got lots of other work to do.

But regardless of what I might do in the future, I decided that I wanted my interviews to be on my main blog with my stories and essays,  so that I'd have variety on my blog as well as combined traffic.

So,  from henceforth, my "ZEM Interviews" will be found here, on my personal blog.

Jesus - more than you think He is

*Originally Published on February 11th, 2015*

Never mind what people say, the Bible is consistent and full of rich detail. You can't just understand it by casually reading it, it has to be studied. The Bible tells us all about Jesus.

Jesus, as God and Man, is tremendously different from the way He is portrayed. He is dynamic, multifaceted, limitless. He is wise. He never makes a mistake. He is a Spirit that has always been and always will be. He is Goodness, Love, Life.

There is no way to sum God up in a Facebook post.

Jesus is not who He is portrayed to be in the tv shows, the movies, the storybooks...

He isn't a little, feminine figure with a scrawny little frame who makes everyone smile. Nor is He a macho, attention-seeking thespian dramatically calling everyone to cease in judgment.

I don't know who that is, but it isn't my Jesus.

The Jesus in the Bible was a strong, masculine carpenter, who was not physically attractive. What made Him beautiful was His Spirit. He didn't make everyone smile, especially not the religious establishment who were expecting a different sort of Messiah.

The Jesus in the Bible was gentle, meek and did not seek attention.

He suffered dreadfully and was marred out of recognition.

My Jesus came to earth as a physical manifestation of the invisible God that He always was. He suffered all the temptations that we humans suffer and lived out His Word, His own instructions for humanity, never once breaking His commandments - though He walked among us as a weak human. He gave us an example of how to live in the Spirit of God.

After living sinless and perfect, He died sinless and perfect, never once snapping under the brutal beatings and execution He suffered. He prayed forgiveness for His tormentors and executioners.

That's powerful stuff.

After He fulfilled all His commandments, was executed and buried, He rose from the dead, fulfilling His promise - conquering death and hell.

I love reading the Bible and understanding more and more about my Lord and Savior. I hope everyone reading this will be inspired to get into their Bibles and read and study for yourself. If you don't have a Bible, send me a message and I'll help you get one. 

smile emoticon

God Bless.

Ebony the One-Eyed Dog

*Originally Published January 25th 2015*

Ebony, one of our dogs, only has one eye. She lost her other eye as a puppy, some years ago.

I remember that day pretty well. Dad had just got home from working a mid shift and Mom was taking us kids into town to visit the park. The boys were in the car, Mom and I were saying good-bye to Dad...

That's when it happened. I heard the most awful scream I had ever heard. We all froze in our tracks. What was that? Mom, Dad and I made our way outside and I looked out front of the house. Mom was hollering for us to check on the puppies.

At this time, we had four or five adult dogs tied out in the yard and two puppies who would run around between the older dogs. The puppies, 'Black Cloud' and 'Griz,' were out in front of the house when I got there. "The puppies are here!" I called.

Then I noticed Black Cloud's face. Her eye was busted right out of its socket. My memory is a little fuzzy here, for the obvious reasons. I remember yelling that Black Cloud was hurt.

We all got in the car and I held Black Cloud. We drove into Cadiz and waited impatiently for the vet's office to open, unfortunately they were unable to help us when they did open, as they only took appointments.

My memory is a little clouded at this point as well, but we managed to ask around and were told that there was a veterinarian office down in St. Clairsville, that should be able to take us. When we got there, they rushed the poor little puppy into surgery and finished removing her eye.

Not much work left to be done, according to the vet.

I don't have many good pictures of Ebony though! She rarely sits still when I'm around!

During all this, Dad had to fill out paperwork. When asked for the dog's name, Dad looked at us and said: "Considering the circumstances, 'Black Cloud' would probably sound bad. Let's call her Ebony."

The name caught on so well that I'd almost completely forgotten about her old name until I sat down to write this story. We had to take special care of her after that and she spent quite some time indoors.

She grew up to be one of the gentlest dogs I have ever met, so gentle, in fact, that despite being a German Shepherd/Wolf she is extremely friendly with our chickens and other poultry.

We don't know what happened to Ebony's eye exactly, but I suspect that one of the older dogs accidentally knocked her into a large boulder that was lying in the middle of the yard. That's my best theory anyway.

Alligators

When I was just a little fella, my family went to a zoo. This zoo was unusual, in that its barriers were... Lacking. In some cases, non existent. Such was the case with the alligator enclosure. There was an arch and a walkway across the pond inside it. I ran out on the rickety walkway and crossed almost all the way over the pond.

I recall turning around and calling to my parents, who had stopped at the arch and apparently were discussing the safety of the area. They were pushing my little brother in a stroller and decided there was no way they were going to cross the pond.

I hadn't even begun to consider danger, even looking beyond the pond and seeing the alligators sunning themselves on a nearby hill. When Dad called me back however, something about his voice made me really take a look around...

I noticed the murky, green water not far below me I noticed that I couldn't see a thing through it. There could be an alligator waiting under the surface for me to fall. I ran quickly off the bridge and back to Mom and Dad. I always wondered whether there had been an alligator under that murky green water.

I got the chance to hold a young alligator some years later, it was a really cool experience; but there still have been times when I've had nightmares about murky water.

The Ostrich of New Jersey

*Originally Published in 2014*

When I was about 8 or 9 years old, my Dad searched eBay for building supplies to do some work on our house. He hit the jackpot one day, a real bonanza... a whole tractor trailer load of brand new windows and doors, name-brand material, Andersens and such. Well, Dad bid on that eBay auction and won it all for a great price.

This was back before we had all kinds of animals to take care of here at the house, the whole family got in the van, hooked up the trailer and went on this little adventure together. This tractor trailer load of windows was located somewhere in New Jersey, so we had a bit of a drive.

Once we got there, it was getting dark and Dad got to meet and talk to the seller for a little bit. The seller showed us to the items, still in the tractor trailer. Dad was going to have to unload them himself, because the seller was unable to stay and us kids were too small at the time. Dad didn't mind though, because he'd got a great deal.

There was one little thing though that the seller told Dad before he left for the night... There was an ostrich living on the grounds. A mean ostrich, that had almost killed someone and completely totaled a car not long before, and, it was huge. This guy thought it was so cool, he'd go and show it to Dad before he left too. So the seller takes Dad in his pickup truck to go and check it out.

Dad later told me that the ostrich was sitting down and sleeping when they drove past it in the guy's pickup - and that even sitting down, this beast of a bird was towering over the truck as they drove past!

Of course, all of this was downright thrilling to me. I guess spending the night near an ostrich was pretty cool, being the next best thing to a dinosaur. I slept under one of the bench seats in the van. You know, so that I wouldn't be eaten in my sleep, but could still be close to the action.

Dad worked through the night, hauling the windows and doors out of the semi truck trailer and onto our smaller trailer. I had to get out of the van once, to use the "little boys room," it was rather spooky, dozens of old trailers sitting around, eerily lit by over head lights. It was something to remember, that's for sure.

Not everything would fit on the trailer for one trip, so we had to make two. But, by the second time, I was pretty sure that the ostrich wasn't going to attack. It is sort of amusing now to think how excited I got over the ostrich. Must have watched too many dinosaur movies back then or something...