Master Xavier's Lair

Passing Through Rivendell

2011-12-03T21:38:00.000-05:00

Passing through Rivendell in
The Lord of the Rings Online!
That's me.

The X-Files: The Truth is Out There

2011-10-11T17:42:00.002-04:00

"There are Mysteries that cannot be solved...
Beliefs that cannot be trusted...
Events that cannot be explained...
And a Truth that cannot be ignored..."

The X-Files began its run in September of 1993, ending only in May of 2002. Spanning over a decade, the series encompassed some of the most well written story arcs *I* have personally seen.

Originally starting with what was an initial plan for a "Monster of the Week" Series (being a villain/monster per episode that the team would take on), the series ended up taking the path of an elaborate government conspiracy that is slowly unveiled in each season.

What are "The X-Files?"

Agent Fox Mulder is head of a special division inside the FBI: The X-Files. The X-Files are a series of unexplained cases that the standard FBI have been unable to explain or solve. Mulder believes in the inexplainable; or rather, he believes that what cannot be explained by natural measures, can be attributed to supernatural and paranormal events. Whether they be aliens, ufos, ghosts, or spirits.

Being the sort of 'weird' believer in these events, Mulder is branded as a crazy of fanatic. But at the same time, the FBI needs his resources as they are the only reasonable ways to solve some cases.

To counteract Mulder's 'craziness,' the FBI stations Agent Dana Scully alongside Mulder. Scully is a scientists, and is stationed with Mulder to try and 'debunk' Mulder's explanations by giving the natural scientific explanations for the events which Mulder sees as paranormal.

With this basic premise, the series has some of the most brilliantly written episodes I have ever seen. Each case is approached from both Mulder and Scully's perspective; this dual contradictory perspective allows for an exciting experience, as each episode ends with a "Is it real or not?" question echoing in the viewer's mind.

One personal aspect which I love is how Scully is a fallen away Catholic. Some of the cases that Mulder and Scully tackle are so inexplicable by science, that they leave her shaken in her belief that everything can be explained away through scientific means. It is during these episodes that you see her bouncing back on her childhood faith, in some instances going to a priest for spiritual direction, who guides her in the idea that "Maybe there is more here than you are willing to accept."

The writing is brilliant, and the conspiracy arc gives me goosebumps. Everything you think was a 'natural' historical event all ties in with a secret government agency known as the "Syndicate," who I refuse to give more information about since they are so much fun to unravel as you watch the series.

Overall, I would rate the series as a high [b]PG-13[/b]. Not for Sex or Language, as much as for the overall intensity of the series. I find some episodes to be even creepier than horror films I have watched. But I think that's the excitement of this: the episodes are scary because you are like Mulder and Scully, trying to discern and explain each episode away with either science or the supernatural.

Are there any other fans out there?

I'm a Geek

2011-09-17T15:37:00.002-04:00

I'm a geek. And proud of it. Donning my "Fish" Hat, Sonic Screw Driver Pen, and hopefully a trench coat by the fall. Can I say: "Awesome?"

Maybe I'll throw a bowtie in there somewhere. Bowties are cool.

Other than that, I've been busy. The insanity wrought by the not so charming, and delightfully ugly Tropical Storm Irene has really been bugging me. I missed my entire first week of classes. Felt like the Normandy drop. Behind enemy lines. You know to shoot for the Germans, but your objections are all wibbley wobbley. *Licks them and holds it in the air* I'll go in a general-that-away direction.

Hey, it's working. My education class is going well, I'll be working as a VIPS Tutor in the Providence Area for an elementary class. All the guys from the class have been booked together at the same school; which is pretty cool in itself, since they are cool guys. Wow, 3 years of college and I'm only now finding cool guys.

"You have a lightsaber pen? Cool!" "No, it's a sonic screwdriver." "Oh, well, your sonic screwdriver is on the floor." Picks up "So, does it do anything...sonicy?" "It writes...it's just a pen."

That's why one guy in the class said about my sonic screwdriver. ;) Fun times.

A Long Delayed Return

2011-09-07T13:53:00.003-04:00

Greetings to one and all! My, it certainly has been a while. Blogging has become a thing of the past for me. I used to run my site CatholicDiscussion with a dedicated passion. But that sort of fizzled out with the start of my college life. Writing is now my major, or rather, English; but writing is definitely my profession. I Tutor on campus, which is quite exciting, but with all this reading and writing as a part of my major, my blogging has come to a halt. I hope to update this sporadically. Maybe post a few funny things here and there.

Oh, and for those of you who called the Lady Rose/Master Xavier pairing a few years back? You were right. For now, Namarie! (Farewell in Elvish.)

Called Home Poster

2009-01-14T12:20:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure if any of you read my poem, but I put this together as a poster for the Girard family. Tell me what you think!

Called Home

2008-11-24T09:34:00.003-05:00

Called Home

By:
Master Paul Xavier

With banners floating, trumpets bleating,
an echo throughout the heavenly hall.
A brave man has been summoned here,
a young knight has been called back home.

He humbly makes his way before,
the Holy and righteous, King and Lord,
His eyes hung low in silent prayer,
as he kneels before the throne.

The angels surrounded the silent man,
harmonious in their prayerful cause,
they sing of the knight... (Read the rest here.)

Those Dirty Commies

2008-11-21T20:18:00.002-05:00

Hmm, I can't be too sure what is so interested about spies and their genre in general. But I'm sure you've noticed in the recent comments around there that my 'FBI' niece Hannah has been trying to outdo me with the Double-0 look. She never will! ;) Here is a spy movie I did QUITE a few years ago with my brother Stephen and my other friend Paul. Haha. I was fat. :P (Of course I still am. But that's besides the point. ;) Lol)

Halloween Night and November Weekend

2008-11-04T11:30:00.001-05:00

Hey! I'm back! Had an awesome weekend! Here's a little log of each day:

Friday was All Saints Eve, and we had an awesome party over at the Friary in Griswold, Ct. I'm sure you've seen my costume, so I won't go into too much detail about that. But it was a graet time all around, seeing my friends dress up, and even the Foxes come down from Long Island, NY for the party! (A 3hr drive! :D) The night started out with Holy Mass in the Church, followed by some snacks and junk food downstairs, with Religious Based games and activities set up where the kids could win candy. There was a costume contest set up by the Friars, where the children could come to participate in guessing who was what saint, and who had the best costume, etc. (Sadly I was kicked out by the Friars... :'( I'm too old...and too good looking. ;) ) lol Joking!!! MUAHAHAHHAA

Speaking of which, I tried to get my own little activity booth going to make some side money! A Hugging/Hand Kissing booth!!! Girls could come, pay me 50 cents, and I'd either kiss their hand, or give them a hug! But yeah...didn't really have any luck with that. Oh! Except for one girl who randomly charged me and tackle/hugged me! WHOOO!!! But yeah...didn't make anything off of that one... I'll call it my advertising hug. ;)

*whispers* at 1:43...Miss Bennet and Lanta!
OMG! :P

Ok, a double story, from All Saints Party at the Friary.

Princess side: Miss Eliza Bennet (Gabbie) and Lantalmiste (Sara) from the Forum. The two girls were talking by the fire alone in the dark, when they hear a noise of rustling coming from the darkness of the tree grotto about 30 feet away...

Prince Side: I come around to talk, and they tell me something is in the shadows...so we still talk, when we hear rustling again. I was dressed as a Knight, so of course I did the noble thing! I drew my sword and approached the grotto, "Show yourself!" And as I step closer, I hear the rustling again...I look in one of the trees and see a plastic bag... >_< :P Chivalry gets one no where. lol I TRIED!!! AND FAILLLEEEDDD! :'( I mean...how many knights draw their sword to defend two noble ladies, only to come face to face in epic combat with a plastic bag? ZEH CRAZEHNESS OF MEH LAFE!!! :) We had a great time launching the trebuchet which Friar Joseph's class had built over a series of Cenacle Sundays. It makes for an awesome pumpkin thrower. :D After a few shots of the trebuchet, it was time for me to leave for a paintball game over at Mr. Dietz's house, which lasted from....11ish through 2:45 A.M. :) The awesomeness of night games can never be compared! I'm picking up some skill, and I'll be ordering my own paintball marker, the Spyder MR1, so I should be a little more prepared for the next paintball game with the Friars!

Halloween Weekend

2008-10-31T09:36:00.001-04:00

I won't be around for a few days. After school today, I'll be heading to the All Saints Party at the Friary in Griswold, the next day being First Saturday I wont be home or anything, so enjoy the video!

Costuming

2008-10-25T20:52:00.014-04:00

My Charlemagne Replica Sword,

Fingertip-Less Gloves for Awesome Look :)

Chain Mail Shirt Kindly Given by our family friend Gabriel Alteri. I was at a bit of a loss since I gave Marc my old shirt and coif, but now I got a shirt again! Whoo!

Vampire Cape Minus the Tall Collar, giving an impressive Medieval Look,

Clothe Piece with the Gondorian Coat of Arms of the White Tree. I used this years ago with a Faramir Costume I wore to a Lord of the Rings party at a nearby library,

And finally, the costume in it's entirety! I added some visual effects to the image to make it look worn and old. Tell me what you think, and see you on All Saints at the Friary!

The Master of the Night - I

2008-10-25T08:48:00.002-04:00

The Master of the Night
by Master Paul Xavier
I

‭ A crack of thunder shook the ground on which King Ferdinand lay. He gripped the hilt of his sword, pain overwhelming his senses, yet he did not cry out. It had begun to rain, the droplets falling from the cloudy sky, raining down upon the dark and smoking battlefield, stinging his eyes. His ears picked up the faint pitter patter of rain cascading down onto his armor. Ferdinand could feel his end drawing near, and rather than crying for help from his faithful soldiers, chose to lay among the wounded and dead, preparing to join his Heavenly King. “Anima Christi…” he murmured above a whisper, clenching his teeth in pain, “Corpus Christi, salva me…” his weakened voice mixed with that of the rain, which seemed all the louder on the silent field. Ferdinand strained his ears, picking up a noise. Skirmishers. There were two enemy soldiers, slowly approaching, their eyes focused on the bodies, as if searching for a lost comrade. He remained silent, still praying. “O bone Jesu, exaudi me…” The soldiers continued searching, working their way towards the wounded king, as he lay helpless on the battlefield, it would be a matter of moments before they found him, and yet, he prayed on, “Ab hoste maligno defende me.” As if a miraculous answer to the prayer, Ferdinand heard the cry of horses in the distance. The two soldiers paused for a moment, looked at each other, and fled. The reason for the fleeing soon made itself evident, as two of the King’s knights rode among the body strewn battle field, searching…
“Your Majesty‭?‬” One of the knights shouted,‭ ‬searching from his saddle,‭ ‬peering among the faces of the dead for a trace of their absent King.‭ ‬Their search went on for several minutes in vain.‭ ‬”Your highness‭?‬” This time the answer didn‭’‬t go unanswered.
‭ “H-here…” The King’s voice was weak and fading, barely audible among the falling rain. The knight quickly dismounted, walking towards the frail voice, stumbling upon his king.
“My Lord! Are you injured badly?” There was a sense of earnest concern in his voice.
‭ “I fear I…make it…” Ferdinand’s speech was broken, has he struggled to breathe, the loss of blood making him faint. The knight nodded in understanding, knowing his King had little time left among the living.
‭ He gave a shout over the battlefield, “Over here! The King has been wounded! I need a stretcher!” The cry went unanswered, except for the shrill screech of a whistle, soon followed by a troop of soldiers carrying a wood stretcher. Several moments passed before they reached the knight, who stooped over his crippled lord, and after checking the King’s wounds, gently lifted him onto the stretcher, as he let out a soft moan, feeling his wounds being pressured.
Ferdinand closed his eyes,‭ ‬trying to rest his aching body,‭ ‬feeling the shadow of death envelope him,‭ ‬like a pale and chilled hand in the night,‭ ‬reaching out for him.‭ “‬In hora mortis meae voca me…‭” ‬The soldiers carried the king’s broken body on the stretcher,‭ ‬winding their way through the uncountable dead,‭ ‬dying,‭ ‬and strewn battlefield.‭ ‬The stench of war had begun to accumulate,‭ ‬blood,‭ ‬carnage,‭ ‬death,‭ ‬destruction.‭ ‬After several minutes,‭ ‬the small troop made it back to their lines‭; ‬or rather,‭ ‬what was left of them.‭ ‬The entire army had been severely beaten,‭ ‬but they had somehow managed to hold off the enemy assault.‭ ‬They wouldn’t last the next charge.‭
“Where is the King’s steward‭?” ‬the knight who had found Ferdinand asked as a crowd of soldiers gathered around the wounded King,‭ ‬making their way towards the surgeon hospital.‭
“Dead,‭ ‬pierced through the heart by an arrow.‭” ‬An officer informed the knight,‭ ‬as he removed his helm,‭ ‬inspecting the silent King,‭ “‬Is he‭…?”
“No,‭ ‬but he will be if he doesn‭’‬t get attention soon.‭ ‬Make way‭!‬” The Knight shouted,‭ ‬as the soldiers gave way for the stretcher and it‭’‬s bearers.‭ ‬They reached the hospital,‭ ‬entering it solemnly,‭ ‬bearing their King upon their shoulders,‭ ‬laying him down on a table.‭ ‬The surgeon silently approached with a sigh,‭ ‬sickened by the long hours of hard work attempting to save lives.‭ ‬”Remove his armor.‭”
The knight and soldiers were quick to get to work,‭ ‬careful unstrapping the armor plating,‭ ‬setting it to the side.‭ ‬On removing the leg plate,‭ ‬they exposed the broken stub of an arrow,‭ ‬buried into King Ferdinand‭’‬s right side.‭ ‬”I see‭…”‬ the surgeon muttered as he examined the wound carefully,‭ ‬”he broke the arrow,‭ ‬but didn‭’‬t retire from battle.‭ ‬His wound is nearly fatal,‭ ‬but there is still hope.‭”‬ He reached over for his instruments,‭ ‬as the soldiers finished removing the rest of the King‭’‬s armor,‭ ‬revealing a stab wound in his right thigh.‭ ‬The doctor applied some alcohol to the wound,‭ ‬Ferdinand gritted his teeth in pain,‭ ‬his voice filled with anguish.‭ ‬He sat up,‭ ‬grabbing the knight by his surcoat,‭ ‬”Where is Xavier‭?‬”
The king released the clothe as the knight nodded,‭ ‬exiting the surgeons tent.‭ ‬Ferdinand lay there,‭ ‬as the doctor worked at removing the arrow.‭ ‬Cleaning the wound,‭ ‬and attempting to pull it free.‭ ‬The king shook,‭ ‬his eyes shot with exhausted and pain,‭ ‬clenching his hand into a fist,‭ ‬offering up his sufferings silently.‭ ‬Xavier entered the tent silently,‭ ‬but the king was already alert to his presence.‭ ‬The young man was dirty,‭ ‬worn,‭ ‬and beaten.‭ ‬His face covered with dirty,‭ ‬and a nasty scar cutting down his cheek,‭ ‬destroying whatever handsome apparition there could have been there.‭ ‬His dark eyes glanced over his dying king,‭ ‬tears nearly forming,‭ ‬as he approached the surgeon’s table where Ferdinand lay,‭ “‬Y-your Highness‭…” ‬he whispered,‭ ‬distressed to see his lord in such a state.‭
Before replying,‭ ‬the king reached down,‭ ‬pushing the surgeon away with his hand,‭ “‬No,‭ ‬let it be‭ …” ‬his voice came in breaths,‭ “‬Too late…for that.‭” ‬The doctor protested silently,‭ ‬but gave way as Xavier leaned his ear in towards the king’s lips,‭ “‬Xa-Xavier…I’ve always favored you as the son I’ve never had‭…” ‬His voice quailed,‭ ‬fading off.‭
“‬Yes,‭ ‬My Lord.‭” ‬Xavier said in a gentle tone,‭ ‬reassuring the King of his presence.‭
“I have one request to ask…as a dying father to a son.‭” ‬Ferdinand’s eyes met Xavier’s with a kingly fury,‭ ‬the glint of royalty and strength ever shining from them.‭ ‬Xavier rested his hand on the king’s shoulder,‭ ‬slowly swallowing.‭
“‬What have you to ask of me‭? ‬Name it,‭ ‬and it shall be done.‭”
Ferdinand lay silent for a few moments,‭ ‬taking in deep gasps of breath,‭ ‬as he felt his strength leaving him,‭ “‬You know well,‭ ‬that the Kingdom of my forefathers endures through each generation,‭ ‬being passed on from father to son,‭ ‬a history in itself.‭”
“Yes sire.‭” ‬Xavier nodded and listened.
‭ “This has always been so, except for now…” The king tensed as he lay on the surgeon’s table, quickly clinging onto Xavier’s surcoat, pulling him closer, “I have no son!” His voice was that of an agonizing despair, as if he had failed the entire world in an attempt to save it.
“My lord,‭ ‬your daughter shall continue the line.‭ ‬Her husband shall inherit your throne.‭” ‬Xavier’s words were reassuring to an heir-less King,‭ ‬but Ferdinand had not yet finished.
‭ “Name one man, who is worthy of her. Name one man who is worthy to rule the realm.” His words rung with a sense of truth, there were few worthy of such a position of power. Ferdinand had united the nobles of the Kingdom in faith and honor, but there were still men none-the-less. Some noble, others corrupt, but each played a key role in the survival of the Kingdom. Xavier searched for something to say, but he well knew that his King was correct, he simply stood their, silent and watchful. “This is why I need you…Guard her…watch her…”
Xavier listened silently,‭ ‬contemplating the last command of his King.‭ ‬These were dangerous times,‭ ‬the battle was now claiming the life of the King,‭ ‬and now he was asked to look after the King‭’‬s daughter.‭ ‬Silence passed through the small hospital tent for a few minutes,‭ ‬before Xavier spoke his answer,‭ ‬”I shall sir.‭ ‬I will devote my life to her protection,‭ ‬this I swear.‭”‬ He beat his clenched fist to his chest in acknowledgment,‭ ‬watching the glow on the king‭’‬s face slowly fade.‭ ‬”Call the lord Bishop.‭”
The moments passed slowly and painfully,‭ ‬as the bishop administered The Sacrament of Last Rites to the King,‭ ‬as Xavier stood by Ferdinand’s faithful guard watching.‭ ‬The prayers resounded throughout the small tent,‭ ‬as the Bishop led the men in the Litany of Saints,‭ ‬the repetitious cry of,‭ ‬”Ora pro nobis,‭”‬ filling the room.‭ ‬After several minutes of ongoing prayer,‭ ‬the bishop leaned over the king,‭ anointing‬ his forehead with Holy Chrism.‭ ‬Within moments of this anointing,‭ ‬King Ferdinand gave a deep sigh,‭ ‬and closed his eyes,‭ ‬exhaling his last breath.‭
“Requiem aeternam dona ei,‭ ‬Domine,‭”
“Et lux perpetua luceat ei.‭”
“Requiescat in pace.‭”
“Amen.‭”

2008-10-23T22:10:00.000-04:00

Frilly Shirts and Blades DO go together! Some Phantastic Proof! ;)

2008-09-15T13:22:00.003-04:00

Last monday, my grandfather, Raymond A. Noury, a WWII veteran of the United States Air Force, went back up in a B-24 Liberator for the first time in over 60 Years. He was the sole survivor of his crew, when his plan was shot down over Germany/Chezc Republic, and was taken in as a POW till the end of the war. Joining him on his trip on MOnday, were Friars Augustine and Didacus of The Franciscan Friars of Mary Immaculate, who filmed the voyage by air for an upcoming special on AirMaria.com. Here is the Roving Reporter's First Interview with my grandfather:

Lepanto The Musical

2008-08-20T22:26:00.002-04:00

Flashbacks to the Knights of Lepanto Spring Encampment this year. Marc and I sang a song I composed over the long period of obstacle courses, talks, stomach aches, and fun! Our prize performance, earning the High Placed Rank of Second Place during the Camp Fire Skits, which of course involved our infamous frilly shirts! It was one of our silly moments at the encampment, considering the fact that we had to lug around 'penance packs,' which essentially holds a bunch of small rocks in a backpack to punish us for some misbehaviour. lol Also worth an honourable mention, I carried a copy of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in my backpack along with the rocks, while Marc carried a copy of The Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers in his. One of the many fun and crazy times we had together! We actually had plans to make our skits a sort of "Musical Series," where we would sing songs about the Friary and the Knights of Lepanto based off of popular tunes from some classic movies. Here is this Spring's Skit, sung to the tune of "Raindrops on Roses:"

Lepanto the Musical!

Fencing and Archery, Gauntlets and Walks,

Agony, Misery, Very Long Talks,

Bryce Driving Us to the Edge of Our Minds,

These are a Few of Our Least Favorite Things!!!

Bags Full of Rocks that are Tied to Our Backs,

Friars are Stalking Our Very Own Tracks,

Bryce By the Fire all Tied Up with Strings,

These are a Few of Our Favorite Things!

When the Cow Moans,

When Doug Barry Screams,

When I'm feeling Sad!

I simply Remember my Ipod Nano,

and then I don't Feel!

So Baaaad!

Home Away From Home

2008-08-19T21:36:00.002-04:00

Ha! Welcome to my new Home Away from Home. I felt I need to escape a bit from my other blog, 'Catholicdiscussion.wordpress.com' and sort of start a little more 'personal' blog. Though CatholicDiscussion will remain my priority and main blog. Thanks, and God Bless!

~Master Xavier

Master Xavier's Lair

Passing Through Rivendell

The X-Files: The Truth is Out There

I'm a Geek

"You have a lightsaber pen? Cool!" "No, it's a sonic screwdriver." "Oh, well, your sonic screwdriver is on the floor." *Picks up* "So, does it do anything...sonicy?" "It writes...it's just a pen."

That's why one guy in the class said about my sonic screwdriver. ;) Fun times.

A Long Delayed Return

Called Home Poster

Called Home

Called Home

Those Dirty Commies

Halloween Night and November Weekend

Halloween Weekend

Costuming

The Master of the Night - I

Lepanto The Musical

Home Away From Home

"You have a lightsaber pen? Cool!" "No, it's a sonic screwdriver." "Oh, well, your sonic screwdriver is on the floor." Picks up "So, does it do anything...sonicy?" "It writes...it's just a pen."