Bah! Humbug! Just kidding!

I'll be the first to admit that my sense of humor is a bit off-kilter from what most here in the U. S. would consider "normal".  For example, I'll usually cheer for the mad serial killer in the movies (Jason Voorhees, Freddy Kruger, etc), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (with Jim Carrey) makes me laugh out loud, and I love British comedy.
Now that I've said that, you'll understand why Christmas is one of my favorite times of year.  It has some of THE BEST twisted music!  Not only Dr. Demento, but Bob Rivers has put out several CDs.
I also came across the following piece when I was more into Warhammer 40,000...it was on the bulletin board that Games Workshop had at that time.  I make no claims to ownership or authorship, but I'm posting it here for everyone's entertainment.
If you want some clarification or definitions, take a look at my posting on 9/11 for more info of the Warhammer 40,000 setting.
Enjoy!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Begin Transmission
Repetition of General Directive 264-A-XCIV
To: Distribution, Sectorium Primus
From: Office of The Grand Inquisitor, Ebineezar Grinchanius
Re: Yearly Chaos Incursion
This purpose of this notice is to remind the forgetful of the annual visitation by the minion of Chaos known to the unworthy as Santa Claus.
+++ The Emperor's Light Banishes the Shadows of Heresy +++
As the diligent will recall, the incursion occurs regularly every 8742 to 8766 terran hours, roughly corresponding to a terran year. This trespass has occurred with disturbing regularity since at least the Horus Heresy, and perhaps longer, as many records were misplaced.
+++ Love and Obey the Emperor +++
The faithful will recognize the target on sight, as his garb and gear mark him immediately as an agent of the abominations.
Santa Claus is a corpulent, bloated creature approximating the human form. It wears a crimson tunic the color of fresh blood, marking him as a possible follower of Khorne. It is bearded, mocking the honorable Squats, and its hair is a sallow shade of gray, betraying its unnatural age. Be advised that despite the creatures fearsome name, no claws have been observed, and the former is likely a ruse.
The target has been observed in the company of smaller creatures having the appearance of thin (less than 30 kg, approx.), stunted (1.5 meters) humanoids with pointed ears. Their appearance suggests the involvement of the decadent Eldar, and although that race denies involvement (*reference the Rudolphian Campaign [index 4111-BGE-MMXCII-Primus], specifically the Battle of Yukon Cornelius IV [ibid., index 6]*), agents are advised to be prepared for their involvement, as the Eldar are known for their deceitful ways.
Santa Claus is conveyed by means of a grav-sled powered by unnatural livestock as detailed below.
The target's vehicle is a grav-sled. It has superfluous runners which are used only on landing and take-off. Despite the appearance, no frozen water is necessary for its operation (another ruse). The vehicle's resemblance to the foul Palanquin of Nurgle should not be discounted, even though the colors continue to be reminiscent of Khorne.
The device is powered by the unholy ministrations of eight or nine quadrupeds. Ordo Malleus scholars have identified these creatures as warped versions of an extinct species of terran mammal known as a Moose (reference 900002-ER-CIV). These beings single-mindedly pull the target's vehicle during its yearly invasion. They are outfitted with belled harnesses which are apparently imbued with the ability of flight. These beasts have been likened to the Fiends of Slaanesh, and such a comparison should not be dismissed too lightly, as the creatures shed a luminous substance as effluent as they move. Inquisitors should take care to avoid exposure.
Perhaps more disturbing is the variable number of the minion-creatures. On occasion, a ninth Moose has been observed, placed before the other Mooses. This creature radiates a sickly reddish glow from its snout, as a psychic beacon to other followers of the Vile Ones. This Chaotic device has allowed the target to navigate despite our best efforts to jam its navigation systems.
+++ Blessed is the Virtue of Blind Faith +++
Santa Claus gains entry to the domiciles of loyal Imperial Citizens (see below) and leaves small Chaos Rewards to tempt the faithful.
Inquisitors are reminded to confiscate and incinerate these items before any lasting damage is done. As a localized temporal distortion field is in effect around the target, these items are secreted in the habitations of the Imperium at exactly 2400 hours in every location defiled by the creature. It is therefore possible to gain entry to the citizens' cretches and remove the items (often cunningly hidden in footwear) before the citizens are aware of the heresy that has been committed upon them.
In other cases, removal of the items after the citizens have discovered them is possible. In such situations, small children are occasionally loath to surrender the items, as the tainting of the juveniles has already begun. Executions of the above are to be handled in the most expedient manner possible.
Often, juveniles that are well within the Emperor's Grace are given small blocks of graphite ore rather than the more tempting gifts visited upon the less faithful. The identity of these individuals are to be recorded, as future recruitment into the Inquisition or Adeptus Terra is possible. [Note: Inquisitors or other agents who do *not* receive the graphite stones should be watched carefully]
Santa Claus enters the domiciles be way of heating ducts and waste vents. The size of the opening is not a factor, as the creature can adjust its mass and displacement by means of psychic manipulation. Mining these openings with frag, krak and other demolitions has proven unsuccessful.
The creature egresses by the same means, after ritually caressing his nostrils. No mucus has ever been recovered.
+++ The Death of Emperor's Enemies is the Only Gift We Can Give +++
Although all previous attempts at the destruction of Santa Claus have failed, Inquisitors are urged to make such an attempt whenever possible.
However, of more importance is the suppression of cultist activity associated with the yearly incursion. The Tainted have been known to erect shrines in their homes in the form of shrubbery adorned with baubles and lights [Note: the shrubbery is often highly flammable, and offers a discrete method of executing the offending heretics without calling undue attention to the operation]. Other warning signs include: hallucinations involving sugared candies during slumber; excessive singing; references to 'A magical time of year' (note the influence of Tzeentch); the construction of effigies made of snow; and the performance of Slaanesh rituals while underneath plant clippings of the genus _phoradendron flavescens_.
Once again, executions should be handled in an expedient manner.
End Transmission
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

End.

fired from work

Greetings all!  I was fired from work at the end of October, and I've had a hard time coming up with things to write about, since most of my reading, music listening, and movie watching took place there (while on breaks only).  The baby has been taking up almost all my time, which I have no problem with, really.  I'm almost done with a book though, and have watched a few movies with the kid, so look for a new posting in a few days while I get my thoughts together.

Concert review: Gwar

Yeah, I went to see Gwar last week.  My hearing is finally back to normal.  Mostly.  Gwar's new album, Bloody Pit of Horror, doesn't come out until November 9th...but that doesn't stop them from touring to promote it.  This is the second year of their 25th Anniversary, and it was well worth the cash for the ticket.
The first band, Mobile Deathcamp, is a band from Toledo here in Ohio.  For a three person band, they have a very full sound, awesome lyrics (from what I could understand), and great guitar riffs.  Of course, the lead guitarist used to be the bassist for Gwar (Beefcake the Mighty), so there's great talent there.  They opened for Gwar last time they toured, and will hopefully headline sometime soon.
The second band, Infernaeon from Florida, was everything a death metal band can be: shredding riffs, pounding bass, and growling vocals.  They were very good, and I hope to see them again next time they come through.  They're a five piece band, and they were rather cramped on the small Newport stage, but they did great with such a small space.
The third band, The Casualties, would seem to be the odd-group out.  Hailing from New York City, they are a punk band, complete with spikey hair.  At first, I wasn't that impressed with them, but they really grew on me.  I don't really know how to describe it, other than punk.  Again, this is a band I'm really wanting to see again.
Now we get to the headliner: Gwar.  This band, if you haven't heard of them, is all about politically incorrectness.  They don't care who they offend, anything is open.  For a complete "history" of the band, you can go here: http://www.gwar.net/mythos .  They have characters come out on stage, and everyone is done up in latex and rubber costumes, including the band.  The concert I attended started out simple enough.  They're promoting the new album, Bloody Pit of Horror with the first single, "Zombies, March".  Keeping that in mind, you'll understand why when the lights went out in the Newport Concert Hall, the song "Thriller" by Michael Jackson started playing.  Two zombies came out on stage, followed shortly by the band. 
Now, I should mention at this point that any characters, and occasionally the lead singer, come on stage trailing hoses.  When a character is "killed", "blood" squirts from the neck or body.  This is a water soluable solution tinged either red or green, depending on who/what gets "killed". 
Ok, back to the concert.  Oderus Urungus, the lead singer, came out with his sword and "decapitated" the zombies, thus starting the actual concert.  Also "killed" was Sarah Palin, and Lady Ga-Ga (Oderus called her Lady Gay-Ga), and a recurring character, Bonesnapper the troll (he had the green blood).
The last Gwar concert I went to, I went in the mosh pit for about 3 minutes, and got hit in the face, resulting in a bloody nose.  This time, I must confess, I was in the pit from the very beginning.  I got hit with the "blood" spray from everything that was "killed", and the "blood" cannon.  Most true fans wear white t-shirts, and show off the "bloody" shirt with pride.  However, I learned from my mistake last year: even though I dried it first, it still came clean in the wash.  This time, I don't think I'm gonna wash it.  I'm gonna keep it for next time.
To be in a Gwar mosh pit is to literally court injury.  So many people are bunched up together, pushing around so the entire mob sways from side to side and front to back in massive waves.  It's hot, humid, and VERY VERY close.  So close that, if people were naked, it would be considered...kinky.  THAT close.  However, Gwar fans are some of the best sports around, and go out of their way to help people back up if someone falls down.  And Gwar is definately NOT just for guys, there were plenty of women there, including a lady that was about 50 years old attending her first Gwar show.
Needless to say, I've had my adrenalin/death-thrill for a while.  At least until next year.

Musical tastes

I have been asked many times "How can you listen to that crap?" (my wife).  I've been told "Let me know when you start listening to 'music' " (thanks, dad).  A lot of people wonder how/why I can listen to such beautiful pieces of music like Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Ave Maria, and Mozart's Requiem...and within a minute switch to a group like Slipknot, Gwar, or Slayer.  Well, I'll tell you.
Firstly, for the most part, when it comes to heavy metal music, one of the last things I do is listen to lyrics.  I just don't care what the singer is saying.  The first thing I listen for is how the group's instruments, as a whole, sound.  The interplay of guitars, bass, drums, and whatever else the group has.  If I don't like the instrumentation of the group, it doesn't matter if the lyrics are some of the best poetry or imagery ever written, I just turn it off.
Second, I listen to how the singer sounds with the group.  If he/she sounds stupid or cheesy, I turn it off.  There's a CD I have by a group called Warhammer.  The singer sounds like Rolf the Dog from the Muppet Show.  The instrumentation of the group is great, but I have trouble with the singer: I just can't wrap my head around Rolf headbanging to songs like Crush the Disbeliever, and Necrophobia.
Lastly, I check out the lyrics.  If the instrumentation is good, and the singer is good, the lyrics just follow.  I'll enjoy reading the lyrics if I like the music.


Now then.  Classical music.  This is something really difficult for someone to describe "how" or "why" he or she likes it.  Classical music seems to be just one of those things that you either like....or don't.  There's no real in-between point.  I grew up with classical music, and enjoy relaxing to it.  There are times when I'll listen to the Amadeus soundtrack for a week or more at a time, and nothing else.  I know and realize that some people make fun of those of us that like classical music.  To them I say: without the innovations done by the pioneers of music like Bach, Mozart, and Handel, your favorite music group today simply would not exist in their current form.

General Stuff

Comments are always welcome, as are questions.  I will also take recommendations for my next book or music review.  If I have it in my collection, I'll read it or listen to it.

Book Review: Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium

In a setting as drenched in blood as the Warhammer 40k setting is, you don’t expect a lot of humor.  Then you realize that the company is based out of the same country that brought out Monty Python and Benny Hill, and you might say something like “ah, that explains it”. 

Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium is not just one book, but an omnibus of the first three novels featuring the reluctant hero.  It also has three short stories before each full novel that gives a hint of what’s in-store in that next book.  It should be noted here that all of the stories are told in the first person (I went here, I did this, etc), with some additional notes by the Inquisitor that Cain meets in “For the Emperor”.

In the Warhammer 40k setting, commissars are strict disciplinarians.  They lead from the front, showing no fear, and executing any that show cowardice or don’t do what they’re ordered to.  They worship the Emperor and hold Him more dear than their own lives.  Therefore, when a novel came out that shows one particular commissar in a rather dubious light, I really sat up and took notice.

The short story “Fight or Flight” gives us a quick introduction to Commissar Cain as the newly appointed officer to the Valhallan 12^th Field Artillery, fresh out of commissar school, as they finish wiping out some orks, and then are suddenly surprised by tyranids.  The bugs attack, and we are given insight into Cain as he tries (unsuccessfully) to flee.  However, we also see how he manages to turn the situation around, as it would appear he puts his own life on the line to save Jurgan, a likeable person steadfast in his duty to the Emperor, but whose personal issues (which are detailed with evident relish) eventually cause him to be assigned to Cain as his aide.

“For the Emperor” takes place years later, when Cain is assigned to a new Valhallan Infantry division.  And Division is a rather apt name.  After facing hideous losses on Corania, the Valhallan 296^th and 301^st were amalgamated into one, but were now called the Valhallan 296/301.  Needless to say, this causes a bit of friction, especially when you consider that the 301 is an all female unit, and the 296 is an all male unit.  Shortly after Cain’s arrival to the transport ship, there is a rather large and brutal melee in the mess hall, and after all is said and done, the 597^th is formed (296 plus 301). 

The new division’s first assignment is to a planet called Gravalax, where the reader is introduced to the race known as tau.  I can’t/won’t go into much more, as it would spoil a good bit of the surprise towards the end, but we do find something out about Jurgen, his aide.

As I previously stated, the majority of the authors are British, and Sandy Mitchell (really Alex Stewart) is no exception, with the characteristic dry humor.  One of the funniest descriptions in this first book is when he’s talking about the marching band: “…and the band thumping and parping away at If I Should Forget Thee, O Terra as though they had a grudge against the composer.”

A little bit later, Cain and a friend had been drinking the local liquor.  “...and I glanced around while Divas communed loudly with the Emperor in a convenient gutter.”

In “Echoes of the Tomb”, the second short story, Cain (and the reader) is given his first introduction to the necrons, and takes place before his stint with the Valhallan 597^th.    Soulless beings of metal, these creatures can reform and repair themselves much like the liquid metal Terminator from the movie “Judgment Day”.  It also shows the single-mindedness of the tech-priests.  Devotees of the Martian technological equivalent of the Emperor, most tech-priests willingly undergo augmentic surgery to replace their ‘meat parts’ with metal equivalents.  This also is a foreshadowing for the second novel in the omnibus, “Caves of Ice”.

Fresh off of the deployment to Gravalax, the Valhallan 597^th is sent to the ice world of Simia Orichalcae.  As you can imagine, an infantry regiment going to an ice world is rather a cause for celebration amongst the troops, a fact that is shown when Cain is forced a couple of times to break up snowball fights.

This deployment is about defending a promethium refinery from rampaging orks.  Promethium is the fuel that drives the Imperium…literally.  Infact, one of the edits that Inquisitor Vail provides is an informational pamphlet for the newcomer about the wonders of promethium.  Inquisitor Vail also provides a transcript of one of the meetings, which shows still more of the dry British humor:  “Colonel Kasteen called the meeting to order.  Then she called it to order again.  Major Brocklaw fired his bolt pistol into the ceiling, and the meeting came to order.”

As the orks are advancing from halfway across the planet, it is revealed that several miners have gone missing.  Cain suspects that the orks might have found another way in and decides it’s vitally important to investigate the mines (not really, this is just his way of avoiding a sure fight on the surface).  In the deep mines, they discover that this is also a necron tomb-world, and the need to seal the mines from the deep menace is paramount.

The third and final short story, “The Beguiling”, is Cain’s first introduction to the forces and followers of Chaos, especially Slaanesh, the Prince of Pleasure.  To a true follower of Slaanesh, any sensation is the epitome of pleasure.  A noise, a smell, someone cutting off your hand…all is ecstatic, almost orgasmic pleasure.  Again, this short story features Cain and his aide Jurgan, who by now you all now has a special talent.

In “The Traitor’s Hand”, the forces of Chaos have been making raids through a couple planetary systems and for some reason, unknown at this time, the warp currents in the area are all heading in one direction.  Taking place on a planet that has no rotation, Adumbria Prime, the Valhallans are given the defense of the “cold side”, while a regiment from Tallarn, a desert world, are given the defense of the “hot side”.  From the opening pages of the novel, it’s obvious there’s no love lost between these two regiments, and it carries over a bit to the Lord General in charge of this operation.  In fact, later in the book, the Lord General Zyvan tells the Tallarn colonel off a bit, and this is the descriptive of the after-effects: “The implied rebuke to Asmar was about as subtle as an ork breaking wind, and the Tallarn colonel’s face coloured slightly.”  Gotta love that British humor.

At one point, Cain was riding in an elevator, and the way it’s described made me laugh out loud: “After about thirty seconds of tedium, made even worse by a scratchy recording of Death to the Deviant apparently performed by tone-deaf ratlings with nose flutes…”

Chaos being…well…chaotic, there’s no apparent rhyme or reason to the attacks as the invading forces arrive.  It’s only after much investigation and some hindsight that Cain is able to pick up on what the goals are in this invasion: I can’t tell you…haha!  That would spoil it.  However, I will say that someone that Cain met in “The Beguiling” makes another, slightly different, appearance.

All in all, this is a huge book, but well worth the price and the time it takes to read it.  The “editorial notes” by the Inquisitor put give a decent description to a reader unfamiliar with the setting, as do the novels themselves.  In fact, I’d say that this would be a great book for the beginning Warhammer 40k reader, as it gives good descriptions of pretty much anything, including the equipment used by the Imperial Guard.  And, as a bonus, it’s nowhere near as bloody as the majority of the other books in the setting.

The Commissar Cain books have been a favorite of mine for some time now, and I’m glad I went through the omnibus again for this review. 

My rating: 9 feathers out of 10.

pre-review blog. Warhammer 40,000 setting and terminology

    Before I jump into my first book review, there is some terminology that is frequently used in the Warhammer 40,000 (or 40k) setting.  So frequently, in fact, that most of what's listed below is used in just about every single novel.  Therefore, not only have I compiled a list of terms and their definitions that a reader will run into and, if new to the setting often have questions about the first few times they are used, I have also summarized the setting for the new reader.
     After conquering much of the galaxy, Warp storms prevented humanity from leaving Terra for thousands of years, leaving the rest of the galaxy to devolve or be conquered by the many alien races.  Ten thousand years before this present day, the being now known only as the Emperor used his own flesh to genetically engineer twenty super-human warriors known as the Primarchs, His sons.  Created to be the most powerful warriors in the galaxy and virtually immortal, the Primarchs were swept mysteriously away before leaving infancy and deposited on remote, deadly planets.  There they grew to dominance amongst the local populations.
     Having appeared to have failed at His task, the Emperor used left-over genetic material from the Primarchs to create the Space Marines and set about re-conquering the galaxy.  Almost immortal themselves, the Space Marines were created for no other purpose than war.  Gathered into twenty Legions ten-thousand strong, one for each Primarch, they were armed and armored with the very best of equipment.  As they expanded outward, the Emperor was reunited with the long lost sons.  After several hundred years of fighting, the most beloved and trusted son, Warmaster Horus, sold his soul to the Chaos gods and betrayed the Emperor, beginning what is now known as the Horus Heresy.  Fully half of the Primarchs and their Legions followed him in worship of the Chaos gods.  As the followers of Horus closed in on the Emperor's palace on Terra, the Emperor teleported to Horus' ship and, in hand to hand combat, slew his favorite son.  Mortally wounded himself, the Emperor was placed in stasis upon the Golden Throne, yet his powerful psychic abilities were not diminished in any way.
     Worshiped as a living god even before the Heresy, worship of the Emperor is now mandatory.  It is the 41st Millennium.  The Imperium of Man is spread across the galaxy, with Holy Terra being the seat of power. Humanity is beset on all sides by aliens, by mutants, and worshipers of the dark gods of Chaos.


Terms:
     PDF- Planetary Defence Force.  Basically like the National Guard here in the States.
     Arbites (Are-BITE-ease)- local police forces.  Think Judge Dredd, only with out the judging rights, only arrests.
     Astartes (a-START-ease)- Space Marines. Grouped into 1000 man strong Chapters.
     Commissars- attached to military groups as a political and morale officer.  Granted the right to punish and/or execute any who they find lacking in respect, duty, or following the Emperor.  Judge Dredd, with judging rights.

     Ministorum- organization of the Imperium overseeing the worship of the Emperor.  Think the Vatican.
     Administratum- organization of the Imperium overseeing the daily tasks.  The administrators, quill pushers, etc.
     Imperial Guard-standard army type.
     Inquisition-much like the people in the Spanish Inquisition, able to do basically anything they want to ferret out heretics.  Much like the SS in Nazi Germany

    
Aliens
     Tyranids-race of beings the equivalent of locusts. Each planet they destroy makes them stronger, bigger, and better.
     Eldar- space Elves
     Dark Eldar- space Elves, corrupted by Chaos
     Necrons- skeletal beings of metal that can re-form themselves.  Think combination of Terminator 1 and 2.
     Tau-humanoids that have a rigid caste system based on Nature. Fire-warriors. Earth-builders. Water-ambassadors and diplomats. Air-pilots
     Orks- big, tough humanoids whose DNA is partially fungal. can have an arm chopped off in battle, reach down and pick it up, and beat the one that chopped it off to death with it.
     Daemons-demons of Chaos


I will add to this list, I'm sure, in later blogs.  But this gives you the general idea of the setting and peoples of the Warhammer 40k realm.

Music review: The Puppet Master--King Diamond

    For my first CD review, I'm going to do a CD by King Diamond.  If you don't know who King Diamond is, I'm not going to give his entire illustrious career; you can go to http://www.covenworldwide.org  for that.

     King Diamond is the consummate horror story writer and teller, probably one of the best since H.P. Lovecraft.  Few writers have made me squirm and shudder like they do.  In an interview at http://metalisrael.com/2005/10/48/exclusive-king-diamond-interview-part-1/, King Diamond states that he writes all of the lyrics and most of the music for his albums.  His primary focus in his solo career seem to be concept album: CDs that tell a story and each song is a part of that story...much like an opera.
     His lyrics are splendidly written, and with such a detail that leaves no doubt as to what's going on in the story.  The songs and the whole story that the songs tell wouldn't be out of place on a dark and stormy night when the power goes out.
     This brings us to the album to be reviewed: The Puppet Master.  The setting is in Budapest in the 18th Century.  The first song, Midnight, gives a hint of what's to come.  The main character is reflecting on what has happened.  Something about a cellar, a show...and blood.
     Now, I'm not going to go song by song detailing what the story is about as some reviewers might.  There are plenty of places online where you can find the lyrics and get the story that way.  To me, it takes a lot out of the story if I do that.  I'd much rather hear the story with the music.  However, I will tell you that the main premise of the album is that the story is coming from the point of view of a puppet that's been given eternal life.
     Darkly melodic seems to be the standard for all King Diamond albums, and this is certainly no exception.  With the addition of Livia Zita singing on three of the songs, it brings an even deeper harmony to what's normally just King singing.  In fact, she plays the part of his love on the album, Victoria.  King Diamond has such a vocal range that he probably could have been an opera singer if he tried just a little.  True, some of the high notes that were prevalent on the album Abigail just aren't here on The Puppet Master, but the addition of Livia more than makes up for it.
     All in all, The Puppet Master is my favorite King Diamond album.  Rich in story, melody and harmony, this album really has a depth that's missing in most music today.  He has a passion about his music that, while most artists try to match it, few actually make it.
     My rating: 9 feathers out of 10

Reading background

Hi everyone!
Just as I did with music, I'm going to give you a bit of my background when it comes to reading and books before I delve into my first review.
I started reading early, before kindergarten, with McGuffey's Eclectic Primers being the foundation.  Well, unless you count me parroting back to my mom and dad the Dr. Seuss they were trying to read me to get me to go to sleep.
I started in one school, but was moved to another because the "old" school kindergarten class was just learning the ABCs, and I was already reading.  I read for fun, mostly because there were no other kids around my neighborhood that were my age.
My interest in books really took off when I was in 5th grade.  The school had a deal with Scholastic Books where we could order books out of a catalog.  I saw one called "Mystery of the Coughing Dragon", in "The Three Investigators" series.  I was hooked, and read all I could from that point on.
 In 4th grade I was reading at an 8th grade level.  In 8th grade, I was reading at an 11th or 12th grade level.  In 11th grade, I was reading at college level.
I was first introduced to science-fiction/fantasy in junior high by a good friend of min, Mike.  He started me off with "On a Pale Horse" by Piers Anthony.  He also introduced me to the Dungeons and Dragons computer games (another post, folks, sorry).  From there, I got into the "Forgotten Realms" novels and the "Dragonlance" novels. 
My library is immense, and growing constantly.  I have two of those 5 shelf bookshelves, and each shelf is double, triple, and in a couple places quadruple stacked.  My collection is mostly sci-fi/fantasy, but I have some mystery, history, and action sprinkled about to make it interesting.  My main fixation right now are the "Warhammer 40,000" novels put out by the Black Library publishing company. 
My passion for reading has grown so much, that I take at least one book with me wherever I go, including work.  I just feel lost without one.
All that being said, I'll review mostly sci-fi/fantasy, but I'll post some from other genres as well to keep people guessing.

Musical background

Before I launch into my first music review posting, I'd like to share with you my musical background.  I started listening to music at a very young age, but my first memories are back when AM radio actually played music.  Today, it would be called "Easy Listening": John Denver, Barry Manilow...things like that. 
I don't exactly know how I started getting into "Rock", but I remember listening to Yes, Tears for Fears, and Motley Crue (Theater of Pain era) on the local rock station.  This was when I was in about 5th or 6th grade.  At that time, I started playing violin, then upright bass through school. 
I was in the junior high and high school orchestras, along with the Seattle Little, Junior, and Youth Symphonies.  I also picked up the bass guitar in high school and was in the school jazz band.  In late junior high and into high school is when I really got into rock: Guns n' Roses, Motley Crue, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, etc.  I was still in the symphonies, orchestra and jazz band, but had moved away from ONLY listening to that music.  In late high school, I also joined a local chamber group and an operetta company for a couple seasons.
I auditioned for, and was accepted into the Navy School of Music after high school.  Problem was, I had to learn how to play the tuba and march in a band...neither of which I had done before.  I didn't learn it well enough or fast enough, so was dropped from there and went to an A-6 squadron (but that's for another post).
In the 20 years since graduating, my musical library has grown to damn-near 1000 CDs, and I'm proud of the fact that I have every musical genre represented: country, rock, classical, metal, easy listening, rap, jazz/swing, gospel...the list goes on.
My ultimate favorite musical genre is metal, and I'll review a good chunk of albums from that category.  However, I will also throw in some classical, world, jazz, and others in once in a while for flavor...and so that no-one gets bored from just one thing.