I am fiercely independent, passionate, intelligent and a borderline loner who has a hard time marching to any beat in life but my own. Most say I'm very laid back, understanding, and easy to get along with or talk to. Perpetually curious, always in motion, and love to explore. My main deal is balance in all things I do.

I can have a wild imagination and go off on creative tangents often. I get into a little bit of everything, study a little bit of everything and try to experience as much as I can. I sound like I'm busy and borderline hyperactive at times and while that gets close to the truth sometimes, It's not actually all that bad. Me getting bored is a baaaaad thing. Believe me.

I love to read, make things with my hands, make music, ride my motorcycle, see live music, hang out with friends, work in my gardens, watch horror and sci-fi movies, beat the crap out of my brain, online gaming, and cooking.

I'm not into: sports on tv, "reality tv", exploring the latest in fashion, clubbing or the whole bar scene. If this is your main deal, you're at a dead end here.

My greatest passion is making music.

You hopefully are independent as well, but still able to get close to a person. You should be at least somewhat energetic and positive, as well as not being afraid to try new things on occasion. Vibrant, sparkling personalities, a positive outlook and a spectacular ass are always a plus, as well as someone who can bring out my more playful side.

Ideally, I want someone who not only is willing to share my time, but contribute to it, and allow me to do the same for them. Life is too short to waste wallowing around with the wrong people in our lives.

I don't really care about your color, religion, or politics as long as you don't feel the need to preach them to me. I'm interested in knowing YOU, the person and the things that define you as one. Actually, I'd rather you were a bit different than me but can respect our differences.

Some notes about me: I'm accepting of most things about a person so please be the same. I'm not a racist, and don't have much tolerance for it in others unless you have some great reason. It happens. I'l make an exception for the French, no one likes them.

The city isn't always my first choice to be, but I'm getting used to it. At the same time, don't expect me to know where anything is. I'll cut you some slack if you're on the far south side tho.

If you come up to me with a preconceived notion about what and who I am, then I'll likely stand you on your ear. I ride motorcycles, drink beer, have tattoos, listen to metal, am an unrepentant geek, study eastern philosophy, practice herbalism (no that's not a pot reference), read philosophy, love my family and can make computers absolutely dance when under my control. I can be as aggressive and intense as I am shy and reserved.

Thankfully, someone did just remind me that I do have certain opinions that not everyone likes. If you're overly sensitive or a bleeding heart liberal, we likely won't get along unless you're really really cool. What reminded me? That I'm informed enough to understand the basic fact that Ebonics is not a language or even a dialect, but just bad English and dummy talk that the pussified PC politicians are too spineless to say (publicly) anything against. Thank you, creepy looking, idealistic, vegan weirdo chick for reminding me of that. PS- Ticking people off is a little hobby of mine. Loosen up, its fun.

That being said, if you can only stimulate a person below the waist and not above the neck, go find another profile. You're not my type. You don't have to be brilliant, just real.

Outside of my day job, I own a web design business. Its one of my creative outlets, and lets me unleash my inner geek.

With my previous band dissolving, going back on the quest for that certain awesome band to play with. Know anyone who needs a guitarist? Lemme know.

Studying more alternative medicine. I've always been interested in it but also looking more at modern western medicine, I find I just can't stomach the thought of most of the things they do. Natural remedies are better.

Going through a rigorous system of self improvement to lose weight and get stronger. It's a long term process with an ultimate goal. I'm not a health food nut or exercise fiend, but I do eat better than most and exercise a lot, if that makes sense.

Figuring out where I want to get one of my life mottos tattooed. That being "You will never conquer my dreams". I already have "Stand True" on my chest. A wicked skull on my arm. More to come. If you don't like tattoos, find another profile.

Oh, I'll have to save the good bits for later, how much do you expect me to spill on a page like this? A guy has to keep some mystery about him.

I love Sci-Fi, horror, cyberpunk and alternate history fiction novels and movies.

I'm a fount of useless knowledge. No really, I can quote out some of the most inane and obscure crap you've ever seen.

I am the lord of the BBQ. 'nuff said.

Playing stringed instruments. Guitar, bass, violin (a little) and so on. Its just something that fits me.

I'm awesome at messing up jokes and still making people laugh, singing wildly off key, or busting out into the dorkiest white boy dance you can think of in just about any situation. Everyone says I'm a natural comedian in almost all situations and have a way of making people around me laugh and be at ease.

I'm a prankster at heart.

Making computers, networks and webpages work.

Making random bits of food taste good.

I've been told my voice, a lot. Anything else, well, you'll have to tell me. Most people quickly feel safe and secure around me. Maybe that's a good thing, maybe not.

Lately, I've been hearing increasingly that I can be rather physically and mentally (WTF?) intimidating, and part because I don't make a big deal about the physical or mental resources I have. Yes, I'm smart and strong. Those that get past it realize I'm just me.

Unabashedly me, you'll either love it, hate it or smile and tolerate it.
I have my feet on the ground and my head in the clouds.
I'm an artist who works in the technical fields.
I can be moody and sometimes temperamental even while I'm being the emotional rock that people lean on.
Born to use my mind, and learned to use my hands.
Dedicated, committed, and intensely laid back.
I can be rather shy and reserved until I open up.
Calm and gentle with a beast raging inside, yearning to run free in the night.
I always have a sense of humor, even when I'm serious.
I can be extremely passionate about the things I'm into, and just not give a damn about thing's I'm not into.
I don't sweat the small stuff.
My willingness to change may at times border on glacial, but then it'll happen at light speed when it does.
I can be intense, driven, and charging forward like a bulldozer piloted by a crack addict.. even if its about being a lazy **stard for a weekend.
I've been described more than once as a ball of energy and force of nature who oftentimes needs a direction or proper outlet.
Seeking balance is my main gig.

I play guitar, mostly in metal bands. I've played everything from Count Basie to Carcass and still come back home to metal. If you like music, you're in luck.

Love to cook, since food is life. I might dazzle you with some dishes as long as you can laugh with me at my culinary wipeouts as we order pizza instead.

I'm looking for someone who fits me. That special person that compliments what I have. A partner in crime and best friend whom is able to look past my imperfections as I do theirs. I get along with just about everyone and have a good time, but I only tend to keep those that end up being outstanding individuals.

Some have asked "Ok Rich, that's all well and good but what are you *really* looking for in a person?" ... and my answer is honestly "I don't know" and "I'll know it when it clubs me over the head". Now, if you want to insta-judge and say no direction, door is to the left, nice knowing you. Personally, there isn't a list in my back pocket with all kinds of rules and limitations or "You must be at least this tall to ride". When it is the right person, you just know, and it could be anyone, even you! I will admit, to a point, the more you deviate from being totally white bread normal, the more likely we'll get along, then again I've had great times with some exceedingly average people. Go figure. The point? If I have a type, I have no idea what it is today, so let's take a chance and risk broadening each others horizons, alright?

I'll read anything put in front of me, I just tend to eat books like a fat kid through a bag of fries. Mostly dry reading the past few months. I'm learning some new computer languages and reading a lot on old sailing ships. Snorefest for most, but interesting for me.

I love action, comedy, underdog sci-fi, and horror movies. Oh, and anything with Jackie Chan. He just rules.

I listen to all kinds of music, but I tend toward metal in all its forms. Musical Favorites include: Witchery, Motorhead, Black Sabbath, God Dethroned, Obituary, Type O Negative, Count Basie, Glen Miller, Rockin Sydney, AC/DC, Johnny Cash, The Beach Boys, GBH, Suicidal Tendencies, The Doors, and The Stray Cats

Food is easy.. BBQ, sushi, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and Thai. I also make a mean kraut plate.

Cognitive reasoning ability, great sex, touch, music, mental stimulation, and winter.

Hey, I'm a demanding and choosy bastard, ok? But really, who couldn't do with all these things. Give me some credit here to not putting up some of the usual uninspired, non witty crap like air, food, water, etc.

It's amazing how important touch can be to people.

I'm disturbed at how much my cell phone wants to edge into this list.

Music and its influence on us. Where I want to be in 10 years and how to get there. People and their interesting and sometimes unique behaviors. Social issues. Masculinism. Wondering what others are thinking at any given time. All sorts of things. My mind wanders constantly and I wish at times I could turn it off, but that'll never happen. Where I'd rather be on my bike.

Typically cruising the streets on the bike, enjoying the air... Jamming with the band at some shitty bar... Drinkin' beer and makin' bonsai trees... delving into my own geeky world of books... or just watching TV. Really, could be anything.

Really, if I'm not playing a gig somewhere, I usually take it easy on Friday and do something on Saturday.

I have something that I've never let hold me back, and that's being blind in one eye. It's a challenge at times, but strength of will can overcome anything.

I randomly email people here and compliment them on some outstanding feature of theirs if they have one. Usually peoples eyes. Hey, I can't help it, eyes get me.

I have an odd fascination with old maps.

Women with glasses are irresistible.

Jesus is NOT f'ing metal.

I secretly laugh to myself when I look through some of the people that I've contacted in the past and either got blown off or never got a response from and notice they're still single, and often bitching about not being able to find anybody. Yes, I have an evil side of me that revels in things like this.

I used to play clarinet and flute. I have a violin I can also play badly.

I've somehow managed to have 4 full blown stalkers in 3 years.

Would you like to know more? Maybe ask me about my band, motorcycle or tattoo? Go ahead. Not all conversations have to be leading to a romantic relationship.

If your deal breakers include religion, smoking, weight, height, income, politics or other such nonsense, I'm likely to disappoint you. Yes, I've run across this too many times, so I apparently have to put it out there.

For the love of freaking God, are there people out there who still read something besides this magazine crap or kids books? Ok, Maybe I'm like Rollins in that if you can actually sit me down and shut me up, show me 10 things I didn't know and can make me laugh, I swear I'll follow you around on bloody stumps in the snow and actually care about your feelings.

If you can't deal with commitment (if it gets to that), you can't have me. Simply put.