Hi I'm Matt a slacker in upstate NY. Because I have this nigh pathological need to help people I fell into the human/social service field. Currently I am the family liaison for a small group home working with emotionally disturbed teenage boys. Though I enjoy parts of my job and parts of it are rewarding, that’s not enough. Though I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up, I know it’s time to move on from this line of work. I am working on finding a new path and figuring out how to make going back to school feasible.

I am the Son of a preacher man and all that entails, so yes I do have my own theme song. I identify as Heathen these days, though it can be said I have some Gnostic leanings. Mostly I try and keep an open mind about things and I try and approach people with an attitude of respect and tolerance, at least until they prove themselves unworthy.

Don’t mistake my reticence for lack of interest or passivity. I’m a big guy and some would go as far to say scary looking. Big guys are taught at an early age either to be bullies or nice guys. As I grew up I’ve learned there is difference between good and nice, and arrogance and confidence. I’m trying to walk a path that doesn’t involve being a bastard or someone’s doormat. I’m still fighting years of conditioning so I’m not likely to make the first move.

As far as hobbies and things for fun go (who says I’m allowed to have fun). To keep busy (and possibly from going insane, though that one is debatable) I am involved in the SCA and my main area of interest is Viking history and culture. I’m a squire and practice armored rattan combat. (Gotta say hitting your friends with sticks is a great way of relieving stress.) though I’m also interested in learning historical swordsmanship and martial arts. I dabble in various art projects and writing fiction as well. I also devour books in my spare time.

I'm big, I've got long blond hair and wear a Thor's Hammer, seriously folks I look like I should be stepping off of a longship or getting off a Honda Valkyrie. I once walked into a comic shop wearing green and a kid pointed at me screaming, �Look, Gojira! RUN!.�

People who actually get closer say it's my eyes

Authors...It may be easer and more efficient way to answer the question: Charles Stross, John Scalzi, Neil Gamon, Dan Savage, Guy Gavriel Kay, Jim Butcher, Tim Powers, Jacqueline Carey, Susan R. Matthews, Emma Bull, Jeanette Winterson to name a few in no particular order.

Movies: Dead Again, Devil's Advocate, Gladiator, Evil Dead, 13th Warrior, Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, Captain Kronos - Vampire Hunter, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Master and Commander, Seven, Last Man Standing, Sin City, The Usual Suspects, Silence of the Lambs, Serenity, Man on Fire, Pretty Dirty Things, Peter's Friends, Alien and Aliens, JI Jane, Brotherhood of the Wolf (action movies need more brothel scenes), Some of Ken Branagh's versions of Shakespeare. There probably more that I'm forgetting.

Music: Afro Celtic Sound System, Ani DiFranco, Bad Religion, Godsmack, Hedningarna, Lacuna Coil, Loreena McKennitt, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Nine Inch Nails, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Tool. Any music that's honest and communicates something other then whiney angst or smug narcissim. Hard rock, folk, filk, blues, some classical, some jazz, some punk, Ska.

Food: Indian, Thai, Sushi, Schezuan, Middle Eastern, Italian, TexMex, Creole, Soul Food, BBQ...hay you know it's not nice to ask a large man that question...

My CPAP, my Teddy Bear Schelpp, a good book, my friends, human affection, touch

The human condition.

Going to my local drinking practice, hanging out with my friends, on call or on a road trip.

Not a damned thing. If you want to know your going to have to get to know me and ask.

I'm interested in meeting smart, fun, quirky, interesting people. People with a brain, a personality, backbone, sense of humor and a story to tell. I am not interested in people looking for a therapist or a priest. You must be this sane to ride this ride.

I am looking for companionship, comfort and human touch. Don’t mistake my openness for being indiscriminate or desperate. I am looking for lovers and possible partners, but that doesn’t mean I will ignore a chance at friendship or meeting interesting people along the way.

People if you're going to message me at least pretend to have read my profile. Mmmkay?