Very funny. I like his challenging questions. Everytime Ridge asks me questions, I tremble with fear, and gives me anxiety. But Ridge is a sociable person, and his growth in mentality is a sign that, grown up people are very caring, and ignore us, we the lunatics, who lack respect for him, of course.

I don't take his pronouncements as Holy Writ, but he is one of the more thoughtful reviewers here on RIA.

UPDATE:

He's a bit quick to take offense when no insult is intended, but he's not the only one around here and his reviews are definitely worth reading.

I communicate with Ridge from time to time and I am typically left in awe when I realize that this man has done more on this earth that I could ever fathom accomplishing. He's rapidly becoming a benchmark for me of where I'd like to be someday, so I'd have to guess that only idiots would ever have anything bad to say about him. Even while he was gone from here we discussed a thing or two, and it always made me feel like Luke Skywalker talking to Obi-Wan Kenobi, getting some strange directions as to what I might do and where I might go. I'm glad to see him back.

I have come to really appreciate the way that Ridgewalker colours his reviews with sometimes elaborate, but always entertaining asides, that snake along a meandering path, where you feel you may have veered off course, but ultimately lead back to the topic in question with a richer appreciation, and amuse you along the way. A very entertaining writer and a good reason to keep coming back to RIA.

About damn time he showed back up here. I've taken leave myself a time or two, but his departure was a real loss, as opposed to a ripple in the pond.

Let me tell you Ridge, if you pull that again "you gonna havva lotta 'splainin' to do."

Another update: Looks like Ridge might be venturing back to the website, whether on a limited basis or more time will tell I guess. His presence here has certainly been missed by me, and I'm sure others, and it's good to see him back, even if his return is limited and temporary. Welcome back, Ridge.

Update: Very sorry to see Ridge leave the site. Even though he and I never met personally, I consider him a friend, and wish him the very best. It does seem to be a disturbing trend recently that some of the site's best, most interesting reviewers have chosen to leave. I certainly don't want to minimize any of their concerns; Ridge, Ignatius, Flick, MissPackRat, Stark. I've had some issues of my own (and I guess the site has had its issues with me, considering the emblem of a scissors appears every time I post a response to a post now) but, as Magellen says, the site is what it is, and, so far anyway, I can live with that. I do hope all of them will consider returning at some point (although Flick and MissPackRat haven't left yet, and hopefully won't), as they were all, and Ridge in particular, a valuable part of what's good here and makes it a place worth returning to again and again.

Ridge is a passionate, insightful, and very well-informed reviewer with an ever-present sense of humor. To me, he's a sane conservative, and I wish there were more like him. Very intelligent, erudite, articulate, civil, open-minded, in no way doctrinaire or a blind follower of ideological dogma...he and I don't always agree on issues, but I respect him and consider him a great asset to this website.

I haven't been on this site a while, and was VERY dissapointed to see him gone. I'm pretty sure that there is not one person who doesn't miss him. I hope he comes back.

Ridge is gone?!?! Aw, crap. You gotta be joking me. You know, people, Ridge was the real reason why many reviewers hung onto this site (myself included). A couple of years ago this place was like going to a family picnic. Everybody had their own personalities that we could all connect; Ridge, of course, being that goofy, yet reliable and loving uncle. Nowadays, it seems to be more like a debilitated opinion mill, merely consisting of a loosly glued hodgepodge of transient conjection-spewers.

Maybe that is the way it is suppose to be. Maybe, intelligence is not required, nor wanted here. Personally, I don't know why Ridge felt the need to leave the site. However, I can certainly tell you this - neither the site nor the remainder of us are better off because of it.

Wow, another one I can't believe I have not rated until now. Ridge is one of the reviews I respect the most here at RIA. A man with great insight and uncanny common sense on most issues. Just an all around well rounded and likeable person.

Hope your health is treating you well my friend.