I know I say it frequently, but I love my job!

Last week, I finished editing a book about theology, American culture, and comicbook superheroes. I mean, really. If not for editing that book, I might never have encountered the thought-provoking premises within, and most likely would never have watched some of the recent Marvel superhero movies. But, in fact, I’ve just watched “The Incredible Hulk” (the first half-hour takes place in Brazil), and rewatched “Thor.” I tried to watch “Captain America” again, but just couldn’t complete it. Second-time fail. Next, I plan to watch the X-Men movies, and The Avengers, keeping in mind what I read about the transition of the superhero stories from the original Western hero ideal.

Now, I am editing a book about Luigi Cornaro, a man who died at age 84 (or 87) in 1566, after having written a treatise on achieving a long life through “sober living.” Taking the guidance of the Greek physician Galen, Cornaro recommends eating for your body type, and of concentrating on quality and quantity: high-quality food taken in small quantity amounts. Today, his diet is known as the “restrictive calorie diet,” and is touted by well-known health gurus and many others.

But do they know that much of that philosophy is based on the work of this man from sixteenth-century Venice? I sure didn’t. Not until I began editing this book.

I have to admit, however, that my hourly wage plummets when I have an interesting book: I can’t help myself, but go off and do my own research on the topic…whether it be superheroes in comicbooks or ancient diets…or yin-yang theory…or the theory of time travel. Inquiring minds want to know…

But, no matter what my hourly wage, it’s all worth it. As I say all too frequently, I’m getting a PhD in Everythingology, and being paid to do so!

Next up, a sci-fi novel about time travel, a crime fiction book, and a dissertation about the founding of Israel post-World War One. See what I mean? Great job!