not sure why it loaded sideways....but after reading some posts on Alum Blocks and not being able to find any at the 3 stores i visited today i went with the Crystal. hopefully this will work till i can find a real Alum block to try. and of course while i was at it had to pick up some old school Pinaud Clubman. never tried this before but i'm looking forward to a crisp burn!!! likely wont use it everyday, just had to add it to my small but growing collection.