Who Wrote Ben Hall: The Bushranger And When?

Curiously, I like lining up numbers and stories — and when I put Jay Cutler and Ben Roethlisberger side-by-side, the headline is pretty clear: Ben built a bigger pile of money. Jay’s net worth is generally put in the ballpark of around $35–45 million, which reflects a solid NFL career, some endorsement checks, and a lifestyle that’s been public and comfortable. I think people sometimes undervalue how much Jay parlayed his name into media moments and off-field income too. Ben, on the other hand, usually shows up with a larger estimate — roughly in the $70–90 million range depending on the source. That gap makes sense once you unpack it: Ben had a longer run as a franchise QB, more big contract years, and postseason runs that drive legacy pay and post-career opportunities. Plus, longer tenure often means bigger pension and more lucrative local endorsements. So yeah, if I had to sum it as a fan with a spreadsheet in my head: both are wealthy former quarterbacks who live well, but Ben’s career length and contract history almost certainly pushed his net worth appreciably higher than Jay’s — and that’s the angle that sticks with me.

Growing up with a record player always spinning ska and rocksteady in the corner of my tiny apartment, I picked up Audrey Hall’s voice like a warm, familiar radio signal. She’s Jamaican — born in Kingston — and her roots trace straight into that island’s rich vocal tradition. She started singing young, soaking up gospel and local church harmonies before slipping into the thriving studio scene in Jamaica during the late 1960s and 1970s. That foundation gave her a softness and control that translated beautifully into reggae and lovers rock. Over the years she moved between roles: solo artist, duet partner, and trusted backing vocalist. She became best known for lovers rock-tinged singles and for working with some of reggae’s most respected session musicians and producers, which helped her voice land on both radio-friendly tunes and deeper reggae cuts. I always find her recordings to be comforting — like a rainy evening wrapped in a favourite sweater — and they still make playlists of mine when I want something gentle and soulful.

If you’re hunting for where to stream 'Ben 10: Ultimate Alien' legally, there are a few reliable routes depending on where you live and how deep you want to dig. In my experience, the quickest wins are subscription platforms that carry Cartoon Network / Warner Bros. libraries (check services like Max), but those catalogs change by region, so don’t be surprised if it’s available in one country and not another. When I’ve tracked down older cartoon seasons, the next places I check are digital storefronts: Amazon Prime Video (purchase or rent), Apple TV / iTunes, Google Play, and YouTube Movies often sell full seasons or individual episodes. I’ve bought episodes during sales and ripped through them on flights—downloads are a lifesaver. Also remember the Cartoon Network app or website: it sometimes streams episodes if you have a cable/satellite login. If you prefer free options, keep an eye on ad-supported services like Pluto TV or Tubi; they occasionally rotate older Cartoon Network shows. The simplest tip I’ve learned: use a service like JustWatch or Reelgood to scan legal options in your country, and then pick the one that fits your budget and device setup.

I still get a little giddy whenever Kevin shows up on screen — his voice in 'Ben 10: Alien Force' and 'Ben 10: Ultimate Alien' is Greg Cipes. He's got that rough-around-the-edges, sarcastic tone that made the hardened-but-reformed Kevin feel believable, and Greg leans into the wit and gruffness perfectly. I first noticed it while rewatching an episode late at night with popcorn and a blanket; the voice just clicks with the character design and the more grown-up direction the show took. Greg Cipes is also well known for voicing Beast Boy in 'Teen Titans', so if you’ve heard that goofy, laid-back cadence before, it’s the same guy bringing Kevin to life. If you’re into voice-actor deep dives, Greg’s interviews about playing troublemakers are a neat listen — he talks about finding the balance between menace and charm, which really shines in Kevin’s arc across the series.

Nothing got my jaw dropping quite like watching Vilgax shrug off what looked like a final blow in the early days of 'Ben 10'. I still get that mix of annoyance and admiration — annoyance because the show teases a proper defeat, admiration because the villain’s returns are usually clever. If you dig into the show’s lore and the way writers use sci-fi tropes, Vilgax’s survival has a few clear explanations that fit together: alien biology, cybernetic augmentation, advanced medical tech, narrative safety nets, and sometimes off-screen retreats. First, Vilgax isn’t human biology. He’s described as a Chimera Sui Generis — a species built for war — which immediately implies insane durability and regeneration compared to humans. On top of that, he’s heavily augmented with cybernetics in many continuities. Those implants aren’t just for strength; they act like life-support and self-repair modules. Even when he’s taken massive damage, those systems can stabilize him long enough for repair or extraction. Add his access to interstellar medical tech, healing vats, and shipboard infirmaries, and you’ve got a recipe for “apparently dead” turning into “back in action.” The other angle I love as a fan is the storytelling logic: Vilgax is the show’s ultimate escalation dial. Killing him off for good early would rob the series of recurring stakes and rematches. So writers often use plausible but non-exact explanations — he retreats, is retrieved by minions, or is reconstructed from backups (clones, brain copies, or prosthetic rebuilds). I also enjoy the fan theories: Null Void tricks, temporal shenanigans, or secret cocoons. For me, his survivals blend in-universe tech with the classic villain trope of returning tougher — which makes every future clash feel personal and earned rather than cheap. If you want a picky deep dive, compare early 'Ben 10' episodes with his arcs in 'Alien Force' and 'Ultimate Alien' and you’ll see the writers shift from comic-book menace to more textured, explainable comebacks. Either way, his returns keep the show fun and give us better rematches — I’m always ready for the next one.

Ben Mears in 'Salem’s Lot' is a character haunted by his past, and his emotional struggles are deeply tied to his childhood trauma. Returning to Jerusalem’s Lot, he’s forced to confront the memory of his wife’s tragic death, which left him with a lingering sense of guilt and loss. This grief is compounded by his fear of the Marsten House, a place that symbolizes his darkest memories. As the town falls prey to vampirism, Ben’s internal battles intensify. He struggles with feelings of helplessness and isolation, especially as he tries to rally the townspeople against the growing evil. His determination to fight the vampires is driven by a need to reclaim control over his life, but the constant fear and loss he endures make his journey emotionally exhausting. Ben’s resilience is tested repeatedly, and his struggle to maintain hope in the face of overwhelming darkness is a central theme of the story.

In 'Wolf Hall', the key conflicts revolve around power, loyalty, and morality. Thomas Cromwell’s rise from a blacksmith’s son to Henry VIII’s right-hand man is a central thread, but it’s his internal struggle that fascinates me. He’s constantly balancing his ambition with his conscience, especially when dealing with Anne Boleyn’s rise and fall. The tension between Cromwell and Sir Thomas More is another highlight—their ideological clash over religion and governance is intense. Cromwell’s pragmatism versus More’s rigid principles creates a gripping dynamic. The novel also explores the conflict between personal loyalty and political survival, as Cromwell navigates a treacherous court where one misstep could mean death. The way Mantel portrays these conflicts makes the story feel alive, almost like you’re in the room with these historical figures. For those who enjoy political intrigue, 'The Crown' on Netflix offers a modern take on similar themes. Another layer of conflict is the shifting alliances and betrayals. Cromwell’s relationship with Henry VIII is complex—he’s both a trusted advisor and a disposable tool. The king’s obsession with securing a male heir drives much of the plot, but it’s Cromwell’s maneuvering that keeps things moving. The novel also delves into the conflict between the old aristocracy and the new men like Cromwell, who rise through merit rather than birth. This class tension adds depth to the story, showing how societal changes impact individual lives. The personal cost of Cromwell’s ambition is another key conflict—his grief over losing his wife and daughters is a quiet but powerful undercurrent. Mantel’s ability to weave these conflicts together makes 'Wolf Hall' a masterpiece of historical fiction.

I’ve always been drawn to historical fiction that dives deep into political intrigue and complex characters, much like 'Wolf Hall'. One novel that comes to mind is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It’s set in a medieval monastery and explores power struggles, religious corruption, and intellectual debates. The protagonist, William of Baskerville, is as cunning and morally ambiguous as Cromwell. Another great pick is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It’s a gripping tale of Roman politics, filled with betrayal and ambition. The narrative style, like 'Wolf Hall', immerses you in the protagonist’s perspective, making the historical setting feel alive. For those who enjoy the meticulous detail in 'Wolf Hall', 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is a must-read. It’s a sprawling epic about the construction of a cathedral, with a web of political and personal conflicts. If you’re into the Tudor era specifically, 'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Philippa Gregory offers a different angle on the same period. It’s more focused on personal drama but still captures the cutthroat nature of court life. Lastly, 'The Luminaries' by Eleanor Catton, though set in 19th-century New Zealand, shares the same intricate plotting and moral complexity. It’s a slower burn but worth the effort for fans of 'Wolf Hall'.