Interests

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Interests

Amateur Radio:	I have been a FCC licensed amateur radio operator (sometimes called HAM) since sometime around 1988. Many of the things we take for granted today with wireless communications, were pioneered by HAM radio operators of past and present. Today, there is work being done with Digital Signal Processing to create "software" radios. Amateur Radio isn't just about tubes, transistors, etc. anymore. Computers are increasingly used for everyday activities, and experimentation. Did you know there is a TCP/IP network that runs over amateur radio frequencies? In addition to experimentation, HAM operators often help out with reporting and coordination of events, assist local authorities during disaster conditions, and watch local weather conditions to assist the National Weather Service with eye witness reports. Whether you just want to rag chew with the locals, or communicate around the world, Amateur Radio can be a very rewarding hobby. If you'd like to support Amateur Radio in North America, you can donate to the following organizations: the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), and the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC). Additionally, the FCC has relaxed the Morse code requirement. You can get an entry level (Technician) license with only a written exam (no code). The Technician class license gives you privileges on all amateur frequencies from 50 MHz and up (VHF, UHF, and Microwave). The General and Extra class licenses now have only a 5 wpm Morse code requirement (in addition to the written exams). The General class license gives you privileges on all bands (but not all frequencies) in the HF spectrum from 30 MHz and below allocated to amateurs, while the Extra class license gives you all frequencies in the HF spectrum allocated to amateurs. All other license classes (Novice, Tech Plus, and Advance) are no longer being issued, though current license holders keep their existing privileges. See the Favorites page for links to amateur radio sites.
Books:	I enjoy reading when I have, or make, the time for it. I like reading the Cyberpunk genera, Technology oriented Spy and Mystery, and some Sci-Fi and Fantasy. A few of my favorites are: The Neuromancer Trilogy by William Gibson, Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, Tom Clancy's Net Force (7 book, so far, series), what I call the "Jack Ryan series" by Tom Clancy because Jack is the main character through the books (this includes the four that movies were made out of, and others) , and The Chronicles of Amber (10 book series) by Roger Zelazny. I also recently got into Laurell Hamilton's Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series, and I've started reading the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher based on a friend's recommendation.
Computers:	My hobby and, for the last almost 10 years, my career. Computers have interested me since I was 9 or 10. Most of my free time use to be devoted to "playing" with them and figuring out how to make them do things. Unfortunately, making them a career was possibly not the best choice. After a long hard day at work, I rarely want to "play" anymore. I do still enjoy them as a hobby on weekends when I have free time though.
Firearms:	Rifles and Pistols interest me, and I enjoy going to the range to target shoot. Maybe one of these days I'll even decide to give hunting a try. People are always trying to make more gun laws because they say that guns kill people. The fact is, people kill people; not guns. A gun is a tool, just like a hammer, saw, computer, etc. In my opinion, we have enough gun laws if gun related crimes were prosecuted under the existing Federal laws. If you want to play the child card, that can be debunked too. A child in possession of a gun is only dangerous if they have not been taught how to handle, and respect, one. A friend of mine has been shooting since he was 10. His father taught him early on that guns were not something to be played with, and how to handle one if he came in contact with one. Obviously, especially at younger ages, adult supervision is a must. But, there is no reason why a kid can't handle a gun given the proper training. You can help support gun owners, and the gun industry, in the United States by donating to any of these organizations: the Second Amendment Foundation, the National Rifle Association, or the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
Motorcycling:	I recently (beginning of June 2007) got a Honda Nighthawk 750 motorcycle. I had never ridden before, and never driven anything with a manual transmission. So, it took a little while to figure out how to start, stop, shift, etc. But, now I'm having fun and that's generally what matters. I've got some really good friends that helped me out with getting past the basics. They really made the experience a lot more enjoyable - giving me tips and accompanying me on rides. I had Pennsylvania's Motorcycle Safety Program scheduled for the beginning of July. That went really well, and I feel a lot more comfortable on the bike now. As a side benefit, I now have my PA Motorcycle license.
Movies:	I enjoy going to the movies with friends when I have time. I'm mostly into action and technology (when Hollywood portrays the tech properly) movies. Some of my recent favorites are: The Matrix Trilogy, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Dreamcatcher, and the Harry Potter series. A few less recent, but always good ones, are: The Reservoir Dogs, The Professional, Titan AE, The Perfect Storm, and Bladerunner.
Music:	I listen to most types of music. I grew up on 80s pop and metal, alternative and industrial in college, and with the exception of modern rap I will listen to almost anything else. There is rarely a waking moment when there is not some form of music playing around me.
Role-Playing Games:	I was introduced to role-playing games in college with Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition. While I never fully got into D&D, I do enjoy other table top role-playing games such as Cyberpunk, White Wolf's World of Darkness, Rifts, and others. It is, however, increasing difficult to get four, or five, people in the same place at once. Because of this, I do not usually "game" on a regular basis anymore. See the Favorites page for links to role-playing sites.