I’ve been writing and self-publishing articles long enough to understand that lack of a topic definition leads to an instant writer’s block. While I have some grandiose ideas to implement here, I’m going to use this site as my personal blog for the time being. So, what’s there to say?
A lot.
My background is in data-communications, which developed from a young interest in amateur radio. When I was in high school, I used to string copper wire up the side of large trees to create antennas. There were times that I would listen to astronaut communications originating from the Mir space station, yet my most memorable contact was to another station in eastern Africa (Rwanda), during an episode of unrest following the genocide of 1994. In addition to obtaining my Amateur Extra license during my Junior year of high school, I later enrolled as a volunteer examiner with W5YI. Then with a twist of irony, I later became an operator of the W5YJ club radios at Oklahoma State University.
When I was in college, I began studying computer programming. Initially, I had a plan to major in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. A year later I had been voted House President in my domatory, but was also on academic suspension, never to return. Call it what you will. My experiences in that one year shaped my future.
Upon return home, I started studying for Microsoft certifications and launched a couple of websites. Half-way through my certification path, I discovered that I was less interested in the services running atop the server operating systems and servers, rather than the data crossing the wire. I usually describe my apiphany to others as “taking an interest in the blinky lights on the table.” The reference I make is to a simple hub that I used to connect the servers in my test lab. What is now done with a single computer, I had to accomplish with multiple physical computers and several pieces of networking equipment. Some would call those the “bad old days.” I’d rather think of 1970-2000 as an age of discovery that has lead to 20 years of consumer development - creative use of our new tools in order to best serve the general consumer.
Over the past five years, I’ve worked as a data-communications consultant. At this point, I have 13 years of industry experience and find myself seeking fresh employment in the role of an engineer or architect of networking. A little developing on this website shall pass the time until that matter is settled. Having gained a fresh perspective, as a result of recent events, I have a renewed energy to apply toward my legacy.
Yet, this is no dull boy. I ride, race, and repair motorcycles. So, you can expect to see a fair bit of motorcycle subject matter around here.