Interests

• Computers
  My first experiences using a computer were with an Apple IIe and a Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I. I enjoy upgrading and tinkering with computers, and trying to optimize them. I built two systems which I currently use, one Pentium-based and one AMD Athlon-based. I have had one course at OSU in Java programming.
  
  
• Databases
  I completed two Database Design and Applications workshops through Kent State. I use Access on a daily basis and have designed several relational databases; I'm currently learning MySQL.
  
  
• Unix/Linux operating systems
  I've been running Linux on my home computer since Spring, 2000, using it for email, web surfing, word processing, multimedia applications, etc. I have installed it as both the sole OS and as a dual- boot with Windows 98. I have taken one workshop at Kent State on Unix/Linux Operating Systems with Dr. Yin Zhang and I've also attended an intermediate Unix workshop at the Ohio Supercomputing Center. I plan to continue to study these operating systems self-paced and eventually go for certification.
  
  
• Libraries I've worked in libraries for close to 10 years. The largest and most impressive library I have been in was the New York Metropolitan Library, which my wife and I visited this summer on our honeymoon.
  
  
• Music: I enjoy writing and recording original music. I have also sung in several operas with the Toledo Opera Chorus. To see some photos click here.
  
  
• Spanish
  Spanish is a beautiful language with lots of vowel sounds. I studied Spanish at the Cemanuhuac Educational Community in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Unfortunately I don't get to practice it nearly enough here in Ohio.
  
  
• World Events
  Some call me a "news junkie."