First things first, I am not a technogeek in the same way of the infamous Techno Viking. The name of the site comes from a sign my mom gave me for Christmas a couple of years ago that represents my interest in gadgets and above-average savviness with regards to technology. I’m guessing, though, that if you are reading this page, you are less interested in the title of the site and more interested in me, so here goes nothing.
First and foremost, I am a husband to an amazing wife, Kara. I am also the father for two amazing children, Mea and Jackson. Everything else in my life is just a bonus.
I have a MBA from Idaho State University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Computer Science major) from the University of Pennsylvania. I have worked for Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership since June 2003. I was the Information Systems Manager until February 2010 when I took the position of Director of the Area Agency on Aging.
While I don’t watch the show, I love anything that has to do with the Simpsons. I have a lot of Simpsons memorabilia and several board games that are Simpsons themes. However, rest assured, that Homer is not how I model myself as a father.
I am a big sports fan and my teams are like a religion to me – unwavering and irrational support regardless of their records.
- NFL – San Francisco 49ers
- MLB – San Francisco Giants
- NBA – Utah Jazz
- College – University of Utah and University of Pennsylvania
While at Penn I flirted with being a Philadelphia Flyers fan, but could never pick up hockey. I also supported the Philadelphia Eagles and 76ers, but that was more from self preservation than anything else because Philadelphia sports fans are like a rabid pack of dogs.
I mentioned before that I like technology. Please, though, don’t mistake this for me sitting around playing World of Warcraft or other computer games all the time. I am far from a gamer. I do have a Wii and my favorite games are Madden, NBA Jam, Guitar Hero and Karaoke Revolution. I don’t pretend to be good – I play on Easy/Beginner mode. My philosophy on video games is that I play them to do something that I otherwise wouldn’t do well. I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to see my 49ers beat the Patriots 77-3 in Madden.
The other thing I love to do with technology is make websites. I made my first personal website out of straight HTML when I was a teenager and have always tried to maintain something online since then. I am pretty much self taught with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP.
I love entertainment. I am a huge movie buff and probably watch at least one or two movies a week. At one point I had seen every movie at the local theater, but prices have gotten so ridiculous that I now wait for video. My favorite movies, in no particular order, are:
- Shawshank Redemption
- Good Will Hunting
- Die Hard (Any in the series)
- Almost Famous
- Anything by Kevin Smith
I am also a couch potato and have my regular TV shows:
- Psych
- Glee
- Bones
- House
- 30 Rock
- The Office
- The Mentalist
I love reading, when I do it. However, for an intelligent and well educated person, I don’t do it nearly enough. I’m currently re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia, because the latest movie was so awesome I want to refresh myself of the books. My favorite books are:
- Anything by Dan Brown
- The Giver
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- Harry Potter and the …
- Percy Jackson series
- Twilight Saga
I also am a music fan. I love The Beatles and classic rock. I used to be a big Top 40 listener, so my library has a lot of Pop and Pop/Country music from about 2007 and before. A few years ago I started mainly listening to ESPN radio, so I lost touch of new music. Nowadays, I am content listening to Broadway cast recordings and the Glee soundtracks.
I am a pop culture fiend and have an encyclopedia of easily recalled random trivia in my brain. My family hates playing Trivial Pursuit with me. I also love playing games that make me use my analytical abilities like clue.
Well, in a nutshell, that’s me. If you want to find out more about my Academic and Professional background, please read my Biography.