I have lived an eventful life. Born in Douglas, Arizona. and raised on a remote ranch. Pre-Vietnam Navy veteran. I've worked in banks, sold encyclopedias, picked cotton, roasted chili, cut big trees, designed and built bridges, worked on the San Francisco docks, apprenticed to a tailor, metallurgist in aerospace companies, performed metallurgical experiments on materials for the space shuttle, been a technical consultant to grant organizations, worked at airports, for police agencies, and as a Senior Management Analyst. Those are just the highlights.
I've collected degrees as sort of a hobby. History, Asian Studies, Oriental Philosophy and Religion, Metallurgy, Mandarin, Law, and Public Administration (MPA) are a few of the areas where I've done significant formal study.
Painting and making pictures has been a constant in my life since adolescence. I studied under Datorro and Tonoff in Rhode Island after RSD denied me admittance. Over the years I've used many different styles, but most often I enjoy working on abstracts. In the 90's my painting had become so Minimalist that it was no longer fun and I gave up painting for several years. When I started working again, I went back to the fundamentals and the resulting landscapes have enjoyed wide acceptance. The LA County Museum of Art was interested in acquiring some of my work under their "Emerging Artists" program when I retired and moved to New Mexico. When I'm not painting, I write short pieces.
I admire the Federalists (Washington, Adams, and Hamilton) over most of the political movements since. By religion, I am a long time Soto Sect Buddhist who studied under the famous Roshi Suzuki at the Bush St. Zendo in California. My wife and I were early members of the old Hippy Movement and founded one of the first Communes in Haight-Ashbury. I am also a Mason. Now I'm mostly a homebody who prefers quiet and solitude.
My wife and I have two grown sons, and two grandchildren. The oldest son is a career Army officer, and the youngest is in commercial real estate in San Francisco. Our health is reasonably good, though I'm very deaf and suffer from diabetes. We live in a wonderful house called Corazon de la Osa, where we are frequently visited by family and a multitude of friends.
Thu 10 Sep, 2009 12:19 pm - A totally unregulated economy is subject to bubbles and busts. The nation suffered a depression at the end of the War for Independence that threatened the survival of the country. It was saved by... (view)
Tue 28 Jul, 2009 03:08 pm - I'm gone for awhile, and come back to find the same people taking the same shrill partisan positions. The Left is now in control of the levers of government, and defend this administration... (view)
Fri 9 Jan, 2009 04:50 pm - We share your concerns, but for the sake of the nation we must hope that the new administration will rise successful to the many challenges of our times.
Obama isn't the first person to... (view)
Fri 9 Jan, 2009 02:39 pm - I'd like to suggest that it is far too soon to start knocking the Obama Presidency. As Conservative Republicans we harbor some pretty serious concerns about the man, his ability and most... (view)
Sat 20 Dec, 2008 11:48 am - Can't say I'm surprised that this kid ended up murdering someone, but at the same time saddened by the waste. I googled the kid and his victim, who also appears to have been mixed up in... (view)
Fri 5 Dec, 2008 11:28 am - Here is the story of an obscure man unknown beyond a small circle of friends. For this, we will call him Scott.
Scott, as a young man had a brilliant future ahead of him. He was moderately... (view)
Thu 4 Dec, 2008 01:04 pm - So you are saying that Truman was responsible for the Korean War. FDR was responsible for Pearl Harbor? That President Wilson was responsible for the sinking of the Lusitania? That Lincoln... (view)
Thu 4 Dec, 2008 12:03 pm - "Even if Obama is [u]given a specific briefing, a month in advance, outlining exactly what AQ is trying to do[/u] - you won't blame him? B/c [u]that's what happened to Bush[/u], and... (view)
Thu 4 Dec, 2008 11:48 am - Naming those who provide encouraging examples is too broad. After all, Saddam was encouraged by Hitler and Stalin even though both were human monsters. Those with a bent toward terrorism might... (view)
Sat 8 Nov, 2008 06:36 pm - I suppose so, but if you take just a tiny effort you can also develop confidential sources and have access to extremely reliable materials regarding our military and foreign policy efforts that... (view)
