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.
Sun 14 Feb, 2010 04:34 pm - Prados above seems to disagree that Social Security and Medicare program obligations are a problem, Johnboy. Entitlement portions of the Federal budget make it difficult for any meaningful cuts... (view)
Sun 14 Feb, 2010 11:26 am - Pork and the largely unconstrained growth in the Federal government has been a concern in conservative circles since Washington's time. President Reagan's efforts to curtail the size of... (view)
Sun 14 Feb, 2010 10:59 am - President Obama is our national leader, and as such deserves our support and loyalty, especially during these troubling times. We conservatives remain convinced that his political philosophy is... (view)
Sat 13 Feb, 2010 05:21 pm - Its easier to campaign than it is to govern. So, expect more campaigning while the Democratic Congress continues to pursue expensive pork and social-engineering legislation. Lack of specifics... (view)
Sat 13 Feb, 2010 01:20 pm - It has been quite awhile since I've visited A2K, so this morning it was surprising to learn that I've been inducted into the A2K Hall of Fame. Underscoring that surprise is that a site... (view)
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)
