Tuna Can Org - totally irreleveant stuff

Misc topics

Random things I like.

This page is a collection of topics that I really didn't want to make a seperate page for. It's not that they aren't important, they are, but I just didn't have the information to make it a page of it's own. These topics will give you some insight into who I am.

Education

In the house where I grew up, you quickly learned the value of a good education and that learning is a never-ending process. That's the one thing that I'd like to share with everyone. Never be complacent on what you know; always look for something that you know little to nothing about and make that your new endeavor. I'm always looking for something to learn: whether it be something about one of my hobbies, or something totally unrelated. I believe this natural curiousity keeps my mind sharp and makes me a more rounded individual.

In May of 2007 I completed my my Associate's Degree of Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS), with a dual emphasis: programming and webmaster at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa. I've now got tentative plans to go back to California State University at San Bernardino. There I want to finish my Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.

Music

Even though I don't how to play a musical instrument of any sort or read sheet music, I've always been fascinated with music and the people who play the music I enjoy. My favorite artists include the Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode, U2, New Order, The Smiths, Morrissey, 10,000 Maniacs, Natalie Merchant, and Enigma. I'm also a fan of a few "one hit wonder" groups, that for some reason never made it big, like Aha, Electronic, When In Rome, Information Society, and Camouflage.

Only one group has the distinction of being my all time favorite. That's the British pop duo the Pet Shop Boys. I've followed them since their first big hits here in the US (West End Girls and Opportunities) back in 1986 or so. I was so entranced with their music melody and later their lyrics, that I've been a big fan ever since. I've attended two of their tours, and saw them perform live. Most people here in the US don't know who PSB is, but chances are, they've heard a few of their songs. Their song "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)" is frequently used in the media. Some have asked what song is my favorite and that distinction goes to a song from their Behaviour album. It's titled "Jealousy" and the music is great. The "Jealousy" music video is among my favorite. In general though, their music is a lot of fun and something I will continue to enjoy for the rest of my life.

Athletics

Growing up in Southern California, I was what I call an "wanna-be athlete". I was skilled enough to be respectable, but I always worked hard at it. Many of the people I competed with were naturals: they just excelled, irregardless of the time they invested. My favorite sports were swimming, playing water polo and bicycle road racing. I competed in age group swimming from age 9 through high school, water polo from junior high through my first year of college, and bicycle racing from junior high through high school.

I was a member of the Fontana Swim Club from age 9 to 18 and the Fontana High School swim team in 1988 and 1989. I've also been a member of a Masters swim team in Loma Linda. As a Master, I completed the La Jolla Rough Water Swim in 1997, swimming a mile in the Pacific Ocean in a hair over 30 minutes. I was very pleased with that acomplishment. My best events in age group swimming were the freestyle (short distances), backstroke, and the individual medley (I.M.). I was strong enough as a swimmer that I made the varsity team all through high school.

I started playing water polo in junior high. Our club coach would let us practice our water polo skills after swim practice when I was in the seventh grade. In the ninth grade (which was still at the junior high) I started practicing with the frosh-soph (freshman-sophomore) team. I would leave junior high and get a ride with a fellow team mate to the high school. I was able to compete in the games and tournaments, gaining valuable experience. My sophomore year I made the varsity team. I became a starting player in my junior year and earned league Honorable Mention and the team's Most Dedicated awards in my senior year.

Digging out an old ten speed that belonged to my dad was the start of my fascination with road bike racing. I started riding that bike to swim practice, as it was a way of having some independence from my parents. The following Christmas my parents bought me my first road bike, a Peugeot PH10LE "Tourmalet". I had a lot of problems with that clunker, but it cemented my devotion to the sport. I would later on buy a Trek 560, and then a Klein Quantum, which I built from the ground up. I participated in many organized races and rides on those bikes. When the time becomes available, I'm looking forward to getting back on that Klein and hitting the road again.