I grew up and lived most of my life in Michigan. I lived in Oakland County until I started college at Eastern Michigan University. Then after two years I transferred to Michigan Technological University where with the help of my Fraternity and some luck I got my Mechanical Engineering Degree. After college I moved to St. Joseph, MI, to work for Leco Corporation designing Analytical Instruments. Four years later I was getting curious about life outside of Michigan so I accepted an interview with a company in California's central valley. I went on the interview all set to be skeptical about living in California, but it only took one look at the Sierra Mountains to know I wanted to live here. So I took the job with Vendo, one of the leading manufacturers of "Pop" vending machines, and moved to Fresno. There I stayed for almost a year checking out all the National Parks and enjoying the killer snowboarding up in the Sierra's. Then just by chance a Bio-tech firm in the Bay area got a hold of my resume and invited me up for an interview. Again, a little skeptical about making another move so soon, I went on the interview. Once again I was lured away by the promise of even better weather and a not to inconsiderable salary hike, and I moved to Pacifica, a little town on the coast just north-west of Silicon Valley. From there it was only a short hop to San Francisco where I currently dwell in one of the funnest neighborhoods in the city, Northbeach. I have made allot of great lifer friends since I've moved to Telegraph Hill. We are a tight crew regardless of our growing size. The two main motos in San Francisco are "Live and let live.", and "The more the merrier.". So getting out and doing what you like will most likely result in meeting people you enjoy spending your time with.
I guess that the best - and fastest - way to really get to know me is by discovering what I like. One of the benefits of California is sun and snow, and even though we don't have to live in it there is plenty of snow to be had up at Tahoe. I love snowboarding. My favorite place so far to Snowboard is Whistler up in British Columbia, Canada. Only a short flight from SFO and your in the middle of what some say is the best skiing in North America. I can't deny it. The runs are so so long and the culture is very European/Australian. If you haven't been I highly recommentd it. After that Tahoe seems very small.
The weather is very fall like year round, so there is always a bit of sunshine to be had almost any time of the year. My favorite way to spend a sunny afternoon is to head over to the Haight and do a little shopping on my way to Golden Gate Park. In the park I'll throw down a blanket and soak up the sun. After a bit of a nap I'll usually grab the frisbee and find someone to toss. Of course frisbee just wouldn't be the same without tunes. I recommend a good solid state MP3 player to keep you hoppin while you run around chasing the frisbee. Since I mentioned tunes check out some of my favortie sites to download and share MP3's. At least while it is still legal. Part of being a good dog is doing allot of running and dancing.
As most of you know I love digital photography and digital video. You can find plenty of my photos on my photo page above. The new digital equipment out today has huge resolution, and being digital gives you the ability to edit your work in allot of fun ways. I'm a nut for the Sony's equipment, see what suits you if you're into it.
Of course there is nothing better than traveling. So much of our life is spent working, so when you do get any time to yourself get out and see some of the world. I am a big fan of Europe. I try to go a couple times a year as time permits. I've been going for the past five years and try and pick just two destinations per visit. I want to go and soak up some of the culture and relax and enjoy the new surroundings and the challenge of a language barrier. Be the real ambassador of our country and Enjoy!
Some of my favorite parties in the city are Qool at 111 Minna, Qool Saturdays at DNA and Thump Radio. Of course those are the big clubs for those huge nights out. For those more chill nights where you still wanna step out San Francisco has a nice collection of smaller underground clubs spread throughout the city. My favorites: Liquid (Mission), The Top (Lower Haight), Blind Tiger (Northbeach)...The most important component of where you want to hang is the music, find what you like and pick the venues where they play. They are always moving around so look for the flyers.
