This is a list of general areas of interests and life pursuits. I provide them so you'll have a good idea of subjects with which I have personal experience. Naturally, any writing is enriched when there's some base of personal knowledge.

However I can effectively research and write on any subject. If you don't see your particular subject matter listed below I still ask and urge you to explore, consider, and inquire.

Health--A life long area of interest and study. It was this general interest that led me to certain areas of study in college.

Natural/alternative medicine--I was first exposed to natural medicines from my mother when I was very young. She's Native American and told me stories of her grandmother's use of herbs. Unfortunately that knowledge was not passed on.

In the early 80's I became friends with a family who owned a local health store. I learned much from Larry Kemp who has since taken the journey. I've read and studied natural medicine for about 25 years. And I've used herbs and natural treatments on myself many times.

Medicine--This goes along with the first two. I used to read medical books and journals when I was younger. I can get around in it.

Pets--A natural extension of my love and respect for nature. I inherited 3 cats and an African Gray Parrot. They are good friends.

Fresh/salt water fish--Same as above. I mainly kept saltwater aquariums but also had some freshwater. I had them for about 7 years. At one time I had about 15 aquariums in my home. I have one 90 gallon aquarium that I keep threatening to populate.

Scientific--I've always been fascinated with things scientific. My mind is hyper-curious. Totally comfortable in this area.

Technology--Same as with Scientific. Also my adult work has been completely immersed in technology-related areas as you can see from my Experience page.

Internet marketing--I've become a student of marketing in the past 10+ years. And you know from the home page that I've been doing online business full time for over a year. It's challenging and dynamic. I've spent more than I care to publically admit on my internet marketing education.

Aviation--My father was career Air Force, and I grew up on Air Force bases. He was a crewmember in various capacities on different aircraft. When I was very young I learned to identify the different planes from their sounds. I spent five years in the Air Force as an avionics technician on some pretty cool planes. I worked on aircraft simulators for about 12-13 (total) years. I'm familiar with many aspects of the aviation industry, in general.

Military aircraft--An extension of my Aviation comments. If I had my druthers, I'd druther have been a fighter pilot.

Aircraft simulation--As mentioned above, many years experience as a technican on aircraft simulators. Very cool devices in a climate-controlled environment.

Electronics--Trained by the Air Force back in 1976. I don't tinker at home, but I do fix things when necessary.

Instrumentation--Worked as an instrument tech for almost 11 years in a nuclear power station. Not sure what to say about all that. But I am very familiar with pneumatics and aircraft/industrial instrumentation.

Industrial--Also courtesy of my nuclear power experience. Industrial processes, environments, and hazards. Chemical, electric, pressure, heat associated hazards. Fun stuff.

Physical/life/natural sciences--Self-learned and learned in college. But I actually find it all interesting and fascinating. Difficult to stay current in everything. But researching and writing about it is no problem.

Martial arts--I read my first martial arts book when I was about 15. A Bruce Tegner book. Of course I am old enough to remember watching The Green Hornet back in the day. I became totally fascinated with the martial arts and especially the internal energy aspects. I first learned about proper breathing, which really is the basis for chi gung breathing and proper yoga breathing, in Bruce Tegner's book. I've been practicing various forms of chi gung since a teenager. I studied several different forms of martial arts during the 80's and 90's.

Travel/European travel--As you've read, I grew up in a military family, and we moved quite a lot. I was stationed in Germany from 1978-1980. During that time I visited about 13 European countries either by rail or car. I saw very many interesting things.

Asian culture--My interest in Asian culture began when I first became interested in martial arts as a teenager. That interest still exists. But I'd have to say it still pertains mainly to alternative treatments and internal energy concepts and practices. When you learn about such things there's a natural inclusion of the culture from which they originated.

Motorcycling--I've owned motorcycles off/on for 20 years. Lately, I've had an '04 Harley Davidson WideGlide that I ride as often as possible. It's truly the coolest thing.

Nuclear power--Worked in a nuke plant for just under 11 years. If you've never worked in one it's difficult to adequately appreciate any description. I'll just say it's something I'm very familiar with and can effectively write about in an appropriate manner.

Power generation--As an industry, I'm familiar due to my nuclear plant experience.

Native American culture--I'm half Native American from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. I learned a great deal about Native American culture mainly during my early years.

European culture--My familiarity arises from my time spent living in Germany and traveling in Europe. One aspect that always caught me off guard was how different people and cultures can be within a close proximity to each other.

Music--I grew-up with music as my father played guitar and my mother played piano. I became a serious student of music, and guitar, during the 80's and 90's. I still own an old Fender guitar. About a year ago I started learning the Native American flute. It's relaxing. I could get through a day without music but I wouldn't like it.

Self-help/improvement--I expended considerable energy and effort in this area as an adult. During the late 70's and early/mid 80's I devoured every book I could on this subject. In early '06 I wrote a self-help ebook that I eventually decided against marketing, for personal reasons. This general area is a lifelong pursuit to which I'm devoted.

Military--And as you know I grew-up in a military family, and I was active duty for 5 years. In fact, military service has quite a history in my family. Six members of my family have served in many capacities. Three uncles, my father, my brother, and a nephew have served in combat since WW2. My nephew, Tony Graciano, served in both Gulf War campaigns.

You can read a little about an uncle of mine, Tony Byars, who passed over in 1998. Uncle Tony joined the Marines in 1943 and was a combat veteran of two wars. Toward the bottom of the paragraph you'll see my mother's name, Lorena Thompson. I'm one of the 'numerous nephews.' (The link will open in a new browser.)

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