I started playing with a Mac during my undergrad to do a one-summer biology project. In the end, it took two years, turned into a book and I fell in love with the Mac, making a career out of it. In fact, I've been at this endeavor with the same employer for 20 years. It might even into turn into a steady job one day.

At other times, I enjoy a 50-inch TV screen. I don't just surf channels, though; I'm selective in what I watch, shows like Law & Order, ER, Fringe, and House. I can't leave out the socially optimistic Star Trek and Rachel Maddow for humor (oh, I meant news). One could say I'm a volunteer incarnation of Ebert at the Movies; I see about 75 films a year. Some favs: Redacted, Rendition, Michael Clayton, The Brave One, Bee Movie, and The Kite Runner.

Audio also engrosses me. My iPod is filled with an astounding variety ranging from Barry Manilow to Warren Zevon.

Don't think, however, that I'm a couch potato! One of my hobbies is stargazing. If you happen upon Crawford Park in Rye Brook at night and see someone looking up at the sky, that's me.

I also exercise my eyes with words, especially non-fiction. Recent favs: The Great Cholesterol Con, Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me), and The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less.

Friends say I am eclectic: I have an ant farm and a collection of digital watches.

I can explain why capital letters are called upper case, why one side of a power receptacle is wider and what the third prong is for, how your body absorbs vitamin B12, and how to use semicolons. Friends say talking with me is like being in a spiritually uplifting magnetic field.

I'm into social causes. My wallet is an alphabet soup of cards from associations such as ACLU, CU, MADD, PPFA, and WWF.

But I'm not always serious. One time a coworker stuck a "kick me" sign on my back. I came in that night with a sewing needle and red thread and set upon his white uniform. If you get to know me, I suggest for your own safety to be sure I don't get anywhere near double-sided tape.

BOOKS: (selection of recent ones) The Great Cholesterol Con by Malcolm Kendrick, Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson, and The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less by Barry Schwartz.

MOVIES: (selection of recent ones) Redacted, Rendition, Michael Clayton, The Brave One, Bee Movie, and The Kite Runner.

MUSIC: (selection of recent concerts): Pat Benatar, Huey Lewis, John Mellencamp, Rod Stewart, Rolling Stones, .38 Special, U2, ZZ Top.

Mac computer iPod TiVo big-screen TV and speakers information

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