Hobbies

Computers

Computers have fascinated me since my family got a Commodore 64 in the late '80s. The C64 is still one of the best personal computers ever developed. It offers amazing performance, cool graphics, and great sound with 64K of RAM and a 1MHz processor. My current PC has more capabilities, but I also have to deal with crashes, viruses, and W-nd-ws. How often progess brings trouble of its own! :-)

I started programming on the Commodore, and I have developed several programs in BASIC. I like to see how game designers utilize computer technology, and I enjoy playing a good action, adventure, or strategy game. The Epyx Olympic games for the Commodore are long-time favorites.

Art & Music

Playing the piano helps me to relax and pass a few pleasant moments between tasks. I also play the guitar, and I'm learning the violin. I dabble in making art and stop-motion movies. I have created some projects that I find interesting. Maybe you will, too.

Reading

Both fiction and non-fiction find a place on my reading list. You can read some of my book reviews at this site.

Writing

I write for The Notgrass Company and Home School Digest, and I have written other essays and poems on various subjects. In the spring of 2005, I published my first book, Make It Your Ambition.

Parakaleo

I want to work with other young men to advance the cause of Christ. I moderate the Parakaleo e-mail discussion group for us to communicate with each other.

Civil Affairs

I keep myself informed on civil affairs because I care about righteousness and justice. I am not a Republican, a Democrat, or anything else, though I work with the Constitution Party. Running for office is a possibility. Currently I offer commentary on issues and events through John's News and Views, my irregular e-mail newsletter. Contact me to subscribe.

Gaming

Our family likes to play games such Scattergories, Taboo, and Pit. I like the card game Euchre, but I haven't found many opponents who share my interest. I also enjoy strategy games such as Settlers of Catan. And believe it or not, I still like to pull out my Castle and Pirate LEGO® bricks now and then and make up my own games. My younger brother gets a kick out of that, too.