Who R U?

I have to say, You, people are so much better than i am! While most, of my generation, where preparing for the future, i was a bum (in between the odd-jobs)in Paris, Roterdam and Stavanger. In 86, i ended up in Vegas. That was my city! In between jobs, or no jobs, there were crazy women and gambling. Hard lessons! During those years, i didn't own TV, and had just a $10 Sony transistor, set, always, on the KNPR "classical" station! In '96, i attempted to became a Pro-fighter, but got alergic asthma (running in Vegas, during the Olive trees blooming, is a bad idea)and had to find me a steady job, finally! During those years, i wrote some poetry, and short stories. In '97 i picked-up brush and some oil's and made some "copy's" of the "Masterpieces" just to see if i could do it! I had to try to keep the "tiger" of my back, and explain this life to myself! I've been painting ever since. And at the begining, i made a few $, painting the portraits of the dead relatives, from the photographs. The "high-end" hobby is from years poverty growing-up in Yugoslavia, where only Hi-Fi, "gear" i heard about, was looking into the catalogs an magazines. Now, i have a job as "slot tech" on the night shift in Mississippi Gulf Coast, still hate movies, and like Mozart and Bruckner...! If you are interested check my web-page...and this is not solicitation! Regards! Dragan http://home.worldnet.att./~dragan-v/index.html

Nice idea to know some of our fellow 'philes from a more personal perspective. I may qualifiy as the "old fart" in the crowd, but here's my background. I am almost 58 y.o., was born and raised in the Washington, DC, area, graduated from the Univ of Washington in Seattle (followed by MS from Univ of Utah). I served in the US Army for 7 years during the Vietnam era, and had two tours of duty in Germany. In the years since the early 1970's, I have worked as a human resources manager, and as part-time and full-time graduate professor, teaching in Washington state and on US military bases in the western Pacific. I am currently the HR Director for a non-profit biotechnology research firm in Seattle. I have a 31 year old son who is about to complete his PhD in history at Arizona State Univ, and have a terrific 2 year old grandson. I began my audio hobby in 1964, after buying some Fisher kits (tube tuner, tube integrated amp). I have also sold high-end audio equipment on several occasions between 1974 and 1993. In the last 3 years, I have expanded my interest in audio to include home theater, and have assembled a system that pleases me, but will see further upgrades over the next year (Adcom GTP-750 pre/pro; Bryston 4B-ST and 5B-ST amps; VPI HW-19 Mk 4 TT with Rega RB-900 arm; Lehmann Audio Black Cube phono pre; Rega Jupiter CD player; Sony 550D DVD; JVC S-VHS; Sony WEGA 36" TV; Vandersteen 3A Signature main speakers, with Vandy VCC-1 Signature center speaker; B&W surround speakers; Kimber Kable 8TC bi-wire speaker cable; Kimber Silver Streak and AudioQuest Ruby x3 IC's). The next, and perhaps final, addition to my system will be a SACD player (altho' I intend to wait at least another 1-2 years to see what standard finally becomes common). My other hobbies include: jazz, blues, and classical music (about 4000 LP's and CD's); wood carving (NW Indian masks, etc.); fly fishing; scuba diving; marine photography; good food and wine; rare Scotch whiskies; and UW Husky football.

Hi Garfish, I too like Shirley Horne and was lucky enough to see her at a NYC jazz club several years ago. It was a memorable experience. I have learned my lesson now and I don't say anything about Diana Krall. I am sorry for my part in what went on way back when. Glad you are discovering and enjoying jazz.

I love this site.My name is Todd,I was born in Charlotte NC. Relocated in late 60's to Greenville NC where I was raised. I'm 37 yrs.old and my first system consisted of a Realistic 15 watt a channel receiver,Gerrard turntable,& realistic two way speakers. I was 12 yrs. old & bought the gear with money made working in tobacco( my father could not understand that kind of money for a music box)I currently live in Greenvile NC, I'm an owner of a janitorial supply distributorship. My wife is a Doctor and she is great when it comes to my expensive hobby.I listen to eveything except rap junk. I also collect vintage high end watches,enjoy fine wines & fast cars. Thanks for great thread. PS I have met a lot of great people in my selling and buying of gear.

Swampwalker-- yes, eerie to have two "hole diggers" on this site. I've done a few wetland determinations myself. Sdcampbell-- glad to see I'm not quite the "old fart" of the forum. Too bad about the Dawgs this year (a worthy opponent). Yes, I'm a U of O DUCK fan-- Quack, Quack. Rayhall, thanks, and I'm learning better cyberchat manners myself. Eldragon-- college and an 8 to fiver ain't everything. You've had an incredible lifetime of travel and experiences that I'll never see. It's great to meet all you guys. Cheers. Craig.