My Likes

As I mentioned on my home page, I am a PADI certified diver. I received my certification in 1990, in the murky waters of Long Island Sound. I have dove the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, enjoying at most times a 60+ foot visibility. But the most ecstatic diving experience of mine was in Freeport/Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island. There, in clear water where you could still read the name of the dive boat from 90 feet down, I had the opportunity to dive with dolphins. I have a video of this and someday will have a video clip available on this page for your viewing pleasure. There is a dive group in Freeport/Lucaya that I used to belong to. UNEXSO (UNderwater EXplorer's SOciety). Check 'em out (using the link to the left ) if you get the chance. I have promised Nelly that someday we will go there, and we will. Along with many other beautiful dive sites.

For a while I was also into beer making. Not only was this an enjoyable hobby, it was tasty. It was this hobby that opened my eyes to beers that have a taste. Most well known American beers are lagers, light colored, meant to be consumed ice cold and many with very little flavor. Ales, porters, and stouts on the other hand have very pleasant bouquets and can be quite pleasing to the palate,especially when consumed at the proper temperature of around 55°. The growing popularity of microbrewed beers is a testament of the change occurring in many American beer drinkers. Why did I stop making beer? Time, money, and space were the biggest factors. Apartment living is just not conducive to this hobby, especially when one "batch" of beer can yield almost two cases of 16 ounce bottles. Eventually I will get back into it, once I know where I be living on a more permanent basis. In the meantime I drink mostly microbrewed beers, some local, others not. For a while I belonged to a couple "beer of the month" clubs. When I find their web pages, and get the chance, I will post the links here.

I am not one who has had much involvement in sports. The one sport I enjoyed very much was racquetball. However, it is a sport where improper playing techniques can be, let's say, hazardous to one's health. I developed elbow tendonitis, similar to tennis elbow, and after trying many different "remedies" to rid myself of the pain, I had to quit playing. I expect that someday I will get back into it, but will need to develop the proper backhand shot to prevent any more elbow problems. Actually, I almost need to get back into it. It was the biggest most factor in me losing, and keeping off, some weight.

In the meantime, I have taken up bowling. I used to bowl leagues back in 1979-81, but eventually got tired of the late nights and the seriousness of the competition. I like to bowl for fun and to meet people. I am on a league now and it has been fun, with no one trying to tell me how to correct my approach or my release. No pressure, just fun and beer and meeting new people. If I wanted to be a Dick Weber, I would take it more seriously. But hey, who needs the taxes associated with a $100,000+ winners purse. Not me. :)

Now onto probably my greatest love (other than Nelly). Music. I love music and have a large collection of compact discs, around 400 in fact. I like almost all types of music, excluding country and western and most rap. I usually go through phases of what I listen to. Right now I listen to a lot of what would be considered "dance party" music. Fast sound with heavy percussion. I also like theater, but don't get the chance to go often enough. Don't believe anyone who makes fun of Cats. It was wonderful, and I would gladly go see it again and again.

Amusement parks. I love 'em. In fact, for the past several years, my vacations have been to areas where there were amusement parks. Great Adventure in NJ, Busch Gardens in VA, and of course Disney World and Epcot in FL. I enjoy most of the thrill rides and very few scare me off. One of those was the Freefall. Until my (then) girlfriend asked me to go on it with her. Well men will be macho. So we went on it and it was thrilling. And of course, not enough can be said about roller coasters. They will always rule the thrill rides. In Ohio, Cedar Point is one of the biggest amusement parks in North America, and has much-written-about roller coasters. I'll be on them someday.

As far as other likes, well I have many. I have tried many different hobbies and interests. I did the new age thing for a while, carrying around stones and crystals, and even trying transgression. I also like camping. I have all the gear, just would like the time to do it more often. I am sure that Nelly, Georgi, Jennifer and I will do some serious camping once our lives settle down. And I also enjoy dancing. I won't say I am good at it, but I did place 2nd in an "Electric Slide" dance contest. I also enjoy movies, especially sci-fi and, yes, believe it, Disney movies.

It seems that a lot of different things I try result from the person in my life at the time. I believe it is important to share interests and trying new things can actually be pleasurable and open one's mind. I have never regretted any new hobby I have tried or any new interest I have gotten involved in. And I thank those that have encouraged me to involve myself in new perspectives of life.