Services

Computers:

Computers are my most recent area of expertise, having formally trained for this work beginning in 1994. However, though this is my most in-demand skill in recent years, it barely scratches the surface of my technical knowledge, gained over a lifetime in a wide variety of applications.

If you are interested in my credentials as a computer professional, please go here: Computer repair

Automobiles, trucks and Motorcycles:

I made my living as an auto/truck/motorcycle mechanic for most of the period between 1963 and 1994 (Yes, over thirty years). I was never particularly fond of laying under cars (imagine that) so I often broke out of auto mechanics to pursue something else. Until I found computers, nothing had the income potential of auto mechanics. I am not just a 'shade-tree mechanic. I have worked for professional auto shops, beginning in Boston in 1969. After moving to Marin in 1980 I worked for The S.F. Zen Center/Green Gulch Farm as head mechanic for both the vehicles and farm machinery I went on to work for independent shops in Marin and Berkeley. I once owned my own five Bay Garage in San Rafael, CA.

Building trades:

Again, my knack for this kind of stuff worked well for me. At age 15 I purchased the tools, materials and reference books (remember books?) to first teach myself, and then build a partition in my parent's basement. I erected a wall, installed a door, suspended a ceiling and lighting, complete with my own electrical sub-panel. I was a precocious kid (Who, at 15, desperately wanted to be as far from my parents as possible)

In 1974 I spent a year as a 'maintenance man' at a shopping center. What was really going on was that a major building had burned to a concrete shell and me and my fellow 'maintenance men' were a way to avoid paying Union rates for reconstruction of this shell into four stores, including, fire clean up, erecting plaster walls, installing wiring to code, installing plumbing to code, (all had to be inspected), installing HVAC units (furnaces and A/C), creating bathrooms, installing display cases. Though, in absolute terms, I was being robbed for what I was doing, the experience has lasted me a lifetime.

As recently as 2002 I was involved in a Garage conversion for a friend, I designed, supervised and participated in construction of two livable rooms, a bedroom and separate office. The bedroom includes track lighting, fully insulated floor and walls, cable TV hook-up, plus multiple electric, telephone and internet outlets.

This and That:

At various times I have done things as diverse as working on irrigation systems, pumps, and diesel generators. I've laid intricate patterns of Italian Ceramic Tile. I've assisted in setting up solar arrays with battery systems and self regulating water systems. I've waterproofed basements and even did my own a few years ago.

When I was eight I wanted to ne a nuclear physicist, when I grew up, which is probably why I am the only person I know who knows that Canada had its own Chernobyl, in the 50's. But for some reason, we don't want to talk as loudly about that one. Jimmy Carter even worked on the clean up, in his Navy days. Go look up 'Chalk River'.

Oh, and yes, I am enough of a geek that I couldn't resist peeking at the Atom Bomb plans on the net. I don't want to give any misimpression, but if you're really, really, really, really upset with a large group of people in a confined area and have tremendous resources, let's talk. I guess in this day and age I actually have to tell you that is a joke, sad!