Oh, you mechanical symphony

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Around 1996 when I moved from Sacramento to Silicon Valley, I made a list of ten things I wanted to do. I have now completed nine of those items.

One of the items was to write a book. I got it finished in early 2006, and got it printed. I am currently looking for a publisher or agent, but the doing of it was the point.

"A Book of Hours" is a dark, introspective fantasy that examines faith and self-transformation. It follows two young men as they find identity and responsibility during a spiritual war for control of belief.



I really like the research done by Dr Richard Bartle, Nick Yee and Amy Briggs on the connection between personality types, the catharsis and enjoyment of entertainment activity, and how to design a story or game to meet those needs. In Bartle terms I am mostly an Achiever with a strong explorer bias. In different situations and times of my life sometimes explorer is a little stronger. In general, this means I am motivated by reaching goals and finishing tasks, and by researching or figuring things out. I don't find that I match many of the common griefer behaviors for achievers or explorers, unless I get really angry, which doesn't happen often even outside games.


I started studying kenjutsu in April of 1998. The class focused on control, defense, and technique before sparring. All work was done unarmored with bokken, which are wooden replica of katana. In the advanced class, some katana and wakizashi (long and short) two weapon work was done. It was not attached to the traditional lineage system of instructors.

I started teaching kenjutsu in April of 2003, and ended in the fall of 2007. I also stopped studying Kenjutsu in march of 2008. I finally hit a wall between studying two arts, each 2-3 days a week, and not getting better at either or losing weight at that level of exercise. I still miss it sometimes, but I do not regret my choice.

In April of 2001 I started armored combat in the SCA. I am squired to Viscount Sir Richard De Camville. Armored combat has done an amazing amount to help me "own" my body and be comfortable in my own skin. I very much enjoy regular tournament participation. While I currently fight with an oval scutum shield and a broadsword, I enjoy greatsword, two sword, dagger, and other forms.

There is also a regular tuesday night SCA practice in Sunnyvale. It is at a park on Twin creeks, one block north of Lawrence and 237. Armored work begins around 7pm. There are also any number of other practices around the bay area, on tuesday, wednesday, thursday, and sunday. Let me know if you want help finding them.