Personal & Photos

Thanks for looking in. I thought you might want to know a bit more about who I am. I think you will find some things interesting, and you will probably find some things not so interesting... you may even find some things surprising.

Many people ask, "Why Midland?" or "Why Midland College?" Truth is that I really enjoy both the community and the school. As a younger man I attended Midland College (1992-1994). The school helped me make the transition from high school to college and a number of instructors played a critical role in my final decision to study history. Some of the instructors from more than a decade ago are now colleagues, which puts me in good company.

The Midland College community is filled with interesting and informative people. Across the campus you will find both faculty and staff that love their jobs and love Midland College. As students, you will have the opportunity to attend other schools, but I promise the atmosphere does not get any better than MC.

I am married, and have been for more than ten years - the first date with my future wife was in October 1991. How do I remember the first date? Trust me, those are things you don't forget, because if you do... trouble!. People in long-term relationships will know what I am talking about. My wife and I have two girls, Kaitlyn (now 7) and Madelyn (now 4). Both are a joy. (More Photos Here) Get married and have children - it sure is a fun ride. Family and books, you can't overdose on either. Some books are too long, and sometimes family stays too long - hey we live in an imperfect world.

Hobbies? College basketball! I can't get enough, it is like a drug! While much of West Texas is consumed by football, nothing but college basketball is broadcast though my big screen TV - October to April - ah, basketball. More please! I play a bit of basketball when I can and I play tennis. I play too much poker, and spend too much time watching grass grow - simple pleasures, what more can I say?

Music

How about some information you might not expect to get? Music preferences as an example - I enjoy all types of music really, but if you want to know what kind of music I actually purchase follow the links to get a clue. You should note that my favorite band of all time - now defunct - was "At the Drive-In." Out of their remains two bands emerged - "Sparta" and "The Mars Volta" - one better than the other. I once liked a number of bands not listed, but the strive toward commercial success corrupted their music - "Taking Back Sunday," "Finch," and others. I find that the music contained on second albums is not quite as good as the music on the first.

There are many others. I won't burden you with the many bands that have no record contracts that I enjoy. Well, maybe one more. My younger brother has played in a variety of bands. Originally a drummer, he joined a band and plays bass with a group of friends. Check them it!

Burn the Wagon

Not just music, this is pretty cool too. An interesting story - reminds me, and maybe you too, how small the world really is.

Eme Nakia

Conservation

I guess I am something of a "hippy liberal" when it comes to the protection of the environment. I don't believe, however, that it is a liberal or conservative issue, but rather an issue that will have a profound impact on everyone. Humans have been hard on the environment and something ought to be done. To come to the realization that there are problems seems pretty simple - but the actual solutions to environmental problems are anything but simple.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Given that I live in West Texas, I am especially concerned with water resources. Here, and elsewhere throughout the American West, water is becoming - and in places has already become - the most precious resource available for human consumption. To learn something about the future of water - and human habitation - in America look to these sites.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water

Texas Water Conservation Association

Texas Water Development Board

Texas Water Matters

Texas Parks and Wildlife

Water Education Foundation

American Rivers

Water is a very complicated issue. I hope you learn something about the challenges ahead.

College Basketball

As a graduate student at Texas Tech University I witnessed the the massive amount of fanfare generated by the hiring of Coach Bob Knight. As a basketball fan - and after watching talented TTU teams get their rears handed to them routinely - I thought the change was appropriate. When Coach Knight came to TTU, his presence was immediately evident, and while some opposed his hiring even they had to admit he made an important impact on the school and the BigXII Conference.

And lets not forget that MC has a stellar basketball program as well. Get to know the players and attend games. You will be glad you did.

Midland College Chaparrals

Midland College Lady Chaps

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech Lady Raiders

Raider Power

Raider Quest