Fun Stuff

While dedicated to my work, I find time to have fun with family and friends - and my students. I like to share my interests, such as those below. I will upload some pictures soon!

• Baseball - I enjoy all sorts of athletic activities, but baseball has always been special to me. I still play when I can with the AZMSBL, am generally unproductive when the Boston Red Sox are playing, and students often see me with a bat and ball in my hands ala Tom Cruise in a Few Good Men; it's true I just think better.
• Chess - I used to play a lot when I was younger. In elementary school I regularly played in high school tournaments and did OK. My interest in chess was actually one of my first influences in becoming a computer science, due to the challenge of creating a program that could beat the world chess champion. I keep a couple of boards in my office and am happy to play, or you can sometimes fine me online on the Internet Chess Club.
• The Civil War - I have no idea when or why I got interested in the Civil War. I am not from a border state (I am from NY), and there wasn't a specific incident or person I know who turned me on to it. I think Civil War historian (Foote? I don't recall), said our fascination is because it is both old and new - far back enough in our history yet recent enough to have photographs, and have tangible social and political impact on the world we live in today.
• Calvin & Hobbes - You have to read it to understand. Or have kids like I do. I strongly encourage you to get lost in C&H whenever you need to get away from reality for a while.