I have to say that my hobbies are quite varied-I like to do a wide variety of things. While this may not make me a "Pro" at all of them, I enoy all. Here is a list of things that I like to do. If you have a common interest in something, I would like to hear from you. If you have a website that may be of interest to link to, please submit the URL and I will check it out. I will not promise to link to it, but I will maybe know another site you can link to!

• Motorcycle riding...I really like to ride and I have been doing it for some years, I have had a few hard get-offs, with the scars and bent scoots to prove it. I started on a Kawasaki 100 cc street/dirt bike, and have owned quite a few, including a Laverda Jota America 1000 3-cyl. sport bike that was just awesome! (well there was this problem getting parts....LOL!!)

• Slot Cars...I have been racing slot cars since the mid-60's and I really enjoy doing this. I race all 3 scales and just about every type! I really enjoy "USRA wing cars" and 1/24th scale Drag racing. I have held a few records in my time and I have seen the hobby go from fast to really fast!! The "wing cars" will do a sub-2 second lap on a 155' track! (kinda unreal, huh?) They will go from zero to over 100 actual MPH in less than 48 feet! Yes, Virginia, there are people who still race slotcars!

• Target Shooting...I have developed a love for target shooting, whether it be hand gun, rifle or shotgun. I prefer large bore, like .44mag, .454 Casull, 12 guage, 30-06. You get the idea-the biggest noise possible! I recieved some training as an armorer in the military so I really appreciate military arms, too.
  (Sound of Grandpa Ray getting on a soapbox......)

  While we are on the subject of firearms, I would like to say for the record that you should lock up your weapons! I am a parent, and I believe that anybody that thinks "Their child won't mess with my guns" has another thing coming! Please, for your children's sake, lock up your firearms BEFORE something tragic happens! Every year, too many children are injured or killed by firearms that are not secured.

  You should get a gunsafe or guncase that can be secured, and make sure that the key or combination to open it is not in your childrens reach. Some people keep just the ammunition locked up, but if your children can find the guns, it is possible that one of their friends has access to some ammunition. Play it safe-lock up your firearms and ammunition! Please!

  "Sorry if I got up on a soapbox there...Ray"

• Music...I like to play music-I can play just about anything that has frets and strings. I can't play a violin or a fretless bass-no frets, no play! I also sort of hack at the keyboards-never had any formal training, just like to noodle with it! I like country, jazz, rock and gospel the most. I don't like rap-just doesn't do anything for me, ya know. If I can find the time I will post some pictures of my axes for all to see.

• Computing...Like I have said before, we have a P4-2.66Ghz custom computer that I built myself that I like to play with at home. I have documented the troubles of putting it together on the newletter page. I like to do graphics, HTML, and lastly, surf the 'Net. Because I am a graphics junkie, I like wallpaper (found or made) and screensavers. I have the 3 Budweiser screensavers (which by the way were hard to find) along with other fun stuff. I have used "Themes" in the past, but find that "Desktop Architect" does a better job of tweaking than most and it is freeware, my favorite price.

• Hot Boats...I like loud, fast lake and river boats! I prefer a flatbottom V-drive, but hydro's are cool too! I had a lot of fun in a '69 Brummett Mandella flattie with a single carb. 427 Ford when I was in the service, and I miss it deeply-the S.F. bay area is not thick with them anymore! I think that squirtguns (jet drives) are a waste of time- without a real propellor, how can you go fast? He He! Outboards are cool, too. They can go real fast, but they can be real pricey, too! I think you can build a fast flattie for the cost of a fast O/B rig-any comments?