I have played a variety of instruments in my life, starting with a little color coded xylophone and a plastic whistle/flute. Later, I played piano for several years (which I still play poorly), trumpet for a few months, and violin (which I still play well). I have dabbled in handbells and recorders too. Violin is my favorite by far. My most recent project has been learning classical and pop guitar. I recently purchased an acoustic Yamaha FG-402MS (whatever those letters mean) and an electric Fernandes Strat.

Favorite albums of all time: Smashing Pumpkins "Siamese Dream," Alice in Chains "Jar of Flies," Metallica "...And Justice for All," Metallica "Master of Puppets," Madonna "Ray of Light," The Cars "The Cars Greatest Hits."

Favorite songs of all time: Smashing Pumpkins "Today," Smashing Pumpkins "Mayonaise," Alice in Chains "Nutshell," Metallica "To Live is to Die," New Order "Regret," Matthew Sweet "I Almost Forgot," Collective Soul "The World I Know," Aerosmith "Cryin'," Goo Goo Dolls, "Iris." I have some older favorites, but they don't still move me to this day.

Albums I have great respect for: Smashing Pumpkins "Machina: The Machines of God," Metallica "...And Justice for All," Stone Temple Pilots "Purple," Alice in Chains "Nutshell," Steve Vai "Passion and Warfare," Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon," Guns N' Roses "Appetite for Destruction," Depeche Mode "Violator," Van Halen "Van Halen," The Beatles' White Album (among others), several albums by Madonna, several albums by The Doors.

CDs I own