• A computer scientist. I'm working on some projects now that I'm not yet disclosing. I was most recently the Principal Systems Architect at Cibernet Corporation (which was purchased by MACH). I was a Member of Technical Staff (MTS) at Bell Labs Research for almost 7 1/2 years, where I created Web-based directory and other information systems that are used by tens of thousands of people inside Lucent Technologies (now Alcatel-Lucent), and where I tried to figure out better ways to make applications that are self-adapting and scalable. My main project was called LUCID, which I was the architect of. My professional background is primarily in Internet information systems with a focus on Web applications, as well as UNIX systems administration and security, PERL, TCP/IP networking, and several other areas. Basically, I'm just a programmer who likes to write really big systems that actually work. I used to provide WWW and other Internet consulting services including CGI applications programming, server and TCP/IP network setup and UNIX systems administration. Dispite the problems that Lucent had, I really loved my job there and I think it was one of the best places in the world to work for someone who is intellectually inquisitive.
• An occasional author. I have written a few self-published computer books, articles for a few newpapers, a course book, various proprietary white papers and research papers, a few technical papers, and I maintain my kom.com domain (among others). I began writing a cookbook once, but never finished it.
• A martial artist. I actively studied Hung-gar kung-fu (a southern Shaolin style that mimics the movements of the tiger and the crane) for 7 years under the grandmaster of that style, and very actively for several more years on my own. Now I try to train when I can to maintain what I learned and keep myself in good shape. It is an art that I really love and that I am grateful to have been able to learn.
• A teacher. I used to teach kung-fu classes at Middlesex County College. I taught a mini-course on "Doing Business on the Internet" at XRT (2-day course) and at Cabrini College in PA. I've also taught other self-defense (including at a kids summer camp) and rape prevention classes, and given several talks at various conferences about computer-related topics. I'm currently teaching a class entitled, Don't be a Victim: Self-Defense for Women every semester through EASTCONN. I don't do a lot of teaching anymore, but I enjoy it. In giving what you've learned back to others, it completes the circle of life.
• A healer. I studied Amma (a Japanese massage style) for a couple of years, and other energy-based healing arts for a number of years. This is an aspect of my life that is very important to me. I enjoy helping people, and it feels good to use the gifts that I have in this area. Since I am fortunate enough to have a career that provides me with a good living, it has been easy for me to never charge anyone for healing them. This is the natural balance to studying martial arts--if you learn to harm and destroy life, you must also learn to heal and save lives. I must say that although I have some substantial skill at both, I much prefer to heal.
• A scholar of religions. Although I never got around to getting a very substantial formal education, I do have a B.A. degree in Religion (not Theology!) from Rutgers College (I minored in Computer Science and Philosophy). I spent a lot of time learning about various traditions, and studied a couple of religious cults very closely (...). I've always been fascinated by the great diversity (and archtypal similarity) of the many religious and spiritual traditions in the world, especially Buddhism, classical Greco-Roman and Native American religous traditions.
• A meditator. I practiced Ch'an (Zen) meditation for years, as well as some other forms, and hatha yoga.
• A volunteer. I am currently the leader of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for Chaplin and Hampton, CT. That role, and related work I'm doing in service of this program, has been my main volunteer activity recently.

I also used to run the Native American organization at Rutgers while I was there (RONAC). I am a member of the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), where I regularly attend some events, like the Pennsic War. I like a lot of music, including rock, folk and classical. Jethro Tull is probably my favorite band. I'm also very fond of Kate Bush, Kitaro, the Moody Blues and Led Zepplin. In folk music, I am partial to the likes of Greg Brown, Ani DiFranco and Dar Williams. I used to attend the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival every year for about 12 years. I also regularly attend Contra dances, and occassionally get to do English Country dances and other folk dances. I've been trying to learn belly dancing, but it'll take a lot more training. My favorite TV series of all time is Babylon 5; with Blake's 7, Dr. Who, Monty Python and Black Adder also being ones I really enjoy.

I grew up and lived in central NJ for most of my life, until late 2004 when I moved to the quiet corner of CT (northeastern CT). I've found that I really enjoy living in this more rural area.

My honor is very important to me. I never lie, and I try to be very direct (aka blunt) with people, which I believe is part of treating them with respect (respecting people enough not to ever lie to them). Compassion, physical fitness, mental pursuits (I always like to learn more about things), passion and adventure are also important to me. I like to try new foods, travel to interesting places, and create things that have never been created before.

     
Some Photos from Pennsic 30
Chris' Family Sound Clips
Other Sound Clips
That Olde Time Religion Song
Daisy Bell Song
My Resume

Reviews

Jason Fragomeni & Matt Magaletta Landscaping

Nikon Coolpix 995 Camera

The Wiz (Store)

Native American Stuff

Photo from Rosebud Reservation (summer '94)

Article I wrote for the Columbus Quincentennial (1992)

Free Leonard Peltier!