Hi. I don't think I've properly introduced myself to the people on this site.
My name is John Ray. I live in the state of Georgia in the U.S. I ran away and joined the Army when I was 17 and was severely wounded in the Vietnam (conflict/war/police action), by a mortar round when I was 19. I lost my right eye, my right little finger and have multiple shrapnel wounds in my lower limbs. My right face was heavily impacted by a big piece of metal and crushed my right cheek. I'm the lucky one who survived the ambush. My legs have been giving me trouble since that day. I live in pretty bad constant pain in my legs but have learned, over the years to not let it drive me mad. I take pain medication and I'm tired a lot. If I use me legs, in about 30 min, I'm exhausted. If I use my wheelchair, I can work a pretty good bit of the day.
I have a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from college but I've spent most of my life in Computers and interfacing equipment. I had a stroke last year and have some trouble with my memory. It's not a big problem but you would be surprised how dependent we are on memory. I use the computer and store a lot of data, organized so I can retrieve it when necessary. I think the Thumb drive is the most amazing device ever invented. My whole life in one one, 16 GB thumb drive which I carry in my pocket everywhere I go.
I remove viruses from computers, repair them, build them, etc. for my friends and family, usually not charging for my work. I live at the mercy of the tax payer in the US so it's my way of paying everyone back for the support I receive.
I study science, all of them and spend loads of time at MIT online listening to the educators in each subject. I spend a lot of time viewing and digesting the videos and data on "www.ted.com", a website that feeds the hunger of the insatiably curious mind. I study at home and have an expanded sense of curiosity about the reality we live in. I love the internet and in the past, contributed to it's expansion via the Open Source software outlet where I have worked with many people from around the world, contributing in any way I could.
I like people and never grow tired of engaging with them, as long as they don't get too boring. I have a problem with people who let their emotions get the better of them and enter into discussions. I like to keep a level head and I'm open to most any idea if it can be reasonable supported by science and math. I love to discuss issues relating to future probabilities, where science may take us.
I live a life of absolute simplicity. If my mind an body doesn't need it, I usually don't mess with it. Food, Drink, shelter and education are all I need most of the time. I do like to play with toys when they contribute to my understanding of the world.
I do have a General ham radio operators Lic.
John Ray aka moonstroller.