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Some Personal History

Over the last several decades I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting projects.  In chronological order:
  • Crocker Nuclear Lab: a 76", sector-focussed, isochronous cyclotron (it was high tech in the 60s).  Made radioisotopes for cancer screening, as well as operating and maintaining the cyclotron.
  • Loma Linda Proton Therapy Facility: Designed shielding for facility and control system for accelerator.
  • Superconducting Super Collider: Worked on design committee and then the control system. RIP
  • Computer Programmer... various gigs.

On a more personal note, I am an Orthodox Jew.  A few things you may find interesting:
  • Our calendar is solar-lunar calendar.  That is, the months follow the cycle of the moon, but the years are adjusted to keep the holiday at the right time of year.  Passover, for example, must always be observed in the spring.
  • All Jewish holidays begin at sundown.  The sabbath (Shabbos), for example, can start as early as 4:00PM Friday afternoon during the winter.  For that reason, I generally work from home on Fridays and the day before our holidays.
  • We have an ancient custom that men and women do not touch each other.  The comes up sometimes when meeting new people, because it means I can't shake hands with the women.  In general, people are very accommodating.
  • I eat strictly kosher food.  That does not mean that a Rabbi blessed it; it does mean that the food must adhere to certain standards as explained to us at Mt. Sinai.  If you want to know more, you may want to check out the excellent introduction, "What Is Kosher?" at the Chicago Rabbincal Council web site.
  • Also, don't ever worry about offending me.  If there is something you want to know, feel free to ask.  In fact, it is harder to get me to stop than it is to get me started :)

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