Welcome to my homepage!

Hello, my name is James Bearden and this is my spectacular homepage! In case you're wondering, this site is intentionally plain and simple. Not only is it faster to load and easier to maintain, but it is friendly to browsers other than Microsoft Internet Explorer. You might find this list of links useful.

I'm a 37 year old graduate of THE Ohio State University (OSU), where I obtained a Bachelors in Computer and Information Science (CIS) from the College of Engineering (ENG). That "THE" is pretty important to OSU, too. In fact, I think it is part of the trademark or something. My summary of 5 years at OSU: The worst thing about college life is the classes, since they really cramp one's style. However, I got out with my little piece of paper that says I can be hired, so I guess that's what is important. It is now suitably framed and hanging over my desk at home to impress dates and future employers. I put myself through college by joining the NAVY through a great program that allowed me to go to college after only a year of active duty. A little bit of advice, though: If you are thinking about joining the Armed Forces, DON'T DO IT! Now don't get me wrong, I think it's a great honor to serve in the armed forces, and being in the Navy was a very positive experience for me. But it's an incredible commitment that I think few people realize before they join, and even though I think I'm a better person after being a part of the Navy it wasn't because it was a fun experience. After graduating from college I worked for CompuServe, Inc, and at one point I spent over 2 years in the same office while the company name on my paycheck changed 3 times. I am now a partner of a small but talented company called da Vinci Network Services.

My favorite television programs generally involve gunplay, explosions, comedy, and space ships with my all time favorite shows combining all four. Therefore I have to admit I am somewhat addicted to the Sci-Fi channel. Star Trek is of course a staple, but what flavor Star Trek, you ask? Well, not that wimpy New Generation Star Trek, slow DS-9, strangely unfullfilling Voyager, or whacky Enterprise! No, real starship captains make it with green alien women, they don't (for example) quote Shakespeare ad nauseum. I'm glad that the Star Trek reboot movie managed to pull off a minor miracle. Of course I will sit through any Sci-Fi drivel just on general principles, but I reserve my American right to moan and groan. If you want an excellent science fiction television show, try Babylon 5 or FireFly on for size.

I listen to a variety of music, but I gravitate towards Classic Rock and 80's music. I guess my two favorite bands are Boston and Santana, but I'll listen to almost anything. Lately I have been listening to grungier songs, and stuff with a bit more bite. I really don't have very many hobbies besides working on my projects. Perhaps how I like to relax the most is to just read a good book. For the most part, I like Sci-Fi, spy novels, and "Men's Adventure" novels. For the uninitiated, Men's Adventure novels usually include a fair amount of explosions and gunplay. As for activities I like to swim, keep up with what my ReplayTV (Tivo) saves for me on TV, and teach my computer interesting new tricks. I used to sail, work on my 65 Kharman Ghia, ride my motorcycle, and jump out of perfectly good airplanes, but for various reasons anymore I just hang out with my friends as often as possible. I like to ball room dance, although I am horribly out of practice. I used to swing dance, but since I moved to Oklahoma in early 2000 I haven't found a good place to go, or anybody to go with for that matter. Folks around here don't seem to get into that sort of thing. :-)

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