Welcome to Eric F. Richards' Home Page

Now, lower cholesterol, fat free, and almost up to date!

After almost 9 years, I'm starting to finally bring this page up to date. This isn't so much an exercise in ego-stroking as it is in answering the question, "Just who the hell are you, anyway?" in a quick way.

So, who the hell am I?

• I'm a geek.
  • I work as a software engineer, almost always on some sort of operating-system-level code. This is my resumé.
  • I'm a licensed ham radio operator.
  • I storm chase and storm spot when I get the chance. Unfortunately I haven't had any chances in the last few years so this is starting to become a punchline to a bad joke.
  • I volunteer with amateur radio emergency services groups. (These existed long before 9/11.)
  • I'm into renewable (solar, wind) energy. So much so that my computers and ham gear -- which make my library look like Frankenstein's lab -- are all solar powered. It absolutely disgusts me that we aren't doing this on a much larger scale in the U. S.
  • I like reading about cold war and world war II technology, from radar to aircraft.
  • I get a kick out of precision timekeeping and satellite navigation.
  • I'm an absolute nut about the Apollo program and the space program in general. One had to live through Apollo to appreciate it fully, I think, but I still think it is an amazing example of what people can do once they make up their mind to do it.
• I attempt photography from time to time.
• I listen to cool music (instrumental jazz, rock, classical, some alternative, etc.)
• I love a good hike. Hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park helps relive the stress.
• As expected the backcountry in general enthralls me.
• I have a pair of cool cats and qualify as a Certified Cat Person.
• In loving memory of "Momma," 1988-4/24/2004. You will be missed.
• I've learned to love smart dogs as well. Australian Shepherds are cool.
• Regrettably, I like (way too much) good food, especially good sushi.
• I love driving. Driving fast. Driving switchbacks up mountain roads. Driving well.
• I'm conservative. I'm liberal. I'm libertarian. I fit in no one's box. And I tend to rant.

Now, aren't you sorry you asked?

This page is a work in progress. (Yeah, Eric, it's a piece of work, all right...) Hopefully, I can finish it out and make it more friendly and informative.