Grandfather to a charming 6-year old creatorlady, stepfather to a smart therapist, father-in-law to a gifted artist, 30-year husband to a smart, insightful, but determinedly non-technical spouse. No other pets.
Soldererer of first transistor age 8, builder of a vacuum tube flip-flop at age 11 because it's hypnotizing to watch the filaments glow
At ten years of age, recipient of the best birthday present ever: an adjustable 400-volt power supply. Fun, useful, and oh so educational.
Electronic engineer (officially, with a degree and everything), 1974 onwards.
Co-founder Polycom 1990 and Specialty Video Systems 1972
PictureTel launch crew 1984
Evangelist for the importance of wideband audio in human speech communication
Composer and pianist since I was this high (holds hand near to ground)
Writer of a new full-size musical, around and about the underground railroad. Titled "Railroad."
Writer and producer of an eclectic and entertaining CD. Lots more material has been begging to be let out but the timekeeper so far resists
Occasional marksman of mediocre accuracy but lots of gusto
Speaker and teacher at a variety of forums, largely on topics of communication and teleconferencing
Philanthropist on numerous fronts although at only a moderate scale
Informal diplomat who often gets along well with people
TED2014, TED2013, TED2012, TED2011, TED2010, TEDActive 2009
Areas of Expertise
Electronic Engineering, Teleconferencing, Piano, VideoConferencing, Writing and Editing
An idea worth spreading
Questions need to be clear and mutually understood before a solution is sought. An immense amount of waste and hate is generated by questions that are, either by intent or accident, unclear or ambiguous. It's much better to spend time first, understanding the question.
I'm passionate about
The importance of clear speech reproduction in human communication, and how much the telephone gets in the way. Clarity can enforce honesty and integrity.
Talk to me about
Teleconferencing, live theatre, technology, piano and music
People don't know I'm good at
Some cooking bits, especially popcorn balls and sauteed brussels sprouts