This is topic Hatrack Experts in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.


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Posted by WouldBe (Member # 5682) on :
 
I think Deb Hoag suggested this idea somewhere somewhen. I propose a directory of the expertise of Hatrackers who are willing to answer related questions for writing projects (but not for your kid's homework ). For example, I'd like to communicate with a physicist for a story idea.

It would probably be best to use this thread only for the directory, not for questions, which would be better served offline. Perhaps you could rate your expertise as professional, advanced amateur, or amateur (or something else meaningful).

After awhile, if there is interest, this list should be combined and inverted.

Proposed Principles of Use:
1. the expert does not owe you an answer, but might help if time allows.
2. the expert will not fix your story (unless s/he is a writing expert and agrees to).
3. thank you, expert.

WouldBe:
software engineering and development (professional)
telecommunications (professional)
photography (advanced amateur)
granddaughters (got the best, ever)

[This message has been edited by WouldBe (edited September 04, 2007).]
 


Posted by debhoag (Member # 5493) on :
 
Clinical Psychology
Dual Diagnosis
Substance Abuse
Weekly Newspaper operations
Old Radio station stuff
 
Posted by Wolfe_boy (Member # 5456) on :
 
Accounting.
Speed Skating.
Scouting.
Video Games.
Guy Gavriel Kay.

Jayson Merryfield
 


Posted by walt.xeppuk (Member # 5489) on :
 
Geology &
Russian

Pretty good in Astronomy too.
 


Posted by lehollis (Member # 2883) on :
 
Computers and communication (professional)
Web Design (professional)
Software Development (advanced amateur)
Graphic Design (amateur)
Non-digital Art (amateur)
Art History (amateur)
Philosophy (amateur)
Vegetarian/Vegan Nutrition (advanced amateur)
Alaska (advanced amateur)

 
Posted by trousercuit (Member # 3235) on :
 
I may regret unveiling this in a forum where science fiction predominates...

- Computer Science of all kinds, with emphasis in computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence research

I cower in anticipation.

 


Posted by debhoag (Member # 5493) on :
 
oooohhhh!
 
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
 
Materials Science (professional)
Physics (professional)
Traffic Engineering (professional)
Meat Science (recent association)
Innovation Development (hobby interest)
 
Posted by InarticulateBabbler (Member # 4849) on :
 
I'm a multiple award-winning artist in a couple of different mediums:
Custom Fantasy Painting (prefer acrylics) - professional
Portraits - professional
Dermagraphics (Tattoo) - professional
Poet - hobby

Non-award-winning:

Musician - amateur Guitarist (rhythm/lead 18 yrs experience), Drummer (four yrs.), and Bassist (10 yrs.)
Logo Designer
Comic Character Design (penciler, inker, color separation. Professionally apprenticed.)
History Enthusiast
mixed martial arts

Not what most people need help in.

(Surprisingly unmentioned) Like most Hatrackers: aspiring writer.

[This message has been edited by InarticulateBabbler (edited September 04, 2007).]
 


Posted by rstegman (Member # 3233) on :
 
Photographer (amateur, but once almost got professional qualty)
bicycling theory (amateur, knew theory)
wood carving (amateur practicing and have made sales)
wood turner (amateur practicing, have made sales, and getting better)
metal working (beginner can talk a good story)
Draftsman (by hand and CAD) professional
General Science (self educated)can spin a good science theory
painting (amateur)
story idea generator (unpaid)nearing 4000 so far
good at speaking american
 
Posted by KayTi (Member # 5137) on :
 
Mine are going to sound funny in comparison. Reminds me of what my DH used to say about his double major in college (Chemistry and Psychology) - it most qualified him to be a bartender...(mix the drinks and talk to the folks.)

But meanwhile - trouser, cool! I have an MS in CS w/emphasis on AI. I sneeze acronyms. LOL

Program/Project Management (boring business stuff, many different industries) - professional
Breastfeeding - professional
User Interface Design and Human/Computer Interaction - professional
Corporate culture in the US, big corporations - professional
Online learning/instruction - professional

Parenting/Mothering - umm, can one claim professional status on this? Sure, I'm a pro. But also have written on and researched many parenting and mothering topics.

Photography - amateur
Gardening - amateur
Vegetarian - uh, amateur? I have been vegetarian for 5+ years. LOL
Piano - rusty amateur

Interesting that writing this list has given me all kinds of ideas of things I could write about.
 


Posted by JeffBarton (Member # 5693) on :
 
Communications engineering (professional)
Electronic hardware engineering (professional)
Software development and programming (professional)
(Sounds broad, but hey, it's been 40 years.)

Photography, including color darkroom (advanced amateur)
Woodworking (amateur, advanced to the point of making furniture)
20th century military history (interested self-study)

Writer - lots of fanfic. Not an expert, but I have opinions

 


Posted by Rick Norwood (Member # 5604) on :
 
mathematics
comic strips
small press publishing
fifties science fiction
sixties comic books
History, philosophy, and politics (amateur)
 
Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :
 
Education/ work experience
General biology, spe. botany and ecology
Agriculture
Insect pest control
Medical ethnobotany

Other interests
Alexander the Great
Ancient history
Latin (language and Roman culture)
Japanese language

 


Posted by Alye (Member # 5017) on :
 
OK I feel really stupid asking this question but it is one I would like to know.

How does Gravity work? (Now I wish I had paid attention to physical science in 9th grade but I was more of a English student. /shrug)

OK first let me explain my question a bit better. If I had a ball and I put water on it, in the weightlessness of space. Now I start to spin it, the water would be flung off. Right? If that ball was super dense, with the center denser than the surface, the same ratio as our planet just smaller. I would assume it would do the same thing regardless of its density.

So at some point, I assume, mass of an object generates gravity, but how? And, does the centrifugal(sp?) force of the planet repel us away from the surface to an extent that we aren't squished like ketchup packets under a bike tire, or is the centrifugal force creating the gravity that holds us in place? If it is the centrifugal force creating the gravity why aren't we flung from the planet?


(repost from a diffrent thread)
 


Posted by TaleSpinner (Member # 5638) on :
 
Professional:

Software engineering
Telecommunications
Management

Amateur:

Digital photography
Industrial history
How to fluff jazz guitar

I think this is a good idea. How about a separate forum for it, so that each question gets its own thread?

Pat

[This message has been edited by TaleSpinner (edited September 05, 2007).]
 


Posted by trousercuit (Member # 3235) on :
 
Alye:

See, it's like this. Contrary to popular belief, it's similarity that attracts, not opposites. Almost every fat married guy I know has a fat wife, for example, and you'd never see Brad Pitt going out with someone like Julia Roberts, who has a freakishly wide mouth and is therefore u-u-u-gleee.

So these fat bodies in space are naturally attracted, and, just like in humans, this follows an inverse-square relationship with distance, scaled by both bodies' masses. (This is why fat people bump into each other more often than thin people do.) Further, planets are generally androgynous and quite promiscuous by nature, finding themselves attracted to not only each other, but also to people, dust, comets, and even television satellites.

"Ah hah!" you say. "I've discovered a hole in your theory! What's the planetary analogue for thin people?"

You silly person. Whoever heard of a thin planet?

Ahem. I did that because the real answer is even sillier. According to general relativity, a mass curves the space around it. In this curved space, things actually move in a straight line (because it takes the least energy to do so), and mapping the linear trajectory in curved space back to normal, non-curved space makes the trajectory curved.

I told you it was silly. It's only one theory, anyway, but it tests very well. The biggest problem is that it's inconsistent with quantum mechanics, which also tests very well. Some physicists actually laugh themselves to sleep over this.

(BTW, KayTi: 'grats on the degree. I'm working on the thesis right now... or, um... I should be.)

[This message has been edited by trousercuit (edited September 05, 2007).]
 


Posted by AstroStewart (Member # 2597) on :
 
Physics (Professional)
Astrophysics, specifically theoretical cosmology (Professional)
Mathematics (Professional, insofar as was required for above physics)

Piano (Amateur)

 


Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
 
I'm not actually an expert in anything but...

Autism
Proofreading
Psychics
Writing
Life (if it can happen, it has happened to me)
 


Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
 
I know a little about a lot of things---but I'm not an expert in any of them.
 
Posted by WouldBe (Member # 5682) on :
 
I see that Ayle's question was also answered by Brendan in the Discussion About Writing Forum, too. Thanks.
 
Posted by kings_falcon (Member # 3261) on :
 
Law (professional)
Let's narrow that a mite, things I do regularly:
Employment Law, including anti-discrimiation laws
Business law
Real Estate and transactional
Bankruptcy - both old and new code
Litigation (civil - ie not criminal or domestic law)
Trade secrets (litigation and protection)

Law things I know about or can get answers reasonably quickly
Criminal Defense
Guardianships
Immigration (little but know the people to talk to)
Domestic
Trademark

Horses/riding
English and a bit of Western
Training amd care
Tack and equipment
Riding for the disabled

Theatre (techie side)
Wreath making and other misc. crafts
Gardening
Canning

Psychological testing (I use to administer and score the tests)
ADD - raising and living with children who have
Bi-Polar or manic depressive disorder
- dealing with friends, family and clients who are

Blackjack
Florist


LOTS of experience with:

pets of many kinds - care, illness and such
Greek and Roman Mythos



 


Posted by wrenbird (Member # 3245) on :
 
Modern Chinese History
Actually, Communism in general
Birdwatching
Whales and Dolphins
Poetry
 
Posted by meg.stout (Member # 6193) on :
 
How I earn $$:
Physicist
Program Manager
Engineer
Hydroacoustician
Signal Processing Software
Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt
US Navy submarine HM&E
ASW systems (MPRA, A(V)15, APB)

Things I do well or a lot:
Mother
Autism advocacy
Violinist
Organization Systems (versus actually maintaining an system in an organized state)
Vocal performance
Teaching
Genealogy/Family History
 


Posted by oliverhouse (Member # 3432) on :
 
Current professional life:

Prior professional lives:

Real life and dabbling:

Not that there aren't better resources out there, but I might be able to help with any of the above.

[This message has been edited by oliverhouse (edited September 05, 2007).]

[This message has been edited by oliverhouse (edited September 05, 2007).]
 


Posted by I am destiny on :
 
Kay Ti You are a breastfeeding professional? Cool. I am a WIC breastfeeding peer councelor. I want to be a IBCLC but I am moving away from my chance .

I have experience in:
breastfeeding,
childbirth
rasing kids
yoga
and firearms.
I love the Chinese and Japanese culture but by no means am an expert at enything but making eggrolls.
Not much, but my kids have been my life up untill now.....
~D


 


Posted by Tricia V (Member # 6324) on :
 
I'm a linguist.

No jokes, please.
 


Posted by Zero (Member # 3619) on :
 
I can take a stab at economics. I'm no expert, and anyone short of a phD isn't either (in this subject) but since it's my major and I've taken many classes I could help notwithstanding.

Also I suggest you make a list of everyone below with their listed fields of expertise as part of the firt post for quick refernce.

[This message has been edited by Zero (edited September 05, 2007).]
 


Posted by DebbieKW (Member # 5058) on :
 
Professional:
Writing
Farming, specifically horses and livestock. Some crop knowledge
Gardening
Fruit Orchard

Serious Hobbies:
History, specifically ancient and medieval, world-wide
Martial arts - staff (beginner), sword (beginner), Aikido (Advanced)
Blacksmithing (Journeyman)
Lampworking [small-scale glass working in a flame] (Advance Beginner)
Stock Market trading (Advanced)

Past Skills:
Violin (Medium, hobby)

I also know a bit about:
Foster Parenting
Working with 'at risk' kids as a mentor
Prison ministry

[This message has been edited by DebbieKW (edited September 05, 2007).]
 


Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
 
German Shepherd Dogs and Golden Retrievers breeding/showing and history.
Jerry rigging.
Werewolves.
Combat Engennering.

Underground medical practice; Optometry, Proctoltry, Lobotomy, and Dental. Buy 1 and get 4 free.

Rommel Fenrir Wolf II
 


Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
 
I frogot one.

semi profectent combat life taker.
 


Posted by oliverhouse (Member # 3432) on :
 
Semi-proficient? So, like, you can play piano in the dark and somebody'll die just a little? Or you can shoot them and they'll become undead? Or make them wish they were dead?
 
Posted by rstegman (Member # 3233) on :
 
I am an expert

I could not find a job as a pert.
 


Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
 
well you try shooting at Hajj in the hills from a HUMVEE moving 20-30KM/H down a unimproved road, oh and they are shooting at you with RPG'S and small arms. it is not easy.
Rommel Fenrir Wolf II
 
Posted by Pyre Dynasty (Member # 1947) on :
 
A linguist who doesn't want jokes? That's like a flying pig, sure it's fun to see but how on earth do you pen the darn thing.

As for me:
I'm in the middle of an internship as a technical/layout editor.
General troubleshooter
Grand Master of the Sticks
Full Pokedex
Professional Pants Presser (Also known as Slacker)
Vacuum jockey, porcelain polisher, duster.
Attention Deficit Disorder (not a professional, but diagnosed fourteen years)
Strategist
And I have seen a live Dik Dik.
 


Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :
 
Kathleen, is there a way to make this sticky or something? I guess we could always just search for it later, but it will likely be quickly buried here. Or maybe we could move it to FAQs? Though it doesn't quite fit there it would be easier to find.

[This message has been edited by annepin (edited September 07, 2007).]
 


Posted by AaronAndy (Member # 2763) on :
 
Professional:
* Software Engineering
* Software and internet accessibility
* Assistive technology
* Accessibility standards and evaluation (including ADA, 508, WCAG, etc)
* Social and legal aspects of technology and persons with disabilities.

Amateur and interests:
* The Mozilla Project (including the documentation and accessibility groups)
* Autistic spectrum disorders (autism, aspergers, PDD-NOS, etc).
* WWII (mostly European Theater from Normandy to Berlin)
* Physics, Linguistics, Statistics
* Portuguese, Latin (and related Roman history), Braille


I second the request to make this sticky, or at least find some more permanent home for it; also, can whoever started this thread edit the first post to include an alphabetical list by topic, with names or those who are experts/interested? (I'd be willing to compile the list from these posts, I just couldn't add it the top since my first post (this one) is clear down at the bottom).
 


Posted by J (Member # 2197) on :
 
Expertise

Professional:
-Law (particularly patent, copyright, trademark, contract)
-Chemistry
-Public Speaking

Amateur:
-hunting
-firearms/marksmanship
-archery
-boxing
-dog training
-U.S. history

 


Posted by Jon Ruyle (Member # 5943) on :
 
Professional:
Software (yeah, another one)

Some knowledge:
photography (there seem to be a lot of us)
astronomy (that is, looking through telescopes)
mathematics (PhD but not professional... getting a degree is easy, getting a job is hard)
biological science/chemistry/biochemistry (not an expert)

Fluent in Mandarin Chinese. Probably won't help anyone unless they want characters to swear in Chinese.

 


Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
 
Hmmmm

Proficient:

Verb tenses *grins*
Horseback riding - both English and Western
The Care and Feeding of Horses
Swordfighting (Eurpoean not martial arts style)
English Literature - history of it (I guess-have a couple of degrees so I might be proficient in it)

 


Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
 
I do have the habit of getting interested in a subject and then diving in and learning as much about it as I can lay my hands on. The information tends to be still there, just waiting for the appropriate jog-of-the-memory. And some things get added to.

In the past, well, my whole life, I've gotten interested in:

science fiction
the Beatles
popular music 1955-1980 (the "rock 'n' roll" era)
Buddy Holly
polar exploration
the Civil War
American History in general
Warner Bros. cartoons
"The Simpsons" TV show
"Daria" TV show
contemporary American politics

I wouldn't limit it to that: there are doubtless things I've forgotten. And some of them interconnect as well. I may not know the answers, but I know where to look for them.
 


Posted by 'Graff (Member # 2648) on :
 
Portuguese Language (Brazilian)
Music Performance/Theory

I'm not an expert at much yet. Give it time.
 


Posted by mfreivald (Member # 3413) on :
 
Add me to the list of Telecommunications experts.

Other than that, I'm a sciolist. I have dabbled in archeology, paleontology, ancient languages (Egyption, Greek, Latin), modern languages (Japanese, Navajo, German, Spanish), Philosophy, Pedagogy, and many religions.

I have a pretty fair knowledge of many thing Catholic, too. (Doctrine, history, practice, etc.)

I also have a very short memory, so if you want input on any of the above, you better act fast...
 


Posted by tigertinite (Member # 4803) on :
 
I'm into microbiology, and a little with molecular genomics, but that's about it. I may be able to answer some questions about disease, but I haven't taken virology or immunology just yet and for now it's just a hobby.
 
Posted by Elan (Member # 2442) on :
 
It would do little good to keep this thread on permanent file. When you've been on Hatrack for a couple of years, you will notice that people come and go. The vast majority of "regulars" who were a part of Hatrack when I joined are gone now, or rarely heard from.

But temporarily, it's useful to see where people have their expertise.

For myself, I've worked as:
--Print shop manager
--Graphic designer
--Web designer
--Advocate for victims of domestic violence
--Violence prevention advocate
--Salesperson - business to business and cold-call residential
--Worked in a large church with a variety of well-known visiting speakers.
Volunteer
--Volunteer with a non-profit agency serving the homeless
--Co-founded a Montessori school
--History of the Pacific Northwest (on the board of the Fort Dalles Museum)
Kicking and Screaming
--Survivor of oral cancer
Life Experience
-- Raised 2 kids as a single mother.
-- Went from 0 to 5 grandchildren over the course of this past summer.

 


Posted by Marzo (Member # 5495) on :
 
My belated contributions:

History
Topics:
History of medicine (Hippocrates to 19th century with knowledge focus between 14th and 18th centuries, primarily Western - advanced amateur; Eastern - amateur)
History of sexuality (European and Asian, not so much middle eastern - advanced amateur)
Art history (primarily European - amateur)
Over-arching trends and developments in education, travel, technology, social mores, philosophy, religion, urbanization, daily life - anything other than detailed politics and military history - (advanced amateur)
Area focus: Europe (advanced amateur), England (slightly lesser advanced amateur), China & Japan (decent amateur)
Time Periods: 800CE - 1850CE overall; 14th-18th centuries focus (advanced amateur)

University/student life (professional)
Video games (professional player, not professionally involved :p)
Japanese language (advanced amateur)
Modern Japanese culture (advanced amateur)
Research (advanced amateur)
Library work (advanced amateur)
Journalism (advanced amateur)
Organic/health food/green living and products (advanced amateur)
Photography (amateur)
Music - composition, violin, guitar, voice (amateur)
Mixology (amateur)
Food - past and present (amateur)


 


Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
 
sorry to bring this up again but is there anyone who knows anything about engines?
what i am wondering is where to find a airworthy Rolls-Royce Merlin engine for a good price. ie less than $10,000 U.S.
found some junked ones used on speed boats in fl.
my time is up gtg
RFW2nd
 
Posted by brainie (Member # 7810) on :
 
Well, maybe all the newbies should add to the list. We seem to have a lot lately.

I know stuff about:
cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience
the postal industry
proofreading/editing
yoga
why the English are wacky
avoiding chores, especially dish washing
San Diego

edited to add the Ferengi Rules of Aquisition

[This message has been edited by brainie (edited March 05, 2008).]
 


Posted by Inkwell (Member # 1944) on :
 
Advanced Amateur:

-Martial Arts (Soo Bahk Do, Tae Kwon Do, various others)
-Military History & Tactics
-Ancient Weaponry (bronze age to arquebus)
-Modern Weaponry (small arms on up)
-Hunting/tracking
-Psychology
-Philosophy
-Western Civilization (History)
-Weight Training
-Acting/Theatre
-British Literature
-Writing (speculative fiction, primarily)
-Filmmaking
-Technical Director (TV), Assistant Director (TV), Stage Manager (TV), etc.

Professional:

-Industrial Supply Inventory Management & Database Entry
-Computer Upgrade/Repair
-TV Camera Operation
-Special (Visual) Effects Creation - Digital
-Digidesign Protools Audio Editing
-Video Editing
-Grocery Store Ops
-Distribution Center Ops
-Copyediting


Inkwell
------------------
"The difference between a writer and someone who says they want to write is merely the width of a postage stamp."
-Anonymous

[This message has been edited by Inkwell (edited March 05, 2008).]
 


Posted by debhoag (Member # 5493) on :
 
Rommel, I did a search for airplane building kits a few weeks ago, and turned up several websites that have all kinds of useful parts. You are building a plane, right? A few of them had rolls engines for sale. Good luck!
 
Posted by halogen (Member # 6494) on :
 
Hobby Shops
Early 90's industrial music
Farming
Teaching
Classic video game systems
Pizza Hut
Traveling on Greyhound
Bulletin Board Systems, MOOs
Freezing cold weather
Beer

 
Posted by Bent Tree (Member # 7777) on :
 
Advanced

Fine dining(all customs of service)
Botany
Animal husbandry
Agriculture
Nutrition
Food and culinary history

Intermediate

Aquaculture
Astronomy(with emphasis on the moon)
ASL
Biology
Primitive camping

Interests

Insanity
Anthropology
writing sci-fi(all-consuming hobby)

Weaknesses
Physics
Math
grammar!
mechanics/engineering

 


Posted by djvdakota (Member # 2002) on :
 
I'm only going to put down my unique qualities, as we've already had plenty of pianists and photographers on the list:

*homeschooling (semi-pro)
*natural childbirth (pro)
*black and white photography, including early methods (advanced amateur-ish--own a BFA in photog.)
*stay-at-home mom (pro)
*drove tourist carriages for a couple of years

 


Posted by Igwiz (Member # 6867) on :
 
Professional:

Public Policy Analysis and Development
Environmental Policy Assessment
Environmental Behavioral and Psychology
Evaluation Design and Planning
Constitutional History and Administrative Law

Personal/Amateur:

Gardening/Landscaping
Glassblowing
West African history/culture/food

 


Posted by tnwilz (Member # 4080) on :
 
Professional

Zoo Keeper: Colchester Zoo, UK. 77-81
Lion Country Safari, Irvine CA. 81-84
Journeyman Plumber: Orange County, CA. 84-86
Construction Management: Project Superintendent, CA. 84-91
Irrigation systems specialist: Self-employed, CA. 91-present


Interests.

Audio-file equipment/listening (bankrupting hobby)
Computers
Bibles. Translations vs. Versions, etc
Sci-Fi, reading, writing.
Wife husbandry.
Parenting.
Impossible to predict dynamics of “Survivor”

 


Posted by ArachneWeave (Member # 5469) on :
 
I'm not an expert in any area except passing out advice based on lots of input and a little imagination. Taking that into account my unique areas of experience:

JAPANESE (conversational)--Fluent
I can also pick out the better word to use from a dictionary, if you want help with something more technical

JAPAN'S CULTURE--rural day-to-day stuff. Lived in a city amid an agricultural area with its own dialect.

AMATEUR ANTHRO with the angle of pre-adult culture shock and the resulting bi-cultural perspective.

YA Fantasy I'm quickly covering like few others, I think. ^_^
 


Posted by Christian (Member # 7825) on :
 
Skill----------------------Level
______________________________________
Computer Programming (Professional)
Consulting (Professional)
Military Life (Army) (Professional)
College Life (Professional)
College Drinking (Professional)
Drinking (Professional)
Hangovers (Professional)
Comics (Professional Fan)
Influencing People (Professional)
Current Tech Products (Semi-Pro)
American Idol (Professional Fan)
Heroes (Professional Fan)

[This message has been edited by Christian (edited March 12, 2008).]
 


Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
 
Christian you in the army?

what mos?

and where are you staitined.

RFW2nd
 


Posted by Christian (Member # 7825) on :
 
Hi Rommer,
I'm not in any more. I was a 98G (Russian Linguist). I was stationed in California (1yr), Texas (3 Mos), and Hawaii (2.6 years).

[This message has been edited by Christian (edited March 12, 2008).]
 


Posted by Doc Brown (Member # 1118) on :
 
Professional:
Distance Learning
Industrial Engineering
Plastics molding and extrusion


Hobby:
DeLoreans
Cave exploration
Throwing parties
Automobiles made in Cleveland from 1897 through 1929.
Writing prose

 


Posted by gobi13x (Member # 6837) on :
 
I guess for myself most knowledgeable about:
Knowledge of things related to the undead
biochemistry
dancing
Armour crafting (mostly chain)

Others:
Wasting time
Russian
Medical things
Melee combat

 


Posted by Lynda (Member # 3574) on :
 
Professional:

Internationlly collected, multiple award-winning Sculptor (in plastilene [oil based clay]) producing bronze, resins and papercastings, as well as jewelry. One of my bronzes is a world-championship trophy as well as being in a coffee table book.

Trade show vendor (for my art and books)

Lecturer on sculpting and equine photography

Writer (non-fiction how-to book on sculpting just sold out its first edition; novel is on Amazon)

Owner of a small business (Whimsy Hill Studio LLC) for over 10 years.

Singer (many years in the past - 7 years operatic training, but again, many years in the past)

Mother of a multiple-mentally-handicapped child (ADHD, PDD, OCD, ODD, etc., Tourettes, Bi-polar, you name it)

Horse show mother to a now-adult rider who's working her way up to the Pan Am Games and Olympics (eventually) in dressage - but she started out in 4-H, then Pony Club, so we've seen the whole spectrum.

Former riding instructor (forward seat, then hunt seat and western). Still ride, English and western on a Quarter Horse. Used to ride hunter/jumpers in my youth. Know a bit about driving horses too. Also bred horses for a while.

Amateur:

Award-winning photographer (film camera - digitals came in when I got bifocals, so I'm not as good as I once was - and I never developed my own film)

Numerous crafts, including stained glass, macrame, counted cross stitch, needlepoint - all long in my past, but I sold a lot of them when I was doing them.

 


Posted by Wordmerchant (Member # 7778) on :
 
Professional
All topics related to miniature wargaming, many of them adaptable to movie SFX, including miniature painting, miniature terrain construction.
Treatment of adolescent sex offenders.
Addiction treatment.
Writer of MH/MR training materials.
Published writer of Role Playing game materials.
Published award winning poet.


 


Posted by Nova1021 (Member # 3242) on :
 
Astronomy (professional)
Planetary Science (professional) - Includes physics, math, programming, geology, etc.
Space Exploration (professional)

Other stuff that I may know something about:
Dinosaurs
Evolution
Video Games

FYI if you are looking for answers to astronomy questions, check out this site (which I contribute to): http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/
 


Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :
 
Anyone speak fluent german?
 
Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
 
trivling through space is easy.
getting to your destantion is the hard part.
once you get there getting permission to land is even harder.
if permission is denied, nuke the planet from ordet.
key points to my empires space fleet.

RFW2nd
 


Posted by MorwenElda (Member # 7871) on :
 
I don't really feel comfortable saying I'm a professional at anything, but I'll contribute what I can.

Serious Hobbies (Advanced Amateur)
Belly Dancing
Metaphysical Beliefs with emphasis on Divination (most specifically tarot)
Writing and Reading (who here doesn't have those as hobbies though?)

Other Areas of Interest
Psychology
Pathophysiology
Philosophy
Charity Organizations
Astronomy
 


Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
 
Ok I found it, if any one is looking for a Rolls-Royce Merlin

This place might help you

http://www.vintagev12s.com/home.htm

Your welcome

RFW2nd

 


Posted by Pyraxis (Member # 7990) on :
 
Professional only - I'm not sure I'm qualified to give advice on hobbies.

Computer graphics
Animated film production
Fine art
 


Posted by micmcd (Member # 7977) on :
 
Programming (professional)
Mathematics (former professional)
- Academic life/graduate school/grad school malaise (note, i'm programmer now)
Beer (studied amateur, including brewing techniques, ingredients, some history)
Football (decently well-studied fan)

 
Posted by Merlion-Emrys (Member # 7912) on :
 
Hmmm I wouldnt go so far as to call myself an expert in anything, but there are some things I know a good deal about, through various means.

Lets see..


The "Homeschooling/Unschooling" movement: I was "homeschooled" my entire life, and my family was very active in various homeschooling groups in South Florida when I was younger.

Homebirth/Midwifery: My brother and I were both born at home, and my mother was for some time considering becoming a midwife's assistant.

Breastfeeding.

Anti-immunization issues

I have the personal experience of growing up/living gay in America, including growing up gay in a predominantly Christian household.

I have family members with severe OCD, and have lived with a person diagnosed/in treatment for social anxiety disorder and previously depression.

My father is a musician, and I have considerable knowledge of the music and artists of the 60s and 70s.

Considerable knowledge/trivia as far as movies and television in the fantasy/horror/sci fi genres. Also know a lot about Anime, and a good bit of Japanese culture/religion/mythology/non anime cinema.

In particular I'm extensively familiar with the works/fictional worlds/lives of various writers and shows/series/movies: Tolkien, H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Ursula LeGuin, Babylon 5, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Marvel Comics, etc.

Tarot

Some Kabbalah, occultism in general.

Some astrology

Paranormal/cryptozoological/Fortean studies.

Bit of religion and philosophy, and of course mythology/legends/folklore/fairy tales from all over the world, especially European.
 


Posted by EP Kaplan (Member # 5688) on :
 
History (seriously, I think everyone on here does history, at least a bit)
German Language
Judaism and Jewish studies, Kabbalah
Cooking, food, nutrition (Professional)
Latin
Roman culture
Mythology, particularly Greco-Roman and Norse
Filmmaking/Production
New Jersey
Music (60s-90s), rock and garage, Heavy Metal, Punk Rock, New Wave
Ceramics (semi-pro)
Metalworking
Art/art materials/art history
Dadaism
Siege warfare
Poetry (semi-pro)
Quebecois, which isn't "real" French
Russia and Russian History, Russian Language
Hockey
Hebrew
Cold Weather/Winter Survival

[This message has been edited by EP Kaplan (edited June 07, 2008).]
 


Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
 
Who here knows how and or why when I downloaded Quick Time Player it was all in French? And how do I complain to Apple Computer about this? I got so frustrated about this I uninstalled it and downloaded it again and yet again it was in French when the sight was in English?

RFW2nd

 


Posted by pixydust (Member # 2311) on :
 
This is interesting!

Professional:

mother (eleven years)

I can teach:

sharing
self-control
kind words
time out
and rage management

*I'm also a professional artist (pencil is my preferred medium)

 


Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
 
If my recent foray into downloading a bunch of stuff to update my iTunes and reset my iPod is any guide...and if I recall right...at some point, you actually have to select which country you're in and which language you want. And if you wander onto the wrong website / wrong page, you might wind up with something else even if it's a language you can read. Make sure it's something on the order of "United States" and "English"
 
Posted by Gardener (Member # 7948) on :
 
To make money I'm a bookkeeper and I'm good with spreadsheets and business stuff.

I'm a watercolor artist, mostly landscapes. Haven't shown/sold in awhile. (I'm writing more than painting these days)

Organic gardens, herbs, veggies, nutrition, dabbled in Macrobiotics.

Theatre - mostly scenic art, a smidge of costumes.
 


Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
 
But nothing about language came up. It was just in French.
Maybe the alcohol in my system will help me remember the 2 years of French I took. Lol

RFW2nd

 


Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
 
I am looking for some one who knows about leather clothing.

How to make, where to get, authentic replicas, etc.

I am looking for a pair of new WWII A-3 leather bomber pants, and A-9 bomber flight gloves.

To complete my MAD BOMBER PILOT look. And to wear when I move to Alaska during the winter.

RFW2nd

just hit me up on e-mail

[This message has been edited by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (edited July 28, 2008).]
 


Posted by rcorporon (Member # 2879) on :
 
Professional:

Mining engineering
History
Education and Educational theory

Hobbies:
Model building
chess (both North American and shogi)
geology

Languages spoke:
English
Japanese
 


Posted by LAJD (Member # 8070) on :
 
Vocations:
Molecular Biology
Biotechnology tools development
Human diagnostic assay development (gene based tests)
Bioinformatics
Innovation and futures management for biotechnology and biocomputation

Avocations:
Airstream trailers
Land Rovers
classic british cars
modern home remodeling
social networks

 


Posted by mikemunsil (Member # 2109) on :
 
Professional:

Geology
Environmental Science
Consulting Project Management

Experienced/Advanced:

Jungle Warfare
Jungle Survival
Latin America
Spanish
Horses (Paso Fino)
Knife Throwing
Technical Writing
Raising Bi-polar Children
Sailing Small Craft
Panama Canal Zone
Offshore Oil Drilling
Broken Bones (34 at last count)


 


Posted by J (Member # 2197) on :
 
Mike, you are a flat-out dangerous individual. Why doesn't that surprise me?
 
Posted by mikemunsil (Member # 2109) on :
 
dunno, is it the poetry thing?
 
Posted by debhoag (Member # 5493) on :
 
it's your rhythm stick.
 
Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
 
Professional
music teacher main instruments - piano and flute, though i can teach the basics of any of them, amature vocalist
child development
elementary education
public school system
full time mother

Hobbies?
this is my hobby, writing and reading


 


Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :
 
Physics (student)
Swordfighting (french style canne de combat)
Ancient history and mythology (just a love for it)

Languages: Slovenian

[This message has been edited by MartinV (edited July 30, 2008).]

[This message has been edited by MartinV (edited July 30, 2008).]
 


Posted by cklabyrinth (Member # 2454) on :
 
Any of you physics/chemistry guys still active?
 
Posted by J (Member # 2197) on :
 
Yes.
 
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
 
Anyone know anything about caving (spelunking)?
 
Posted by RobertB (Member # 6722) on :
 
Did a bit, years ago. I still know a couple of guys who do it. What do you want to know?
 
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
 
If you were caving and an unexpected severe storm hit what would that be like? I understand threats of flooding would be a concern. But how deep would you know that something was going on outside? Assuming hurricane type conditions outside, what would probably happen inside? And how would experienced cavers react?


 


Posted by marchpane (Member # 8021) on :
 
Things I know lots about:
the English/British monarchy
the Hundred Years War
archaeology of buildings (maybe not lots, but I think I'm pretty good at dating buildings)
Discworld novels
being a secretary
being a Third Culture Kid (and travelling)
the city of York

Things I think I know lots about but probably don't:
castles & their architecture
medieval costume (made/designed a few things)
medieval art and stained glass
horse riding (did for 8 years, sadly don't any more)
pets, especially cats and fish

Hobbies and interests (other than writing):
singing (classical, folk songs, all sorts)
cooking, especially baking
greeting card-making
pencil drawing & Photoshop
classical guitar
history of medicine
archery
cartography

Languages:
English
French (fluent - so if you need any help, Rommel...)
Spanish (un poco)
Medieval Latin (patchy)
Scottish Gaelic (just started teaching myself)
I'm also very interested in etymology and conlanging. If anyone else builds languages I'd be happy to chat about it, just drop me an email.
 


Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
 
I took 2 years of French and the only thing I remember is how to say “What would you do for a Klondike Bar.” Saying not spelling. I had gotten so frustrated by quick time player that I removed it from my computer. I don’t like not being able to read what it is trying to tell me.

Thanks anyway.

RFW2nd

 


Posted by RobertB (Member # 6722) on :
 
<<If you were caving and an unexpected severe storm hit what would that be like? I understand threats of flooding would be a concern. But how deep would you know that something was going on outside? Assuming hurricane type conditions outside, what would probably happen inside? And how would experienced cavers react?>>
(Jeanne T)

That would depend entirely on the cave system. If it was a dry system (ie no running water), the storm would make no difference whatsoever, and the cave would be a safe refuge if you needed one.

Caves are formed by running water, though, and many of them do have streamways within them. These are often liable to flash floods. If you've got half the sense you were born with, you don't go near a system like that in bad weather! People do, though. Sometimes they get cut off for a couple of days before the water goes down and people can get to them. Other times they aren't so lucky.

The last time I went caving with the university Caving Club there were some guys trying to show off what hard cavers they were. They'd been at it for some time, and everyone was sick of them and their silly clique. They were in a stream passage when three feet of water suddenly came down, and were lucky to get out. I had a quick look on Amazon, and there are loads of caving books there; a bit of reading would soon show you what I'm getting at.
 


Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
 
quote:
If you've got half the sense you were born with, you don't go near a system like that in bad weather! People do, though.

That's the point though, Robert. This bad weather was totally unexpected. That IS what I said. I mean do you usually expect the end of the world?

These are mature, responsible cavers who expected good weather. Something cateclysmic happens while they're down there.

And unless I have to I frankly don't want to have to read half a dozen books on the subject looking for the right information for something that only involves the first chapter. Of course, there are books on Amazon. But wasn't that the point of this expert thread? But thanks anyway.

[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited August 01, 2008).]
 


Posted by RobertB (Member # 6722) on :
 
You don't need to read half a dozen books; what you could do is look around, find a similar case somewhere, and base your story on that. That way it would come over as a lot more real.
 
Posted by mikemunsil (Member # 2109) on :
 
Rather than a hurricane, why not an earthquake? Totally unexpected, and can easily open up one cavern (wet cave) to another (dry cave), resulting in a flood.

I suspect that the cavers' response would be based upon how much room they had to maneuver. Some caves I have been in leave absolutely no room for maneuver or the unexpected. In that case you cannot do anything about it. On the other hand, some rooms are large enough to let you scramble about.
 


Posted by mikemunsil (Member # 2109) on :
 
quote:
That's the point though, Robert. This bad weather was totally unexpected. That IS what I said. I mean do you usually expect the end of the world?

However, you did not place the 'unexpected weather' in context. Rather than coming across as notably exasperated at RobertB's answer, you could have responded in more detail (hence, providing context) or been appreciative of RobertB's attempt to help.

This brings up a good point, I think, that we can all keep in mind when dealing with 'experts'. We should expect to provide sufficient information to give the expert a reasonable chance to answer, or not ask.
 


Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
 
Because an earthquake is not a worldwide cataclysm which is what causes the severe weather, Mike. I didn't say it was a hurricane but used that as a comparison. It caused hurricane-like weather -- that is devastating winds, wind-driven rain, and severe flooding among other things.

However, the cause of the severe weather didn't make any difference in what happened while they were in the cave.

I wasn't "notably exasperated." I thanked Robert although he wasn't able to help. I'm sure he would have if he could have. That is the point of this thread, after all.

I simply wanted to know how deep in the cave they would have known something was going on outside and if rain water would flood cave passages as well as what the reaction of the cavers would be other than "none of the weather reports said this would happen." None of the books I glanced at on caving had a thing about extreme weather so I think it would taking a lot of looking to find that. I doubt that's a common occurance or I certainly hope not. I'll make my best guess and get blasted by cavers when I get it wrong. Such is life. The majority of us who think going around in dark caves is a bit insane won't notice.

[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited August 02, 2008).]
 


Posted by RobertB (Member # 6722) on :
 
the anwer to the first questiomn is a few yards. As for the underground flooding, it really does depend. This sort of situation happens regularly, and it wouldn't be hard to find enough information to avoid annoying every caver who picks up the book! Here's an account of one unfortunate incident: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/what-lies-beneath-mossdale-caving-disaster-794268.html?r=RSS . It doesn't give enough for any real description of what holing is like though.
 
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
 
That was a reprise of a story that happened about 40 years previous with no first person account since none of the people involved survived. It doesn't answer any of my questions, but thanks for the link.

As far as caving, I wouldn't consider writing a novel on the subject. They are in the cave for part of the first chapter.

I understand that you can't help. That's ok. Thanks anyway.

[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited August 04, 2008).]
 


Posted by RobertB (Member # 6722) on :
 
Well, I attempted to answer. Right now I'm totally bemused as to what you actually do want, but never mind.
 


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