An Extremely Brief & Basic Bio
I was born in May 1957 in Tucson, Arizona. In addition to Tucson (pronounced too'-sahn), I've lived in San Bernadino, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Douglas, AZ; Gainesville, FL; and, Glendale, AZ. I've attended many different public schools and graduated from Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ).
I've been lucky enough, when I was a lot younger, to have traveled quite a bit (when compared to other people during the same years). In the U.S., I've been in every 'southern' state from California to Florida (including Nevada & Utah), most of the eastern seaboard states from Florida to New York (somehow missing Delaware & New Jersey), all the states east of the Mississippi River & south of the Great Lakes, all the west coast states, and Hawaii. I've also been overseas for a short stay in Japan and just barely made it into Canada for another short stay (that time in Toronto). And though I live in Arizona, I've only been to two cities (Agua Prieta & Nogales) just across the border in Mexico. One day, I hope to visit Australia (for some reason, Europe doesn't interest me as strongly).
Of all the various pets I or my family has had, I prefer dogs.
Though currently single, I have been married.
Now retired, I was in wholesale/retail (and otherwise employed) from 1974 till 2006. I've worked in a cafeteria (a now-defunct national chain), a book store (part of a national chain), a toy store (two different national chains), as a security guard, as a tutor (all grade levels), as a teacher (both public & private elementary schools, and public community colleges for credit and non-credit classes), as a caregiver, as a construction worker, in lawn/yard maintenance, co-founded (and co-owned & co-operated) an Indian (southwest Native American) jewelry business and a ceramic wholesale business, self-published a monthly ceramic newsletter, have been on both sides of the management 'line' (i.e., regular worker and manager), and have helped set-up, coordinate, and run local and national conventions, shows, and expos (mostly Science Fiction & Fantasy, Toy, Ceramic, and general business). I've also been an entry judge at ceramic shows, taught specialty ceramic classes, designed and made the awards for local/national dog shows, designed logos (that are still in use), been a guest speaker (various places on numerous topics/subjects -- mainly on science and Science Fiction and writing), and was a founding member of various local clubs.
I've also been lucky enough to have over 50 poems, short stories (mostly Science Fiction), and articles published. I self-published a U.S. History workbook guide that was used at two local high schools for a couple of years. I'd like to make my living as a writer, but that hasn't happened (yet).
In what I consider to be a related area (of writing, that is), I began 'doing' websites in 1999 when I was a member (and later, an elected officer) of a local diecast club. For nearly two years I was the webmaster and the only one who maintained the club's site (with nearly daily updates). I 'retired' from both (the club and doing its site) to focus on sites that I am more personally interested in and 'involved' with (see the last section below). |
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My Hobbies & Interests
I am a pack-rat.
I acquire many things because I like them; not because they have any "collector value."
Therefore, I do not think of myself as a "collector."
I acquire postage stamps (mainly U.S.), coins and paper money (again, mainly U.S.), books (mostly Science Fiction & Fantasy), diecast (mainly Hot Wheels -- but see two of the sites listed in the last section below), action figures (again, mostly Science Fiction & Fantasy), VHSs & DVDs (preferably widescreen DVD, and again, mostly Science Fiction & Fantasy or Action/Adventure), music CDs (except for Acid Rock, Heavy Metal, Jazz, Blues, Rap, Hip-Hop, and related), non-baseball cards (again, mostly Science Fiction & Fantasy), autographs, and anything else that just happens to "strike my fancy."
I acquired comic books for nearly 20 years until they got too pricey and the artwork (in my opinion) started going downhill (in the late 1980s & early 1990s).
I think I'd be considered an "avid reader" since I read about 150 to 200 books a year. Again, I prefer Science Fiction & Fantasy (which make up about 55% of my 5,000+ volume library), though I do read most genres (except for Romance) and a lot of Fact books (mostly science related).
I like to write (mainly Science Fiction), but don't always make the time to do so (I've got 5 novels and 6 short stories in various stages).
I'm somewhat of a camera bug and prefer either 126 (talk about old!) or digital.
Other interests include ancient history (Greece, Rome, Egypt), U.S. history (mostly the wars), aviation history, automotive history, Native American history, broadcast (TV, cable, satellite) history & programs, religions, some paranormal stuff, astronomy, space exploration, certain card & board games, some Americana, and certain styles of art.
I'm also interested in my family's genealogy (the "Sutton" line mainly) and have amassed quite a bit of stuff covering my family's ancestory back to 1840. I'm 'stuck' there since I can't find anything on my great-great-grandfather's parents. However, on a couple of lines that 'join' the Sutton family tree, I've got information going back nearly 1,000 years. My ancestry is a true "melting pot" of Irish, English, German Jew, Scottish, Canadian Native American, French, and possibly Polish. Listed below (in the last section) is another of my websites based on my experiences in genealogy.
And, I like to 'play around' on my computer and online. |
  
 
In Memory Of
My Father
Dr. J.B. Sutton, Jr.
1932 - 2006
A Great Person
Who Is Missed.
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My Online 'Life'
Though I surf the Net like a lot of people, there are some sites (like eBay and Amazon) that I tend to visit more regularly (especially when I'm in a buying mood or need an extremely special item/gift!). I rarely go online for entertainment purposes (unless it's for research) and I don't do 'chat' rooms. I usually go online about every other day, and about half of the time it's for some type of research.
I've been going online, in one way or another, since the early 1980s (remember when "Prodigy" was 'big'?).
My Favorite Online Places
Though I do a lot of surfing, I must admit that my most favorite online places are my own websites!
(Since these all are free sites, there may be pop-up banners.) Genealogy Helper
If you're interested in tracing your family's ancestry and 'creating' a "family tree" and would like to know what is involved before you get started, this site will let you know. Also, if you've already started a genealogy project, you might find some helpful tips.
This site is my newest and is still under construction, but there's some good stuff already there. Hot Wheels Auto-City
Of all the diecast (those little metal vehicles about 2 - 3 inches long) I acquire, my most favorite product line is "Hot Wheels" made by Mattel. I've been acquiring them since they were originally released back in 1968 and, over the years, found out that for certain parts of the line that there's almost no information available in any format. This site is focused on one of those parts when Mattel and Corgi (another diecast manufacturer) began going their separate ways after a short time together. The product line known as "Auto-City" was released under both companies' name; but it is the Auto-City line under the Mattel banner of "Hot Wheels" that my site covers. Visit the site to see why most Hot Wheels collectors & acquirers 'ignore' this part of the Mattel Hot Wheels line. You'll also find an Auto-City history, information on the diecast vehicles, and pictures.
As far as I've been able to search/research/determine, this site is the first and only site covering the Auto-City line. The Shadow
"Who knows what evil lurks in the minds of men?"
"The Shadow knows!"
I've been a 'fan' of the Shadow ever since I 'discovered' him in the early 1970s (thanks, mostly, to DC Comics). And though there's a lot of stuff and information out there on the Shadow, I found a part that wasn't that well covered -- the short-lived newspaper comic strips of the very early 1940s. Whether or not you're a "Shadowphile," I think you'll enjoy my site. Tomy Pocket Cars
Another diecast site of mine on another part of diecast 'history' that has been almost totally neglected. This is my biggest and most comprehensive and detailed site online (and I've yet to add pictures of the diecast vehicles! -- which I'm working on).
"Pocket Cars" was a 1974 to 1986 diecast line under the banner of "Tomy" made by Tomica in Japan. If you've ever acquired/collected Tomica, you may have heard of this line. Even if you haven't, you'll find everything you need to know (and probably more!) about these diecast vehicles. And though the Pocket Cars line was released 'around the world,' the line was mostly produced for the U.S.A. market -- and as such, my site is focused on the U.S.-released models (there is some information there about non-U.S.-released models).
This site is the first and only online site devoted to the U.S.-released Pocket Cars line.
This site is the only site that has a link to this 'profile' page. NOTE: The above sites are updated when new information is found and verified.
Haven't checked lately, but the site I did for the local diecast club I used to be a member of (re: bottom part of first section) may still be there if you want to check it out. Wheels of Fire -- A Hot Wheels Club of Arizona The last time I checked, nothing had been changed since the last update I did back in June 2001!
One Of The Best Comments Made About Me
Being called a "Renaissance Man."
Content © 2004 - 2008 |
In Memory Of
BOSCO
1996 - 2006
A Spirited and Fun
Family Pet
and Companion
Who Is Missed
Very Much.
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