I am a retired scientist who now teaches high school science and math.

My wife and I live on the high desert of New Mexico where we enjoy gardening and hiking. I also run for health and enjoyment.

Our two children have left home, but we have three dogs and three cats.

Reader's Digest has just announced that my short story, Grace, has won 6th place in the inspirational category of their 2007 short story contest.

Politics, News & Issues > Political Issues Banning smoking in public areas

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It is well documented that tobacco smoke is a health risk to the smoker and the nonsmoker. On the positive side, smoking is a practical way to administer the drug, nicotine, and some people enjoy a physical and psychological pleasure similar to sucking one's thumb. Nicotine first acts as a depressant but in extended doses becomes a mild stimulant. Thus most smokers claim to smoke to relax, but eventually find each cigarette creating the need for more relaxation. There is no other benefit from nicotine beyond these mild actions, but nicotine is highly addictive.

Most of us, when campi...

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