: About Me

I have over 25 years experience in computer programming, systems design, technical drawing and technical writing, and more recently, Web site development; a few years experience in amateur radio (long inactive), electronics design and construction, optical system design, lens and mirror production (inactive), photography (including darkroom work), simple woodworking, metalworking, welding and oxygen cutting, diving (long inactive; included underwater oxygen cutting) private aviation (currently inactive) and designing and flying model aircraft, including pulsejet-powered models. Prior to founding Cottrill Cyclodyne Corporation, I was a founding partner in the Cottrill Optical Company which was in active operation from 1974 through 1982 and specialized in small computer integration and programming for engineering, and in commercial, industrial and architectural/engineering photography. Prior to and during that time, I was a draftsman for Brooks, Borg and Skiles, Architects and Engineers of Des Moines, Iowa, one of the foremost A&E offices in the state. While assigned to the Structural Engineering Department, I often worked with Mechanical and Electrical Departments as well, and served in various capacities with a startup Civil Engineering Department that later became an independent enterprise. During this time with BB&S, I learned computer programming in several languages and eventually developed many design programs for the engineering departments, which necessitated learning basic principles and design methods of all the engineering disciplines. During my time there, I also successfully hand built one of the original series Altair 8800 microcomputers and in doing so, developed machine language proficiency along with some digital hardware design skills. I worked several months for an air conditioning consultant as part of a small team which re-balanced the air conditioning system of the home office building of The Des Moines Register, one of the largest dual duct / dual fan systems in existence at that time. I also worked with an electrical engineer on the development of a digital water sampler timer, performing all the circuit board negative preparation and darkroom work on that project, which was both technically and commercially successful. Since October of 1982, I have been employed by Wells Fargo Financial Information Services, performing various programming and Intranet Web Site implementation functions. In the past few years, I have innovated several miniature pulsejet engine designs that have been successfully built by jet engine hobbyists in several countries.

My passion is ...

Miniature jet engines

I know too much about ...

The depths of evil that man can reach

My parents always told me ...

To respect others as I would wish them to respect me

My childhood ambition ...

To be a great astronomer

My favorite memory ...

Seeing my bride walk down the aisle to me

Why I write ...

To get one person to try something new and succeed at it

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Christian fiction

My first job ...

Trophy builder for Russell's Jewelers, Des Moines, Iowa

My best moment ...

Leading my favorite uncle to accept Christ as Savior and Lord

My inspiration ...

Dr Michael Farady, the "Father of Modern Physics" 1791-1867

Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Christian

17 of 67

ONLY ONE ROBE (1996) It would be a good day. The Accuser slipped his cufflinks into place and looked up into the full-length mirror. His white suit was impeccable, and the red necktie of fine silk perfectly adjusted. His shoes glistened like polished ebony. His sterling watch chain shimmered in the light which fell upon him from all directions. He lifted the silver watch from his vest pocket and opened it to reveal its diamond-studded ivory face. He was satisfied that he would get to court in good time he had never been late. He wound the watch carefully and replaced it. It would be a good...

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