User:Hipshot49

General
hipshot49 is a fifty something human male currently residing in The Last Best Place aka the State of Alaska. He is currently employed in oilfield and mine safety and environmental compliance, but is planning on taking coursework in the mysterious world of computer networking in hopes of future employment in less cyclically volatile industries.

He grew up on a Montana cattle ranch and has, at various times and places, been a rancher; farmer; heavy equipment operator; heavy equipment mechanic; firefighter; paramedic; long-haul trucker; carpenter; logger; teacher; counselor; and deputy sheriff.

He is a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Served as a Mechanic and Motor Sergeant in the Engineers, not the Infantry.

He holds a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Psychology and Biology with some graduate work in counseling and education.

His particular political philosophy is that of a free market anarchist or anarcho-capitalist. As it is, the Libertarians probably come as close to matching his beliefs as any organized political party.

Particular Passions
History, especially U.S. history and in particular, the U.S. Civil War. Had two great-great-grandfathers in the conflict, one on each side. Has also had ancestors in every major North American conflict going back to the French and Indian War during our colonial period. Just chalk it up to the family never having been able to get along with anyone.

Geneology, having traced one family branch back to the Battle of Hastings and the Battle of Agincourt and all others at least back to their country of origin. This also would seem to confirm that "getting along" thing.

Computers, having progressed to the point of building, repairing and upgrading all my own "puters" and, frequently, those of friends and family. Now investigating networking and programming and attempting to free himself from the Microshaft world through the wonders of Linux.

Photography, now exploring the limits of both digital photography and medium format photography. The person behind the camera never has to be in the picture.

Firearms - History, use, reloading, trivia. . . . .  You name it, he's probably interested in it. Hey, if you don't play well with others, being able to defend yourself can't be a bad idea.

Random Thoughts
I'm currently quite enthralled with Wikipedia. I have made some minor contributions, in the area of Firearms and some items relating to history. Seems like every time I browse the site, I learn something new. I, of course, am thrilled with the whole open source concept and this particular utilization of it.