About me
First and foremost, I am a doer. I am a constant seeker of new information and new hobbies, from running and playing guitar to learning how to build Google Maps mash-ups. I love getting my hands dirty.
Currently, I am a multimedia producer at The Roanoke Times and roanoke.com - a job that changes daily. Some days I'm doing video production, some days I'm working with HTML and Web design, and other days I'm creating Flash graphics. I'm always on my toes.
Currently, I am traveling around the United States for the summer before beginning in the fall a Master of Fine Arts program in documentary film at Wake Forest University.
I graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2008 with degrees in journalism and electronic media and a minor in creative writing. At my core, I'm a writer. But I absolutely love video production, especially if I'm dealing with issue-based topics such as wind energy.
Before ASU, I grew up in the rusty confines of Canton, Ohio and played fullback and linebacker for North Canton Hoover High School (if you're curious as to why I brought that up, Canton is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame). Many people ask why I went to Appalachian from Ohio ... if you ever visit Boone, you'll see.
Aside from the official stuff, I enjoy hiking and camping. I like tasting new types of beer and wine. I'll talk your ear off about why ESPN's 30 for 30 is the greatest form of entertainment we have in America. And I'll cry on your shoulder as a Cleveland Indians, Browns and Cavs fan.
I also play guitar, am a huge music fan, and a sucker for Daft Punk, Iron and Wine and The Flaming Lips.
Like I said, this is only a nutshell. I didn't mention all of my incredibly hip and savvy interests.
The image above: From left, WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas, Chris Zaluski, and pro wrestler and world's strongest man Mark Henry.