Tom Mc Clure

Tom Mc Clure

I was born in Southern California, growing-up in the San Fernando Valley. I am a surfer and skier, blessed with a great education at UCLA funded via scholarships and a grant and lots of part-time work. I met my wife online on Yahoo! Personals in 1999 and we married in 2002.

My career at UCLA included biology, pre-med, computer science, and many more breadth requirement and elective classes to broaden my horizons. I fell in love with music, writing, history, reading, and meteorology, but am a student of all sciences.

I became an Information Technology expert starting in 1980 and this continues today, even in retirement. I learned from the very basics all of the programming and web mastering techniques now in use today. I ran my own successful consulting group for many years.

I am now living on a ranch, totally off-grid using solar power as our electrical source. We have a small carbon footprint, use water sparingly (no more than 2,500 gallons a month), and raise organic poultry and poultry products. I operate my backhoe to help-out neighbors. I run a tour driving job, narrating the Grand Canyon in all its splendor to tourists from all around the world.

I am a Christian by faith and calling, and am Christian in the way the Bible intended: carefully following scripture. I judge no one according to their faiths, but rather seek logic, listening, and wisdom for all. I follow the "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," authored by Stephen Covey, and can teach this quite well to anyone willing to learn.
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Education/Experience

A.B., UCLA, Biology, 1980; M.A., UCLA, Molecular Biology, 1982; Systems Analysis, LAVC, 1986; MCSE 1995; IBM Database Architecture, 1996; MS-SqlServer DBA 1997

Interests

My interests are rather eclectic: I am a student of all sciences (meteorology, geology, geography, seismology, mathematics, astronomy, physics, biology, biochemistry, et al), Business, Technology, Health, Religion, History

Motto

None of us are as smart as all of us. Value all opinions. Listen. Synergize.

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Displaying Results 1 - 55 (of 55) for All Content
  • Flash SciFi: Surfing the Gravity Wave
    1/31/2012
    We dream of hoverboards and flying cars as in "Back to the Future II." We surfers dream of more, and we dream of waves sky-high and infinitely ride-able. Paddle out, 'cause there's an outside wave ya just gotta catch! (Flash SciFi for the imagination.)
  • Surviving Gluten-Free on a Budget
    1/30/2012
    Gluten, derived from a French word suggesting "glue" holds breads, cookies, pastas, and other items together in our daily diet. People now eliminate gluten for allergies and for better health. Here's how we did it.
  • Questions and Answers About the Oil Industry and Fuel Prices
    1/22/2012
    Energy usage impacts every facet of our lives, and nearly everything we touch comes from oil or is affected by oil in some way. Prices are volatile, fuel costs much, and oil companies make huge profit. Here are some answers.
  • The Electronic Child: Observing the Obsession
    1/20/2012
    The "technology du jour" these days is the handheld. This article questions the wisdom of giving an eight year old an iPod, using personal observation as subjective evidence.
  • Counter-acting Atheism and Intolerance of Religion
    12/18/2011
    I see so many "Bible Thumpers" getting into online battles of words, and I wonder why. Why is there such derision, and such hatred. Yet, as a student of history, I know all too well "the wherefores and whys." The trick is to counteract it peaceably.
  • 'Star Trek': An All-Time Favorite Shows How Science Fiction Becomes Science Fact
    12/15/2011
    My favorite TV show, Star Trek, became a classic for a world of TV viewers. Let us "engage" in a discussion about the principles of transporting ourselves into our future. It is, after all, quite logical.
  • Drug-Free Alternatives to Pain and Stress Management
    11/28/2011
    Our aging and obesity-challenged society is burgeoning with chronic pain and mental distresses. Read the statistics, then look at the non-pharmaceutical ways one might deal with pain. This article is but a thumbnail to a large set of solutions.
  • Seeking the Christmas Present
    11/23/2011
    Numbers 24:17 helps foretell of what we should truly be celebrating each Christmas...It isn't about anything else but Christ, The Anointed One, The Messiah. Truly, the "impossible" has happened, and it is grand!
  • An Executive Summary of HR 3962: A Guide to ObamaCare for the Rest of Us
    11/22/2011
    Lacking any clear articles or explanations, here is one person’s attempt to read the bill. It begins with a lamentation, as the immensity and complexity of this bill surpasses any wild imagination. This one was a real challenge!
  • The Hunter's Christmas Homecoming
    11/6/2011
    This fictional tale has some basis in fact, as our Maine Coon came to us in a way much like this. However, the story has been woven to make it a bit more fun for Christmas. The shapes and sights are described from how The Hunter might see them. Enjoy!
  • How to Create Jobs in the US and Improve the Economy. Seeking a New Dawn
    10/18/2011
    The government wishes to add jobs? Well, to begin, we must identify the problems. Problem one: look in the mirror. Point at your reflection!
  • Teach Your Children Well
    10/14/2011
    How tempting are the images, the illusions of lust and free love! How tempting is it to just pay-attention to the checkbook and ignore the outcome of lust: children. Let us take a look at this fallacy.
  • Apply Here for a Great Job! Awesome Benefits!
    10/13/2011
    People will just stand in-line to find a way to meet you! Be rich, famous, powerful, and stand head-and-shoulder above the crowd. You’ll become an instant idol!
  • US Weather Forecast for Winter, 2012: Same Ole Same Ole?
    10/13/2011
    How will the winter fare for us in North America in 2011-2012? Here's the scoop for those who need to at least prepare.
  • Dueling Satellites: Who Will Launch the Highest Bandwidth Satellite Ever?
    10/13/2011
    The omnipresent connectivity of our society requires more and more bandwidth. For those in the rural areas of our nation, or elsewhere, satellite internet is the only option. We're about to see the bet raised on bandwidth speed. Where will it lead?
  • Remembering What We Try to Forget
    10/9/2011
    I seek not to solve homelessness but to remember that we have obligations to help where and when we can. First and foremost, let us not forget.
  • Ways to Die at the Grand Canyon
    10/7/2011
    From the exotic to the urbane, people find all sorts of ways to die here. Some might be a little unexpected. Some are from outright stupidity (May I have the Darwin Award envelope, please...).
  • How to Believe in God
    10/7/2011
    I am often criticized for my belief and my opinions on my spiritual following. I follow Christ. I believe in God. I read the Bible. Why on earth would a scientist believe in such unscientific things?
  • Highway 180 in Fall
    10/7/2011
    One must stand and listen, often 20 minutes, to hear what cannot otherwise be heard. My chosen poetic style this day is ad-hoc: four rhyming lines and three non-rhyming. The meter...oh, a mix of none and perhaps a slant towards Iambic Pentameter.
  • Why Did Facebook Change?
    10/4/2011
    On Facebook, we play games, share photos, we talk about our pains, our fears, and we provide much information to help the world remember us. I'm not slamming Facebook, but I want people to understand that all this freedom comes at a price. Read-on!
  • SwitchDream
    9/21/2011
    Move-over, Marvel Comics! Sure, superheros are a silly thing to begin-with, but in reality, we do have them around. They are often the everyday folks who are forced to be their best at the worst of times. Here’s a fun tale to keep you dreaming.
  • My Top 10 Web Design Tips
    9/20/2011
    Books, and indeed entire libraries can be read to decide how to design a web site. Design takes time, patience, and feedback from the consumers being targeted (focus groups are great). However, this list should help simplify and focus resources properly.
  • How My Science Career Helped Me Survive and Thrive
    9/20/2011
    As a lover of anything science from my earliest years, I have found that my college education has guided me and helped me in ways I could not possibly imagine early on. For those planning college, learn to study, be flexible, seize opportunity!
  • Tornado Warning in Grand Canyon
    9/13/2011
    In October 2010, four tornadoes hit the area west of Flagstaff, Ariz. Today, we see a repeat of the same kind of wild weather, and we captured the 'wall cloud' which spawned the racing pulses.
  • Finding God in Science and Education
    9/9/2011
    I am constantly criticized for my belief. I do not criticize in return. I simply state my faith and let the unbelievers rage, imagining meaningless things. It is my faith, and many share my understanding. I find comfort in this.
  • Inspirational Bible Verses: Dealing with the Worst of Times
    9/2/2011
    This world is often beautiful and wonderful, filled with inspiration, but when the worst happens and when we find ourselves challenged beyond our abilities to withstand or to reason, there are reasons for hope and these may be found in Biblical verses.
  • 10 Years Past 9/11: Living by Faith
    8/18/2011
    My thoughts about how we've changed and matured 10 years since 9/11.
  • Eating Healthfully Doesn't Have to Be Expensive!
    8/9/2011
    A recent article triggers my response to the concept that only the rich may eat healthy foods. The healthiest alternatives are available to those who have but little money. I'm living proof, and I take a factual, albeit "tongue in cheek" approach.
  • RAT-Command and Control
    8/4/2011
    Recent computer hacking, intrigue, and a bit of a love of Sci Fi bring me to write a little something to entertain and tease the mind a bit. Enjoy and use your imagination.
  • The Cost of Being Sexually Active
    7/27/2011
    Today's society promotes promiscuity as a natural part of the human experience. However, this comes at a dear price for all involved, often enough, and this article provides medical guidance and some spiritual (and down-home) advice.
  • The Tyndall Effect: Increment Two
    7/21/2011
    This continues a historical saga, fictional, of the Old West. Through odd coincidences and intuition, the characters survive the Old West and find new friends, ending with a final and rather unexpected addition, which fouls-up the "equations."
  • The Tyndall Effect: Increment One
    7/21/2011
    We are all passengers on a grand spaceship and we often fail to realize this. Take a trip and meet Edward Fitzgerald Beale, witness the real Northern Arizona territory as locals know it, and enjoy the Old West in a new-fangled way.
  • Sherwood Schwartz's Death Evokes Memories of Golden TV Age
    7/13/2011
    A man remembered for two TV shows of the golden era died Tuesday at the age of 94. Do you remember who Sherwood Schwartz was and what he did?
    Also published on:
  • President Obama: Deficit Reduction Starts with Proper Spending
    7/7/2011
    The wasteful spending, well documented in US Government records, is a major problem (perhaps the major problem) in our current excess and red ink and potential default in August 2011. Yes, we can...spend more wisely.
  • Hunter the Waundering Cat
    7/4/2011
    The common house cat offers a unique perspective into our own behavior and beliefs. Hunter adopted us and now refuses to leave our side, even during walks.
  • Crescendo Diminished in the Key of Silence
    7/4/2011
    How we so oft long for our voice to be heard, yet we must ironically espouse to another voice before our own may be heard.
  • Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is on the Rise: What is it?
    6/25/2011
    If your child develops fever, painful mouth sores, rashes about the mouth, on the feet, or on the palms of the hand, he or she may have Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. Read on.
  • Day of the Canary
    5/19/2011
    Some researchers believe that a mega-tsunami could decimate the East Coast of the US. The potential source is an unlikely and beautiful island chain off the African Coast.
  • Epiphany: One Favorite Bible Verse. "And Their Eyes Were Opened..."
    5/14/2011
    My choice and my beliefs are mine. No one needs to believe. No one is compelled to choose. Yet, we all have choices in life. I have made mine, and as for me and my family, we shall follow the Lord.
  • Dahlia X
    4/28/2011
    Offered for your reading is a FICTIONAL short-story in the mystery genre, playing with "historical mystery/fiction" and the infamous Black Dahlia Murder from the 1940's. This horrible murder has been a source of speculation for decades.
  • One Mulberry Leaf
    4/28/2011
    A poem of loss; a poem of hope; a poem of love; a poem of life; a story hidden within, to be mused and considered.
  • Life Off-Grid: What It's Like to Make Power Using the Sun and Solar Cells
    4/17/2011
    If you've ever wondered what it is like to create your own electricity, I'll give you the first-person experience of how life is using solar panels, totally off-grid.
  • How to Get a Home Loan or Mortgage
    4/2/2011
    This is a realistic guide to help you through the home lending process, provided by a 28 year industry veteran. Times have changed, and easy money is no longer available. Be prepared, be educated, and be patient.
  • Effective Leadership Skills
    4/2/2011
    25 years of leadership and management experience, training, and hard knocks allow me to guide you into the fold of an effective manager -- and leader.
  • Questions to Ask Before You Rent Your Next Apartment
    4/2/2011
    Taken from the accumulated wisdom of several lifetimes and real-life horror stories, you'll be given enough ammunition to make a better selection and ask the right questions before you rent.
  • For Whom the Vote Tallies
    3/11/2011
    This article begins a discussion on campaign reform ideas in US politics, attempts to identify problems, and provides some potential solutions. Discussion is key, and change is difficult--often feared--yet needed.
  • Save Money: Improve Gasoline Mileage
    3/11/2011
    This refresher course taught me some interesting lessons on gasoline quality, additives, fuel system cleaners, and gizmos or "chipping" to improve mileage.
    http://www.att.net/s/s.dll?ep=16114&ch=hg
  • Injured US Veterans Are Entitled to Help
    3/1/2011
    Many US Veterans are discouraged by "the system." However, there are legitimate benefits for Veterans injured in the service of their country. This article is a guide to leading our heroes to the benefits they deserve.
  • Allergic to Food: The Frustration of Gluten Intolerance
    2/11/2011
    The waitress shifts oddly, wrinkles the nose, and there is an awkward silence as she says "let me get my manager." Gluten allergies are nothing easy to accept, or to deal-with. Here's some hope and advice.
  • Way Too Much Salt! Read This and Save a Life!
    2/11/2011
    Fatty foods, obesity, heavy carbohydrates: We know eating is a joy which can bring a curse. There is one other component to watch: SALT! Are you consuming too much salt? The bets say "way too much!"
  • Bad Storms Across America Reminiscent of Previous Weather Curiosities
    2/1/2011
    An impending blizzard for the Midwest and record snow in the Northeast, heavy rains in California, tornadoes in Northern Arizona, and other odd "La Nina" weather: Read brief overviews. Find links to other articles and sites.
  • Visiting the Grand Canyon in Winter
    1/27/2011
    Winter reigns now in the Grand Canyon, but it is a beautiful time to visit with the family, and without all the summer crowds. Dress warmly, for the temperatures can be frigid, but be prepared for a beautiful sight.
  • The Grand Canyon Indispensable Guide: Thumbnail Visiting Tips and Facts from an Insider
    1/20/2011
    Honeymoons---Weddings---Birthdays---Reunions---Family Vacation? A Grand Canyon tour driver gives you the inside scoop on what the Grand Canyon is really all-about. This is a great place to start planning your Grand Canyon vacation!
  • Safe Snow Play in Flagstaff, Arizona
    1/20/2011
    Don't be disappointed by a ticket, a stuck vehicle, an accident, or worse. Snow play should be fun in Flagstaff, Arizona. Follow the rules and enjoy!
  • Proposing on Valentine's Day? Read-on, Dear Friend
    1/14/2011
    I detail my wedding proposal on Valentine's Day, and I offer advice to help guide others into the fold of married couples. You will find links which offer other creative proposal ideas.

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