After several years as a mere user, I took the plunge as a contributor by posting a few minor edits. Nobody bit my head off, so I'll probably keep contributing. I chose Arena Alba as my nom de Wiki to reflect a long-standing emotional attachment to the White Sands of New Mexico. I am an honorary Filipino by marriage (Ako'y isang Pinoy, sa puso at diwa'! -- Florante de Leon).
For those interested in pigeonholing:
I have an undergraduate degree in history, with minors in German literature and math, and a doctorate in law.
I spent twenty years as a Silicon Valley software engineer, bailing out just before the dot-com bust of 2001-2002. I am now teaching and tutoring.
I am a former military officer (U.S. Army), Patron Member of the National Rifle Association, certified firearms instructor (range safety and basic pistol), and passionate about gun safety and gun rights for the law-abiding.
I am an avid motorcyclist, having spent over forty years as a connoisseur of (mostly) Japanese sportbikes. In that time, I've suffered a few scrapes and bruises, but never any major injuries to man or machine. I now ride a 2002 BMW K1200-RS.
I have a lifelong interest in history and classical music.
If I ever reach the exalted status of Über-Contributor, I'll upgrade to a slick, glossy user page with pictures and graphics.
