David F. Leigh

Hobbies & Interests

A hundred years ago I'd have been considered something of a "Renaissance man." Of course back then you'd have had a fair shot at actually knowing all there was to know about damned near anything. In this day and age you're either a specialist or an amateur. These days what I am would be called ".spread thin". Here are some interests of mine, in alphabetical order (but not necessarily in order of interest):

• I think the study of the evolution of various ancient alphabets is fascinating. I've put together a little page about Runes here. I've started another one as well about the Greek alphabet.
• Archeology. Nearly anything old fascinates me, but particularly biblical archaeology and the study of European history prior to the Norman Conquest.
• Art. At one time I actually made my living as a commercial artist of sorts. Someday I'll post an example or two of my work. Lately, though, my artwork has been mainly limited to creating my own graphics for GUI programs I write. The Cratchit Beaver mascots are mine.
• Boardgames. I've actually had a hand in inventing a couple of nice ones, to which I intend to post the rules when I have time. I've also started to write a book on the subject. Unfortunately, bordgames are somewhate passe.
• Computers. Fortunately, I've found a job where I don't work. I just get paid to do my hobby! I recommend this to anyone.
• Literature. Favorite authors include Arthur Conan-Doyle, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Hans Christian Andersen.
• Music. I've written over 150 songs, many of which I'm told are quite good. I play piano, guitar, and a smattering of some other trivial instruments such as the recorder and harmonica. I'm told by those with tin ears that I can sing a little. .
• Philosophy. I used to host 3 chats a week on the MSN philosophy forum.  My primary interest is in cosmology, but any sort of logic interests me. I regard classical philosophers such as Plato and Socrates to be terribly juvenile, and firmly believe that Aristotle retarded science for centuries.
• RANGE BOWLING! I'm the inventor of what is probably the most unusual game you've never played!
• Retro and Alternate Technology. Did you know that the first television was not electronic, and neither was the first computer? Or that terminal emulators mimic the operation of electronic devices that mimic the operation of older mechanical devices? I've actually worked on teletypes and have great respect for the engineering minds that devised them. I think the modern tendency to throw a digital solution at any problem is disappointingly unimaginative.
• Science Fiction. Favorite authors: Isaac Asimov, Harlan Ellison, Robert Heinlein, E.E. "Doc" Smith, and Jack Chalker.
• Space and General Science. Goes hand-in-hand with science fiction and computers. I work with computers primarily because it's a way that I can help to bring about the societies I grew up dreaming about when I read science fiction!
• Theatre. I was once very active in amateur theatre (in the Harry Blacker Admiration Society (HBAS) at RAF Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire, England). I've recently revived my participation in community theatre, being a founding cast member of The Boogaloo Broadcasting Company in Union, SC. Here are some of the roles I've played:
  • Young Robert, Turn The Washpot Down (Boogaloo)
    
  • George, On Monday Next (HBAS)
    George was the crusty British stage carpenter, and one of my favorite roles. We performed this in competition, I got one of the nicest complements I'd ever received from someone who was surprised that I wasn't actually British. I was actually brought into this at the last minute, and the previous actor had been playing it with a "Down East" (New England) accent. It was a British script, so I played it with a surly West Country accent.
  • Jerry, On Monday Next (HBAS)
    I played the flaming homosexual actor in our second production of this play. Don't laugh... Jerry got the girl!
  • Nathan Detroit, Guys and Dolls (HBAS)
    This is probably the role for which I was best suited. I had a car accident on opening night in which I sliced open both my knees. The resulting pain probably added significantly to my performance (there's one point where Nathan drops heavily to his knees asking Adelaide's forgiveness. In my case the tears were real.)
  • Jonathan Brewster, Arsenic and Old Lace (HBAS)
    Being five-foot-eight, I'm not a large fellow, so I feel I was mis-cast here. However, if I was the character it wouldn't be acting, would it? I had a lot of fun playing the "heavy" in a comedy. Bad guys get all the good parts!
  • Victor Frankenstein, Frankenstein (HBAS)
    Up to this point I'd only played in comedies. We performed Frankenstein at the USAFE Tournament of Plays in Bitburg, Germany. I received the second nicest complement I'd ever had from a judge who called my performance "Shakespearian." (Perhaps he just meant that it was 400 years out of date). Kent Allsebrooke designed makeup for what was to be my favorite incarnation of the Monster of all time, on screen OR stage!
  • Otis Redding. Otis Redding (Oxford Student Documentary)
    Yep, the performer famous for Sitting on the Dock of the Bay This is probably the least likely role possible for me, you might judge from my obvious melanin deficiency. Well, some film students at Oxford University were making a documentary and they needed someone to do a voiceover because (wonder of wonders!) all of the blacks at Oxford speak with a cultured British accent! So they came around to the airbase, did some auditions, and I was cast for the part.
  You can read more about the Harry Blacker Admiration Society at its memorial website.