Age: 67
Occupation: Emeritus professor of geology, CSU Fresno.
Hobbies: Travel, art, hiking, kayaking, reading and writing, science, history, archaeology.
Bee reader since: 1970.
How many letters: 31 since 2000.
Favorite topics: Politicians who mislead, either purposefully and/or through ignorance or laziness. Environmental and scientific issues: climate change, evolution, etc. Educational administrators who were never classroom teachers. The income gap between CEOs and workers.
Why do you write? To participate in the public debate regarding important issues of our time. To clarify important scientific issues for the general public.
Reaction to letters: Generally favorable from a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Excerpt from recent letter: "Cal Thomas' Jan. 22 column continues his flight from reality and puts on full display his twisted religious-neoconservative idolatry. Thomas is surprised that the president's inaugural speech lacked passion. Perhaps President Obama desired to inform the nation of the dangers we face so as citizens we would remember the content of the speech rather than be awed by its oratory."
Topics that don't get enough attention: Population growth and increased resource consumption that are unsustainable given the mineral resource limits of the earth combined with current levels of environmental degradation. The need to greatly improve the education of teachers.
Education: Bachelor's, University of California, Riverside; master's, University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Ph.D., University of Texas, Austin.
Family: Wonderful wife, Diane; two sons, Cyrus and Than; one stepson, Alex.
Political philosophy: Mainly Democratic, socially liberal and fiscally conservative, but I want politicians and leaders who work to make government serve the common interest, not just benefit their wealthy contributors. Application of the scientific method along with logic and rational thinking before supporting a candidate, policies or ballot initiatives.
-- Compiled by Pam Rowse
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