Cold Steel

Cold Steel

Joined

Born in Sanford, Florida, in 1953. In 1969 I was sprinkled into the Methodist church, but later found reason to be dissatisfied. I was looking into a non-denominational church in 1970, but in 1971, two Seventy from the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints tracted me out. I began research into that church and, on September 18, everyone in my family, with the exception of my father, were baptized. In 1972, with the financial support of my dad, I served a two-year mission for the church in California. At about the same time, we had relatives who joined the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Shortly thereafter, we lost contact with them. In 1974, I attended BYU, Provo, Utah, and subsequently graduated in journalism and communications. Afterwards, I worked for the IRS, National Rifle Association, David W. Taylor Naval Research Center, Naval Sea Systems Command, National Imagery and Mapping Agency and, finally, the National Institutes for Health's Clinical Center, where I worked with film crews from National Geographic, Discovery Channel, History Channel and even Al Jazeera (among others). In 2001, I decided to take up flying, but unfortunately, attempted to do so from my bicycle. I went over the handle bars, bounced off a tree and onto the pavement. I continued to suffer debilitating pain and complications until, in 2006, I retired from the government on a medical disability. I continue to suffer chronic pain and deal with it the best I can. I continue to be interested in photography, writing, editing, historical and theological research and firearms. Alas, bicycling is out. For those who want to know the details about the bike incident, someone recommended that I change the tires on my mountain bike to a smaller tire, because I biked a lot on pavement, riding to and from work. I decided to do it, but with small tires, one needs more air pressure to inflate them. That sacrifices a lot of traction. As I was going down a hill from a nearby city, I swerved to miss an outcropping branch. At first I tried to brake with my rear tire, but that sent me toward the highway and oncoming traffic. So I braked with my front brake and that stopped my bike quite suddenly. Unfortunately, It did not stop me. The next tree stopped me and then I found myself on the ground not able to breathe. I spent hours in the emergency room of a hospital and have since had two major surgeries. Working for NIH, I had access to the best doctors on the planet. Alas, there is so little known about chronic pain that I'm as much of an expert on it as many doctors. And do not be deceived. The only real treatment for pain is narcotic medicines. And doctors who prescribe them are mercilessly scrutinized by the federal government. In my own case, I get no buzz, no feeling of well being. My pain subsides a measure and that's it (except for occasional drowsiness). In fact, my wife doesn't want me to drive...period. The only problem is that on narcotic pain meds and other meds, I'm a better, safer and more proficient driver than my wife ever was. For any who wish to discuss a facet of religion not found here, or on a topic in any of my areas of interest, including computers, photography, philosophy, desktop publishing, flashlights, knives, guns, self defense, politics and marriage...oh, and cats, please feel free to leave me a message here or by email ([email protected]). I'd enjoy hearing from you. Also, if you have any problems with narcotics addictions.