Zylblog used to be about technology, then I closed up shop. Then, after several cocktails and realizing I had a credit card for frivolous purchases, I’ve brought back the site. Now we’re free-form!
As of March 2026, I have decided to remove advertising. I have also closed down comments due to spam difficulties. So, this blog is just kind of “here” for no particular purpose.
Old description: “ZylBlog is a website dedicated to technology related articles. The majority of our articles are for open source software. Nearly 100% of the software and services which I review are free to anyone. We are not paid to tell you about the software we review (with the exception of ads, which are clearly marked).”
What about the author, you ask?
I took an interest in technology at a young age. Our first family computer was an IBM PS/2. The kind of computer that sounds like a coffee percolator when you boot it up. While still in my teenage years, I began doing freelance computer repair, and eventually went to community college where I completed a program in Network Administration.
I wanted to share my love of technology with the world published articles about software for several years; I even made money doing it. Amazing!
But I also loved music, and was particularly fascinated by how music works. I play pipe organ, and interestingly, worked for a pipe organ builder during summer months for many years. I think it would be fair to say my organ repair specialty is in electro-mechanical relays. I later went to the University of Idaho to study Music Theory — a program that ended prior to my graduation. But that’s on me, I was a part time student and worked at the same time, and it took me a good solid 8 years to get a Bachelor’s of Science. I took the slow track, it was what fit my schedule and finances. I walked away with a degree in “General Studies*” (whatever that means) and minors in broadcasting and music.
During all this time, I worked as a laborer, custodian, bartender, event coordinator, building manager, mailman, bulk mail specialist, organist, audio technician, video editor, and on the set of many short films and a couple public television shows (did I mention I used to work in a television studio? Some of that stuff is even on IMDB).
Now I work in land use planning and found an odd passion for data, files, documents, statistics, technical reading, and advocating for building safety, mixed use zoning, and farmland protection. Looking back, I’m still not sure how this change came about. But I am glad that it did.
If you’re a potential future employer (I don’t blame you for googling me), most of my career(s) have been in public service. 7 years at the University of Idaho and 5 years in county government (so far). Prior to all that, I worked at an educational services district providing on-site IT support to a rural school. When I say I want to continue being a public servant, I mean that. I enjoy local government, and of that, I am most at home in the world of planning, building, development, but also in file management and organization. I’ve found my footing.
As of around late 2025, I am on the market and looking to leave the State of Idaho and return to Washington with my eye on the area of Spokane County. Last year’s 2025 Idaho legislative session was a difficult one for our office, and this year felt downright personal and overreaching and I cannot continue to serve this state.
I am a believer in transparent government, taking time to make sure the public understand the what and why of any regulations, and making the “red tape” aspect of our world a little easier to navigate. My current director is probably tired of me asking “What’s the logic behind this requirement? Who came up with this? When? Why do we still do it this way?”
I am committed to identifying areas that are being made over-complicated and working to remove barriers. My strengths are the ability to break down complex tasks and set realistic expectations. My coworkers say I’m great to work with and perceptive. Some have even reported that I’m funny (idk about that). My negative qualities are an overuse of commas, and I am insistent on knowing the “why” behind the way things are done.
Did I also mention that I run a bar? There’s a fun fact. Here’s more: I don’t have a favorite color, but tend to go with warm “autumn” tones. If I was an animal, it’d be a cat. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I don’t get bored of pizza. I like to cook. I believe the most important utensil in a kitchen is a clean set of hands. I like long walks in my neighborhood. I love public parks. I’ve had a beard since I was 21 and can remember the very last time I shaved. Prior to that, I had mutton chops and long hair; it was a ridiculous look that was once described as a “dirty hippy vibe” and I regret nothing about it. All my shoes are leather, I have no idea why. I don’t own shorts. I love disco. I can’t remember the last time I stepped out of the house not wearing a shirt with buttons (not including sweaters). I have 68 ties but stopped wearing them about 10 years ago. I’m always satisfied when I write a sentence that uses a semicolon; absurd, I know. I have a large collection of records, my favorite being The Black Eyed Peas My Humps on hot-pink vinyl. I like going to the symphony. I like most genres of music. My favorite summer beverage is a martini. I have five types of gin on hand and feel strongly about which are used and for what purpose. My favorite season is fall. I love cats. I prefer rocky beaches to sandy beaches. I think all books should be hardcover. I believe wood paneling still looks great. I have a thing for vintage lamps. I despise overhead lighting in living rooms. I keep an aquarium. I don’t like shrimp, crab, or lobster, but love clams, oysters, and fish. My least favorite chore is vacuuming. I managed to convince myself that I enjoy doing dishes. I love clocks. I prefer red wine over white. My favorite living chef is Alton Brown, and my favorite all time chef is Julia Child. One time, an ex-partner of mine sent me a drunken text message at 3am saying I reminded him of Julia Child, and I’m still not sure if that was a compliment or an insult (but I’m leaning toward compliment). My longest owned vehicle is an ’89 Ford Crown Victoria, I’ve had two, and they were my daily driver for 10 years. I prefer tea over coffee. I love seltzer water. I can’t listen to King Cole’s Autumn Leaves in the fall without tearing up a little bit. I enjoy reading the newspaper. I’m picky about writing utensils. I’m good at Sudoku. I’m a news junkie. I like weekend trips. I grew up on a dairy farm. I love taking a well thought-out survey. My favorite TV show is Frasier and I’ve seen it all the way through seven (7) times.
How’s that for an ice-breaker?
