About "The Kenny"

update November 3rd 2009

It's apparently customary to put up a page detailing a bit abut yourself when you make a website like this, so here's my attempt at being friendly and open.  I'm not though, I'm a big surly looking oaf that people cross the street to avoid.  Even when in the best of humour I look like I'm about to punch someones face in.  I cant help it, it's the default resting position of my jowls and piggy eyes.  It's saved me a lot of hassle from street vendors and Krishnas, and people that would pick a fight with lesser people at the drop of a hat think twice before approaching me.  Just as well, because I'd run screaming like a schoolgirl if they tried anything.

In real life I work for a huge chemical and oil firm, looking after the computer network in their town sized refinery and a couple of other sites around the country.  The title is Network Analyst, but dont put the stress on the word 'anal'.  In the past I've done the following jobs...

  • Admin assistant - that's a clerk to you and me
  • Airport medic - lifted fat/drunk people off aircraft
  • Barman - hard work, but there's women and cheap drink
  • Photojournalist - did bands and motorbike races mainly
  • Picture Framer - I sucked, I cant saw for toffee
  • Telephone Engineer - outside in Scotland all year.  Brrr!
  • Network Technician - see above, only in factories

As for when I'm not at work, I have a number of hobbies which I struggle to enjoy.  Obviously you've discovered the 3D hobbyist part, where I spend all day in front of a hot PC at work, then come home and relax in front of a couple more PCs and do more work for myself.  If I'm not doing that I'll be playing first person shooters like the Call of Duty series, or real time strategy stuff like SINS or C&C.  I was trained as a photographer, so it's not unusual to find me doing the occasional wedding photography for friends and family, or snapping pics of my team-mates at my other main hobby, Airsoft.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, airsoft is where grown fat men and students gather to shoot each other with toy guns in remote and desolate locations.  It's like paintball but with 6mm BBs instead of paint, and is therefore much cheaper per game.  Unfortunately, the guns are very realistic in looks and feel, so in the UK we have to jump through legislative hoops to play.  Still, if you like Call of Duty or Counter-Strike, it's like playing those for real.  Check it out.

 

I also play music, although not very well.  I trained in a Pipe band to play drums, then did orchestral percussion at school and learned drumkits, marimbas, bongos, etc.  This in turn led to joining a rock band, which in turn led to me learning guitar, as well as some bass and a little keyboards.  I play at least once a week at a semi-organised jamming session for muso's in a nearby town, and we sound like this...

 

As you can see, we're not the best around, but then we dont get paid so that's fine.  Music is a real hoot once you start playing with other people, so if you're one of the millions of bedroom guitarist or keyboard players, get your ass in gear and go join a band or a similar music club.

Finally, here's a round up of other relevant information that I can think of at this time.  I dont know if it's interesting or relevant, but here it is...

  • I love travel, or more precisely I love visiting other countries and cultures.  Actual travel itself is chronic, the sooner we get transporters the better.  I try and holiday in the Caribbean or similar far-flung location whenever I can, which is rarely.
  • I was heavily into the martial arts when younger, and hold grades in TaeKwon Do, Ninjutsu (yes, I was a real Ninja) and Kung Fu.  I can still kick to the head if required, but it may be the end of me.
  • I love motorcycles, but recently sold my latest one due to the global economic meltdown.  I cant believe that sort of speed and rush is still legal, get it while you can.
  • I love science, particularly astronomy and biology.  I own several telescopes ranging from the tiny to the huge robotic type, but rarely get to use them.  Scotland is not the best for clear skies, being 100% overcast more than 50% of the year.

And finally, here's a quick list of things I cant be bothered with, or downright hate.  Ladies, feel free to check the list carefully to see if you still want to marry me and have my babies....