Bio: Kevin Erskine

Printer-friendly version

Bio: Kevin Erskine
03-Jan-2002 -- Susan Pichotta
 
In our first biography of the new year, the Icetips News Network is pleased to present an interview with Kevin Erskine. Kevin has been a Clarionite for quite awhile, was once a third-party developer, and is still active on the technical newsgroups. Find out what he likes best about being a consultant and see some great photos of northern California and beautiful examples of his handiwork.
 
Who do you work for?
I own Software By Ragazzi and work for myself. Six years ago I had the opportunity to go full-time as an independent consultant and have enjoyed it immensely.
 
What do you like best about what you do now?
I love the fact that I can work at home doing something I love (programming). I have a wonderful view out of my home office of the mountains. The freedom to choose what projects and clients I want to work on (with) has been one of the most satisfying things to happen to me in a long time.
 

What has been one of your biggest challenges in using Clarion?
None that really could be considered a challenge. Clarion has been a great product to learn and use all these years.
 
What has been one of your biggest challenges in business?
Getting "large" IS department heads to accept Clarion over more well known products like VB, C++, Delphi. Also learning how to price myself and still be taken seriously in the bidding process for projects -- it's a fine line between billing too high and billing too low and not getting the contract.
 
Do you use any computer languages besides Clarion?
I have a degree in Computer Science and Industrial Management. During my studies I learned over 16 computer languages. Clarion is my main language, but I occasionally program in VB and C++ using Visual Studio. I also do some Palm programming using NSBasic.
 
When did you start using Clarion?
I bought one of the first Apple "Lisa" computers and tried in vain to write functional, useful programs but gave up because it was just too frustrating of an OS to write for (and this is coming from someone who wrote compilers in college). I was determined to enter the PC era and soon bought a TRS-80 (used TRS-BASIC), then an IBM PC which I programmed in PASCAL, FORTRAN and BASIC. I saw an early review of Clarion For DOS, bought it and the rest was fate. I loved the fact I could actually program a PC and have it do something!
 
What's the coolest project(s) you've worked on using Clarion?
While in Philadelphia, I wrote a system for the bank I was working for called T.R.I.P.S. This system interfaced with our Mainframe computers accessing the 3890 CPCS check sorters retrieving check images, and MICR information and produced return items statements. This system replaced a mini-computer system they were using. I have also worked on some cutting-edge type of programming while sub-contracting with MittenSoftware.
 
Have you done anything for a living other than software development?
I presume you mean things that are "legal"? -- Just kiddin'!
I worked my way through school at Wendy's, Long John Silver's, driving school buses and baby sitting. Most of my programming experience came while in college. I worked for the Air Force writing software for the B1 Bomber back in the early 80's. So I guess I have almost always written software.
 
What are your hobbies/what do you like to do when you're not using Clarion?
I love photography - formerly traditional film, but now almost entirely digital "film" and manipulating them with PhotoShop and other programs.
I "throw" pottery (on a potters wheel) and write poetry that disturbs and delights my close friends. I also love to dance and most weekends dance until 6am on Sunday mornings (the clubs in San Francisco stay open real late).
 
Married, children, grandchildren, other close family you want to mention?
I am single and by traditional definitions will always be single. I have had several long term relations and am currently in love with a wonderful man.
 
I would also like to mention my Mom who just turned 80 years old. She and my father raised six great kids (ranging in age from 37 to 60) who all have diverse educations, occupations and lifestyles.
 
Where were you born?
I was born on June 30th, 1961 (yes, that makes me 40) in Ruislip, Middlesex, England on the Ruislip Air Force base. My father was an Aviator in the U.S. Navy.
 
Where do you live now?
I own a home in beautiful Sausalito, California. Sausalito is the first city on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.
 
A view of the area I live in.
What's interesting about where you live?
The acceptance and tolerance of people, life styles and life values which may be different from your own.
 
Have you lived any other interesting places?
I was born in England and have lived in Pensacola, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; Clemson, South Carolina; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and now Sausalito, California.
 
Which person, from past or present, do you most admire and why?
Hmmmm... 2 come to mind immediately, but I have others.
 
Alan Turing (Founder of computer science, mathematician, philosopher, codebreaker, strange visionary and a gay man before his time).
 
Harvey Milk (He became the first openly gay man elected to any substantial political office in the history of the planet.)
 
What is your favorite food?
If you knew the weight problems I used to have you would not have to ask -- ALL of course! <VBG>
 
My passions are veal piccata, steak, grilled vegetables and great crisp french fries.
 
What is your favorite drink?
Red wine wins hands-down followed by an Italian drink called a Negroni, dark rums like Myer's, dark stout beers like Guinness, and smooth aged drinking tequila served ice cold in a martini glass (no salt, lime or triple sec -- just straight up). OK -- and some non-alcoholic ones: diet coke and root beer, I guess.
 
What is your favorite type of music?
I enjoy all kinds of music except hard-country, punk, and all this negative and crude rap music that is full of hate and violence. I love Club, House and Trance dance music.
 
If Clarion never existed, what do you think you would be doing at this time?
I would be a very unhappy person still working in the dull, dull, dull mainframe world.
 
Anything else you want to mention?
Nope, not really. I probably write like I talk -- "way too much..." -- so I will shut up now!
 
Another view of the area I live in.