In Memoriam Daniel S. Briggs 1964 -1998

Who am I? -- Personal

 Like most people, I have a bunch of interests and probably more than most. I've now entered my second year of living in the Washington DC area, and definitely have not taken enough advantage of the opportunities here, as far too many of my hobbies are on hold for lack of time.

• I'm an intermediate level skydiver.

This is the only hobby of mine important enough to warrant a whole page to itself.

• I used to do a lot of Kodenkan Jujitsu, though it's now quite a while ago. I've recently discovered an aikido class offered through NRL, and am really looking forward to getting back into martial arts.
• I've been juggling casually for years, though my most significant achievement is a realistic appreciation of how good some of my friends really are! I enjoy stiltwalking in parades, as it impresses people greatly. (But it's a whole lot easier than it looks!)
• Other forms of exercise I enjoy are rock climbing, and rollerblading
• I love to dance, though I haven't taken nearly enough advantage of the opportunities here in DC. When I do it's usually Contra dancing. I'm fond of English and Scottish Country dancing and Western Square dancing. I'd had some Country-Western, Morris, Ballroom and Belly dance training, though all need serious work before I could get on the floor again. Always up to learn something new!
• I consider my Honda Nighthawk 700S motorcycle to be a great improvement over the Yamaha XS850SG I used to have. Nothing against the Yamaha, which was a sturdy beast, but the Nighthawk is a great bike and a lot of fun to ride. When I wear out the 'hawk, I think I see a Kawasaki Concours in my future. I've made contact with the Capital Area Motohead Society, but not yet made it to one of their group rides.
• Musically, my tastes are eclectic. Usually my radio is tuned to a classic rock station, and less frequently to the local snooty classical station. I'm very fond of traditional music from nearly any ethnic background, though I have a special weakness for the music of the British Isles. I used to sing a lot, and can still sight read passably, even if the range isn't there any more. I can make something approaching simple music with flute and pennywhistle and bones.
• My Maine Coon roommate, Dart .

I love animals in general and cats in particular. If you like geek codes, you might like to know that Dart is Dart: MC Ot+W H 8 Y L+ W C+ I++ T++ A+ H+ S+ V+ P++/P B+,which can be decoded via the rec.pets.cats standard cat codes.

• I've worked six seasons at different Renaissance Faires, and definitely enjoy dressing up in colorful historical costume. I've been an occasional SCA member/hanger-on for many years, but never took it as seriously as Faire. It's still good fun, and I've thinking about getting more active again.
• My leisure reading tastes are too heavily weighted towards science fiction, though I try to broaden my horizons occasionally. Yes, I'm a fan, but of the FIJAGDH variety. [Fandom is Just a Good Hobby, as opposed to the Fandom is a Way of Life, What Else? variety.]
• I'm a serious night owl, and when I'm working alone in my office, I often keep an IRC or MUD window up for company. Lately, I've been hanging out on #root as crane. On FurryMUCK, you might know me as Daniel. A long time ago, I frequented quite a number of MU*s as Gazer.
• If you really want to know all the personals-style numbers, you can find them here .

Lyrics, Essays, Poetry and Doggerel

• Each Jump a Reminder to Live

Highly recommended to anyone who wants to know why skydivers jump!
• High Flight
• Learning to Fly
• From Wings Came Flight (This poem has been unlinked so as not to violate copyright laws)

In Memoriam, Pat Briggs

Back to the Dan Briggs homepage.

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