Factoids

Everything under "The Piano Guy" or Dynamic Solutions says volumes about me, but as extensive as it is, I am not only my career. If this were strictly a job site there would not be a personal page. However, being the kind of man I am, I want to know all about you, and feel I should at least offer what I ask.

Here are some potential conversation starters in the form of personal factoids:

Grew up in Oak Park Michigan, and have lived in Michigan my whole life (so far).

Fell in love with music (piano and voice) at an early age. Still in love.

Have had five eye surgeries, and have gone from legally blind to fully sighted. The biggest side effect of the surgeries is occasional bouts of excessive giddiness from how happy I am that I can see.

Attended Hebrew school with the ultra-orthodox, even though my parents were mostly non-observant, because that was the Hebrew school I could walk to (they didn't want to bother driving me). Eventually found my Jewish home at a great Reform congregation.

Became one of the audiovisual geeks for Oak Park Schools, starting at age 15, and fell in love with technical theater.

Was sent to vocational school for major appliance repair because I was not thought to be "smart enough for college."

Was blinded for two months in a chemical accident just before I turned 18.

Was pushed toward college by the psychologist I saw after the accident.

Started playing piano professionally to pay for college (it beat flipping burgers). Also sang telegrams in costume for Eastern Onion (college was expensive!).

Got a degree in TV production because I loved technical theater but wanted to be able to get a job when I graduated. Turned down two full-ride scholarships to pay full price to go to the best school in that field. Television is just as tough a field. Maybe the high school counselors were right after all.

Working in television production, I was doing corporate road shows. This led to a lot of work-related travel, which I actually enjoy even post 9/11.

Joined Mensa in 1988. Have also joined a fair number of other organizations through the years. I tend to be a joiner.

Have owned five convertibles, presently driving a PT Cruiser. My previous convertible was totaled after 13 days of ownership

Took three ten-week classes of American Sign Language for fun.

Have had a number of health challenges through the years. Am well-managed now, and love helping people who are new to these kinds of issues resolve them based on sharing my knowledge.

Became a mediator for the Oakland County Court System after taking the required master-level classes. I no longer do this, but the benefits still pay dividends.

Was awarded the "Outstanding Devotion" award by Congregation Shir Tikvah for contributing music and fellowship over the years I have belonged. Was awarded again for outstanding service as a member of "Schmaltz."

Went through the New Warrior Training Adventure as part of the Mankind Project.

I have walked across hot coals - twice. The first time because I felt I needed to. The second time because I wanted to.

Was a contest winner on the Michael Feldman's "What Do You Know Radio Show." Was available to play because I was playing hooky (sort of) from a Mankind Project workshop because of the blizzard conditions of the day, which I didn't want to explain to Michael. My segment starts at 3:55 part of this clip.

Have the uncommon Myers-Briggs designation of ESxJ (being equally in touch with thinking and feeling).

I collect jokes, and generally try to have "the joke of the day" available to those that know me. Please e-mail material to me@garyrimar.com.