I am a former newspaperman, PR professional, and school teacher. A native Floridian, I've traveled through most of Europe, including Hannibal's Pass during a snowstorm that wasn't supposed to be happening. I've chased the then-Vice President of the United States at 100 mph on a Death Watch Detail while accompanying cops who were trying to decide if they should shoot me. I've walked into riots through sheer ignorance on my part. I have watched people I love die and I’ve watched strangers bleed all over the floors of ER rooms. I've seen a wall of flame 100 feet high against the night sky consume a forest at the end of the world. And I've spent a lot of time racing deadlines. And a LOT of time doodling during boring meetings.