* As first Blogged on Yahoo 360 *

Message From Michael * Blogs from Beyond

"My Lil' Bio - Michael's Quest"
~ Won't You Join Me? ~

 

I Wrote all of this, just to share a little about me …

Please do forgive my bad habit of Writing Epic Messages, and flair for adding Creative Excursions of the Mind ... It's just to Make the Messages Fun, and Share all the many things that I hope don't Bore Your or give You a headache! Originally I had wanted to send this, in a Yahoo message, but since Yahoo has a character limit of 2000, it would take numerous messages to include all that I want to share. For my Wonderful Friends who have given me their Email Addresses, outside of the Social Network, You may have already seen all of this. Posting it here, will allow Any who read it to Know me a little better, and may reach those with common interests.



Across Time and Space ... Ocean and Sea, Let Me ... Take Flight, so I may Share with Thee!

"My Official Greetings from Florida's Shores! Ready to start Our Journey?"

I just moved to Florida in 2004, but have lived in Washington, DC all my life, so I enjoyed the privilege of being a rarity ~ A Native Washingtonian, among all the World Travelers who visit the Crossroads at the Seat of Power there.

My previous job was working for a big International Publisher, US News & World Report Magazine, in Washington, DC. I put in 8 years in the Newsroom, 7 of those years, as Supervisor of the News Copy Department, before accepting a position in the Computer Systems and Operations department.

In my new position there, I not only handled all of the computer networks, but maintained the Internet website and prepared all of the files and photos for the Media and Public Relations departments and it customers such as CNN, LA Times and New York Daily News. Talking about fast pace, hectic writers and editors, meeting deadlines and the media frenzy with breaking news events … It was quite exciting!

The photo above is of the upgraded Computer Systems Console that I used each day, in my Company's new building.

Magazine NewsRoom to Computer Department

I also did the weekly graphics and photos in the magazine, that were shown on the TV like CNN News! I maintained all the Photos from the News Wire Services, coming in 24/7 from all the Photographers around the world covering Breaking Stories, News, Fashion, Sports and Cultural Events!

From my position in the computer department, part of my Job duties included Training the Writers and Editors to use the PC. They were always given priority attention by the Management, since they were the VIPs who wrote all the stories for the Magazine, and traveled on Assignment with the President, and covered all the important news events around the world. Many of my co-workers were not given the same attention for Training by Management for the ongoing development of their Skills and Learning.

Some who saw me Training the VIPs would come to me and express how they Wished they could learn too … so I began Training those who had an interest, in my free time, as their work schedules allowed. As time went on, and my reputation spread, for a willingness to help people learn more of the latest Computer Technology, more and more co-workers, and then more Staff throughout the entire company, came to me for Computer Training and Support! At that point I went to Management and submitted a Proposal to allow me to Officially Train Employees in the company, and for them to Receive the Recognition for their Personal Motivation and Efforts to Advance their Skills and Knowledge.



Here are 2 Photos of the Computer Systems Training Console, in my Basement at my Home in Washington, DC. The 18 foot blue steel Computer Console had originally been my Computer Systems Console at the USN&WR Office. I had helped design it, when it was new, and when the company upgraded the computers and furniture, they gave the Console to me! A tight fit for my Basement and a little crowded but each item has It's Own Story! Many items on the walls are from ICUG Training Projects and Events.



Hong Kong, Macau, Japan and Korea



I had been fortunate to Study Chinese Martial Arts, (Kung Fu) under a young but talented Teacher (Sifu) who had Studied under Two Masters of reputation in Hong Kong, but was originally from Canton, China (Guangdong).



I developed a passion for learning more, and so along with my Training, I read a wide range on Asian Art & Culture, History, Traditional Eastern Medicine, Philosophy, Calligraphy and even some of the Classics. My Sifu, moved and traveled overseas, and it left me with a desire to travel to Asia to learn more at the Source. I would journey to Asia …



Since I had planned to travel overseas to Asia, I had joined a Correspondence Club, to write and meet people there in Asia. I wanted to have New Friends to meet in my Travels, much like Facebook, Tagged, Yahoo 360, Friendster, Ning and Hi5, but this was back in 1989, before everyone was on the Internet, so everything relied on Letters and Air Mail. That meant waiting 7 – 10 days for mail to travel to reach it’s destination, and then another 7-10 days for a Reply.

I wanted to Travel and Live in Asia for maybe 5 years, to Study Calligraphy, Martial Arts, Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture. I had thought of setting up a small Business there, taking the latest Computer Technology and Skills that I had, over to Asia, where it was in great demand. Many of the Pen Pals I developed as new friends, expressed their true amazement at my Job, and Computer Knowledge and all the Opportunities it allowed me.



Traveling East and ICUG

So many of my new friends expressed a sadness because they did not have the same Opportunity in their Countries, or if it was there, it was too expensive and not affordable for them. That really Touched My Heart, and made me realized, All that I had at My Fingertips in my Job, and I thought that since my humble efforts had made such a qualitative difference in my co-workers lives here, I decided that I just might be able to do the same for people overseas, who I now counted among my Friends.

I began teaching Free Computer Training and Education, to people all around the world, many in Southeast Asia. I met and developed a number of friends and Pen Pals from the Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia, over the years. I designed and sent Computer Training Materials to all of them – FREE! I was actually able to teach everything from DOS, in the early days, and as the Internet became more available, to teach Graphics and Web Design over the Internet to some of the people! Others, I was able to give Computer and Technical Support to, as they found jobs in offices working with computers.



I then co-founded a Non-Profit Organization called ICUG – International Computer Users Group, to provide a way to help people who wanted to Learn Computer Skills. I have been teaching Free Computer Training and Education, to people here in the USA and all around the World. Lending my professional assistance to many different Organizations pursuing goals that Help People, that provide Education & Training, that promote Art & Culture and that work to help the Environment. I’ve also helped many Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses. ICUG has always offered Free Membership to Join and become a Member, and in the first few years we had Reached over 350 Members and Associates, in more then 10 Countries around the world! A collage of just some of the ICUG WorldWide Circle ~



ICUG Helps Host Events in Washington, DC



ICUG has also been the co-sponsor of International Events in Washington, DC on the Mall at the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, hosting VIPs, Participants and Guests from all Races, Cultures and numerous Countries! Life has never been dull and having the opportunity of meeting and working with so many Wonderful People, has certainly been an enriching experience. I won’t even begin to tell You about all the Computer Programs and Technology, now…



These are a few photos from one of the events that ICUG helped co-sponsor in Washington, DC on the Mall at the Lincoln Memorial. This was The Walk For Justice, where A Group on foot, walked from one side of the USA, starting on the West Coast, in California, all the way across the entire USA to reach Washington, DC on the East Coast!



Amazing, eh?
ICUG designed the Official Poster for the WFJ, and I have it posted on Hi5 and Yahoo 360! So much to tell, about it ... but there was also a dance group who came from Japan, along with a Buddhist Nun, who joined and walked across the USA in a show of Solidarity with The Walk For Justice!



My Love Affair With The Beach
~ On The Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Maryland!



My Love Affair with The Beach, began, at an Early Age! My Parents and Aunts and Uncles, had purchase 5 adjoining Waterfront Beach Lots, before I was born, and when it was cheap Farmland. With Their Hands and Hearts, Together, They built 5 Houses and A Boathouse, 1 for each Family, on it’s own lot. I spent many Summers there, and so my Love Affair started in my early years of childhood and followed all my life. I Shared My Beach, by inviting all my Friends, Students and Colleagues … A Place they could come and bring their Families, Loved Ones and Associates, to Visit and Stay, and Share the All the Magic that I have Always Known and Loved!

People Who Work Hard, should also Play Hard!

Now ... does all of that sound like Work?? (smile) Well, I believe that People Who Work Hard … should also Play Hard! One of my favorite after work activities was heading down to my family beach house, after work, which was a mere 60 miles down the road in Annapolis, Maryland. Just sitting out in front of the house, on the waterfront, with the expanse of the Chesapeake Bay for as far as the eye could see, drained away all of the tension of the day! Walking along the surf, on the adjacent beach, which was always empty, just gave one the feeling that somehow You were at the "right place" and in "spiritual harmony with Nature and the Universe!" Warm days laying out on the sand … relaxing to the rhythm of the Surf … Summer nights on the beach, under a starlit sky, with a gentle breeze caressing Your body, mind and soul … surely a small piece of Heaven on Earth!



Thru the years, I’ve also worked with Youth Groups in a Youth Leadership Training Program, I've been a sponsor of Junior Olympics Marksmanship Program, sponsored Archery Club, Chinese Kung Fu Martial Arts, sponsored Camping and Scuba trips, done a little Mountaineering and Repelling, Taught Video Systems Workshops, designed and landscaped a Oriental Japanese Garden with 3 story tall Golden Bamboo and a Dragon Water Fountain & Pool. A little Inspiration from Asia here in the USA!!

The ICUG WorldWide Extended Family Circle of Friends



I have had a the honor of playing Host to Guests, Students, Trainees, Associates and Friends who came to visit and stay at my Home in Washington, DC from overseas places such as China, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, The Philippines, Mexico and Greece! I helped 2 Filipino Workers Organizations in Hong Kong, with their Organization, Events, Design and Support in Printing and Publishing their own News Magazines!!

I am currently planning a Program, for International Travel and Training, and my hopes for making it possible for people from overseas, that have a desire, to travel and visit the USA, and people here in the USA, to travel and visit other countries for Cultural Exchange. Over the past few years, I’ve worked with people all across the USA, Canada and South America, as well as people in Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines and China! I think that if all goes well, it will be very fulfilling for all who participate, and be a lot of fun, as well!

I am looking forward to the chance to know All of My 360 Circle of Friends better, and I want to learn more about the Culture and Customs from all of the many Countries. Hearing Your Dreams and Aspirations, Thoughts and Insights ... can Help me to Know You better and Grow in Understanding.

In my brief Travels, I have visited 7 Islands in the Caribbean and I really found them Magical! I also think that Asia has so many Beautiful places, from all that I have seen, and I love the Culture. I've also visited Hong Kong, Macau, Japan and Korea ... and one day soon, I hope to visit China, Taiwan, The Phil, Mongolia, Tibet and Bhutan, accepting many of the Invitations I have received. Care to Join Me … Us?

We have also begun Plans for an ICUG Sponsored Conference to be held in China in 2008! Organizing and acting as Hostess with be a Wonderfully Talented Educator, Who’s Home is in The Heart Of China! She has so graciously Thrown Open The Doors of Welcome to extend an Invitation To All Far and Worldwide. Not coincidentally, coinciding with the 2008 Olympics Hosted by China, and the Chance for You to Attend Both!!

Remember too, that I do have a Sense of Humor ... and I never take myself too Seriously! But I do take My Friendships Seriously! So feel free to Relax and just be Yourself, with all that We do, and Write and Share ... Okay?

I don't know if You've had the chance to see any of the ICUG Photo Albums up and online at 360, which will present many of the Worldwide Members from all of the many Countries – Computer Training - Visitors - Travelers - Events – and some of the ICUG Posters from over the years, so if and when you have a chance, I would be excited to hear Your impressions and comments. I will be adding more of them to my Yahoo 360 as well. For some reason Yahoo, changed my Settings from "Public" to "Private" over the last few days, and I never would have notice, except someone wrote to ask me .... "where are your photos?" So, do let me know what You think, if ever You have the time and energy to take a peek ... ok?

Thank You so very much for finding the patience, endurance and energy to read all of this! (smile) Thank You also, for Your Comments, Messages and Your Email. And now that I have bored You telling You all about me .... Shall We talk about something more Fun and Exciting like "YOU" ... (Smile)

"We, Together ~ Really Can - Turn Dreams Into Realities!!"




Yours from Magic Kingdom's Shores,

~ Michael



PS ~ That's Me ... Hard At Work at My Desk, with Quill Pen and Parchment, Writing All of This!

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GREATEST BLOG MY FRIEND,IM SO GLAD YOU POSTED IT,I WOULD DIE TO VISIT JUST ONE OF THE COUNTRIES U HAVE BEEN TO HOW EXCITING MY FRIEND,WHAT DO THE PEOPLE DO WHEN THEY JJOIN YOUR GROUP? WELL MY FRIEND THANKS AGAIN WHICH TO KNOW MORE.HUGS N KISSES PEACE

I always knew from the start that you have this `up thrust´about you. You have a mind that can reach beyond the stars, even to the intricacies of space...I am in awe...

RaJan

thanks for sharing this interesting life story of yours dear friend...im just so busy, i need to know more about computers and i will ask you later....
take care and warm hello!!!

  that's so much of lil'bio my friend...i am impressed with your accomplishments and success in life...wish i could have a lil' bit of your accomplishments...:)anyway, hope i could be part of your volunteer work as i have this inate calling in me for voulunteerism...i have gone and browse at ICUG's website and i found it impressive will try to get back at again and see where i can fit in....your doing a great service Michael...sharing and helping...we need more of you...keep it up...take care and God bless..Ada from Philippines:)

Best of the best....... untill now i am searching for somebody's blog who has sense, wisdom, and everything.....
I'm glad i found one....

Awesome! You really impressed me with your intelligence and kindness!!

You are not only smart but a world traveler amazing is he who opens his mind to explore the world. How lucky are you to have had such a gift. I wish I had met you many years ago perhaps I may have been able to reach that dream of geting published and sharing my work with the world you saw and see. Perhaps it's not to late to dream and let my dream guide me towards the stars! Thanks for sharing your life with me and others you are the most insipring person on the net.

We always remember you as the way you are,interesting life is getting closer to reality.thanks for your blog,people will full of information about simple guy like you..hugs

glad to know ur orbit...have u learn shao ring kun-fu too? and where u been in jpn? hehehe am curious....:)

a lil bio? lol well, my friend, i know that you have achieved a lot in your life. what can i say, is that you are a hardworking man, brilliant, kindhearted and good person. God gives you much talent and blessings. Thanks that you still remain as the humble Michael. Please stay as you are because that is why i like you. Can we work together to promote more awareness for anti-abuse of women and children in your country, email me what you think about this ok. you take good care and praying for your sucess.

We can share our feeling michael,by leaving nice comment's,true,and clean..we all need a person like you.who true friend's,remain's iside your heart..keep blogging nice thought's my dear.god less you too!

wooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!

I am impressed with your accomplishments and success in life...you are the most inspiring person I know and I am previledged and honored to be your your friend.. God Bless....ysic, elaina marie

Hey I love this BLOG...the pictures of you at 3 yrs old...how cute. THe Japan pic. It is all good. Your a very blessed man to have experienced so much.

GREAT POST DEAR FRIEND MICHAEL, FOR SURE WE NEED MORE PPL LIKE YOU ON YAHOO !
PICTURES SO BEAUTIFUL & DIDN'T KNOW YOU LEARNED KUNG FU WITH "SIFU", CONGRATS !GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & TRAINING PROGRAM ,WISH YOU ALL SUCCESS YOU REALLY DESERVE ...
THANKS FOR YOUR GREAT HEART,FOR NOT TAKING YOURSELF SERIOUSLY & FOR YOUR PRECIOUS FRIENDSHIP ! KEEP ON SMILING, JOKING, HELPING , WARM HUGS !!

Thanks for sharing your life and you are the most insipring person on the net I've had the honor to have corresponded with.. many blessing for all you do and keep inspiring people... and I love my comments that you leave..Muahhhh!! have a great day and thanks again for the beautiful written post..

I can*t see the photos!!???Thanks for sharing ur life!Have a nice day!!

Wow!!! I am so impressed with your achievements...
Keep it up my friend!!!
have a wonderful day!!

I am proud of you!!!That's all I can say....!