I've been on the Internet for almost ten years now (and built my company's first web site in 1994) but I only recently got a high-speed connection at home which has enabled me to take part in more online experiences for my own personal enjoyment rather than just business needs.

I live in Somerset County, New Jersey and I will gladly debate anyone on the benefits of living in this beautiful state where I was born and raised. I'm a one-hour drive from New York City and the New Jersey shore is likewise just an hour away. In my opinion, you couldn't ask for a better location--there is always something exciting, entertaining, and educational to do around here! (Read my recent review which dispels some common misconceptions about the Garden State.)

My hobbies include figure skating (I test and compete in the USFSA adult structure), playing tennis, hiking, traveling, reading, writing, drawing/illustrating, and cooking. I will be competing at the U.S. Adult Nationals Figure Skating Championship in April 2002.

I joined Epinions because I am a person who typically has strong opinions and I'm not afraid to let people know what I think.

When I come across a store, product, restaurant or destination that I really enjoy, I feel a need to share my findings with others because I so rarely get impressed! If I rate something with five stars, you know it has to be pretty darn special! Moreover, I'm not afraid to rate something low if the experience was sub-par.

I hope you enjoy reading my reviews on Epinions--I will strive to make them worthwhile, valuable and detailed to assist you in making the best decisions possible.

Miscellaneous Facts About Me, In No Meaningful Order

• I once had my jaw broken in six places.
  
• You'll never catch me wearing a tennis skirt.
  
• I collect Edwardian and Art Deco period jewelry and furniture.
  
• I taught myself how to juggle.
  
• I get up at a different time every day, just to avoid the monotony of routine.
  
• I'll never eat the same thing two days in a row. That routine thing again.
  
• The only things I've won in my entire life were a jar of 2,000 jellybeans at a Jr. High Halloween dance and an autographed "Twisted Sister" album from a radio station circa 1985. Both are long gone.
  
• You'll always find smoked gouda, red grapes, and Honeycup mustard in my refridgerator.
  
• I'm of Italian, Spanish-Irish, German, French, and English descent. I love America.
  

Web of Trust

I have to sincerely thank the many folks who have already entrusted me just one month into my tenure at Epinions. Special thanks go out to bonniesayers, fyvel, and Suzer for providing me with early advice and guidance.

Regarding my trust, it will be earned if I read at least seven of your reviews and I have found them all to be "very helpful." If you put me on your web of trust, I'll immediately subscribe to you via ptiemann's notification site to read your newest review entries. I'll also subscribe to you if I discovered that you are subscribed to me! I prefer reading seven new reviews or ones written within the last two months.

Thanks for reading!