Like so many who contribute here, I am a seasoned software engineer, with 30+ years of experience in more languages than I can count. Learned internals of Linux from Ted Ts'o. I love music of all genres, locations, and eras. I play classical violin, fiddle (Cape Breton, Irish, Scottish, American), mandolin (Brazilian choro), classical, jazz, and rock piano, Celtic whistles, electric fretless bass, recorders, and all manner of guitars. I studied for many years with Virginia Neikrug, who made her violin debut at Tanglewood at 18, and at Carnegie Hall at 19. I also studied for years with John Campbell, composer of many fantastic tunes in the standard Cape Breton repertoire, and a master fiddler, the son of a master fiddler. My first date and I married. We've been together since we were 13.