A little about myself

I am Jim Preston. I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I like to write computer programs, usually in Microsoft Visual Basic. Also I enjoy playing my guitars. I have a cream-colored Lone Star Strat (new for 1996 from Fender and a 50th anniversary model). I have a Martin DC Aura acoustic/electric, a Martin DM acoustic and a red-sunburst Dean electric. My current guitar amp is a Tech 21 Trademark 60 Amp, chosen for its light weight and great sound. I have a 5-watt VOX digital amp for my Martin.  I record using a Roland BOSS BR1600CD hard disk recorder. This 16-track machine can create CDs within the box or I mix to my computer's hard drive.  I enjoy photography and I use mostly digital cameras but still have my SLRs and other film cameras. In addition I have a Sony HC36 Handycam and a JVC VHS-C Camcorder, somewhat dated. I edit with Sony Vegas Pro Video Editor and also use Sony Sound Forge for mixing to my computer. To see many of my videos visit my channel on YouTube. I am interested in various sciences including meteorology, mathematics, physics, and astronomy. I have worked in engineering for most of my life, designing with CAD software. I collect street and road maps. I am a rail fan and I collect videos of light rail cab rides. I like to play cards and am currently very interested in the game of bridge.  Additionally I am interested in politics and I keep myself informed. 

I am employed as a mechanical designer, usually as a contractor at various firms around the Twin City area. Lately I have been contracting for myself.

I'm a psych- buster as well. What's that? you may ask. Well, it means I am a member of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights. This group is constantly breaking new ground in the fight against the abuses of psychiatry, and to read about these can be a hair-raising experience. For instance, did you know that human experimentation without consent is now legal in certain circumstances thanks to a GLOBAL agreement and US laws to match?

I spent two weeks in southern India in April, 2005 and another week in March, 2008. To view pictures and a travelogue of the first trip just click here. To view a YouTube video of my trip to Ooty March 6th, 2008, and the highest peak in S. India (duration 9 minutes, 30 seconds) click here.