The Bio of James, AKA J.D., COWC Co-Founder

Like my Co-Founder and Partner-In-Crime Brad, I too was born in the summer of 1977. Born at Mt. Carmel West in Columbus, Ohio, the highlight of my birth was the moment when my father looked at my mother and said, "Well, I'm hungry, I'm going to go get some White Castles." By the time I was 7, both of my parents had remarried- my mom to a great stepfather for me (although we have had our share of differences over the years), my dad to my step-mother who's post retirement career has become keeping him out of trouble.

I was raised near Hilliard, Ohio by my educator mother and step-father, both of whom worked for Columbus public schools for over 30 years. Now they both consult and make a lot more money for a lot less hassle. Oh the horror of being retired.

As for me, I spent every year but kindergarten in the Hilliard City Schools, meeting Brad when he moved into my neighborhood and went to my elementary school sometime around 3rd or 4th grade. We spent time in the talented and gifted program together, and stayed friends (albeit with sometimes different interests and cliques) all the way up to graduation.

I went to college at Ohio University, in Athens, Ohio. I survived five Halloweens and many a weekend bender, and managed to get out of there with a Master's in Political Science and an intact liver. Contrary to what I had believed, I found that this degree made me infinitely qualified to work in retail establishments. After a brief case of law school (once again- oh, the horror), I ended up working as a lobbyist for Ohio State University. I left OSU at the end of 2006 as part of an "office reorganization", and tried to start my own consulting firm. Finally frustrated with politics, I'm now searching for a career that lets me do some good in the world while at the same time being able to look at myself in the mirror in the morning.

Tidbits of random information about me:

- I have been engaged twice- once to someone great but at the wrong time in both our lives, once to someone I thought was great, but who turned out to be one of the Seven Lords of Hell (and a hooker, but that's a story for another time).

- The first movie I can remember seeing is The Empire Strikes Back. I have had a fascination with all things science fiction ever since.

- The first real book I read was The Hunt For Red October. I read this on a plane ride to Florida in second or third grade. I wrote my first techno-thriller in 4th grade. I still have some of it stashed somewhere- I may post it one day if everyone asks nicely and wants a good laugh.

- My grandmother introduced me to the Lord of the Rings at a very young age, by showing me calendars and telling me all the stories. By third grade I was on my first run through these great books.

- I am a geek. I love science-fiction, fantasy, comic books, and all sorts of other weird and geeky stuff. Yes, I have played Dungeons and Dragons, but there are a bunch of other RPGs out there that are much better.

- I am fascinated with history, especially World War II and anything relating to war and politics.

That's enough rambling for now, but Brad and I are hoping that we get contributions from quite a few of our readers by the 13th of May. We look forward to seeing all of your work.
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