Tell us a little about yourself. Hobbies, work etc.

Well I got my training in air conditioning, and general engineering skills in the Navy (87-93). Unfortunately I also got a headache from the Navy as well. They would not let me stay in (not sure if I would have anyway) so I got out and started doing A/C repair. I didn't like working for crooks so I got my contractors license and opened my own company. The headache kept getting worse so I had to close up shop and get a less stressful job. So I went for a government job...don't get less stress than that! I work for the local school district doing air conditioning. I have since moved into the building automation side of it and it's pretty good. Work is just for paying the bills though. I really don't care where I work or what I do.

My headache is under control pretty good; yes I have had the same headache since '92. It feels like a large grape is in my temple, it presses between my skull and brain. Sometimes it swells up to the size of a kiwi, orange, watermelon... I have been to more doctors than I can remember and no one has a clue. So the Navy pays me a little in disability (and I mean a little)

Anyway a few jobs and a divorce later I am now a happy single dad with an easy job. This gives me time for hobbies!! I am into computers and UO, of course. I also like to play around with art. It gets expressed differently depending on my mood. I will work on my train set for modeling, painting, and design. Sometimes a little web design. We also model with Fimo, a polymer clay that oven cures. My daughter and I make brooches, and figurines. We are trying to figure out some cool designs for Fimo as silverware handles, and I also want to do dioramas with it. That would combine my train modeling skills with clay sculpting. (a piece of driftwood with some fake grass and trees and maybe a dragon sleeping under the tree, or a fisherman, lots of ideas for it). If we get good enough we want to start selling pieces on E-Bay. We had an E-Bay gig selling collectible dolls but I got tired of it. (almost like I have A.D.D.)


What kind of movies do you like?


Mostly Sci-Fi and comedies. Some of my all time favorites: Princess Bride, the whole Star Trek series (both cast), Repo Man, Clockwork Orange, Pleasantville, Hedwig. Well too many to name them all. I own about 250 DVD’s, I really need to update my database.


What is your favorite food? Snacks?

With my girth you know I take my food seriously. I love Tex-Mex and Italian the most. A good eggplant parmesan or manicotti always work for me. Of course Thai and Vietnamese food is awesome too. As a Hindu I guess I should say Indian food too, but I am kind of tired of it, we get it too much.

Snacks? Chips and chocolate chip cookies unfortunately. (Fruit is ok…if it’s dipped in chocolate)

What kind(s) of music do you enjoy?

I listen just about anything except hip-hop and country. A few favorites: Elvis Costello, Donal Hinely, The Who, and Glenn Miller. But the list is virtually endless, and favorites will change without notice. (except Elvis Costello) I love music and always have something playing on my computer. I have an old computer that is just the music server for the network. I lost track but have at least 500 CD’s. I really need to quit shopping!

How long have you played UO?

I first started in Oct '97. I honestly didn't play very long because I hated the gank-fest. At least half a dozen of us quit (friends and family). I was the only one that still kept talking about it because I saw so much potential in the game. I came back with LBR and got seriously hooked on UO.

What character template is your favorite and why?

My favorite is the Paladin. When I first came back I did not know about the 700 skill point limit and had a great character planned out. I would be fighting in the Haven graveyard with my swords, mixing potions as needed, and casting fire fields. Soon I had to cut a few skills from my warrior/alchy/mage. When AOS gave us Paladins I was able to get pretty much what I had always wanted in my first character. Fencing/Parry/Chivalry. With Sacred Journey it was easy to dump my Magery. (all of my characters had some magery, at least for Recall)

I now have a Fencing/Parry/Chivalry, a Swords/Parry/Chivalry, a Mace/Parry/Chivalry, and an Archer/Fishing/Chivalry. The Archer/Fisher/Chivalry is a pretty fun character as well.

I end up with a lot of characters because I just love building skills. I have 2 full accounts left.

What is the one thing you have always wanted in the game? Did you acquire it yet?

My goals were set early on in my game. One of my biggest goals was to be able to survive the Daemon Temple. I love fighting on the roof of the Temple now. Most would say that is not a major goal but I did set that goal when I was fighting in the Haven cemetery. Other than that my goal is really just to have fun.

Do you like to play solo or with a group?

I have always been more into solo play. I've tried a couple Guilds and just never really got very involved with them. That is one of the things that makes UO so great. You can play in groups or solo. Some things are impossible solo and I am ok with that. Some things are better solo or in small groups. UO fits all types of play styles.

So far, what has been your favorite scenario in the game?

Definitely the Solen Invasion. I had one of the ant holes right on my doorstep for a while and the place was packed! Players, ants, bodies everywhere. I was impressed with the organized, mostly well-mannered, Ambitious Queen Quest we had on Great Lakes/Trammel. That was the very best time I have in UO ever!

Do you play any other games?

My son got me to play City of Heroes/City of Villains. It really is great for team play. But I do not think it will have the staying power of UO. The combat is very repetitive, and since they have no items, there is not too many goals except to fight a particular bad guy maybe. But the people in the game are extremely friendly. I have been playing it for a couple months and I have not run into a single jerk! I have been told they have some but I have not seen any.

I would like to thank Tukaram for taking the time to answer these questions!

Yay! Nice interview!

Good interview, thanks to Tukaram and SM!

WoW you better watch out b4 stratics steal SM away!!!
that was a nifty interview

Nice interview Tuka and SM

That is a wonderful interview with great insight into our Tuk!
To both SM & Tuk ... TY for sharing your time with us.

Excellent Interview

Good stuff here.

Ahhh - but do you have a favorite among those ?

:grin: :grin: :grin:

CatHat

The next generation for me.