Just a little bit about my background.

I am a native New Yorker, born and bred on the upper West Side and still living there. Although roller hockey was a big sport in my neighborhood when I was growing up I never played it with my friends and also never learned to skate. Keep in mind these were the days of metal wheels. The big technology breakthrough at this time was solid metal wheels as opposed to hollow ones.

I didn't start to learn how to skate until I was in my thirties (way beyond the Piaget stage for skate development). I only got interested because skaters who were using these new fangled Rollerblades were starting to pass me on my bicycle. So I decided to learn how to skate. My goal was really only to become a competent skater. I feel that I have greatly surpassed my goals.

I attended Brooklyn Technical High School where I was able to pursue my interests in both math and engineering and then went on to The Cooper Union, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduating Cooper I worked at Bell Laboratories in Whippany and later in Holmdel N.J. While working at Bell I also went on to get my Masters from Columbia University, also in Mechanical Engineering. I presently work as the lab manager in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Columbia University. I have access to many great machines including a laser cutter, a 3D printer, CNC mills and lathes so as you might imagine I can and do make many cool things. I am an avid model airplane and boat builder. Some of my more interesting projects include an RC row boat that actually propels itself using eight oars and an RC ornithopter that flies by flapping its wings. I also mentor the 2 Train Robotics Team which competes in FIRST Robotics (http://2trainrobotics.org/). I have lived happily with my partner June for over 25 years and although she doesn't skate she's still the best person ever.

Regarding learning how to skate and getting really good at it, you may have already gathered that I am not particularly a big believer in "natural ability" or that you have to start at a young age to get really good. No doubt these things do help but trust me you can achieve a greater level of skating than you ever dreamed of if you're willing to put in the time and practic, practice, practice. Also, you must avoid the injury that could end your skating career.

I hope this web page will help you and please drop me emails on what you think of this site.

-BOB