Personals

[Bruce Appelbaum]

     Bruce Appelbaum, who lurks a lot, is a chemical engineer with a 
     consulting firm on the outskirts of NYC.  Most of his work these days 
     is related to industrial competitiveness, involving visits to 
     industrial plants of all types in the US to identify operating 
     problems and come up with solutions.
     
     Born in the Bronx, he never saw an alligator come up from the sewer 
     despite living there for the best part of 30 years.  He did, however, 
     own a turtle that was found coming out of a sewer grate.
     
     Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Cooper Union 
     (down on the Bowery in NYC).  Seemed to do better in humanities 
     courses than in engineering courses.  Some grad school, no degree.
     
     Spent about 10 years of heavy international travel to many of the more 
     popular developing countries.  Lived 2-1/2 years in Pakistan (lots of 
     frogs coming up from the sewers there, reasons he doesn't quite 
     understand).  High points:  Met Arthur C. Clarke in Sri Lanka.  Low 
     points:  Had two car bombs explode behind his house in Pakistan.
     
     He finally finished GR last week after 20 years of trying.  Doesn't 
     understand everything he read, but will save it for the rereading.  
     Has also read all of TRP's other work (some several times), again with 
     varying degrees of understanding.
     
     Literary interests are eclectic, ranging from "the classics," to pulp 
     fiction, to non-fiction works of history and biography.  Particular 
     emphasis on science fiction.  Will often pick up something totally 
     off-the-wall just because it sounds or looks interesting (such as IJ).
     
     Other interests -- photography, bicycling.  Now living in upper 
     Westchester County, NY (about 40 miles north of NYC).  Married, two 
     little girls. Dog.  House.  Mortgage.  Never enough time to read.