About
I am Rick Castello, a Geek of All Trades, lover of tech, and troubleshooter extraordinaire.
I’m the former “Head Nut” of the SquirrelMail webmail project, and have a serious geek-on for open-source and free technologies that help people get at the data they want, anywhere they want it.
If there’s new tech (hardware or software, I’m an equal-opportunity geek) out there that lets you do fun things with different sorts of data - sign me up, I’m interested!
If that tech happens to be really cool, but may have a few snags that need work — look out, I might try to join up! I tend to find that sort of thing a call to action, rather than a drawback.
Finding inefficiencies and places where things can be optimized is a hobby of mine (or neurosis, depending on your point of view). I often find myself thinking “Ohhhh… if only that corner was rounded and that latch recessed, this would be a much more usable widget…” Curiosity is a virtue, not a vice.
I’d describe my attitude as “easy-going but at the same time laser-focused”. I enjoy writing, and take pride in a well-crafted sentence and a clear, well-framed concept. I’m quick with the funny, eager to chip in, very observant, but slow to pass judgment. I’m fiercely loyal, insanely curious, and naturally experimental. I’m a fun guy to work with.
I’ve worked in customer service, food service, retail, real estate, R&D, sales, web programming, and as a mall Santa (not in that order). I can crack a bullwhip, write a manual, build a computer, code HTML by hand, refurbish a home, cook a feast, teach a course, and mentor and lead a group. I agree with Heinlein - “specialization is for insects”.
I believe that my varied and eclectic skills and experiences make me a better person, and better able to relate to those I work with and the customers I work for.
Email: Rick (at) punk (dot) net.
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