I've been tinkering with computers since my first PC, a TI-99/4A, complete with its supremely ergonomic keyboard, state of the art black and white TV “monitor,” and sweet cassette tape storage system. I've owned and tinkered with a few more computers since then, but still long for the days of playing Parsec on that TI in between epic Nerf football games in the backyard.

Now I'm all grown up and have moved on to much more mature interests, such as creating interactive Web applications...and skateboarding. Cut, bruised, and often limping, I approach tech challenges with the same reckless intensity as high-risk sports. After developing a few video games, inventing a couple of toys, writing dozens of computer books, creating numerous online courses, and building a custom house, I finally felt ready to tackle my most challenging writing project to date: Head First JavaScript, which was released in late 2007. I've since become a regular fixture in the Head First world, and I'm now busy working on Head First PHP & MySQL with my friend Lynn Beighley...due out in Fall 2008!

As much as I enjoy the virtual world, I prefer the real one, and can often be found lounging next to my koi pond with my wife, Masheed. If you desperately need to reach me, just use the Contact page.