A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....01-20-04 ~ RDB - Once.. Twice... Three Times

Billie

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dansangel, dutchess, Aquamarine, deadhead ~

rdb3's grandfather on the left, in 1951, and his father at right, 1973

I believe that I was an "ooops" baby; when I was born, my parents already had six children, with the oldest being a freshman at Ohio State and the youngest in the second grade. However, I do think my Pop was happy that I came along AND that I was a boy because his name hadn't passed to my three brothers. I don't think there's any way in the world that I was "meant" to be. But, nevertheless, here I am!   ;-)

rdb3 at two years, 1974

The youngest of seven, rd has always been extremely close to his parents. He was born and raised in East Cleveland, Ohio, but spent nearly every summer in Arkansas. His father owned a delicatessen, along with numerous coin-op businesses, such as laundromats and car washes. His mother worked in the Cleveland Public School System for over 30 years.

My father pitched briefly in the Negro Leagues for the Cleveland Buckeyes. By the time he got in, the color line had already been broken in the Majors, and since he was in Cleveland, he got to meet legendary Indians players like Bob Feller, Larry Doby, and my favorite: Satchel Paige. There's an 11" X 18" black and white picture of my father and Satchel Paige in their respective uniforms over the mantle at home. And he won't even let me scan the picture! One day it will be mine, but I can wait; Pop has to pass away first.

I was able to escape the Cleveland Public School System. I was in the 8th grade at the time. Father Juhas and another recruiter liked how I planted quaterbacks deep in the soil, never to be seen again until the next spring! Next thing I know, I'm at St. Joseph High. I received a tremendous education there. Also got to play football with Desmond Howard and Elvis Grbac, and Eric Riley in basketball. Clark Kellogg is also an alum. He is a commentator on CBS' NCAA broadcast for college basketball. Matter of fact, they retired his number at my school, but his number isn't in the rafters. They put his number on both sides of the half-court line on the court. Different, isn't it?

rd graduated cum laude from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. (As a matter of record: six of the seven siblings hold degrees. Not too shabby, huh!) He holds a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Information Technology/Systems. As he will tell you, "I'm a geek's geek. I'm elated to be back in the Information Technology field. My expertise is well-rounded (Linux, AIX, C/C++/C#, Java, Oracle, RHCE, among many, many others)."

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You can also find rd every week in our Military Monday threads - Vet Group 4. He served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne @ Ft. Bragg, NC, from 1990-1993. Thank you for serving, rd!

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For more on what makes rdb3 tick, about his politics and his Christian beliefs, he has this to say:

While I'm firmly planted on the political Right, I no longer consider myself a conservative because the definition of that term is murky. I'll admit that my political stance is hard to pin down, other than the fact that I'm a vociferous anti-Leftist. I also have no problem admitting that I detest Democrats and what they stand for on a level that would seem inhumane. However, I would be a political vagabond because I don't have a political home. Go figure. No matter how one looks at it, just know that I relish the autonomy gained by sprinting away from that God-forsaken plantation mentality. I take my faith in Christ seriously and without doubt (non-denominational/Calvinist).

Married for seven years, together for ten (with one stepson), rd says his pretty wife, pictured below, "still gives him butterflies!"

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There's way more to this guy! You could check his profile page and see much more than revealed here. He's been a FReeper since December 2, 2000; he flies three flags on his page - Ohio, Arkansas, and Texas:

           

He plays the bass guitar and the violin. His musical taste is very eclectic (just don't play country around him, he says!). He writes short stories and poetry and has an artistic side, as evidenced by the Dark Knight drawing below, which he did six and a half years ago in CIS229 class at SMU.

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And last, I love to cook. BBQ is almost religious to me (if you can pick up a brisket with a fork and remove it from the grill, then it is no good, or, if you need sauce with your BBQ, then it is no good).

That's about it. Nothing special. I'm a regular man.~ rdb3

A "Regular Man"...
...And Today's Finest!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 01-19-04 Military Monday

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man
at
danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

[Aeronaut]

Congrats on "your day." Glad you're here.

[Billie]

I am floored! Just wait until my wife sees this.

:) You like it then? I am glad! Awfully glad you had so many pictures on your profile page to choose from!

[Billie]

What a complicated piece of equipment! Glad you showed it both ways!

[lonestar]

You're coming up in the world. :)

[Billie]

Morning, lonestar. :)

[The Mayor]

Coffee ? Always, if coffee wasn't here everyone would be still sleeping..

[The Mayor]

(If Jesse Jack$on and I meet, face to face, it's gonna be a misunderstanding...)

A man after my heart!

Enjoy your day, and Hello to your Wife from the finest crew on the Web!

I'm just a leg, who the heck would want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane ? I got razzed all the time from the 10th Special Forces group. Bunch of great guys!

[Mama_Bear]

How nice to have a FReeper in the spotlight today, Billie. What a nice profile you have presented of yet another exceptional FReeper.

It is a pleasure an honor to meet you rdb3! I had the best time reading about you. FReepers are the most fascinating people! Enjoy your day in the Finest spotlight and thank you for your contributions to FreeRepublic.

Good morning all. Have a wonderful day!

[Billie]

Coffee ? Always, if coffee wasn't here everyone would be still sleeping..

[Billie]

It is a pleasure an honor to meet you rdb3! I had the best time reading about you.

I had the best time putting all the pieces of info and pics together. :)

[MeekOneGOP]

Yeah !

[Temple Owl]

Good morning Billie and rdb3. Please have a great day.

[MEG33]

Terrific post and layout,Billie.

I knew I enjoyed your posts but had no idea that you were so talented,a cum laude graduate of SMU and knew how to BarBQue a perfect brisket,too.Perfect BarB Q should never need sauce,indeed!Loved your story.Welcome to the Finest!

[Billie]

ood morning, Mr. Owl - staying warm?

[Texagirl4W]

Good Morning, Billie, all. I just love the Pledge Of Allegiance flag. I'll have to check out the other post later this evening after President Bush gives his speech.

Dear Lord, watch over him tonight. They will be coming at him with all barrels cocked and ready to blast him.

[Aquamarine]

Great opener for a great guy!

Way to go rdb3! Interesting family you have there.

[Billie]

Hi, Meg, and thank you for the compliment on the layout. I hope rd will be back throughout the day as he can. :)

[Billie]

Good morning! Yes, I know what you mean - they will be out to tear him down with every point he makes tonight.

[MEG33]

Amen,Texa.May God be with President Bush.