It all started thanks to some Baja sand and a Sea of Cortez dream, but… before then:

I led branding for EMC’s $1.5B software portfolio, the 7th largest enterprise software company in the world. Back in the day, in the 1980s, I used to build, sell and then service (the end-to-end cycle!) IBM PS/2s and “compatibles” in a small Ottawa store called Mr. Diskette.

As a hobby, my Dad and I started a newsletter ‘Foghorn’ (using Apple ][ Gutenberg software, and cut & paste — the real scissors and paper kind) for teachers and the educational market.

In 1994, I launched my first blog (just a "web site" at the time) humbly called 'Clintworld' which chronicled high tech, travel and gadgets. WordPress didn't exist so I manually entered the dates for each journal entry. Looking back now I know what living in a bubble looks like.

In 2007, I started writing about the Baja homebuilding experience: mañana, builder bankruptcies, Scorpion Bay. It began to grow fans and critics alike, many from the San Francisco area. Soon, the site featured wineries, articles about the arts, and, increasingly, videos. Before long "Stark Insider" was born.

On the educational front I completed the Stanford University Executive Marketing program, a memorable experience. I also hold an MBA from the University of Ottawa, and a Bachelors degree from Carleton University. But, believe you-me, I realize: I'm still not as smart or talented as Loni.

Some things you may not know (or care to know) about me:

• Sean Connery -- aka the James Bond -- worked for my grandfather (Ron Stark), shining coffins in Scotland (true!)

• In the 1980's I played keyboards (Korg M1, Roland D-50 and Dr. K. baby!) for the band 'Hit & Run' which gained a college following and Canadian radio airplay featuring several live concerts at the Barrymore's club in Ottawa. I still have a dusty demo cassette somewhere in the closet, but have hopefully destroyed all those 80s hair photos.

• My first car was a brown AMC Gremlin with a three-speed (and occasional fire) on the floor.

• Huge fan of gadgets and self-confessed early adopter. Some of my favorites: Squeezebox (great open source s/w - now owned by Logitech) for whole home audio, Netflix streaming (so long cable/satellite), PS3 Media Server for serving up movies on the big screen via the PS3, Cellartracker - the cloud meets the grapes, Google Docs, Moto Droid (firstgen, from Nov 2009), and, of course, the iPad.

• I'm a member of the American Theater Critics Association (ATCA), the only national association of professional theatre critics.

• In 2000 and 2002, I played in the San Jose Sharks teal and white charity hockey games at the HP Pavilion with former NHL players Pat Falloon, Doug Wilson, Doug Pederson, Jamie Baker and Marty McSorley. It was an amazing experience!