About Russ & His Interests
About Russ Harvey - Computers - Writing - Organ Donation & Transplantation - Medical Links
About Russ Harvey
Personal Life
I live with my wife, Michelle, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Visit her Craftgal site to learn more about Michelle and her crafts.
Both Michelle and I have had kidney transplants and have needed to deal with renal (kidney) disease going back into our childhood. This has had a significant impact on our lives, particularly in later years. We met because of this common history and through associations that help renal patients. More about that later.
My Interests
My main interests are computers and writing.
Other interests include reading, my church, a number of volunteer activities and Sudoku puzzles.
Computers & Internet
Russ Harvey Consulting
I combined my interests and skills as a writer with my knowledge of Web design and computers to start Russ Harvey Consulting—a computer and Internet services company.
I'm currently working mostly with Windows, but I’ve become familiar with a broad range of software and hardware (both current and older versions) that run on various operating systems.
Web Design
I have developed and maintain a number of Web sites. I create sites by hand and this gives me the flexibility to develop them using current techniques without worrying about the limitations of the software and makes them more durable as standards change.
My 'Sometimes' Blog
I created a blog, Russ’ Rants, then changed this personal sub-site to reflect the similar style. It will be evident that I don’t spend a lot of time adding content to this blog.
My blog was part of my research for altering blog layouts matching Website designs before designing this site and changing the related blogs. You can follow the blog links to see the similarities.
History
I’ve been working with computers since the early 1970’s, experiencing the rapid development of many of the technologies employed by the personal computer today.
From main-frame computers (operated with punch cards) to current hand-held micro devices, it has been a fascinating journey.
Multiple Operating Systems
An innate curiosity and natural ability has allowed me to learn how to run several operating systems over the years, including various versions of Microsoft Windows, Linux, Macintosh, DOS (command-line computing) and IBM OS/2 & eCS. I’m currently intrigued by the promise of Ubuntu (based upon Debian Linux) as a free and easy-to-learn alternative to Windows.
My Writing
Genres
In addition to creating and editing content for Websites, I write non-fiction, short fiction and poetry as well as original content for greeting cards.
I enjoy the majesty of words and playing with word pictures. I experience this most powerfully in short fiction and poetry.
My non-fiction has included articles and how-to pieces related to computers and the Internet. I became interested in researching and writing articles on toxic substances, alternative health options and similar issues because my own health was declining, eventually resulting in my kidney transplant.
Memberships
I’m a professional Member of the Canadian Authors Association, a national professional writing association that offers networking, support and education to beginning and experienced writers.
You can learn more about my writing on my Writing & Editing Services page.
Writing Relationships
I serve as the CAA’s National Webmaster and maintain the Ottawa Branch, Toronto Branch, Vancouver Branch and Victoria & Islands Branch Websites. I’ve also served two terms as the British Columbia Regional VP, overseeing three CAA branches, as well as various other positions within the Victoria & Islands Branch (currently the President).
I’ve also been involved with the Victoria School of Writing and West Shore Arts Council, serving as Webmaster and on their boards.
Organ Donation & Transplantation
My Kidney Transplant
I received the priceless gift of a kidney transplant from my brother, Todd. After waiting two and one-half years, I received my new kidney on April 17th, 1996!
I no longer need to schedule my activities around four sessions of peritoneal dialysis a day and have fewer diet restrictions.
Obtaining More Information
You can find more information on my Organ Donation & Transplantation page, including current information about the waiting list for organs in British Columbia and the various ways that you can make a difference in reducing the wait for transplant patients.
Register Your Wishes
If you are a British Columbia resident, I’d encourage you to register yourself and your family on-line now. It can make it much easier for your family to make a life-giving decision if your wishes are recorded.
Medical Links Page
I maintain a series of medical links in the following categories:
- Traditional medicine
- Organ donation & transplantation
- Other renal sites
- Hospital sites
- Consumer health information
- Nutritional information
- Alternative medicine
- Toxic substances
Be sure to read the information at the top of the page. It is not my intention to have these resources replace your health team, but to be a resource for self-directed research into medical issues.
www.russharvey.bc.ca/russ/index.html
Updated: June 12, 2008
