Hmmph... That's a long story. Suffice it to say that there was this python out in the Australian bush. As I tripped over it, it looked at me and its hypnotic eyes seemed to say "go get a life". Which is what I proceeded to do. The rest, as they say, is history.

General Technological Curmudgeon

Books: mainly Jack Vance, plus a slew of minor gods.
Music: the Peter Hammill scene, the Bright Eyes scene, and the entire post- and art-rock scenes. Also add a little emo, indie, and alternative scenery...
Movies: Kurosawa, Greenaway, Lynch, and assorted cult.