I chose the name Nataraj (pronounced like "not a mirage" without the "mi-") when I embarked on my neo-Pagan spiritual path approximately ten years ago. It is a Sanskrit word, and it reminds me to tap into the creative and transformative power of the universe. It is a derivative of the name of Shiva Nataraja, or Shiva the Transformer. In this role, Shiva is simultaneously responsible for creation and destruction of the universe, the trampling of ignorance, and the calming of our worries.

What makes Nataraj tick...

In no particular order of precedence, the following are my hobbies and/or defining activities:
Reading - I am an avid reader, particularly science fiction and fantasy. My favorite authors include Michael Moorcock (Elric series), Steve Perry (Man Who Never Missed series), and Mercedes Lackey. I *hate* ongoing-series books (the Elric series was originally written as linked short stories for pulp fiction magazines) and am currently "on strike" and only buying books that are not part of a series. A pox on J.R.R. Tolkien for setting the trend!
Micro-brewed Beers - This is a great time to be a beer drinker! There are some really good brewpubs near my home, and when I travel I seek them out. So far my favorite brewpubs are: the Great Dane in Madison, WI, the Deschutz Brewery pub in Bend, OR, the Ragtime in Jacksonville, FL, and the Half Moon Brewery in Half Moon Bay, CA.
Music - I buy a lot of music and seek out raucous world beat artists. Currently on my heavy-rotation list is: The Ravonettes, Kristi Stassinopoulou, Tea Party, Garmarna, The Donnas.
Drumming - Both my wife and I play drums, and have a nice collection of Arabic tabla and African djembes and ashikos. I have assembled a nice pamphlet of Arabic rhythms which I intend to get out here on my web page Real Soon Now. It's HERE!
Dancing - Since I suspended my martial arts training, I filled the niche with two kinds of dancing. First I started Contact Improv(isational Dance and found it much to my liking, if difficult to explain. Next I started studying Middle Eastern dance (more commonly refered to as belly dance in America) under Zhong Yi Kung Fu. I have done limited studying of Muay Thai kickboxing, aikido, capoeira, and fencing (rapier and dagger or buckler).
Motorcycles - I am an unapologetic motorcycle junkie. I currently ride a 2001 MZ Baghira Street Moto (an insanely fun supermotard style bike), a 1999 Buell M2 Cyclone, and a custom built 540cc single (Yamaha SR500 engine) sportbike (Suzuki GS500E chassis). My wife also rides (eat your heart out!) and currently owns a 2001 Buell Blast! (a 500 single) and a 1990 Harley Davidson 883 Sportster. If you ride, contact us.
Kitty Lover - I am currently owned by two cool male cats: Romeo (the lover boy - a Maine Coon), and Captain Hook (the scoundrel - who plays, purrs, and bitches with equal vigor).
Kilts - I wear kilts. I prefer the full kilt (with the whole over-the-shoulder thing going on), and routinely wear them in public. Since you're probably wondering, the answer is: Nothing.

To earn my salary, I work as a Logistics System Specialist for a national footwear retailer.