Who Are We
The correct question, I suppose, should be "Who am I?" Well, my name is Bill Parrette (rhymes with barrette, a clasp for holding one's hair in place). I have been involved with computers and software since 1976. In 1985 I had the opportunity to switch from being a software engineer to being a "knowledge transference" engineer -- i.e. an instructor -- teaching, writing, and learning everything about UNIX, C, and related topics. I have been published twice through McGraw-Hill on those same topics, and I put up my first personal Web-site back in 1996.
In 1995, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease -- the same movement disorder that struck Michael J. Fox (and, many others). I'm nowhere near as good looking or wealthy as Mr. Fox, so, I have had to find and use other methods to continue to "keep my head above water" as life keeps testing my ability to cope with its many (and sometimes necessary) twisted and bumpy paths.
In July of 2002, another one of life's tests popped up as I became unemployed. I spent the 13 months that followed searching for a job with absolutely no success. In July of 2003 -- after watching much of my savings disappear -- I finally decided that something had to be done and began a search for a "job" that would allow me to work from home.
Even though there are thousands of companies that sell their merchandise through corporate Web-sites; even though there are probably tens of thousands of personal Web-sites trying to make a living by selling similar merchandise in their own personal Web-stores; I decided to jump into the fray, open up my own on-line Web-stores, and see if I couldn't try to help pay for my medications, the mounting bills ...
... AND to have a little fun, and meet some new folks. So, in conjunction with Amazon.com, I created this GFR Web-store! Just remember -- as you browse the available merchandise -- to keep Shinin; On ...
William A. Parrette9960 Butler-Warren Line Rd
Cincinnati
OH 45241-3400
(513)234-8149
wap@parrette.net
