A good question! After all these years I got to know myself quite well.

Here is something about me.

I have been interested in cars from a very early age on. In addition I like to make things work and have always repaired items that were broken. When I visit some friends or family they often have a list of things for me to do. When I get a new item I almost want to take it apart and put it together again to make it completely mine.

My affliction with cars has also given me some struggles with my conscience. Therefore I use my expertise and practical experience to lessen the environmental impact of cars.

I can tell you a "secret": I was made in Germany. Maybe that's why I like European cars, particularly Volkswagens. I live in western Canada now. North American engineering in vehicles has never excited me much. I prefer European and Japanese vehicles, but have also converted many North American trucks and vans.

I like to travel too. My travel vehicle is a VW Vanagon Syncro TDI. It is a Vanagon that has been converted from a gasoline to a Diesel engine. I have started a list about that on the internet where people from all over exchange ideas and technical know how about that. (tdi-conversion at yahoogroups.com). If you happen to own a Vanagon Westie and like to travel in North America - especially in the Pacific Northwest - you should connect with Wetwesties (Wetwesties at yahoogroups.com) and will probably find an eclectic bunch of likeminded people.

I like to pass on the knowledge that I have gained through study and years of practical experience. I do this by giving workshops or leading discussion groups. I have tested the skin on my knuckles many times and keep on gaining more wisdom with every bit of pain. I will let you ponder the implications.

I like to help people to be more environmentally and socially conscious and I am doing my part to make it happen. You can always call me up on that. My contact information is below.

I work together with several other people and that's why I often speak of "we". Ed Beggs of Plantdrive (www.plantdrive.ca) and I consult frequently regarding plant oil conversions. I have several friends who are mechanics and are open to share their expertise. To master all the challenges we have to work as a team, don't we?

Dr. Björn

P.S. My involvement with people and the world has many other facets. You can visit www.integratedcommunication.ca to see another side.