Joe Austin

(Joe is looking forward to writing something about himself for this space. You can encourage him!)

We caught up wtih Joe recently and asked him 10 questions. We'll be chasing down the rest of the Prodigal Sons over the next few weeks.

You'll notice that one question was answered with a question. If you want to learn the answer to that one, you'll need to catch Joe before or after a performance!

1. What were your best/worst subjects in school?

Best: PE. I love sports and enjoyed the variety of sports throughout the seasons. I even got into running for a short time.

Worst: Math. I could never understand the equations and logic in Algebra. I tried again in college but got to the same point I couldn't get past. 

2. What is your favorite movie? 

There are way too many to choose from. I have some favorite comedies, westerns, dramas, action, musicals, classics, and even like watching some of the Valentines and Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel.

However, one movie that comes to mind is Angel On My Shoulder from 1946. Not necessarily for the acting but for the subject matter.

3. If you could be a super hero, what would be your one super power?

It would have to be the ability to fly (without a cape). I used to have dreams where I could fly and it was fantastic. I'd want to be able to fly at any speed so floating, coasting or zipping through the air would be awesome. Imagine flying through the Grand Canyon, or getting to Hawaii in a matter of moments.

4. What's your favorite holiday?

Has to be Christmas. I enjoy the lights, colors, music, and especially the faces and reactions of children as they open a gift or see Santa. We also can't forget the origins of Christmas and the reason for the season. Hint - it's not shopping!

5. What's your favorite place to eat?

This really depends on my mood and what sounds good. But I do have a few favorites:

- Hong's Gourmet in Saratoga (Chinese)

- Bombay Garden in Fremont (Indian with a fantastic buffet)

- St. John's Bar & Grill in Sunnyvale (hamburgers)

- Erik's Deli anywhere (sandwiches)

- Barefoot Bar & Grill in Maui (live music and atmosphere)

- Merriman's in Maui (great food & sunsets)

6. What is the best advice you've been given? 

My mother asked me, before I got married, that even though I grew up, lived with and loved my brothers and sisters, did we always get along with each other? Of course the answer was no. She then told me how much more difficult it can be for people from two different backgrounds and trying living together can sometimes have problems and seem to not get along. It doesn't mean we don't love each other. Very simple but true. Thanks Mom!

7. What's the last book you read? 

Where The Wind Leads by Vinh Chung. This book is a memoir about the struggles of a family that fled Vietnam in 1979 by boat, did not know if they would survive, became refugees and started life over in the United States.

8. What is the best gift you've ever received? 

Marriage to my lovely wife. She has been such a blessing as we have gone through life, raised our kids, and continue to enjoy each other's company.

9. What is one thing you wish you'd known when you were younger?

That my father would pass away at a young age. My dad died just as I was starting my own family and I had so many questions I wanted to ask him including, how did he raise a family of six kids while holding down a job? What motivated him? I wanted to ask about his childhood and life in Vermont, how he met and fell in love with my mom, and so many other questions. He loved kids and would have enjoyed his grandchildren.

10. What was the question you were hoping I'd ask?

"What's your favorite music group or artist?"