My MO (modus operandi) is to identify fields before they become interesting and leave the field once it becomes popular. I have a rather strong view that data collection must be driven by a strong desire to deeply understand the physics of the underlying phenomenon. To this end, IMNHO, observers should have deep technical skills in the area of their research AND must have an excellent grasp of basic physics. I admire George Ellery Hale for his visionary leadership (it is the telescopes that enable discovery; the astronomer, in most instances, is merely the mid-person) and the contrarian Fritz Zwicky for his creativity. My current interests: stellar death, radio transients and the interstellar medium.