THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 24, 1994 TAG: 9408230121
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CLOSE-UP
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
``Who Taught You About Money?'' That's not a question. It's the name of Richard Harris' new book aimed at middle-school children and geared toward teaching them about finances.
Harris, more known as a businessman or surfer than as an author, said he wrote the book to help kids keep what they make or use what they make. In rhyme, he explains 25 basic money concepts and the main character is a banker.
The book is fun, but he's serious about the subject. By the year 2000 he would like to see schools offer a mandatory class that teaches basic money management.
``I don't know if that will ever happen, but this book is my contribution,'' he said. ``Maybe I'll become known as the Dr. Seuss of financial matters.''
Full name: Richard Thomas Harris.
Hometown: East Ocean View, Norfolk.
What brought you to the Beach? In 1972, my 1971 Datsun wagon - looking for improved lifestyle.
Birthdate: Feb. 24, 1945.
Occupation: Cigna Financial Advisors Inc. - specializing in wealth conservation and business succession planning.
Nickname: Known among friends; it might not be understood by others.
Marital status: Married Carol Craig, my high school sweetheart, 28 years ago. She is my best friend.
Children: Kelly Needham married to Chuck, Corey my youngest daughter and Craig, my son.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Morning devotions, a 4-mile run in my neighborhood or the Boardwalk, beach with the family and having them over for dinner.
Last smart thing you did: Took Carol to New York City last December for a weekend of shopping and the Radio City Christmas show.
Last dumb thing you did: Placed my wife's car keys on the hood of my car so I'd be sure not to lose them and drove off. We're still looking.
Favorite meal: ``Fruitte de mare,'' selected seafood over angel hair pasta bathed in marinara sauce.
Favorite movies: ``Sleepless in Seattle,'' ``Cool Hand Luke,'' most Steve McQueen movies, ``Dragon, the Bruce Lee Story.''
Favorite song: ``Amazing Grace'' and ``A Pirate Looks at 40'' by Buffett.
Last book read: Joshua (Old Testament) and ``The Client'' by John Grisham.
Hobbies: Fitness stuff. Dr. Ken Cooper's book ``Aerobics'' in 1968 got me running, and I started with weight training in 1970.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I'd be better organized to optimize my time and minimize frustration.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Her attitude about working out.
Secret vice: I love desserts of practically any kind.
Favorite restaurant: Ship's Cabin (Joe Hoggard helped me get my first date with Carol) and several Beach eateries.
Your favorite night on the town: Dinner and a movie or a party with dancing
Favorite TV shows: ``Coach,'' ``Home Improvement,'' ``Lois and Clark, the New Adventures of Superman.''
Favorite sport: Wrestling, volleyball, surfing, tennis, biking.
Last vacation: Surfing in Costa Rica with Craig, Chuck (son-in-law) and Chris Gega (Corey's boyfriend).
Pets: Megan, a 10-year-old miniature schnauzer, and Frisco, a SPCA special
Worst job: Laying hardwood floors in my home.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Any positive influence I have on my children and the book I have just written.
What would you like on your epitaph? He lived, he loved, he laughed for his faith, his family and his friends (in that order). ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS
by CNB