I'm the product of loving parents and a liberal Boston fantasyland. In my world, people mean well and I tend to give them the benefit of the doubt. I'm good-natured and I'll take you at face value. Whenever I start to think that I can no longer be surprised, I am. And though those are the sometimes-uncomfortable growing-up moments, I'm always relieved that I haven't seen it all.

I'm grounded.

I can get very excited about grammar, which I find fascinating. If I could do nothing more than learn languages for the rest of my life, I would be happy as a clam.

I have a perennial need to communicate and iron out misunderstandings. For some this is a horror -- for others, the only way to a harmonious relationship. What's your take?

I've experienced a lot for my age and appreciate people who have something to share. I'm a friendly guy, and you should definitely say hello. :-)

Trying to talk myself into finishing the last few pages of "Blink" (is there such think as reader's block?) and currently reading "Freakonomics," even though I'm a little overdue. :-)