I'm a down-to-earth, creative guy who enjoys hiking, traveling, exploring, reading, and learning new things. When I travel, I like to visit non-touristy places where I can interact with local folks, and when I'm in L.A., I love to try new hole-in-the-wall restaurants and people-watch in Hollywood.

I haven't traveled around the U.S. much, but I've done my share of globe-trotting, and I did a brief stint in the Peace Corps, until civil war interrupted my stay (I was evacuated by helicopter).

As for my ethnicity, my father is Lebanese and my mother is Jewish (of Eastern-European heritage). They met at UCLA in the mid-60's. Quite a mix, huh?

There's lots more to tell, but I'd rather talk to you on the phone -- or over a cup of coffee or a margarita -- than write a novel here.

Working, hiking, writing (or thinking about writing), practicing open chords on my acoustic guitar (especially the dreaded B chord), reading the L.A. Times and drinking a four-shot Caffe Americano every morning -- and trying to figure out what comes next in my life.

Professionally, I teach high-school English, and this is my fifteenth year in the classroom. I work hard and pride myself on pushing my students - and thoroughly editing their essays - but I don't plan to work as a full-time teacher for more than another few years. I also have a real-estate broker's license and I enjoy working on my home(s). I'm especially good at making plumbing repairs - and at demolition. :)

If we end up dating, you can answer this one yourself.

Many people have noticed my eyes - and a resemblance to a tennis star whose name rhymes with "haggissy." (Yeah, I know that's not a word.)

I read a novel on average every two months, and I read the L.A. Times and online news every single day. I've just finished rereading Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms" with a group of students, and every time I read it I appreciate it more.

I don't watch much television, but I listen to lots of public radio and I love to go to the movies. My favorite theater chains are the Laemmle and Landmark, but I'm willing to compromise and see a blockbuster every so often.

Musically, I like a lot of hard rock and music from the 60's and 70's, but I'm open to other types of music as well. The Beatles are an all-time favorite.

I recently "discovered" Sixto Rodriguez and I love these two songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgQ-QrCFMjs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVdWXqtk484

1. Good, stimulating conversation.
2. Travel.
3. Hiking in the mountains - mostly the Verdugos, the San Gabriels, and Griffith Park.
4. A good internet connection.
5. My daily newspaper.
6. Faire l'amour.

Where will I travel next? When are my lime, peach, and blood-orange trees going to begin pulling their weight and repay me for all the water I pour on them? Should I go for a hike today after work?

A lot of women on OkCupid say they're searching for a "partner in crime." Why does this website attract so many female criminals? :)

I've also thought a lot about my future and what other career I might find as fulfilling as my current one. I give a lot of thought to world issues, such as the recent liberation struggles in Syria, Libya, Bahrain, and Yemen.

Lastly, and perhaps most relevant, will I find a down-to-earth, non-materialistic, intellectually-curious, passionate, warm, sexy woman to be my lover and life partner before I qualify for AARP membership?

Hiking in the early evening, especially if the weather is cool, or meeting a friend (or a date) for a movie, dinner, a drink, or all of the above. Either that, or I'm sitting on my futon at home, feet up on a chair, listening to public radio, catching up on the newspaper, watching a DVD, or talking on the phone.

When I listen to a lot of Beatles songs, I end up with tears in my eyes. Same thing with Smokey Robinson's "I Second that Emotion" and "Tears of a Clown," Marvin Gaye + Tammy Terrell's "You're All I Need (To Get By)," and a handful of other songs.

... you're a genuine human being who isn't afraid to show a bit of vulnerability. I know everyone wants to put their best foot forward on these sites and appear confident and strong -- but I'm not Superman and I'm not looking for Superwoman. I'm just looking for a real person, flaws and all, and I'm guessing that you're looking for the same thing.