Note: I don't IM on OKCupid since it tends to lock-up my browser.

A mild-mannered tech entrepreneur by day and impassioned fiction writer by night, I thrive on problem-solving and delving into the deeper questions. With a love for things that scare me soundly (like performing improv, acting, and poetry on stage), I desire passion in some respect from those I love. I won't stand for shallow thinking or BS. That's Snarky Nate talking.

Few things touch me as much as being out in nature. I love the experience of waking up to the clean, crisp air of morning in a coniferous forest, and smelling the campsite coffee brewing. Exploring the area for the day, nothing but hiking around and talking and living, is sublime.

I also enjoy the more urban (not necessarily urbane) trappings: dark beer, red wine, lively conversation, live music in little clubs, symphony orchestras, festivals, indie films and Hollywood movies, authentic little exotic restaurants, and even karaoke once in a while.

I've been called a softie, in that I don't hide my generous nature beneath a shell of pernicious poisoned prickles. I can be a bit sentimental. But I also joke around with my friends, tossing out slings and arrows of outrageous torture, and know how to have a good time. I have a quirky sense of humor; sometimes dorky, occasionally inspired. I'm not religious, but do like the idea that we're part of a larger whole (which other readers of Fritjof Capra will appreciate). My philosophy of life closely matches that of Taoism. I'm open minded enough to discuss such matters and respect others for their views.

I'm not the most outgoing person in the world; as much as I love my friends, I need a little self-time to unwind. On that note... I test as an INFP*. The following excerpt from the test results I think is right on: "As a romantic partner, you are supportive and nurturing, however, you have a high need for individuality. You feel the most appreciated when your partner listens to you carefully." I've found that the only way to be with someone is in an honest and supportive relationship, the "let's talk about it" kind, the kind which requires insight and the ability to handle difficult conversations.

* Details: Midway to the introvert end of the scale (more E than that when I warm up), midway to intuitive, extremely feeling, and prefer to go with the flow.

Damn good question. i trained to be a software engineer, but can't fathom the prospect of quietly dying in a cubicle for the next 30 years. I love to write fiction and poetry, but am having trouble building up a rigorous and disciplined schedule for it.

Fact is, I'm looking for a way to make a difference in the world (not to be cliche), and enjoy the ride while doing it. If you have any ideas, please please please drop me a note!

Apparently, Calvinball! Anyone up for a game?

I thought I was an excellent air hockey player. Nothing like a few crappy games to reign in an ego! So I'll qualify the following cautiously: I think I'm a decent writer, okay at tennis, and a not too shabby cook. I can make pretty decent maki sushi, am learning to hand make bread, made delicious steamed shao-mai, and made a pretty decent first try at cha siu baau. (If you don't yet know about the lovely world of dim sum, I won't hold it against you. I'll just get you to try it.)

I'm a superb listener, and nothing engages me in a conversation more than helping someone figure out a philosophical or personal problem.

Physically, probably my eyes. If they're looking anywhere else, it's awfully rude of them not to mention it.

Live without TV? Sure... Live without Public Radio? Forget it... so I'll mention it here. Love "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me" and "This American Life"!

Volumes: the Rama series, Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series, most of the Discworld books (guess I have a thing for British humor), Louise Erdrich, Lao Tzu, Everyday Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck, and the likes of Carl Sagan's The Demon-Haunted World and Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion, whose clear rationality finally converted me to atheism.

Flicks: Serenity, The Joy Luck Club, Dead Poets Society, Lord of the Rings (yes, so sad I have yet to read it, but there's only so much time in life, and we must be selective), the Matrix (just the first one), Waking Ned Divine, Monsters Inc...

Tunes: Ray Yates, Peter Meyer, LA and the Time Keepers, anything with taiko drumming, Heidi Berry, Dar Williams, Dave Matthews, Duke Ellington, Jem, U2, Sarah McLachlan, Sting, Stones, Beatles, Miles Davis, Art Tatum, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Talking Heads... I listen to KFAI, KNOW, the Current, like jazz, blues, classical, even top 40 pop-rock, and will listen to nearly anything interesting.

Chow: Sushi/sashimi (mmm.... forgive the drool), dim sum, lasagna, Siberian pelmeni at Moscow on the Hill...

Besides the basics: clean water, clear air, and good food...

1. Friendship. This is a no-brainer, and needs no explanation.

2. Love. Real love, too, not the crap they show on TV. The love of a deep friendship, the love of someone simply because we're so damn good together.

3. Hope. In so many things... Hope that politicians will lead with wisdom rather than bravado, hope that people will put thought before violence, hope that a bridge doesn't vanish from under my car while I'm crossing the Mississippi. And so on.

4. Conflict. Well, I can do without this constantly, but we all need a certain amount to keep things interesting. As I once heard someone say, what would you do in utopia? Get bored.

5. Wonder. Nature, the universe, mathematics, music... they all produce a sense of awe, without which life can fall into a mundane march of days.

6. Sex. Awesomely good sex, too, not the crap they show on TV. Sex that leaves your whole body humming from the inside out, and when you awaken the next morning your first thought is "Hey, that was good". (Perhaps closely followed by "Let's do that again!" :) )

Life. The incalculable human equation. Why I have little rhythm. Whether my next major decision will cause a positive change. How to improve life -- for all.

Probably relaxing and watching a movie, a bowl of popcorn at hand. Or heading out to enjoy some local music. Occasionally catching up with friends at happy hour.

Jeez, the rest of this profile hasn't been revealing enough? You're a tough sell.

I'm not a very good dancer, but want to improve that. (I know, I just lost a ton of bonus points with most of you.) What my date feels or thinks actually has an effect on me. I really am a nice guy, and don't think anyone in the dating world should be punished for being decent. When first meeting someone I might seem fairly shy -- but that melts away quickly once the ice is broken.

... you're an INFJ who enjoys healthy socializing. Actually, if you're any of the classifications and can discuss it thoughtfully.

... you can prepare chocolate desserts for which a monarch would trade a kingdom.

... you get a thrill from conversations that delve deep and steal the hours.

OR, you just think I'm kinda cute and want to say hi.