I'll start with some random, candid admissions: I once ran into the door of a Porta-Potty (not on purpose), I can wiggle my eyebrows and ears at the same time, I kept the light in my closet on to ward off monsters until I was about 12, I like to walk fast but eat dessert slowly, I like to put chips inside my turkey sandwiches, I don't like to play video games, I like people watching and eavesdropping on others' conversations even though I know it's impolite, I own too many button-down shirts and I know it, I would rather be too cold than too warm, I abhor mayonnaise, I read the book "Ben and Me" when I was 8 and thought it was non-fiction, I like to dip biscotti in my coffee but then hate dealing with the soggy crumbs afterward, and when I find a song I like, I play it over and over again, then I find another song and repeat the process. Why did I start by telling you these tidbits? Because I think that someone's quirks convey a lot about the person, and the fact that I'm willing to share them should tell you more. Of course, I have a few more embarrassing factoids, but you'll have to pry them out of me. I know how to be serious, but prefer being relaxed. I don't mind laughing at myself. If something goes wrong, my usual response is "no problem." I like running in the parks, aimlessly walking around the city, watching Lost and Heroes, photography, movies, and following politics and the news. I prefer bars and lounges to clubs. I like to play baseball, soccer, and others, but be forewarned I'm not into watching sports (except the Super Bowl, etc.). Favorite magazines are the Economist and the New Yorker. And someday I swear I'll be able to finish a NYT crossword puzzle.... btw, the beard was a temporary thing just for kicks, and was shaved off months ago.

I'm a professor at a school in Manhattan, and I love it.

Connect Four. Seriously. I was class champion in 5th grade. Think you can bring it? I have a few other talents (running into porta-potties apparently is one of them), but have to keep some things a surprise.

I asked a female writer friend of mine and she said my "infectious, good-natured smile and countenance." I'll take that.

Then I asked a male colleague of mine and he said "a cross between Milhouse from the Simpsons and Flounder from Animal House." What a pal.

Favorite meal: Dessert (my sweet tooth knows no bounds)

Favorite movies: Fight Club, Shawshank Redemption, Usual Suspects, .... standards, I know. But I don't know you well enough to admit that I cried during The Little Mermaid.

Favorite books: Godfather, Contact, Microserfs, The Phantom Tollbooth. Recently been reading more non-fiction, especially about American history (e.g. revolutionary war period).

Music: anything but country. I grew up liking classic rock (Led Zepp, Hendrixx, Pink Floyd), then switched to mostly hiphop in college. My playlists might have some bootlegged Jay-Z, some live Jack Johnson, and Imogen Heap all mixed in. I sometimes catch myself singing the Rent soundtrack in the shower. Recently been listening to Zee Avi (if you like Regina Spektor or Norah Jones, you should check her out).

1. Friends
2. Sex (because I'd be lying if I didn't put this here somewhere)
3. Learning new things
4. Internet (because "it's for porn!")
5. Good conversation
6. A commute shorter than 30 minutes
7. Diet Pepsi and coffee
8. Sweets (ice cream, chocolate, sour patch kids, Haribo gummy bears,...I could go on)
9. Stupid action movies
10. Making a list of favorites that only has 6 items

My research and my teaching. Hey, they are part of the job...

Otherwise, I often try to plan days where I'll wander around the city with my camera just taking photos. Unfortunately, there always seems to be something more pressing for me to do. I can't wait until I have tenure.

Out with friends at dinner, at a bar, in a lounge, in a coffee shop, watching a movie, listening to a band, going to a comedy club, etc..... the usual.

I like to walk fast. Sometimes, I don't notice small dogs while I'm walking until the last second, and have to practically dive to avoid stepping on them.

But, secretly, I occasionally imagine punting them without a care. I can picture them sailing through the air in a broad arc as their owner watches helplessly in horror.

Don't get me wrong - I actually like dogs (especially beagles and English bulldogs), but if they are small and taking up the sidewalk, they might be at risk. Just sayin.

1. You liked my admissions and are willing to share some of your own. Intellect is a definite turn on.

2. You live in New York state. Preferably in Manhattan. No offense to Brooklynites, but I live on the opposite end of the island.

3. You spell correctly and use correct grammar.

4. You do not "work hard and play hard." Dear reader, if you are one of those people, it only sounds like you're trying too hard.

I prefer emails to winks. The message should preferably contain something other than a bland, open-ended question like "how was your weekend?"