I'm a progressive college student currently attending the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at NYU. I previously attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs OH, but it closed and I decided to move on. My areas of concentration are Theatre Management and Political Science, and I aspire to produce political theatre (pardon the redundancy) and eventually manage political campaigns. Essentially, you could say that I'm majoring in Propaganda. But don't worry, I'm a true Machiavellian, so there's little cause for alarm (bonus points if you understand what I'm talking about here).

It should be fairly clear by now that I enjoy politics. Yeah, its a dirty business, but there's something about the intricacies of the process that continues to draw me in. Oh, the politics of politics[/whimsicalness]. Personally, I'm pretty far down the liberal bent, but I consider myself a progressivist before a liberal. In other words, while I may not agree with different opinions, I have no less respect for ones that are intelligently formulated. This is a pseudo-democratic society (Federalist Republicanism, if you want to be technical), and that makes not only participation but awareness and due vigilance a necessity. As such, we are at our best when we work together to move forward.

Personally, I consider myself to be a fairly complex personality. I'm highly analytical, and sometimes crippling methodical. While this may cause me to act rather unemotionally at times, this is not because I am a robot, its more that I value my ability to think logically to sort out my problems. I certainly feel emotional, but my cognitive process is thus that negative emotions are not allowed to dominate my evaluative processes for too long. Gosh, big words sure are fun!

Regardless, aside from my ability to rationalize my way out of problems, I consider myself loyal, compassionate, and trustworthy. Though, truth be told, there are limits to my compassion. I take no issue in being there for a friend in need, but if the issue seems to be repeating itself, I will point it out.

Though my sense of the world around may lead some to think that I am wholly cynical, being a progressive does allow me some measure of optimism. Save for a few bumps in the road, the story of society has ever been that of progress. So, while the words of people who consider themselves "anti-progressivist" may be frustrating and hurtful, I take heart in the knowledge that I'm going to win by default.

I'm also a total dork, geek, nerd, or whatever term you prefer for someone that plays DnD and obsesses over one or more academic subjects. Oh yes, its true, I'm one of those. Those strange creatures that flock to conventions and debate whether the +X Sword of Awesomeness would be a better choice than the Robe and Hat of Wizardly Lust (bonus points if you get the reference). But in all seriousness, I do keep such banter to discussions amongst my fellow geeks. I like RPGs, but they're a hobby, not a lifestyle.

Recently, a friend asked me what the two traits that I value most in people are. They are:
1. Conviction: A willingness to defend one's comrades, and one's beliefs.
2. Perspective: The ability to analyze the world and its events through multiple lenses. Additionally, its all well and good to be able to defend one's opinions, but if we're going to, we have to make sure we're fighting for the right thing.

After college I intend to produce and manage some theatre of the political variety. After about 6-10 years of this, I'll head back to grad school for something MBA oriented and then start my own company and wait for my chance to step into politics.

I think I'm fairly good at debate, whether philosophical or nonsensical in nature. Admittedly, I tend to be a bit of a bulldog when I'm talking politics. Though usually this only happens when people are bring up misrepresented information, or are spinning outright lies. Frankly, that's cause enough, right?

My natural inclination upon hearing something that sounds ridiculous is to spin it into comedic side-commentary that waivers between sarcastic and sassy. Sometimes this works out and quite a few people have a nice chuckle. Other times, we all share a awkward moment. Good times.

How exactly would I know this? I would imagine the fact that I'm slightly overweight would probably come to mind, and if I'm wearing the proper attire, then the blueness of my eyes can be quite profound. I also have no conception of "trendy" or "fashionable" unless I specifically dressing up for something.

Books: Lots, and lots, and lots of Greek Philosophy. Political philosophy in general is a good genre for me. I also have quite a nice collection of military strategy anthologies.

Movies: Pulp Fiction, Star Wars (all), Lord of the Rings (all), The Name of the Rose, Clockwork Orange, Kinsey, Last King of Scotland, Reservoir Dogs, The Secretary.

Music: Punk, mostly of the Celtic variety; older Rock; Klezmer; Progressive Metal; Folk. Oh, you want bands, do you?
In no particular order:
Bad Religion, Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, The Beatles, Social Distortion, The Offspring, The Pogues, Simon and Garfunkel, The Moody Blues, Pink Floyd, Supertramp, Survivor, The Who, The Real McKenzies, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sonata Arctica, Avantasia, Brave Old World, The Chieftains, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Alabama 3, Ratatat, The White Stripes, Aquabats, Boston, Kansas.

1. Politics/Theatre
2. My comrades
3. My Family
4. Apple Computers (though their tech-support can fuck right off!)
5. Sushi
6. Good Discourse.

Its a rather strange thing for me not be thinking about some philosophical matter in general. I spend considerable amount of time pondering the American Political spectrum (a real shocker, I know), and just about anything else that pops into my head. It's really too random for me to given a definitive list of.

Typically, chatting with friends online. When a blue moon rises, I go for a drink with friends.

I LARPed once. Once.

You have an interest in politics, and devote a good amount of your mental energy to pondering its many facets.

You enjoy the theatre, and are able to appreciate performances whether magical or strange.

You understand the difference between a Neo-Conservative and a Republican. Likewise the difference between a Democrat and Neo-Liberal.

Bonus Points if:
You're an artist: Though I've switched to the business side of things, I still have a great appreciation for those who can create and inspire.
You've been to a gaming convention, and/or have the intention/desire of going to one in the near future.
You've read Machiavelli's The Prince and his Discourses, and understand what I meant in the first section.
You're an optimist (seriously, we can't let my bleak-realism go unchecked).
You're an Atheist, and find yourself in awe when you look up at the stars and realize that the same elements that shape the cosmos are inside of us.