I thought my grandmother was a saint until I learned she shot my grandfather. (My mother still thinks she had a "Leave It To Beaver" childhood, and I can't convince her otherwise.)

I've prayed with monks on Mt. Sinai in Egypt and lectured on Metaphysics and the Philosophy of Science at Cambridge.

I was the man who dug up the cornerstone to king Herod's temple in Caesarea (Israel).

I've taught Philosophy and Logic courses to college kids at Notre Dame and 12-year-old kids at summer camps for gifted children (who I absolutely adore -- and who are way smarter than most Notre Dame students).

In fifth grade I read the Bible from cover to cover, then repeated until I lost count of how many times I had. Then I started studying Hebrew, Latin and Greek before I even had a driver's license (thanks for driving me to the synagogue on the weekends, mom and dad!). Today... I'm completing my Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion.

I founded a men's group that brought together literally hundreds of men from all walks of life in Chicago. I made then lost more money in real estate than I care to think about, but now my properties allow me the luxury of no longer needing to work. (Take that, "Fair Isaac.")

When I look back across my life, I can see times I've fallen so low I wondered if I would ever stand again, but in the end I have always found a way to survive, to reinvent myself, and to turn whatever life sent my way into a win. It's fitting that in ancient astrology Scorpio (my sign) is both a scorpion and an eagle -- the highest of the high and the lowest of the low -- and a symbol of transformation.

A few years ago, I sold almost everything I owned, bought a small RV, and started traveling around the country looking for a city that would capture my heart. Having traveled through most of Florida and some of the North East, I've stopped in Chicago until I complete my dissertation. After that, I'll head wherever the spirit moves me... Unless perhaps a beautiful woman convinces me to stay.

That would be bragging.

Women often compliment me on my eyes... But are they being sincere, or are they just after "one thing"? Who can a boy trust these days? Still, flattery is a great weakness of mine. You might try it.

I'm not opposed to it, but I don't watch much TV.

As for books, I have well over a thousand, ranging from philosophy to psychology to ancient history and languages, religion, and a plethora of books on self-help and personal growth of various sorts. Still, as much as it may sound like a cop-out, I honestly don't think anybody will ever top Plato or Aristotle.

OK, I used to watch "Rock of Love" when it was on... Guilty pleasure.

Passion
Play
Power
Learning and Growth
The triad of Honesty, Integrity and Trust
Good Sex (which can be all of the above)

Deciphering ancient Greek manuscripts and finding ways to represent the ideas they express in modern systems of symbolic logic... As usual.

Forgetting my dissertation. Exploring some city's nightlife. Meeting people. Making new friends.

I have a thing for girls with big, goofy noses.

OK... also I have a big soft spot for children. From time to time it creates difficulties with my ability to be a hard ass.
(NOTE: If you are on this site -- *you do not count as a child.*)

You are a petite brunette with sparkling eyes and a smile that makes me melt. (Dirty blondes and redheads allowable with prior screening... And I'm talking about your hair color, pervert.)

You are not just intelligent, but insightful.

You are an unapologetic nerd / dork / geek.

You want to skip the emailing and actually meet up -- but are willing to meet without any particular expectations... You just enjoy the process.

You are pro-active. I don't always have a lot of time to spend sending out messages. I can't always respond to everybody, but I appreciate women who are assertive enough to message me first, and that counts for something in my book.

Either you have interesting things to say... or you are sexy as fuck.