So I'm giving this online-meeting-people scene a shot. I am extremely curious to see how well the whole 'algorithm based matching system' works. It makes a lot of sense.. at least a lot more than the typical system of 'Hey, she looks cute' or 'Hm, we have a mutual friend and we are both single.. I should ask her out.'

It would be nice to find someone to hang out or go to dinner with from time to time. I'm new to California - I recently moved here from Ohio and would love to go on adventures and discover some of your favorite spots.

I'm a recently graduated grad student currently working as a research analyst. After a career with the government doing computer work and a brief detour into the corporate world, I think I am finally figuring out what I want to do with my career.

I really enjoy public service and would like to return to it at some point, but I am really enjoying the chance to pursue research in an academic setting. I will never be rich, but I think a rewarding life is much more important than a wealthy one.

Update - a nice job offer pulled me away from academia to the west coast. I'm leaving what I wrote in this section, though, because that's where my heart is. My stupid head reminded my heart that I have some school loans to pay off (not to mention the west coast is probably lots more fun than the Midwest), so here I am.

most things technology. I am a total gadget nerd so if you need help rooting your phone, setting up your wifi, or setting the clock on your vcr (do people still have vcr's?) - give me a shout.

are my height or my beard. I've also heard that I have good eyes, whatever that means.

books: I am slowwwwwwwly progressing through the fifth book in the Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig.

movies: Big Fish. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The Shawshank Redemption. Once. The Bourne trilogy is a guilty pleasure.

shows: The Daily Show. Louie. Dexter. Modern Family. Breaking Bad. The Walking Dead.

music: Death Cab for Cutie (although I'm not much a fan of their new one; edit - it's growing on me). Com Truise. Melvins. The Fray (guilty pleasure). Phantogram. Queens of the Stone Age. The xx.

blogs/web: Lifehacker. The Verge. xkcd. toothpaste for dinner. Grantland. Ars Technica. kottke.org. *sigh* Reddit.

netcasts: This American Life. Radiolab. This Week in Google. Freakonomics Radio. The Truth.

food: sushi! middle eastern, indian, american comfort food.. whatever. i'm not super picky.

water
food
shelter
... har har har.

But seriously, I try not to attach myself too much to material things. Sure I enjoy them as much as anyone, but I don't think there is much of anything I could never do without.

the future of the country. I don't like where it is heading. Our education system is failing, our leadership is failing, corporations have a stranglehold on our government - and nobody seems too worried about it. That worries me a little. This sounds a little doom and gloom, but I'm not really a doom and gloom person... just concerned more people aren't concerned.

trying to figure out what to do with all this free time. Graduate school did not prepare me for this.

I was born in West Virginia... gasp... don't worry, I have all my teeth and I've never dated a cousin. To my knowledge.

you have a clever answer I can use here.