Note: Ok, it's been awhile since I've updated this, but I think it's time to clear out some of the cobwebs. Most of what is on here is up to date, including the photos, but a few minor changes have been made.

During the week, I spend my time teaching young (and some older) impressionable college students about writing and literature. It's not easy, but I actually really enjoy my job.

On the weekends, you may find me DJ'ing (mostly old school soul, funk, and garage). If I'm not doing that, I could be doing any number of things. I might be getting in trouble with some good friends or taking it easy and watching a netflix movie that I'd otherwise never have time to watch.

Recently, after many years of being out of the fold, I have reentered the world of freelance music writing. This has really taken off for me this year, and I'm very excited for what lies ahead!

I've been in Seattle for a long time and love it here. I'm a social person and love getting out and meeting new people; maybe you'll be one of them.

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Building a career in the field of Higher Education. I am very lucky to do something for a living that I don't hate (especially in this economy). I am even luckier to have the privilege--after many years of being an adjunct--of doing this as a tenured instructor. I am constantly trying to grow in my profession, not just so I can continue to find it fulfilling, but so my students can get the most out of my classes as well!

I have also reached a point in my life where I am trying to take better care of myself. I quit smoking eight months ago. This is one of the best things I've ever done for myself, and I am extremely proud of this accomplishment. As great as my job is, it sometimes dictates that I sit in front of a computer or in a chair with a stack of papers for periods of time that are too long. Fitness therefore now figures heavily in my life, though I'll admit I do become bored quickly with the gym. That's why I try to burn calories outside as often as I can!

When I put my mind to it, lots of things. Lately I have channelled this into getting back into writing outside of my job, (as mentioned) specifically music journalism. I am contributing to a blog now but hope to also be contributing to some higher profile publications within the next few months.

I am fairly tall, I'm told. 6', 1" doesn't seem that tall to me (my dad and brother are 6', 5"), but I guess I notice it when I'm sitting in coach or am trying to find my size at the Nordstrum Rack.

My friends tell me I'm a sharp dresser, a fact that I find ironic considering I used to be anything but. Spending a lot of time in England probably influenced me there.

I also like to use parentheses in my writing a little too much (not surprising).

Books: Lately I have been reading nothing but nonfiction and have found it very difficult to pick up a novel. I sometimes think it's because that's all my brain can handle at the end of a long day of teaching classes and grading papers, but in many ways the nonfiction I sometimes read is much heavier than novels I would read for fun. My friends have told me they are going through similar phases in their reading habits, so maybe its a phenomenon of getting older. Anyway, recent faves here have been Luc Sante, Christopher Hitchins, and myriad of titles from the "33 and 1/3" series.

Movies: "Brazil", anything by the Coen Brothers (with a few exceptions), and "The Third Man". I am all over the place when it comes to movies, and I'll save other favorite titles for when we first meet (if you care).

Music (here's where it gets tough): Of the four things in this textbox, this medium is the most important. I listen to a lot of old stuff, mostly from the 60s and early 70's. My top five favorite bands of all time in no particular order are The Kinks, The Beatles, The Stones, The Velvet Underground, and The Zombies. I used to host a radio show at KUGS in Bellingham that specialized in obscure garage rock and psychedelia and, as mentioned above, I occasionally DJ a night of rare soul and funk at a popular dive bar in Belltown; that probably explains a lot. I am not a "serious" club DJ. I don't scratch or mix beats. My gigs are usually excuses to play a bunch of old records and drink beer. Still, everyone has a great time, including me. My indie rock friends give me lots of flak for being too retro in my tastes, but believe it or not, there is lots of new stuff out there that I enjoy, especially if I can see it live. Here are some examples: Man-man, Dungen, Yo La Tengo (I know, they're not that new at this point, but they still rock!), King Khan and the Shrines, The Fiery Furnaces (when they are not too experimental and ponderous), Fleet Foxes, and many more.

Food: I am going to keep this one short for now. I like food from all over the globe (particularly southern European and Latin American countries), but having experienced an above-average festive holiday season, I am planning on eating healthy for a while. Good role models are welcome!

1. My family.
2. My friends
3. A passport.
4. My music collection (spread out rather chaotically across cd, vinyl, and mp3)
5. My Rice cooker

How I can stop thinking about things too much.

I saw Laura Branigan live in 1984. Before you condemn me, though, know that I was forced to do this, as it was a summer camp field trip.

I also saw the Monkees in '87. I am less embarrassed about this, mainly because Weird Al opened for them and stole the show!

You're ready to play ball.