Chapter one: You’re intrigued by the headline

Chapter two: You quickly peruse the pictures and formulate a theory that this guy might be a dork. Thankfully, you find that to be a very attractive quality in a man.

Chapter three: You examine the profile closer, and solidify your theory that the writer of this profile is indeed a dork. But handsome, in that Johnny Depp sort of way (oh wow - did he really just compare himself to Johnny Depp?) . A bit flabbergasted, you press on,, and unearth a cornucopia of interesting details that illuminate exactly who this character is, or thinks he is. He insists, for example, that he doesn’t normally talk in 2nd/3rd person! You certainly hope not. He loves to think, and to take calculated risks (and sometimes not so calculated, but almost always fun). He plays poker for a living, and asserts with fervor that that does not mean he’s unemployed. He also runs a successful website catering to poker players.

Staying healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally are important to him. Every muscle must be worked. To this end, he just ran his first marathon, and is quite proud of the feat. He also plays (and loves playing) volleyball or football 1x/wk (season depending), tennis or racquetball 3-5x/wk, and reads every day. Philosophy (especially Nietzsche and Rand, but not so much Kant or Rawls) is perhaps his favorite subject. You discover he’s also a bit eccentric, and believes a trip halfway around the world to watch the sakura blossoming (google it) to make perfect sense. You look closer, and discover the hidden reference to his favorite movie, American Beauty. Films are a passion of his. His life’s (professional) ambition is to own his own film production studio. But he gets sidetracked easily by other pursuits that grab his attention. He seeks personal growth, and makes efforts to expand his comfort zone. To that end, he began learning the piano 3 years ago (despite his inability to hold a steady rhythm for much of his life). He’s been out of lessons for awhile, but wishes to return. The Saints Go Marching On won’t learn itself! Actually, he’s past those beginning songs, but not by much.

Now comes the moment of truth. Do you

a) send the man a wink? Proceed to chapter 4.

b) send the man an email? Proceed to chapter 5.

Or

c) ignore the man completely. He doesn’t at all resemble Johnny Depp (the blasphemy!). Proceed to the next profile :(

Did he forget to mention this is a “choose your own adventure story”?

Currently, I'm enjoying it.

Seeing things from more than one person's viewpoint. Thinking through problems and coming up with more than one solution. Analyzing, deducing, and logically determining the best solution among many. Also, hitting a consistent backhand (tennis), playing any strategy based game, and finding new ways to enjoy life.

My provocative smile.

Thus Spoke Zarathustra, by Friedrich Nietzsche. We the Living, by Ayn Rand. The Pleasure of Finding Things Out, by Richard Feynman.

American Beauty, Amelie, Secretary, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Peter Gabriel's Up, Tori Amos, Frou Frou, the Shins, Snow Patrol, Coldplay, Lume.

Anything with a french preparation style. Mesh is my all time favorite restaurant. Cafe Istanbul is great Turkish. Dewey's for unique pizzas.

GPS - I'd be lost. Ipod - I'd have no style. Books - I'd really be lost. Soap - I'd be dirty. My volitional capabilities - I'd be a drone. And, of course, friends/family - I'd be lonely.

Life, the universe, the purpose of existence, or at least my existence. The sort of person I'd like to be, and what I can do to become that person. What I can do to make the world closer to the ideal I envision. New business ideas. Whatever I'm currently reading about.

With my friends, watching a movie, playing cards, or a video game. On atypical Friday nights, I might be flying to Las Vegas, or New York, or enjoying a walk along the beach shore in the Bahamas.

you're awesome

any of my first date ideas intrigued you (see journal entry).

you took my quiz, and scored 16 or higher.

you have a great first date idea which should be added to my list.

you find alliteration as sexy as I do.