Arcadianem, 45

only connect . . . Though I hope it's the least interesting of the things written here, a quick note: I split time over the course of the year between New England (NW CT) and the mid-Atlantic.

I hate but feel compelled to substitute a grand list for other awkward self-summary:

Random loves: my family; my friends and the long conversations we have about ideas, life, silly things we've noticed -- everything really (and sometimes even about nothing); my dog; the theatre, whether I'm on stage, backstage or in the audience; getting lost in museums and tracking down quirky historical sites; music of all kinds; sitting and talking for hours over overpriced pseudo-coffee beverages; books (used bookstores are a favorite haunt); people who are passionate about ideas and making a difference; the city of New Haven; witty banter; wandering around an interesting city; NPR; live music; road trips with friends; idealism; seeing the "aha!" moment happen in a student; farmers' markets; singing along with the music in my car; the West of Ireland; New Yorker cartoons; being excessively verbose (can't you tell?).

Some objects of my animosity and/or frustration: "compassionate conservatism," (though I try to respect thoughtful conservatives, even if I wildly disagree with them); gas-guzzling SUVs; my utter inability to comfortably engage in small talk with people I don't know.

So send me a message if you think the world of ideas can be as alive and as engaging as the world immediately around us -- and you enjoy great conversations about ideas. If you think it's possible for people to change the world, and you want to find a way to play some part. If you're sincere, but nonetheless think playful/witty banter is an art worth perfecting. If you actually read through all of the above and are actually thinking, "I'd like to have one of those wandering conversations about ideas over overpriced coffee" (or another beverage of your choice) -- or virtually by email.