CURRENT MISSION

To bring CS to Williamsburg, Brooklyn!

ABOUT ME

I don't see the point in fretting about things. Besides, nothing is so bad that a stiff drink or a joint can't fix.

I enjoy a good political debate, but not when pretentiousness is involved.

You can't have "slaughter" without "laughter"(!) Seriously, though. Try it.

I like the journey from A to B usually more than points A and B themselves.

Leonard Cohen is my go-to man in every and any situation.

I tend to laugh my way through life, whether warranted or otherwise.

FYI: The Staten Island Ferry is the BEST DEAL in the city. Pick it up at Whitehall Street, and enjoy the view!

Best Indian Buffet for Your Buck: Jackson Diner in Jackson Heights, Queens. $9 for all-you-can-eat Indian food that is simply delicious. E/F/V/R/G to 74th/Roosevelt Avenue. Good, fruity cocktails, as well!

PHILOSOPHY

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I know what it's like to travel to another state or country and have few resources or people who you actually connect with. That is why I joined this. The idea of networking travelers is very appealing to me...and to host people breaks the monotany of day-to-day living, for sure!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've yet to surf, but have enjoyed hosting and am looking forward to experiencing the other side. The longest I've hosted someone is two weeks while he was trying to find a job. Unfortunately, sucess did not find him. Fortunately, I fought back the urge to murder him in the heat of "I need my fucking space" passion. Stray toe-nail clippings IN MY BED, I tell you!

Interests

My mother always said that while my brother looks for trouble, I tend to find it. Walking the West Village, Fort Tryon Park or wherever Fonzie leads the way. Dive bars are preferred to clubs, the Strand is preferred to Barnes & Noble, St. Marks Place was and always will be where it's at, and I always keep a tent and tarp in the trunk of my car...just in case I need to breakaway and breathe.

• dining
• indian food
• cocktails
• running
• walking
• drinking
• traveling
• emergency services

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Aerosmith, Queen, Guns N Roses, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, John Coltraine, Arlo Guthrie, System of a Down, Metallica, CSN&Y, Leonard Cohen, Nine Inch Nails, Gnarls Barkley, Marvin Gaye, among others.

Movies: The Big Lebowski, Goodfellas, Less Than Zero, Forrest Gump, Coming to America, Anything Tim Burton, Christopher Guest...

Books: Charles Bukowski, Milan Kundera, Abbie Hoffman, Eugene O'Neill, Shirley Jackson, TC Boyle...

TV: I'm a sucker for Mad Men and Breaking Bad. Beyond that? Rarely watch the stuff.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Walking through Auschwitz-Birkenau. While certainly not "amazing" in the optimistic sense, the sheer size and significance of the camps was mind-blowing, for sure.

...and on a happier note? Driving along the Jamaican coast, through the towns and interacting with locals made for wonderful, albeit reality-checking, times.

Teach, Learn, Share

If You Have A Police Encounter You Can Protect Yourself.

IF YOU ARE STOPPED FOR QUESTIONING:

1. Police may stop and detain you only if they have a reasonable suspicion that you have committed, are committing or are about to commit a crime.

2. You can ask if you are under arrest or free to leave. If you are arrested, you have a right to know why.

3. Police can't lawfully require that you identify yourself or produce identification if they don't reasonably suspect you of a crime. But use your judgment — refusal could lead to your arrest even if unjustified.

4. If police reasonably suspect you pose a danger to them or others, they may pat down your outer clothing.

5. Don’t physically resist, but say you don’t consent to the search. If an officer asks you to empty your pockets before he pats you down—even if he says you won’t get in trouble — decline to do so. Use the phrase “I do not consent to this search.”

6. Don’t bad-mouth a police officer or run away, even if you believe what is happening is unreasonable. That could lead to your arrest.

IF YOU ARE STOPPED IN YOUR CAR:

1. Upon request, show the police your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. In certain cases, your car can be searched without a warrant. To protect yourself later, you should state that you do not consent to a search.

2. It is not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search.

3. If you’re given a ticket, you should sign it; otherwise you can be arrested. You can always fight the case in court later.

4. If you’re suspected of drunk driving (DWI) you will be asked to take a breath-alcohol and coordination test. If you fail the tests, or if you refuse to take them, you will be arrested, your driver’s license may be suspended and your car may be taken away.

IF POLICE COME TO YOUR HOME:

1. The police can enter your home without permission if they have a warrant or if it is an emergency situation. If the police say they have a warrant, ask to see it. They must show it to you when they are able to do so safely.

2. If you are arrested in your home or office, the police can search you and the area immediately surrounding you or where evidence of criminal activity is in plain view.

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED OR TAKEN TO A POLICE STATION:

1. You have the right to remain silent and to talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police. Do not tell the police anything except your name and address. Don’t give any explanations, excuses or stories. You can make your defense later, in court, based on what you and your lawyer decide is best.

2. If you have a lawyer, ask to see your lawyer immediately. If you can’t afford a lawyer, you have a right to a free one once your case goes to court. You can ask the police how to contact a lawyer. Don’t say anything without a lawyer.

3. Within a reasonable time after your arrest or booking you should ask the police to contact a family member or friend. If you are permitted to make a phone call anything you say at the precinct may be recorded or listened to. Be very careful. Never talk about the facts of your case over the telephone.

4. Do not make any decisions in your case until you have talked with a lawyer.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Spain, United Kingdom, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Czech Republic, United States

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