I'm a traveling reporter for a small radio station in Albany, NY. In the past I've been a Personal Shopping Assistant, a cash office auditor, a chiropractic assistant, and an entertainer at F.A.O. Schwarz. I was a toy soldier, toy demonstrator, and BIG Piano performer ( https://youtu.be/_qh09JLysk8 )

Recently got into voiceover, which has been doing phenomenal things for my reporting voice, my general speaking voice, and most surprisingly my singing voice. You can hear my demo online at: http://gramercypost.com/demos/MK_HerbertShaw/

I love getting out and seeing the world. Visited Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, and Paris in one month in 2009. I eagerly anticipate my next opportunity to travel as much.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Obviously to meet fun new people when I am out and about. A place to crash is a welcome bonus to making a new friend. Once I have a place that allows guests, I will happily pay it forward to give restitution for the kindness extended to me.
I plan to be traveling a lot more in the coming years with so many writing opportunities presenting themselves. And I may even get to travel for work someday!

Interests

I'm a writer, journalist, and occasional small town radio personality. Interests include movies, TV, comics, gaming, literature, and cuisine arts. I love to play with toys and games. If you have a kid and need help setting up that new dollhouse or racetrack, I am your man! Also a major proponent of animal rights and ASPCA contributor (and I'm very picky about from where my meat comes). That being said, I love to cook and would be happy to share some of my tastes with you (especially if you want to have a barbecue while we're together).

• animals
• arts
• writing
• books
• literature
• singing
• festivals
• cooking
• recipes
• bbq
• shopping
• comics
• movies
• tv
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• piano
• biology
• business
• history
• journalism
• medicine
• military science

Music, Movies, and Books

I used to be a DJ in Albany, but found a lot more comfort in covering entertainment news.

I'll listen to pretty much any music being played, my tastes depend on mood. Recently covered Welcome to Rockville in Jacksonville, Florida. A metal concert (so not my scene, but still plenty of fun). I met quite a few bands and rocked out to a few more. Crowdsurfed and moshed for the first time at age 31.

As far as my favorites - far too many to mention. I've seen most of the popular movies from the 70s to present. If I had to name a favorite from each decade it would be thus:

70s: The Godfather (thought Part II, Deliverance, and Star Wars are mighty close)
80s: The Terminator (It came out the year I was born and continues to give me hope since Arnold was in his late 30s when that was released)
90s: Se7en (an infallible crime drama that has stood the test of time)
00s: The Dark Knight (no explanation needed there)
10s (so far): Skyfall (It is just absolutely perfect in every way imaginable)

I live near an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema so I go to quote-along and singalong movies as much as I can. Pitched a few stories to their print periodical as well.

Books: I am actually considering rereading the Ice and Fire series having finished all 5 books and having to decide when to choose my battles in talking about the show. I've read the general readings and look to do more the longer I live. At some point, I would like go back to being a book per week reader like I was in high school and periodically in college.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

You can see it on my profile. I met Stan Lee. Yes, it was during coverage of a Comic Con, but this was in New York in 2008.
I'll probably make shirts for myself with that picture and the caption "You Mad?"

Not going to violate the rules, I have done other things I deem to be amazing, but you be the judge.

Teach, Learn, Share

Not sure what this means, but I am more than happy to share my nerdom with you. We can geek out over how cool stuff is (I'll tell you all about an event I did, you tell me all about your new guitar/car/TV/game system).

I'll gladly teach you how to solve a Rubik's cube or how to yo-yo.

I'm always eager to learn new recipes and cuisines so if you want to, we can hit the supermarket and you can show me how you do things.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A long history of traveling for competitions and coverage. It all began in 2006 with the AVN, and continues to this day with trade shows, fan conventions, and most recently music and book festivals. I can also share some insight into the business models of retail stores and the film and theatre industries told from the perspective of an outsider looking in. I've also studied human biology and medicine which is the primary reason I have been hesitant to follow the path to become a doctor the last decade.

Most interestingly, I can share knowledge and positive energy as that is my lot in life. And if you need help with ANYTHING, let me know and I will be honest as to how accommodating I can be.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Canada, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States