CURRENT MISSION

Simply to explore, meet new friends and expand my knowledge of the world

ABOUT ME

Once a journalist always a journalist. I have an insatiable desire to learn, I find people fascinating (everyone has a great story to tell) I left TV news after working as a producer for about 15 years to work for a Science/Health Policy oriented Commission in Washington DC. We studied for 2 years Industrial Farm Animal Production and how it affects public health, the environment, rural communities and animal welfare. Now I work for a center at Johns Hopkins University dedicated to educating people about the intricate connections between our food systems, public health and the environment. I'm also interested in obesity issues. I recently lost, through diet and exercise almost 200 pounds (14.3 stones or 90.7 kilos)

PHILOSOPHY

Free your mind. I never met a person I didn't like. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated. Just enjoy life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I heard about the site from a former co-worker after I told him about my plans to travel in Europe. I enjoy meeting new people and figured couch surfing would be the best way to learn about each country I visit. Turns out I was right.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

So far I've only taken part by traveling. I've surfed couches and met people for coffee/drinks.

Interests

Avid news reader, just learned to ride motorcycles 2 years ago (now I ride one to work everyday), very interested in obesity research and health behavior (plan to earn master in public health), love all good music from blues to punk. (Currently listening to Wilco, Pheonix and Vampire Weekend a great deal) I traveled all over the US, now I'm ready to take on the rest of the World.

• animals
• animal welfare
• environment
• dining
• coffee
• exercise
• dieting
• drinking
• motorcycles
• news
• tv
• traveling
• music
• blues
• surfing
• journalism
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: More of an independent film fan. Too many to list. I must admit I like a good cheesy adventure film like Indiana Jones or mindless movies like Napoleon Dynamite. Music: I'll just list what's in my Party Shuffle que right now. Fatboy Slim. Beck, Tom Tom Club, John Gorka, Janis Joplin. Brazilian Girls, Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah, David Byrne, John Lennon. U2, REM, Scissor Sisters, Shins, Beth Orton, Damien Rice, Drive-by Truckers, Flaming Lips, The Hives, Johnny Cash, Leadbelly, Old Crow Medicine Show, Rilo Kiley, Wilco, The White Stripes Books: (recently read) Omnivore's Dilemma, Water for Elephants, In Defense of Food, Take the Cannoli, The Partly Cloudy Patriot, Kite Runner, Three Cups of Tea, Horse Heaven, Guns, Germs and Steel, Traveling Mercies, Animals In Translation, Food Politics, The Burn Jounals, The Alchemist, Freakonomics. The Devil in the White City

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

During my 15 years in broadcast journalism, I've seen a great deal of "amazing things." However, one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had was traveling to Haiti as a teenager. It gave me a different view of the world and an appreciation for what I had. I promised myself from the time I left Haiti I would do as much as I could to help all Haitians, especially those who tried to seek asylum in the US. Sadly racism/xenophobia is still alive and well in the US. But much of the younger generation is much more tolerant. I am hopeful for the future.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, France, Haiti, Iceland, Mexico, Netherlands, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

•