I'm the bastard child of Willy Wonka and Holden Caulfield who yearns to live a life of love and adventure, but is just a tad too lazy to work too hard for either of those things. In the meantime, while I'm trying to figure all of that out, I teach writing at USC, take care of my elderly and sick parents, and have way too much fun with my friends (for a man of my years).

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My musician buddy Georgie Peorgie is on it, and we did a road trip to Montreal, and met and stayed with one of the coolest and chill dudes I have ever met in my life. (Shout-out Alain!) And it happened ONLY because of Couchsurfing. I was skeptical at first, of course, but now I am a total fan/convert. I am heading back out to LA from Boston, and am looking to recreate that truly magical experience from last summer. Ii is my sincerest wish that I gain more positive, magical and inspiring Couchsurfing life moments, and then host myself someday.

Interests

• traveling
• eating
• sleeping
• reading.
• meeting new people
• creating
• exploring nature
• inspiring
• bonding
• watching great streaming

Music, Movies, and Books

Beatles, Wilco, Stones, The Jam, Pink Floyd, Neil Young, Ramones, yadah, yadah, yadah. Lots of lady singers and newer bands too, but I'm already far too exhausted to look up the proper spelling of their names. (I'm a bit of a perfectionist too.) CUCKOO'S NEST, TAXI DRIVER, FLIRTING WITH DISASTER, FREAKS, ROCKY, THE DEER HUNTER, MIDNIGHT COWBOY, LAST PICTURE SHOW, CITIZEN KANE, CLOCKWORK ORANGE, RAGING BULL, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, THE SHINING, FULL METAL JACKET, SHAMPOO, BEING THERE, NETWORK, DOG DAY AFTERNOON, blah, blah, blah (exhausted again). CATCHER IN THE RYE, INFINITE JEST, A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES, Ray Carver, Charles Bukowski, Phillip Roth, Nathaniel West, etc, etc, etc.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Taught over a thousand kids how to reason critically and write persuasively.

Teach, Learn, Share

Yep. What I've dedicated my life to. I've been a writing prof at USC for over 20 years now.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Humor, food, conversation, drink, insights, inspiration, Swedish fish and English toffee. Great streaming choices and the secret to a happy life.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States