Well, glad to have you here.

[snip]
> Now, about me: I'm a 21 year old guy, and I live north of Philadelphia. I'll be starting my senior year of college in a few days... I'm a biochem major, which basically means I want to be a mad scientist someday.
>

There are a few Philly-area natives here, including myself. I spent my teenage years in Levittown and Pennsburg, near Quakertown.

> You may see me around here at wierd hours of the night, because I keep a strange schedule. This is because I come from a big family, and I prefer to study when everyone else is in bed (I live at home, not in a dorm).
>

Uh huh. 3:30am now.

> I love to travel; I've spent about 18 months (total) in the Far East (China, Japan, S. Korea). I've also been to 43 of 50 states, 6 Canadian provinces, Mexico, Great Britain, and Ireland. I'd like to spend a few months next summer backpacking through eastern Europe, as well as return to Asia to visit friends there. India and Brazil are also on my "to do" list.
>

Okay, here's where I got really excited. Another backpacker!!!! A week after graduating high school in '97, I got a knapsack and left town and never went back. Except to visit.

You're going to stay in hostels, right? I worked at a hostel in Memphis for a few years. I no longer backpack as a way of life, however. You've been a lot more places than I have. Lucky sod.

>
> Politically... (ah, politics!) I tend to have strong views. If anyone cares to listen, I'll explain how both Democrats & Republicans have betrayed the American people. My political beliefs are strongly influenced by my religious beliefs. I must admit I was pleased to see someone openly say something of a religious nature here, and not have a dozen people come down on them like a ton of bricks. I've seen internet communities where that happens. Sort of restores my faith in the internet.
>

Yeah, this place is of a rare breed.

> I won't describe my looks, because they don't matter (and I could lie), but I will say that after looking pretty much the same since age 15, last week I bleached my hair light blonde, from its natural dark brown. Just thought it might give you a clue into my personality.
>

I'm basically symmetrical.

> Zeit"everyone else seems to insert quotes into their name, so I guess I will too"geist

--Jez"you learn quickly, geisthopper"zika