cyan's Journal: 25 Things About Me

Well, I've been tagged in this Internet meme that *everyone* seems to be posting in. I'm not going to post the preamble. Here's the list:

1. I don't like Internet memes.
2. I have an unusual fascination with maps and visiting strange borders in particular. (Liechtenstein, anyone?)
3. I've been on the net more years than I haven't (IRC in particular).
4. I'm a current member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Radio Amateurs of Canada, the Amateur Radio Relay League, and the 3905 Century Club.
5. I used to consider myself a 'left of center' political thinker, but now I'm more rightist.
6. I'm not much of a fan of pets, except for cats, and except for when someone else takes care of them ;)
7. Even though I've flown so frequently, I still see every trip to the airport as a new adventure.
8. I've visited seven world capitals (Berlin, Paris, Prague, Vienna, Rome, London and Vatican City), but not my own (Ottawa).
9. I wish that I learned how to play the piano.
10. I seem to be a surprisingly effective bill collector.
11. I've visited the grave of Walter Ulbricht, the former communist leader of East Germany.
12. I've owned a computer since I was about six, and that's been my profession and hobby of choice ever since.
13. I've always felt more mature than other people my age, at least, until very recently.
14. I love to cook, but I don't find baking to be as much fun.
15. I've come to realize that I prefer the peace and quiet of a small town or the countryside over a city residence.
16. Talking about my extensive travel throughout Europe makes most people jealous, so I try to just keep my mouth shut.
17. I tend to get compliments for my writing, whether personally or in business.
18. I've enjoyed gaming ever since my parents bought me a Commodore 64.
19. I own over 2,000 oldschool video games, with the majority being in the NES category.
20. I tend to enjoy metaphor and reading between the lines. This annoys some people.
21. Most of the music I listen to have no lyrics at all. Music is an extremely important part of my life.
22. I've visited the Dachau concentration camp, and the Auschwitz extermination camp.
23. I'm a huge fan of history in general, but cold war history in particular. World War II and ancient Roman history are close seconds.
24. I'm also a huge proponent of public transit, nuclear power, and solar panels. Especially after seeing how effective these things are in Germany.
25. I'm agnostic, but I still respect all religions. That notwithstanding, the closest thing I have to a 'religion' is adherence to the eight virtues: Compassion, Justice, Humility, Valour, Honesty, Spirituality, Sacrifice, and Honour.