candid thoughts on the issues of the day.
So You Know a Little Bit about He Who Writes Here
Published on July 13, 2004 By Robert Guinness In Welcome

I am a white male with light brown hair (considered blond by some standards), green eyes, and a fair complexion. My ancestral roots are mostly Irish and Italian. I am a practicing Roman Catholic.

I was born, raised, and currently live in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. I'm 23 years old, and recently graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in physics. I'm currently trying to figure out what to do with my life, but I'm paying the bills by doing free-lance web design and computer consulting.

I like to travel, and I've lived/worked/studied in Germany and Argentina. I've traveled throughout western Europe, and I've done service work in Guatemala and Bolivia.

I consider myself politically independent, but I tend to believe the government can and should serve to make people's lives better. I believe the "haves" have a responsibility to care for the "have-nots," and a democratic government is a decent way of organizing society to ensure these responsibilities are carried out. Some people call this philosophy "liberal."

Otherwise, I consider myself fairly conservative on social issues, though I believe strongly in equality rights (I say this because some people confuse equal rights as being liberal...I don't understand why it would be considered as such). I believe the government should keep a near balanced budget. Some people call that "fiscal conservatism."

Other than these few things, you can get to know me through my writing!

Comments
on Jul 13, 2004
Heya,

I haven't seen you around here before, so it's nice to make you acquaintance. Figured out your weird habit yet?

You have certainly lived in a few interesting places. While having lived in Australia, New Zealand and currently the UK means that I have lived in far more countries than most, I am sad that these countries lack the cultural diversity you have obviously experienced. How many languages do you speak? What was the service work you were doing in Guatemala and Bolivia?

I know what you mean about trying to figure out what the hell to do with your life - I'm in the middle of that crisis myself. If you figure out how to figure this conundrum out, then drop me a line! We're the same age, so I guess we're in the same place, somewhat.

Suz
on Jul 13, 2004
I've been around for a little while, but I guess I kind of keep to myself mostly. Anyways, nice to meet you.

Haven't found my weird habit yet. How about staying up all night blogging, surfing, and starting new projects that will probably never get done?

I speak English, Spanish, and German, but my German is slipping away sadly.

In Guatemala we worked mostly on adding a second-level to an overcrowded school. Also did some farm work. Check out our website: teamguatemala.com

Well, I look forward figuring out our quarter-life crises together. Where in the UK do you live?

In Bolivia we mostly just played with kids!!! (most of whom were orphans). Our page for that one is
on Jul 13, 2004
I'm in London for the moment. I love this city, just don't like the weather so much!

I'll check out that website soon. I'm really interested in doing something like that on my slow trip back to Oz (whenever that will be) so it's nice to talk to someone who's actually done it!
on Jul 13, 2004
This is a great way to let others learn about you! It's a very nice picture. Congratulations on the recent graduation. You've done some interesting, good things already, and I bet you figure out your life soon. In the meantime, I hope you're enjoying the journey.
on Jul 13, 2004
Awww... I only just saw the photo - did you add it later? You are quite the cutie!
on Jul 13, 2004
Thanks *blush*. Yeah, I figured a photo would help.

London...I've been there once. for about 30 hours total. Can't say I was a huge fan. I found it very expensive and not muh different than, say, New York. I should give it another try though. 30 hours probably isn't enough to soak it in too well. I stayed with a friend that lived across the street from the Dickens house. I remember going to a good 4-story pub with a dance club on top. I think it was near Leichester square ...or however you spell that extremely non-phonetic square. Anyways, I hope i'm not trashing your town. What do you like about London?
on May 07, 2005
Hey, Rob!

It's your cousin Amy (Mom, or Aunt Beth, showed me the blog)! Just wanted to say hi and hope you like your new and crappy job! AND GO TO BED EARLIER!!

-Amy
on May 07, 2005
Hey, Rob!

It's your cousin Amy (Mom, or Aunt Beth, showed me the blog)! Just wanted to say hi and hope you like your new and crappy job! AND GO TO BED EARLIER!!

-Amy