Bryan Gates #19859 Member

Software engineer, aspiring writer, hardcore gamer and former (U.S.) Marine mortarman (2002-2005) living in Los Angeles, California, but am a native Utahn. I enjoy SF (fantasy and SciFi), mysteries, etc., as far as reading goes.

As for beliefs, I tend to avoid discussion of politics or religion, but for the record: like the great majority of U.S. Marines (and many soldiers/sailors, too), I am a zealous American patriot (note: yes, that means I'm a "nationalist". People are SUPPOSED to love and be proud of their country—not ashamed and hateful) and a registered Republican who knows and loves Christ as his Savior; however, I fully respect others' beliefs and opinions. Labels like Democrat, Christian or agnostic tend to stereotype, though, so I tend to just say "I'm me." I speak English, German and Japanese fluently, can read and speak basic Latin (classical) and know a little Pashto and Arabic. I also love animals, martial arts, history and East Asian (esp. Japanese) culture.