1. Where you're from and what you're doing in the city?
I'm from Dallas originally but was raised also in Mexico, Los Angeles, East Africa, and a few other places.
2. Your academic, professional, political, activist, artistic or other background.
I've been a freelance writer since I was 17 (I'm 28 now). I've written for various progressive policy journals and outlets. I'm a regular contributor to Vanity Fair, The Huffington Post, Skeptic, Skeptical Inquirer, True/Slant, New York Press, and BushwickBk, and in the past I've written for The Onion, National Lampoon, McSweeney's, Cracked, and dozens of other publications. My first book was released in 2007 and my second will be released in August. I also serve as the spokesman for Enlighten the Vote, a PAC known until recently as the Godless Americans Political Action Committee. Additionally, I have recently founded a sort of anti-organization intent on forcing media reform and establishing new techniques for collaboration to various ends, in particular our Africa Development Program, and otherwise geared towards increasing awareness of the possibilities that now exist for advanced methods of activism. More info can be found here; the manifesto will be appearing shortly either at Vanity Fair or Wired.
3. Your previous living experiences, whether you've ever lived in a community-run building or co-op before.
I've lived in a number of unconventional and cooperative spaces including an abandoned restaurant in Mexico, a tent community in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and various more orthodox shared housing in New York and Austin. I have never lived in a co-op per se but, as I am a freelancer, would have plenty of time in which to assist with chores and other necessary activities. I've actually met several of your residents through an acquaintance of mine and have spent about an hour total hanging out in your entrance room/kitchen/library.
4. What you'd like to contribute to this community.
(skills, construction experience, art, interests, performing,
connections with community organizations, organizing and hosting
events, benefits, dinners, parties, shows, etc.
I'd be interesting in assisting with or instigating various events, including benefits as well as educational programs; I've given talks at such venues as Rutgers and am about to begin doing the same for a local educational program that targets Bushwick school children. I would be happy to provide training and other assistance as best as I can to other members of the co-op and whomever else. I can also cook and clean and would have plenty of time to do so.
5. What it would take for you to feel at home in a living space?
An internet connection.
6. When are you planning to move in, and how long are you planning to stay?
June 1st. I would stay at least through the summer, most likely longer.