Linux - I am a proud Linux user, ever since 1998/1999. I'm a strong proponent of open-source software and thus a strong opponent of monopolies such as the one Microsoft holds over the ignorant masses.

Programming & Webdesign - My fascination with computer programming started at around the age of ten, and ever since I've never really abandoned it. I started out with QBasic and soon moved on to Visual Basic and later Delphi, that was back in the old dark days when I still used Windoze. Nowadays I mostly write in PHP and Python, and some Java. This homepage for example is a testimony to my programming and webdesign hobby.

Philosophy & Buddhism - As I'm a compulsive thinker, philosophy interests me a lot, especially Buddhist philosophy. I find myself in agreement with most of Buddhist philosophy and thus try to live my life in relative accordance to Buddhist principles. I guess I'd therefore fit the label Buddhist.

Psychology - Everybody has his or her own set of problems, I'm no exception. Through some experience of my own I try to do my best to help others with issues I can relate to.

My Studies: Computational Linguistics and Cognitive Artifical Intelligence - This is also the time to speak about my own studies. As my interests tend to be rather broad, I tried to find a bachelor degree that matches that. This I found in Cognitive Artificial Intelligence, which has aspects of Linguistics, Psychology, Philosophy and Informatics. After my bachelor I moved to the University of Tilburg to do a master's degree related to Computational Linguistics, as I want to further focus on language technology.

Politics & Economics - I presume that any engaged person has an interest in politics and likes to keep up with the happenings on the national and international political scene. Everyone has his or her ideas on how to make the world a better place. I'm very left and a strong opponent of unrestricted capitalism and extreme individualisation where everything is made inferior to gaining an as big a possible profit for oneself. The related interest in Economics is one that stems from discontent with the current system and unequal distribution of wealth and resources, and in search of better alternatives.

Music - This doesn't need a much clarification as practically everybody enjoys music. My taste in music is rather diverse, I can enjoy anything from classical music to rock, I mostly like foreign music though. Moreover, I also enjoy making music, on the piano.

Art & Literature - I enjoy reading, as do many others, and I on occasion also try to write a bit myself. I'm also interested in graphic design, mostly for websites and photo editing, but in my childhood I've also done quite some 3D design.

Homosexuality - As I am gay myself, homosexuality is naturally something that interests me, first and foremost by simply being attracted to boys rather than girls. Recognizing that you are 'different' can be a tough process, especially in restrictive and conservative social environments, but even when like me you're fortunate enough not to be in such an environment, it can be a tough process to come to terms with your own preconceptions about Homosexuality. I want to give some support people now going to such a phase.