Why, yes, I am--well, not exactly 'from' the North Shore, because I have lived in so many places that I am not from anywhere really, but I lived--yes, in Lynn!--for five years, and New England and the Boston area in particular is more home than any other place has been so far. I see you have a New England wordlist: wicked awesome! :D The names of places and things in those parts are terribly fascinating.

Fascinating. Funny how I get all excited thinking I'm interacting with exotic people from foreign lands and no, you're a bloody Yank. ;-)

And I figured that was a Korean name or something. Color me ign'ant. I'm a walking stupid American stereotype. Although the name actually has an increased coolness factor for me, now that I know it's got cool obscure meanings and isn't just "Joe" or "Bill" in another language.

If I tell you that I'm an American English major teaching English in S. Korea, can I still keep the compliment?

Abraxas is the name of a gnostic god. Zugzwang is a chess move where you force your opponent to make an unfavorable move. There are a number of pronunciations, but I believe the correct way is toosktsväng.

I've got to ask: how do you pronounce your name? I keep thinking it's "abe racks iss zugs wang" but I've probably butchered it with my typical American naïveté. Is that your actual name or a pseudonym? I'm incredibly unaware of Korean names, spellings, and accents. I should compliment you on your excellent English skills as well; is it a second language for you?

Thanks najp!

Your list titles are priceless!