Aspirations of the Best

Name: Brian Best.

Hometown: San Francisco, California.

Time in Kyiv: One and a half years.

What he is doing in Kyiv: Managing telecommunications and high-tech portfolios for SigmaBleyzer.

What he was doing when Ukraine declared its independence: Living with college friends in Newport Beach, California, thinking he would become a professional surfer.

Future plans: To become a member of the Nguni class of the African Zulu tribe and work his way up through their political system and then single handily rebuild the Zulu Empire.

Greatest fear: Going to work naked and realizing it was not just a bad dream.

Special talent: Sucking noodles through his nose.

First impression of Ukraine: Superior female gene pool.

Funniest Ukrainian experience: Leaving his underwear at Arizona BBQ and then having to go back and claim them. "Hey, they were brand new!"

Most important characteristic of significant other: Honesty and a sense of humor.

One thing he cannot live without: Sunshine.

Best quality: Eternal optimist.

Worst quality: Not trusting people.

How does he stay cool during the summer: By sweating.

Dream job: Head of Playboy’ talent search.

Best place he’s traveled: Kenya.

First job: A broker at Lehman Brothers.

Goal in life: To start a family and lead a meaningful life.

Best reason to stay in Ukraine: Pepper-and-honey vodka; salo.

Best reason to leave Ukraine: High cholesterol and liver damage.

What he is most proud of: His girlfriend.

What he is least proud of: Not meeting her sooner.

Favorite film: "Monty Python’s Search for the Holy Grail."

Claim to fame: Made the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle for heisting a 15-meter statue and transporting it to his high school football field.

Key to success in life: Make the fewest mistakes.

Pet peeves: Babushkas cutting in line.

Overindulgence: Margaritas.

Under-indulgence: Exercise.

One place you would spend $1 million: The NASDAQ.