(nick)Names

Shiar

My official nick used at all times.
History: I think it was like 1996. For the first time I played the game Diablo over the internet at my friend's computer. He told me I should have a nickname, so I quickly thought of Tal Shiar (don't ask me why; maybe cuz he called himself DaTa?) The Tal Shiar is the secret intelligence of the Romulans, an alien race in Star Trek. I liked the sound of it, but too long to call me by, so I shortened it to Shiar. Later on, I kept using it; and at a certain point I also began to use it in the programs I made. I'm no longer a Star Trek fan, but I guess it's too late to change it now. I still like it however. It's also quite an unique name; just a very few online-people use it, unlike nearly every other name you can think of (like Mischa).
Pronounciation: IPA /ʂiˈɐɹ/ It's pronounced like She are. Not like Shy-ar, not like She are, and definitely not like Shair.

Shyer

Used by some people who can't say Shiar properly.

Mischa (Миша Пославский)

My official name-thing in real life. Born with it; not too bad but I like Shiar better. My criminal name (used at times at AH) is Mischa P. The whole thing is Mischa Poslawsky, but I don't expect anybody to say that right (see below ;)

Pavlov

At the Albert Heijn someone once called me Pavlov (I'll listen to anything beginning with a P.) Since it's easier to say than Poslawsky, I'm still called this quite often.

Krasnapolsky

One of the more creative attempts to pronounce my family name. Coincidentally, some hotel in Amsterdam.

Zwartkijker [zwortkiker]

Literally blackviewer. The story behind it is that I once turned off a monitor, and since then blamed for every monitor which didn't work.