Author Archives: Michael

In Memoriam

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Michael

When I first met Toby thirteen years ago, I wasn’t much of a cat person.  Honestly, I didn’t really like cats at all.  I was still carrying over some bad associations from a set of strays that my family took … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | 7 Comments

Shades of Blue

Posted on June 20, 2012 by Michael

Those of you who’ve been following my blog may have noticed that it’s been pretty quiet around here lately.  I’d started with the intent of writing a post a week.  I even managed to stick to it for a fair … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | 2 Comments

Flash Fiction: Going Nowhere

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Michael

“Boss, you think – ” “Shh!  Not so bleedin’ loud, ya damn fool!” “Sorry, boss.” “I don’t wantcha t’be sorry, I wantcha t’be quiet.  I’m tryin’ t’focus.” “…I don’t hear anything, boss.  Maybe they’re gone?” “Well, o’course ye don’t hear … Continue reading →

Posted in Flashfic | 3 Comments

Zen and the Art of Code Maintainability, Part 3

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Michael

I’ve had a lot to say recently about the right way and the wrong way to write your code.  Sure, there are any number of tricks and hacks that you can employ to get your software shipped more quickly.  You’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Software | 1 Comment

Zen and the Art of Code Maintainability, Part 2

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Michael

Last week I started talking about a few of the practices that go into writing solid, maintainable code.  Throwing together layer upon layer of hacks in order to get an application or feature out the door more quickly can be … Continue reading →

Posted in Software | 1 Comment

Zen and the Art of Code Maintainability, Part 1

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Michael

For those of you who don’t know, I’m a software engineer by trade.  I make my living serving as a mediator between man and machine, translating human thought and intent into little ones and zeroes.  I’ve been doing it for … Continue reading →

Posted in Software | 2 Comments

PSA: Don’t Spread the Plague

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Michael

I’ve been miserably sick for the last week, which hasn’t left me much brainpower for writing or even thinking about writing.  So, all that you all are getting this time around is a short public service announcement.  People, please don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Flash Fiction: Cold Calculus

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Michael

“No,” he stammered.  He even pointed his gun at her, though he knew full well that it wouldn’t do any good.  “No, I won’t do it!  You’re lying!” “Saul, I know you’re scared,” she said, like a parent telling a … Continue reading →

Posted in Flashfic, Writing | 2 Comments

Flash Fiction: Stowaway

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Michael

[Note: For those unaware, flash fiction basically just means a very short, encapsulated story.  There’s no hard-and-fast definition of just how many words counts as “very short”; some people cite a limit of fifty-five words, though I prefer a somewhat … Continue reading →

Posted in Flashfic, Writing | 4 Comments

Mass Affected

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Michael

[Note: This post discusses Mass Effect 3, including its story and ending.  While I’ve tried to ensure that I keep things spoiler-free, if you’re concerned about such things then you may wish to skip this post for now.] Of all … Continue reading →

Posted in Gaming | 2 Comments