Introduction

This is the obligatory introduction post. Let's get it out of the way so that we can move on to more interesting things.

Who am I? Kevin Miller.

What do I do? I'm a contractor, or as some of my friends call it - a software mercenary. I wander about from contract to contract, designing systems, writing code, mentoring, troubleshooting, and just about anything the client would like me to do, as long as it is related to software development. I'm currently in the role of a Solution Architect.

Why am I writing this blog? I'm working on some projects over at CodePlex (www.codeplex.com), and wanted a place to discuss the work I'm doing. Also, like many bloggers, I think I have some (hopefully valuable) things to say, and thought this would be a good way to reach people who may be interested.

What makes you qualified to write a blog? Well, first of all, this is the internet, and qualifications have nothing to do with authoring content. Secondly, I've been consulting for about 12 years now, and have learned a thing or two along the way.

What sort of work have you done? I don't want to turn this introduction into a resume, so I'll keep this short. I started out doing C and C++ development (DOS, Windows, and OS/2). I moved into web development back in the CGI days, and played with NSAPI and LiveWire (that later transformed into IPlanet for you kids out there) way too much. This was followed by a number of years where I jumped from Windows development (VB, ASP, VC++) over to the Java world, and then back again. I've been firmly on the MS side of the world since .Net was released, and will likely stay there until I see something worth noting from Sun.

What's your language of choice? I'm pretty language agnostic. The right tool for the job, and all that. I'm not a zealot about any language. If I had to pick one, I'd pick JavaScript, but that's because it is a powerful little language that many people overlook. Also, for the most part it's just C with a fancy name and an interpreter. I've spent a lot of time in the various C-family languages, so I'm just comfortable here, I suppose.

How about some personal info? I live in Calgary. I've been married to a wonderful wife, Santina, for nearly 10 years, and have three great kids. I drive a Honda. I have no pets. I'm a little short on hobbies other than spending time with my family, but if I had to pick some I'd say learning history and math. I'm fond of the old Ultima games, as well. I used to go by RoninDragon on the UDIC newsgroup back in the day. I'm afraid I was more of a lurker than a poster, though. I used to be an avid comic collector, but that was a long time ago. I like going to Vegas every year, and like to think I can play BlackJack, and I'm just learning about poker. If anyone asks, my favorite Vegas casinos are Green Valley Ranch, Mandelay Bay, and the Monte Carlo. I think that about covers it.

What do you intend to talk about? I think topics may vary. I'll probably focus on my current projects for a bit. After that, I'll probably talk about whatever strikes me as relevant that day. I don't have any particular agenda or schedule, so those of you looking for a publishing schedule are probably out of luck.

Thanks for tuning in.