Michael S. Daines

About Me

Software engineer based in the Los Angeles area.

I have two kids who I enjoy spending time with. I love music, traveling, food, reading, guitar, and exploring.

Reading

I read a lot. It’s my main hobby, honestly.

記録
I have a GitHub repository that’s devoted almost entirely to tracking my reading, including my TBR, lists of awards I pay attention to, and favorite authors I’ve read.

defndaines @ Instagram
I primarily use Instagram for posting my weekly reading wrap-ups. These include short reviews.

goodreads
I keep track of books I’ve read here, including graphic novels.

The StoryGraph
I’ve also been tracking books here, but as of 2025, I’m limiting StoryGraph to just my non-graphic reading.

League of Comic Geeks
I tracked comics on Goodreads for a while, but then it looks like I’m reading hundreds of more books that I really feel like I am, so I’ve started tracking my individual issues here. I’ll still tracking graphic novels on Goodreads. I get my comics from The Comic Bug.

読書メーター
When I have the energy to read in Japanese, I track it on my profile at bookmeter.

Active Links

Here are a few relevant links for finding out more about me and my hobbies.

GitHub: defndaines
I don’t code in my free time as much as I used to, but it’s mostly on display under by GitHub account.

flickr photographs
I keep any pictures I take up at flickr.

Spotify
I have a handful of playlists, and I listen to a LOT of music.

Wishlist
In case you are looking to get me a gift.

Historical Links

These are links to things I’m not actively engaged with, but may be useful for reference.

LinkedIn profile
I’m not looking for work, but I have kept my résumé “mostly” up to date.

WaniKani profile
Starting in 2017, I’ve been trying to rebuild my Japanese language skills. I used WaniKani regularly for learning and review and also participated in the community from time to time.

exercism.io profile
When I want to tackle some smaller coding problems or practice a programming language, I like the problems at exercism. I tried to give back from time to time as well.

Medium profile
I haven’t been blogging for some time now, but I used to post stuff on Medium.

Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
This is the best oatmeal pancake recipe I’ve found, but swap in whole milk and whole-fat yogurt.