I'm a computer geek and after all these years I'm continually amazed that I can get paid for working with computers.

I've always read books, but don't read them as fast as I did when I was a student. This has lead to storage issues, since I can't seem to resist buying books. Fortunately, I hold that books are the best way to decorate a house.

Once or twice a week, I go to the pub to play Texas Hold'em Poker; and I'm not averse to the occasional board or card game at home. I like to talk politics, religion and history. (Hey, who doesn't? Well, most people apparently...)

I also like to go to the movies, especially if it's at The Astor. Generally, I like most movies; although the ones I don't, I tend to loathe. I don't mind going alone, but it's certainly more fun to go with someone.

I'm also a big fan of watching movies from the couch - not least because it enables the making of sarcastic remarks loudly to one's fellow watchers, which is - quite rightly - frowned upon in public cinemas. (If this paragraph made you think of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 then I definitely want you to message me. Especially if you have strong opinions about Mike vs Joel.) That said, I do practice - and insist on - absolute silence when I or my companion are watching a film for the first time.

I'm married but separated, soon to be divorced.

I'm a software developer (I specialise in Perl, if you know what that is -- if not, message me and I'll bore you silly with an explanation.) and I love what I do because it strikes a balance between problem-solving and artistry: a piece of software is made up - quite literally - of ideas that change the world.

As time permits, I'm working on improving my Poker skills with the goal - the very long term goal - of someday making a living as a professional Poker player. (Stop laughing!)

Knowing lots and lots of interesting little unrelated facts that may or may not be relevant to the matter at hand. Which has come in handy on a few game shows and - surprisingly to me at least - less handy at pub trivia nights.

On good days, I can be a good and understanding listener.

Oh, and I'm pretty good with computers, too. But that's work.

That I dress in the dark. I'm told that some colours don't go well together, but I have never let that alleged fact bother me.

The effect is worse in the wintertime when there are more layers to clash.

Books: Too many to list, including but not limited to history, general fiction, biographies and ... well when the local Borders was closing down I made sure to snap up "Military History" and "Science Fiction & Fantasy" as they sold off all their signs.

My all time favourite novel is The Day of the Triffids.

Movies: My all-time favourites include The Great Escape, Die Hard, The Empire Strikes Back, Casablanca, The Dark Knight and The Blues Brothers.

Shows: Too many to list... but I've always loved Doctor Who most of all. (The original is better; but the new series is not too shabby.) Other current shows I like include Fringe, Top Gear (UK), The Walking Dead, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Big Bang Theory and Episodes.

I think Ricky Gervais is overrated, but that he peaked early with The Office which is a work of sublime genius. The US version I also like, but for very different reasons.

Music: Reasonably varied, but biased towards pre-1992, and towards the mainstream. Some favourite artists are Cold Chisel, Frank Sinatra, INXS, Foo Fighters, U2, John Farnham & the whole Crowded House/Split Enz/ Finn Family blob of creativity.

1) My backpack.
2) something to read.
3) my iPod (an antique now, but I love it because it was the last model with unencrypted firmware, and is thus hackable).
4) spending time with good friends.
5) spending time alone.
6) being within earshot of birdsong.

what a fantastic place this world is. And how lucky we all are to be here for a few short decades to enjoy a small part of it.

either at home entertaining my cat, or perhaps at the cinema; although if Essendon are playing on Friday night there's a good chance I'll be at Etihad or the MCG as appropriate. Oh, and every few months, I host a Friday night poker game for my mates.

I'm not very self-confident. I'm working on it, though.

You would like to engage in witty online banter - with a view to progressing to witty real-life banter, perhaps over a beverage or while having a walk.

Or, alternatively, if you would like to meet my cat.