XOR.BZ

I'm M. Swenson, an independent student of computer science, exploring the field strictly as a personal pursuit. My primary areas of focus—programming in C and Perl, shell scripting, and cryptography—are deeply grounded in my appreciation for the roots of computing.

Because of this, I am drawn to the quiet resilience of UNIX-like systems, favoring the reliability of a text-first, minimalist approach over unnecessary complexity. I am perfectly happy working directly from the command line, whether I'm running OpenBSD on my desktop with just cwm and xterm, or using macOS for its clean design and underlying BSD foundation.

I am a naturally reserved person who finds comfort in consistency, quiet reliability, and functional minimalism. Yet, beyond the physical spaces I inhabit, my curiosities are wide-ranging and eclectic. I'm drawn to human consciousness, the historical and therapeutic applications of psychedelics, the UAP phenomenon, and the broader mysteries of our universe. It’s a fascination that started with late-night Art Bell AM radio broadcasts and continues today through the work of investigative journalists like George Knapp.

This drive to understand complex systems—whether they are operating systems, the mysteries of the universe, or my own internal landscape—is deeply tied to navigating the world with a neurodivergent mind. I often manage the daily friction of life by leaning into the same comfortable, structured routines I apply to my technical work. These lifelong experiences have naturally made me a staunch advocate for mental health destigmatization. I champion the importance of seeking support, and I actively push back against the myth that internal challenges can be resolved by intellect alone.