Michael Mackie

This whole yearlong no sugar/sweeteners/starches/gluten diet thingy I’ve been on has been a win-win-win-win thus far. How so, you ask?
*Win—it proves my inner fortitude (read that: sheer, unadulterated willpower to … Read more

Did I tell y’all I found a speeding ticket that Dad got late last year? True story. My old man was busted going 77 in a 55 m.p.h. zone—which I … Read more

I eat when I’m happy. I eat when I’m sad. Hell, I’ll even break bread when I’m pensive, overwhelmed, giddy or on the cusp of a nervous breakdown. If that … Read more

Given that Dad quietly passed away two weeks ago today—on the 9th anniversary of my stroke, no less—I’ve had a little time to be pensive and reflect on what I’ve learned. … Read more

As awful as the past two weeks have been, there have been several moments of unexpected levity that broke up the general, lingering anguish going on around me. Most of … Read more

On the day I turned 21, my dad handed me a yellow-tinged envelope. Inside was quite possibly the best gift I’ve ever received or, at least, the most heartfelt.
It was … Read more

Anyone who knows me knows I have an unholy obsession with The B-52s. I remember being insta-smitten with the band the first time I spied them on MTV—you know, back … Read more

We’ve officially passed the 90-day mark of my insane experiment. In case you’re not up to speed, I’m going the entire year with no sugar, no sweeteners, no gluten and … Read more

There are dozens—if not hundreds—of sci-fi/comic/cos-play conventions held across the country each year, but there’s only one  Kansas City Planet Comicon. Now celebrating their 20th year, this amalgamation of all things … Read more

Well, kids and campers—we’re two months in to my glorious experiment of avoiding sugar at all costs. And by glorious, I really mean: a hellscape from which I cannot escape … Read more