Brian Kirsten2013-08-19T11:49:35-07:00http://briankirsten.comBrian KirstenPut This On, Episode 3: Work2010-08-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/put-this-on,-episode-3:-work<p><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/14389316" frameborder="0" height="225" width="400"></iframe></p>
<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/14389316">Put This On, Episode 3: Work</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/putthison">Put This On</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Sonoma getting a bath2010-08-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sonoma-getting-a-bath<div class='p_embed p_video_embed'>
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<p>Sent from my iPhone</p>Seth's Blog: Splitting wood2010-08-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/seth's-blog:-splitting-wood<div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry">
<blockquote class="posterous_long_quote"><p>The problem with aiming at the top is that the axe loses momentum before its work is done and you end up with a stuck axe and half a split log.</p><p>No, the best approach is to focus on splitting the <em>bottom</em> of the log. Split the bottom and the top takes care of itself.</p></blockquote>
<div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/08/splitting-wood.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2Fsethsmainblog+%28Seth%27s+Blog%29">sethgodin.typepad.com</a></div>
<p></p></div>Stitch by stitch, North Carolina's Raleigh Denim is living the American Dream.2010-08-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/stitch-by-stitch,-north-carolina's-raleigh-denim-is-living-the-american-dream.<p>
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<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/13517107">Raleigh Denim: Handcrafted in North Carolina</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/davidhuppert">David Huppert</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Sonoma enjoying the patio2010-08-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sonoma-enjoying-the-patio<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/briankirsten/Wgc9inytkLc50zCnwzjOh0cXCAJFwwiPFOVsGvahHWG4GBX45WUMU6G9QIrc/photo.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo" height="373" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/briankirsten/P8HvXOT9hPEOMIz7rkZQHzmTaskNyJg9GWAteR5DzKfx7NAWbEjk5yx4NQEd/photo.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<p>Sent from my iPhone</p>FictFact - Happy 1st Birthday! Win an Amazon Kindle - Wi-fi2010-08-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/fictfact---happy-1st-birthday!-win-an-amazon-kindle---wi-fi<div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry">
<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/briankirsten/cihkacqnfmHaxrpHhcwpqdbdrhyumCBayBGzEEsGvhAvqmmIIygFdADmpBwE/media_httpwwwfictfact_tyoej.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Media_httpwwwfictfact_tyoej" height="66" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/briankirsten/cihkacqnfmHaxrpHhcwpqdbdrhyumCBayBGzEEsGvhAvqmmIIygFdADmpBwE/media_httpwwwfictfact_tyoej.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a>
</div>
<div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.fictfact.com/contestdetails2.aspx">fictfact.com</a></div>
<p>By the way, if you're in the US. We're giving away a Kindle Wi-Fi for our first birthday. If you're not in the US you can still enter our monthly $50 gift card contest.</p></div>Mac Pro - 12 Cores now available2010-08-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/mac-pro---12-cores-now-available<div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry">
<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpstoreimages_cwtqj" height="237" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/briankirsten/bukzgfFoomBHyDgAHicishzxDoHqcBfotphvnrgFupqDphFpCyBvJiyDuzlw/media_httpstoreimages_Cwtqj.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="306" />
</div>
<div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/mac_pro?mco=MTAyNTQzNDQ">store.apple.com</a></div>
<p>If you max the sucker out it'll cost you around $13,000.</p></div>Seth's Blog: Competition2010-08-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/seth's-blog:-competition<div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry">
<blockquote class="posterous_short_quote">There are six billion people in the world. Even if your market is hand-made spoke shaves for left-handed woodworkers, there are more people in your market than you can ever hope to track down.</blockquote>
<div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/08/competition.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2Fsethsmainblog+%28Seth%27s+Blog%29">sethgodin.typepad.com</a></div>
<p>Every once in a while we worry that FictFact is too niche, then I see quotes like this.</p></div>Lifework - Herman Miller2010-08-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/lifework---herman-miller<div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry">
<blockquote class="posterous_long_quote">
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.hermanmiller.com/lifework/wp-content/uploads/Books-and-Chair.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4801" title="Books-and-Chair" src="http://www.hermanmiller.com/lifework/wp-content/uploads/Books-and-Chair.jpg" height="270" alt="" width="480" /></a></span></strong></p></blockquote>
<div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.hermanmiller.com/lifework/inspiration-graphic-designer-theo-rosendorf/">hermanmiller.com</a></div>
<p></p></div>Porchetta - David Lebovitz2010-08-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/porchetta---david-lebovitz<div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry">
<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpfarm5static_lchol" height="333" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/briankirsten/mJbcqjncmkHwHzafeiGfpjhcDeHABplIkDenEjaAHctIlamswEkEvkrgCker/media_httpfarm5static_lchol.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" />
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<div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/archives/2010/08/porchetta_roast_pork_new_york_city_italian_tuscan.html">davidlebovitz.com</a></div>
<p>Mmmmm....porky goodness.</p></div>Spray pancake dinner2010-08-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/spray-pancake-dinner<div class='p_embed p_video_embed'>
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<p>Sent from my iPhone</p>Blastastic!2010-08-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/blastastic!<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
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<p>Sent from my iPhone</p>Took puppy to Arnold Arboretum today2010-07-31T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/took-puppy-to-arnold-arboretum-today<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/briankirsten/O2T6hVcMrcilwHZMQaEg8o7QeLErKrrugmvZBPv45IGwAAvm9UVgzz2AA50Q/photo.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo" height="373" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/briankirsten/uOCMhe5XtDZGOjdo54Q0gHQMDOSpaGadB8KmIGGFFrPdvmGKj5uVmZghBO8Z/photo.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<p>Sent from my iPhone</p>CNN Leaves It There (The Daily Show)2009-10-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/cnn-leaves-it-there-(the-daily-show)<table border="0" style="" width="360">
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<td style="padding: 2px 1px 0px 5px;"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com" target="_blank" style="color: #333; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;">The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td>
<td style="padding: 2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align: right; font-weight: bold;">Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="middle" style="height: 14px;">
<td style="padding: 2px 1px 0px 5px;" colspan="2">
<a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-october-12-2009/cnn-leaves-it-there" target="_blank" style="color: #333; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;">CNN Leaves It There</a><a></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="middle" style="height: 14px; background-color: #353535;">
<td style="padding: 2px 5px 0px; overflow: hidden; text-align: right;" colspan="2"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/" target="_blank" style="color: #96deff; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;">www.thedailyshow.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="middle">
<td style="padding: 0px;" colspan="2"><object height="301" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" style="display: block;" width="360" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" />
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<td style="padding: 0px;" colspan="2">
<table border="0" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center; height: 100%;" width="100%">
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<td style="padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes" target="_blank" style="font: 10px arial; color: #333; text-decoration: none;">Daily Show
Full Episodes</a></td>
<td style="padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.indecisionforever.com" target="_blank" style="font: 10px arial; color: #333; text-decoration: none;">Political Humor</a></td>
<td style="padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/2009/09/23/ron-paul-on-the-daily-show-tuesday-sept-29/" target="_blank" style="font: 10px arial; color: #333; text-decoration: none;">Ron Paul Interview</a></td>
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</table>Reading: Twitter, an Evolving ...2009-06-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reading:-twitter,-an-evolving-...Reading: Twitter, an Evolving Architecture -Interesting history of the Sah...2009-06-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/interesting-history-of-the-sah...Interesting history of the Sahara Restaurant, an "abandoned" building in the South End area of Boston -Spent WAY to long playing with...2009-06-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/spent-way-to-long-playing-with...Spent WAY to long playing with ruby-aaws so I could connect to Amazon's product API. Gave up & wrote my own from scratch. #<a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23secretproject">secretproject</a>Sitting outside on the patio w...2009-06-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sitting-outside-on-the-patio-w...Sitting outside on the patio with puppy and the wife. It's finally warm enough so I can enjoy it.Taking puppy to her annual che...2009-06-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/taking-puppy-to-her-annual-che...Taking puppy to her annual check-up. She gets a couple of shots today, poor thing.How long does homemade tomato ...2009-06-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/how-long-does-homemade-tomato-...How long does homemade tomato sauce last? I made WAY too much for a pizza today.Taking the train downtown to m...2009-06-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/taking-the-train-downtown-to-m...Taking the train downtown to meet up with the wife. Friday date night!Hooray it's rainging again! #s...2009-06-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/hooray-it's-rainging-again!-#s...Hooray it's rainging again! #<a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23summerfail">summerfail</a> #<a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23sarcasm">sarcasm</a> #whenwilliseethesunagainSo..he's a governor. Of a US s...2009-06-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/so..he's-a-governor.-of-a-us-s...So..he's a governor. Of a US state. And he decided to leave the country to meet up with his mistress. At what point was this a good idea?Reading: Shifting America from...2009-06-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reading:-shifting-america-from...Reading: Shifting America from sick care to genuine wellness -Cash4Gold Offers Blogger $3,00...2009-06-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/cash4gold-offers-blogger-$3,00...Cash4Gold Offers Blogger $3,000 To Remove Negative Post:My cousin's surf shop in Ameli...2009-06-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-cousin's-surf-shop-in-ameli...My cousin's surf shop in Amelia Island, FL -Good night internets2009-06-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/good-night-internetsGood night internetsFinished watching the recent X...2009-06-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/finished-watching-the-recent-x...Finished watching the recent X-Files movie. It was a decent long episode of the show, I'm hoping that was their intent.Cooked the wife pork and pinea...2009-06-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/cooked-the-wife-pork-and-pinea...Cooked the wife pork and pineapple fried rice. It was tasty.Drooling over Michael Ruhlman'...2009-06-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/drooling-over-michael-ruhlman'...Drooling over Michael Ruhlman's recipe for Barbecued Ham with Chipotle Honey Glaze -Checked into our hotel in Conn...2009-06-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/checked-into-our-hotel-in-conn...Checked into our hotel in Conn. They've got free Wi-Fi! Off to dinner with @<a href="http://twitter.com/erickirsten">erickirsten</a>RT: Brett Michaels just nearly...2009-06-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/rt:-brett-michaels-just-nearly...RT: Brett Michaels just nearly got decapitated at the Tonys - (via @<a href="http://twitter.com/skydiver">skydiver</a>)RT: Pictures from our Newport ...2009-06-07T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/rt:-pictures-from-our-newport-...RT: Pictures from our Newport adventure to my Flickr account:
(via @<a href="http://twitter.com/ckirsten">ckirsten</a>)Waiting in line for our ticket...2009-06-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/waiting-in-line-for-our-ticket...Waiting in line for our tickets to Rhode Island Chowder festival!Geeting the car serviced, shou...2009-06-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/geeting-the-car-serviced,-shou...Geeting the car serviced, should have brought my laptop they've got a decent Wi-Fi connection.Ended up eating tonight dinner...2009-06-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/ended-up-eating-tonight-dinner...Ended up eating tonight dinner (homemade nachos) with a South African Sauvignon Blanc. It was really tasty.Chowdertastic!2009-06-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/chowdertastic!Chowdertastic!Watched Casino Royale last nig...2009-06-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watched-casino-royale-last-nig...Watched Casino Royale last night, thought that Craig is an excellent Bond. It just didn't feel like a Bond movie.RT: google introduces page spe...2009-06-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/rt:-google-introduces-page-spe...RT: google introduces page speed (via @<a href="http://twitter.com/skwigger">skwigger</a>)Stupid keyboard, let's try tha...2009-06-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/stupid-keyboard,-let's-try-tha...Stupid keyboard, let's try that again. Back at home solving the world's problems.Eating a massive pulled pork b...2009-06-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/eating-a-massive-pulled-pork-b...Eating a massive pulled pork burrito @ Blue RibbonBack at home solving the world2009-06-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/back-at-home-solving-the-worldBack at home solving the worldSomebody tried to sell me a CD...2009-06-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/somebody-tried-to-sell-me-a-cd...Somebody tried to sell me a CD on the street. My first thought is they need a better ecommerce strategy.Watching the magic game out if...2009-05-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watching-the-magic-game-out-if...Watching the magic game out if the corner of my eye. As soon as I pay attention to it they'll lose.LeBron misses his fancy crap s...2009-05-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/lebron-misses-his-fancy-crap-s...LeBron misses his fancy crap shot! Magic WIN!Taking a break in the food cou...2009-05-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/taking-a-break-in-the-food-cou...Taking a break in the food court in the Prudential Center mall. No we aren't eating anything.Just finished a wood grilled l...2009-05-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-finished-a-wood-grilled-l...Just finished a wood grilled lobster @ summer Shack. Was so hungry forgot to take a picture of it.While waiting for my short rib...2009-05-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/while-waiting-for-my-short-rib...While waiting for my short ribs to finish having a Stone Brew IPA. Tasty beer.RT: Waiting for Coke to respon...2009-05-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/rt:-waiting-for-coke-to-respon...RT: Waiting for Coke to respond with "Victorian Remix" (with real cocaine). (via @<a href="http://twitter.com/diablocody">diablocody</a>)Muscle March for the Wii - ht...2009-05-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/muscle-march-for-the-wii----ht...Muscle March for the Wii - If I saw this trailer earlier in the morning my brain would have asploded.Sitting outside in Newton Cent...2009-05-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sitting-outside-in-newton-cent...Sitting outside in Newton Centre have a slice of pesto pizza. A good start to the long weekend.I love that Best Buy pushes ai...2009-05-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-love-that-best-buy-pushes-ai...I love that Best Buy pushes air conditioners here during the summertime.Cooked a great steak for dinne...2009-05-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/cooked-a-great-steak-for-dinne...Cooked a great steak for dinner. Need to rest from steak-overload.Reading Cut the Cubicle Umbili...2009-05-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reading-cut-the-cubicle-umbili...Reading Cut the Cubicle Umbilical Cord: The 7 Traits of the Free Man -Made our dinner reservations f...2009-05-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/made-our-dinner-reservations-f...Made our dinner reservations for next month's NYC Trip: BLT Steak & Blue HillEvery Tracy Jordan line from 3...2009-05-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/every-tracy-jordan-line-from-3...Every Tracy Jordan line from 30 rock -2010 is on, it ain't Kubrick. ...2009-05-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/2010-is-on,-it-ain't-kubrick.-...2010 is on, it ain't Kubrick. Oddly 2001 is on the same time on a completely different channel.More kind words for Watchmensc...2009-05-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/more-kind-words-for-watchmensc...More kind words for Watchmensch -Checking out Carrotmobbing: th...2009-05-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/checking-out-carrotmobbing:-th...Checking out Carrotmobbing: the anti-boycott (via @<a href="http://twitter.com/ckirsten">ckirsten</a>) -Wow I get a whole lot more don...2009-05-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/wow-i-get-a-whole-lot-more-don...Wow I get a whole lot more done when I close gmail. I've lived without it for nearly 24 hours.How do people think at this ho...2009-05-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/how-do-people-think-at-this-ho...How do people think at this hour?Already half an hour ahead of ...2009-05-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/already-half-an-hour-ahead-of-...Already half an hour ahead of schedule!Watching Speed, why would a sw...2009-05-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watching-speed,-why-would-a-sw...Watching Speed, why would a swat team just enter the bomb experts house without protection? Plot fail.Day before huge project launch...2009-05-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/day-before-huge-project-launch...Day before huge project launch at work, if I survive the next 36 hours I can sleep.Wow someone setup a Watchmensc...2009-05-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/wow-someone-setup-a-watchmensc...Wow someone setup a Watchmensch wikipedia entry -Watching Point Break, which ca...2009-05-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watching-point-break,-which-ca...Watching Point Break, which came out in 1991. That was 18 years ago. Holy crap.RT: HOW TO: Publish Your Blog ...2009-05-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/rt:-how-to:-publish-your-blog-...RT: HOW TO: Publish Your Blog on the Amazon Kindle - (via @<a href="http://twitter.com/mashable">mashable</a>)Off to the gym again for more ...2009-05-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-the-gym-again-for-more-...Off to the gym again for more sweatiness.Looking at hotels for our June...2009-05-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/looking-at-hotels-for-our-june...Looking at hotels for our June NYC trip. I love that there are so many neat hotels to choose from.Heading to Tamarind Bay on Bea...2009-05-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/heading-to-tamarind-bay-on-bea...Heading to Tamarind Bay on Beacon fir some hopefully awesome Indian food.In happier news, booked out fl...2009-05-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/in-happier-news,-booked-out-fl...In happier news, booked out flight to for our Vegas trip in Sept. Flight was free due to my many Jetblue points, which is awesome-tastic.I am tired, that last tweet sh...2009-05-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-am-tired,-that-last-tweet-sh...I am tired, that last tweet should have read "booked our flight for our Vegas trip", I go sleepy now. Good night internet.Went to Arnold Arboretum with ...2009-05-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/went-to-arnold-arboretum-with-...Went to Arnold Arboretum with the wife (@<a href="http://twitter.com/ckirsten">ckirsten</a>) & puppy. The wife wanted to do a spring time photo shoot. Ran out because of the rain.This Starbucks thing is popula...2009-05-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/this-starbucks-thing-is-popula...This Starbucks thing is popular here. They should open more of them.Target has criterion collectio...2009-05-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/target-has-criterion-collectio...Target has criterion collection edition of Benjamin button! In the cart please.Working on converting another ...2009-05-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/working-on-converting-another-...Working on converting another one of our comics onto the Kindle. I hope this one is a wee bit easier than Touch of Death was.Translating this comic to the ...2009-05-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/translating-this-comic-to-the-...Translating this comic to the kindle will be tougher than I thought. It's still more fun than working for a living. #<a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23kindle">kindle</a> #<a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23ebook">ebook</a>RT: oh boy. Starcraft 2 beta s...2009-05-07T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/rt:-oh-boy.-starcraft-2-beta-s...RT: oh boy. Starcraft 2 beta signups are available. (via @<a href="http://twitter.com/jakelumetta">jakelumetta</a>) (via @<a href="http://twitter.com/xentek">xentek</a>)Re-watched last night's House,...2009-05-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/re-watched-last-night's-house,...Re-watched last night's House, the whole part with Cuddy better not have been a House driven hallucination. If so I'm going to be ticked.My former fellow floridians wi...2009-05-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-former-fellow-floridians-wi...My former fellow floridians will be disappointed in me, I thinks it's a little warm today for my comfort.Waiting for our ride then off ...2009-04-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/waiting-for-our-ride-then-off-...Waiting for our ride then off to the airport!Bought Outliers from Kindle st...2009-04-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/bought-outliers-from-kindle-st...Bought Outliers from Kindle store for my iPhone, a little light reading for the plane trip.Take out sushi and then packin...2009-04-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/take-out-sushi-and-then-packin...Take out sushi and then packing for our vacation!Another great review of Watchm...2009-04-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/another-great-review-of-watchm...Another great review of Watchmensch -Reading Will Oracle kill MySQL...2009-04-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reading-will-oracle-kill-mysql...Reading Will Oracle kill MySQL? Who cares?It's a Kubrick day, first a do...2009-04-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/it's-a-kubrick-day,-first-a-do...It's a Kubrick day, first a documentary on sundance & now 2001 is on!Trying to work out a way to ge...2009-04-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/trying-to-work-out-a-way-to-ge...Trying to work out a way to get the first issue of Touch of Death ( ) on the Kindle store. Creative editing might work.Train is filled with people we...2009-04-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/train-is-filled-with-people-we...Train is filled with people wearing Red Sox hats & jerseys. Ahhh spring.Just finished massive lunch of...2009-04-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-finished-massive-lunch-of...Just finished massive lunch of crab @ Barking Crab, mmm tasty but messy.Reading - The newspaper indust...2009-04-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reading---the-newspaper-indust...Reading - The newspaper industry just gave away another free meal, er Twitter: do they have any left? -New Blog Post - BitTorrent and...2009-04-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/new-blog-post---bittorrent-and...New Blog Post - BitTorrent and Why Publishers Should go Digital -Google search is slow as dirt ...2009-04-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/google-search-is-slow-as-dirt-...Google search is slow as dirt for me as well, used Yahoo (gag) to look something up.BitTorrent and Why Publishers Should go Digital2009-04-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/bittorrent-and-why-publishers-should-go-digitalJenny, our wonderful rep from <a href="http://www.diamondcomics.com">Diamond</a> noticed that <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/brainscanstudios-20/detail/0615234186">Watchmensch</a> had hit the torrent/free download sites. She asked if we minded being torrent-ed and for my opinion of the push for publishers to going digital and then possibly later moving their books to print. Here's my reply:
As far as how I feel about the downloading thing, part of me is flattered. We aren't a really big company and when I see this sort of stuff I think "Wow someone took the time and scanned this whole thing. I've got pictures sitting on my desk screaming to be scanned and I'm too lazy to scan them." I went ahead and downloaded the scan and whoever did it did a really good job. Will it turn into more orders? I don't think so (I've put requests to Rapidshare and Demonoid to remove the files/torrents).
But it's this sort of thing that has moved us (<a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/">Brain Scan</a>) into the digital world, we've got a couple of new books we went the <a href="http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=2576">digital route</a> with, our belief is that the new creators will build an audience and drive them towards a printed collection. The big issue we see with the whole idea is that most creators don't do a whole lot of planning, they think "the first issue will pay for my gloriously planned-out multi-issue series" and when the money isn't what they expect they disappear like turtles in their shell. A lot of folks think if they release a book and just disappear folks will flock to them. It sadly doesn't work that way.
Offering our books digitally allows folks to experience "us" with little upfront cost, and it's instant gratification. Now that I'm living on my iPhone I want to grab that new issue from an up-and-coming creative team now, not wait for Amazon or my LCS to deliver. With blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc. the small publisher can build their brand with little cost and if folks love you and your brand they'll buy your stuff. We all hope. :) On top of it all, me and my little family moved to Boston back in July into a much smaller apartment. Guess what didn't come along? A whole lot of longboxes that are now living at my parents house. In their place I've been picking up graphic novels, because we just don't have the space. A download is nothing but space on that computer or phone.
It should be an interesting year for publishers big and small, we'll see how it turns out. Hopefully for the better.A quarter of the way through c...2009-04-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/a-quarter-of-the-way-through-c...A quarter of the way through cooking dinner and I realize we're out of black beans. Time to improvise!One week I'll be back in Orlan...2009-04-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/one-week-i'll-be-back-in-orlan...One week I'll be back in Orlando!HBO is showing the Le Cirque d...2009-04-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/hbo-is-showing-the-le-cirque-d...HBO is showing the Le Cirque documentary again. I'll watch it every time, I love a good behind the scenes documentary.Cooking pad Thai with tofu. Mm...2009-04-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/cooking-pad-thai-with-tofu.-mm...Cooking pad Thai with tofu. Mmm healthy!Taking a much needed brain bre...2009-04-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/taking-a-much-needed-brain-bre...Taking a much needed brain break from work, my upcoming vacation can't come soon enough.Reading - Twitter: blaming Rub...2009-04-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reading---twitter:-blaming-rub...Reading - Twitter: blaming Ruby for their mistakes? -Reading - The Wail of the 1% -...2009-04-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reading---the-wail-of-the-1%--...Reading - The Wail of the 1% -Have multiple terminal windows...2009-04-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/have-multiple-terminal-windows...Have multiple terminal windows open with processes streaming by, it's oddly soothing.Alrighty it seems the brain br...2009-04-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/alrighty-it-seems-the-brain-br...Alrighty it seems the brain break is over, back to work in the acid mines.The next ten days should be a ...2009-04-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-next-ten-days-should-be-a-...The next ten days should be a hoot. Project I've worked on for months goes into QA. Have to make sure everything is working b4 my vacation.RT: On the subway. It's Marath...2009-04-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/rt:-on-the-subway.-it's-marath...RT: On the subway. It's Marathon Monday so it's my civic duty to keep an eye peeled for riders wearing paper numbers. (via @<a href="http://twitter.com/Ihnatko">Ihnatko</a>)Trying Figs, Todd English's pi...2009-04-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/trying-figs,-todd-english's-pi...Trying Figs, Todd English's pizza restaurant in Beacon Hill. Plenty of sun worshipers out today.Off to downtown, want to see w...2009-04-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-downtown,-want-to-see-w...Off to downtown, want to see what they've done to prepare 4 the Boston Marathon tomorrow.Welcome New Visitors!2009-04-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/welcome-new-visitors!<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
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Welcome New Visitors! You can imagine my shock when I checked out Google Analytics and saw my traffic for yesterday. Much thanks to <a href="http://www.marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2009/04/small-ideas-for-a-much-better-world.html">Marginal Revolution</a> for linking to my rant about the <a href="http://www.briankirsten.com/2009/03/23/waiting-on-line-post-office/">post office</a>.
For those of you interested in learning a little bit more about me, you can check out my <a href="http://www.briankirsten.com/about-2/">resume</a>. I'm also owner of <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/">Brain Scan Studios</a>, a book publishing company (mostly geared towords comics and graphic novels). You can follow my rants on <a href="http://twitter.com/bkirsten">twitter</a>, subscribe to <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BrianKirstensBlog">my rss feed</a> and check out <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/brainscanstudios-20">my Amazon store</a> which is filled with books that I think the world should check out.
Our latest book, <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/comics/index.php#watchmensch">Watchmensch</a> is currently out in comic book stores or available at <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/brainscanstudios-20/detail/0615234186">Amazon</a>.Internet is suddenly very slow...2009-04-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/internet-is-suddenly-very-slow...Internet is suddenly very slow, wondering if it's a hint that I should shut down and go to bed.Reading 279 Days to Overnight ...2009-04-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reading-279-days-to-overnight-...Reading 279 Days to Overnight Success -Watchmensch cracks the top 300...2009-04-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watchmensch-cracks-the-top-300...Watchmensch cracks the top 300 comics sold in March -Watchmensch reviewed by the Mi...2009-04-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watchmensch-reviewed-by-the-mi...Watchmensch reviewed by the Miami Herald -Reading Stoicism 101: A Practi...2009-04-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reading-stoicism-101:-a-practi...Reading Stoicism 101: A Practical Guide for Entrepreneurs - (@tferriss)Off to the gym.2009-04-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-the-gym.Off to the gym.Great post gym activity, makin...2009-04-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/great-post-gym-activity,-makin...Great post gym activity, making pizza dough for dinner tomorrow.Do illiterate people get the f...2009-04-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/do-illiterate-people-get-the-f...Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup?My install of Ego 4 my iPhone ...2009-04-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-install-of-ego-4-my-iphone-...My install of Ego 4 my iPhone is showing nothing but zeros for Google stats (Feedburner & Analytics) api issues?The Ten Commandments are on, t...2009-04-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-ten-commandments-are-on,-t...The Ten Commandments are on, there seemed to be a lot of Caucasian looking folks in DeMeille's version of this story.Selling off a bunch of domain ...2009-04-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/selling-off-a-bunch-of-domain-...Selling off a bunch of domain names (call it spring cleaning) full list is here - #domainOff to walk the dog and have a...2009-04-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-walk-the-dog-and-have-a...Off to walk the dog and have a cookie from last nights treats -NIN: Access for the iPhone - h...2009-04-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/nin:-access-for-the-iphone---h...NIN: Access for the iPhone -Installed TweetDeck it's the j...2009-04-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/installed-tweetdeck-it's-the-j...Installed TweetDeck it's the just right amount of information overload I need in the morning. Twirl didn't seem to be improving.Today and tomorrow will be sun...2009-04-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/today-and-tomorrow-will-be-sun...Today and tomorrow will be sunny and "warm", this weekend? Rainy and chilly. Sigh.Having a BBQ brisket sandwich ...2009-04-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/having-a-bbq-brisket-sandwich-...Having a BBQ brisket sandwich @ Blue Ribbon. What a beautiful day.Amazon ordered more copies of ...2009-04-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/amazon-ordered-more-copies-of-...Amazon ordered more copies of Watchmensch, you should remind your LCS to do the same.A real programmer will seek ou...2009-04-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/a-real-programmer-will-seek-ou...A real programmer will seek out a language that will allow them to get the job done quickly, comfortably, and with as few errors as possibleOmnicomic has some very nice w...2009-04-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/omnicomic-has-some-very-nice-w...Omnicomic has some very nice words for Brain Scan and the books we do -So Michelle Obama touched the ...2009-04-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/so-michelle-obama-touched-the-...So Michelle Obama touched the queen? Isn't that a perk of being the wife of the president?Colbert points out that Glenn ...2009-04-01T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/colbert-points-out-that-glenn-...Colbert points out that Glenn Beck might not be playing with a full deck -My former co-worker Irene pain...2009-03-31T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-former-co-worker-irene-pain...My former co-worker Irene paints lovely paintings -Review comparing Watchmensch a...2009-03-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/review-comparing-watchmensch-a...Review comparing Watchmensch and IDW's Whatmen?! -Watchmensch gets reviews by Th...2009-03-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watchmensch-gets-reviews-by-th...Watchmensch gets reviews by The Onion's A.V. Club -Watching Ace of Cakes, this sh...2009-03-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watching-ace-of-cakes,-this-sh...Watching Ace of Cakes, this show is a perfect example of people who adore their jobs. At least it seems that way.The one thing you should learn...2009-03-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-one-thing-you-should-learn...The one thing you should learn from the movie Eyes Wide Shut is that you shouldn't sneak in spooky masked sex party mansions.Just finished boxing up Amazon...2009-03-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-finished-boxing-up-amazon...Just finished boxing up Amazon orders of Watchmensch, they've already sold out the little they initially ordered -Nine Inch Nails, Jane's Additi...2009-03-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/nine-inch-nails,-jane's-additi...Nine Inch Nails, Jane's Addition & Street Sweeper's free EP download in support of NINJA tour 2009 -It's sunny, warm(ish) and...sn...2009-03-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/it's-sunny,-warm(ish)-and...sn...It's sunny, warm(ish) and...snowing? This Boston place keeps you on your toes.So...they were...angels...sort...2009-03-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/so...they-were...angels...sort...So...they were...angels...sort of? It was a great ending, didn't tie up everything I wanted explained, but it worked for me. #BSGHas everyone picked up their c...2009-03-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/has-everyone-picked-up-their-c...Has everyone picked up their copy of Watchmensch? If so where'd you get it?The prune gnocchi at this rest...2009-03-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-prune-gnocchi-at-this-rest...The prune gnocchi at this restaurant is a religious experience!Grabbing takeout at Green Tea ...2009-03-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/grabbing-takeout-at-green-tea-...Grabbing takeout at Green Tea in Newton, they make amazing pork fried rice!Another great review of Watchm...2009-03-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/another-great-review-of-watchm...Another great review of Watchmensch this time from AICN -MGM Mirage Reports 4th Quarter...2009-03-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/mgm-mirage-reports-4th-quarter...MGM Mirage Reports 4th Quarter & Full Year Results -Freaking tired, heading to bed...2009-03-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/freaking-tired,-heading-to-bed...Freaking tired, heading to bed. Good night interwebs don't do anything too stupid!Really impressed with Tweetie ...2009-03-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/really-impressed-with-tweetie-...Really impressed with Tweetie for the iPhone, well worth the money.All of Brain Scan's books are ...2009-03-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/all-of-brain-scan's-books-are-...All of Brain Scan's books are now avaliable in DRM free PDF format @<a href="http://twitter.com/DriveThruComics">DriveThruComics</a> -Bought Tweetie, my first paid ...2009-03-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/bought-tweetie,-my-first-paid-...Bought Tweetie, my first paid iPhone app. Here's my first tweet from it!Hahlo isn't working on my iPho...2009-03-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/hahlo-isn't-working-on-my-ipho...Hahlo isn't working on my iPhone anymore, looking at buying Tweetie which would be my first purchased iPhone app.Inbox zero! Hooray! Now I must...2009-03-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/inbox-zero!-hooray!-now-i-must...Inbox zero! Hooray! Now I must continue to be productive.Yes, the weather in Boston was...2009-03-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/yes,-the-weather-in-boston-was...Yes, the weather in Boston was lovely yesterday. Today's weather you ask? Well let me walk over to the window and check...SON OF A....Watchmen was brilliant.2009-03-07T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watchmen-was-brilliant.Watchmen was brilliant.Watchmen starting in five minu...2009-03-07T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watchmen-starting-in-five-minu...Watchmen starting in five minutes! W00t!The Two-Penny Review has plent...2009-03-06T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-two-penny-review-has-plent...The Two-Penny Review has plenty of kind words for Watchmensch -Synopsis of the movie Death Pr...2009-03-06T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/synopsis-of-the-movie-death-pr...Synopsis of the movie Death Proof: yack, yack, yack, group of people die, yack, yack, yack...I turn off the TV.Reading the first chapter of O...2009-03-05T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reading-the-first-chapter-of-o...Reading the first chapter of Outliers on the Kindle for iPhone app, this might drain money from my wallet.Prototype + JSON = fun program...2009-03-05T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/prototype-+-json-=-fun-program...Prototype + JSON = fun programming. Why have I waited so long?Have an idea for a service tha...2009-03-03T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/have-an-idea-for-a-service-tha...Have an idea for a service that I crave but I know will eat up all my free time developing. Should I be lazy or semi-productive?More snow...whoop-dee-doo.2009-03-01T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/more-snow...whoop-dee-doo.More snow...whoop-dee-doo.Reviews from across the web!2009-02-24T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reviews-from-across-the-web!<a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/comics/index.php#watchmensch">Watchmensch</a> fever has struck the internet, reviews are starting to pop-up here and there. We've had reviews from the good folks at <a href="http://io9.com/5154032/your-first-look-at-watchmensch">i09</a>, <a href="http://newbreedofnerd.wordpress.com/2009/02/19/watchmensch/">New Breed of Nerd</a> and <a href="http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/02/21/whos-watching-the-watchmensch-comic-win-your-way-into-the-watchmen-uk-premiere/#more-20501">Slashfilm</a>. <a href="http://occasionalsuperheroine.blogspot.com/2009/02/watchmensch-story-behind-watchmen-alan.html">Occasional Superheroine</a> also had some very kind words:
<blockquote>
<a href="http://www.watchmensch.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Watchmensch</span></a> is important supplementary material to both the <span style="font-style: italic;">Watchmen</span> graphic novel and film that fans and media alike should read. Because the comic book provides, in a highly fanciful and irreverent way, interesting (though subjective) background information on the movie event of the Spring.</blockquote>
Lewis Lovhaug's <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/comics/index.php#rotm1">Revolution of the Mask</a> is also building steam, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/blowshimselfupdude">blowshimselfupdude</a> had nothing but kind words in his audio/video review of issue #1.
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<a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/comics/index.php#watchmensch">Watchmensch</a> will be available in comic book shops in mid-March, <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/comics/index.php#rotm1">Revolution of the Mask</a> is available now in PDF and CBR format at <a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/4319440">Lulu</a>, <a href="http://www.wowio.com/users/product.asp?BookId=5513">Wowio</a> and <a href="http://www.cruxy.com/info/17005">Cruxy.com</a>.Bought Noby Noby Boy for the P...2009-02-24T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/bought-noby-noby-boy-for-the-p...Bought Noby Noby Boy for the PS3, if Dali was alive this is the video game he would have designed.Just left Tremont 647 in the S...2009-02-22T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-left-tremont-647-in-the-s...Just left Tremont 647 in the South End. All appetizers should be made of pork bellies.Microsoft Pleads For Openness...2009-02-21T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/microsoft--pleads-for-openness...Microsoft Pleads For Openness To Compete With Apple - - hrrr?How are they fighting over foo...2009-02-21T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/how-are-they-fighting-over-foo...How are they fighting over food and yet have so much alcohol in the Battlestar universe?Having oysters and adult bever...2009-02-21T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/having-oysters-and-adult-bever...Having oysters and adult beverages at kingfish hall.It is friggen cold, wind keeps...2009-02-20T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/it-is-friggen-cold,-wind-keeps...It is friggen cold, wind keeps blowing open the door to the burger joint I'm at.Over at flipping burgers in ne...2009-02-13T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/over-at-flipping-burgers-in-ne...Over at flipping burgers in newton center, the smell of burgers cooking reminds me of summertime.Dave Gibbons gave us a quote f...2009-02-13T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/dave-gibbons-gave-us-a-quote-f...Dave Gibbons gave us a quote for Watchmensch - my brain explodes.Train is packed today. People ...2009-02-08T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/train-is-packed-today.-people-...Train is packed today. People must be emerging from their igloos to enjoy the sun.Serving coffee in an espresso ...2009-02-08T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/serving-coffee-in-an-espresso-...Serving coffee in an espresso cup doesn't make it espresso.It's warm today and the snow i...2009-02-08T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/it's-warm-today-and-the-snow-i...It's warm today and the snow is melting! Hooray winter is over! (laughs crazily)In Salem, it's kind of like St...2009-02-07T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/in-salem,-it's-kind-of-like-st...In Salem, it's kind of like St Augustine. The touristy cheesy part of St Augustine.We are off to Orlando again! J...2009-02-04T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/we-are-off-to-orlando-again!-j...We are off to Orlando again! Just bought our plane tickets for our spring break trip.Watchmensch appears on Target....2009-02-01T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watchmensch-appears-on-target....Watchmensch appears on Target.com -Tales of the Black Freighter D...2009-02-01T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/tales-of-the-black-freighter-d...Tales of the Black Freighter DVD on March 24th!Brian fun fact: I speak to my ...2009-02-01T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/brian-fun-fact:-i-speak-to-my-...Brian fun fact: I speak to my dog in a made up language.I have learned to never take n...2009-01-31T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-have-learned-to-never-take-n...I have learned to never take nyquil within 8 hours of desired wake up time.Enjoying the sunny day with lu...2009-01-31T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/enjoying-the-sunny-day-with-lu...Enjoying the sunny day with lunch @ Barking CrabBarking Crab is playing 90s mu...2009-01-31T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/barking-crab-is-playing-90s-mu...Barking Crab is playing 90s music, MC Hammer is on...waitress, check please!Wynn Las Vegas site has a nice...2009-01-30T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/wynn-las-vegas-site-has-a-nice...Wynn Las Vegas site has a nice mobile version, but reservation link just offers a phone number. What's up with that?Starbucks wifi is not cooperat...2009-01-30T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/starbucks-wifi-is-not-cooperat...Starbucks wifi is not cooperating, claims to not recognize my phone number.I love this Walmart commercial...2009-01-27T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-love-this-walmart-commercial...I love this Walmart commercial. Nothing says "GRRR football" like Queen.Folding clothes while watching...2009-01-27T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/folding-clothes-while-watching...Folding clothes while watching a chili cookoff on Food network. I don't visit enough chili cookoffs.Battlestar!2009-01-24T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/battlestar!Battlestar!From my prius display - Outsid...2009-01-23T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/from-my-prius-display---outsid...From my prius display - Outside Temp: 36 - hooray!Was busy working today, did so...2009-01-20T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/was-busy-working-today,-did-so...Was busy working today, did something important happen?Dear MIT, please figure out ho...2009-01-20T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/dear-mit,-please-figure-out-ho...Dear MIT, please figure out how to melt all this snow. Lasers would be preferable. Thanks your pal, Brian.On the train heading to downto...2009-01-18T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/on-the-train-heading-to-downto...On the train heading to downtown, the wife is hoping to get some good city covered in snow pics.I'm amazed how a good half foo...2009-01-18T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i'm-amazed-how-a-good-half-foo...I'm amazed how a good half foot of snow makes every train stop look exactly the same.Drinking Ray's Station Caberne...2009-01-18T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/drinking-ray's-station-caberne...Drinking Ray's Station Cabernet Sauvignon....tasty wine.Today we've officially lived i...2009-01-17T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/today-we've-officially-lived-i...Today we've officially lived in Boston 6 months.Had something resembling fried...2009-01-17T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/had-something-resembling-fried...Had something resembling fried clams at Boston science museum. Next time I'll just pour salt on $22 dollars and eat that.Battlestar!2009-01-17T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/battlestar!Battlestar!20 minutes in and BSG has turn...2009-01-17T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/20-minutes-in-and-bsg-has-turn...20 minutes in and BSG has turned into a David Lynch movie.I've become addicted to Everno...2009-01-15T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i've-become-addicted-to-everno...I've become addicted to Evernote I can store recipes from the web and look them up on my iPhone in the kitchen.Sad that I'm excited it'll be ...2009-01-14T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sad-that-i'm-excited-it'll-be-...Sad that I'm excited it'll be in the 30s on Monday, break out the shorts!For folks interested in web de...2009-01-14T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/for-folks-interested-in-web-de...For folks interested in web development as a job, 99% of the work is figuring out interesting ways to post a form. Glamourous!Did Seacreast just try to high...2009-01-14T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/did-seacreast-just-try-to-high...Did Seacreast just try to high five the blind guy?Am liking hahlo better than tw...2009-01-14T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/am-liking-hahlo-better-than-tw...Am liking hahlo better than twitterific, hopefully that either makes me hip or woefully behind the times.Free starbucks wi-fi keeps log...2009-01-13T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/free-starbucks-wi-fi-keeps-log...Free starbucks wi-fi keeps logging me out. Is annoying but free. Espresso is tasty.Won't you take me to...Monkeytown2009-01-12T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/won't-you-take-me-to...monkeytown<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
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Just realized I might have got...2009-01-11T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-realized-i-might-have-got...Just realized I might have gotten into Dr. Who, there's not enough time in the month to watch all this TV.Quote of the Day2009-01-05T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/quote-of-the-day<blockquote class="posterous_short_quote">You can extend this all the way to how you hire people. Is penalizing a 40 year old by not giving her a job a way to teach her a lesson about studying harder for the SAT when she was 17?</blockquote>
<a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/01/teaching-people.html">From Seth Godin's Blog</a>Watching helplessly as my plan...2008-12-31T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watching-helplessly-as-my-plan...Watching helplessly as my plane goes from on-time to delayed. Hoping it doesn't go into the cancelled column.I'm wondering how people get a...2008-12-31T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i'm-wondering-how-people-get-a...I'm wondering how people get away with all the "carry-on" luggage, if you can put a watermelon in it then don't put it in the overhead.Flight is even further delayed...2008-12-31T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/flight-is-even-further-delayed...Flight is even further delayed but not cancelled. Hey Jetblue how about some free Wi-fi in Logan, paying for Internet @ an airport blows.Finally updated my Xbox 360 to...2008-12-28T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/finally-updated-my-xbox-360-to...Finally updated my Xbox 360 to the new " Xbox experience", the refreshed UI is horrible.All the info you need to order...2008-12-28T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/all-the-info-you-need-to-order...All the info you need to order Watchmensch -Sitting on the train off to ha...2008-12-27T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sitting-on-the-train-off-to-ha...Sitting on the train off to harvard squareHaving fondue at the in-laws.2008-12-27T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/having-fondue-at-the-in-laws.Having fondue at the in-laws.It's a Christmas miracle, star...2008-12-25T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/it's-a-christmas-miracle,-star...It's a Christmas miracle, starbucks near our house was open. Happy holidays to all and to all yackety schmackety.Brain Scan Studios to publish Watchmensch2008-12-22T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/brain-scan-studios-to-publish-watchmensch<p>
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Boston, MA December 22, 2008 - Brain Scan Studios proudly presents Watchmensch a parody of...you know.</p>
<p>After one of them is murdered, a team of lawyers who have had dealings with the comics industry must band together again against a conspiracy. But who is trying to kill Nite Nurse, Spottyman, Silk,
1700 Broadway Manhattan and Ozzyosbourne? And what is the cloned creature about to be dropped on New York City?</p>
<p>From the writer of Civil Wardobe and Lying In The Gutters comes this nine-panel-grid parody of comics, the comics industry, the movies they spawn and the creators that get trampled on. Oy vey.</p>
<p>24 pages B+W with full color covers.</p>
<p>Previews Order #: JAN094081
ISBN: 9780615234182</p>
<p>Watchmensch will be available in comic shops everywhere in March 2009. Visit the <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/comics/index.php#watchmensch">Brain Scan Studios website</a> for more information.</p>
<p>Brain Scan Studios is an alternative media company based out of Boston, MA that publishes a variety of blogs and creator-owned comics. <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/">www.brainscanstudios.com</a></p>Braved the elements and walked...2008-12-21T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/braved-the-elements-and-walked...Braved the elements and walked to cheesecake factory for breakfast.Waiting patiently for pending ...2008-12-19T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/waiting-patiently-for-pending-...Waiting patiently for pending snowstorm of DOOMExperiencing my first snow sho...2008-11-30T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/experiencing-my-first-snow-sho...Experiencing my first snow shower.At natick mall, its a madhouse...2008-11-28T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/at-natick-mall,-its-a-madhouse...At natick mall, its a madhouse. What global recession are you talking about?Happy thanksgiving to all! Por...2008-11-27T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/happy-thanksgiving-to-all!-por...Happy thanksgiving to all! Pork shoulder is in the oven!At Mellow Mushroom drinking gr...2008-11-21T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/at-mellow-mushroom-drinking-gr...At Mellow Mushroom drinking great beer.Off to Orlando!2008-11-20T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-orlando!Off to Orlando!Just left my house in Orlando ...2008-11-20T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-left-my-house-in-orlando-...Just left my house in Orlando realizing I have a ton of stuff to give away.Heading out to take dog for wa...2008-11-20T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/heading-out-to-take-dog-for-wa...Heading out to take dog for walk hopefully nothing will freeze off.I guess irony can be pretty ir...2008-11-15T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-guess-irony-can-be-pretty-ir...I guess irony can be pretty ironic sometimes.Even though I have a perfectly...2008-10-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/even-though-i-have-a-perfectly...Even though I have a perfectly good laptop surfing the web on iPhone, something wrong with this picture.Having sushi at Sapporo in New...2008-10-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/having-sushi-at-sapporo-in-new...Having sushi at Sapporo in Newton CenterMy first tweet from my iPhone2008-10-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-first-tweet-from-my-iphoneMy first tweet from my iPhoneWaiting for the cab to take me...2008-10-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/waiting-for-the-cab-to-take-me...Waiting for the cab to take me to the airport then off to orlando!Jetblue to Orlando!2008-10-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/jetblue-to-orlando!Jetblue to Orlando!After wonderful indian food ha...2008-09-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/after-wonderful-indian-food-ha...After wonderful indian food having dessert in harvard squareBrain Scan Studios to publish Revolution of the Mask2008-09-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/brain-scan-studios-to-publish-revolution-of-the-mask<p>
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Boston, MA Sept 27, 2008 - Brain Scan Studios proudly presents Revolution of the Mask, an exciting 12 issue maxi-series that returns superheroes to a unrecognizable Earth that discarded individuality.</p>
<p>After a Final War that decimated the planet, Earth's population now exists as 'The All.' Individuality is irrelevant and everyone belongs to everyone else. However, a revolution is coming - not of murder and mayhem, but of capes and costumes. This is the Revolution of the Mask. This issue: Designation Gamma-117 knows there's something wrong with the world, but only someone Wonderful can tell him what it is.</p>
<p>Revolution of the Mask will be available in e-book format on Oct 1st. Visit the <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/comics/index.php#rotm1">Brain Scan Studios website</a> for more information.</p>
<p>Brain Scan Studios is an alternative media company based out of Boston, MA that publishes a variety of blogs and creator-owned comics. <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/">www.brainscanstudios.com</a></p>Dropped folks off at the airpo...2008-09-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/dropped-folks-off-at-the-airpo...Dropped folks off at the airport experiencing our first Boston fall dayDoes all cell service suck in ...2008-09-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/does-all-cell-service-suck-in-...Does all cell service suck in this state or is it only T-mobile?Trying The Cambridge Brewing C...2008-09-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/trying-the-cambridge-brewing-c...Trying The Cambridge Brewing CompanyA 65 mpg Ford the US will neve...2008-09-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/a-65-mpg-ford-the-us-will-neve...A 65 mpg Ford the US will never see -Trying The Barking Crab near B...2008-09-07T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/trying-the-barking-crab-near-b...Trying The Barking Crab near Boston HarborHaving yogurt at JP Licks in N...2008-09-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/having-yogurt-at-jp-licks-in-n...Having yogurt at JP Licks in Newton CenterI think this woman is trying t...2008-09-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-think-this-woman-is-trying-t...I think this woman is trying to sell the "cute hockey mom" thing too much, that alone she lost me.Our Garmin nuvi GPS suddenly s...2008-09-01T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/our-garmin-nuvi-gps-suddenly-s...Our Garmin nuvi GPS suddenly started giving us a funky error. Now we must hide in our house afraid of Boston's roads.Trying out Summer Shack in Cam...2008-08-31T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/trying-out-summer-shack-in-cam...Trying out Summer Shack in CambridgeOver at Flour on Washington St...2008-08-31T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/over-at-flour-on-washington-st...Over at Flour on Washington St (South End) having Sunday morning coffeeHad my haircut by Emily at Jam...2008-08-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/had-my-haircut-by-emily-at-jam...Had my haircut by Emily at James Joseph Studio, it looks friggen great!The car is now a resident of t...2008-08-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-car-is-now-a-resident-of-t...The car is now a resident of the state of Mass!Just finished fixing some horr...2008-08-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-finished-fixing-some-horr...Just finished fixing some horrible php code. Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be crappy coders.Getting car inspected will tak...2008-08-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/getting-car-inspected-will-tak...Getting car inspected will take 45 minutes!Upgraded to new Adium, now don...2008-08-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/upgraded-to-new-adium,-now-don...Upgraded to new Adium, now don't see any conversation in my IM windows! Very odd.The oddest thing Adium im wind...2008-08-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-oddest-thing-adium-im-wind...The oddest thing Adium im window is blank, but looking into the chat logs I can see that stuff is going on. ARGH!Completely removed Adium and a...2008-08-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/completely-removed-adium-and-a...Completely removed Adium and am starting from scratchAdium seems to be working now2008-08-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/adium-seems-to-be-working-nowAdium seems to be working nowLiving here I've learned 2 won...2008-08-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/living-here-i've-learned-2-won...Living here I've learned 2 wonderful words - take out.Down at The Fat Cat in Quincy2008-08-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/down-at-the-fat-cat-in-quincyDown at The Fat Cat in QuincyWent out for ice cream with th...2008-08-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/went-out-for-ice-cream-with-th...Went out for ice cream with the wife and puppyWeather in Boston 59F and clea...2008-08-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/weather-in-boston-59f-and-clea...Weather in Boston 59F and clear, weather in Orlando still feeling natures fury.Censorship at Wowio?2008-08-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/censorship-at-wowio?I'm a small time comic book publisher. <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/">Brain Scan Studios</a> doesn't really have a particular genre, we just love publishing what we think are great comics. Recently Brain Scan Studios moved towards e-book publishing, it's a business decision that I think many small publishers will move to and as the distribution options open up more ways to monetize the content will be available to publishers and the creators they publish.
<a href="http://www.wowio.com">Wowio</a> caught our eye sometime last year, they had an interesting business model and there wasn't a major barrier of entry for publishers (large and small) to get Wowio to "distribute" books to their audience. The only major negative was the requirement that folks had to be from the US. But being a small publisher we understood that getting any audience is better than none, so we signed up with Wowio. We had decent success.
All was well until several months ago, when Wowio mysteriously was shuttered and it was discovered that they were being purchased by Platinum Studios. A wave of nervousness ran through the ranks of publishers with books currently being distributed by the service, with questions on rights/ownership and payment changes.
Wowio relaunched resembling a web comics outfit with a store attached. The current site offers the ability to "sell" your product through them, either by traditional means with Wowio taking a cut of the income or offering the end user a free advertiser "sponsored" download of the publishers content. After combing through the contract additions with a fine toothed comb, we signed up to the "new" Wowio, because as we all know your content might be great but you need folks to distribute it to get it into the hands of the awaiting public.
So after all this exposition on the hows-and-whys of Wowio, here's the crux of this blog post. Brain Scan Studios released a new comic anthology called "<a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/comics/index.php#serial1">Serial</a>", by the talented team of David Hayes, Kurt Belcher, Kevin Moyers and others. The series is about real serial killers, it's history, completely non-fiction about how twisted the mind of man can really be.
We submitted the book to Wowio and received this message several days later:
<blockquote class="posterous_short_quote">Thank you for submitting the book for review. We cannot post the book to the Web site due to the nature of the content.</blockquote>
Very odd I thought. I didn't recall any content restrictions on Wowio, I assumed all the major taboos are rejected on the service but Serial doesn't even have nudity. It's violent but this is history. Men did what is being talked about it in this, it isn't Jason or Leatherface, real people existed on our planet that did these things. On top of it all there's an option during the book submission process that indicated whether or not the book was "mature readers", which was selected for Serial. We resubmitted the book with the following comment:
<blockquote class="posterous_short_quote">Can I get some more details on why this was rejected? It's a mature readers book.</blockquote>
We received the following a few days later.
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">The quality of the book is very good. However, the combination of serial killer content that is based actual events and comic book imagery is especially dark. We feel the instructional guide on how to strangle a victim and achieve sexual gratification in the Gacy story is too edgy. Also, the first person description of attacking, dismembering and consuming a victim in the Fish story, along with the thought process of deciding whether to sexually assault the victim, is not a good match for our comic book readership.</blockquote>
Whenever your book is rejected by Wowio you receive the administrators comments via email. So I responded back with the following:
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">Is there official documentation on what we can and cannot submit? I don't recall content restrictions in the contract we signed. What also defines the term "Mature" during the submission process of a book?</blockquote>
This email bounced back. Wonderful. So I'll resubmit Serial with my comments and see what I get back.
The question I have to ask, what is Wowio? Is Wowio a local store offering books and comics with a "Mature" section that it hides from public eye? If they follow that model then sure, they have the right to stock whatever they want. But I thought their tagline is "Free Books + Free Minds"? Which to me would indicate a very diverse set of content for a range of people.
I think that Wowio is nothing but a magazine. They have a ton of content that's ad funded and they have to keep those advertisers happy. I'm wondering how much content has been "pruned" out of the new Wowio because of "mature content". Because you know that Wowio's advertisers don't want their logos next to a book that they might be considered pornographic or extremely violent. (We could go into the delicious irony that a major sponsor of Wowio is EA video games, but that topic should be for another blog post.) What also got me in the prior comments by Wowio's submissions department was this "...is not a good match for our comic book readership", OUR comic readership? What do you mean OUR? That term is rather odd, isn't the readership people looking for new content, whatever their tastes might be? Is Wowio claiming they only cater to certain people/demographics?
This won't stop me from submitting content to Wowio, I'll just have to be sure the content caters to their mysterious demographic. Another irony is that on Wowio our most popular books so far are <a href="http://www.fiendishfables.com/">Fiendish Fables</a> and <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/comics/index.php#humpday0">Humpday</a> both falling into the "horror" genre. So there must be an audience for it on Wowio.
On a side note Serial is available in DRM free PDF format on <a href="http://www.cruxy.com/info/16250">Cruxy</a> and <a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/2936645">Lulu</a>.
Update: Serial is now also available in DRM free CBR format at <a href="https://www.cruxy.com/info/16496">Cruxy</a>.Watching Mythbusters Macgyver ...2008-08-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watching-mythbusters-macgyver-...Watching Mythbusters Macgyver special. Why do I love Mythbusters so much?Over at peters park in south e...2008-08-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/over-at-peters-park-in-south-e...Over at peters park in south end my dog will not step on the pebbles hereIve never seen so many huskys ...2008-08-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/ive-never-seen-so-many-huskys-...Ive never seen so many huskys in one parkArthur Frommer believes the 's...2008-08-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/arthur-frommer-believes-the-'s...Arthur Frommer believes the 'staycation' is no subsitute for traveling, I completely agree -The wife wanted to visit the l...2008-08-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-wife-wanted-to-visit-the-l...The wife wanted to visit the local library to get a card, the library was bigger than UCF's library.Because I have to work on Wind...2008-08-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/because-i-have-to-work-on-wind...Because I have to work on Windows at the new job trying out the Digsby IM client, it also does email and the social networks.Humpday made the Top Comics li...2008-08-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/humpday-made-the-top-comics-li...Humpday made the Top Comics list on Wowio! w00t!Economy Watch - Universal atte...2008-08-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---universal-atte...Economy Watch - Universal attendance down 5% -Got back from Dark Knight, Led...2008-08-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/got-back-from-dark-knight,-led...Got back from Dark Knight, Ledger is a truly a force of nature in the movie.People watching in Boston Comm...2008-08-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/people-watching-in-boston-comm...People watching in Boston CommonFor the last couple of days I'...2008-08-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/for-the-last-couple-of-days-i'...For the last couple of days I've had to get up at 5:30 in the morning, I don't recommend it to anyone.The wife got through 10 minute...2008-08-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-wife-got-through-10-minute...The wife got through 10 minutes of said freddie prince movie.My wife is watching an on dema...2008-08-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-wife-is-watching-an-on-dema...My wife is watching an on demand freddie prince movie. Even though it's free I think we should get our money back.Have nearly filtered my email ...2008-07-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/have-nearly-filtered-my-email-...Have nearly filtered my email down to an acceptable level.Honey I found the laser printe...2008-07-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/honey-i-found-the-laser-printe...Honey I found the laser printer, look inside our liquor cabinet. I love using reputable movers.Weather in Boston is 67F, this...2008-07-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/weather-in-boston-is-67f,-this...Weather in Boston is 67F, this Florida boy had to put on a jacket to walk the dog. Real winters should be a hoot.Wife is watching Dirty Dancing...2008-07-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/wife-is-watching-dirty-dancing...Wife is watching Dirty Dancing...there's something very creepy about the age difference of Swayze and Grey in this movie.Harpoon IPA nom nom nom2008-07-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/harpoon-ipa-nom-nom-nomHarpoon IPA nom nom nomDealing with the DMV, so much ...2008-07-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/dealing-with-the-dmv,-so-much-...Dealing with the DMV, so much funWow why did we bring all this ...2008-07-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/wow-why-did-we-bring-all-this-...Wow why did we bring all this stuff to our new apartment?Movers have told us they are a...2008-07-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/movers-have-told-us-they-are-a...Movers have told us they are an hour and a half late...no!Movers come today (I hope)!2008-07-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/movers-come-today-(i-hope)!Movers come today (I hope)!Puppy woke us up at 5:30 this ...2008-07-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/puppy-woke-us-up-at-5:30-this-...Puppy woke us up at 5:30 this morning, she's taking the change of cities very slowly. Hopefully will get better when our stuff gets here.Just came back from a work out...2008-07-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-came-back-from-a-work-out...Just came back from a work out, feels really good. Hopefully I can keep it up.Economy Watch - Demand for bus...2008-07-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---demand-for-bus...Economy Watch - Demand for business jets drops in US -Ate at our first sit down rest...2008-07-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/ate-at-our-first-sit-down-rest...Ate at our first sit down restaurant since moving to boston. Hooray 4 cheesecake factoryAlso the sun rises WAY TOO EAR...2008-07-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/also-the-sun-rises-way-too-ear...Also the sun rises WAY TOO EARLY here.Working at the new job, have t...2008-07-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/working-at-the-new-job,-have-t...Working at the new job, have to get used to working under fluorescent lights again.Keeping my tabs together2008-07-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/keeping-my-tabs-together<p>I love to travel. If I could get my act together and figure out how to make it my career I would travel the world, rambling about the latest wine I drank or the amazing fjord I'd just seen. Since I haven't yet acted out my perma-traveling aspirations I generally travel on my own dollar, and since I'm a snobby brat I have a tendency to picked "fancier" hotels. And the thing that connects those fancy-schmancy hotels? You always have to pay for internet, they figure you love sleeping on Egyptian cotton so plunking down some dough to check your stocks isn't going to affect your bottom line. I'm ok with that.</p>
<p>Now that I've become a tab addict in Firefox, I have "Show my windows and tabs from last time" set in my Firefox start settings. Which means my 30+ "file until later" tabs always greet me when I open up Firefox. So nothing sucks worse than having all my tabs open up to a gateway page for the hotel I'm staying in asking for some dough for the internet. So how does one fix this? It's idiotically simple, I just pop open Safari (for you Windows folks open...Internet Explorer...shudder) and deal with the gateway page. Easy peasy.</p>
<p>No really, thats it. I wish it was more advanced, but it's not.</p>
<p>Stop looking at me like that. Go surf the web on your hotel internets.</p>We built our first bit of Ikea...2008-07-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/we-built-our-first-bit-of-ikea...We built our first bit of Ikea furniture last night a desk for Christine, it's not pretty but it'll get the job done.Standing on our patio watching...2008-07-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/standing-on-our-patio-watching...Standing on our patio watching our first Boston thunderstormWhen the movers tell you itll ...2008-07-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/when-the-movers-tell-you-itll-...When the movers tell you itll be another day till you get your stuff head to IkeaWaiting for the Comcast guy ag...2008-07-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/waiting-for-the-comcast-guy-ag...Waiting for the Comcast guy again, crossing fingers that they'll get what we need working.Thank you Comcast for making y...2008-07-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/thank-you-comcast-for-making-y...Thank you Comcast for making your interwebs setup so easy (sarcasm meter explodes).Economy Watch - Premium booze ...2008-07-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---premium-booze-...Economy Watch - Premium booze sales to hold steady -Went to Target with new GPS, g...2008-07-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/went-to-target-with-new-gps,-g...Went to Target with new GPS, got there fine. Navigating back though we got a bit lost. Learning the roads in Boston will take some effort.Even though we only have a blo...2008-07-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/even-though-we-only-have-a-blo...Even though we only have a blow up mattress I slept amazing last night.Comcast guy let's us know ther...2008-07-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/comcast-guy-let's-us-know-ther...Comcast guy let's us know there's some sort of issue. Regular cable working, HD + Internet doesn't work. They have to send someone else.Comcast guy is already here! F...2008-07-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/comcast-guy-is-already-here!-f...Comcast guy is already here! First (of 2) appointments was earlier than we expected!Welcome to New york2008-07-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/welcome-to-new-yorkWelcome to New yorkWelcome to New Jersey2008-07-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/welcome-to-new-jerseyWelcome to New JerseyWelcome to Massachusetts2008-07-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/welcome-to-massachusettsWelcome to MassachusettsWelcome to Conn2008-07-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/welcome-to-connWelcome to ConnLook at us we're in Delaware2008-07-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/look-at-us-we're-in-delawareLook at us we're in DelawareIn my new apartment in Boston....2008-07-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/in-my-new-apartment-in-boston....In my new apartment in Boston...movers not coming until TuesAte burgers picnic style in th...2008-07-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/ate-burgers-picnic-style-in-th...Ate burgers picnic style in the mall in dc was awesomeWelcome to Virginia2008-07-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/welcome-to-virginiaWelcome to VirginiaThe Westin Charlotte has a ver...2008-07-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-westin-charlotte-has-a-ver...The Westin Charlotte has a very acceptable amount of power plugs for 2 married geeks & their dogOur second gas fill up2008-07-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/our-second-gas-fill-upOur second gas fill upHoping sonoma stays quiet so w...2008-07-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/hoping-sonoma-stays-quiet-so-w...Hoping sonoma stays quiet so we can get some sleep.Florida you make me so proud -...2008-07-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/florida-you-make-me-so-proud--...Florida you make me so proud - (retweeted from @templesmith)Welcome to south carolina2008-07-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/welcome-to-south-carolinaWelcome to south carolinaWelcome to north carolina2008-07-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/welcome-to-north-carolinaWelcome to north carolinaWelcome to Georgia!2008-07-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/welcome-to-georgia!Welcome to Georgia!We've discovered our dog is no...2008-07-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/we've-discovered-our-dog-is-no...We've discovered our dog is not a big fan of elevators...The Kirstens have entered Char...2008-07-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-kirstens-have-entered-char...The Kirstens have entered CharlottePacking up my router at home, ...2008-07-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/packing-up-my-router-at-home,-...Packing up my router at home, Orlando interwebs catch u later!Off to adventure! Our 3 day ca...2008-07-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-adventure!-our-3-day-ca...Off to adventure! Our 3 day car trip begins.Wow the movers are moving fast...2008-07-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/wow-the-movers-are-moving-fast...Wow the movers are moving fast.Waiting for the movers to come2008-07-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/waiting-for-the-movers-to-comeWaiting for the movers to comeSimpsons ride was neato2008-07-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/simpsons-ride-was-neatoSimpsons ride was neatoRocky Aoki (Benihana founder) ...2008-07-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/rocky-aoki-(benihana-founder)-...Rocky Aoki (Benihana founder) dies at 69 -I really should be packing now2008-07-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-really-should-be-packing-nowI really should be packing nowHave reached the point where I...2008-07-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/have-reached-the-point-where-i...Have reached the point where I just want to sweep everything in boxes and spend the next year in Boston figuring out what to throw away.Nearly finished packing the ki...2008-07-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/nearly-finished-packing-the-ki...Nearly finished packing the kitchen. Good night interwebs!I think I've spent at least 2 ...2008-07-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-think-i've-spent-at-least-2-...I think I've spent at least 2 hours on hold today...how is this progress?Spent over a half hour on the ...2008-07-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/spent-over-a-half-hour-on-the-...Spent over a half hour on the phone to cancel an old business account. Frustrating.New Whole Foods in Orlando ope...2008-07-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/new-whole-foods-in-orlando-ope...New Whole Foods in Orlando opened on Sand Lake near I-4, checked it out the store has a salt and sugar bar.My cell phone mysteriously die...2008-07-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-cell-phone-mysteriously-die...My cell phone mysteriously died on me this morning...it knows iPhone is coming.Ate the best Indian food in Or...2008-07-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/ate-the-best-indian-food-in-or...Ate the best Indian food in Orlando for lunch...boy will I miss it.Economy watch - Economy is hur...2008-07-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---economy-is-hur...Economy watch - Economy is hurting strippers -Hooray 4 the kid that showed u...2008-07-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/hooray-4-the-kid-that-showed-u...Hooray 4 the kid that showed us it could scream the last hour of our flightWaiting in Logan for my delaye...2008-07-07T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/waiting-in-logan-for-my-delaye...Waiting in Logan for my delayed flight, irritated that I had to pay for internet.We made it back to the hotel f...2008-07-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/we-made-it-back-to-the-hotel-f...We made it back to the hotel from downtown Boston! It'll take me quite a while to get used to the streets here.Starting to feel our moving to...2008-07-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/starting-to-feel-our-moving-to...Starting to feel our moving to Boston is a really good idea.In downtown Boston to go catch...2008-07-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/in-downtown-boston-to-go-catch...In downtown Boston to go catch a movie20 years waiting for Indy and ...2008-07-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/20-years-waiting-for-indy-and-...20 years waiting for Indy and the movie was halfway decentOff to Boston!2008-07-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-boston!Off to Boston!Landed in Boston2008-07-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/landed-in-bostonLanded in BostonHow do people perform at this ...2008-07-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/how-do-people-perform-at-this-...How do people perform at this hour of the morning?Wife's family all playing Wii ...2008-07-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/wife's-family-all-playing-wii-...Wife's family all playing Wii bowling.Just cleaned out the garage......2008-07-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-cleaned-out-the-garage......Just cleaned out the garage...it turned into a room that collected crap for 3 years.Entering timesheet information...2008-07-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/entering-timesheet-information...Entering timesheet information for new job, it's more convoluted than programming.A favorite activity of ours wa...2008-07-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/a-favorite-activity-of-ours-wa...A favorite activity of ours walking around the monorail resortsWatching 10 baby ducks playing...2008-07-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watching-10-baby-ducks-playing...Watching 10 baby ducks playing in Animal KingdomWaiting for guy to give us an ...2008-07-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/waiting-for-guy-to-give-us-an-...Waiting for guy to give us an estimate on moving cost...he's 45 minutes late...not a good sign.I love batch processing files ...2008-07-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-love-batch-processing-files-...I love batch processing files in Photoshop.Brain Scan Studios to publish Serial2008-07-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/brain-scan-studios-to-publish-serial<p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpfarm4static_gwlxf" height="240" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/GrlAFBgtpjjhBnluywoCxzoIpntcwayouhrtotfDhihhGofnvGaqDykJbaDk/media_httpfarm4static_Gwlxf.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="159" />
</div>
Orlando, FL July 1, 2008 - Brain Scan Studios proudly presents Serial, a new monthly anthology series spotlighting famous, infamous and virtually unknown real serial killers. Laid out and reminiscent classic horror anthologies of the 50s, each issue features a 10-page main story, 6-page back up story and a 4-page spotlight story. The inaugural issue features John Wayne Gacy, Angel Resendiz and Albert Fish.</p>
<p>Featuring the creative team of David Hayes, Kurt Belcher, Kevin Moyers and many more, Serial #1 is 24 pages of truly terrifying serial killer tales. It will be available July 2nd in e-book format, visit the <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/comics/index.php#serial1">Brain Scan Studios website</a> for more information. Mature readers.<br /></p>
<p>Brain Scan Studios is an alternative media company based out of Orlando, FL that publishes a variety of blogs and creator-owned comics. <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/">www.brainscanstudios.com</a><br /></p>Brain Scan Studios to publish ...2008-07-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/brain-scan-studios-to-publish-...Brain Scan Studios to publish Serial -Spoke too soon, just got my se...2008-07-01T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/spoke-too-soon,-just-got-my-se...Spoke too soon, just got my second error.Got my first ever EC2 internal...2008-07-01T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/got-my-first-ever-ec2-internal...Got my first ever EC2 internal error while uploading an AMI over to Amazon S3. Anyone notice if EC2 is getting better or worse?Economy watch - Orlando econom...2008-07-01T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---orlando-econom...Economy watch - Orlando economy will stagnate into next year -Hooray for seeing iron man aga...2008-06-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/hooray-for-seeing-iron-man-aga...Hooray for seeing iron man again!Had some leftover steak, made ...2008-06-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/had-some-leftover-steak,-made-...Had some leftover steak, made a steak sandwich for lunch...taste-tastic!Waiting for a table in the rai...2008-06-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/waiting-for-a-table-in-the-rai...Waiting for a table in the rainTravel Channel is doing Vegas ...2008-06-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/travel-channel-is-doing-vegas-...Travel Channel is doing Vegas TV shows all day...I've seen them all a million times but I can't stop watching them. I miss Vegas.Still sitting in car repair pl...2008-06-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/still-sitting-in-car-repair-pl...Still sitting in car repair place, wondering what people did before wi-fi.Sitting in Central Florida Toy...2008-06-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sitting-in-central-florida-toy...Sitting in Central Florida Toyota with their really slow wi-fiI have a lot of comics to give...2008-06-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-have-a-lot-of-comics-to-give...I have a lot of comics to give away...what do I do with them?I couldn't predict what happen...2008-06-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-couldn't-predict-what-happen...I couldn't predict what happened at my work today.HumpDay #0 is now available fo...2008-06-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/humpday-#0-is-now-available-fo...HumpDay #0 is now available for purchase -Economy Watch Lennar posts $12...2008-06-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch-lennar-posts-$12...Economy Watch Lennar posts $120 million loss -Dog decided to start chewing o...2008-06-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/dog-decided-to-start-chewing-o...Dog decided to start chewing on my kitchen chairs...something new.Dinner consisted of a pitcher ...2008-06-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/dinner-consisted-of-a-pitcher-...Dinner consisted of a pitcher of Long Island iced tea and nachos...mostly Long Island Iced tea.My attempt at Eric Ripert's Ca...2008-06-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-attempt-at-eric-ripert's-ca...My attempt at Eric Ripert's Caramelized Mango with Rum - I actually licked the bowl when I was done.I just noticed my last two fli...2008-06-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-just-noticed-my-last-two-fli...I just noticed my last two flickr pictures are desserts (looks down and pokes stomach)...oh that's whyWe just booked a trip up to go...2008-06-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/we-just-booked-a-trip-up-to-go...We just booked a trip up to go check out apartments in Boston. I'm excited and terrified.The packing has officially beg...2008-06-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-packing-has-officially-beg...The packing has officially begun...sheesh we have a lot of stuff.Google Reader working odd on F...2008-06-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/google-reader-working-odd-on-f...Google Reader working odd on FF3? Anyone else have an issue?Eric Ripert is cooking mangos ...2008-06-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/eric-ripert-is-cooking-mangos-...Eric Ripert is cooking mangos this week -So it's happened...we're movin...2008-06-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/so-it's-happened...we're-movin...So it's happened...we're moving from Orlando to Boston.Sitting in my first ever hoa m...2008-06-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sitting-in-my-first-ever-hoa-m...Sitting in my first ever hoa meetingGeorge Carlin dead at 71 - htt...2008-06-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/george-carlin-dead-at-71---htt...George Carlin dead at 71 -Unhappy that Theme tag only ha...2008-06-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/unhappy-that-theme-tag-only-ha...Unhappy that Theme tag only has the Firefox 3 theme...been using Firefox 2 for quite a while guys...why not include that theme too?Next door neighbors love the t...2008-06-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/next-door-neighbors-love-the-t...Next door neighbors love the thumpy spanish music.New theme for Firefox is horri...2008-06-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/new-theme-for-firefox-is-horri...New theme for Firefox is horrible looking...must find way to change.Wow I just flubbed that phone ...2008-06-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/wow-i-just-flubbed-that-phone-...Wow I just flubbed that phone call.Eric Ripert cooks Parmesan Zuc...2008-06-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/eric-ripert-cooks-parmesan-zuc...Eric Ripert cooks Parmesan Zucchini -Landed at home2008-06-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/landed-at-homeLanded at homeAfternoon to all! Been way to ...2008-06-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/afternoon-to-all!-been-way-to-...Afternoon to all! Been way to busy today. 2 day trip to SFO taught me that I'm not cut out to be a coast-to-coast "jetsetter".Off to SFO!2008-06-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-sfo!Off to SFO!Landed in denver slightly gree...2008-06-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/landed-in-denver-slightly-gree...Landed in denver slightly greenIn SFO, a life changing decisi...2008-06-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/in-sfo,-a-life-changing-decisi...In SFO, a life changing decision must be made within the next couple of days.Denver has free inet but surfi...2008-06-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/denver-has-free-inet-but-surfi...Denver has free inet but surfing window has a frame with advertising. Gmail busts itself out of the frame. Nobody puts Gmail in a corner.Calling for boarding, back to ...2008-06-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/calling-for-boarding,-back-to-...Calling for boarding, back to Orlando!Part one done...landed in denv...2008-06-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/part-one-done...landed-in-denv...Part one done...landed in denverPacked for my not so secret tr...2008-06-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/packed-for-my-not-so-secret-tr...Packed for my not so secret trip to SFOLanded in SFO2008-06-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/landed-in-sfoLanded in SFOHow does orlando international...2008-06-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/how-does-orlando-international...How does orlando international have free internet and sfo doesnt?About to board to SFO, part 2 ...2008-06-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/about-to-board-to-sfo,-part-2-...About to board to SFO, part 2 of my tripsummer weather in orlando = sk...2008-06-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/summer-weather-in-orlando-=-sk...summer weather in orlando = sky is falling in the afternoonsSomehow going to the movies tu...2008-06-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/somehow-going-to-the-movies-tu...Somehow going to the movies turned into magic kingdomMiller high life at whole food...2008-06-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/miller-high-life-at-whole-food...Miller high life at whole foods?Actually did yard work...shees...2008-06-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/actually-did-yard-work...shees...Actually did yard work...sheesh it's hot.Off to take dad to Tony Roma's...2008-06-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-take-dad-to-tony-roma's...Off to take dad to Tony Roma's for father's day (he's working tomorrow)Good gravy I love CSSEdit2008-06-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/good-gravy-i-love-csseditGood gravy I love CSSEditThunder crashes in the distanc...2008-06-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/thunder-crashes-in-the-distanc...Thunder crashes in the distance...summertime afternoon in Florida!Oh Five Guys burgers...so good...2008-06-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/oh-five-guys-burgers...so-good...Oh Five Guys burgers...so good...yet so bad.Did something today that might...2008-06-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/did-something-today-that-might...Did something today that might be a huge change.As much as I like Ray Stevenso...2008-06-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/as-much-as-i-like-ray-stevenso...As much as I like Ray Stevenson this kinda looks like crap -Watching the Top Chef I missed...2008-06-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watching-the-top-chef-i-missed...Watching the Top Chef I missed last week (even though I know who the winner/losers are)The day goes from decent to mu...2008-06-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-day-goes-from-decent-to-mu...The day goes from decent to much much worse.Started cooking some turkey ch...2008-06-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/started-cooking-some-turkey-ch...Started cooking some turkey chili...the room fills with wonderful smells.Trying out Scribd, uploaded th...2008-06-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/trying-out-scribd,-uploaded-th...Trying out Scribd, uploaded the HumpDay #0 preview. They even have a way to monetize content for publishers. Interesting.The Orlando development commun...2008-06-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-orlando-development-commun...The Orlando development community seems to be filled with a lot of Ruby and Drupal folks...what happened to good ol Cobol?The first five pages of HumpDa...2008-06-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-first-five-pages-of-humpda...The first five pages of HumpDay #0 for the world to check out -I couldn't get queso today at ...2008-06-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-couldn't-get-queso-today-at-...I couldn't get queso today at Tijuna Flats because of killer tomatoes. The Earth gets it's vengeance by taking away our Tex-Mex.Off to drive home in the pouri...2008-06-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-drive-home-in-the-pouri...Off to drive home in the pouring rain.Finally getting to see the key...2008-06-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/finally-getting-to-see-the-key...Finally getting to see the keynote (watched the mac rumors live blog it from my phone), Jetblue should stream the keynotes!Off to Orlando!2008-06-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-orlando!Off to Orlando!Landed safe and sound...and qu...2008-06-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/landed-safe-and-sound...and-qu...Landed safe and sound...and quesy.Poker with family and friends2008-06-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/poker-with-family-and-friendsPoker with family and friendsMy only complaint about the ho...2008-06-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-only-complaint-about-the-ho...My only complaint about the hotel we're staying at is the walls seem pretty thin. I can hear our neighbor making a call to the front desk.Good fish and chips, lobster c...2008-06-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/good-fish-and-chips,-lobster-c...Good fish and chips, lobster chowder was ehhGmail works funky in the Opera...2008-06-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/gmail-works-funky-in-the-opera...Gmail works funky in the Opera cell phone browserAte at kingfish hall a Todd En...2008-06-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/ate-at-kingfish-hall-a-todd-en...Ate at kingfish hall a Todd English pubWhy don't hotels have nearly e...2008-06-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/why-don't-hotels-have-nearly-e...Why don't hotels have nearly enough electrical plugs? Maybe we bring do many electrical do-dads on vacation.They have hills here!2008-06-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/they-have-hills-here!They have hills here!Off to adventure in Boston!2008-06-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-adventure-in-boston!Off to adventure in Boston!I love cities with great publi...2008-06-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-love-cities-with-great-publi...I love cities with great public transportation...and awesome margaritasEnvironment Watch - Toyota to ...2008-06-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/environment-watch---toyota-to-...Environment Watch - Toyota to roll out 'greener" hybrid -Economy Watch - Home foreclosu...2008-06-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---home-foreclosu...Economy Watch - Home foreclosures set record -Zaftigs deli for a late lunch2008-06-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/zaftigs-deli-for-a-late-lunchZaftigs deli for a late lunchLanded in Boston 30 degrees co...2008-06-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/landed-in-boston-30-degrees-co...Landed in Boston 30 degrees colder than Orlando hereI now know why certain folks s...2008-06-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-now-know-why-certain-folks-s...I now know why certain folks ship thier luggage to take vacationHooray for for internet at the...2008-06-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/hooray-for-for-internet-at-the...Hooray for for internet at the airport!After putting my belt back on....2008-06-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/after-putting-my-belt-back-on....After putting my belt back on...ahh the magic of air travelHooray for leftover calzone!2008-06-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/hooray-for-leftover-calzone!Hooray for leftover calzone!mmm Chick-fila breakfast sandw...2008-06-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/mmm-chick-fila-breakfast-sandw...mmm Chick-fila breakfast sandwichFinally got around installing ...2008-06-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/finally-got-around-installing-...Finally got around installing Opera on my phone...how did I live without this?Economy Watch - GM to close 4 ...2008-06-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---gm-to-close-4-...Economy Watch - GM to close 4 plants in North America -Economy Watch - Credit crisis ...2008-06-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---credit-crisis-...Economy Watch - Credit crisis weighing heavily on UK lenders -Brain Scan finally has it's ow...2008-06-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/brain-scan-finally-has-it's-ow...Brain Scan finally has it's own dedicated Flickr stream -Teaser image for a new series ...2008-06-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/teaser-image-for-a-new-series-...Teaser image for a new series Brain Scan is releasing -Cecils BBQ....mmmm ribtastic.2008-06-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/cecils-bbq....mmmm-ribtastic.Cecils BBQ....mmmm ribtastic.A tip to recruiters2008-06-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/a-tip-to-recruiters<p>Just received this phone call from a recruiter:</p>
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">
<p><strong>Me:</strong> Hello, this is Brian.</p>
<p><strong>Recruiter:</strong> Is this Matthew? At 407-XXX-XXXX?</p>
<p><strong>Me:</strong> No, you have the wrong number.</p>
<p><strong>Recruiter:</strong> Wow, who the fuck did I call....let me call you back.</p>
<p>Two minutes goes by, phone rings again.</p>
<p><strong>Me:</strong> Hello?</p>
<p><strong>Recruiter:</strong> Hi Brian I know I just called you two minutes ago...</p>
<p><strong>Me:</strong> Yeah, you're the recruiter who said "fuck" to me a minute ago.</p>
<p><strong>Recruiter:</strong> HA HA HA HA!...I know...HA HA.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And scene.</p>
<p>Tip number 1: Although I have no issue with the word "fuck" you're representing whatever company you work for buddy. I wouldn't recommend using "fuck" when calling someone you've never called before. If we talked for a couple minutes and I used it, maybe you can. But for the sake of business professionalism try to stay away from the word.</p>
<p>Tip number 2: You pretty much let on that you've got a list of people you're calling and just running down the list. Please don't. I know you think of us all as cattle, but for the love of god, make it seem like I'm the only one you've called. Make me believe that I truthfully am the only one capable of doing the job you want to hook me up with. Don't prove to me that all you've done is searched for "PHP" and "Florida" into Monster and you're just trawling the waters for a fish to bite.</p>Off to breakfast and possibly ...2008-06-01T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-breakfast-and-possibly-...Off to breakfast and possibly the mall! Hooray for commerce!Its been a blue man group week2008-06-01T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/its-been-a-blue-man-group-weekIts been a blue man group weekTook the dog for a walk...only...2008-05-31T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/took-the-dog-for-a-walk...only...Took the dog for a walk...only 10AM and it's brain melting hot.Surprisingly good turkey sandw...2008-05-31T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/surprisingly-good-turkey-sandw...Surprisingly good turkey sandwich @ pub in englandNorway = Adventure!2008-05-31T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/norway-=-adventure!Norway = Adventure!Mexico ride has a line!2008-05-31T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/mexico-ride-has-a-line!Mexico ride has a line!I need to eat ceviche more oft...2008-05-31T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-need-to-eat-ceviche-more-oft...I need to eat ceviche more oftenEpcot!2008-05-31T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/epcot!Epcot!Sitting in traffic2008-05-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sitting-in-trafficSitting in trafficRed band trailer for the new C...2008-05-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/red-band-trailer-for-the-new-c...Red band trailer for the new Coen Bros movie is up at the Apple site -Economy Watch - Sears reports ...2008-05-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---sears-reports-...Economy Watch - Sears reports it's second quarterly loss -Cheddar, Corn and Potato Chowd...2008-05-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/cheddar,-corn-and-potato-chowd...Cheddar, Corn and Potato Chowder for dinner!A recruiter called me today......2008-05-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/a-recruiter-called-me-today......A recruiter called me today...I had to explain what LAMP stood for. This was an IT recruiter. He told me he never heard the term before.Top Chef! I need a Tomahawk st...2008-05-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/top-chef!-i-need-a-tomahawk-st...Top Chef! I need a Tomahawk steak now...This made me laugh...a lot - h...2008-05-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/this-made-me-laugh...a-lot---h...This made me laugh...a lot -I spent all my money on my2008-05-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-spent-all-my-money-on-my"I spent all my money on my $1,500 a day habit." -Economy Watch - Polo and Burbe...2008-05-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---polo-and-burbe...Economy Watch - Polo and Burberry profits rise -Picked up a new supply of Hear...2008-05-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/picked-up-a-new-supply-of-hear...Picked up a new supply of Heartguard for puppy, I'm surprised on how much I'd be willing to spend to ensure she stays healthy.My Wii fitness age says I'm 62...2008-05-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-wii-fitness-age-says-i'm-62...My Wii fitness age says I'm 62...get off my lawn...doggone kids.Great review of the soon to be...2008-05-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/great-review-of-the-soon-to-be...Great review of the soon to be closing Hooters hotel in Las Vegas -Black bear spotted swimming in...2008-05-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/black-bear-spotted-swimming-in...Black bear spotted swimming in the pool over at Hard Rock hotel Orlando -Why are the sauce covered wing...2008-05-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/why-are-the-sauce-covered-wing...Why are the sauce covered wings of chicken so tasty?The Venture Bros. Shirt Club a...2008-05-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-venture-bros.-shirt-club-a...The Venture Bros. Shirt Club announced -French Laundry at Home cooks a...2008-05-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/french-laundry-at-home-cooks-a...French Laundry at Home cooks a friggen pigs head -Economy Watch - US home prices...2008-05-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---us-home-prices...Economy Watch - US home prices tumble 14%Buca for lunch!2008-05-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/buca-for-lunch!Buca for lunch!The trilogy is complete we now...2008-05-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-trilogy-is-complete-we-now...The trilogy is complete we now have a WiiOff to Downtown Disney!2008-05-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-downtown-disney!Off to Downtown Disney!Just watched part of friday 13...2008-05-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-watched-part-of-friday-13...Just watched part of friday 13th part 3 whats the appeal of this?Just saw another dog at downto...2008-05-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-saw-another-dog-at-downto...Just saw another dog at downtown disney i like when people break silly rulesInexpensive entertainment for ...2008-05-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/inexpensive-entertainment-for-...Inexpensive entertainment for kids splash fountainDisney princess store = printi...2008-05-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/disney-princess-store-=-printi...Disney princess store = printing moneyA lovely boddingtons to celebr...2008-05-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/a-lovely-boddingtons-to-celebr...A lovely boddingtons to celebrate memorial dayWatching the movie 300 eye sta...2008-05-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/watching-the-movie-300-eye-sta...Watching the movie 300 eye stabbing fun for the familyWalking towards Epcot...oh its...2008-05-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/walking-towards-epcot...oh-its...Walking towards Epcot...oh its hotTaint the first time Tim sipho...2008-05-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/taint-the-first-time-tim-sipho...Taint the first time Tim siphoned gas from his neighbor's car.Ordering a carafe of wine and ...2008-05-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/ordering-a-carafe-of-wine-and-...Ordering a carafe of wine and drinking most of it is funNew Journey into Imagination i...2008-05-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/new-journey-into-imagination-i...New Journey into Imagination is just not the sameNew disney healthy lunch chick...2008-05-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/new-disney-healthy-lunch-chick...New disney healthy lunch chicken sandwich & apple slicesEconomy Watch - Retailers prom...2008-05-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---retailers-prom...Economy Watch - Retailers promoting "staycations" -Walking the dog plenty of ligh...2008-05-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/walking-the-dog-plenty-of-ligh...Walking the dog plenty of lightning in the distanceSecret mission = Massive FAIL2008-05-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/secret-mission-=-massive-failSecret mission = Massive FAILNo battlestar! Crap!2008-05-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/no-battlestar!-crap!No battlestar! Crap!Nintendo I'd love to give you ...2008-05-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/nintendo-i'd-love-to-give-you-...Nintendo I'd love to give you money for one of your consoles...do you think you can keep them AVAILABLE? Please?Forgot my cell phone at home.....2008-05-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/forgot-my-cell-phone-at-home.....Forgot my cell phone at home...couldn't twitter...world surprisingly kept spinning.Economy Watch - Gap's Profit R...2008-05-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---gap's-profit-r...Economy Watch - Gap's Profit Rises 40% -Battlestar!2008-05-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/battlestar!Battlestar!They aren't paying me for this...2008-05-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/they-aren't-paying-me-for-this...They aren't paying me for this endorsement, but Amazon's EC2 is friggen sweet.The wife's video of baby ducks...2008-05-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-wife's-video-of-baby-ducks...The wife's video of baby ducks on our walk this morning -Korm!2008-05-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/korm!Korm!Breakfast for lunch mmm!2008-05-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/breakfast-for-lunch-mmm!Breakfast for lunch mmm!Restaurant wars!2008-05-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/restaurant-wars!Restaurant wars!Feedburner seems to be a bit f...2008-05-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/feedburner-seems-to-be-a-bit-f...Feedburner seems to be a bit funky today...some of the stats aren't showing up. Anyone else noticing an issue?Economy Watch - Home prices in...2008-05-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---home-prices-in...Economy Watch - Home prices in Las Vegas have a 91 percent chance of declining in the next two years. -Earth fights back against huma...2008-05-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/earth-fights-back-against-huma...Earth fights back against humanity - NOAA predicts above-normal '08 hurricane season -Chocolate covered bacon - http...2008-05-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/chocolate-covered-bacon---http...Chocolate covered bacon -Had a phone conversation a cou...2008-05-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/had-a-phone-conversation-a-cou...Had a phone conversation a couple hours ago...I could tell they didn't
seem that comfortable talking with me...I wonder why?Good gravy is twitter slow ton...2008-05-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/good-gravy-is-twitter-slow-ton...Good gravy is twitter slow tonight.Drool - new Herman Miller desk...2008-05-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/drool---new-herman-miller-desk...Drool - new Herman Miller desks -Cooking black beans and rice f...2008-05-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/cooking-black-beans-and-rice-f...Cooking black beans and rice for the wife.Been way too busy...though did...2008-05-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/been-way-too-busy...though-did...Been way too busy...though did get to go to Dandelion todayYahtzee reviews Grand Theft Auto 42008-05-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/yahtzee-reviews-grand-theft-auto-4<embed name="VE_Player" src="http://update.videoegg.com/flash/proxy.swf?jsver=1.4" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="window" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="332" align="middle" flashvars="gc=c2hvd0FkPXRydWUmYWRWYXJzPXZsPXVzJnZnPW51bGwmdmE9bnVsbCZhcmVhPWdhbWVzJnNpdGU9ZXNjYXBpc3RtYWdhemluZSZmaWxlPWh0dHAlM0ElMkYlMkZzZWxmc2VydmUzMDAlMkVkb3dubG9hZCUyRXZpZGVvZWdnJTJFY29tJTJGZ2lkMzg5JTJGY2lkMTM4OSUyRlhYJTJGOE8lMkYxMjEwNzIxNDkwcU9jTnhLZG1WQUtaUkg0aDRWRE8mc3dmcGF0aD1odHRwJTNBJTJGJTJGdXBkYXRlJTJFdmlkZW9lZ2clMkVjb20lMkZmbGFzaCUyRnByb3h5JTJFc3dmJTNGanN2ZXIlM0QxJTJFNCZhdXRvUGxheT1mYWxzZSZzaG93QWRQcmltYXJ5PXRydWUmd21vZGU9d2luZG93JmFsbG93Rmxhc2g5RnVsbHNjcmVlbj10cnVl" quality="high" width="400"></embed>
Link to the <a href="http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/4902-Zero-Punctuation-Grand-Theft-Auto-IV">video</a>.Have a hankering for chicken w...2008-05-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/have-a-hankering-for-chicken-w...Have a hankering for chicken wings...wonder if I should actually get them.Finding Neverland had a bloope...2008-05-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/finding-neverland-had-a-bloope...Finding Neverland had a blooper reel...I LOVE A BLOOPER REEL.Banging my head against the wa...2008-05-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/banging-my-head-against-the-wa...Banging my head against the wall because the javascript I've been wrestling with for an hour turned out to be stupidly simple.Also wondering if that's the f...2008-05-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/also-wondering-if-that's-the-f...Also wondering if that's the first time I've ever used the word hankering.Wedge salad and rolls are tast...2008-05-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/wedge-salad-and-rolls-are-tast...Wedge salad and rolls are tastyTrying out Village Tavern near...2008-05-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/trying-out-village-tavern-near...Trying out Village Tavern near Mall at milleniaThe Zolo malbec to start the n...2008-05-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-zolo-malbec-to-start-the-n...The Zolo malbec to start the nightTarget customer service for th...2008-05-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/target-customer-service-for-th...Target customer service for the loseSomeday i will take my dog to ...2008-05-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/someday-i-will-take-my-dog-to-...Someday i will take my dog to the water parkCarvel is now making you pay f...2008-05-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/carvel-is-now-making-you-pay-f...Carvel is now making you pay for sprinkles?Why do people treat their dogs...2008-05-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/why-do-people-treat-their-dogs...Why do people treat their dogs like they're an inconvenience?Or even better just ordering t...2008-05-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/or-even-better-just-ordering-t...Or even better just ordering them over at a restaurant by people who know what they're doing.Me wanting a snack turned into...2008-05-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/me-wanting-a-snack-turned-into...Me wanting a snack turned into making pb&j filled potstickers by hand...I love making a mess in the kitchen!From the...I had no idea he wa...2008-05-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/from-the...i-had-no-idea-he-wa...From the...I had no idea he was alive department...but now is dead - Winemaker Robert Mondavi dead at 94 -After spending over an hour ma...2008-05-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/after-spending-over-an-hour-ma...After spending over an hour making potstickers I realized why so many people just buy wontons and not roll the dough themselves.Just had an interesting phone ...2008-05-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-had-an-interesting-phone-...Just had an interesting phone call...brought up a major question that I've never thought about before.I've been using an organizer c...2008-05-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i've-been-using-an-organizer-c...I've been using an organizer called "Things" - Today it exploded. It seems a bunch of folks have the same issue -Worldwide sales of Prius (Prii...2008-05-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/worldwide-sales-of-prius-(prii...Worldwide sales of Prius (Prii?) tops 1 million -Those are some wild looking sl...2008-05-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/those-are-some-wild-looking-sl...Those are some wild looking slugs -Geek Alert - I love when I'm r...2008-05-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/geek-alert---i-love-when-i'm-r...Geek Alert - I love when I'm right - Media Temple networking issue affecting dv services -Earth fights back against huma...2008-05-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/earth-fights-back-against-huma...Earth fights back against humanity - Swarming Ants Destroy Electronics in Texas -Well that phone went well.2008-05-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/well-that-phone-went-well.Well that phone went well.That phone CALL....I type funn...2008-05-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/that-phone-call....i-type-funn...That phone CALL....I type funny.How did watching House on Hulu...2008-05-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/how-did-watching-house-on-hulu...How did watching House on Hulu.com crash my entire computer?$5000 burger in Las Vegas - ht...2008-05-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/$5000-burger-in-las-vegas---ht...$5000 burger in Las Vegas -Sushi lunch with the wife...w0...2008-05-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sushi-lunch-with-the-wife...w0...Sushi lunch with the wife...w00t!Speed Racer moves down to 3rd ...2008-05-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/speed-racer-moves-down-to-3rd-...Speed Racer moves down to 3rd spot for last weekend...wow -GTA4 tip, grab a car and drive...2008-05-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/gta4-tip,-grab-a-car-and-drive...GTA4 tip, grab a car and drive on the subway line into the "big city" you become uber most wanted.My dog is remarkable good at h...2008-05-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-dog-is-remarkable-good-at-h...My dog is remarkable good at hiding things in her mouth that she shouldn't be chewing on.My dog has learned how to put ...2008-05-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-dog-has-learned-how-to-put-...My dog has learned how to put her chew toys on a shelf...she looks very satisfied.Had a sandwhich at Mimi's (cha...2008-05-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/had-a-sandwhich-at-mimi's-(cha...Had a sandwhich at Mimi's (chain place)...does the average American eat this much food? No wonder we're having an obesity problem.Popovers I made yesterday (wif...2008-05-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/popovers-i-made-yesterday-(wif...Popovers I made yesterday (wife took the photos) -Off to take mom to Tommy Baham...2008-05-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/off-to-take-mom-to-tommy-baham...Off to take mom to Tommy Bahamas...pineapple cake for all!My wife's family discovered Sk...2008-05-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-wife's-family-discovered-sk...My wife's family discovered Skype today...oh lordyGetting gas on disney property...2008-05-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/getting-gas-on-disney-property...Getting gas on disney property oh expensiveDisneys midway mania is frigge...2008-05-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/disneys-midway-mania-is-frigge...Disneys midway mania is friggen sweetSomething to pick up if you've...2008-05-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/something-to-pick-up-if-you've...Something to pick up if you've got an extra $46 million burning a hole in your pocket -Popovers were tasty, little do...2008-05-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/popovers-were-tasty,-little-do...Popovers were tasty, little doughy needed a couple more minutes in the oven. Next stop to buy a popover pan!Just finished washing the dog,...2008-05-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-finished-washing-the-dog,...Just finished washing the dog, now she's a big red puffballJust finished Stanley Kubrick:...2008-05-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/just-finished-stanley-kubrick:...Just finished Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures - - wonderful stuffEconomy Watch - Attendance at ...2008-05-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---attendance-at-...Economy Watch - Attendance at Universal Studios rises -I'm a bundle of nervous energy2008-05-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i'm-a-bundle-of-nervous-energyI'm a bundle of nervous energyHad a secret meeting cross tow...2008-05-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/had-a-secret-meeting-cross-tow...Had a secret meeting cross town. Thought it went well.Drool...Converse Varvatos Coll...2008-05-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/drool...converse-varvatos-coll...Drool...Converse Varvatos CollectionRecruiters are used car salesm...2008-05-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/recruiters-are-used-car-salesm...Recruiters are used car salesmen for peopleIt's a banging your head again...2008-05-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/it's-a-banging-your-head-again...It's a banging your head against the wall dayEconomy watch - Hermes Reports...2008-05-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/economy-watch---hermes-reports...Economy watch - Hermes Reports Strong First Quarter Sales - could be a good sign, wealthier folks still spending $Damn you Google reader! Why ar...2008-05-07T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/damn-you-google-reader!-why-ar...Damn you Google reader! Why are you so addicting?You ever curse so much it desc...2008-05-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/you-ever-curse-so-much-it-desc...You ever curse so much it descends into non-sensical gibberish? Boy that's fun.My dog's unconditional love am...2008-05-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-dog's-unconditional-love-am...My dog's unconditional love amazes me.After many years of dust and n...2008-05-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/after-many-years-of-dust-and-n...After many years of dust and neglect finally updated the resume -The world is a Twitter2008-04-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-world-is-a-twitter<p>Yes kids, I've started <a href="http://twitter.com/bkirsten">Twittering</a> so people who are interested in that sort thing can following me <a href="http://twitter.com/bkirsten">here</a>. Follow with reckless abandon such exciting activities as:</p>
<p>Updating my PS3!</p>
<p>Complaining about lack of sleep.</p>
<p>Bitching about lousy service.</p>
<p>Fun and excitement for all! For those who REALLY REALLY care about this sort of thing, I'm using <a href="http://www.twhirl.org/">twhirl</a> for my desktop tweets, I have no complaints so far.</p>TENDART - Tourism Enforcement Nationals Died Abroad Recovery Team2008-04-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/tendart---tourism-enforcement-nationals-died-abroad-recovery-team<p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
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</p>Venture Bros Season 32008-04-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/venture-bros-season-3<embed src="http://www.quickstopentertainment.com/wp-content/plugins/flash-video-player/flvplayer.swf" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="272" flashvars="height=272&width=480&file=http://www.smodcast.net/vb_season3_stream.flv&image=http://www.quickstopentertainment.com/videos/venturepreview.jpg&overstretch=none" width="480"></embed>
Venture Bros Season 3 teaser video that was shown at New York Comic Con. Be sure to giggle with the GI Joe reference.
<a href="http://www.quickstopentertainment.com/2008/04/23/venture-bros-exclusive-new-york-comic-con-season-3-teaser/">Link to the video on Quick Stop</a>More foreclosure madness...2008-04-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/more-foreclosure-madness...<p>These folks should never been allowed to buy houses...</p>
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<p style="font: 12.0px Helvetica;">Some South Floridians who lose their houses to foreclosure try to get even. They'll strip the plumbing, ruin the carpets and rip out doors.</p>
<p style="font: 12.0px Helvetica;">Exasperated lenders are getting wise to the ruse and offering "cash for keys" deals, essentially paying homeowners as much as $2,000 not to take out their frustrations on their properties before leaving. Roughly half of all foreclosed properties are returned to the bank with substantial damage, according to a national survey of 1,500 real estate agents by Campbell Communications, a marketing and research firm in Washington, D.C.</p>
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<p style="font: 12.0px Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bk-trashed-foreclosures040808,0,2437803.story?track=rss">Facing foreclosure, residents are trashing homes</a></p>First 20 minutes of King Corn2008-03-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/first-20-minutes-of-king-corn<div style="height: 308px;">
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First 20 minutes of <a href="http://www.kingcorn.net/">King Corn</a>, a documentary on America's addiction to the yellow crop. Here's a bit more about the movie.
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">Have you been wondering why Americans are so overweight? Or why certain foods are so cheap? Have you heard our average life expectancy is headed down, not up? Two college friends set out with director Aaron Woolf in search of answers to these questions and were surprised by what they discovered. You will be too as this film follows a crop of corn from seed to your dinner plate.</blockquote>
<a href="http://us.video.aol.com/player/launcher?ar=us_en_video_748x541_full&mode=1&pmmsid=2083458">Link to the video on AOL</a> (Courtesy of <a href="http://www.slashfood.com/2008/03/28/catch-a-clip-of-king-corn/">Slashfood</a>)And There was Much Rejoicing2008-03-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/and-there-was-much-rejoicing<p><a href="http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9070119">Microsoft announces it's timeline for Windows XP</a> (Or what I call "The death of Microsoft"...hooray!)</p>
<p>Link courtesy of <a href="http://tech.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/03/25/0013235&from=rss">Slashdot</a></p>The Big Word Project2008-03-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-big-word-project<p>Brian over at <a href="http://www.fairlyuseless.com/">Fairly Useless</a> directed me over to <a href="http://www.thebigwordproject.com/">The Big Word Project</a>. The concept is simple, you purchase a word to redefine it. The redefinition is in the form of a link, so naturally</p>
<p>we bought "publisher" and linked it to <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/">us</a>.</p>
Shantytowns return to the US thanks to the subprime meltdown2008-03-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/shantytowns-return-to-the-us-thanks-to-the-subprime-meltdown<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CnnOOo6tRs8&hl=en" />
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Link to the video on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnnOOo6tRs8">Youtube</a> (courtesy of <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2008/03/17/americas-new-subprim.html">BoingBoing</a>).A trip to Animal Kingdom2008-03-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/a-trip-to-animal-kingdom<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KTmo1Aexa2A&hl=en" />
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The closing of CompUSA allowed me to finally get my hands on <a href="http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/">Final Cut Studio</a>. Here's my first video with it, all of us at Animal Kingdom. Music by <a href="http://www.archive.org/details/future_state_of_rhythm_-_fsor001_va">muggle fx, song title "Close calls land slides"</a>.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTmo1Aexa2A">Link to the video on Youtube.</a>Yahtzee reviews Call of Duty 42008-03-04T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/yahtzee-reviews-call-of-duty-4<embed name="VE_Player" src="http://update.videoegg.com/flash/proxy.swf?jsver=1.4" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="window" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="332" align="middle" flashvars="gc=c2hvd0FkPXRydWUmYWRWYXJzPXZsPXVzJnZnPW51bGwmdmE9bnVsbCZhcmVhPWdhbWVzJnNpdGU9ZXNjYXBpc3RtYWdhemluZSZmaWxlPWh0dHAlM0ElMkYlMkZzZWxmc2VydmUzMDAlMkVkb3dubG9hZCUyRXZpZGVvZWdnJTJFY29tJTJGZ2lkMzg5JTJGY2lkMTM4OSUyRkk2JTJGR1glMkYxMjAyMjI3Mjc4c012RWVYS085Y3JtTW1YTUNmM2cmc3dmcGF0aD1odHRwJTNBJTJGJTJGdXBkYXRlJTJFdmlkZW9lZ2clMkVjb20lMkZmbGFzaCUyRnByb3h5JTJFc3dmJTNGanN2ZXIlM0QxJTJFNCZhdXRvUGxheT1mYWxzZSZzaG93QWRQcmltYXJ5PXRydWUmd21vZGU9d2luZG93JmFsbG93Rmxhc2g5RnVsbHNjcmVlbj10cnVl" quality="high" width="400"></embed>
<a href="http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/2901-Zero-Punctuation-Call-of-Duty-4">Link to the video on The Escapist.</a>Rich Johnston + Barack Obama = Gap Commercial2008-03-04T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/rich-johnston-+-barack-obama-=-gap-commercial<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iWK7i1fcWpA" />
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Link to the video on <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=iWK7i1fcWpA">Youtube</a>.Dublin Dr. Pepper2008-02-27T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/dublin-dr.-pepper<p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
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<p>Came across this picture in <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/superamit/">Amit Gupta's Flickr stream</a>, it's a bottle of <a href="http://www.dublindrpepper.com/history.aspx">Dublin Dr. Pepper</a>. The Dr. Peppers come from the Dublin bottling plant who still use sugar (not high fructose corn syrup) in their recipe. I love this sort of thing, I'm a Dr. Pepper fan (I'll drink it over Coke or Pepsi if I'm not feeling like having iced tea or water), so finding out I can get the "classic" version of the drink will definitely get me to buy a case or two off their <a href="http://www.olddocs.com/results.aspx?cat=Drinks&subcat1=Dr+Pepper">website</a>.</p>From the mind of Rich Johnston...2008-02-26T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/from-the-mind-of-rich-johnston...<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-5WU6PICXZo&rel=1" />
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<a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-5WU6PICXZo">2 Boys 1 Cup...</a>Cooking pork at home2008-02-19T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/cooking-pork-at-home<p>President's Day is one of those odd holidays I get off that my wife doesn't have off. On those rare occasions, I usually try to cook something that would take longer than usual. I'm intrigued by long cooking methods, so I decided to poke around some <a href="http://www.gourmet.com/">Gourmet</a> magazine's I had kept to look for something to take up my afternoon. I came across <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochinita_pibil">Cochinita pibil (or puerco pibil)</a> and made a mental note, it looked easy enough but I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to find several key ingredients. After viewing the following on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO8EiScBEjA">YouTube</a>, I knew I wanted to try cooking it.</p>
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<p>I hit a snag at Whole Foods though, they didn't have any pork butt so I went with tenderloin (nothing too huge there). The major issue was I couldn't find any <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annatto">annatto</a> seeds (doh!), so I'd have to do something I love to do when cooking, improvise.</p>
<p>I decided to cook the tenderloin as if I was cooking a Cuban pork shoulder, with the additional herbs and spices to head in the direction of the flavors I wanted. I dumped into the blender the following: clove, salt, pepper, lemon (3), one orange (turned out it was a blood orange - doh!), white vinegar, garlic cloves (3) and one habanero pepper. After blending I poured that liquid (which turned bright pink because of the blood orange) over the pork tenderloin, which I'd cubed and dropped into a oven safe glass pan. Tightly covered with foil the whole thing went into the oven for two and a half hours.</p>
<p>So how'd it turn out? Excellent actually, I was worried that the tenderloin would dry out, but the pork was wonderful, along the texture of pulled pork. The habanero added a bit more heat than I expected, I think I'll try it with a half a pepper next time. Also kids, when handling the habanero pepper WEAR GLOVES, I can't emphasis this enough. I handled the pepper for all of ten seconds with my left hand and it was burning for the rest of the night. Not fun.</p>Warren Ellis' FreakAngels is coming...2008-02-14T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/warren-ellis'-freakangels-is-coming...<object height="321" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" width="250"><param name="wmode" value="transparent" />
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Thanks to the magic of Youtube (w00t Youtube!), I got to see the only part of the Grammy's I was interested in. The show was highlighted by a brief performance of the Beatles "A Day in the Life" from the Cirque du Soleil show "Love" shown in the Mirage hotel in Las Vegas. The Grammy's version of the Cirque show didn't really capture how absolutely wonderful the Las Vegas version is.
My wife and I got to see "Love" on it's first "test" night, completely by luck (well actually it was due to the ineptitude of Frontier airlines). Two weeks prior to our vacation Frontier notified us that our Friday flight had been bumped to the next morning. We went into frantic mode because we generally don't stay in Vegas over the weekend due to the extreme bounces in hotel prices (or in our case our hotel was sold out for that night). After finding a suitable replacement, I discovered that the first ever public showing of "Love" was going to be going on that Friday, and surprisingly I was able to grab two tickets. So in the end it worked out for the best. To folks heading to Vegas, I can't say enough about how wonderful this show is, definitely one of the best stage shows I'd ever seen.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4ZpbsBUb2w">Link to the video on Youtube.</a>
(Cross posted over at <a href="http://www.findparadise.net">Find Paradise</a>) Roy Scheider - Dead2008-02-11T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/-roy-scheider---dead<p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpwwwbriankir_vbicc" height="219" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/BltFgJbxrHgfyqfIpaClcFBbbkaarsxuHnFJfkisjmdrxsCqxsachknhzAes/media_httpwwwbriankir_vBIcc.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="350" />
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica;"><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080211/ap_en_mu/obit_scheider;_ylt=AtRgDhuMxDjXJUYu5axz5FnqChkF">"You're gonna need a bigger boat."</a></p>Lewis Black talks about gay folk2008-01-23T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/lewis-black-talks-about-gay-folk<object height="388" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="464"><param name="movie" value="http://www2.funnyordie.com/public/flash/fodplayer.swf?1200035364" />
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<a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/f5ac1fa6cb">Lewis Black - Queers</a> on <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/">FunnyOrDie.com</a>
Heath Ledger - Dead2008-01-23T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/heath-ledger---dead<p>The most tragic to me about Heath Ledger's passing is this picture.</p>
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<p>Damn, I really think he's going to make a great <a href="http://www.atasteforthetheatrical.com/deathtrap/default.htm">Joker</a>, sadly we'll only get to experience it once.</p>Touch of Death eBook2008-01-19T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/touch-of-death-ebookThe complete collection of my comic book mini-series <a href="http://www.touch-of-death.com">Touch of Death</a> is now available for download (in PDF format) over at the following stores:
<a href="https://www.cruxy.com/info/13269">cruxy</a>
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/264000">Lulu</a>
Download the whole series for only $1.88!Brain Scan books over at Cruxy2008-01-07T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/brain-scan-books-over-at-cruxyFirst off, welcome to the New Year. Hopefully everyone had fun, and got exactly what they wanted over the holidays. So what does 2008 bring? Well Brain Scan is proud to announce that you'll be able to pick up our books (not all of them are up yet, but they will be soon) over at <a href="http://www.cruxy.com/brainscanstudios">Cruxy</a> in DRM free PDF format! Hooray! All of our books will be a fat $0.72 each big or small. Fill up that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-com-kindle/dp/B000FI73MA">Kindle</a> you got with some comic goodness!Yahtzee reviews Guitar Hero III2007-12-28T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/yahtzee-reviews-guitar-hero-iii<embed name="VE_Player" src="http://update.videoegg.com/flash/proxy.swf?jsver=1.4" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="window" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="332" align="middle" flashvars="gc=c2hvd0FkPXRydWUmYWRWYXJzPXZsPXVzJnZnPW51bGwmdmE9bnVsbCZhcmVhPWdhbWVzJnNpdGU9ZXNjYXBpc3RtYWdhemluZSZmaWxlPWh0dHAlM0ElMkYlMkZzZWxmc2VydmUzMDAlMkVkb3dubG9hZCUyRXZpZGVvZWdnJTJFY29tJTJGZ2lkMzg5JTJGY2lkMTM4OSUyRjZCJTJGSjIlMkYxMTk3Mjg0NzQ3SzZIdE10dTgyYkdEenczRDZhNWImc3dmcGF0aD1odHRwJTNBJTJGJTJGdXBkYXRlJTJFdmlkZW9lZ2clMkVjb20lMkZmbGFzaCUyRnByb3h5JTJFc3dmJTNGanN2ZXIlM0QxJTJFNCZhdXRvUGxheT1mYWxzZSZzaG93QWRQcmltYXJ5PXRydWUmd21vZGU9d2luZG93JmFsbG93Rmxhc2g5RnVsbHNjcmVlbj10cnVl" quality="high" width="400"></embed>
<a href="http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/2716-Zero-Punctuation-Guitar-Hero-III">Link to the review</a>Merry Christmas to all!2007-12-26T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/merry-christmas-to-all!To you and yours have a Merry Christmas.Chef Grant Achatz cancer free2007-12-19T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/chef-grant-achatz-cancer-freeEarlier this year Chef Grant Achatz of the fabulous Chicago restaurant <a href="http://www.alinea-restaurant.com/">Alinea</a> was diagnosed with tongue cancer, shocking foodies and his contemporaries across the world. Happily, Chef Achatz and his family has received an early Christmas gift in the form of his cancer going into remission, the news coming from a statement from the talented chef.
I wish him, his family and all you fine folks happiness and health.
<a href="http://blog.ruhlman.com/ruhlmancom/2007/12/achatz-update-c.html">Achatz Update: Cancer Free</a>Time-lapse gingerbread house construction2007-12-11T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/time-lapse-gingerbread-house-construction<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/akGfi53mH2k&rel=1" />
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Time-lapse video of construction of the giant gingerbread house over at Disney World's Grand Floridian hotel.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akGfi53mH2k">Link</a> (via <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2007/12/11/disney-worlds-giant.html">BoingBoing</a>)Carl talks about the BCS2007-12-04T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/carl-talks-about-the-bcs<div style="background-color: #d53000; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; overflow: visible;">
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<a href="http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=8a25c392169f78ee0116a08b42b80005">Link</a> (via <a href="http://www.withleather.com/post.phtml?pk=4492">WithLeather</a>)Anti-Piracy Ad from The IT Crowd2007-12-03T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/anti-piracy-ad-from-the-it-crowd<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MTbX1aMajow&rel=1" />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTbX1aMajow">Link</a> (via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Johnston">Rich Johnston</a>)Scorsese commercial for Freixenet2007-12-02T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/scorsese-commercial-for-freixenet<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
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<a href="http://www.scorsesefilmfreixenet.com/video_eng.htm">Scorsese doing Hitchcock doing a commercial.</a>Cheesus!2007-11-29T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/cheesus!<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8tm5La2Kzyw&rel=1" />
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Ladies and germs I give you <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tm5La2Kzyw">Cheese Rolling</a>, fun for the entire family.We launch I Has a Coupon!2007-11-28T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/we-launch-i-has-a-coupon!We folks at <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com">Brain Scan Studios</a> are a busy lot. Traveling, sleeping, eating, and occasionally writing fills up our days. Somehow we got the time to launch a new blog, <a href="http://www.ihasacoupon.com">I Has a Coupon</a>! It's basically a blog about deals, big deals, small deals, some as big as your head. Yes, I know I can hear your griping, the blog is badly in need of a design, but with the holidays and all we launched it so the awaiting public can get their hands on all those juicy discounts.
Please enjoy.T-Shirts are fun!2007-11-19T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/t-shirts-are-fun!Artist <a href="http://www.dennisculver.com/">Dennis Culver</a> has <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dennisculver/clothing">t-shirts for sale</a>.
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<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dennisculver/clothing">They are wrong, but humorous.</a>Not The Daily Show, With Some Writer2007-11-15T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/not-the-daily-show,-with-some-writer<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PzRHlpEmr0w&rel=1" />
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Told in "The Daily Show" format, one of the writers of TDS talks about the writers strike. Humor ensues.Playing with compositing software2007-11-14T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/playing-with-compositing-software<a href="#">Learning some new video software for work</a>
(Yes I know there's no audio)Currently Playing2007-11-05T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/currently-playing<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000TGDHW8%2Fsr%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1194301132%26sr%3D8-1%26pf%5Frd%5Fm%3DATVPDKIKX0DER%26pf%5Frd%5Fs%3Dcenter-41%26pf%5Frd%5Fr%3D1KBSTKV7G39WM40BZGKE%26pf%5Frd%5Ft%3D201%26pf%5Frd%5Fp%3D250313801%26pf%5Frd%5Fi%3DB000TG531G&tag=urbanossurfshop&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock</a>
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Guitar Hero is one of those video games I had heard of, but swore I'd never get into because the thought of "playing" guitar via a video game was just so wrong.
Then we downloaded the demo for GH3. Boy was I wrong.
GH3 is one of those games that's surprisingly addicting, plus it's seems to have little "frustration" factor. Some folks I know try Halo or other games and generally give up after a couple of minutes because they simply "don't get it". GH3 doesn't seem to suffer from that problem, people pick up the guitar controller, and instead of getting frustrated they want to try again. I know for me, the game is as close as I imagine I'll get to playing "<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FKnights_of_Cydonia&ei=k5wvR825HJDugAT2soynBg&usg=AFQjCNHyLHK7Y6rbEvSg965UBBekhtMCFg&sig2=VteJLvCCQRSMplgvCp-HyQ">Knights of Cydonia</a>" to thousands of screaming fans. The game is fairly solid with decent graphics (although while playing they could have kittens playing in the background, you'll never notice), and after beating the game it has a fair amount of re-playability as a "party game".
I think the only thing that's missing from the game is the ability to add mp3's from my own collection to play with. I don't imagine that'll ever happen sadly, because Activision will never be able to sell game packs to extend the game. In fact they'd probably never be able to sell additional versions of Guitar Hero if I could just load up music until the end of time.
I found this video of someone playing the last boss (Lou) on expert mode. It blows my mind.
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8jElgtdoSqU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object>One Last Song review at Atomic Avenue2007-11-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/one-last-song-review-at-atomic-avenue<a href="http://www.atomicavenue.com/atomic/titledetail.aspx?TitleID=26888">Atomic Avenue has some nice things to say about One Last Song #1</a>
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">The future One Last Song paints is bleak, though perhaps not completely unrealistic given the current political climate of the United States, and the interesting artistic choices by creators CJ Hurtt and Shawn Richter, especially in the way of panel layout and scene juxtaposition (they like to cross-cut a lot), really sell the paranoia and general unease that make this book compelling.</blockquote>Yahtzee's review of Medal of Honor Airborne2007-11-01T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/yahtzee's-review-of-medal-of-honor-airborne<embed name="VE_Player" src="http://update.videoegg.com/flash/proxy.swf?jsver=1.4" allowfullscreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="window" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="332" align="middle" flashvars="gc=c2hvd0FkPXRydWUmYWRWYXJzPXZsPXVzJnZnPW51bGwmdmE9bnVsbCZhcmVhPWdhbWVzJnNpdGU9ZXNjYXBpc3RtYWdhemluZSZmaWxlPWh0dHAlM0ElMkYlMkZzZWxmc2VydmUzMDAlMkVkb3dubG9hZCUyRXZpZGVvZWdnJTJFY29tJTJGZ2lkMzg5JTJGY2lkMTM4OSUyRkpTJTJGOTklMkYxMTkzNjU1OTEzdTcyd2NKZDJGUDdMbmJYcWFLV3Ymc3dmcGF0aD1odHRwJTNBJTJGJTJGdXBkYXRlJTJFdmlkZW9lZ2clMkVjb20lMkZmbGFzaCUyRnByb3h5JTJFc3dmJTNGanN2ZXIlM0QxJTJFNCZhdXRvUGxheT1mYWxzZSZzaG93QWRQcmltYXJ5PXRydWUmd21vZGU9d2luZG93JmFsbG93Rmxhc2g5RnVsbHNjcmVlbj10cnVl" quality="high" width="400"></embed>
All I can say is the review is friggen brilliant.
<a href="http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/2582-Zero-Punctuation-MOH-Airborne">Zero Punctuation</a> [Escapist Magazine]Robert Goulet - Dead2007-10-31T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/robert-goulet---dead<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p2zRGQX2QLo" />
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<a href="http://www.vegastripping.com/news/news.php?news_id=1772&src=rss">Robert Goulet, Vegas Legend, Dead at 73</a>A change in the homeownership rate2007-10-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/a-change-in-the-homeownership-rate<blockquote>After three decades of stability, the national rate of homeownership suddenly began rising around 1995. The rush to buy homes fueled an enormous surge in housing construction and home prices. Experts differed on the cause of the increase in homeownership, from 64.2% of households in early 1995 to 69.1% in early 2005. Was it the aging of the population? Or was it an expression of what President George W. Bush calls the "ownership society"?
Neither. Surprising new research published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta concludes that the bulk of the increase was caused by innovations in the mortgage market, in particular the explosion of "piggyback" or "combo" loans that made it possible for people to make small or zero down payments. Young families with little savings flocked to those loans to buy first homes. </blockquote>
<a href="http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/oct2007/db20071019_946332.htm?campaign_id=rss_daily">A Troubled 'Ownership Society'</a> [BusinessWeek]Featured Publisher on Wowio!2007-10-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/featured-publisher-on-wowio!<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
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<a href="http://www.wowio.com">Featured Publisher on the front page of Wowio!</a>One Last Song #2 on Wowio!2007-10-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/one-last-song-#2-on-wowio!<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
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<a href="http://www.wowio.com/users/product.asp?BookId=2017">One Last Song #2</a> is now up on Wowio for folks to download. For FREE! Here's a breakdown of what you're going to get.
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">The struggle for freedom continues in One Last Song issue two! The tension rises as the DHS steps up their efforts to bring Amanda and Brian down. The battle for the future will be fought between the lines!</blockquote>
You can also grab <a href="http://www.wowio.com/users/product.asp?BookId=1356">One Last Song #1</a> over at Wowio as well in case you missed it.Werner von Trapp - Dead2007-10-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/werner-von-trapp---dead<blockquote class="posterous_short_quote">Werner von Trapp, a member of the family made famous by the legendary Hollywood film The Sound of Music, has died aged 91 in the US.</blockquote>
<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7043585.stm">Son in Sound of Music family dies</a> [BBC News]Portal: The Flash Game2007-10-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/portal:-the-flash-game<a href="http://www.armorgames.com/games/portaltheflashversion_game.html">Portal: The Flash Game</a>
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Go check it out just in case <a href="http://www.valvesoftware.com/">Valve</a> shuts them down!Simpsons scenes and the movies they reference2007-10-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/simpsons-scenes-and-the-movies-they-reference<a href="http://www.joeydevilla.com/2007/09/22/simpsons-scenes-and-their-reference-movies/">66 stills from various episodes of the Simpsons alongside the movie still they reference</a> [The Adventures of Accordion Guy in the 21st Century]Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) out of recording contract2007-10-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reznor-(nine-inch-nails)-out-of-recording-contract<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
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From the <a href="http://www.nin.com">NIN.com</a> blog:
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">Hello everyone. I've waited a LONG time to be able to make the following announcement: as of right now Nine Inch Nails is a totally free agent, free of any recording contract with any label. I have been under recording contracts for 18 years and have watched the business radically mutate from one thing to something inherently very different and it gives me great pleasure to be able to finally have a direct relationship with the audience as I see fit and appropriate. Look for some announcements in the near future regarding 2008. Exciting times, indeed.</blockquote>
Congrats to Trent! Keep making albums and I'll keep buying them!
<a href="http://idolator.com/tunes/the-new-model/trent-reznor-now-free-to-distribute-his-albums-any-way-he-damn-well-pleases-308411.php">Trent Reznor Now Free To Distribute His Albums Any Way He Damn Well Pleases</a> [Idolator]Random thought of the day2007-10-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/random-thought-of-the-dayWould you rather be part of an indie band with a few sales through a small group of distribution points or be part of the same band with no retail distribution points except a million downloads through your internet site?Binth2007-10-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/binth<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
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<a href="http://www.binth.com/Home.html">Binth</a> - Absolutely amazing array of art prints, notepads and stationary.Sweeney Todd Trailer2007-10-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sweeney-todd-trailer<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GrX4SRvxqSM" />
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Tim Burton + a singing Johnny Depp + Revenge = friggen awesome!
<a href="http://www.sweeneytoddmovie.com/">The Sweeney Todd official website</a>James Howard Kunstler: The tragedy of suburbia2007-10-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/james-howard-kunstler:-the-tragedy-of-suburbia<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q1ZeXnmDZMQ" />
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From the <a href="http://www.ted.com/">Ted talks series</a>, James Howard Kunstler talks about suburban sprawl and the loss of urban design. It's a longish video (21+ minutes) but still worth watching.
My favorite quote:
"If you stand at the apron of the Walmart over here and try to look at the Target over here, you can't see it because of the curvature of the Earth."Currently Reading2007-10-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/currently-reading<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGlamorama-Vintage-Contemporaries-Easton-Ellis%2Fdp%2F0375703845&tag=urbanossurfshop&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Glamorama</a> by Bret Easton Ellis
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Bungie and Microsoft: No longer sitting in a tree...2007-10-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/bungie-and-microsoft:-no-longer-sitting-in-a-tree...<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/its-official-bungie-branches-off-from-microsoft/">It's official: Bungie branches off from Microsoft</a> [joystiq]
And like that, rumor becomes truth!Using Mint2007-10-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/using-mintI recently decided to register for <a href="http://www.mint.com/">Mint</a> (the financial website not the <a href="http://haveamint.com/">one the measures traffic</a>) because it came highly recommended in one of the many blogs I read during the day (I don't recall which one...sorry). I knew little about the site, just that it was supposed to munge together all your finances to give you a better idea about how financially screwed you really are.
I initially thought that recommendations for the Mint website were some sort of terrible joke. After registering I tried for most of the afternoon to get any account information into the system with no luck. The site was tremendously slow and unresponsive. I later came to realize that Mint had just won the <a href="http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/18/mint-wins-techcrunch40-50000-award/">TechCrunch40</a> award, so that would explain the site's slow response time. I returned a few days later after the furor ran down, hoping they'd spent their $50,000 winnings on some additional servers. Returning to Mint's website, it seemed a bit more responsive and I was finally able to add several accounts to the system. The concept is fairly easy, after registering you search to see if your bank or credit card company appears on the list that Mint can interact with. If you do find your bank or credit card provider, you then enter in your login information and several minutes later (or in my case hours later) Mint connects with your accounts and downloads your transactions. I was fairly surprised with the sheer number of companies Mint claims to be able to talk to. I didn't have troubles with a majority of my accounts, Mint still can't connect to a particular credit card of mine (although they claim they can) and for some reason Mint still can't talk to my Etrade bank account (which Mint also claims they can talk to).
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After downloading, Mint then "studies" your transactions, assigning them to categories, generating pretty graphs and recommending better options for your money. You then have the option to recategorized your transactions to better facilitate the reporting. As far as I can tell...that's it. That's all Mint does, I can't add that missing credit card or Etrade account information manually. I can't create new reports, the canned ones are nice but I'm guessing the true finance addicts that are using Mint would probably want more. What kills me is that I don't see the option to create new categories, again Mint has a ton of canned ones but where's "Tolls" or "Skateboard Equipment - For Dog"? I've also noticed it's slow to update account information (1-2 days off) but I'm guessing that's due to growth.
You know what Mint is? Microsoft Money, except without all the bells and whistles. If your one of the types that combs through their financial information for every minute detail, I don't think Mint is for you. If your the type that has absolutely no clue what kind of situation you are money wise ("Dear lord honey! We spent $1100 over at the sex toy store last month!") then it might behoove you to give Mint a try.
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The first four minutes of 'The Kingdom'2007-10-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-first-four-minutes-of-the-kingdom<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
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Although I'm not terribly interested in the movie itself, I must say the <a href="http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/thekingdom.html;_ylt=AiC8fRwRLedFCgEelp81OwZfVXcA">4 minute sequence that opens the movie</a> is wonderfully done. If the whole movie was done in that style maybe I'd be a bit more intrigued by it.
Just a bit of trivia, the director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000916/">Peter Berg</a> played boxer "Terry Conklin" in the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116448/">"The Great White Hype"</a>.Comments on Halo 32007-10-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/comments-on-halo-3<strong>My reactions to Halo 3...or Halo 3:This is it?!?</strong>
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In a frenzied marketing mish-mash that not even the evil demons of all of Hollywood could dream up, Halo 3 finally crashed into XBox 360's world wide on September 25th. I traded in nearly every old system, video game and accessory we had in the house, two weeks prior to Halo 3's launch for a new XBox 360. I'd literally been holding off on buying the 360 until I was within a month from Halo 3, knowing full well that there aren't a whole lot of games on the 360 that A) I really wanted or B) I could just buy for my PS3. Without going into too much detail I have my gripes with the XBox, mostly because it feels kind of cheap and the fact that the wireless controllers require AA batteries (what is this an RC car?). Regardless of my gripes, XBox Live's (the XBox internet service) response times blow the Playstation Network out of the water (yes I know, XBL you pay for and PSN is free, but still).
Waiting in line at the local Gamestop for my pre-order was definitely a first for me. There was a nerdy frenzy to the whole thing, counting down until midnight so we could, throughout the nation, plunk down a wad of money to pretty much waste the next 2-3 years killing imaginary people with a variety of interesting weaponry. After getting home, my brother and I dropped the disc into the XBox and started up "the king of all games". The startup was a underwhelming experience, I don't know what I was expecting...something...anything, but all we got was the standard Halo startup (ok the startup is a bit more flashier than the others). We entered into multiplayer, jumped into a game when my controller decided that it's batteries were dead. I hunted around the house for two batteries while the opposing team annihilated us. Microsoft (or Bungie, whomever) just a note, when two people are playing a game, please don't block the ENTIRE screen with a message that one of those player's controllers is dead. Got the message? Thanks. We played several multiplayer games, then entered into campaign mode.
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Now campaign mode for the Halo series has always underwhelmed me. It's not that it's not pretty and all, I just think it's personally the weakest part of the whole experience. I couldn't even wrestle up the gumption to finish Halo 2. I pretty much get the games for the multiplayer aspect of it. I haven't even finished the campaign, and most likely won't, I just don't have it in me.
So what do I think of Halo 3? Well it's certainly pretty, but to me there's a negative aspect to all this prettiness. There's just TOO much, for me things get lost on the screen. Sure Bungie has changed a flat grass texture map to individually rendered clumps of grass but...SO WHAT? Also most of the weapons seem to be uneven, either I suck ass (which is entirely possible) but it seems the same weapon has different results even when put in nearly identical situations. I also can't believe the multiplayer hasn't changed, again it's prettier and might be a bit snappier network wise, but DEAR SWEET GOD ALLOW ME TO SELECT WHAT TYPE OF GAME I WANT TO PLAY! If I want to play just Oddball for the rest of time allow me to do that. I don't give a shit about the rankings or learning new strategies by playing different types of games, just give me more options than just "TEAM SLAYER". The veto option is a neat idea, until you realize that after the group vetoes the lot of you are forced into whatever game the XBL server decides to spit at you.
I guess for me, Halo 3 just didn't live up to the hype. I was expecting so much more then what was delivered. To tell you the truth if I had know I would had been this underwhelmed I would have just stuck with my PS3 and not gotten the 360 at all. Well at least my lovely wife has had fun playing Eternal Sonata.
After playing Halo 3 I wasn't too shocked when the <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/rumorbusters-bungie-is-leaving-microsoft/">rumor that Bungie is looking to split from the Microsoft</a> mother ship started floating around the internets. Can you imagine being part of the Bungie team? Excited that your flagship product made a ton of money, and then realizing you'll be making sequels to it for the rest of time? I can see Bungie splitting off, leaving the Halo intellectual property to Microsoft to do what they please with it.Wowio Facebook app2007-10-01T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/wowio-facebook-app<a href="http://fieldnotes.paulawellings.com">Paula Wellings</a> from <a href="http://www.wowio.com">Wowio</a>, shows off some <a href="http://fieldnotes.paulawellings.com/2007/09/07/house-cleaning/">screenshots</a> from the <a href="http://www.facebook.com">Facebook</a> app she's developing. I've been hoping somebody over at Wowio was developing something like this. Wowio is prime for a Facebook app.
<a href="http://fieldnotes.paulawellings.com/2007/09/07/house-cleaning/">house cleaning</a> [field notes]Here's my two cents...2007-09-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/here's-my-two-cents...Here's my two cents...you can take it or leave it.
<strong>Microsoft's Windows Vista is the shittiest operating system I have had the displeasure of using.</strong>
That is all.Robert Kiyosaki and the housing market2007-09-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/robert-kiyosaki-and-the-housing-market<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">"Do you think the Federal Reserve should intervene to save the economy by dropping interest rates?" My reply then as well as now: "No. This is a capitalist system, not a communist one. Anyone who expects the government to bail them out every time their greed and stupidity causes them to lose money is being foolish."</blockquote>
Check out the <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/richricher/45300;_ylt=Ar6a97lPBNcuVVXqoPi.F8y7YWsA">full article</a>.
Read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRich-Dad-Poor%2Fdp%2F0751532711%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1190919609%26sr%3D8-1&tag=urbanossurfshop&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Rich Dad Poor Dad</a><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpwwwassocama_wohkj" height="1" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/aEtGpAaqueiDICkodehAfIEGIklcbmxdybbxyJclmCkqeICtHhJlEdbCDzJp/media_httpwwwassocama_woHkj.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="1" />
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New Urban Cowboy Trailer2007-09-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/new-urban-cowboy-trailer<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5l01r2yF9hs" />
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After visiting Chicago for a week, I've learned to appreciate the urban lifestyle. Having the ability to walk, grab a cab or take a train to anything you desire allows you to experience everything about a city instead of zipping through it in a car. I've quickly learned to hate the suburbs, where I currently live. It's almost like living rurally, with next to nothing of real interest closer than a 20 minute car ride. I get a feeling from the trailer of "<a href="http://newurbancowboy.com/goldenapples/film.htm">New Urban Cowboy</a>" that artist <a href="http://www.michaelearth.com/index.htm">Michael E. Arth</a> dislikes the suburban lifestyle as well, he decides to revitalize an urban area instead of building into the wilderness like so many of the builders in Florida like to do.
The film is showing at the <a href="http://globalpeace.bside.com/?_view=_filmdetails&filmId=33878481">Global Peace Festival</a> this Saturday, sadly I'll be out of town but it's something I'll definitely pick up when it hits DVD (preferably Blu-Ray).
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RottenNeighbor.com2007-09-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/rottenneighbor.com<a href="http://www.rottenneighbor.com/">RottenNeighbor.com</a> - I don't know, there's something about this that screams bad idea....and the home of the brave!2007-09-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/...and-the-home-of-the-brave!<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/17/nyregion/17musicologist.html?ex=1347681600&en=f8db6de4c1ad9d36&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss">Music Scholar Barred From U.S., but No One Will Tell Her Why</a> [NY Times]
<blockquote class="posterous_short_quote">Held incommunicado in a room in the airport, she was groped during a body search, she said, and was warned that if she moved, she would be considered to be attacking her armed female searcher.</blockquote>
We're winning hearts and minds folks, hearts and minds.So it begins...2007-09-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/so-it-begins...The tear down and rebuilding of my blog site. It's been sitting stagnant for so long, and I finally got sick of the excuses and tore it all down. I was going to initially just upgrade Wordpress, but I had nothing but trouble during the upgrade. My guess is that the original install was so old, or so filled with plug-ins and hacks that the standard upgrade just wouldn't ever work. So I exported all my years of ramblings into a fresh install, ready for me to get off my ass and work on a new look for it. I can't promise that today, tomorrow or even next week, but keep stopping on by to see what I come up with. The default Wordpress theme will continually remind me that I should be working on my site and skimming my Google reader for interesting blog entries.More Mortgage bad news2007-09-07T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/more-mortgage-bad-news<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">Nation's mortgage troubles worsen
Homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages, struggling to deal with sharp increases in their loan payments, pushed the nationwide foreclosure rate to a record 0.65 percent this spring as the crisis in subprime lending intensified.
The problem was largely limited to the industrial Midwest and to four housing-boom states -- California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona. But some economists warned that the situation will worsen in coming months as an estimated 2 million more adjustable-rate mortgages, taken out with low introductory interest rates, begin resetting to much higher rates.</blockquote>
I'm more amazed everyday as I watch the mortgage industry pretty much destroy itself from the outside in. What drove all of this? Was this all driven by the "housing boom"? Or was it greed? I remember a year or so before we got our home this absolute panic in the Orlando area. Everything that was being built you had to get in on because...well because someone's going to get it before you do! But where did that "boom" come from? Sudden influx of people coming across the border? People have 5, 8 or 10 children at once?
And now you know what we've got?
Everyday I walk with my dog, with neighborhoods filled with "FOR SALE" signs, "FOR RENT" signs or the hybrid "FOR GOD SAKES PLEASE BUY THIS HOUSE" signs. People just packing up and abandoning their houses. This is a new experience for me, how can you work so hard to buy this thing, and then leave it to rot? Buying a house isn't like buying chewing gum, there's friggen paperwork and everything!
Every time I see another news article, I think about this <a href="http://www.toothpastefordinner.com/031907/owning-a-house.gif">toothpaste for dinner comic</a>. It's so right it's scary.
<a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-delinquent0707sep07,0,1452257.story?track=rss">Link to the full Orlando Sentinel article.</a>Sonoma stage left2007-09-01T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sonoma-stage-left<object height="350" width="425"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y8DQ4M4hjmU" /> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/y8DQ4M4hjmU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"> </embed> </object>
Link to the video on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8DQ4M4hjmU">Youtube</a>.
I filmed this with my Sony Ericsson K610i so the quality is so-so. Originally I had filmed it landscape mode, I thought I could convert it in iMovie but the only options I could find were plug-ins for iMovie you had to pay for (booo). I came across this <a href="http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20070122085020753">post over at macosxhints </a>to use <a href="http://www.tanjero.com/bitplayer/">BitPlayer</a> (free! w00t!) to rotate the movie.Hurricane George2007-08-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/hurricane-george<a href="http://www.gregpalast.com/hurricane-georgehow-the-white-house-drowned-new-orleans/">Hurricane George How the White House Drowned New Orleans</a> [Greg Palast]
(Link courtesy of <a href="http://www.warrenellis.com">Warren Ellis</a>)Like rats from a sinking ship2007-08-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/like-rats-from-a-sinking-ship<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ah.YadSWRzmk&refer=home">Gonzales Quits After Months of Turmoil Over Firings</a>Fiendish Fables Review2007-08-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/fiendish-fables-review<a href="http://www.comicspace.com/rabguy/">Ryan Brandt</a> has a <a href="http://fablewoodstudios.com/smf/index.php?topic=87.msg147#msg147">whole lot of kind words</a> for <a href="http://www.fiendishfables.com">Fiendish Fables</a>.
<blockquote>First off, I want to congratulate John on a beautiful looking book. Really leaped out of all the other Dial R books at San Diego and comes off truly as a professional book.
I will say that reading the book, I think Fiendish Fables ended up being a much better title than Whisper/Scream because most of the stories came off as being fables (since a whole lot of 'true' fables were very dark, had some sort of 'meaning' to the story or comeuppance happen) and they definitely were fiendish to say the least.
I'll go on record as saying that I enjoyed the book a lot and it is worth the price. It's not flawless (I'll get to that in a second) but it really showcases John's talent and why he's been able to get most of the deals he's gotten with Arcana and other places. It's because John is just that dang good.</blockquote>
We think John's that dang good too.The Dark Knight2007-08-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-dark-knight<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpfarm2static_hxrdn" height="180" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/jDuvrypilAGHrDAtfIyoHzBblAkqnAnhDmxvgewvfEzvibFBpneDwrHrgwwC/media_httpfarm2static_hxrdn.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="240" />
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Batman! We were just walking along in the loop when my brother Marc goes, check that out. I'm like what? It's a police truck. He replies "Read the truck". Yup it was all decked out for the Gotham Police, which means filming for "The Dark Knight" was nearby somewhere.Where you can find me on the web2007-08-21T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/where-you-can-find-me-on-the-web<a href="http://www.briankirsten.com">BrianKirsten.com</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monkeyking/">Flickr</a>
<a href="http://www.findparadise.net/">FindParadise</a> (travel blog I try to keep updated)
<a href="http://twitter.com/bkirsten">Twitter</a> (this is my mini-blog for FindParadise)
<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/briankirsten">LinkedIn</a>
<a href="http://www.myspace.com/monkeyking">MySpace</a>
<a href="http://www.comicspace.com/briankirsten/">ComicSpace</a>
You can also check out the projects I'm part of at <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.com/">Brain Scan Studios</a>, and download all of the comics we publish over at <a href="http://www.wowio.com/users/comicshome.asp?cbPublisher=57">Wowio</a>.Download Brain Scan comics for free!2007-08-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/download-brain-scan-comics-for-free!Publishing comic books for me is both business and pleasure. The business side is tough, getting books into people's hands can be quite an undertaking. The pleasure side is seeing those books in people's hands and having them (GASP!) enjoy them. I had a personal note to myself for quite some time after hearing about <a href="http://www.wowio.com">Wowio</a> starting. The note just said "Contact Wowio", and it took me WAY too long to get to them. But I'm glad I did. For those of you who don't know, Wowio offers books and comics on their website for free. Yes I know it sounds like magic, but it's that simple. You download, myself and the creators we represent get paid. Which is a wonderful thing. No this isn't Brain Scan's attempt to thumb our noses at the hard working retailers out there who tirelessly sell our books and the books of our competitors. We just see it as opening the field to folks who might not ever have thought to pick up a comic or walk into a comic shop.
And we feel really good about that.
<a href="http://www.wowio.com/users/comicshome.asp?cbPublisher=57">Listing of all our books on Wowio</a>
<a href="http://www.wowio.com/users/product.asp?BookId=1354&txtSearch=&cbBrowse=4">Civil Wardrobe on Wowio</a>
<a href="http://www.wowio.com/users/product.asp?BookId=1357&txtSearch=&cbBrowse=4">Touch of Death #1 on Wowio</a>
<a href="http://www.wowio.com/users/product.asp?BookId=1358&txtSearch=&cbBrowse=4">Touch of Death #2 on Wowio</a>
<a href="http://www.wowio.com/users/product.asp?BookId=1359&txtSearch=&cbBrowse=4">Touch of Death #3 on Wowio</a>
<a href="http://www.wowio.com/users/product.asp?BookId=1355&txtSearch=&cbBrowse=4">Fiendish Fables on Wowio</a>
<a href="http://www.wowio.com/users/product.asp?BookId=1356&txtSearch=&cbBrowse=4">One Last Song #1 on Wowio</a>Subprime mortgages affect our brains2007-08-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/subprime-mortgages-affect-our-brains<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">FMRI research shows that long-term decision-making takes place in a different part of the brain from short-term decisions -- so when you offer someone a cheap two-year mortgage followed by 28 years of scorchingly high interest rates, the short-term side jumps in and overrides the sober long-term mind.</blockquote>
<a href="http://scienceblogs.com/cortex/2007/08/the_psychology_of_subprime_mor.php">Read the whole article.</a>
(Link courtesy of <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2007/08/09/neuroeconomics_subpr.html">BoingBoing</a>)LOL2007-07-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/lolTaken from <a href="http://markandrich.googlepages.com/sandiegodreaming">San Diego Dreaming</a>:
<blockquote class="posterous_short_quote">27/07/07 TXT 22:18: They say the Eisners are the Oscars of comics. That's true. They make me feel like the muppet that lives in the trash and hates everything.</blockquote>Madness from Rich Johnston2007-07-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/madness-from-rich-johnston<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZYJbKZlwM5s" />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYJbKZlwM5s">Link to the video on Youtube.</a>Time marches on2007-07-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/time-marches-onOn my 18th birthday, my friend John, the much older woman he was dating at the time and myself were physically thrown out of a restaurant in my former home town of Hollywood, FL. John's girlfriend at the time grew irate at the woman sitting behind her, so being the adult John's former girlfriend was, she threw an entire pitcher of beer at the woman. Needless to say, I'm yet to walk back into that restaurant.
For my 21st birthday I rented a room near Disney. Sadly I didn't plan it well, because most of the people I knew were either working or it was just too short notice for the throngs to show up.
Today I turned 30.Flank Steak Sandwiches with Beer Battered Onion Rings2007-06-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/flank-steak-sandwiches-with-beer-battered-onion-ringsI love a good steak sandwich, so I was excited to come across a "Flank Steak and Boursin Cheese Sandwich" recipe that I had to try. I was initially unhappy with the recipe because it didn't call for doing anything special to the steak, just simply throwing it on the grill until complete. I had some prior experience with a marinade from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FIm-Just-Here-Food-Cooking%2Fdp%2F1584790830&tag=urbanossurfshop&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Alton Brown's "I'm Just Here for the Food: Food + Heat = Cooking"</a> book so I went with that.
Take the flank steak (I used 1/2 pound) and place into a plastic bag with five (5) tablespoons soy, one and one half (1 1/2) tablespoons honey, and one (1) tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, seal the bag and place into the refrigerator for a nice rest (I recommend putting the bag into a bowl just in case of any possible spillage). I marinated the steak overnight but I would guess you could marinate as long or as little as you want.
About an hour before lunch the next day, I took the steak out of the fridge to come up to room temperature. I set it aside to prepare the onion rings. I chopped an onion into rings (well more like strips), and got out a large-ish bowl for the batter. Into the bowl I dumped one and a half (1 1/2) cups of flour, pinch of salt, and big pinch of paprika. Mix that around with a spoon (or better your hands). On top of that mixture I poured a bottle of beer I had left over in the fridge (now that we have a house with a guest room, guests always seem to be bringing beer and there always seems to be an oddball beer left over). Mix that concoction until there are no lumps. I folded the onions into the batter making sure they were all covered with the goo. I heated up a deep sided frying pan with about an inch of vegetable oil over medium high heat.
When the oil came to temperature I dropped in my first batch of rings, cooking them to a golden brown. I wasn't really happy with the overwhelming amount of batter on the first batch, so I hunted around for a colander and dumped the uncooked rings & batter into that to thin it out a bit. After thinning I cooked the rest to golden brown, perfecto! Set aside covered to keep the rings warm.
I moved my top rack in my oven up so the steak would rest a couple inches from the upper heating coil, I then set the oven to "High" broil. Cook the steak under the broiler for 3-4 minutes on each side, then let the steak rest on a cutting board for five (5) minutes. With the residual heat of the oven, I warmed a nice sized baguette for the sandwiches.
After toasting the baguette, split and spread a nice layer of Boursin cheese on the bread. Follow with the warm rings, and top that with the steak thinly sliced. So it wouldn't be too unhealthy I finished the sandwiches off with Romaine lettuce. Serve with remaining onion rings.
Things I would have done different.
- The marinade I had left over I should have warmed into a nice dipping sauce.
- The rings, next time I'm stuffing the onion into the blender on puree then folding into the batter. That whole mess will go into a piping bag and then....ONION RING FUNNEL CAKE! My mouth waters thinking of it.One Last Song #1 in Stores!2007-06-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/one-last-song-#1-in-stores!Yes it's been a long time coming, <a href="http://www.onelastsong.com/issue_1.html">One Last Song #1</a> is finally in stores! Drop what your doing and pick it up at your local comic shop!Sopranos finale2007-06-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sopranos-finale<a href="http://www.technorati.com/posts/tag/sopranos+finale">As if enough people aren't talking about it.</a>
I spent the couple minutes between the Sopranos finale and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_from_Cincinnati">John From Cincinnati</a> yelling "That's how they ended Sopranos?" at the TV.
And I'm intrigued enough about John From Cincinnati to give it a couple of episodes.Sean Connery out of Indy 4?2007-06-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sean-connery-out-of-indy-4?<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">Sean Connery announced Thursday he would not take part in the fourth instalment of the "Indiana Jones" adventure films, saying he would rather enjoy his retirement.
In a statement on the film's official website, Connery, 76, said he had thought "long and hard" about reprising his role as Professor Henry Jones from 1989's "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."
"I love working with Steven and George, and it goes without saying that it is an honor to have Harrison as my son. But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun."</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/281038/1/.html">Sean Connery bows out of Indiana Jones 4</a> [Channel News Asia]Add the GiftBop widget to your blog!2007-06-08T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/add-the-giftbop-widget-to-your-blog!First off I should probably explain what <a href="http://www.giftbop.com">GiftBop</a> is. <a href="http://www.giftbop.com">GiftBop</a> is a gift list website, for telling folks what you desire most in the world (that can be purchased). Head on over there and start building your list, it's FREE! For folks who have websites of their own they can add the <a href="http://www.springwidgets.com/widgetize/3860">GiftBop widget </a>to show off what people are asking for.
<object allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="318" align="middle" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=7,0,0,0" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://downloads.thespringbox.com/web/wrapper.php?file=GiftBop - Recents Adds.sbw" />
<param name="flashvars" value="param=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2FGiftbop-RssFeedOfRecentUsersGifts&param_style_borderColor=000000&param_style_brandUrl=http://www.giftbop.com/images/giftbop_logo.png&memberId=thespringbox" />
<param name="quality" value="high" />
<param name="wmode" value="transparent" />
<param name="allowNetworking" value="all" />
<param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" />
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" />
<param name="bgColor" value="0x000000" />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" src="http://downloads.thespringbox.com/web/wrapper.php?file=GiftBop%20-%20Recents%20Adds.sbw" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="318" align="middle" flashvars="param=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2FGiftbop-RssFeedOfRecentUsersGifts&param_style_borderColor=000000&param_style_brandUrl=http://www.giftbop.com/images/giftbop_logo.png&memberId=thespringbox" quality="high" width="250"></embed></object><div style=""><a href="http://www.springwidgets.com/widgetize/3860/?param=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2FGiftbop-RssFeedOfRecentUsersGifts&param_style_borderColor=000000&param_style_brandUrl=http://www.giftbop.com/images/giftbop_logo.png&width=250&height=318" target="_blank">Get this widget!</a></div>
You can also building a widget of your own GiftBop RSS feed over at <a href="http://www.springwidgets.com/">SpringWidgets</a>.Tiki Fear shirts!2007-06-07T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/tiki-fear-shirts!Just added four new t-shirt types to my oh-so-inappropriate "Your Girlfriend Loves Bukkake" design.
A Jr. Ringer version (in Pink/Salmon, Yellow/Gold, Mint/Avocado):
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A Woman's version:
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<img alt="Media_httpimagescafep_iidog" height="240" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/yHBdtuwjiIjEAdfyyqklynohpwvCzFmxCcGdHCDkvxeEqggxGsGrfIbHGmCB/media_httpimagescafep_iidog.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="240" />
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Yellow:
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<img alt="Media_httpimagescafep_qjhir" height="240" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/rkCkJBfHtsyrxjncqimmlaGshlnclaGpufjyayjnHJyDItiybmjjAbEypHjd/media_httpimagescafep_qJhIr.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="240" />
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Green:
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<img alt="Media_httpimagescafep_xyskv" height="240" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/icajtyuxlmxjeHlckHFdqoJDAJHsJwfyegCqscsBnGDEqdHgkyiieHwqCogg/media_httpimagescafep_xyskv.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="240" />
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Deleted scene from Knocked Up2007-06-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/deleted-scene-from-knocked-up<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/154KVUTpe7A" />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=154KVUTpe7A">Link to the video on Youtube.</a>Food porn2007-05-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/food-porn<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpwwwyirennet_darfu" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/lgwABfgyGoxsbpEyFeBeHdgavouApcpEeGDybzhugaeCbfiHCJFlFEysuivC/media_httpwwwyirennet_DArfu.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" />
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<a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4699639&blogID=267304464">A visit to The French Laundry.</a>
(Link courtesy of <a href="http://www.slashfood.com">Slashfood</a>)Dali being Dali2007-05-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/dali-being-dali<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iXT2E9Ccc8A" />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXT2E9Ccc8A">Link to the video on Youtube.</a>My quick Spiderman 3 review.2007-05-07T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-quick-spiderman-3-review.Did <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000600/">Sam Raimi</a> forget to take his pills?
Venom = Cool
Sandman = Cool
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001497/">Tobey Maguire's</a> quivering bottom lip = Crap multiplied by every single audience member cringing from watching a grown man melt into dramatic goo.
Tobey pretending he's a pimp/dance-a-thon = Crap
Bruce Cambell = BadassLas Vegas and Water2007-05-03T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/las-vegas-and-water<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3014194">The water war in Nevada</a> (Video)The move to Google Reader2007-04-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-move-to-google-readerWell I've finally done it, I migrated away from my favorite RSS reader <a href="http://freshlysqueezedsoftware.com/products/pulpfiction/">Pulp Fiction</a>. I decided to give <a href="http://www.google.com/reader">Google Reader</a> a whirl for a week to see how I liked it, and boy howdy do I like it. It's not because it's all "flashy" and "blinky", it's simple, clean and easy and worked pretty much like Pulp Fiction worked.
Now why the move? Well it follows along with my firm belief that the future of computing is that the software you'll be using everyday will be nearly all on the internet. With this (albeit small) move, it's one less piece of software for me to worry about when(if) A. I move to another computer B. My hard drive crashes causing me to reinstall everything. On top of it all I can export all my subscriptions easily to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OPML">OPML</a> so if something should happen to Google (they turn evil, I get sick of them, etc) I can easily move someplace else.Humor!2007-04-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/humor!<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HGWOD8js2_g" />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGWOD8js2_g">Link to the video on Youtube.</a>Review of the Grand Canyon Skywalk2007-04-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/review-of-the-grand-canyon-skywalk<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">First they bussed us out to the site. It didn't quite match the pictures I'd seen of it. It was more like a construction site with a huge piece of I-Beam sticking over the edge. Almost nothing was paved, so when the wind came up, it created small dust storms that made it difficult to be outside. We entered the "Visitor's Center" (a temporary building that smelled strongly of wood varnish) to learn that no cameras were allowed out on the actual skywalk. At best, you could walk to the door of the building, a couple hundred feet away, and take a shot from there. Then you'd have to check your camera in with security. They told us it was because "people were dropping their cameras and cracking the glass" and they did not want to be liable "if someone dropped their camera over the edge".</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.hicks-wright.net/blog.php?id=5173">Check out the full article.</a>Another One Last Song #1 Review2007-04-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/another-one-last-song-#1-review<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">The concept of One Last Song is fascinating, and I can see the potential for this book. The first issue deals with an American government who controls the mass media. Only by going underground do some media attempt to get the truth out there. Amanda Casey is one of the so called "rebels." She is a musician who tries to get a message across to her audience, a hidden message about the government wrapped in a love song.</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/reviews/117742417210931.htm">Check out the full review.</a>The Gigcast2007-04-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-gigcastThe folks over at the <a href="http://gigcast.nightgig.com">Gigcast</a> have nothing but kind things to say about <a href="http://www.civil-wardrobe.com">Civil Wardrobe</a>.
Download the podcast <a href="http://gigcast.nightgig.com/?p=265">here</a>.Fiendish Fables in stores!2007-04-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/fiendish-fables-in-stores!<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="" src="http://www.fiendishfables.com/images/cover_comic_front_small.jpg" />
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<a href="http://www.fiendishfables.com">Fiendish Fables</a> has finally hit stores! Pick it up at your <a href="http://www.the-master-list.com/">local comic shop</a> or buy it at our <a href="http://store.brainscancomics.com/collections/fiendish-fables/">online store</a>.Fiendish Fables hot from the printers2007-04-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/fiendish-fables-hot-from-the-printers<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpfarm1static_bagei" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/tBIChIIyxuCnDpCGdfAlqemaqtvyzGjHxnIJHEmzBdxqCdgjpjFfBcfFljtn/media_httpfarm1static_BageI.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" />
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Buy them wherever comics are sold!GTA 4 Trailer2007-03-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/gta-4-trailer<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="" src="http://www.briankirsten.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/gta4.jpg" />
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<a href="http://www.rockstargames.com/IV/trailer_splash.html">Grand Theft Auto IV trailer is up, check it out at Rockstar's website.</a>Battlestar Simpsons2007-03-09T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/battlestar-simpsonsThe <a href="http://www.christinekirsten.com">wife</a> and I got hooked on BSG (we caught up by watching every single episode over the last 6 weeks), so I got a kick out of seeing <a href="http://community.livejournal.com/pantsketch/99256.html">this</a>.
I love the baby with the power cord.Yet another place to find One Last Song2007-02-23T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/yet-another-place-to-find-one-last-song<a href="http://scifigenre.com/subs/browseTitleDetail.aspx?sid=PYWI1G1T01V0P0Y&nTitleID=3711">Sci-Fi Genre</a>Touch of Death on the web2007-02-23T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/touch-of-death-on-the-webI've decided to experiment a bit and serialize <a href="http://www.touch-of-death.com/">Touch of Death</a> entirely in web comic form (which seems to be all the rage these days). I'm going to be publishing two pages a day for the next couple of months, you can start reading <a href="http://webcomics.brainscancomics.com/2007/02/23/touch-of-death-cover/">here</a> or subscribe via rss <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/BrainScanWebcomics">here</a>.
<a href="http://webcomics.brainscancomics.com/2007/02/23/touch-of-death-cover/">Touch of Death on the web</a>
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/BrainScanWebcomics">Touch of Death (rss feed)</a>Another place to pre-order One Last Song2007-02-23T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/another-place-to-pre-order-one-last-songFolks in the UK that like doing their comic order over the web can pick up <a href="http://www.onelastsong.com/">One Last Song</a> over at the <a href="http://www.acecomics.co.uk/mailordercomics.html?SCREEN=scrListProductItem&nProdID=375962&PHPSESSID=13f82048d7ecca51b43049deca4eb5fd">Ace Comics</a> website.More One Last Song interviews!2007-02-22T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/more-one-last-song-interviews!This time the fine folks at <a href="http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=006001">The Pulse talk to the boys.</a>
Oh and bother your local comic store to order <a href="http://www.onelastsong.com/">One Last Song</a> #1 (FEB073275).Places to get One Last Song2007-02-20T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/places-to-get-one-last-songOne Last Song #1 (FEB073275) will be coming out in April, obviously you should support your <a href="http://www.the-master-list.com/">local comic book shop</a> and pre-order it there, but there's a chance your LCS might not get it. Here's a list of places online for you to pre-order it:
<a href="http://www.tfaw.com/Comics/Genres/Science-Fiction/Profile/One-Last-Song-1___260692">Things From Another World</a>
<a href="http://www.milehighcomics.com/cgi-bin/nice.cgi?action=list&title=FEB073275">Mile High Comics</a>
<a href="http://www.ironfg.com/servlet/the-5820/ONE-LAST-SONG/Detail">Iron Fortress Games</a>
<a href="http://www.nekosphere.com/froogle.php?x=FEB073275">NekoSphere Comics</a>
<a href="http://www.dcbservice.com/product.aspx?id=7a&h=s&b=76&pid=13#172538">Discount Comic Book Service</a>One Last Song Interview2007-02-20T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/one-last-song-interview<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">Now, you may wonder where I am going with this, especially since this is a NiNe QuestioNs installment and not my ordinary run of the mill article. Well, I have an answer for you and answer is what I hope becomes everyone's new favorite comic book.
I'm already itching to sink my teeth into this series, and I haven't collected comics in a few years.
</blockquote>
<a href="http://horrorlibrary.blogspot.com/2007/02/nine-questions-with-cj-hurtt-and-shawn_16.html">The fine folks over at The Horror Library interviewed Shawn and CJ about One Last Song, head over to their blog to check it out.</a>Sonoma eating Peanut Butter2007-02-13T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sonoma-eating-peanut-butterFilmed by <a href="http://www.christinekirsten.com">Christine</a>
<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rmDCh6G4pyM" />
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rmDCh6G4pyM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
Link to the video on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmDCh6G4pyM">YouTube</a>.Apples to Oranges2007-02-09T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/apples-to-orangesThis is an argument I have with a ton of people, that they can price out a PC with the same configuration as a Mac for cheaper. This commenter on <a href="http://apple.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=221394&cid=17942354">Slashdot explains it succinctly</a>.
<blockquote>I think the problem most Slashdotters have is that they can't conceive of building the type of machines Apple sells. You can get a 20" iMac with a 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo and 1GB of memory for $1500. You can get a roughly comparable Dell Dimension E520 for $850. But it's not really "comparable". It comes with a 1.8 GHz processor with 2MB of cache, instead of the 2.16 GHz with 4MB. It comes with DDR2-533, instead of DDR2-667. It has no DVD burner, a GeForce 7300LE, and a 17" display.
You can't even configure that machine to be comparable to the iMac. To get in the same ballpark, you've got to jump up to an XPS 410, up the CPU to 2.13 GHz, add the 2007WFP and the Radeon 1300 Pro. Now you're at $1487, and you still have half the cache, a slower graphics card, no firewire, no wi-fi, no bluetooth, no webcam, and no remote. And it'll still take up much more space in your office!
So yes, even with the Intel Macs, you can get machines cheaper than what Apple well sell them for. However, it's no surprise you can get a cheaper machine with lesser hardware! However, if you try to match the basic specs, and a couple of the accessories (ie: no consumer machine today should ship without wifi!) you're not going to save a lot of money over the Mac.
</blockquote>
The commenter was commenting on this <a href="http://apple.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/02/08/2031244&from=rss">article</a> on Slashdot.One Last Song Trailer2007-02-06T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/one-last-song-trailer<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iNTlw_pvnJc" />
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Link to the video on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNTlw_pvnJc">YouTube</a>.
<a href="http://www.onelastsong.com/">One Last Song #1</a> is available in the February 2007 edition of <a href="http://previews.diamondcomics.com/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=23&s=216&ai=36605">Previews</a>. Use code FEB073275 at your <a href="http://www.the-master-list.com/">local comic book shop</a> or online to order.Mutts are the new top dogs2007-02-06T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/mutts-are-the-new-top-dogs<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">Growing numbers of dog lovers are rejecting the pursuit of pedigrees to embrace instead what can only be called mongrels or mutts.
Short-haired or long, tiny or tall, mixed-breed dogs of uncertain background are enjoying unprecedented popularity.
"It's more fashionable to have a standard, old-fashioned mutt," says Michael Mountain of Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah, the USA's largest animal shelter. "The 'in' thing is not to have a very well-bred, very expensive dog."</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2007-02-05-mutts-main_x.htm?csp=1">Link to the full article.</a>
I'm the father of a mutt.
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<img alt="Media_httpfarm1static_khrdo" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/fvpyxmlaBttIFHxDCcDcrrnvvHyfsjcgoaCanmrefoAEhqlkqtadlgvCxmHy/media_httpfarm1static_kHrDo.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" />
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She's the most wonderful dog in the world.Another reason to hate the Electric Slide2007-02-05T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/another-reason-to-hate-the-electric-slide<blockquote class="posterous_short_quote">"The "creator" of the Dance move known as the electric slide has filed a DMCA based takedown notice for videos he deems to infringe and because they show "bad dancing".</blockquote>
<a href="http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/02/04/2216219&from=rss">Read the whole article at Slashdot.</a>A Vista Installation2007-02-05T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/a-vista-installation<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LxQm3IsSKAo" />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxQm3IsSKAo">Link to the video on YouTube.</a>Dog beer!2007-01-24T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/dog-beer!<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">After a long day hunting, there's nothing like wrapping your paw around a cold bottle of beer.
So Terrie Berenden, a pet shop owner in the southern Dutch town of Zelhem, created a beer for her Weimaraners made from beef extract and malt.</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/01/22/dogbeer.ap/index.html">Read the full article.</a>Fiendish Fables is a hot preorder!2007-01-23T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/fiendish-fables-is-a-hot-preorder!<a href="http://www.tfaw.com/Comics/Pre-Orders/Hot">TFaw.com's list</a> of "hot" pre-orders has <a href="http://www.fiendishfables.com">Fiendish Fables</a> in the number 26 spot!
<a href="http://www.tfaw.com/Comics/Pre-Orders/Hot">Check out the list.</a>Vote for us in the Eagle Awards!2007-01-22T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/vote-for-us-in-the-eagle-awards!Why don't you take a minute and <a href="http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/nominate.asp">vote</a> for Brain Scan(Favourite Publisher) and Civil Wardrobe (Favourite New Comicbook, Favourite Comics Cover published during 2006)?
<a href="http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/nominate.asp">Vote here!</a>Fame only costs your freedom2007-01-22T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/fame-only-costs-your-freedomBrain Scan Studios proudly presents <a href="http://www.onelastsong.com/">One Last Song</a>, a six issue black and white mini-series from writer CJ Hurtt and artist Shawn Richter. In 2046, American media personalities must obtain an officially sanctioned "performance card" or face internment in "terror aversion camps". Musician Amanda Casey is a rebel spreading the truth about her government's corruption via seemingly innocent love songs. What happens when she is found out?
One Last Song #1 is currently available to order in the February edition of Diamond's Previews using order code FEB073275. It will be in stores April 2007, the rest of the series will be bimonthly.
For more information and preview pages please visit the official <a href="http://www.onelastsong.com/">One Last Song website</a>.
<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpfarm1static_zycps" height="500" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/zqwavdDnuqDkJBkrDJqrjjbyBgDronwswkiteEetrCrddhHHriqkgarqwmzC/media_httpfarm1static_zyCps.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="328" />
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Comic Geek Speak recommends Fiendish Fables!2007-01-22T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/comic-geek-speak-recommends-fiendish-fables!While perusing January's Preview the <a href="http://www.comicgeekspeak.com">Comic Geek Speak</a> podcast mentions <a href="http://www.fiendishfables.com">Fiendish Fables</a> as one of their "must order" indy books for the month!
Check out their <a href="http://www.comicgeekspeak.com/episodedetail.asp?episodeid=288">podcast</a>.Foods you should never eat2007-01-18T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/foods-you-should-never-eat<a href="http://www.cspinet.org.nyud.net:8080/nah/10foods_bad.html">10 Foods you should never eat</a>
(Link courtesy of <a href="http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/01/18/ten-foods-you-should-never-eat/">That's Fit</a>)10 Dirtiest Hotels list from TripAdvisor2007-01-17T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/10-dirtiest-hotels-list-from-tripadvisor<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">10 Dirtiest Hotels in the U.S.
1. Tropicana Resort Hotel, Virginia Beach, Vir.
2. Hotel Carter, New York, N.Y.
3. Days Inn Downtown/Port, Miami, Fla.
4. Budget Inn, Knoxville, Tenn.
5. Red Carpet Inn, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
6. New York Inn, New York, N.Y.
7. Poindexter Ocean Front Resort, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
8. Days Inn, Lancaster, Penn.
9. Ramada Inn Miami Airport North, Miami, Fla.
10. Sea Club Resort, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
</blockquote>
<a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070117/clw038.html?.v=77">Read the whole article.</a>Kilmer plans Genius return2007-01-02T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/kilmer-plans-genius-return<blockquote class="posterous_short_quote">Val Kilmer is reportedly set to sign up to star in a sequel to his 1985 comedy 'Real Genius'.</blockquote>
My brothers love the original movie.
<a href="http://www.filmwad.com/kilmer-plans-genius-return-1672-p.html">Read the whole article.</a>Microsoft adCenter blows2006-12-29T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/microsoft-adcenter-blowsI recently received this <a href="http://www.startadcenter.com/200unoffdm/">ad</a> for Microsoft's adCenter service, setup a new account and get $200 in free clicks. I figured I could promote <a href="http://www.fiendishfables.com/">Fiendish Fables</a> with the service, so I decided to go for it.
The initial form gave me an issue, but it had to do with word size which was easily fixable. Then I got to the billing page, entered my info and the promo code. That's when it all went to crap. I entered the wrong security code for my credit card so adCenter bounced me back to the billing page, easy fix, I rekeyed the correct code and clicked submit.
"This promotional code has already been used."
Odd, so I tried it all over again. Same thing, it seems that either A) The promo code they claim works until Jan 15, 2007 expired or B) they record your usage of it during the REGISTRATION process. So after several unsuccessful tries I closed my Firefox tab to the page.
Update: <a href="http://probargainhunter.com/2006/12/19/microsoft-adcenter-200-promo-code/">It appears the code was only for the first 2000 users</a>. (Read the comments) Why no mention of that at all Microsoft? Or maybe...shutting down that marketing page after you got 2000 users? Here's the pseudo code.
If (select count(*) from users where promocode='SOMECRAP')>2000 then
Write 'Sorry this is over...please use Google's Adsense or Yahoo's Overture products'
Else
Write displayStaticMarketingPage
End if
As per usual Microsoft you've guaranteed I won't use yet another one of your crappy products.
Here's a <a href="http://adcenter-nightmare.blogspot.com/2006/12/microsoft-adcenter-cant-bill-correctly.html">blog entry on other adCenter issues</a>.Disney MGM Studios Lights2006-12-22T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/disney-mgm-studios-lights<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ut7ADpZqKIA" />
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ut7ADpZqKIA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut7ADpZqKIA">Link to the video on YouTube.</a>Charlie Brown Christmas by the cast of Scrubs2006-12-20T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/charlie-brown-christmas-by-the-cast-of-scrubs<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/20Of_mna-Rs" />
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/20Of_mna-Rs" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Of_mna-Rs">Link to the video on Youtube.</a>Short stroll in a Chinese national park2006-12-14T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/short-stroll-in-a-chinese-national-parkAnd I thought Yosemite was "rustic", the second picture scares the hell out of me.
<a href="http://www.bond-diamonds.com/fark/chinese.htm"> Short stroll in a Chinese national park</a>Best Hotel Gyms2006-12-14T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/best-hotel-gyms<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">The Athletic Minded Traveler has put together their eleven Best Hotel Gyms for 2006. Looking over the 3,000 hotel gyms in the U.S. (but we assume, not actually testing them) the ranking is based on gyms that have the best facility size, equipment options, mult-sport options (like a pool) and overall ambience/atmosphere.</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2006/12/14/15648/382/hotels/Best_Hotel_Gyms_for_Those_Who_Can_t_Miss_One_Set_or_One_Rep">
Check out the whole article.</a>10 Mac Applications for your Christmas List2006-12-07T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/10-mac-applications-for-your-christmas-list<a href="http://www.fairlyuseless.com/2006/12/07/10-mac-applications-for-your-christmas-list/">10 Mac Applications for your Christmas List</a>
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">Here is a list of FREE software that I use everyday, or at least once a week. This year for Christmas I decided to donate some of my gift money to the mac software that I did not have to buy or that was open source. These authors or groups of these applications give their time and energy to make great software for all of us.</blockquote>NY bans trans fat2006-12-05T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/ny-bans-trans-fat<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">The Board of Health voted Tuesday to make New York the nation's first city to ban artery-clogging artificial trans fats at restaurants -- from the corner pizzeria to high-end bakeries.
The board, which passed the ban unanimously, did give restaurants a slight break by relaxing what had been considered a tight deadline for compliance. Restaurants will be barred from using most frying oils containing artificial trans fats by July and will have to eliminate the artificial trans fats from all of their foods by July 2008.</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/12/05/ny.trans.fat.ap/index.html">Check out the whole article.</a>
Link courtesy of <a href="http://planetyohe.com/">Simon</a>.Trailers of 10 interesting movies.2006-11-30T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/trailers-of-10-interesting-movies.<a href="http://skeletonproject.com/2006/11/28/10-movies-the-us-government-would-prefer-people-not-watch/">10 films the US Government would rather you not see.</a>
The only one of these ("V"), but I'm a bit of a documentary nut so I'd love to see them all. I'm going to pick up "An Inconvenient Truth" first time I get a chance to.Jones Soda ditches high-fructose corn syrup2006-11-29T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/jones-soda-ditches-high-fructose-corn-syrupFrom <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/">BoingBoing</a>:
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">The change at Jones Soda comes at a time when high fructose corn syrup, which became a common sweetener for sodas in the late 1970s and early 1980s, has received negative publicity as being linked to obesity and diabetes.</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2006/11/29/jones_soda_ditches_h.html">Link to whole article.</a>Sonoma looking out of the window2006-11-22T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sonoma-looking-out-of-the-window<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QGeOkB4GALU" />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGeOkB4GALU">Link to the video on YouTube.</a>Fiendish Fables MySpace badge2006-11-21T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/fiendish-fables-myspace-badgeAdd the Fiendish Fables badge to your website or MySpace page!
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="" src="http://www.wordofblog.net/ad_images/31951654.jpg" />
</div>
<br /> <a href="http://www.WordofBlog.net/info.php?id=0">Want this badge?</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align:center"><a href="http://www.wordofblog.net/redirect.php?id=3195&uid=1654"><img src="http://www.wordofblog.net/ad_images/31951654.jpg" border="0" /></a><BR> <FONT SIZE=1><a href="http://www.WordofBlog.net/info.php?id=3195">Want this badge?</a></FONT></div>Dude surfing indoors2006-11-21T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/dude-surfing-indoorsA new store opened up over at the <a href="http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=139">Florida Mall</a> with an indoor surfing thing-a-ma-bob. Here's a video I took with my cell phone of some guy trying to surf it.
<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gNY3JbGTefg" />
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gNY3JbGTefg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNY3JbGTefg">Link to the video on YouTube.</a>Civil Wardrobe hits the top 300!2006-11-21T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/civil-wardrobe-hits-the-top-300!<a href="http://www.civil-wardrobe.com">Civil Wardrobe's</a> one of the <a href="http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=8935">top 300 selling books</a> in October!
Hooray!How the holidays are going to look for Microsoft?2006-11-20T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/how-the-holidays-are-going-to-look-for-microsoft?Had to go to Walmart with a co-worker (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNintendo-Wii-Remote-Controller%2Fdp%2FB000IMWK2G%2Fsr%3D8-7%2Fqid%3D1164055958%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dvideogames&tag=urbanossurfshop&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">he was looking for a controller/fishing rod/BDSM device for his newly purchased Wii</a>) and I noticed these:
Glass case filled with Zunes:
<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpstaticflick_sbtaq" height="180" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/jmouCqjGmsgyICjxFIzhwImdrgBbAmGIxstFemmuCuiAjIptgpvqqHaAtgwi/media_httpstaticflick_sBtAq.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="240" />
</div>
Glass case for iPods, but all iPods seem to be out (even the display models!):
<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpstaticflick_ixprt" height="180" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/JmqohbAjAmaxujAdfkleaAyyktBpudlbzoIbekEeHgAgyGJJwobDmpCudoBG/media_httpstaticflick_Ixprt.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="240" />
</div>
Sonoma jumping in the air2006-11-17T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sonoma-jumping-in-the-air<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SkswYSU0_9E" />
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SkswYSU0_9E" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkswYSU0_9E">Link to video on YouTube.</a>My dog Sonoma chewing something2006-11-16T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/my-dog-sonoma-chewing-something<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CohNPuBMj7w" />
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CohNPuBMj7w" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CohNPuBMj7w">Link to the video on YouTube</a>Brain Scan Studios to publish Fiendish Fables2006-11-15T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/brain-scan-studios-to-publish-fiendish-fablesBrain Scan Studios proudly presents Fiendish Fables, a new horror filled
anthology from the mind of John Schlim Jr. and friends. A collection of
creepy short stories inspired by the classic horror comics that defined
the genre! Marauding zombie kids, a bloodthirsty vampire horse,
vengeance-seeking storybook creatures, a wild west monster, the debut of
"Goth Ghost Girl," a ghastly gallery, and much more. Cover created by
David Wachter.
Fiendish Fables has 48 pages of amazing art and writing for $3.50! It
will be available for order in the January "Previews" and will be released in
March 2007.
For more information please visit the official <a href="http://www.fiendishfables.com">Fiendish Fables website</a>.
Also be sure to <a href="http://www.myspace.com/fiendishfables">add Fiendish Fables to your MySpace friend's list</a>!w00t!2006-11-09T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/w00t!Democrats win control of Congress
<blockquote class="posterous_short_quote">In a rout once considered almost inconceivable, Democrats won a 51st seat in the Senate and regained total control of Congress after 12 years of near-domination by the Republican Party.</blockquote>
<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061109/ap_on_el_ge/eln_election_rdp">Link to the whole article.</a>Riding the PeopleMover (part 1)2006-11-02T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/riding-the-peoplemover-(part-1)More cell phone video fun.
<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F5TDOlh3mE0" />
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F5TDOlh3mE0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5TDOlh3mE0">
Link to video on YouTube.</a>More PeopleMover (Part 2)2006-11-02T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/more-peoplemover-(part-2)Part 2 of fun with camera phones on the PeopleMover!
<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BBnOAdFob3I" />
<param name="wmode" value="transparent" />
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BBnOAdFob3I" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBnOAdFob3I">Link to the video on YouTube.</a>Wisconsin shows Civil Wardrobe some love!2006-10-31T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/wisconsin-shows-civil-wardrobe-some-love!<a href="http://sequentiallyspeaking.blogspot.com/2006/10/need-good-laugh.html">Sequentially Speaking</a> has nothing but good things to say about our latest <a href="http://www.civil-wardrobe.com/">book</a>.
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">It's really a fun parody that pokes fun at the current comic book status-quo a little bit. And who can't laugh at it, right? If you haven't picked it up and you're in the mood for a good laugh, you should check it out.</blockquote>
Lisa from Sequentially Speaking owns <a href="http://www.neptunecomics.com/">Neptune Comics</a> in Wisconsin, go visit them if your in town.Borat on SNL2006-10-31T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/borat-on-snl<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6QMHx0OibKc" />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QMHx0OibKc">Link to the video on YouTube.</a>It worked!2006-10-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/it-worked!This is the <a href="http://ebroder.net/livejournal-crossposter/">plug-in </a>I used to do the cross posting to my new <a href="http://bkirsten.livejournal.com/">LJ account</a>.Buy our comics!2006-10-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/buy-our-comics!I've finally moved the <a href="http://bsstudios.myshopify.com/">Brain Scan Studios store</a> over to <a href="http://www.shopify.com/">Shopify</a>, it's pretty freaking sweet.
At the store you can buy:
Civil Wardrobe
<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="" src="http://www.brainscancomics.com/images/cw_cover_comic_front_small.jpg" />
</div>
Touch of Death
<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="" src="http://www.brainscancomics.com/images/tod_cover_comic_front_small.jpg" />
</div>
and Epiphany (PDF version)
<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="" src="http://www.brainscancomics.com/images/ep_cover_comic_front_small.jpg" />
</div>
Enjoy!Civil Wardrobe in stores on Oct 18th!2006-10-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/civil-wardrobe-in-stores-on-oct-18th!<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpstaticflick_nbtfs" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/IgrCyHuJCiaowGtEanlvwliIbBrbknAlAkrmJabxfrboBhCCvjpDroiggAGc/media_httpstaticflick_nBtFs.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" />
</div>
<p />
In stores on Wednesday Oct 18th! (Next week for Europe!)
<p />
$3.50!
<p />
From the mind of CBR's Rich Johnston!
<p />
Kaare Andrews, Ashley Wood, Darick Robertson, Ilya, Fred Hembeck, Billy Dallas Patton, Mike Netzer, Lea Hernandez, Frazer Irving, Natalie Sandalls, Sam Hart, Thomas Mauer and more!
<p />
Exclamation marks!
<p />
Visit the <a href="http://www.civil-wardrobe.com">Civil Wardrobe website</a> for more info.Grant Morrison talks magic.2006-10-16T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/grant-morrison-talks-magic.<embed src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-3039306070586717772&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" style="height: 326px;"> </embed>
<a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3039306070586717772">Link to video on Google Video.</a>Wacky small planes2006-10-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/wacky-small-planes<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">A small plane carrying gubernatorial candidate Max Linn made an emergency landing on Interstate 4 this afternoon, causing a massive traffic jam in the eastbound lanes from Florida's Turnpike to South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando Police said.</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-bk-plane101306,0,5449908.story?track=rss">Link to Orlando Sentinel article.</a>Shooting video with my new phone2006-10-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/shooting-video-with-my-new-phone<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VWnTSUxgCQ0" />
<param name="wmode" value="transparent" />
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VWnTSUxgCQ0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
Shot with my <a href="http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=global&lc=en&ver=4001&template=pp1_1_1&zone=pp&lm=pp1&pid=10389">K610</a>.Olbermann vs. Rumsfeld2006-08-31T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/olbermann-vs.-rumsfeld<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0isbNpCLodQ" />
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0isbNpCLodQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0isbNpCLodQ">Link to the clip on YouTube.</a>Fairly Useless, a new blog for tech geeks2006-08-09T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/fairly-useless,-a-new-blog-for-tech-geeksI've got a buddy who's started his first blog, <a href="http://www.fairlyuseless.com/">Fairly Useless</a>. It's mostly tech related, and there are only a few articles, but what he's got so far are great reads.
His latest is an <a href="http://www.fairlyuseless.com/2006/08/09/new-pocketmod-modules/">article on Pocket Mods</a>.Preorder Civil Wardrobe!2006-07-29T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/preorder-civil-wardrobe!<a href="http://www.civil-wardrobe.com">Civil Wardrobe</a> is now available for preorder through August's Previews!
Tell your favorite comic book retailer to use Diamond Order Number AUG063143.
About Civil Wardrobe
By Rich Johnston, Kaare Andrews, Ashley Wood, Darick Robertson and more
THE DESIGN SENSE OF THE UNIVERSE IS CHANGING AND IT'S TIME TO DECIDE: WHOSE SIDE DO YOU DRESS ON?
Rich Johnston, star of CSI: Dying In The Gutters, and gossip monger extraordinaire has assembled an awesome army of artists (Kaare Andrews, Ashley Wood, Darick Robertson, Ilya, Fred Hembeck, Billy Dallas Patton, Mike Netzer, Lea Hernandez, Frazer Irving, Natalie Sandalls, Sam Hart, Thomas Mauer and more) to portray a changing universe in conflict. As The Old Fanboy Warriors die in an explosion and the battle over the Deconstruction Act begins, so some very familiar figures are redesigned, revamped and reconstructed, from Spider-Mart to Osama Bin Hulk. Joe Quesada has officially not objected to the publication of this one shot. And there is no Mike Turner variant cover. Sorry.
Retailers! Contact us to receive free promotional swag!She went apeshit.2006-07-27T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/she-went-apeshit.I just watched the end of a <a href="http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/tradingspaces/tradingspaces.html">Trading Spaces</a>, where after the reveal, the women completely freaked out and had to leave the room. She hated the room so much she pretty much said (I'm misquoting but here's the gist of it), "We're going to have to take a lot of time ripping everything down."
Holy crap.
The look on Paige's face was priceless (It was an old episode).Add the Civil Wardrobe badge to your site!2006-07-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/add-the-civil-wardrobe-badge-to-your-site!We've got a <a href="http://www.civil-wardrobe.com/">Civil Wardrobe</a> badge for folks who want to help support our upcoming funny book. Just add the following to your blog or myspace profile page.
<div style="text-align:center"><a href="http://www.wordofblog.net/redirect.php?id=1381"><img src="http://www.wordofblog.net/ad_images/13811654.jpg" border="0" /></a><BR> <FONT SIZE=1><a href="http://www.WordofBlog.net/info.php?id=1381">Want this badge?</a></FONT></div>
And here's what it should look like:
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="" src="http://www.wordofblog.net/ad_images/13811654.jpg" />
</div>
<br /> <a href="http://www.WordofBlog.net/info.php?id=1381">Want this badge?</a>
</div>Reservoir Dogs by bunnies2006-07-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/reservoir-dogs-by-bunnies<a href="http://www.angryalien.com/0406/reservoirbuns.asp">Reservoir Dogs in 30 seconds, re-enacted by bunnies.</a>Civil Wardrobe Diamond information!2006-07-20T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/civil-wardrobe-diamond-information!The order information for <a href="http://www.civil-wardrobe.com/">Civil Wardrobe</a> is out! Order it at your local comic book shop with the following code:
AUG063143
Be sure to tell all your friends!Jon Stewart on Net Neutrality2006-07-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/jon-stewart-on-net-neutrality<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DClkE64nFDY" />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DClkE64nFDY">Link to the video on Youtube.</a>Video: Dr Miracles2006-07-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/video:-dr-miracles<a href="http://www.channel102.net/view.php?epid=157">This video is freaking hilarious to me.</a> (NSFW)The Amazing Screw-On Head!2006-07-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-amazing-screw-on-head!<a href="http://www.scifi.com/amazingscrewonhead/">Pilot for the animated series "The Amazing Screw-On Head"</a>, originally created by Mike Mignola (Hellboy). Check it out and let SCI-FI know what you think.Pre-Order Touch of Death!2006-07-07T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/pre-order-touch-of-death!You can pre-order Touch of Death (Diamond: JUL062995) at your <a href="http://www.the-master-list.com/">local comic shop</a> or through these fine stores online:
<a href="http://www.dcbservice.com/product.aspx?id=7a&h=s&b=76&pid=14#138835">DCBS - Discount Comic Book Service</a>
<a href="http://www.comicsinfinity.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=JUL062995">Comic Infinity</a>
<a href="https://westfieldcomics.com/wow/cod_b-d.html">World of Westfield</a>Lewis Black and On-Air Decency2006-07-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/lewis-black-and-on-air-decency<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oCiXvKSwan8" />
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oCiXvKSwan8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCiXvKSwan8">Link to video on YouTube.</a>Birthday2006-07-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/birthdayHappy Birthday to me!!!Jesus trick from Family Guy2006-06-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/jesus-trick-from-family-guy<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oSK0z163tek" />
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oSK0z163tek" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSK0z163tek&mode=related&search=">Link to the video on YouTube.</a>A Terrifying Message from Al Gore2006-06-26T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/a-terrifying-message-from-al-gore<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5BjrOi4vF24" />
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5BjrOi4vF24" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>
Yes this is a real trailer, and yes the folks from Futurama were involved.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BjrOi4vF24">Link to the video on YouTube.</a>Quote of the day2006-06-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/quote-of-the-dayIf you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.
-<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/mayaangelo101310.html">Maya Angelou</a>Angry Dirk2006-06-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/angry-dirk<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ysAH1c8nMrA" />
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This is for my brother Marc.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysAH1c8nMrA&search=dirk">Link to the video on YouTube.</a>X-Men 32006-06-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/x-men-3I only have two things to say about X-Men 3:
1. Brett Ratner should be cast into the deepest darkest pits of the most horrible sticky place imagined.
2. Hey Marvel, how many pieces of silver did you get for selling your soul?High Fructose Goo2006-05-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/high-fructose-gooWith a constant desire to be healthy I've become more interested in different ways of not necessarily losing weight but becoming healthier all around. My "dieting" history has been varied, I've tried the "only eat lunch diet", the "only eat dinner diet", Atkins (consuming astounding amounts of bacon), and Body for Life (which actually worked very well for me).
Now folks are talking about the "GI" (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycemic_Index">Glycemic Index</a>) of foods which is defined (from Wikipedia) as:
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">...the area under the 2 hour blood glucose response curve (AUC) following the ingestion of a fixed portion of carbohydrate (usually 50 g). The AUC of the test food is divided by the AUC of the standard (either glucose or white bread) and multiplied by 100. The average GI value is calculated from data collected in 10 human subjects. Both the standard and test food must contain an equal amount of available carbohydrate. The result gives a relative ranking for each tested food (Brouns et al, 2005).</blockquote>
So the guts of all this is sugar, and so during my research I wanted to find out how to cut some of that sugar intake down. That's when I came across how bad <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_fructose_corn_syrup">high fructose corn syrup</a> (HFCS) is. Everybody's heard of it, but do you realize how much stuff has HCFS in it? During lunch alone I counted 5 seperate instances of it (and all I ordered was a three item combo meal). Now this stuff is mostly in processed food (which I've sworn to cut out but is tough due to my work's location which has an overwhelming lack of decent places to eat), so if you stick with a bit more natural diet you'll be able to stay away from HFCS.
Today <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2006/05/23/is_highfructose_corn.html">Boing Boing had entry about it</a>, here's an excerpt:
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">Since reading Greg Critser's Fat Land: How Americans Became the Fattest People in the World, I've regarded high-fructose corn syrup as a kind of toxic waste, present in an unbelievable amount of processed/packaged food. But as with all issues related to commerce and obesity, HFCS is a controversial subject, with woo-woo UFOlogist pseudoscientists on both sides inventing virtues or flaws with HFCS.</blockquote>Playing with the theme2006-05-23T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/playing-with-the-themeI've slowly started poking through the theme for my blog, I've gotten bored of the look of the place. I'm going to be adding new items I think folks will find useful, and that I'll find useful. Please excuse the dust and noise from the ongoing construction.I will survive (Jesus Version)2006-05-22T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/i-will-survive-(jesus-version)<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qAmljaj5stA" />
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This is tremendously hilarious to me for some reason, on so many different levels. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAmljaj5stA">Link directly to the video on YouTube.</a>Fast Food Nation trailer2006-05-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/fast-food-nation-trailer<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X99n9BveKns" />
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Teaser for Richard Linklater's Fast Food Nation, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X99n9BveKns">here's the direct link on YouTube.</a>Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip2006-05-17T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/studio-60-on-the-sunset-strip6 minute preview of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo2klPzrYss">"Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip"</a> a new TV show from NBC.
(Link courtesy of <a href="http://www.warrenellis.com/">Warren Ellis</a>)Our trip to Miami2006-05-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/our-trip-to-miami<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladyduck/142479326/">Fairchild Tropical Gardens</a>
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Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/ladyduck/">ckirsten</a>.
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Christine's posted a bunch of pictures from our trip down to Miami to see the Chihuly exhibit over at Fairchild Gardens. <p />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladyduck/sets/72057594128530429/">Check out the set over at Flickr</a>.
MySpace and music videos2006-05-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/myspace-and-music-videosOne of the things that impressed me initially with <a href="http://www.myspace.com/">MySpace</a> is the music player "widget" they've got all over the site. The player's using Flash to do it's magic, so it works on my machine (a Mac), <a href="http://www.christinekirsten.com/">my wife's machine</a>, nearly everyone's machine. So I nearly fell over in shock when I clicked to watch <a href="http://www.myspace.com/gnarlsbarkley">Gnarls Barkley's</a> video for Crazy, their single off GB's first album St. Elsewhere and received this in the pop-up:
"Sorry, we currently only support Internet Explorer browsers with Windows Media Player 9+"
Ummm....MySpace just a little tip....Flash+Video=Works really well (See <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a>).Infant mortality2006-05-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/infant-mortalityFrom CBS/AP:
<blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote">America may be the world's superpower, but its survival rate for newborn babies ranks near the bottom among developed nations.
Among 33 industrialized nations examined in a new report, the United States tied with Hungary, Malta, Poland and Slovakia with a death rate of nearly 5 per 1,000 babies. Only Latvia had higher mortality figures, with 6 per 1,000, according to the report by the U.S.-based Save the Children.
... Researchers noted that the United States is more racially diverse and has a greater degree of economic disparity than many other developed countries, making it more challenging to provide culturally appropriate health care. </blockquote>
<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/09/health/main1600767.shtml">Read the whole article.</a>
(Link courtesy of <a href="http://www.dailykos.com">DailyKos</a>)Casino Royale teaser2006-05-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/casino-royale-teaser<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/K35o6Wuwi20" />
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I'm pretty impressed by this, it doesn't show an awful lot but I might actually have to go out and see Casino Royale. Daniel Craig looks like he might pull it off.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K35o6Wuwi20">Link on YouTube if the video doesn't work embedded.</a>Kevin Smith and Superman Lives2006-05-04T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/kevin-smith-and-superman-lives<object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vgYhLIThTvk" />
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Kevin Smith talks about his involvement in "Superman Lives" the dead Superman project with Tim Burton and Nicolas Cage originally attached. I love this sort of thing because it shows a bit of how Hollywood thinks and how it treats comic book properties.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgYhLIThTvk">The direct link to the video on YouTube if it doesn't work in the embedded player.</a>Sphere launches2006-05-02T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/sphere-launchesThe fine folks at <a href="http://www.valleywag.com/tech/embargo-breakers/embargo-breakers-sphere-will-suck-in-the-morning-170858.php">Vallywag</a> blogged this morning about the official launch (beta?) of blog search engine <a href="http://sphere.com/">Sphere</a>. First off I'll disclose that I've got my own blog search engine <a href="http://www.blogbuzzmachine.com/">Blog Buzz Machine</a>, so I usually go into checking out other blog search engines with an air of snottiness, even though they most likely have more money and time to throw at their projects than I do.
Hitting the start page of Sphere is just like visiting every other Web 2.0 startup, cute fonts and rounded corners. I enter my favorite search term "monkey" into the interface and get rewarded with <a href="http://sphere.com/search?q=monkey&sortby=rel&lang=en&datedrop=7">these results</a>. My first gripe is the results are ordered by default by relavence and not date. I don't know what they define as "relavent" to the term "monkey", of course it's pretty early in the system so as those results flesh out it should get better. Another gripe is that there's already a splog (near the bottom of their results page) in their system, pretty early for that! I'm controlling the entry of splogs by being very picky with sites who get indexed by my system. I like the profile box pop-up giving you details of the particular blog, I just don't like the blue, it looks kind of funky to me.
I have no idea what the "Featured Blogs" section is, for "monkey" I get nothing but for "ajax" I get <a href="http://sphere.com/featured-blogs?q=ajax&lang=en&datedrop=1">this</a>. Are these sponsors? Sites that have been hand picked by the Sphere folks? Whats going on here?
The "Related Media" button I'm guessing, exposes part of the way Sphere's going to make money, from selling books through Amazon. Sadly with the exception of the "About", "Tips", etc links on the footer (which are mostly about the company or pushing the "Sphere bookmarklet") that's about it for the website. I won't lie to you, it's nice looking (nicer than my project the bastards!) and pretty quick, but I'm hoping later on they do some more exciting stuff that what their doing. Because as I've found out, there are a ton of search engines out there, the ones that survive are the ones doing stuff more exciting than most.Color photos of Denver2006-05-01T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/color-photos-of-denver<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
<img alt="Media_httpstaticflick_vecof" height="240" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-qtog/sbupjGhxwjjwxjtpHlsizlaIbyEhgzmBmwyCcmGoakvGyediHwyBmgCDGFeI/media_httpstaticflick_vECoF.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="231" />
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I've finally scanned in the batch of my color <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monkeyking/sets/72057594121461035/">120mm photos from Denver</a>, enjoy them over at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monkeyking/">Flickr</a>.Renaissance Trailer2006-04-28T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/renaissance-trailer<a href="http://www.twitchfilm.net/archives/004576.html">Interesting looking French movie: Renaissance. Here's hoping it comes over to our side of the pond.</a>
(Link courtesy of <a href="http://bldgblog.blogspot.com/">BLDGBLOG</a>)Step-by-step Karate Kid shower costume2006-04-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/step-by-step-karate-kid-shower-costume<a href="http://www.whoisdan.com/halloween/index.php">Step-by-Step Karate Kid shower costume - this is friggen awesome.</a>Pictures of the Mac Lab at Microsoft2006-04-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/pictures-of-the-mac-lab-at-microsoft<a href="http://davidweiss.blogspot.com/2006/04/tour-of-microsofts-mac-lab.html">Pictures/Tour of the Mac Lab over at the Microsoft Mac Business Unit.</a>The Touch of Death Collected Consumer Remix edition2006-04-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-touch-of-death-collected-consumer-remix-editionThe Touch of Death Collected Consumer Remix edition
$13.95 - 90 pages, black and white interiors with full color covers.
Coming soon from Brain Scan Studios.
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</table>David Blaine drowns himself for an audience.2006-04-14T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/david-blaine-drowns-himself-for-an-audience.The 33-year-old magician will perform his latest stunt by living underwater for seven days and nights in a "human aquarium" in front of New York's Lincoln Center.
He will conclude by attempting to hold his breath underwater longer than the record of 8 minutes, 58 seconds.
The finale of his latest stunt will air live in a two-hour ABC special on May 8 (8 p.m. EDT).
Read the whole <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060413/ap_on_en_ot/people_david_blaine;_ylt=AoeylxNkFgRNyJqRyHJ703rtiBIF;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA--">article</a>.Cake made out of Cadbury Creme Eggs2006-04-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/cake-made-out-of-cadbury-creme-eggs<a href="http://shmivejournal.livejournal.com/125746.html">Well I guess it had to be done, for the good of science. </a> Yes, a cake was baked and yes Cadbury creme eggs were used instead of real eggs.
(Link courtesy of <a href="http://www.boingboing.net">BoingBoing</a> - <a href="http://www.blogbuzzmachine.com/subs/subscribe.php?id=26780">Subscribe to BoingBoing's blog via Blog Buzz Machine</a>)How-To: Rackmount your gear for cheap - Engadget2006-04-12T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/how-to:-rackmount-your-gear-for-cheap---engadget<a href="http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/11/how-to-rackmount-your-gear-for-cheap/">Our simple network rack is an easy project that can really clean up a home network installation. Just a few square feet of floor space now keeps our cable modem firewall, Ethernet switch, server, wireless AP, KVM, monitor, keyboard and UPS neatly tucked away -- in a (decently well ventilated) closet, for example. It's also built to support rack mount hardware of shallow depth, like a router (the real kind) or network switch, so if you want to clear off that folding table in the basement, check out today's how-to.</a>
<a href="http://www.blogbuzzmachine.com/subs/subscribe.php?id=224827">Subscribe to Engadget blog via Blog Buzz Machine</a>.What comics guys talk about over dinner.2006-04-10T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/what-comics-guys-talk-about-over-dinner.From Wired - <a href="http://www.blogbuzzmachine.com/subs/subscribe.php?id=751248">Subscribe to the Wired Blog via Blog Buzz Machine</a>:
'Around midnight, in a Japanese bar in New York's East Village, the science fiction writer Neil Gaiman is pouring himself a shot of sake. It's the table's second bottle, part of a dinner that got started late because nearly every one of the 400 or so audience members at a talk Gaiman gave earlier tonight brought something for him to autograph - his novel Anansi Boys, DVDs of his BBC series Neverwhere, copies of his graphic novel Sandman. Wherever Gaiman appears, geeks of every stripe turn out in droves: beautiful goth girls with oil-black hair and cherry-red lips, overweight comics nerds (with dates), underweight comics nerds (with dates), science fiction obsessives, manga fanatics.
It's a fiercely dedicated fan base. "Do you know that paperback editions of Sandman actually sell better each year than the previous year?" Gaiman says. It's a shock. The book is 15 years old.
"Then I have a question for you," says another member of the party, Mitch Cutler, owner of St. Marks Comics. Located just around the corner, it's one of the country's best independent comic book retail shops. "Who do you think the next generation of readers will be?"
This is what comics guys talk about over dinner: What happens when 14-year-old boys put down their tales of garishly clad, overmuscled men who like to bash robots? "I'm not sure," Gaiman says. "But I do know that when I got to Singapore to do a reading, there were 600 teenage girls waiting. And when I got to the Philippines, there were 2,000 teenage girls waiting, screaming my name."
Cutler nods. "That's it," he says. "It's girls between 13 and 25."'
Read the whole <a href="http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/posts.html?pg=6">article</a>.The appeal of a blue screen of death on a Mac2006-04-06T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-appeal-of-a-blue-screen-of-death-on-a-macFrom the BBC:
"<strong>Apple moves to widen Mac appeal</strong>
Boot Camp, a new utility released by Apple, makes it easy for anybody to install Windows XP on to a new Mac.
It will not work on the older G5 and G4 Macs, but it opens a whole new world of compatibility to anybody with a Mac running one of the new Intel processors.
It is a bold move by Apple that has taken everybody by surprise, although looking back, the signs were there that it was going to happen ever since Apple announced the switch to Intel processors last June. "
Read the full <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4883406.stm">article</a>.
Get <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/">Apple's Boot Camp</a>.
Personally I'm kind of up in the air about this. As an Apple shareholder seeing the stock jump 9% just because they released some free software is always nice, but to me it's sort of like a "niche" release. What we're talking about here is people purchasing a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=urbanossurfshop&camp=1789&creative=9325&path=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB000EPWDTM%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1144332889%2Fref%3Dpd_bbs_1%3F%255Fencoding%3DUTF8">Mac </a> and then purchasing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=urbanossurfshop&camp=1789&creative=9325&path=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB00022PTRU%2Fqid%3D1144332908%2Fsr%3D8-5%2Fref%3Dpd_bbs_5%3F%255Fencoding%3DUTF8%26v%3Dglance%26n%3D229534">WindowsXP </a> in order to get the pleasure of dual booting. Will the average PC user even understand what this means? And how to do this? This is definetely the best way to get folks who are on the fence about switching to switch, they have really nothing to lose now.Hard Rock Hotel moves into Madrid2006-03-29T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/hard-rock-hotel-moves-into-madridFrom the NYTimes Travel Section (Subscribe to <a href="http://www.blogbuzzmachine.com/subs/subscribe.php?id=987992">NYTimes - Travel</a>):
<a href="http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/03/29/travel/29letter.html?ex=1301288400&en=9ca4a7e1cd97b3d2&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss">The new Hard Rock Hotel is causing a stir in the centuries-old neighborhood where it will soon open. </a>
"Few old Madrid neighborhoods are left, and now this one has become fashionable," she said, entering her 1880 apartment building with its wrought-iron balconies. "The small-town feel has disappeared. It is on its way to becoming a place for tourism, drinks and wild times."
The first leggy model has yet to check in, but the Hard Rock Hotel has already become a symbol of the upscale transformation. After an inaugural night of celebrity sighting (the manager won't drop names, yet), it will become the fifth design-conscious hotel to open in the small Letras neighborhood the last two years.Accidents happen2006-03-23T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/accidents-happenHaven't been blogging at all because of an accident my lovely <a href="http://www.christinekirsten.com">wife</a> had three weeks ago. Long story short, she was rollerblading, fell on her butt and broke a vertebre. After a 2 week hospital stay she's at home, with a brace and is slowly recovering. She didn't damage her spine and she's got full use of her arms and legs. She's in better shape now, her therapist has her walking around without the walker the hospital provided.Tiki Fear T-Shirt #22006-03-01T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/tiki-fear-t-shirt-#2<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/tikifear">Tiki Fear</a> T-Shirt #2
<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/tikifear.49446461">This one's organic cotton with much larger text.</a>
Enjoy!ZDNet: Best Web Office Products of 20062006-02-24T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/zdnet:-best-web-office-products-of-2006<a href="http://blogs.zdnet.com/web2explorer/?p=123">Web Office Suite: best of breed products</a> - I personally use <a href="http://www.gmail.com">Gmail</a>, <a href="http://www.writely.com/">Writely</a> and <a href="http://basecamphq.com/">Basecamp</a> from this list. All great products, I just recently completely moved all my email to Gmail, it's one of the best software migrations I've done in a while!Tiki Fear T-Shirts2006-02-24T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/tiki-fear-t-shirtsEvery once in a while I come up with sick little quotes that I'd love to see on a t-shirt. So instead of jotting them down and going, "hey someday I'll have to throw that on a shirt" I opened a little CafePress shop to collect my ideas.
I'm calling it, <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/tikifear">Tiki Fear Shirts</a>, and it's not for the faint of heart. Here's my first <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/tikifear.48824276">shirt</a> for the line.
Enjoy.Yahoo! Developer Network - PHP Developer Center2006-02-23T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/yahoo!-developer-network---php-developer-center<a href="http://developer.yahoo.net/php/">Yahoo! Developer Network - PHP Developer Center</a> - I've been poking through more and more of Yahoo's API, the more I see the more impressed I am with them. I'm just wondering, is this all to undercut Google and MSN? And are folks working out commercial deals with Yahoo to use their data?OS X Backup Strategy2006-02-23T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/os-x-backup-strategy<a href="http://blog.no-panic.at/2006/01/09/my-os-x-backup-strategy/">An OS X backup strategy</a>...CSS Tutorial2006-02-23T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/css-tutorial<a href="http://www.wpdfd.com/editorial/basics/index.html">A step-by-step guide to CSS.</a> (Something I really want to get better at.)Selling Stuff2006-02-21T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/selling-stuffThe other day I was waiting patiently for my beautiful <a href="http://www.christinekirsten.com">bride</a> to meet me for lunch when I noticed a "Going out of Business" sign at a store nearby. I live in Orlando, and for those who don't know, it's kind of a big deal in the travel industry. That means that there are plenty of places to eat and shop that fall within an entire rainbow of quality. Near the International Drive area (where we were having lunch) there are plenty of craptastic stores, filled with every type of lousy tourist trap gift you can imagine. The shop I was near (that was "Going out of business") tried to make a business of selling a whole lot of statuary (I'm talking about giant lions and dolphins you would place in your backyard) to the tourist folk. But it seems they sadly couldn't find their market.
As the owner of a <a href="http://www.brainscanstudios.net">smallish business</a> I see that type of shop and go "What makes them do that?", what makes a person go, "You know what honey, all that money we have in savings? We're going to open a shop that sells 5 t-shirts for $10 to the tourists!".
Maybe they do it for a love of selling, the art of the sale has always intrigued me, when I published <a href="http://www.touch-of-death.com">Touch of Death</a>, I quickly became publisher and huckster all at once. The publisher bit was easy, the seller was a bit tougher to slide into. I guess it's a self confidence thing, good sellers are confident that what they've got you've got to have. It's building up that confidence that the seller has to do in order for any chance of that business succeeding.Scary Stuff2006-02-07T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/scary-stuffGreat video on <a href="http://www.current.tv">Current</a> (a favorite channel of mine) about the ever growing loss of <a href="http://www.current.tv/studio/media/1051113">freedoms</a> in this country.Jan 2005 Usage for RPC-BBM2006-02-06T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/jan-2005-usage-for-rpc-bbm<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'>
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Whoo-boy!2006-02-05T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/whoo-boy!<a href="http://www.blogbuzzmachine.com">Blog Buzz Machine's</a> RPC server got hit 5.5 million times last month. It's just insane to me (especially since the site is running on some very limited hardware). I've got the <a href="http://rpc.blogbuzzmachine.com/RPC2">RPC site</a> down for the time being, the blog pings have been overwhelming the web server (I've been restarting every couple of hours). New hardware is coming this week, hopefully it'll alleviate some of the growing pains we've been having.
In the meantime, why don't you send me an email at <a href="mailto:brian.kirsten.bss@gmail.com">brian.kirsten.bss@gmail.com</a> asking to be part of BBM's beta test?InnoDB versus MyISAM2006-01-27T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/innodb-versus-myisamSo last night the web server <a href="http://www.blogbuzzmachine.com">Blog Buzz Machine</a> is hosted on slowed to a crawl. As the site grows I was seeing more and more slowdown out of both the DB and Web servers. I'd been doing a ton of research on MySQL database tuning in the hope of squeezing some more performance out of the 2 little machines I'm using to run the site. I realized that I stupidly created the database for the system using <a href="http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.0/en/myisam-storage-engine.html">MyISAM</a> for the storage engine. The plus to it was it supported FULLTEXT indexes which would prove useful for the search side of things. Sadly though after much beating up of the database server I realized that the way MyISAM was working, it was locking up one of the main tables for selects, causing any updates or inserts to queue up (causing maximum connection issues) which ended up slowing the server down. I started looking for other options. I started playing with <a href="http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.0/en/innodb.html">InnoDB</a> about a week ago, it's a bit more like <a href="http://www.oracle.com/">Oracle</a> (with row-level locking/transactions) and I came across several articles on the wonderfull-ness of InnoDB so I figured I would give it a try.
What a change....last night I finished moving the main tables to InnoDB and the difference is like night-and-day. My only gripe is that InnoDB doesn't seem to support FULLTEXT indexes so I'll need to figure out something with that. But hopefully the system as a whole seems a bit quicker, plus we're up to over 475,000 pinging blogs now. This little programming experiment has turned into a whole lot of work!Inventive Business Cards2006-01-17T00:00:00-08:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/inventive-business-cardsThe folks at <a href="http://lightroom.tv">Lightroom</a> have really neat <a href="http://byrdhouse.typepad.com/byrdhouse/2006/01/put_it_together.html">business cards</a>, I want one.San Diego - Thursday - Day 12004-08-05T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/san-diego---thursday---day-1Myself, my best friend Ramiro and my youngest brother Marc, arrived in San Diego unscathed. I've come to realize though, that of the very few airports I've flown into, Denver is one I just don't enjoy. We had to stop there for a layover (and I stopped there before on my honeymoon) and it just blows. 1) Nothing to do 2) Every-time (ok it's only been 4 times) there's seems to be some sort of bad weather over that airport, that paired with my nervousness regarding leaving the earth via manned vehicle doesn't make for an enjoyable experience.
After landing I was pretty impressed with the San Diego airport, it's clean and modern looking which is always a plus, we grabbed our bags and headed off to the taxi stand. A short cab trip and we were dropped off at our hotel, <a href="http://www.starwood.com/westin/search/hotel_detail.html?requestedChainCode=WI&requestedAffiliationCode=WI&goToRooms=yes&lengthOfStay=0&numberOfRooms=1&numberOfAdults=1&arrivalDate=2004-08-05&departureDate=2004-08-06&rpoi=&propertyID=1009&rcdi=&linkbrand=&fromSearch=22XX&sherlockRatePlanID=&sherlockMiniRate=&sherlockRoomType=&sherlockBedType=&iATANumber=&corporateAccountNumber=&propertyDistance=&propertyDistanceInUnits=&requestType=page&page=&ratePlanName=&roomOccupancyTotal=1">The Westin Horton Plaza</a>, excellent digs I whole heartedly recommend staying there. Actually....scratch that, we need hotel rooms for next year, find your own place!
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Anyway, it was about 5 (PM) when we settled in, so I decided that instead of schlepping all our crap to the convention center and setting up, that we should just grab our badges and walk around together for probably our only time for the weekend. We grabbed a cab down to the hall and checked in. It was during the checkin that we realized that there maybe something wrong with our registration.
"Brian Kirsten, Brain Scan Studios I'm checking in for our exhibitor badges."
"It says here that we never got your California Temporary Sellers Permit."
(Temporary panic, then realization that I brought it...but it's at the hotel)
"Well I'll have to go back to the hotel to get it, so you all never got the faxed copy from last Friday?"
(Semi-quick note: I waited WAY too long to fill out that paperwork, I literally got it at the last possible second.)
They pull out a folder with my company information and lo-and-behold there was the permit, someone just forgot to enter it into the computer. OOOPS. We ended up getting everything settled, walked over to another line to get our badges printed (what's up with that?) and enter the majesty that is the San Diego Comic Con. We wandered around for an hour, during that time I told myself I wouldn't purchase anything until Sunday (more on why that was a dumb decision later) and just enjoyed ourselves. Due to our East Coast to West Coast time change we headed back to the hotel, got room service and passed out.
Day One Completed (Yes I know, it wasn't all that exciting, but it was mostly plane trip, what do you expect? And you know what? I was at Comc Con! So Thursday ranked in the top 4 of the 4 most ass-kicking-est days of the 4 day trip....).The Filth2004-05-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/the-filthFinished reading <a href="http://www.dccomics.com/comics/vt_display.html?cm_vt_itemCode=filth&month=May">The Filth</a> trade paperback the other day, and I had some thoughts spring up because of it. Now first off, I had collected the entire series prior to my purchase of the TPB, and I bought the collected version for two reasons. 1) I was tired of hunting through my long boxes to find the earlier issues of The Filth that I enjoyed (gasp I don't keep my comics in order! The horror!). 2) I really dug the look of the TBP and the art on the cover, but more on that later.
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The Filth was my "gateway drug" into the world of <a href="http://www.grant-morrison.com/">Grant Morrison</a>, I had never read any of his stuff prior to my first purchase of #1, but after reading it, I quickly added him to my "buy everything this author does list". I moved onto Morrison's New X-Men run because of this series, and started purchasing the trade paperbacks of The Invisibles because of his work on The Filth.
For those of you that haven't read it, The Filth is definitely hard to describe. In a nutshell (and for all I know I'm interpreting it all wrong), it's about the garbage collectors of the world, the ones that truly keep the order, because the world can be a horrible place and somebody has to clean up the mess. To be brutally honest with you, when I was buying the singles I didn't have a clue to what was going on. But it was Morrison's wild imagination coupled with <a href="http://www.chrisweston.co.uk/">Chris Weston's</a> uncanny ability to re-create the monsters in Morrison's nightmarish visions that caused me to enjoy the series so much. Now this little rant is not a review, although obviously this is (in my opinion) one of the better comic series to come out in a while (no not THE BEST, just one of THE BEST!). It was just after my completion of reading it I had an idea.
Can they put out a "Special Edition"? No, not a metal plated, multiple cover mis-mashed piece of crap. I'm talking about something with the "special features" of a DVD, with original character sketches and layouts from Weston, notes and research from Morrison, conversations between the two detailing character development, and designs and ideas for the amazing cover art provided by <a href="http://www.segura-inc.com/segura2/pages/control.htm">Carlos Segura</a>. The fonts used in the series and breakdowns of logo design would be cool too. Am I the only one that would find this interesting? It would be the equivalent of "The Art of Toy Story", a sort of documentary, behind the scenes of making the comic book from funny little concept into the tome that the trade paperback is. I for one would buy something like this, because other than getting enjoyment out of the story and art, I would love to see the "process" of creating the book. I'm guessing there are others out there as sick as I am. I know when I went over to <a href="http://www.christineandbrian.com/monkeyking/archives/000081.html">SFMOMA</a> they had a book section in their museum store, this type of book would sell there I think.
Now, I'm not trying to say that they should add additional material to an already great piece of work, simply for the sake of selling it in museum stores. But I think that members of the creative community and even those who aren't officially member of the creative community would be interested in it. I understand that there are some "special edition" items featured in some of the TPB's that come out nowadays, but I want to see that with everything! Making comics is hard work, and I would love to see not only the fruition of the creative teams efforts but how they reached that point. This possibly could work in the form of a completely separate book. Sold in book stores (no I'm not saying to screw over the comic book store owners), in maybe the art section?
Is this just crazy?Honeymoon: Flight Home2004-05-13T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/honeymoon-flight-homeNot too much can be said about the flight home. I do enjoy <a href="http://www.frontierairlines.com/">Frontier Airlines</a>, my only gripe is from San Fran to Denver still no satellite TV in the old Boeing planes. The flight though from Denver to Orlando was in a brand spanking new Airbus. It still had new car smell (plane smell?).
One thing I can now laugh about, was running into some bad weather when we hit Florida's panhandle. There was a pretty large cold front crossing the southern US when we were flying home, so I expected a little bit of rough weather. Surprisingly though, there wasn't all that much until we neared Florida. Then we saw it. You could actually see the front from our window, it was pretty cloudless throughout the flight, but when we hit the back of the front (back of the front?) it was just a wall of clouds. And when we hit it, the plane did a dipsy-do. It dropped and shimmied left-to-right. Not enjoyable. You know when you're in a plane, and something like some really rough weather hits, and it sort of calms down and everyone in the plane is really quiet, maybe laughing nervously to cover up the terror? It was sort of like that. But we survived. And that's all that matters.Honeymoon Day 6-10: San Francisco2004-05-11T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/honeymoon-day-6-10-san-franciscoWell, to finish off our trip we headed back into San Francisco (where we originally flew into), and checked into the <a href="http://www.starwood.com/westin/index.html">Westin St Francis</a>. The hotel is smack dab in the middle of Union Square, in downtown San Fran. Walking distance from shopping, museums and a whole lot of restaurants the hotel is near most of the action. Christine was a little creeped out by the hotel, it was built in 1927, so architecturally it's old, the place has been obviously upgraded to Westin standards, but just the smell and "feeling" of the place was "old". Also there was a chandelier in the room, and that was just kind of odd. The additional cool thing was the bellman asked why we were there and we mentioned that we were on our honeymoon, so 15 minutes later a bottle of wine was delivered to our room. Free booze is always good.
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We ended up making a dinner reservation at a place in the Italian district, <a href="http://www.thestinkingrose.com/">"The Stinking Rose"</a>. What's this place's specialty you ask? Garlic, garlic on everything, so much garlic we had horrible garlic breath for hours (we got up several times during the night to brush our teeth it was so bad). But what a great resturant, well worth it. I had a prime rib there that was better than the prime rib I had eaten at <a href="http://www.christineandbrian.com/monkeyking/archives/000064.html">The Ahwahnee Dining Room</a>, we didn't try the garlic ice cream but all-in-all some great eats.
The next day we headed over to the <a href="http://www.sfmoma.org/">SF Museum of Modern Art</a>, which was well worth the visit. The museum is very open and bright, I don't remember the last time I was in a museum of modern art, but this was certainly different than most of the bit more "stuffy" fine art museum's I had been to.
The first floor was a mix of early 20th century modern art (Picasso, Dali, etc) and more recent artists. The second floor was our favorite, dedicated to Architecture and Design. We could have spent hours on that floor, it was one of my first complaints about the whole thing, was that this floor wasn't nearly big enough. The next floor was modern photography (which Christine enjoyed) and the fourth was dedicated to the "<a href="http://www.sfmoma.org/exhibitions/exhib_detail.asp?id=144">Pop</a>" art exhibit which I loved but Christine didn't like all that much. The fifth floor was an personal collection that was some wild stuff, you have to see to understand. My only other complaints was the museum was a bit antiseptic feeling, but I guess that's modernity rearing it's head. One exhibit we didn't enjoy that much was <a href="http://www.sfmoma.org/exhibitions/exhib_detail.asp?id=166">The Art of Romare Bearden</a>, it just didn't do all that much for us, pretty boring.
The rest of that day was filled with POWER SHOPPING!!! Which is almost as good as free booze. That night we dressed up all proper and headed over to <a href="http://www.farallonrestaurant.com/">Farallon</a>, a restaurant that we had booked a month before. That was an amazing meal, I love a restaurant that out of the blue brings out food you didn't order and goes "The chef would like you to try some of this", the extra food they brought out was a lobster bisque..AMAZING STUFF!!
The last day of our trip we headed over to the coast, walked on the Golden Gate Bridge (scary!), drank some great beer over at the <a href="http://www.beachchalet.com/">Beach Chalet</a> Brewery & Restaurant (brewery first! then restaurant!), then finished the day by walking around the Golden Gate Park and visiting the <a href="http://www.isotopecomics.com/">Isotope</a>, an unbelievably great comic book shop in SF. Ryan Yount was working that day and he signed copies of his hilarious comic <a href="http://www.scurvy-dogs.com/">Scurvy Dogs</a> for me.
Very Cool End to a great trip.
Honeymoon: CompleteHoneymoon Day 2-5: Yosemite2004-04-30T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/honeymoon-day-2-5-yosemiteWe left Sonoma to head over to <a href="http://www.yosemitepark.com/">Yosemite National Park</a>, a 4 hour trip southeast from Sonoma. I did a whole lot of driving around California the last time we were there, and I like driving around new places so I pretty much enjoyed a majority of the drive. Nearer to Yosemite there were a lot of "white knuckle" sections, lots of curves with cliffs just off them with little or no railing. Also there is absolutely nothing about 100 miles outside of Yosemite so stopping for lunch was a little tough.
We go to the hotel in the mid afternoon, we ended staying in the <a href="http://www.yosemite-motels.com/yosemiteviewlodge/">Yosemite View Lodge</a>, a rocks throw from the main entrance to the park (which is really not true, the main entrance they are referring to is just a gate with "Yosemite National Park" sign attached to it, it's miles before you're really into the park). The room was pretty standard fair, although it was funny to me that there were signs in the room begging people to conserve power, and there was a hot tub in the room big enough to hold a family of four. Doesn't it take electricity it heat water? Anyway the other cool thing was the balcony which opened out right to the Merced river, ah the sound of running water all night, very calming. Another thing I found humorous was the amount of liquor sold in the lobby store of the hotel, definitely an indicator of a lack of things to do around the hotel (and in that general area) after dark.
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We decided to head into the park while we had some daylight left, and it really is amazing. I mean you must see to believe amazing. We're from Florida, in Florida there are no mountains, at best you get some hills and most of those hills have ants crawling out of them, so seeing mountains like this was a treat. I'm not a huge "outdoor-sy" person, I haven't been really on since the boy scout troop I was a member of broke up. So you can imagine my surprise when we stopped at the first waterfall and I bounded up the rocks like <a href="http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/People/rgs/alice-table.html">Carroll's white rabbit</a>. It's truly a magical place, peaceful, quiet, with "nature" smells I wish I could bottle up.
On our second night we had dinner reservations at <a href="http://www.yosemitepark.com/content2hdr.cfm?SectionID=33&PageID=84">The Ahwahnee Dining Room</a> which is in the The Ahwahnee, a hotel that's in the center of Yosemite Village, and has stood there since 1927. It kind of gave me a sort of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505/">The Shining</a> vibe to it, but it was still very quaint and the food was excellent. The only other thing I could really mention about it, was during dinner we were probably some of the youngest people there. It was filled with blue-hairs! I guess that's a big place for retirees to hang out if they have oodles of the "cash money".
The only other thing truly interesting about that night was the drive back. Now The Ahwahnee is 15 miles from the entrance to the park, so we obviously had to drive 15 miles back to the hotel. It was dark. Dark... literally like you've never seen before, because you couldn't see three feet in front of you. Oh and there were a whole lot of curves and that whole danger of falling off the cliff thing I mentioned before. Oh it was such a treat.
Anyway we finished off the last day running around while my new wife took a ton of pictures. I got to see a coyote, walk pretty close to El Capitan, and got to walk on a horse-shit covered trail.
All-in-all a great part of the honeymoon.
Day 2-5 of Honeymoon: CompletedSome Honeymoon Pictures!2004-04-25T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/some-honeymoon-picturesCheck them out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladyduck/sets/72157600334405143/">here</a>.Honeymoon Day 1: Sonoma2004-04-24T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/honeymoon-day-1-sonomaOk, officially I'm not writing this after day one of my honeymoon. That's due to the overwhelming lack of internet access in Yosemite (or Honeymoon Days 2-5). Anyway, we got into Sonoma in the late morning on Tuesday. The day was pretty miserable; grey, wet and hazy, but we were in Sonoma, so who really cares? Anyway, we checked into our hotel, the lovely <a href="http://www.thelodgeatsonoma.com">Lodge at Sonoma</a>, a Marriott owned resort that's a collection of little cottages surrounded by roses, smack in the middle of Sonoma proper. The room was large, with a spa tub, couch, fireplace, incredibly comfortable bed and the room even had it's own little private patio for sitting out and sipping wine. Pretty sweet.
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We decided to try Sonoma as one of our stops for our honeymoon due to the fact that we visited Napa during the summer and loved it. Now first off, we noticed that Sonoma is a bit different that Napa, Napa is filled with huge mega-wineries with thousands of acres surrounding usually a large picturesque tasting house. Over at Sonoma we only saw one "uber" winery (The <a href="http://www.gloriaferrer.com/">Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves</a>), the rest (that we visited) were mostly small producers. It feels a bit more "rural" in Sonoma, with hundreds of small farms dotted about with grapes, cows, goats, you name it. All things I didn't notice while visiting Napa.
Both places are wonderful, anyone interested in wine at all should visit. It was during our visit to Sonoma that I came up with a theory on one of the reasons why I love visiting the wine country.
For the very few that know me, I have a French baron-ship attached to my name. Now most people know that the French don't follow the aristocracy anymore, so it's pretty much worthless in France. But it's the history of it all that really intrigues me. Supposedly, as the history has been told to me, this baron relative of mine had a winery while living in France. During the French Revolution, the family was kicked out of France and ended up in Cuba. My relatives tried to grow grapes in Cuba, but sadly due to a variety of conditions they couldn't re-create from the French countryside that they used to live, they sadly never succeeded.
Now based on that history (which could be all crap for all I know), I think I've developed the taste for growing grapes. I currently have a few measly vines growing in my apartment (sadly in Florida there's probably little chance for them to grow any grapes), and would love to someday purchase some land in the wine country and try my had at wine growing in a bigger scale (and with better conditions).
Well enough of this rambling about crazy theories, back to the trip. We visited several small wineries, including a favorite of ours <a href="http://www.ravenswood-wine.com/">Ravenswood Winery</a>, most of them were absolutely wonderful. One of our favorites (and the first we visited) was <a href="http://www.buenavistawinery.com/">Buena Vista Winery</a>, they had some lovely wines and we picnic-ed in their woodsy picnic area. <a href="http://www.bartholomewparkwinery.com/">Bartholomew Park Winery</a> didn't have the greatest of wines, but had some really cool trails in the back that we wandered around. Sadly we had only a day to visit Sonoma, so most of the day was spent fighting the clock for daylight, but all-in-all it was quite enjoyable.
Day 1 of Honeymoon: CompletedLast Nights Flight2004-04-19T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/last-nights-flightDue to <a href="http://www.frontierairlines.com">Frontier</a> canceling our original flight, we had to fly out of Orlando pretty late in the afternoon for our honeymoon. The first flight to our Denver layover was a joy, good legroom, decent snack, and Direct TV satellite for each of us. The flight to San Francisco though...wow did that suck wind. It was hot, cramped, the plane was ridiculously old (I'm not the greatest of flyers, and the last thing I want to see is a plane that's older than my youngest brother), I was counting the seconds for us to land.Married!2004-04-18T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/marriedI got married today.
Hooray!!!!Comics and Mail Order2004-04-15T00:00:00-07:00http://briankirsten.com/posts/comics-and-mail-orderCorrect me if I'm wrong, but does somebody out there publish a monthly (or quarterly) mail order catalog for comics? I'm not talking about <a href="http://www.diamondcomics.com">Previews</a>. I'm talking something more along the lines of the <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com">Pottery Barn</a> catalog. You know something snazzy like that.
I can hear you all screaming, yes I realize that new comics are out every month and the catalog would become a tome as big as Previews. I'm talking something with a decent snapshot of the market as a whole, with the ability to buy the prior issues of whatever their displaying as well. Does anyone do anything remotely like this?
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Cause the comic world is really just mail order. Anything you know your local comics retailer isn't selling you point at in Previews and they should be getting for you (if your retailer is any good that is). Yes, I know there are plenty of retailers on the web who offer a decent selection of comics searchable online. But have they tried the whole mail order catalog bit? I used to get a mail order catalog in the early 90's (the ancient days pre-internet) and we would get a majority of our comics that way.
See, what I'm thinking of is a catalog offered by retailers that are located around the country. That way when orders come in each retailer fulfills the order based on geographic location. This would obviously need to involve plenty of infrastructure for ordering as well as the possibly of adding additional staff to the shops that would need to fulfill the orders. It's along the lines of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com">Amazon</a> model (or at least the early days of Amazon), with fulfillment centers peppered around the country, so you wouldn't have to pay $4.00 in shipping charges for ordering $5.00 in comic books. Hell, you might even be able to just pick up the book at a local store that you may have never entered before for some reason or the other.
Is this crazy?