# brianthackston.com — full content corpus > A commonplace book made public — writing, recommendations, places, tools, wardrobe, and resources by Brian Thackston (writer, attorney, builder of small AI-and-law tools). Generated 2026-09-16. Short index: https://brianthackston.com/llms.txt. Canonical pages linked per entry. --- ## Thoughts (essays) ### Hoarding That READ/WRITE Data https://brianthackston.com/thoughts/hoarding-that-read-write-data Files live in computers — and sometimes in our hearts. On databases, sacred texts, and the people who read them. Dear friend, The database. The archives. The sacred texts and the lore. What are your official files and what can you do about them? Our US databases are being READ/WRITEed by [20 year old introverted, text-based Slackers](https://www.404media.co/doge-employees-ordered-to-stop-using-slack-while-agency-transitions-to-a-records-system-not-subject-to-foia/). Could it be for AI purposes? Or is it just noise? Being cracked open to "read" is more than half of the problem for a "read/write" illegal access equation. Generally not very good at all from a security standpoint. Databases are sacred until they're not. And they're inherently imperfect, as you undoubtedly know, if you ever tried to maintain one. [Files live in computers.](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RrivHj2UWPk) They also live in our hearts and are pieces of our souls. And I am a bit of a digital hoarder. But I've been making some changes as of late — moved to Proton for estate work and file security + ditched Notion for [Monday.com](http://Monday.com) marketing/ops work (and so I could double down on Notion personally). These sacred knowledge systems all needed some separation and cleaning and whatnot. But even for me with my comparatively tiny operational databases, it was difficult to determine what pages in those databases were valuable and what was best left behind. But what do I know? That's why I want to [ask for your help](/links). Now, please read on you beautiful soul, you. > **Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.** *— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations* #### First, Let's Enjoy The Arts ##### [Cunk on Life](/recommendations/cunk-on-life) 👍👍 *Movie, My Couch, Mockumentary, ~1.25 hours* Philomena Cunk makes the biggest issues, thoughts, and discussions simply laughable. Her character's simplemindedness expose hard-to-answer questions in an expert fashion. It's hard to make stupid this properly funny. Being a jester or clown is hard work, after all. You have to give people something to laugh at, which usually means yourself if you're a clown with your clown-ish antics, or making light of somebody's situation in jest, if you're a jester. Tár did this in a different fashion which I thoroughly enjoyed. Cunk makes you think about the profound in the most deeply stupid terms possible. It's genius. ##### [1000X RESIST](/recommendations/1000x-resist) 👍👍 *Video Game, Nintendo Switch, 1 Player, Mystery, ~10 hours* 1000X RESIST is more visual novel than video game but it is a game and you do have a bit of agency in your interactions. Canada-built, Australia-published, and out-of-this-world creativity make this one heck of a ride. You play as a character in a weirdly-isolated post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mystery disease. Chapter after chapter of brilliant voicework and art direction unveils a story that is uniquely entertaining. It was like a book that you can't put down. The pace was perfect, the intrigue was excellent, and the overall production was unlike virtually anything else so I greedily consumed this one. ##### Recent Jams 🎶 🎵 [Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation — jasmine.4.t](https://open.spotify.com/track/6bPvOeqJRytjU4KFl6Wzdy) 🎵 [The Worst Is On Its Way — HEALTH](https://open.spotify.com/track/6m5bseSyKNEasHC6y49fgX) 🎵 [Another Brick In the Wall — Pink Floyd](https://open.spotify.com/track/4gMgiXfqyzZLMhsksGmbQV) ##### Post Script for These Art Thoughts Please, pray with me for the revival of Annapurna. A [Netflix exec was just brought in](https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/22/24349338/annapurna-netflix-exec-leanne-loombe-beleaguered-gaming-label) to build on top of the still smoldering ashes of Annapurna *Games* that have been trying to stay lit. Annapurna have been my personal favorite *Games* and *Pictures* publisher this past decade and they have the upcoming [Remedy transmedia project via Annapurna ](https://variety.com/vip/annapurna-remedy-deal-smart-solution-control-2-alan-wake-2-funding-1236138915/)*[Pictures](https://variety.com/vip/annapurna-remedy-deal-smart-solution-control-2-alan-wake-2-funding-1236138915/)*. So here's to hoping they can rekindle the publisher's *Games* glory. #### Gen AI Sloppy Mess Well… the AI wars are still unfolding. Training sets remain core in my mind — that's the "we scraped every piece of artwork from Tumblr, libraries, museums, and more, and then we scraped YouTube and Facebook, and then we mixed it with everyone's Outlook emails and so on and so forth until we had the best auto-suggest ever for text-based output and images and code and whatnot" to create this AI machine. One type of dataset that hasn't really been scraped is government databases. But all you really need is "READ" access and maybe a supercomputer center and maybe a few good round the clock LLM script kiddies to grok that data to use for an AI machine… Wait a second. Anyway, here's some other A.I. thoughts to take away: - **Deepseek + Nvidia:** Economic warfare? Or smart people doing smart things (who happen to live in China)? Maybe a bit of column A and column B? It's hard to pick winners but the Chinese LLM that forked Meta's LLama and did some nifty optimizations under the hood on GPU hardware was cool! It's still Chinese programmed so it's got a [Great Firewall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Firewall) that we hopefully won't replicate stupidly for ourselves here soon, but open sourcing for the right or wrong political reasons is still right for all the other reasons. - **Bring on the super models:** [Deep reasoning is pretty nifty.](https://x.com/OfficialLoganK/status/1869789820308074837) Same with the voice input oriented models and other AI evolutions that are happening now. The chat based stuff is good. But I want a super model that needs time to think and pull disparate thoughts together but I dunno if I want the all five senses level of observation needed for that sixth sense capability (and perhaps Jetsons-style does my dishes, laundry, etc. is what we all really need). - **Artists and audience still deserve better:** LLMs as a tool type is inescapable and will create great things, like computer-based tools did art mediums. But stealing and then [forcing folks to watch Coca Cola commercial slop](https://adage.com/article/marketing-news-strategy/coca-cola-makes-ai-fears-part-its-new-ad-campaign/2598446) will result in mirroring less and less original slop until there's nothing new being said from our atrophied and rotted brains. #### Legal Thoughts Law and order will always be needed. Different folks with different interests will always need a professional mediator to determine how to best coexist. Taking that concept and building an industry out of it, well, there's room for experimentation in terms of how to best handle these laws to serve the public. - **Washington State non-lawyer law firms:** [KPMG is moving into the legal space via Arizona](https://www.wsj.com/articles/kpmg-wants-to-be-the-first-accounting-giant-to-own-a-u-s-law-firm-heres-why-224949f2) (where referral fees are also not exclusive to attorneys!) and now [Washington State is opening up the legal profession](https://wsba.org/about-wsba/entity-regulation-pilot) to non-attorney owners. Washington pioneered some apprenticeship models for becoming an attorney (which I love) as an alternative to law school. Now, they're looking to more competition to improve the legal market, but there's still far more folks that claim the legal space needs to be a self-regulated, exclusive guild since it's more akin to a parochial calling to public service than it is a business. - **AI impersonation leads to child porn:** Maryland teacher who spoofed the school principal's voice via AI to circulate fake racist rants was not a good guy. He apparently was also [into child porn based on his search history](https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/dazhon-darien-pikesville-high-school-SPHAZ23CXZAQLIIXJR5WBPNAV4/) and with AI able to make anything you have to wonder if this is what brought him down the AI for nefarious means rabbithole. Google's extolling the virtues of its [AI tech for "adversarial misuse" AKA scammers](https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/adversarial-misuse-generative-ai) as well, which is in part akin to the "AI will end the earth" doom-marketing that has been quite effective for the /r/singularity crowd. But voice cloning is gonna be trouble so I get why it's thankfully been held back a bit. - **"Hacking" databases:** Unauthorized access to files is "hacking the database" as they say in the movies. [These DOGE moves](https://www.wired.com/story/treasury-department-doge-marko-elez-access/) are being cheered on under the notion that Elon's Twitter management plan still works when it may not have worked as an ongoing business interest. The undoubtedly successful part of the plans indisputably helped him get in on the presidency and temporarily cut costs short term, but [Twitter's long-term health is far from secure](https://www.wsj.com/finance/banking/wall-street-banks-prepare-to-sell-billions-of-dollars-of-x-loans-c609beb1) and the U.S. government in its totality is definitely not comparable to a business. Especially when you remember the whole public service part of it and stop forgetting about the U.S. Constitution. I'm not really sure what's going on here, but I do not love [giving access to sensitive and secure national files](https://krebsonsecurity.com/2025/02/teen-on-musks-doge-team-graduated-from-the-com/) to an inexperienced team led by an empathy-less, reality-denying foreign national lacking security clearance and who believes the world is simply a simulation. #### Marketing Thoughts [The web is (hopefully) going to get weird again.](https://www.anildash.com//2024/01/03/human-web-renaissance/) Video consumption preferences with faster internet, web tracking possibilities and limits, ai, and all kinds of other intangible zeitgeist zest means we're in for another exciting decade of change. - **Short form video wars are heating up:** TikTok is still around because they likely bribed the president of the US via [$TRUMP and $MELANIA](https://www.web3isgoinggreat.com/?id=melania-trump-launches-a-memecoin) (although in fairness that could have been other bribes and callousness). But you can smell imminent and real competition in the air as Bluesky and others start swirling together video options that'll hopefully compete alongside Snapchat and Instagram Reels (and YT Shorts, I guess). - **The Browser Wars are reheating up:** Google's [move to upgrade Chromium web technology](https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/07/google_chrome_extensions) means the most popular ad block tool is going to break, we are going to move back into a cookie gray area, and we will hopefully see a resurgence in weird browsers (e.g. I'm daily-driving Brave browser, which definitely qualifies as weird, but is built on Chromium AKA Chrome's open source code that Microsoft's Edge and all other browsers other than Firefox run on). - **The bloodboy guy is selling supplements:** He's [measuring his son's boners](https://x.com/bryan_johnson/status/1882190186723082318) and he's moving past bloodswaps with his son to biomarkers. And he's embracing it all in a silly, public spirit! Ah but to of course also [sell supplements.](https://blueprint.bryanjohnson.com/) $2mm a year on these experiments is noble in a twisted Victorian fantasy sense, but in reality it's an anxious min/maxer that got all crossed up from $700mm+ acquisition who is now finding new meaning in selling the idea of living forever to his overanxious self and others. And after all, $700mm keeps going down if you aren't stacking more of that generational wealth for your son's and grandson's and granddaughters' boners. Such is life. #### Post Script Thirsty is as old as time. From the first cave painting to the LinkedIn humblebrags to the TikTok flaunts. Thirst all the way down, just like Socrates thought. ### Genuine vs. Artificial Intelligence https://brianthackston.com/thoughts/genuine-vs-artificial-intelligence Hype, hate, and reality on the AI cataclysm — plus a quiet pep talk about the Ctrl key. ai is all the rage because it's producing writing, imagery, coding samples, and [even videos](https://twitter.com/OpenAI/status/1758192957386342435) that are impressing a large number of serious and [unserious people](https://youtu.be/LZTaXjt2Ggk?t=250) alike. The [marketer and lawyer side of me](https://brianthackston.com/about) will muster whatever genuine intelligence I have to deliver equal measures of hype and hate as we gear up for an A.I. cataclysm that sits somewhere between vaporware and the end-of-days. Already from the actors' and writers' strikes we're seeing the inevitable reality where [it-takes-the-jobs-of-below-average-workers](https://www.key4biz.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Global-Economics-Analyst_-The-Potentially-Large-Effects-of-Artificial-Intelligence-on-Economic-Growth-Briggs_Kodnani.pdf) (and don't forget [what George Carlin said](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKN1Q5SjbeI) **about below-average!**). And Tyler Perry, a man familiar with high-volume output, is already eagerly calculating [how many jobs it'll replace for his studio](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/tyler-perry-ai-alarm-1235833276/). Phones, cars, airplanes, and the internet are all potentially analogous tech innovations (read: people and info traveling faster and faster and faster thanks to those types of tech). Ai's impact will undoubtedly be "displacing cities into suburbs" as cars once did in terms of impacting how we live and work. [But predicting precisely who will win and how is a fool's errand](https://boingboing.net/2023/01/05/predictions-made-in-1923-about-2023.html). Your best bet is to test the boundaries of new tech yourself and seeing how it can actually better your life. **In short:** Artificial intelligence is a now-inescapable toolset that will better your life directly and indirectly. But never lose sight that attention from genuine people will always be your soul's true desire. And know that the current value of A.I. is wildly overstated in many ways *(but **[keyboard shortcuts](/resources/ia-writer-keyboard-shortcuts)**, those will serve you today and for the next 10+ years!)*. I also know how little I know. And that's why I also want to [ask for your help](/links). Please, inform me and laugh with/at me. Whatever spreads genuine knowledge and kindness and whatnot. And don't forget to click into the copious amount of links for depth to my shorthanded comments. Now, please read on you beautiful soul, you. > **Sorry but I didn't have time to write you a shorter letter.** — Mark Twain #### A.I. Thoughts *"A.I. will eliminate the jobs of __________."* Probably a bad take. *"People in __________ job who use A.I. will eliminate jobs of those who don't."* A much better take. Many smart, beautiful people are saying this. Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is a cool new tool. It [mirrors](https://www.theverge.com/23604075/ai-chatbots-bing-chatgpt-intelligent-sentient-mirror-test) warped versions of already-existing language and media back at us. And it does it really, really fast, like a calculator quickly calculating big numbers EXCEPT it's doing its thing without the mechanistic rigor and precision of 1+1 = 2 calculations. [Financial Times has a great article explaining how generative A.I. works.](https://ig.ft.com/generative-ai/) One big problem is that the "mirror" gets [grimy and jacked up](https://futurism.com/ai-trained-ai-generated-data-interview) if it mirrors itself too much. It also can't understand what it's seeing. So it's unable to form new patterns and has limited creative capabilities beyond simple mirroring. An example of A.I. doing word calculations would be asking it for an "*essay on why a hot dog is a sandwich*". That prompt will almost instantly give you a polished turd of an answer from a machine mushing together plausible-sounding autocompletion statements (c.f. [this brilliant answer to the hotdog question](https://cuberule.com/)). "Wait for ChatGPT5! AGI around the corner!", some might say but the latter certainly feels quite far away if you've ever really used A.I. Now there *is* art and [nuance to prompts](https://www.aiprm.com/) and generative A.I. response generation, I know. And I know there's tremendous value in templated, mealy-mouthed bullshit, as my legal education and marketing career has shown me. And I've seen how early adoption of a tool can gain you a competitive advantage. But just know you're still early to the next iteration of the rat race. Early adopting cutting-edge tech is messy and invites wildness (vs. age-old, tried and true things like simply refining how your receptionist talks to prospects at the start of the client lifecycle or using project management software or any other fundamental that won't go away anytime soon). Don't get me wrong — much like the internet, [which is currently withering and breaking apart](https://mashable.com/article/google-search-low-quality-research), A.I. provides value along with the bullshit. A.I. is already doing other calculations pretty darn well, e.g. [CoPilot auto-suggesting code](https://github.com/features/preview/copilot-x), allowing [voice cloning](https://www.vice.com/en/article/5d37za/voice-actors-sign-away-rights-to-artificial-intelligence), and all kinds of other nifty things. And non-generative A.I./machine learning has been around in the background of things like Google Searches, social media, GPS, business logistics, and more for years and years now. But the generative A.I. parlor tricks have caught some folks' attention due to the ease of access to the immediately-interesting-but-ultimately-shallow parlor tricks. A.I. is powerful. It's already been washing over you. But [the hype is too high](https://www.reuters.com/business/citadels-griffin-unsure-stock-market-rally-can-continue-cnbc-2023-09-14/) and [the shortcomings are very real](https://futureoflife.org/open-letter/pause-giant-ai-experiments/) and [documented](https://twitter.com/Eodyne1/status/1650632232212520960). A.I. is mirroring back any ol' bullshit that's touched the internet and that's a bit offputting because a) the internet simply [isn't evenly distributed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O3b_Networks) and b) have you seen the depths of the internet? Will there be "sourced from genuine intelligence" in the same way there's "organically sourced" food labels? Anyway, here's some A.I. things to take away: - **ChatGPT**: A.I.'s most renowned thing, a LLM built by the odd individuals at OpenAI. This is the "calculator for words" where you put in a prompt (e.g. *scene from a movie where marketers fight legal*) and it'll confidently whip up amazing things that are sometimes on-point and sometimes super wrong. For Open AI's ChatGPT, the first-mover advantage of shrugging off safety concerns is real (*but also remember it's not the end-all-be-all, see: MySpace*). ChatGPT is stealing talent and mindshare from Google et al. because of initial momentum. But you gotta wonder what Apple is cooking up in this realm and Meta is never to be trifled with and Google are the real OGs via [inventing the transformer technology behind LLMs](https://ig.ft.com/generative-ai/) plus calling themselves an "A.I.-first company" for at least the past 7+ years if you'd been listening (see: Google I/O 2017 re: [Google.ai](http://Google.ai)). Outside of the LLM generative text stuff from ChatGPT — [Midjourney](https://www.midjourney.com/) and [Adobe Firefly](http://firefly.adobe.com) are in the adjacent image arena wrestling with unique copyright issues. - **Artists (and ****[Getty Images](https://www.reuters.com/legal/getty-images-lawsuit-says-stability-ai-misused-photos-train-ai-2023-02-06/)****) against ai:** Right now A.I. is winning this battle. But [there is hope for artists](https://venturebeat.com/ai/stability-midjourney-runway-hit-back-in-ai-art-lawsuit/) and it'll be a while before the dust settles from [the genie being let out of the LLM bottle](https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/06/11/google-ai-lamda-blake-lemoine/). A.I. text and image scrobblers I've used have all had the uncanny ability to create things that suspiciously look like things already in existence. That's the core problem really — they lack actual imagination in creating totally new patterns but they can reproduce existing established patterns better than ever, e.g. Deepmind's legendary Go games from a few years back — again this stuff ain't new, [it's just a new goddamn hype cycle and tectonic-plate-sized societal shifts take a great deal of effort over time](https://twitter.com/ID_AA_Carmack/status/1649821117740204032). Artists though are upset because these AI services have scraped a ton of their artwork and are now remixing it. [It was an issue at the core of the writer and actor strikes.](https://themarkup.org/hello-world/2023/07/29/the-writers-strike-over-ai-is-bigger-than-hollywood) J.K. Rowling, George R.R., and plenty of other artists with both weird initials and normal names are getting into it. - **ai teaching the youths (and more):** Ah yes, the children. Will A.I. help or hurt the children? This is the most base argument for any subject — "did you think about the children?!" Whenever "the children" AKA the future is being considered, that means we've firmly reached speculative territory so anything goes as we reach that far down into tea-leaf-reading to ward off potential evils from undeveloped minds. [Bill Gates said that A.I. can teach kids](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/22/bill-gates-ai-chatbots-will-teach-kids-how-to-read-within-18-months.html) how to read very quickly and I strongly agree. I'm a firm believer that video games — largely being text-based back in my day — taught me a good deal of how to read, plan, min/max, communicate, coordinate with team members, and more. [A.I. as a reading version of ](https://twitter.com/GuyDoingThings/status/1683128930138570752)*[Math Blaster!](https://twitter.com/GuyDoingThings/status/1683128930138570752)* is very much a good thing in my mind. Chegg admitted that kids are already learning heavily via A.I. and their [stock got slapped](https://www.wsj.com/articles/chegg-stock-nearly-cut-in-half-after-warning-that-chatgpt-is-hurting-growth-98a172cc) and there may be something to the theory of schoolchildren being the heaviest A.I. users (both for good and [for bad](https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/pikesville-high-principal-eric-eiswert-recording-ai-DZ6ZURS3Y5F7HEQMMGBH244Y3E/)). [A.I. teaching mental well-being by acting as a therapist is now being pushed by A.I. safety researchers with conflicts of interest](https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPT/comments/16ut20p/openai_head_of_safety_encourages_people_to_use/), who have coincidentally never gone to therapy. So there's some interesting teaching going on at all levels of this whole new-tool-meets-old-problems conundrum. #### Legal Thoughts The lawyers are "out of date" as my would-be legal intern hire from China told me. Both there and here. Maybe my new employee was onto something? Or maybe it's a tale as old as time — [rebellious youth showcasing mimetic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimesis), performative BS as I scoured the land interviewing law school students who wanted to focus on innovation. Is there a certain set of folks drawn more toward the future (i.e. dissociative for better and for worse)? Or was my would-be hire just performing for the camera in the interview? All I know is I'm still enthralled by it all as I continue to plumb these depths. - **No patents by ai.:** Monkeys can't own the [copyright to photos taken by their own monkey hands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey_selfie_copyright_dispute) and now A.I. can't own patents to their own inventions. [The appeal](https://twitter.com/franklingraves/status/1650509858259517444) regarding [the previous USPTO decision](https://www.plass.com/en/news/question-inventorship-ai-inventions-reach-us-supreme-court) was denied and so here we are. A.I.-generated art is already quite thorny. Adobe is trying its best to demonstrate that there are ethical ways of generating images via A.I. based on stacks of licensed imagery. Copyright here with A.I. amalgamations should be a blast thanks to the existing monkey law. - **Judge writes legal opinion with A.I.:** Let's not pretend like legal or any other profession is immune to abstracting rote work with new tools. [This example features a judge from Colombia](https://www.vice.com/en/article/k7bdmv/judge-used-chatgpt-to-make-court-decision) but there'll be examples everywhere. And whether it's just footnote citations, recitations of facts, or actual first drafts of analysis — we will feed the rote work into the grindstone to process our bread more efficiently. There have also been examples of US attorneys writing briefs with A.I. as well as judges kneejerking with A.I. certifications. Legal is in a unique position to be disrupted by A.I., in part because it applies so well, but moreso because the self-regulated part has been growing long in the tooth. - **ai (Porn) deepfakes:** [Taylor brings the eyeballs, as does porn too I suppose.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylor_Swift_deepfake_pornography_controversy) Some in the legal community like to say pornography cases lead the pack in terms of defining IP law for various mediums. The ability to use Ai to deepfake has yet to be fully grappled with. Deepfaked evidence, [misinformation](https://moondisaster.org/) like the [potentially voice-cloned principal](https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/pikesville-high-principal-eric-eiswert-NT7K7N4K6RDEJNL5Z7ULTEG7VY/), and of course revenge porn will blur the lines of what's real and what's not. Samsung came out saying [there's no such thing as a genuine photo](https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/2/24059955/samsung-no-such-thing-as-real-photo-ai) and there's an alliance with camera makers to cryptographically watermark photos in an effort to distinguish the genuine article from an artificially constructed and quite convincing something. - **Legal tech:** You can't leave legal out of conversations involving "intelligence" especially when paired with "artificial". CLMs were the next big thing but that still seems to be shaking out because iManage, Engnyte, and other WordPerfect-level artifacts remain immovable. [Spellbook.legal was a first mover](https://twitter.com/scottastevenson/status/1702429222718091773) re: A.I. as a first draft / first glance assistant for legal *(c.f. GitHub co-pilot).* I've enjoyed the founder's insights re: boutique law firm wants *(c.f. **[Harvey.ai](http://Harvey.ai)** for BigLaw)*. Casebrief is another nifty bit of tech that really opens your eyes to [what's about to change with doc review and rote legal work](https://www.lawnext.com/2023/08/exclusive-new-ai-features-in-clearbrief-create-hyperlinked-timelines-and-allow-users-to-query-their-documents.html). Outside of the niftiness demonstrated, it does not seem like things are going well with [Lexis or ThomsonReuters' A.I. efforts](https://www.artificiallawyer.com/2024/06/10/thomson-reuters-contradicts-stanford-genai-study-we-are-90-accurate/), or even [heavily funded legaltech darling](https://x.com/emilyinvc/status/1814724166593225050) Harvey, which is being called "Smoke and Mirrors". Personally, I'll embrace anything that'll make the practice of law more effective thus available to folks needing legal services. #### Marketing Thoughts A.I. has been a thing for a long while in the world of marketing. The reality is both Microsoft and Google's search engines have been using A.I. for years. [Google said they were chiefly an A.I. company 7+ years ago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_I/O) and since then I've very much been forced to pay attention to A.I. via the SEO services I provide. So, for whatever genuine marketing insights are worth, here's what I've been seeing: - **A.I. content read by robots and humans:** A.I. generated content is already working, showing up highly in Google Search results, on forums, across social media, in songs, and just about everywhere content can exist. Content from LLMs like Gemini is inescapable, but I'll continue believing that taking the time to genuinely write something from scratch will lead to more time spent by people genuinely reading it and taking action based on it. Kinda like how processed foods make you fat because it's distilled and you're instantly being satisfied vs. thoughtfully preparing something. For a lot of first drafts, volume-play-mandated creative asset variations, and all kinds of other needs in the publishing/marketing/advertising spheres: ignore A.I. at your own peril because it will impact even the best of your campaigns whether you want it to or not. - **Local search shakeup:** For many professionals, local search is one of the most important channels. Referrals and your real-life-people networks always reign supreme but supplementing that business development with effective inbound marketing is key and real people professional work still relies on local success. The big changes things to pay attention to here are a) the new-ish pay-per-lead Local Service Ads and b) updated weighting on Google My Business listings. There are countless other things to pay attention to, but those two are gold. - **Social media splits:** Fleeting media is having a hard go of things — Twitter has been shitting the bed as clones spring up left and right, BeReal has proven to be a flash in the pan, and all while TikTok consumption has grown despite the potential for a government ban. The old mainstays are still doing great work (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn) and Reddit and YouTube largely fly under the radar despite being the true titans of the previous and future decades. But problems with real users, A.I. content written for nobody by nobody. And all networks are essentially overrun by awful ai bots at this point. None of those future-sharding what-ifs materially matter for your marketing though. Tides come and go. Executing *this month* matters the most. So, find events with high ROI, efficiently use Google Ads, and just continue going with the [Lindy stuff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindy_effect), even if that is LinkedIn, which reeks of loathsome, sweaty humblebrag broetry and its ilk. #### Post Script Thirsty is as old as time. From the first cave painting to the LinkedIn humblebrags to the TikTok flaunts. Thirst all the way down, just like Socrates thought. #### Recent Art & Entertainment ##### Tár 👍👍 *Movie, Theater, Drama/Comedy, ~2.5 hours* If you like calling folks on their bullshit, this film is for you. A slow burn of a drama with tremendous acting, writing, cinematography, etc. — the whole kit and caboodle. The opening scene nicely sets expectations (so if you dislike after the first 15 minutes then dip out). And the ending was particularly satisfying as an unsophisticated rube trying to take it all in. The movie drags a bit in the middle. And if you're not aware of and able to laugh at personalities like the main character, you may mistake the humor for pretentiousness or something else (because it does cross the line and sniff its own farts a wee bit). ##### The Forgotten City 👍👍 *Video Game, Xbox, 1 Player, Mystery, ~20 hours* An imaginative and refined mystery where you are a modern somebody dropped into an ancient city following only the golden rule: do unto others as you would have done unto you. You jump in, get your bearings, and then let it steadily melt your mind. The story escalates higher and higher to a brilliant payoff. I am a sucker for slow building music, movies, scenes, etc. You will need some patience for this one and I definitely didn't 100% crack the mystery on my own. The historical references are rich and rewarding throughout. The art design is a high point for the experience. And the gameplay for the game parts is perfectly workable. This isn't your typical video game experience. It's more of a moderately-interactive Myst-like mystery. Don't expect much combat or platforming or the like. But the detail and writing and decisions lean in — along with the story's surreal high-stakes payoff — so it's well worth seeing this one through. ##### Recent Jams 🎶 🎵 [Gold Gun Girls — Metric](https://open.spotify.com/track/5WH2HL7ZrVu9n51viwbdJw) 🎵 [Smoke and Mirrors — The Beta Machine Mix](https://open.spotify.com/track/1Yz40Z10hg2e6HdrIQTrG5) 🎵 [Baby Driver — Simon & Garfunkel](https://open.spotify.com/track/5Bh8l8evdBSIoaK6EP1bWI) #### **Please, Share This** I hope you share your insights and thoughts and ire and whatnot with me via [Twitter, LinkedIn, email, etc.](https://brianthackston.com/linktree) I would enjoy hearing from you. I also hope you share my stuff with other good folks with sharp minds such as yours. #### **Please, Holler At Me** Do you want to talk about a legal/business/operations/entertainment project thing? Simply want to chat? You can always [schedule time here](https://info.approachable.systems/meetings/thackston) or [contact me here](https://brianthackston.com/contact) and then let’s make great things happen. --- ## Recommendations ### Stranger Than Heaven https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/stranger-than-heaven Video Game · RGG Studio · 2027 The Yakuza series is a jolly good show. In the Kojima half-cinematic, fully-actionable world-within-world kinda way. They're polishing a Westworld and it's a fun time every time. Westworld was about a futuristic, animatronic world. The RGG team has been building a virtual world-within-world that revisits the same slice of life over and over with an epic story each time. Different flavored entries (e.g. Pirate Yakuza vs. Like A Dragon vs. Yakuza 0 vs Lost Judgment, etc.). And this one seems like a rather epic generational shift, shown both explicitly across Like a Dragon - Ishin through Judgment and Yakuza 0 and everywhere else. I'm excited for this slice of life showcase and I pray it's half as good as I'm hoping (esp. for the rabid cult fanbase's behalf). ### Silent Hill: Townfall https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/silent-hill-townfall Video Game · Jon McKellan · 2026 Silent Hill is one of my favorite media franchises. Dark, surreal, and always interesting investigations into not-quite-small-town mysteries. Now with Annapurna? Say less. Annapurna Interactive is one of my favorite publishers. The obsession is obvious by asking anybody in my life how much % they take up in any given exchange I have with loved ones (including you, here and now reading this). And with Silent Hill being one of my favorite gaming franchises that's left an indelible mark on me, I can hardly wait. Especially with a first-person version which I thought a perfect addition for reinvigorating the other (differently tuned, but inescapably mentioned in same breath) horror franchise via Resident Evil 7. And now for a small British town? The OG of small town mystery with darkness lurking beneath? I cannot wait and this may be played ahead of same-day-release [Control Resonant](/recommendations/control-resonant) ### Bugonia https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/bugonia Movie · Yorgos Lanthimos · 2025 Rating: ★★★★★ Brilliant acting, dark humor, and one heck of an arc that I cannot recommend enough. *Bugonia* was my favorite film of 2025. It was between this and *One Battle After Another*, which I find myself quoting more while *Bugonia* is what I find myself thinking about more. The acting is first and foremost what makes this movie special. Jesse Plemons played his part as a conspiracy nutjob perfectly, as he tends to do with any role. And he's got a newcomer partner that worked with him extremely well, a uniquely suited individual for the job (and not to mention the greaseball Stavvy). And then Jesse's acting is at least equally matched with Emma Stone who plays the role of the driven CEO stuck in the nutjob's crosshairs extremely well. > *We need to send the message that we have a new culture here now. Where people should, of course, feel free to leave at 5:30 and be with their families. No one is going to be overworked like in the past. No more unpleasant incidents. But, of course, it's not compulsory. And obviously, if people still have work to do, they should absolutely stay and continue to work. But it's not strictly enforced. Although we still do want to meet quotas. So if we can do that, just remembering, you know, we are running a business here, so "let your conscience guide you" kind of thing.* That exchange is one of the funniest amongst a host of other incredibly awkward conversations between individuals that are simply talking past each other. The last act of the movie hits the strange and unusual heights that I simply adore. It's not a movie that'll be everyone's cup of tea, but if you want a weird tale of modern conspiracy, great acting, and an unforgettable overall arc then I strongly recommend this movie. I won't say anymore because I think it's a film that's generally best to go in blind. So if you're ready for dark humor in an intense setting suited for conspiracy theorists, this is a great one. ### Indecent Exposure: A True Story of Hollywood and Wall Street https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/indecent-exposure-a-true-story-of-hollywood-and-wall-street Book · David McClintick · 1982 Rating: ★★★★★ Rules for thee, but not for me. Money and power talk and Hollywood has a sordid history clouded by decades of playing pretend with everything everywhere all the time. Indecent Exposure is an excellent look into the post-Watergate "we are going to hold powerful people accountable" landscape that unfolded and how it played out in the entertainment industry. Everything comes and goes and waves and the idealistic 1970s got a turn at the top of the wheel. But the wheel keeps on turning and things go back to the way they were before a threshing comes along again. > "If a kid on the street stole $10,000, he’d be sent to prison. But when a studio chief does it, they send him to a psychiatrist and give him an independent production contract." -- Cliff Robertson This is a cousin to the corporate greed era that followed in the 1980s with [Barbarians at the Gate](/recommendations/barbarians-at-the-gate); both that and this are excellent examples of in-depth investigative journalism that gives you a clearer, fuller picture of the invariably complex machinations of life. Life is never black-and-white, but we try to make it that way. If you do X then you're cancelled or wrong or bad. And it's never that. But it is "If you do X to the magnitude of Y then you deserve to be demonized" and this shows a tale of that. Public perception was initially swayed one way but rebounded another when the gravity of the depraved moral behavior was unearthed piece by piece. You need patience for a story like this. And the author did an amazing job. To stick with something, to make it interesting and yet objectively true, and then to make it timeless by having it interesting from near or far in the timeline of actual events. ### Barbarians at the Gate https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/barbarians-at-the-gate Book · Bryan Burrough, John Helyar · 1990 Rating: ★★★★★ "Huge brains, small necks, weak muscles, and fat wallets — these are the dominant characteristics of the '80s — the generation of swine." — Hunter S. Thompson This is a book about the moment American capitalism discovered it could swallow itself whole and call it innovation. This Hunter quote may not be about the folks at the center of this book, but it does describe them perfectly. > "Huge brains, small necks, weak muscles, and fat wallets — these are the dominant characteristics of the '80s — the generation of swine." — Hunter S. Thompson The business journalism in this book reads like a thriller with characters so unbelievable you'd swear they were fictional. And thirty-five years later, every page still feels like it could have been written yesterday. Bryan Burrough and John Helyar from The Wall Street Journal had front-row seats to the largest leveraged buyout (LBO) in history: the $25 billion fight for RJR Nabisco in 1988. The story revolves around Ross Johnson, the charismatic, free-spending CEO who kept a fleet of corporate jets, paid athletes millions as "consultants," and lived as though the company existed to fund his lifestyle. When RJR's stock price stalled at $55 a share in 1988, Johnson decided to take the company private through a management buyout. He'd buy the shareholders out, strip what he didn't want, and keep the rest. The most interesting facet of the whole debacle that ensures when reading today, decades later, is how clearly it describes a template that the financial world would repeat. With variations, we're seeing this meta-game play out again and again. The Gamestop maniac Ryan Cohen being one of the most recent weird and very stupid examples. With all this, the math was largely vibes. And even moreso now. For this one, the projections were built on assumptions about growth rates, cost cuts, and asset sales that existed primarily in pitch decks. The deal was so large that the usual checks and balances — the scrutiny of bankers, the skepticism of boards — simply didn't function. When numbers have enough zeros, they become abstract. At a certain scale, the entire enterprise was operating on faith. This is the pattern that echoes through the decades: the dot-com bubble, the subprime mortgage crisis, the SPAC craze, the crypto winter. New financial instruments get invented. They work spectacularly for a while. They get so large and so complex that nobody — not the people selling them, not the people buying them, and certainly not the people regulating them — fully understands what they've built. And then, eventually, gravity returns. This is a ~22 hour audiobook listen (because that's the only way I read nowadays) about a corporate takeover in 1988. It is dense with financial mechanics, boardroom politics, and a huge host of professional firms' names and the people within them. It will not be everyone's idea of a great read. But if you've ever wondered how modern finance actually works — not the textbook version, but the version with egos, panic, and conference calls at midnight — this is the text. If you work in law, banking, private equity, restructuring, or anywhere near the machinery of corporate dealmaking, this book will feel like meeting the ghosts of everyone who built the world you work in. If you're simply drawn to great investigative journalism, it's a masterpiece of the form. I consider this a close cousin to [Indecent Exposure: A True Story of Hollywood and Wall Street](/recommendations/indecent-exposure-a-true-story-of-hollywood-and-wall-street), which is equally as good, if not better, but dealing with different industry of the Hollywood machine. ### Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/maximum-pleasure-guaranteed TV Series · David J. Rosen · 2026 Rating: ★★★★☆ Uncertain start to the show that then quickly finds it's footing the second episode and gives you a rather unique take on the murder mystery drama-dy with a high ceiling. I almost bounced off *Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed* after the first episode, waiting a few weeks before giving the second one a go and immediately saying "ah, I get it! we don't know where we'll end up in this spiral." And perhaps the post-*[Widow's Bay](/recommendations/widows-bay)* euphoria contributed with this also-Apple distributed show. I am a big fan of Tatiana Maslany since *Orphan Black*, a sci-fi drama comedy. And in here, she is what makes thiss how work alongside the non-cookie cutter plot. The show quickly answers questions before opening up other ones and her frenetic yet cool energy bounces between all the states of mind with ease. The rest of the cast are generally fine, although the police officers I'm not sold on (but potentially that's good acting too causing that). And the comic relief sidekicks are fine-ish if a bit one note. Even the kid actor deserves kudos despite being only minimally shown. The show is well shot and paced with each story arc not leaving you frustrated and wanting more. I do not want to say too much beyond this, potentially tipping you off to the twists and turns of the mystery. This show is very bingeable and the threads being pulled can create a great tapestry, even if it only ends being this season *(c.f. Apple’s other The Afterparty with the self-contained murder mystery seasons which I thoroughly enjoyed, but that one was a funnier more meta-genre endeavor and quite different to this)*. ### The Audacity https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/the-audacity TV Series · Jonathan Glatzer · 2026 For better and for worse, the tech scene has a pull on me. I am semi-adjacent and I enjoy a good ribbing. The Audacity seems like a prestige, Barry-esque dark comedy version of Silicon Valley. In theory, I should love this. And the first two episodes has me intrigued. We shall see where this takes me but we're off to a very good start. ### Skate Story https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/skate-story Video Game · Sam Eng · 2025 Rating: ★★★★★ Beautiful beats and top tier sound design with a trippy aesthetic wrapped around a skate story about a demon made of glass and pain. I got Skate Story on sale. I was sold on the allegedly amazing soundtrack by Blood Cultures which was underscored by the game subtitled with an auteur-style creator's name (Sam Eng). Well, Sam, et al. you crushed it. Skate Story is a fun skate game that tells a beautiful story about a demon made of glass and pain. The skating is exciting and rewarding and the restart mechanism is nicely implemented. And the tricks and skate areas are very well done with movement and momentum and the tricks flying around the demonic underworlds. And the soundtrack is absolutely amazing. The story is thoughtful and surreal. You meet unvoiced Ghibli-esque characters as you fly around on a cat-ish subway car. In essence, you are descending the depths of hell for something you care about along with revelations made therein. The open world is a bit ho hum with some clunkiness. And the poetic artistry is sublime yet devolves here and there into huffing it's own farts while standing in the way of beautiful skateboarding to great beats gameplay. If you like skate games and you've got artistic flair in the fiber of your being then it's an instant recommend. As a Tony Hawk Pro Skater veteran (which provided me a great deal of my musical appreciation earlier in life), you will enjoy the skating. And if you like artsy and enjoy Annapurna style games (e.g. Sayonara Wild Hearts) then this is up that same alley but it does feature some (relatively) intensive gameplay vs. Annapurna-fare (and yes not Annapurna but the almost equally impressive Devolver publishing this one). All in all, prepare for a bit of frustration with big rewards. I hope you play it and I hope there's an update with a more straightforward time-trial attack sorta mode so I can rip through the levels with the incredibly well woven in soundtrack. ### The 'Burbs https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/the-burbs TV Series · Celeste Hughey · 2026 Rating: ★★★☆☆ I heard (from my BritBox loving mother) that this is a fun mystery show. And it was fine. Some great characters and all the elements for an intriguing Scooby crew that entertains. I try to note things that are "parent-friendly" (as well as Sunday-funday options to combat the fear and loathing that sometimes descends and is exacerbated by tense entertainment). Well this one is mother tested, so we shall see if child approved. The 'Burbs is a decent one. Fun red herrings here and there. And a great set of actors that span the gamut of characters you might meet in suburbia. So it's a pretty fun slice of life. That said, I didn't really like the mystery arc on this one. The red herrings were a bit ham-handed and the ultimate wrap up simply wasn't very satisfying for me as a reveal (explanation-ish —> k thx bye). I enjoyed my time in particular with the three neighbors in the Scoobies assembled here. But different strokes for different folks and for folks like my mother who crave mysteries this is a fine new show recommendation for the mystery queue and maybe it’ll find stronger footing with a second season. ### Resident Evil (2026) https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/resident-evil-2026 Movie · Zach Cregger · 2026 I love the game series and the director's other work. This should be a good one. I am a major fan of Zach Cregger's other films (Barbarian especially but Weapons as well). I am also a pretty darn big fan of the video game series Resident Evil (1996). I am most hyped about the fact that it is it's own thing. He is not adapting any particular storyline, just using the universe to tell his own story. And that's where so much has gone wrong with the glut of of imagination-less slop that pours through other IPs. If there's somebody to make a vibe-accurate Resident Evil, I can think of nobody better. ### You Can See Everything https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/you-can-see-everything Movie · Nathan Fielder, Lance Oppenheim · 2026 This is now my most anticipated film of the year. The undeniablely insane fraudster Elizabeth Holmes being documented by the genius auteur Nathan Fielder et al. You can extend sympathy or empathy and whatever form of forgiveness you see fit for charlatans like this. But costing people their health and their money has a gravity of harm that consumes the offenders path back to society. You simply cannot play with people's wellbeing without destroying the fabric of humanity that allows you to interact with others. You can be forgiven, to an extent, but it should never be forgotten that you sacrificed other’s health, wealth, and otherwise for own gain. When cross a line like that, you simply can never come back from it. Below is the self-reported routine from the undeniable fraud herself, which knowing what we know, seems so perfectly apt. Remember this the next time a supposed genius shares their biased, self-serving view of the world and selectively tells you about what worked for them and what you should do with your time on this earth. ### Coyote vs. Acme https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/coyote-vs-acme Movie · Dave Green · 2026 Rating: ★★★★★ A Looney Toons movie with lawyers and valuable life lessons about the abuses of power and the importance of standing up. Coyote vs. Acme really is a weird legal drama with classics characters and funny actors through and through. And there's next to no nostalgia bait despite drawing on decades of rich Looney Tunes universe lore. Just running with the fresh ideas alongside timeless cartoons. The movie hammers into big ideas and modern themes -- like the morality of product research data mining practices and the influence of corporate power in the courtroom and in consumer lawsuits. But it doesn't do it ham handedly and, like Coyote, it doesn't try to say too much. Will Forte was perfect. Lana Condor as the overly eager law clerk was good (although they didn't give her character a ton of dimensionality). And then John Cena was excellent as the villain (esp. his conversations with Tweety). Fun for all ages, but seemingly especially for adults. I'm curious how the kids will fair with this one, but they'll at least have interesting notions of R&D, corporate overreach, and the role of the nation's government. Suffice to say, I'm not holding my breath on this movie becoming the next Frozen or Minions beloved children's franchise; it may be a rather unique quasi-adults-first-and-then-children sorta kid's movies that stands the test of time. Good pacing. Good slapstick, cartoon humor. And a satisfying ending for everyone. I strongly recommend watching this one. Behind the scenes, the [sordid studio cancellation controversy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coyote_vs._Acme#Cancellation_controversy) means this actually being a good movie is all the better. The movie studio nonsense fascinates me (and doesn't really have a bearing on the quality), but if you want more of that then I recommend reading *Indecent Exposure*. ### Adventure Time https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/adventure-time TV Series · Pendleton Ward · 2010 Rating: ★★★★★ Treat yourself to the genius that is Adventure Time. The adventures of Finn and Jake are a fever pitch of laughter and philosophical wisdom and so much more that makes the show a modern classic. The adventures by the duo of Finn and Jake sit amongst the best tales of intrigue and whimsy and excitement and sadness and the full spectrum of human and non-human conditions. Amazing voice acting and wildly imaginative animation that rarely exists outside of the brilliant work here, these action packed episodes clocking in at a brisk 11-minutes make this a perfect show to throw on in the background. I'd say Adventure Time weaves an epic, tragic, and magical tale that shares some of the DNA of Calvin & Hobbes (compared with Regular Show's Beavis and Butthead roots). And I partly mention Regular Show because it and Adventure Time share tremendous overlap, having aired at the same time on Cartoon Network and borrowing many of the same artistic devices. But they're a bit different at their core despite the shared veneers. I love this show dearly and it'll never get old to me (and I pray that I will never get too old for it). I strongly recommend turning off your brain and watching a few episodes to see if it can also help you. There are a few spinoffs of the show with my favorite being the very similar Adventure Time: Side Quests. That version changes very little of the magical calculus while the others lean into other more mature elements to varying degrees of success. To me, brevity is the soul of wit and the balance of overtly dealing with magical whimsy and much subtler serious undertones in the original is a magic that's hard to repeat when leaning outside of the show's core setup. ### Legally Blonde 2 https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/legally-blonde-2 Movie · Charles Herman-Wurmfeld · 2003 Rating: ★★★★☆ Not as good as the first but good enough for recommending a Sunday Funday first watch or encourage a rewatch. A time capsule to a different time but with many of our same problems. One of the most notably reported ethical problems of yesteryear was animal lab testing for cosmetic products. And (not very) funnily enough, it still is. But Legally Blonde 2 took the issue head-on in a uh tasteful blonde-humor way that was as revealing as it was stupidly entertaining. Even the gay dog bit was great Everything on this earth is beautiful and brilliant and worthy of celebrating. Except for those that harbor malicious, selfish thoughts. I can't help but think of the Shel Silverstein bit where you only look ugly if you're thinking ugly thoughts. Note: The first [Legally Blonde](/recommendations/legally-blonde) was better. And as previously mentioned in that recommedandation, watching the first episode of Amazon's Elle after these two, it takes the chic, neatly bundled story I enjoyed here and stretches the premise painfully thin to the point of seemingly missing what made these work so well. ### Legally Blonde https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/legally-blonde Movie · Robert Luketic · 2001 Rating: ★★★★☆ A comedic time capsule that punches well above it's petite weight. 1.5 hours of good ol' American fun. This movie has flaws. But warts and all, it was a good watch. And I'm not talking from overly-nostalgic-tinted goggles. My first viewing of this was in 2026 where I watched this, Clueless, and then Legally Blonde 2 over the course of two weekends. Legally Blonde didn't age perfectly, but it was still a hoot. Dialogue was snappy and sharply tailored and the actors played their parts very well. Reese was excellent and Jennifer knows how to perfectly deliver a line. There were all the staples of late 90s, early 2000s movies -- the opening music montage, the bizarre yet somehow still workable middle-of-the-movie "bend and snap" montage. And then of course the explanations of what happened to all the characters after the events (because franchises weren't quite the given thing yet). The movie may not be a masterpiece, but it gets pretty perfect marks for being a fun comedy with a good overarching message -- everybody brings their own brilliance to the table. It's that kind of classic American optimism that I'm nostalgic for and made this a nice lil' Sunday-Funday viewing. Note: Ironically enough, watching the first episode of Amazon's Elle afterward, it takes this chic, neatly bundled story and stretches it painfully thin to the point of seemingly missing what made this work so well. ### Idiots https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/idiots Movie · Macon Blair · 2026 Rating: ★★★★☆ Good bits by great actors in a dumb comedy that doesn't really seem to have much to say. But that's fine. The trailer for this movie had me excited. Funny actors with a low-stakes setting. I like idiotmaxxing from time to time. Turn the brain off and enjoy the guttural vibrations of the human experience. Well, the sum is less than the parts on this one. It meandered around, hitting on some arcs and then just strangely moving on. And it didn't amount to an ultimately satisfying or cohesive movie that it could've been. But there was some great lines with perfect delivery (particularly Dave Franco who also stole all his scenes in the overrated show The Studio). I'd recommend giving it a watch. And I'd watch it again in the background. It'll make you laugh despite not having much to say, which is fine. And so a fine comedy, I just had higher hopes with all the parts going in. ### La La Land https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/la-la-land Movie · Damien Chazelle · 2016 Rating: ★★★☆☆ A mildly autistic pianist and an aspiring actress have some chance encounters that are cute and probably very emblematic of a town I appreciate but don't really romanticize. Hollywood is the producer of romance in many ways. And this movie is a love letter to the industry with the story of these aspiring performers, which I can objectively appreciate, to some degree. I caught it in theaters on the 10th anniversary for the first time. La La Land just wasn't for me. East Coast is beast coast in my mind I suppose and this romanticized slice of the world occupied by a semi-autistic jazz pianist and a wannabe actress just didn't do too much for me. It looked great. The ending packed a punch. And it was all well acted. But the dialogue and the majority of the story beats were just... fine. If I wanted to look back at Hollywood and tremble and quake and laugh and cry and whatnot, [Babylon](/recommendations/babylon) is the route I'd go. Definitely not The Fableman by Spielberg, that was junk except for David Lynch's cameo in there. And for this, I've come around to musicals to some degree. I still generally prefer a straightforward narrative without song-and-dance schticks. But there's more than a handful of musicals I enjoy these days (esp. looking at you Nightmare Before Christmas). So, I was hoping some of that song magic would at least offer me something different from the norm. And while there were some nice musical elements, it felt mostly instrumental with a splash of tap dancing, I'd almost hesitate to call this one a musical. So that may be my own expectations being improperly calibrated and/or my rube-ness showing, as I imagine there were callbacks on callbacks to the Fred Astaire's and such of yesteryear. I was just ready to rock and roll with an award winning musical. And it didn't feel like much of a musical somehow. I do believe I understand why they won their awards with this one. Technical production was excellent. And if you're a Hollywood person, the pull of this romantic tale would likely be quite irresistible. But I wasn't into it. ### Clarkson's Farm https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/clarksons-farm TV Series · Jeremy Clarkson · 2021 Rating: ★★★★★ A grand dive into what it means to start a farm, run a farm, and expand your ventures beyond a farm. Exquisite camera work, larger than life personality, and an unvarnished(ish) view of what puts food on tables. Wealth and taxes are an inescapable aspect of all this for me. Both life and the show, I suppose. That's the lens I view this story that grandly encompasses virtually all of modern civilization. Clarkson's camera crew is also incredible. Undoubtedly veterans from decades of working together in unscripted shows, the shots they have are wonderful each and every season. The sound, the editing, the whole production crew is absolutely top notch. ##### Season 1 Getting things off the ground. What equipment does what, who helps where and how, and everything in between. It's an excellent start with plenty of content. ##### Season 2 Covering the bureaucracy of a farm with grand plans to expand and cater to an audience enraptured by Jeremy and his undertakings. Despite my legal leanings, not my favorite because of frustrations and an unsatisfying arc (because stakes felt low). ##### Season 3 This is where we really get the layers of the onion torn off. A third trip around the sun with plans taking shape and deeper depths of what it means to farm the land alongside livestock. Some gut-wrenching moments that they do not let you turn away from. Powerful stuff and builds nicely towards the next two excellent seasons. ##### Season 4 Showing the cooperative come together and the state of pub ownership was just as enlightening as getting things going initially at the farm. And the farming TikTok influencer was a great addition as the farm and the help continue their evolution. ##### Season 5 Technology alongside more of the same re: drought, livestock, and new product experimentation (snails). Compounded by human frailty re: Jeremy starting and ending season in the hospital. ### Over the Garden Wall https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/over-the-garden-wall TV Series · Patrick McHale · 2014 Rating: ★★★★★ Always good for a seasonal watch. A deceptively funny and frightening animated show that's brilliantly voiced. Over the Garden Wall is a brilliantly unusual one. It leans on classical animation tropes (e.g. Steamboat Willie, fairy tales, etc.) while telling a timeless tale of companionship and love and how to brave the world at large. It's silly yet often veers into dark scenes and adult-leaning humor. The excellent voice acting paired with the beautiful animation and the satisfying, full one season limited series arc are why this one has been enjoyed for decades and will be enjoyed for decades to come. The PG rating tells you it's good for all ages, and I know many struggle with their own insecurities and watching a "children's show", but this is one of the ones made for adults while still being palatable by kids (c.f. Cocomelon, exclusively for children; Pantheon, exclusively for adults). The show takes an episode or two to get up to speed. An annoying younger sibling fairly quickly balances out. Then, once in stride the gang's dynamics between themselves and the world becomes powerfully endearing by the trip's end. There's only one season, so you don't have to worry about "what am I getting into and what do I need to know to enjoy this?" issue that so many other shows have. If you're not a fan of animation, don't let your bias stop you on this one. I'm looking forward to another viewing when the leaves start to turn here soon. ### Lanterns https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/lanterns TV Series · Damon Lindelof · 2026 Damon Lindelof I trust. Comic book slop, notsomuch. I will likely wait for a couple seasons at least before investing any energy here. Damon Lindelof did some magnificent work with Mrs. Davis so I am inclined to give this one a go. Nathan Fillion is also good in everything he does (reminder: need to give Firefly a rewatch here soon too). I do not mean to yuk on other's yum, but I am simply burnt out on superhero fare. I don't hate the genre by any means, but it's just not the food I'm craving. Sometimes I want the simplicity of the feel-good hero archetype, but my trough is overflowing and I'm losing sight of other things that make me feel more-than-good (and sometimes quite sad, e.g. [Maquette](/recommendations/maquette)). We shall see with this one. There's only so much time in the day and I'm on the fence with spending time in this garden here (especially when competing with an Over the Garden Wall annual watch). ### Silicon Valley https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/silicon-valley TV Series · Mike Judge · 2014 Rating: ★★★★★ Mike Judge (almost) never misses. And this one hit the mark with a strong cast that did great (and terrible) things. Silicon Valley is so good it was painful at times. I may not be a FANG engineer but I worked in a techy, startup where the jokes were hitting very close to home. Mike Judge, et al., did what he's always been so good at -- taking a slice of life and painting it up just enough to be outlandishly accurate and wonderfully entertaining. Office Space, [King of the Hill](/recommendations/king-of-the-hill), Idiocracy and his latest Common Side Effects, all capture a time and place so well with incisive scenarios and belly-laughing dialogue that can be appreciated by those near or afar to the object of ridicule. This one nails the "move fast and break things" nature of a startup with the all-powerful nature of our FAANG tech overlords. It's got the rise-to-tech-power, the incumbent legacy tech, and the zany personalities along the way that lend themselves to all the beautiful technology we enjoy and/or are tormented by. Zach Woods is the central comedy conveyor in this one for me as he perfectly plays the emotionless operations officer that keeps the whole group moving towards the big picture. Martin Starr plays a perfect software developer alongside Kumail Ali Nanjiani as a yin to the yang. And then there's Middleditch who's a fine enough Zucker-esque and the larger than life T. J. Miller who played his part perfectly. The premise doesn't really matter, nor does your familiarity with tech. It uses the tried-and-true sitcom formula each season, where the group is in an almost identical position with something going wrong in a new, exciting, funny fashion each episode alongside incremental character and plot development. And the six-season arc delivers a pretty darn good ending, all increments considered, when we do get off the sitcom hamster wheel. But I didn't want to. Because even though it's formulaic and stupid and absurd, it's a fantastic 30-minutes with a great cast. ### Control Resonant https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/control-resonant Video Game · Sam Lake · 2026 Sam Lake and the gang at Remedy make some of the most interesting pieces of modern media. Control, Alan Wake, Quantum Break (yes, it belongs in the same convo). Sam Lake never misses in my mind. So we'll see where this one lands but I have already got high hopes. Hungry for a hit, this will be an interesting test where we switch up protagonists and try to solidify their continued genius alongside mainstream success. ### Maquette https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/maquette Video Game · 2021 Rating: ★★★★★ Excuse me while I cry over excellent puzzles interlacing an incredible story about love. Yet another masterpiece published by Annapurna Interactive. Maquette is one heck of a love story surrounded by spectacular visuals and some solid puzzles. I will not spoil the story in any way, so allow me to simply say that if you have ever been in a relationship, this one may touch you in the same way the pointy part of a knife can touch your skin. I love me game experiences that deliver something transcendental to the storytelling alone, something that a book or a movie or a tabletop game alone cannot deliver. And this one delivers, as Annapurna often does, with good enough gameplay to be independently interesting but alongside phenomenal storytelling. I am not a huge puzzler although I will indulge in the mechanic when it's interwoven with some of that excellent storytelling I clearly crave. And with puzzles as the interactive gameplay mechanic in here, they do a great job. The game should cost you less than $20 and will take you ~6 hours to complete. And I cannot recommend it enough. ### Eddington https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/eddington Movie · 2025 Rating: ★★★★★ How self-interested can we be? Another set of terrifying tales from the twisted mind of Ari Aster that's excellent and unsettling and hopefully far from the truth. Ari Aster is masterful at making unsettling films. This one is no different. It looks back at the COVID years in a small town and peels away layer after layer of hypocrisy, self-serving, and some of the more pathetic parts of the human condition. What he gives us here is a depressing view into "both sides" with mayoral decision-making and mentally touched in the head families that I can only hope is far from the truth for most folks. At the heart of it, it's another tale of identity and how self-interest drives decisions into some unusual directions. But this rendition has a touch of data centers and capitalism given the scope of the town-life for his story here. I recommend regardless of the side of the fence you sit on. And sitting on the fence is uncomfortable, so I find it best to hop to each side to serve myself along with others who need it. ### Cult of the Lamb https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/cult-of-the-lamb Video Game · 2022 Rouge-likes wear thin on me. This is allegedly cut from a bit of a different cloth. I love all games. But there are different strokes for different folks and rougelikes rub me the wrong way. I don't mind repeating things to some degree. The joy of finally overcoming a barrier that has thwarted you can be immensely satisfying. But when you only have so much time to give to games, ones that keep you on a steady narrative progression path are my jam vs. those that gate with mindless git gud reflexive memorization. The highly stylized gorgeous animation, cult-narrative leaning mechanics all seem to point towards this being a good one. Hades and Hades 2 had a lot of that stylization (along with incredible voice acting, which this does not), but at some point I just get too tired of repeating runs, even with the joy of my improving skills and trickled progressions. We shall see with this one! ### Steal Like An Artist https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/steal-like-an-artist Book · Austin Kleon · 2012 Whether we are talking IP theft, plagiarism, influences, or more, this is a fascinating topic especially in light of the mimicry of ai. Explaining art is a tall task. But as with all types of reflection it helps the author and narrator alike. I'm excited to dig into these thoughts from the author and square it with the mimicry of ai that everyone is currently struggling with. ### The Demon-Haunted World https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/the-demon-haunted-world Book · Carl Sagan · 1995 Rating: ★★★★★ Balancing science with wonder is hard, but Carl is the guy to do it, even after 30+ years of change. Carl Sagan was prescient in so many ways. And he was wrong in other ways -- which he readily admits and connects back to the scientific process underpinning everything in the book. While not quite a timeless tome through and through, there are a number of sections (especially the final chapter) that perfectly frame the loss of proper skepticism, especially at a time we need it most now with artificial intelligence deepfaking us all out. I thought it'd be a bit easier to read re: popular science, but it's hard to appreciate how much browbeating was needed in the realm of alien conjecture in the 80s and 90s. But there were a fair few films about that so I get it! What's worth your time reading in here is the patterns that seem real at the time but are very much provable otherwise. "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence" and it's scary how fast and far our attention has been fragmented and how that will create a host of downstream issues. And this is not the luddite or elitist in me coming out, where I'm telling you to read long novels and watch classic cinema. It's the same thing he mentions time and time again (and similar to what Charlie talked about in Poor Charlie's Almanac with his "latticework of mental models") where you can use some simple techniques to sniff out BS. That doesn't mean the lack of evidence supporting magical 7D dimensions says I can't believe in whimsy and miracles and other fantastical things -- I simply need to be cognizant that it's dangerous to invest outsized time/money/energy into those vs. tried-and-true-and-provable techniques like building some muscles on my [Ride1Up CF Racer1 eBike](/tools/ride1up-cf-racer1-ebike), exercising my writing and cognitive abilities with this kind of reflection, and other provable techniques leading to real-world gain should come first before venturing too far into the fantastical. And with artificial intelligence and the abundance of non-rigorous "news" and other items flooding my brain, these anti-BS mental models. And the other side of the coin is being wary of anyone lacking imagination -- plenty of scientific discovery started with a vision but then became proven. Now I've done enough preaching and I'll continue unpacking this one over time. These are raw thoughts and there's a lot of other items to like this book, e.g. it's very well researched with on-point quotes, historical facts, and some perfectly illustrative tales of the horrors of witch burnings and demons and aliens too, of course. And his ideas on education in one of the last few chapters too (which rekindled the notion of "Mister Brian's Laboratory" and making real claims about real things provable amidst endless clickbait hyperbole). Recommended, but put on your history cap and maybe take it a bit slower than I did, as an alternative palate cleanser to something like A Confederacy of Dunces which is next on the docket for me courtesy of my brother. ### Babylon https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/babylon Movie · Damien Chazelle · 2022 Rating: ★★★★★ A winding tale on the beginnings of studios in Hollywood. From silent movies to talking pictures, you follow the wild journey for insights on what built the entertainment we all know and love. This is a long one. And it gives you a bit of everything. The opening scene sets the stage nicely wherein you get some unhinged, behind-the-scenes look at how productions were (and are) put together. I'd have given it four out of five stars initially (mostly on account of it being too long and over ambitious), but as time has passed it has stuck with me more than most other t hings. Especially when paired almost back-to-back with Spielberg's alleged love letter to cinema in "The Fableman", which I found to mostly be a stinker (David Lynch's cameo in that was perfect and there were insightful Hollywood elements, but mostly Fableman felt too "filter face" for Spielberg's experience to be anything worthwhile). For Babylon, the cast was tremendous (Robbie, Clooney, Pitt, et al). And a special callout to Toby Maguire's brief but highly memorable portion in the middle act. It was the most terrifying performance of the Epstein class that I've seen given to date. I'm a fan of cinema in general and orchestrating large-scale productions in any industry is fascinating to me, so seeing this peek behind the curtain in a grand and well-put-together film spanning decades of the film industry was a real treat. If you want a long look at Hollywood with unexpected turns and an okay-enough conclusion, then this is for you. But if you detest Hollywood, then don't peek behind the curtain to foment even more hate -- although I do hope you will at least begrudgingly appreciate that entertainment and culture are the USA's greatest exports, so don't give the uhh magic of the production process short shrift! ### The Forgotten City https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/the-forgotten-city Video Game · Modern Storyteller · 2021 Rating: ★★★★★ The golden rule is nothing new. But this game takes it and twists it brilliantly into the medium of puzzle-solving, history-loving, video gaming. An imaginative, refined mystery where you are a modern somebody dropped into an ancient city following only the golden rule: do unto others as you would have done unto you. You jump in, get your bearings, and then let it steadily melt your mind. The story escalates higher and higher to a brilliant payoff. I am a sucker for slow building music, movies, scenes, etc. You will need some patience for this one and I definitely didn’t 100% crack the mystery on my own. The historical references are rich and rewarding throughout. The art design is a high point for the experience. And the gameplay for the game parts is perfectly workable. This isn’t your typical video game experience. It’s more of a moderately-interactive Myst-like mystery. Don’t expect much combat or platforming or the like. But the detail and writing and decisions lean in (along with the story’s surreal high-stakes payoff) so it’s well worth seeing this one through. ### Spider-Man: Brand New Day https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/spider-man-brand-new-day Movie · Destin Daniel Cretton · 2026 It's been sold out for weeks and the streak continues. Good for Sony, Disney, and Telemachus/Athena I suppose! But I'm fine with waiting it's undoubtedly more cape slop. ### See https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/see TV Series · Steven Knight · 2019 Momoa's acting chops from Minecraft meeting Apple TV multi-season, original science fiction series? We shall certainly see on this one. ### An Eraser and a Maze https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/an-eraser-and-a-maze Music · Isaac Brock · 2026 Rating: ★★★★★ Another strong album that leans towards sadness for a group that's been around. I am a Modest Mouse fanatic, so my bias is clear and on display here. I do not believe they have had a single bad album so you won't find anything different on that front here. I will say that this may not be my favorite album. But they all grow on me more and more the longer I listen to them so we'll see where this lands as time goes on. It starts strong with "Picking Dragon's Pockets", which is a timely romp through the current state of things. Perhaps my favorite and certainly the most single-friendly release. But there are some real tonal shifts with some very sad songs throughout rather than the brief punctation amidst chaotic energy. Third Side of the Moon is a real three-hanky sorta song, oozing with genuine wistfulness and the usual wit. Modest Mouse has continued to be cool, even if you got burnt out on the summer(s) of Float On. The Golden Casket being a masterful whiplash of witty words and frenetic sounds. And Strangers to Ourselves no slouch either. So if you've enjoyed their work (and don't use stupid cut offs like pre-Good News), then you'll likely enjoy this. It's their first album back on an independent label as well so I feel like it is missing some tightness and polish, but that doesn't mean equating it to The Moon and Antarctica and the before times. They're all a bit different but they've all got an Isaac Brock signature pulling the beautiful cacophony together. ### Annihilation https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/annihilation Book · Jeff VanderMeer · 2014 A general recommendation from a corner of the web. We shall see where this takes me. ### Lullabies for Little Criminals https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/lullabies-for-little-criminals Book · Heather O’Neill · 2006 Perhaps a better Demon Copperhead, but likely something altogether different (and hopefully better). ### The Gone World https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/the-gone-world Book · Tom Sweterlitsch · 2018 Another detective, another mystery. But this one apparently a bit more mind-bending that the typical twists and turns. We shall see. ### All the Sinners Bleed https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/all-the-sinners-bleed Book · S. A. Cosby · 2023 Sounds a little schlocky but I may want to see where this small town mystery goes. ### The Boatman's Daughter https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/the-boatmans-daughter Book · Andy Davidson · 2020 I have got a hankering for some gothic horror post-South of Midnight (and True Detective S1). Hopefully gives me something good here. ### Halo: Campaign Evolved https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/halo-campaign-evolved Video Game · Halo Studios · 2026 Halo took the Goldeneye crown and ran with it. Let's see where it's ended up. Back to the beginning with this one. Like so much this last decade, we are remaking what are now classics because everything is much more expensive and public perception is even more fickle, fragmented, and frenetic. Consumption and roots of outrage aside, let's talk Halo. This was an unbelievable entry into the mainstream zeitgeist for Microsoft and the development team. Genius work, with it starting as a third person tactical before becoming one of the most defining first-person-shooters up until CoD took the crown. I replayed this campaign countless times to git gud at the multiplayer. Now, it's back and it's in Unreal engine -- which is perhaps the most interesting point of all of this for me. Unreal Engine is dominating all video generation, games and otherwise. It's a wild consolidation and I'm intrigued how this game is going to fit into that mold. The original Halo had countless brilliant pieces to it -- from intriguing story to buttery gameplay to genius enemy "ai" programming. I am most intrigued here to see how the attention to detail from the handcrafted original Halo engine transfers over. Not holding my breath for that, as I'm sure it'll be a visual spectacle and it's foolish to hold out hope for any attempts to recreate magic and catch lightning in a bottle (also see: [Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade](/recommendations/final-fantasy-vii-remake-intergrade)). ### Final Fantasy VII Rebirth https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth Video Game · Naoki Hamaguchi · 2024 Another entry in one of the most formative pieces of entertainment in my life. The first one, [Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade](/recommendations/final-fantasy-vii-remake-intergrade) was a nice return to something that occupied so much of my younger life. I've only spent a bit of time in this second re-telling (thanks to a nice sale on the Switch 2 version), but it's similarly evolved nicely and I'm excited to see where it and I have changed after a few decades. ### King of the Hill https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/king-of-the-hill TV Series · Mike Judge · 1997 Rating: ★★★★★ My favorite animated comedy series. The quality never dips too low and the laughs get better with age. We are now up to S15 of King of the Hill. And we're all better off for it. This is the second season of the revival and it's got some great footing. The voices have always been one of the main highlights of the show. Because a good line is one thing, but a good line perfectly delivered takes it to another level and King of the Hill's mix of deadpan, manic, kinetic voice work has always been well done. Now, time's past and they let the characters actually grow up unlike other animated sitcoms. And folks have died, RIP to all of the legends cutting across decades on this one. If you've ever lived a suburban and/or redneck life, this is some true-to-heart material that will likely make you laugh. Mike Judge has a knack for capturing a particular time-in-place (also see: Office Space, Silicon Valley, Common Side Effects, Beavis and Butthead, etc). I am better off having watched this. ### Stranger Things: Tales from '85 https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/stranger-things-tales-from-85 TV Series · Eric Robles · 2026 Rating: ★★★★☆ It felt like one long-ish movie. Good sleepy Sunday fodder. Stranger Things has a great vibe. It pulls on nostalgia for old farts like me with 80s culture that was still rife during my 90s upbringing. And it plays on some of the core adventure tropes I still believe in, where you can just go places and do things and you won't die if you aren't doing anything too extreme (some exceptions apply). In essence, I enjoy the Stranger Things universe even if it's not a world-altering masterpiece. Sometimes you're craving the simplicity of McDonald's. Tales from '85 is more from the Stranger Things universe and that's fine. The animation is nifty and lends itself even better than the live action for some of the magical absurdity of the multi-dimensional world -- those later seasons were suffering like all other CGI-fests on real-world effect constraints. They got some different voices too which'll help extend the franchise and they become a-okay after the initial episode adjustment period. You get 10 episodes in total (with a second season already greenlit) with it taking place after mainline S2 (I think?), so the characters are locked in and you're on a nice, limited, spring break adventure. They even inject in a few new characters that're fine even if "lore" complicating, but if you care about that then you're thinking about this show too much. Plenty of deeper wells to draw from if you want to reflect on the world at large and think deeply. I remember reading headlines about this potentially being a Telltale cast-off that went from game to TV show. I’m doubtful that’s true, but I do have to wonder re: Netflix’s own interactive ambitions and how this may have originally started there ([before the party-game directional reset](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-11-14/netflix-games-on-tv-how-to-play-boggle-pictionary-tv-games)). But other than consider the machinations of TV productions, it stands on it's own as it is just fine. If you're looking for some simple brain fodder in the fun universe of Stranger Things, I recommend it. But if you're a freak who struggled to enjoy the series as it evolved (talent changes, story beat directions, etc) then I suspect this, and many other things in life, will not please you. ### Pine https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/pine Book · Francine Toon · 2020 Small town thriller? Neo-gothic setting? I am intrigued. I love me a good small town mystery, especially when it gets weird with it (see: Twin Peaks). This seems like its own thing but with elements I'll enjoy so time may tell here. ### Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/final-fantasy-vii-remake-intergrade Video Game · Tetsuya Nomura · 2021 Rating: ★★★★★ An epic worth revisiting, even if it's different this go around. I grew up with Final Fantasy VII in many ways. It was my first turn-based RPG video game. It was a narrative epic unlike any game I had ever seen, rivaling the best of the books I had read up until that point. And the graphics, goodness gracious did they light my mind on fire. The cool characters and what was now possible for telling stories. I replayed the original FFVII close to a dozen times. I replayed for the heck of it, I replayed with a gameshark and cheats injected (my second stint with game hacking -- the N64 gameshark with Goldeneye being my first). I poured over every part of the world, littered with hidden characters and bosses and dialogue and seemingly endless things to discover and do (and I earned that gold Chocobo). This now, is a different game. And I'm a different person. There's undoubtedly much of what I described. And I hope others in their formative years find much of what I found in the original. But me now, it's just hitting differently. The good is that they're able to lean into the core of the story much more. Mako and the implications of delving too greedily and too deep. Terrorists and the role of media. All that was there in the original, just now expounded and enriched -- such as Sephiroth's backstory as you turn the chapter to the next. But I just don't have the time I used to for endless exploration. And I miss turn-based combat (which is a part of why I adored Clair Obscur - Expedition 33). Some of the battles in the endless Shinra research tunnels just wore on me. The clunky design of walking a few feet and then cutscene then walking a tad and then cutscene -- just cutscene it all for me! These days I play virtually all games on the easiest mode and this is no different. Easy (classic) along with a head start allowed me to actually play and enjoy most of the adventure in a solid ~25 hours. And I don't mind largely cutscenes -- see my love of [Mixtape](/recommendations/mixtape) and the Life is Strange series et al. This game just felt a bit overstuffed and overindulged where some restraint would have been better. But again, I'm biased and looking for a more limited experience, despite my own sprawling adventures when I first played the original. All in all, it's a great game. I think newcomers and those returning should love it for what it is, which is almost an entirely new game. The graphics are great, even if the animations a bit clunky outside battle. And the soundtrack sits in S-tier with some new and old tunes doing some seriously heavy emotional lifts. Now, give me a restrained remake of FFVIII and then let's talk the magic of video game storytelling. ### Weird: The Al Yankovic Story https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/weird-the-al-yankovic-story Movie · Weird Al Yankovic · 2022 Rating: ★★★★★ If you ever enjoyed Weird Al's work, you will likely enjoy this quasi-biography. Weird Al's performances are always memorable. He hooks into popular culture and gives you something silly to further enjoy it. As the legend goes, he's one of the kindest and most thoughtful performers there are -- for his audience and for the source material he's parodying. And if it was easy to do that there'd be countless others just like him. But we only have the one Weird Al. And he goes in the echelons with Mister Rogers, albeit a bit less timeless. This movie, however, may end being a timeless comedy for me. It's well executed by Daniel Radcliffe and the gang, especially in that it goes in wildly insane and unexpected directions, ultimately wrapping itself up as a crime drama. But the musical bits, the delivery and the timing of the brilliant lines, each and every twist and turn and nook and cranny in this movie is good. But if you cannot laugh at songs like "Eat it", "Amish Paradise" and the like then you probably won't laugh as hard as I did at this movie. And that's okay, because absurdism isn't everyone's cup of tea. ### Paprika https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/paprika Movie · Satoshi Kon · 2006 I've suffered unexplainable horrors from night terrors. And I've admired how animation lets us tell tales we couldn't otherwise. Here's to hoping this is best of both worlds. I am not sure what to expect outside excellent animation and a mature story line -- it is rated "R" after all! I sure enjoy the dream-like Studio Ghibli films I've seen. This promises to be some Waking Life mixed with some sort of detective arc, so we'll see where this one takes me. ### The Odyssey https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/the-odyssey Movie · Christopher Nolan · 2026 Rating: ★★★★★ An epic by modern and ancient standards. Another excellent film by Christopher Nolan. The Odyssey is a 3-hour long epic that is well adapted for the modern world. The humanity of the original poem remains intact and it shares ideas that are relevant for everyone in our current age. The story spans several decades, telling the classic tale of a king who must fight his way home to his family who are embattled by would be kings trying to usurp the throne. And boy oh boy does Odysseus and the family run into all kinds of trouble! It’s the quintessential hero's journey injected with modern interpretations and nuance (and sometimes a lack thereof likely necessitated by current state of attention spans, historical knowledge limitations, general media literacy concerns, etc). But it’s also quintessentially Nolan as it continues the themes of Oppenheimer (i.e. a hero wrestling with “what have I become?”). So it’s a type of thought frequently explored by Nolan but also tracing all the way back to Homer and the current incarnation in this film is tremendous. The movie is a full 3-hours, meaning there are quick cuts, constant action, and always something going on to give the lengthy tale an excellent pace that does not feel like it is 3 hours long (c.f. Oppenheimer). The effects are excellent and the audio is very normal for those concerned on the editing side of things. You also of course get brilliant acting from the entire ensemble, largely well casted with Nolan bringing out the best for everyone as he tends to do. And speaking of Nolan, he can tell some grand tales and this is one of his best, even if he does huff his own farts a teeny bit. I didn't watch it on one of the ~40 IMAX theaters globally that are capable of the 70mm display, but the AMC dine-in did more than well enough. I definitely recommend watching The Odyssey. It’s a masterful production. The ✨ discourse ✨ around this (and seemingly all modern things) is mind-numbingly stupid so don't even bother digging into the diatribes. Trust me bro, I read The Odyssey 15+ years ago in an ancient classics course. The movie does the tale justice. You can relax and nitpick some lines or performances or or scenes (see: fight scenes) or some inaccuracies to history or the original. But it is an indisputably great, well-acted modern film about one of humankind's most classic, epic stories ever told and will be worth a rewatch. ### Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/lord-of-the-rings-the-war-of-the-rohirrim Movie · Kenji Kamiyama · 2024 Rating: ★★★★☆ Enjoy the LotR universe again. It's a good entry with great voice acting and fine enough lore liberties. A non-epic standalone in the LotR universe focusing on local power struggles 100 years preceding The Hobbit. The War of the Rohirrim uses the Tolkien universe backdrop nicely with some teaser and fan service. Overall, it filled in the blanks with good use of creative license for the lore. Trope-y for sure in parts. Tolkien tropes, e.g. eagles. Anime tropes, e.g. drawn out door closing scene. Movie tropes, e.g. Helm’s deep callback. Voice acting is top notch led by Brian Cox but everyone else performs nicely in their roles. The score also drives those powerful moments that give you literal goosebumps (if you're somebody who has [frisson)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frisson). The animation was fun, although there were a few minor clashes between the 2D and 3D style. But the 2D style hand drawn is the vast majority of it and is truly excellent, especially at its height. And you can argue IP constraints put this through too tight a production turnaround, but I'll always argue constraints can force great things, especially when something > nothing. If you’re like me, you love LotR universe enough to enjoy it no matter where you’re dropped into it (be it The Hobbit or the PS2 classic LotR: The Two Towers, which I sank an unholy amount of time into). I had a good time going back to Middle Earth and the anime-spin fit brilliantly. I recommend to anyone and hope those returning to LotR similarly enjoys this one for what it’s worth. ### Trigun https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/trigun TV Series · Yasuhiro Nightow · 1998 Rating: ★★★★★ A goofy OP protagonist waltzes through a post-apocalyptic world with a funny, rich set of great characters and fun animation. Good voices, great characters, and one heck of an arc. I always enjoy my time with Trigun. It was 1b to Cowboy Bebop's 1a for me as I got (a bit) into anime a long while back. The lore is rich, the characters are always funny, and the overall 26-episode, 20-minute episode arc is a wonderful time. It's got a bunch of classic tropes, fantastic villains, entertaining "filler" episodes, and is strongly recommended to anyone who enjoys a bi-polar swing from scaredy-cat goofy pacificist to terrifyingly tragic otherworldly gunman. ### Cowboy Bebop https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/cowboy-bebop TV Series · Shinichirō Watanabe · 1998 Rating: ★★★★★ A classic, beautiful anime with understated dialogue, kinetic action, and a phenomenal 26 episode arc. The best main trio you could ask for in Spike, Jet, and Faye (and Ed an Ein too of course). Faye Valentine may be the real lead character for me. Spike is an absolute classic and perfectly voiced. And Jet and Ed too are fantastic characters, but Faye pulls it all together and shows the most dynamism of the gang. The ensemble shines in full and Spike is such an iconic figure and one of my favorites in all of stortelling. I love it all, I suppose. Really though, the music and the animation driving all the story beats are the true stars of this one. You're not necessarily hanging on every word waiting for the next twist or turn of the arc. It's a classic noir and it plays out beautifully, but the music... the jazz beats and the gorgeous animation work together with it all for some sublime viewing. Every time is a good time watching it (~8x in my life?). Mostly serious but generous dallops of humor each episode. I cannot recommend this show enough and it may be a good entry point for anyone considering anime *(although Fullmetal: Brotherhood may be my recommendation along those lines)*. *Note: Cowboy Bebop also has a phenomenal standalone movie that can be watched canonically ~S1E22ish IIRC.* *And also see: Samurai Champloo, another tight 26-episode series from the same brilliant minds.* ### There Is No Antimemetics Division https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/there-is-no-antimemetics-division Book · qntm · 2025 Rating: ★★★★★ I believe SCP Foundation would be one of the forerunners to this book about clandestine organizations. Men in Black may be the best comparison for most here. But no matter how you chalk it up, this is a book that tugs on the eternal thought of beings beyond our dimension. The book opens up to a brilliant start, setting the stage for everything to come. But interestingly, you end up jumping and jumbling around characters as the book is divided into three sections with a wonderful arc for what lurks beyond the doors of perception. I'm a big fan of the Alan Wake universe, which draws from the same well of water as this one. And having recently seen [Backrooms](https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/backrooms), this book was another wonderful exploration in the form of classified logs from a clandestine organization combatting the Cthullian horrors that span further than we may ever be able to imagine. The narrator was good, with the audiobook introducing redacted signals neatly in most all places. I enjoyed the characters, the unexpected arc, and all my time in this universe and would gladly return if the engimatic author qntm or any other decided to delve back in. Until then, I recommend this and will continue ruminating on our five narrow slits of perception. Note: After posting my immediate thoughts above, I was notified that qntm actually self-published this as a web serial a few years prior in 2020-21. So the strong connection to that SCP (and for me Remedy-verse, certainly makes even more sense now. And I just saw [Backrooms](https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/backrooms), again. I’m eating good with all that and Control 2 set for later this year. ### We Burned So Bright https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/we-burned-so-bright Book · TJ Klune · 2025 Rating: ★★★★★ What I anticipated: an intriguing concept, a dash of romance that I've recently dabbled with, and an enhanced sense of solidarity. And that's what I got! What if the world was going to end in 30 days? Well in this one, two elder gays (their words, not mine) trek across the United States for an important mission of absolution. Memorable characters, great pace, very good narrator. Decent ending to a grand premise. A good fiction romance in a pure sense. Not hot and steamy sort but beautifully told tale of love and "what if?" A lot of love shown in different ways: mutated, strange, scary, straightforward -- all the different facets of love you come across in your time on earth. Certainly sad, but also beautiful and hopeful. Very, very well written. I'd recommend if you're not the "hard science only" fiction crowd. If you’re one of those “the science has to check out” pedantic sort of people (whether for books, films, or beyond) then you're a fool without an imagination who misunderstands the purpose of examining life through a speculative lens and may never learn how to feel all the intangible and undefinable that makes life worth living. I fear for you. ### Devil May Cry: The Animated Series https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/devil-may-cry-the-animated-series TV Series · Adi Shankar · 2025 Rating: ★★★★☆ You need to be a bit of a cornball. And a badass. If you're that combination of person, you may enjoy the animated series whether you played the games or not. Devil May Cry is all about flaunting style, power, and violence while wrapped up in a trenchcoat with a devil-may-care attitude. The games claim to fame was the kinetic energy of the action, the stylishness of the combos, and the badass art direction that matched all those energies. There were also more than a few pieces of an intriguing story with tragedy, dueling siblings, and end-of-the-world arcs. And again, if you like badass tropes that are employed generously then the games are excellent and the series carries over a lot of that energy. That all said, the show is different. To start, it's not a game so your enjoyment will be directly impacted by consuming a passive TV show vs. the frenetic lean-forward inputs of a game. So if you adore the game and you're one of those folks who struggle with how entertainment imperfectly ports between mediums, then it may be a challenge to have something you know and love change to this degree *(and yes, I'm looking at you "the book was better" dumbasses who tend to lack nuance)*. The series is animated and the team did a great job there and beyond -- the hyper-violence is beautifully displayed and the battle scenes are wonderful. But a lot of that wonder comes from the soundtrack that pulls in 2000s extreme over the top badassery bait with new (and old) songs from groups like Evanescence, PAPA ROACH, and others. Power Glove does a great job with all the tunes they touch as usual. I played... 3 of the games? Probably two decades ago. I've evolved into a Bayonetta and Platinum fanboy so my knowledge of all the lore is limited but not lacking. But the show taps into it all nicely. And I like Lady. So I recommend this. This is a 3-part series and I just finished the second part, which carried the herky-jerky momentum of the first to much greater heights with much more interesting scenes fed by more developed characters and a much more interesting arc. ### Poor Charlie's Almanack: The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/poor-charlies-almanack Book · Charlie Munger · 2023 Rating: ★★★★★ Charlie Munger was anything but a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest. Lawyer, investor, and all-around-dynamo that created an unimaginable amount of wealth for Berkshire Hathaway and himself together with Warren Buffet. And this book was a collection of his talks given at commencement addresses, philanthropy galas, and other events that were blessed by his forthright wisdom. Munger's use of a "latticework of mental models" validates what I have generally called the "Medici Effect", wherein knowing the principles across a variety of subjects can help you quickly eliminate bullshit and get to good decisions more often than not. But the distinction I'm taking away here is that Munger's mental models help distill information at hand, whereas the Medici Effect is more for creating something new and innovative from seemingly disparate sources. Regardless, both systems demonstrate the benefit of broadly learning because some easy application of fundamentals can help you cut through a lot of the noise in this world and do great things. You'll (hopefully) find yourself disagreeing with him to an extent on some of this; survivorship bias and hindsight help him see some things clearly and he'll tell you how much luck played into some of the success, but by and large it's an excellent quasi-Poor Richard's Almanac like one of his heroes Ben Franklin penned long before. Anyhoo, I listened to this in chunks. There's some repetition between talks, although well edited generally speaking. And there's nothing too riveting narrative-wise like his rise to power -- just poignant thoughts applied and directed to an audience who is as invested in success like he was. The narrator was good and the length was fine. I recommend this if you're interested in installing some mental models (or rather updating and refining the ones you likely already have if you're reading this). And while I didn't fully agree with him on everything, the desire for a serious approach to psychological effects on economics (and in my case, marketing in particular), is something I'd like to further at least by recommending it to another worthy steward. ### Jailbreak https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/jailbreak Sustenance · Justin Bonner · Kasey Turner · 2018 Rating: ★★★★★ Dry aged burgers, beef, and fish are the headline. You'll hopefully get one of their regular beers and a burger. It's reasonably priced gourmet fatty burger (i.e. not thin smashburger-style). I love their burger dearly, with the red onions, cheddar, and delicious sauce that makes for a real delicacy. The beer has a few steady hazy variants plus delicious lagers, and then slushes and other general variety for most any sort of drinker type (including a good selection of non-alcoholic beers). Jailbreak’s entire menu is delicacy-driven, really. Located in the back of an office district, they serve some seriously gourmet shit with some very solid beers. But the delicacy slant means they use things like dark thigh meat in chicken dishes, pork in some others, and other things that are not typically present in McDonald's meats, Chipotle meats, and the likes of other made-for-mass-production, generally appealing offerings. The dry aged meats are the real unique part of this place. Wildly expensive but also WILDLY delicious if you're discerning and want quality vs. quantity (because ain't nothing wrong with a Texas Roadhouse steak, believe you me!). The dry aged fish is otherworldly. Like sushi but a texture and taste that's differently delicious. The meats are so tender, so flavorful and so good that it's been my birthday treat the few times I've indulged so extravagantly (~$350 for two, all in with beer to go). Easy parking, great eating, and a good vibe with a great team running the joint. So a strong recommendation here. ### Jackass: Best and Last https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/jackass-best-and-last Movie · Jeff Tremaine · 2026 Rating: ★★★★☆ A nostalgic not-quite-cash-grab that's always funny. Jackass descends from the long line of almost pure physical comedy. I've been an enjoyer of their brand of comedy for a long, long time. It started with skateboard videos and CKY. Low production value, shock and brazen balls for laughs. It’s as simple as that. There's some base intellectual element to it all though. This one tried keying into the nostalgia and did fine enough to give Johnny Knoxville and the gang a pass for their light-on-new-material comedy act. But it did it well with more rapid-fire skits drawing deep from the well alongside some new material (Poopie's lip filler being the highlight). And then there's always Paul Walter Hauser's appearance to give it real cinema credentials. But for comedic performance art it still brought the entire theater to laughter throughout the idealistic 1.5 hour runtime (although less than 33% full Sunday matinee release weekend, but a Friday late night crowd would likely be the real ticket here; laughter is contagious and physical comedy transcends all language, dialogues, and cultures so this is a particularly good theater experience like [Obsession](/recommendations/obsession)). If you've enjoyed their earlier stuff, this is more good work. If you haven't partaken, perhaps you start from the original earlier TV series or early movies. Regardless I do recommend it if you're so inclined. ### Patton Oswalt Live! https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/patton-oswalt-live Stand Up · Patton Oswalt · 2026 Rating: ★★★★★ The ticketing webpage had this categorized as "Spoken Word" but despite the lack of that it was still a great performance by Patton and opener Samantha Ruddy. First time seeing Patton and going to the Strathmore venue. Samantha Ruddy opened the show in the gorgeous auditorium in the taint of Maryland (i.e. Bethesda/Silver Spring area). Her set was as great as her Mickey Mouse shirt, with a strong Uber sidequest bit and the generational insight that we've got a good bunch in Alpha who won't be afraid of cringe, as evidence by them hearing the numbers "6-7" and saying I LOVE THAT. Patton Oswalt was of course masterful. From Hitler being a tough act to follow to pre-cellphone self-indulgences. His delivery, timing, intonations — all top notch. Dirtbilly 2028, y'all. It also turns out that we share a passion for lurking in prepper communities to take the temperature and remind ourselves about the relative spectrum of human fears. A good stand-up set for all ages, as you'd expect, and strongly recommended. Although the politically high minded may not enjoy his few quips. Side note for anyone visiting the [Strathmore](/wanderlust/strathmore). There is a mansion that was built by MR AND MRS. OYSTER in the early 1900s. It's not much to see but a good way to burn time before a show if you get there early. ### Euphoria https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/euphoria TV Series · Sam Levinson · 2019 Rating: ★★★★★ This is like if The Wire was more of a comedy and with less lofty, but equally poignant, ambitions. This is not always an easy watch, but it is a great one. It's funny, it's heartfelt, and it's always unique. You never quite know where the plot will take you, which is incredibly rare in the over-explained-because-everyone-is-on-their-phones strategy that most shows must take. Euphoria explores the terrible highs and horrifying lows of high school and beyond in its first season before departing for greater highs and lows that take you unbelievable places in the final season. The characters are all multi-faceted and great explorations of different walks of life. The show’s end was a teeny bit unceremonious but still excellent and wrapped everything up beautifully. There were some simplifications due to Euphoria-fueled stardom and COVID, but nothing to warrant the braindead critical takes I saw prior to finishing the series out. If you have thin skin, unhealed drug trauma, are prudish, or want something simple, then please steer clear. This has a rich story dealing with tough topics taken on by amazing actors, powerful shots, good writing, and everything else you can ever ask for from a show. I strongly recommend this one for people with fully functioning brains. ### The Crying of Lot 49 https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/the-crying-of-lot-49 Book · Thomas Pynchon · 1966 Rating: ★★★★★ Exceptional writing for a fever dream storyline on subversive culture networks. I think. I'm still processing what I just read. Thomas Pynchon is a revered author and for good reason. His prose is exceptional. He paints perfect pictures of the absurd. Clarity of thought from the mind of a mad person it seems, but the book is hilarious and especially intriguing from a semi-post-USPS perspective. I could outline the story here, despite you being able to easily find it elsewhere; a deadman's will puts Oedipa in charge of executing the estate. She sets off without her husband, Mucho Maas, and meets up with an attorney to begin her journey unraveling how to handle the estate. I listened to much of this fever dream on a 5am four-hour interstate blitz of a car ride, which simultaneously helped and hurt my experience here. The book is really about anything but what I just described as you bound from one scene to the next uncorking the odds and ends of the subversive culture intertwining with the dead man's estate (e.g. postage stamp collections). And the names are absolutely absurd, including but not limited to: - Oedipa Maas - Mucho Maas - Dr. Hilarious - Mike Fallopian - Genghis Cohen - Pierce Inverarity - Manny Di Presso - Randolph Driblette There are stories within stories here, overlapping into great big allegories all wrapped up in some of the most unique writing I have ever had the pleasure to come across. The autistic style strikes me as that of the brilliant mind of Neal Stephenson (a la Snow Crash, Cryptonomicon, etc.). One moment you're going down one highway, the next you're taking a detour and then a detour of the detour and before you know it you're cleanly back on the highway. As per usual, this was on Audible. But this was an unusually poor production. A good narrator but the book’s chapters changed literally in the middle of the Audible-marked chapter, which gives you the opportunity here to hear the narrator catch his breath, take a gulp of water, and otherwise provide an unusual presentation. I don't believe that was intended but it didn't take too much away from the story, just an odd note for those who may like to milemark their listening sessions at chapter stops/starts. This is my start into the world of Thomas Pynchon (although you may be able to say One Battle After Another on the silver screen was that). But I'm excited to dig into more of his work. ### Widow's Bay https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/widows-bay TV Series · Katie Dippold · 2026 Rating: ★★★★★ A perfect blend of everything in 30-minute package -- small arcs + big arcs; comedy + horror + every genre; dynamic acting. It's got it all. Fun, frightening, and so enjoyable to follow along. You're treated to brilliant acting from each character, carefully following a pendulum wildly swinging between horror and comedy and everything between. The way everyone effortlessly swaps between those -- from the characters on the screen to the writing to the cinematography and direction -- it's some masterful that's always entertaining. The show has a bit of a monster-of-the-week formula mixed with an overarching narrative. And that may concern some a la Lost or the like, but to me it doesn't really matter. Give me more episodes and I'll have fun any which way, even if the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and the meaning of evil on a fictional island are never fully revealed. Because it's the Twin Peaks-esque characters that are the clear highlight, not the actual narrative being told, so you can keep that going indefinitely. I strongly recommend this one and hope you enjoy S1 as much as I did. ### The Death of Robin Hood https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/the-death-of-robin-hood Movie · Michael Sarnoski · 2026 Rating: ★★★☆☆ Robinhood stole some of my time on earth with this one. The Death of Robin Hood was not exaggerated in any way whatsoever. A very, very grounded and semi-interesting, semi-historical drama about what a real life bandit's life may have been in the 12th century. The movie got off to an eye-opening start with brutal scenes that had me sitting up straight and ready for a subverted, authentic look at what a real Robin Hood folk hero would be like. But the movie stretched thin fairly quickly and overly indulged in its depressive veneer whether through too-long-shots, repetitive beats, and telling vs. showing what ultimately amounts to an underdeveloped story of an old man in a nursing home confessing his war crimes to a masturbating nurse. And we don't even get flashbacks to better contextualize the gray areas. The movie does genuinely explore some interesting areas of storytelling and history with the consequences of death and breaking free from trauma cycles. And the shots were beautiful. But the movie didn't seem to tie into a message greater more than "bandit folk heroes may not always be doing good and singing songs, truth is relative and life generally sucks so own it." Which is a solid message! And could be quite interesting! I was just wanting more when watching it play out. That nurse (Jodie Comer) was quite good and the Skarsgard nepo was perfectly fine. Hugh had the lion's share of screentime and was a bit one-note with the grit but especially alongside his costumery, be it the overly-Jesus look or the absurd wig, his stuff here just didn't work well for me. It felt like he simply recycled an even more simplified Wolverine mental state vs. something reaching for that gray area. If you love history and adore Robinhood and want to slowly march through a depressing tale selling glimmers of hope for breaking the cycle, then this one may be for you. So, a good movie for the right mood and perhaps I simply wasn't in the right mood. ### Mixtape https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/mixtape Video Game · Beethoven & Dinosaur · 2026 Rating: ★★★★★ Short, sweet, and exactly the type of game I enjoy these days with good art, a great soundtrack, and mercifully short runtime. This video game was a worthwhile experience. Mixtape is about 3 hours long, it features some beastly tunes, and it had an engaging story that I enjoyed playing through. Not every cup of tea is for everyone. I enjoy quasi-movie, visual novel-esque games. Also see: Life Is Strange, What Remains of Edith Finch, Sayonara Wild Hearts, etc. And this game fits that mold with a poignant story with great colors and a tremendous amount of style. It's also one of the most recent occurrences of a [twin film](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_films) type phenomenon -- Lost Records - Bloom and Rage had LOTS of similarities too it, although that was a much more thoughtful rumination on coming of age vs. this one's sillier interpretation. Sadly, Lost Records studio seems to be shutting down, and then hopefully the brilliant folks at Annapurna Interactive continue putting out great work. I'd treat this one like a movie. It's a crowd pleaser, it's wonderfully accessible to skilled and non-skilled gamers alike, and it's great even if you don't 100% vibe with nostalgia (e.g. everyone knows East Coast is Beast Coast and I've never skateboarded down a mountain but the earnest imagination of post-high school ambition is fairly universal). ### American Dew Zero Sugar https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/american-dew-zero-sugar Sustenance · Mountain Dew · 2026 Rating: ★★★☆☆ A soda is nice once in a blue moon. Zero American Dew® tasted much more like Mountain Dew than I thought it would. But it did have that hollow "zero sugar" taste. But most importantly: I do not understand the branding at all. Why is "Zero" so big? It does not read right. It's almost threatening. Anyhoo, the soda industry is in the shitter for good reason. This is one silly example. And while my preferences have expanded beyond sugar water with hint of magic, I still enjoy a soda once in a blue moon. ### GameOn bar+arcade https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/gameon-bar-arcade Sustenance · Eli & Casey Linthicum · 2024 Rating: ★★★★★ Perfect for Merriweather Post Pavilion visits but a nifty barcade worth a visit in its own right. GameOn near Meriwether Post Pavilion is worth a visit if you're looking for arcade gaming and general shenanigans. It's within the Meriwether District and a genuine gathering place for Columbia, Maryland's limited but spirited nightlife scene. The retro arcade aesthetic oozes throughout and sets the tone the moment you walk in, and whether you're catching a concert next door or just after a night out, it pulls you in. The pricing is solid too, especially on nights with good specials. And then of course there is the bar-arcade fusion itself. Decently maintained games, well themed drinks, and a vibe that shifts throughout the day, from family-friendly in the early hours to a livelier nightlife scene as evening sets in. The staff are exceptional and genuinely helpful, and decent bar food rounds things out, from glizzies and pizza to the usual fried bar fare with a sizeable cocktail selection and delicious drafts to go with it. I recommend a visit if in the area for Merriweather or are enthralled at the idea of both gaming *and* getting grub in general. ### Disclosure Day https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/disclosure-day Movie · Steven Spielberg · 2026 Rating: ★★☆☆☆ Watching Spielberg's Disclosure Day felt very much like watching Scorsese's The Irishman I did not enjoy this movie very much. An outdated spy-action thriller with some great shots, cool set pieces, a strong score, but mostly a bloated, boring mess that never came together into anything meaningful. You follow twin paths of two protagonists, weaving in important parts of their lives that seem to be building toward some kind of grand reveal. But then it basically abandons most pieces that it invests in (nuns, hello?). Emily Blunt is fine while Josh O'Connor weighs down his parts (similar to Knives Out 3 IMO); and then the most excellent Colman Domingo plays a wise, old... well... a well-acted one-note addition that was almost given an interesting story. The villains were classic paper-thin Spielberg, which is fine (see: The Goonies, et al). But that one-dimensional "evil" just felt stupid and ill-fitting in this seemingly serious and ambitious story about life's greatest questions. And the deus ex weapon that opens the movie before being underexplained and inconsistently used? Bafflingly bad. The movie overindulged especially with a first half that made the whole feel too long by not meaningfully building anything up in a real way and leading to nothing worthwhile. The second half almost seemed like it wanted to lazily change subjects instead of explore the notions the beginning brought up. Characters that were prominently featured in the beginning were seemingly forgotten about in the second half (or just abruptly sat down/stormed away). Even the live action + CGI stunk, e.g. the crop circle sequence 🤮, the boomer-brained belief that a modern broadcast would hold sway over our modern audience, and ultimately the seeming-eternity of somehow-uninteresting found footage — it all just sucked. The big set piece, i.e. Spielberg's mechanical shark in this one? A (second or third?) weak chase scene with a laughably bad train moment that was both visually jarring and straight stupid screenplay, compounded by one of the terrible antagonists. When it finally started trying to give some answers, the answers sucked. The unearthly powers, the house reconstruction, the alien tech, etc. And then it somehow slowly yet suddenly and mercilessly ends. And this is despite the alien lore being quite solid and touching on some things that could've been very worthwhile to build upon. Too many almost poignant statements or interesting paths that went nowhere and said nothing. This is a movie for a certain audience who wants the greatest hits replayed and so I hope they get more out of it than I did. ### Backrooms https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/backrooms Movie · Kane Parsons · 2026 Rating: ★★★★★ Like describing a dog to somebody who has never seen one. Unsettling thoughts is the long and short of this film. Backrooms offers you less of a story and more of the sensation of tuning into an otherworldly frequency. You will either enjoy the vibrations or not, and it's fine. But I deeply enjoy the liminal space, the horrors beyond comprehension, the secrets of the universe lurking in plain sight. Dearly beloved game franchises from Remedy embrace this (Control, Alan Wake, Quantum Break, et al.). It's a fun exercise in thought that can be reminiscent of a night terror, which you can't help but think of and try to unpack. Otherwise, this is another directorial debut (this one from a 20-year-old!) that is fantastic and based on his YouTube series that is based on old internet creepypasta. And A24, so it's got that brand stamp on it too. Good length and fine enough pacing, although a bit repetitive in the middle that could have used some variety — more monster variety and perhaps more two-stooge screen time. But it opened and closed very well, and the practical effects with smart on-set work (vs. Grogu CGI slopshit) were all excellent. And the set design was simply perfect for inducing those vibrations we talked about. ### Obsession https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/obsession Movie · Curry Barker · 2025 Rating: ★★★★☆ Funnier than I expected and an incredible directorial debut. Horror is not my favorite genre of entertainment. Who loves to be horrified for fun? Well, some people definitely do, and I don't mind it from time to time. So the Obsession and Backrooms double-feature was rare but a worthwhile treat. Obsession was much funnier than I expected. And that was of course enhanced by seeing it in theaters, where laughter is contagious and even the more suspenseful, frightening bits were all amplified by a packed theater hooting and hollering together as we undertook the entertainment journey. The cringefest of showcasing obsessiveness was there as well, and also more than I could've guessed. And one of the deaths was just so heartbreaking and wonderfully gory that I'm still thinking about it weeks later (and all the money deservedly made by a film picked up at a festival and turned smash success at the dying box office). I'd have liked a bit more suspense, and Backrooms was admittedly more of my vibe (re: different films, styles, points being made; just my preference with them existing in the same breath). Recommended, and I look forward to seeing more from the director and the lead actress, who was phenomenal and carried most of the weight of the movie (with everyone else being fine). ### Cunk on Life https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/cunk-on-life Movie · Charlie Brooker · 2025 Rating: ★★★★★ Faux-shoshin mockumentary. Perfectly executed delivery on asking life's greatest questions. Philomena Cunk makes the biggest issues, thoughts, and discussions simply laughable. Her character’s simplemindedness expose hard-to-answer questions in an expert fashion. It’s hard to make stupid this properly funny. Being a jester or clown is hard work, after all. You have to give people something to laugh at, which usually means yourself if you’re a clown with your clown-ish antics, or making light of somebody’s situation in jest, if you’re a jester. Tár did this in a different fashion which I thoroughly enjoyed. Cunk makes you think about the profound in the most deeply stupid terms possible. It’s genius. Note: apparently people are searching for “philomena cunk porn” and landing here so I’m now explicitly saying that phrase because if I have to know that’s happening then you do too. And if that’s what brought you here, I’m so, so sorry. For everything. ### Animal Farm https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/animal-farm-2025 Movie · Andy Serkis · 2025 Rating: ★★★★☆ Andy Serkis's animated take on Orwell. B-tier but unfairly maligned — Serkis and the voice cast deliver despite the discourse. #### Seth Rogen Is Not the Sell: VAs + Orwell Are This was a B-tier movie and is being unfairly maligned. Fart jokes were scant (one by my count) and the film primarily dealt with real themes via great voice acting from anyone not named Seth Rogen. Gaten Matarazzo, Woody Harrelson, Laverne Cox, Jim Parsons, Iman Vellani, Kathleen Turner — and of course Andy Serkis and the whole gang — were pretty darn good. It handled Orwell's theme about absolute power fine enough. Nothing groundbreaking for those of us who have seen “power corrupts” enough and knows how this particular story plays out. And the point of the tale is torturous to have play out because it's so painfully human (and of course esp. in the age of short-form video where watching this = watching ~140 reels in row). It's not a bad film and it doesn’t pick sides in any way other than reminding that greed is bad and power corrupts and what if animals could talk heheh. ### Death by Lightning https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/death-by-lightning TV Series · Mike Makowsky · 2025 Rating: ★★★★★ Garfield's improbable rise and his assassin's stranger arc. Macfadyen, Shannon, and Offerman at full tilt. Great acting, especially Tom Wambsgans from Succession AKA Matthew Macfadyen. But also Michael Shannon, Nick Offerman, and the rest of the gang. All perfectly cast and acted. The American lore was inspiring while being simultaneously depressing, considering how much of myself I saw in the fine line between delusions of grandeur and powerful ambitions. Weighing those continues to be tough. ### How To with John Wilson https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/how-to-with-john-wilson TV Series · John Wilson · 2020 Rating: ★★★★★ A New Yorker's archive of footage comedically rebuilt as quasi-poetry about scaffolding, vacuums, wine, being alive, and a whole bunch more. A unique comedy that's part poetry, part visual storytelling. New Yorker John Wilson has a seemingly endless archive of subtly outrageous footage he uses to tell stories about his experience with basic things — like learning about appreciating wine, how to put up scaffolding, and a whole bunch more. Each episode has him exploring a facet of life and, like producer Nathan Fielder, it rather quickly goes off the rails with him traveling to unusual conventions and interviewing folks who may not be well in the head (though he demonstrates in S3E5 that the people he's punching down with are at least compensated). Despite the cringe nature of his work, the poetry of his motion and the hearty laughs are excellent and worth a watch. ### Calvin and Hobbes https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/calvin-and-hobbes Book · Bill Watterson · 1995 Rating: ★★★★★ Perhaps the most formative work in my reading life. This is Bill Watterson distilling the universe into a teacup. Perhaps one of the most formative pieces of art in my entire life. I started reading these in or before kindergarten. I distinctly remember referencing some panels in class with another friend (John Stieber) and the teacher being mildly alarmed. These collections were my most frequently sought items at Scholastic Book Fairs and they've continued to influence and shape me decades later. Bill Watterson is one of the finest minds of my time, right up there with Nassim Nicholas Taleb in terms of distilling the universe into a teacup for me to enjoy and experiment with for my own attempts at distillation. ### Romeo is a Dead Man https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/romeo-is-a-dead-man Video Game · Goichi Suda · 2025 Rating: ★★★★★ Another fever dream from Suda51 and Grasshopper with combat that suits simple sensibilities packaged in an ultraviolent revenge noir. Another absolute gem from Grasshopper and Suda51. The creative direction is brilliant as always, as is the music. The combat is stylish as ever with weapons that feel good. And despite the simplicity of enemies, limited moves and weapons, the straightforwardness was appreciated when mixed with weird Pokémon-like support spell harvesting of "bastards". Leveling up your stats comes in the form of a bizarre minigame. I wish there was a bit more variety in that — although the subspace vs. real world vs. Last Night separate aesthetics was well done. Loved my crew too on Last Night. All in all, another brilliant fever dream with combat that suited my simple-minded sensibilities. Because you come for the madness, the bonus is ultraviolent revenge noir. ### Interior Chinatown https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/interior-chinatown TV Series · Charles Yu · 2024 Rating: ★★★★★ Tropes deployed expertly to tell something stranger than your typical fare. a season-one ending that refuses to settle What starts on uncertain footing ends on even more uncertain footing that's rather brilliant. Adapted from the Charles Yu novel, it's a comedy that uses tropes extremely well to tell an unconventional story. Acting and set design are fantastic and I'm eager to know where it goes from this first season. That's all I've got. I don't want to spoil any of the oddities with this one. ### Piranesi https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/piranesi Book · Susanna Clarke · 2020 Rating: ★★★★★ A novel that finds my exact wavelength. The description of The House was incredible. It’s a vibe that resonated and continues resonating deeply. And the notion of transgressive thinking, obsession and addiction, and gnostic wonder, very intriguing for me. I listened to the audiobook (as always these days) and the narrator was perfect: Chiwetel Ejiofor. ### Rejection https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/rejection Book · Tony Tulathimutte · 2024 Rating: ★★★★★ Short stories that stick like tar and a final piece that's prescient enough to think about for years. This one will stick with you like tar *(and sorta like **[Tár](/recommendations/tar)**)*. Dark and deep and an unsettling set of short stories that semi-weave together. The short stories in here all have their own depravity that is both insightful, illuminating, and deeply depressing. And they're all very well written, perfectly capturing contemporary modern life and the loneliness epidemic. But that last story... Incredibly prescient and the one I've been thinking about frequently (on top of the other, more revolting and embarrassing things now embedded in my head thanks to this read). ### The Mysteries https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/the-mysteries Book · Bill Watterson · John Kascht · 2023 Rating: ★★★★★ Watterson and Kascht give adults the fable they didn't know they needed. Created by Bill Watterson and illustrator John Kascht, this is a much-needed fable for adults. Welcome it into your home. Sit with it. Revisit it. And reflect on the challenges of modernity and the threats of the unknown. ### Thank Goodness You're Here! https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/thank-goodness-youre-here Video Game · James Carbutt · Will Todd · 2024 Rating: ★★★★★ An interactive movie of a game — a two-hour visual delight by Coal Supper, voiced by Matt Berry. Absolutely incredible artwork, creative direction, humor, attention to detail, etc. The gameplay was satisfying for what it was — a ~2hr visual delight that will stick with me and I'll come back to. An interactive movie if you will. The opening scene to set the tone, the pause screen to showcase artistic vision, and then a beautifully cohesive vision exceptionally well executed from beginning to end. Matt Berry as a voice actor fitting right in to the whole thing but him being a minor part of the endlessly hilarious production says a tremendous amount. I had assumed it was by the Untitled Goose Game folks, but it's by Coal Supper, a different studio operating in a league of its own. The price is right. ### Walden https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/walden Book · Henry David Thoreau · 1854 Rating: ★★★★★ Food for thought that warmed my mind and continues keeping it kindled with inverse, rebellious thoughts. Henry David Thoreau was a strange fellow. You can learn more about him from this book than from the excellent Ken Burn's produced documentary on Thoreau. This book stirred that sense of translating divergent thoughts into artistic, economic, something or anothers. It's not the easiest read for the modern reader. But most all of it translates into relevancy for modern living. Maybe more than ever. If you're feeling classical but not necessarily Plato's The Republic level of classic, then this is a good read to get angry and inspired. ### Severance https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/severance TV Series · Dan Erickson · 2022 Rating: ★★★★★ Excellent but the pedestal it is being held on (and potentially chasing) should be knocked down to size. Abstract art is something I enjoy and this is something of an abstract show about corporate culture and capitalism. But mostly, this is incredibly well acted, well directed, and well written. It’s (hopefully) got a powerful story to tell because the start has been excellent. We’ll see where this one ends up and so I do strongly recommend it. ### 1000xRESIST https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/1000x-resist Video Game · Remy Siu · 2024 Rating: ★★★★★ A visual novel sorta video game. Canada-built, Australia-published, and unlike anything else. A beautiful, tragic tale well-told that you cannot put down. *1000xRESIST* is more visual novel than video game but it is a game and you do have a bit of agency in your interactions. Canada-built, Australia-published, and out-of-this-world creativity make this one heck of a ride. You play as a character in a weirdly-isolated post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mystery disease. Chapter after chapter of brilliant voicework and art direction unveils a story that is uniquely entertaining. It was like a book that you can't put down. The pace was perfect, the intrigue was excellent, and the overall production was unlike virtually anything else so I greedily consumed this one. ### Tár https://brianthackston.com/recommendations/tar Movie · Todd Field · 2022 Rating: ★★★★★ A slow-burn drama for anyone who likes calling folks on their bullshit. Cate Blanchett at her most. If you like calling folks on their bullshit, this film is for you. A slow burn of a drama with tremendous acting, writing, cinematography — the whole kit and caboodle. The opening scene nicely sets expectations (so if you dislike it after the first 15 minutes, dip out). The ending was particularly satisfying as an unsophisticated rube trying to take it all in. The movie drags a bit in the middle. And if you're not aware of and able to laugh at personalities like the main character, you may mistake the humor for pretentiousness — because it does cross the line and sniff its own farts a wee bit. --- ## Wanderlust (places) ### National Postal Museum https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/national-postal-museum Washington, DC "Messenger of Sympathy and Love, Servant of Parted Friends, Consoler of the Lonely, Bond of the Scattered Family, Enlarger of the Common Life." The Postal Service is our nation's difference maker. It's still admirable in the eyes of virtually every country. And ol' Benny Boi "Ben" Franklin had a big hand in it. Because he's smart like that. There's a lot of current events and issues involving the United States Postal Service (USPS, circa 1775, 251 years through rain and snow). And I'm a simple man, who simply knows that every person in the country should be able to mail essential and non-essential items anywhere else in the country (and to some extent, the world, but that requires another non-USPS party and I don't trust like that). Anyhoo, this museum is in a beautiful buillding, costs nothing, and is the precursor to the internet -- both of which made and continue to make our nation great. Thank you Smithsonian for another beautifully curated DC museum celebrating the best of who we are. This is a great 60+ minutes (depending on who you are, how fast you and your party reads, e.g. kids cannot read fast! but still plenty to do for all ages). And if you're really smart like me, you can visit it immediately after getting off the Amtrak at Union Station in [Washington, DC](/wanderlust/washington-dc) or right before your ride home from there. ### Strathmore https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/strathmore North Bethesda, Maryland A fine venue in the taint of Maryland. If you have a chance to see a show of somebody you like, you can do much worse as it's quite easy-in, easy-out with good, comfortable views. I went for [Patton Oswalt Live!](/recommendations/patton-oswalt-live) and I would gladly go to the Strathmore for another show. The venue itself is quite good if not premier (and although North Bethesda is part of the taint of Maryland in my opinion). Easy parking with a skybridge. The food selection was wanting but the beer was decent with local beverage options from 7 Locks brewery in addition to all the other basics you'd expect (e.g. bags of chips, etc.). Didn't eat any food because went to a diner prior, but also didn't have a hankering for anything they were selling. You do need to buy the souvenir sippy cup if you want to bring your beverage into the show. We were gifted them by a kind employee who took pity on our plight of re-entering the long line prior to dashing in for the start of the show. They have a beautiful auditorium with modern seating, good acoustics, and a sizeable stage (was commented on by Patton Oswalt during the show. The balcony view was great and it was an outing made thanks to the venue. If you have time to burn ahead of whatever performance you're attending, there's a mansion a stone's throw away that has some nifty artwork in a small gallery and some lovely grounds to traipse around for a bit. We stumbled into a piano recital and accidentally wandered into rooms that were apparently not meant for visiting at that moment, resulting in being cast out, but we had seen the expanse of the small mansion nearly in its entirety by that point. ### National Cryptologic Museum https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/national-cryptologic-museum-maryland Annapolis Junction, Maryland A small but mighty Maryland museum on all things encryption with free entry and clean facilities. The National Cryptologic Museum recently reopened after a few month closure. It's got some good exhibits, informative signage, and well curated displays cleverly arranged. There are a handful of interactive cryptography pieces for all ages, a scavenger hunt for the young ones, and good variety for secure communications across all facets *(e.g. outer space! ancient codex, wartime letters, the President's red phone, etc.)*. The facilities are well maintained, easy to find and park at, the staff friendly (and intelligence agency friends can do paid volunteering). The merchandise could use a bit more love, as that's my favorite way to support things with my dollars and become a walking advertisement for something I enjoy (and I walked away empty handed). This is certainly not the area's finest museum, but it's worthy of a visit if you enjoy learning and are particularly keen on the history of codebreaking. *If you like this museum, you should also check out the **[International Spy Museum](https://www.spymuseum.org/)** in **[Washington, DC](https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/washington-dc)**, which is far grander while encompassing similar terrain. And apparently this museum’s curator (Vince Houghton) previously worked at the Spy Museum.* ### Nike Missile Site BA-79 https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/nike-missile-site-ba79-maryland Woodstock, Maryland A Cold War relic that I hope stays in the past with lessons learned. You do not always get a chance to visit a decommissioned source of terror. In fact, this is one of only 5 throughout the country (the other four are national parks!). It’s a reminder of a time bygone. We still live in fear, but it’s a different type these days (thank goodness?). This site is maintained by the friendly folks at the Civil Air Patrol Maryland Wing. The safety standards are thankfully lax so you can wander and climb the stairs and ladders to the launch areas below. If you want an insightful look at a particular point in time for our country and how we have previously dealt with potential apocalyptic disaster, this will provide a true blast from the past. But there are very few (too few) actual missile displays and displays in general. And whether feature or bug, you’ll listen to 30+ minutes of history in a classroom and non-classroom setting. Enjoyment here partially requires active engagement with the volunteers and your own research for contextualizing what is essentially a dilapidated military site in process of being restored but that time has otherwise (somewhat thankfully) left behind. Otherwise, you can read some other great accounts here: - [The official website for Nike Missile Site BA-79](https://mdwg.cap.gov/nike-missile-restoration-project) - [The Baltimore Banner’s story](https://www.thebanner.com/community/local-news/cold-war-nuclear-missiles-nike-baltimore-county-HYLAEIWUDRGI5EYUX255XAJPAQ/)* (and you know I love **[The Baltimore Banner](/tools/the-baltimore-banner)**)* - [The Washington Post’s story](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/restoration-of-nike-missile-site-in-maryland-continues-decades-after-cold-war-era-facility-closed/2020/01/18/18660778-1cfe-11ea-b4c1-fd0d91b60d9e_story.html)* (and you may know I kinda enjoy the Post)* - [Wikipedia’s entry for Project Nike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Nike) ### Baltimore https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/baltimore-md Baltimore, Maryland Where I work and a city I truly love. It's got America etched into every corner, from the start to and through now. Baltimore, MD has had a negative reputation for a fair bit. But I believe it’s been unfairly maligned in general perception (but also economically by it’s own leaders and others are large). The Wire is a tremendous show and does a phenomenal job digging into the corruption and hooliganism of the city. But these are facets seen everywhere in all cities and that story was from a particular place in time about those harrowing people. Baltimore, MD is one of the most affordable cities with plenty of arts and entertainment to rival most any other East Coast city. Don’t be dissuaded from visiting and seeing a beautiful city that easily connects up and down the east coast corridor (e.g. [Boston](https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/boston-ma), NYC, Philadelphia, [Washington DC](https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/washington-dc), Richmond, and a whole bunch more). ### Ellicott City https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/ellicott-city-md Ellicott City, Maryland To be frank there's not a ton going on here that'd be worthwhile for out-of-towners. But if you're nearby then you're doing yourself a disservice by not spending a half-day here. Note that the above is specifying "Old" Ellicott City. That is a distinct region different than the straigh-ish stretch of road that is “Ellicott City”, although in that stretch of road's defense it is peppered with some incredible restaurants that I am deciding not to characterize any further. Anywho, Old Ellicott City is a quaint early America slice of life that’s clung on by virtue of railroads and being positively quaint to stroll around with a high density of stores and restaurants and other things that make a town worthy of visiting. ##### Must do - B&O Train Museum - Manor Hill Tavern - The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar - Bon Chon *(not in Old Ellicott City)* ### Washington DC https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/washington-dc Washington, District of Columbia Downton DC has plenty to take in -- food, sights, museums, monuments, people watching. Driving into and around DC is something you can do. And you may need to if you’re visiting for a long stretch of time as there’s adjacent splendor less than an hour away *(e.g. **[Baltimore](/wanderlust/baltimore-md)**, Annapolis, etc.)*. But there’s a grand train station that puts you right into the heart of the city to sightsee, eat delicious foods, find your favorite venues, and more. Like Baltimore, Washington DC has an overblown negative connotation in my experience and their museum game is absolutely top-notch with the free admittance Smithsonian’s, particularly Natural History Museum, at the forefront. ##### Must do - [Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History](https://share.google/dvgh6SYz1LNSn2F4U) - [Smithsonian National Postal Museum](https://share.google/7FHDQmXK3Vpmk3ZsK) - [National Portrait Gallery](https://share.google/uGl4zkIg9X8GGmH0Z) - Smithsonian anything really - [Old Ebbitt's Grill](https://share.google/A3w7NGHCQQlQtdU2N) (tinned seafood love affair began here) If you’re in an Air and Space mood then it’s well-worth the extra trek down to [the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_F._Udvar-Hazy_Center) where they still have the space shuttle Discovery (as they should) in multiple, cavernous, brilliantly curated hangar displays giving these huge exhibits the room they need to breath. ### Boston https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/boston-ma Boston, Massachusetts Boston is a fine city on the surface. A real slice of America, I suppose. Boston, MA is a classic American city. Successful sports city going all the way back, a train ride up the East Coast, and it’s got some museums and other cultural todos that can make for a fantastic trip. Despite all that, each experience I’ve had has been tinged with racism and general elitism. You run into some bad apples in any city but it seems pretty rampant here with too many coincidences (give it a try -- tell somebody you're from [Baltimore, MD](/wanderlust/baltimore-md) and see what happens!). So for all the good apples out there who put up with ugly poors like me, thank you. There's some amazing parts of America in that city. ##### Must do - [Isabella Gardner Museum](https://share.google/OauIgwSJOcOeBwIcG) (~$25/head but well worth it re: very unique museum) - [Museum of Fine Arts, Boston](https://share.google/Iqvpbjfmxv2eOxX8e) (very large, very nice) - [Boston Commons](https://share.google/h14izRkOyXVHie8OA) (good starting point for a stroll and some photo-centricity) - [Arnold Arboretum](https://share.google/7s5Uhnb6zZgwzDeTk) (if you like plants and strolling it’s good; not condensed but great for a saunter) - Fenway Park (like sports?) ### Cleveland https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/cleveland-oh Cleveland, Ohio An amazing city architecturally with some great features. Had the good fortune of seeing Modest Mouse at TempleLive for a phenomenal concert, despite slightly cramped seating built for men who didn't drink enough milk growing up (or whatever it is that Masonic Temples attract). ##### Must do - The Arcade (i.e. the world's first shopping mall; if you enjoy Bioshock it's an architectural must) - Cleveland Museum of Art - Cleveland Botanical Garden ### Scranton https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/scranton-pa Scranton, Pennsylvania The Electric City's love of trains has me enamored for their quiet, strange town with a nifty concert venue tucked away up a mountainside. If you're a fan of trains (or free) then Steamtown National Historic Site is a great visit. It's an active roundhouse and the city still has trains roaring through, so you get some up-close insights from well curated exhibits on top of seeing the real deal with the trains while you're in town. And one of my favorite hoodies is from there, alongside a great glow in the dark train shirt. The Pavilion at Montage Mountain, which sounds like something from a Teen Disney movie, may be a similar draw for you to see your preferred performers* (mine was Mastodon x Coheed and Cambria)*. The venue’s ingress and egress is worse than most venues (i.e. absolutely no way to walk up and one-lane mixed with locals making it an absolute cluser. But the venue itself is quite nice, a la a lesser [Merriweather Post Pavillion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merriweather_Post_Pavilion) otudoor amphiteather. ### Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/steven-f-udvar-hazy-center-smithsonian-national-air-and-space-museum Chantilly, Virginia A beautiful curation of all things Air and Space in three properly sized airplane hangars that make for one amazing museum visit. Airplanes are large and not easy for a museum to display properly. This museum gets it very, very right. It displays them in their natural habitat -- three massive airplane hangars. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center — Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a marvel whether you're a little or a lot into the history of flight. You've got the Concorde, stealth bombers, and even drone displays alongside virtually every other type of aircraft imaginable -- some real and others replicas (e.g. the WWI planes). Each installation is beautifully done with good signage and wonderful arrangement -- i.e. it's a two-level view of the hangar with many of them suspended from the ceiling as if in flight. And there's a ton of natural light that makes viewing the spectacle much easier than purely installed lighting. The crowning jewel is the Space Shuttle Discovery that is absolutely breathtaking to see and learn more about. Again, sitting in a large hangar like all the others and beautifully arranged in the center of the center hangar, it cannot be understated how worthwhile of a trip this was. The signage for each exhibit is strong but the getting around part was a bit clunky -- e.g. restrooms. And if you follow closely, there is a control tower overlooking the nearby Dulles Airport you can go a dozen or so stories up and to have a spectacular vantage points to watch actual nearby takeoffs/landings Note: The [Washington, DC](/wanderlust/washington-dc) version of the Air and Space museum is good (because all the Smithsonian exhibits across the musuems in the nation's capital are exquisitely curated). But it has nothing on this one. The parking does cost a fee (~$15 IIRC) but entry is free -- so stuff your car with some folks and make the trip out there. The facilities were both ample and clean. And then they even have a Shake Shack, which I suppose is the official provider of burgers to airplane enthusiasts. ### Las Vegas https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/las-vegas-nv Las Vegas, Nevada Not my cup of tea, but I appreciate the engineering and gamification marvel for what it is. What I will say is that I enjoy the work of visionary artist / entrepreneur / whatever -- Meow Wolf. AREA15 has Omega Mart which is a brilliant place to mosey around filled with wonder (and whatever other substances you may choose to put into yourself to behold the sensory splendor). Outside that, walking the strip, people watching, and overstimulating yourself should all come quite naturally when in Vegas. So let’s zoom out for a moment here. This glitzy, glamorous escape is literally located in a desert. It is the epitome of excess. There’s novelty to that idea sure — look no further than the institutional “Heart Attack Grill” (that just went bankrupt; read: subtext). Yet, the jubilation at the city’s extreme now pales in comparison to real life. Is it the loss of the mob? We know these levels of ostentatiousness and depravity in everyday life all too well. They are ever present in every corner of our mind’s eye thanks to persistent state of social media and the lack of a need to read and process. Don’t let my preferences take away from your own. All things in moderation, even moderation as Ben Franklin once said. Let loose from time to time and let Las Vegas be the place you do it, if needed. Sometimes you should indulge and this used to be the town for that. But to me I can do that too many other places. And now it’s private equity fat cats corpo-ing every inch of what was allegedly once a bastion of wild. Perhaps it’s always been a conference, corpo town despite the myths. That mystique maybe just washed away after an overwhelming tide of the exotic, 24/7, beamed into our eyeballs and reduced to being nothing exceptional. ##### Must do - AREA15 -- Omega Mart - Don’t lose your shirt; or conversely, do, I guess ### Portland https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/portland-me Portland, Maine They love their haddock in town and for good reason. Architecture from history was fascinating. - Similarly styled large boxy houses presumably mostly built after great fire, depressive period, revitalized period, depressive period - No garages because built up post-fire in 1870+ so cars weren’t really accounted for - The island life vs. mainland life and the old money oozing from both sides was fascinating - The seemingly ancient (100-300 yrs old) military installations were also intriguing (Battery Steele absolutely worth a visit) You will likely need a car to get around unless you're very much downtown with a good bicycle in tow. ##### Must do - Botanical Garden - Ferry to Peaks Island - Fort Battery Steele via rented, disgusting bikes ### New Orleans https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/new-orleans-la New Orleans, Louisiana The food is incredible, the architecture fascinating, and the charm of a storied but forgotten city was very enjoyable. Their WW2 Museum is breathtaking in size and curated so well with the exhibits alongside a multi-story quasi-airplane hangar *(c.f. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center — Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum which also gives their glorious exhibits adequate space to breathe!)*. The main draw for me was The Mars Volta and they played in the amazing Orpheum Theater. But I don't know who was at fault for the show's audio being very, very lacking. ##### Must do - Dee's Xsquisite Seafood - WW2 Museum - Apothecary Museum ### Pittsburgh https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/pittsburgh-pa Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Being from the Baltimore, MD area I've had some preconceived notions about Pittsburgh and I'm big enough to admit I'm wrong. Downtown was far more dilapidated than I'd have guessed. Steel City has fallen on some hard times and the litter alongside the unused real estate was pretty darn high post-COVID in 2022. And the food wasn't much to write home about. But the people were nice, the views were astounding, and it was mesmerizing seeing how an industry boom could shape a city so distinctly like that, i.e. they put bridges on top of bridges on top of bridges they had so much steel. And they mined and smelted so much steel the city is essentially dug out alongside the river. It’s beautiful. And speaking of distinctive, Randyland is a lovely art installation that’s worth a visit. ##### Must do - [Duquesne's Incline](https://www.duquesneincline.org/) - [Randyland](https://share.google/V2LMwQ0RQs9W4Cdv7) ### Warner Bros. Jungle Habitat https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/andover-nj Andover, New Jersey Stayed in Andover, NJ at an Airbnb - It was a nice little lake town in New Jersey close to the abandoned Jungle Habitat. We rode our bikes through the dilapidated remains for a few hours, got a bit lost, and just got back to our car before sundown plunged us into darkness. ##### Must do - Visited the abandoned [Warner Bros. Jungle Habitat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warner_Bros._Jungle_Habitat) and road bikes throughout ### Colonial Williamsburg https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/colonial-williamsburg Williamsburg, Virginia October 2026 I hope to return. It's been a good decade last since and I shall return wiser and more ready than ever to imbibe the area's historical spirit. The trip to Detroit, MI is where the itch to return to the colonial village returned. And a Fall trip sounds sublime so we may just be making that happen. ### Maryland Renaissance Festival https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/maryland-renaissance-festival Annapolis, Maryland Returning this October for more merriment. ### Patapsco Valley State Park https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/patapsco-valley-state-park Maryland Right down the way and I've barely been there thrice. ### Delaware Water Gap https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/delaware-water-gap Pennsylvania ### Kyoto https://brianthackston.com/wanderlust/kyoto Kyoto Shoulder season, two weeks, no rented car. Tea ceremony bookings made in advance, kaiseki one night, ryokan another. --- ## Tools ### 404 Media https://brianthackston.com/tools/404-media Newspaper · 404 Media A tech-forward view of the world. They're fantastic investigators with a bit of a lean but it's a fairly fair one if you know what I mean. I must implore you to pay for quality journalism. Free news comes at the cost of sensationalism meant to induce views. For the past two decades it's been clickbait to get ad views. Buzzfeed was the king and queen of this with listicles and quizzes. But they actually used that to fund real news. But that didn't work and it's all shut down. Now, social media sites pay folks how post "news" -- whether YouTube or Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. And that's where most everyone spends a significant portion of their time online. Which is a-okay! But what's not okay is being lulled into the prospect that hard news is delivered on those formats. Easy engagement is rewarded, and reading is hard, so anything requiring 3+ seconds of thought (i.e. beyond a headline or a 10-second clip) generally does not earn enough for the creator. And ragebaiting and sensationalizing works way better than objectively delivering facts. So please, I beg of you. Spend some money on real journalism. Like school, it's boring. But the fourth pillar of democracy serves a real purpose, even while Murdoch and others have bastardized our sense of objective journalism. There may not be a true type of objective journalism in the purest sense, but I do believe there's good journalists who try to get to the truth of the matter, not picking one side or another. These folks lean a bit to one side, but that's why I balance it out with [The Baltimore Banner](/tools/the-baltimore-banner) and Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg and ~5 other news sources -- because paying people to deliver me the best facts available to them with known angles (e.g. tech awareness, business insights, etc) is invaluable and if we go around spewing extreme ragebait it's all just such a stupid world and I cannot keep living here like this. ### AMC A-List https://brianthackston.com/tools/amc-a-list Entertainment · AMC Art, entertainment, education -- these things are worth your time and money. I enjoy all theaters. But AMC is the theater near me. And they have the A-List subscription for ~$30/mo (price of ~2 tickets). I try to go to ~1 movie per week. This was partially due to an old friend, semi-mentor, and all around brilliant creative who instilled in me that constantly absorbing new ideas is essential in any field. Especially any type of work requiring taste and creativity *(read: anyone who wants to be good at anything regardless of field)*. Anyhoo, I also go for the popcorn, although I suspect the "butter" oil is worse for me than smoking three packs of cigarettes in a single sitting (so I try to limit to 2+ hour movies only). The location I go to isn't clean but it also isn't filthy. And we only have 1.5 premium screens -- a Dolby with reclining seats that's incredible + an IMAX (no reclining seats, not a huge fan of the screen vs. Dolby). Then there are about a dozen other screens of varying size/quality that local riff raff occasionally coating with what I'm guessing is a soda that was tossed like a grenade. If you haven't been to a theater because you'd rather "wait for streaming", then I hope you reconsider. The infectious atmosphere of a scary movie or a comedy where the crowd is electrified and the currents shoot through are worth it. And it's also worth keeping a beat on the zeitgeist by seeing what everyone's about to be consuming -- because the right movie really can change your personality. ### Accutane / Isotretinoin https://brianthackston.com/tools/accutane-isotretinoin Health A tricky medication to deal with tough skin problems. Drugs are powerful things. You generally do not want to do drugs. But sometimes you have to do drugs. Accutane as many know it. Or isotretinoin if you're generic-minded like me and fine with using a cheaper option, it's a powerful drug that does wonders for persistent skin issues. Most folks take this in their younger years, where acne or rosacea or some other skin issue most often flares up and solutions are sought. For me, I've dealt with acne in different forms and to different degrees over a number of years. And I was ashamed because it felt like a weakness. As I got into my thirties, I realized that some things that I thought were related to diet or exercise or some other controllable imperfection, in fact, were not related to any of that. I suffered from back acne (and the quarterly cystic face acne). And I tried everything -- adjusting my diet and exercise and different types of topical treatments and body washes and so many other things. But as it turns out, I suffered from an oil imbalance seemingly beyond my control. This miraculous health solution, isotretinoin, finally solved all that for me. I did 60-80mgs per day. Two forties, a forty and a thirty, or two thirties. I only missed a handful of days (with most of that handful being taking a day off when the body aches became excruciating). Now, for the ugly details. It's a six-month treatment. And it will dry you out (but in my experience, nothing that some [Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum](/tools/neutrogena-hydro-boost-night-pressed-serum) and Hydro Boost Water Cream couldn't solve). The worst part was the body aches. Perhaps it's because I was at the advanced age of 35+ when taking this. But it obliterated my back for days at a time. It essentially tore my shoulder and started doing a number on my knees. Working out on the [Tonal](/tools/tonal) was nearly impossible for a number of exercises. Avoiding alcohol was more manageable than I'd have initially guessed, but the body aches that kept me from sleeping and exercising and existing in comfort was the hardest part. In the end, I'd do it again. I pray I don't have to (even if it is allegedly semi-common). And it's allegedly temporary (much like Lasik from my understanding). So if you're considering something extreme for a real solution to dermatological concerns, I'd give it serious consideration. *None of this is medical advice. Just my experience! Isotretinoin is prescription-only for good reason: it means regular liver and lipid bloodwork, it causes severe birth defects, depression, and the risks are real. Talk to a dermatologist, they are worth it!* ### Alarmo https://brianthackston.com/tools/alarmo Alarm Clock · Nintendo An interactive alarm clock with sensors that detect when you're in bed to whisk you off to sleep with BotW campfire noises and more. Motion sensors let you snooze with a wave and stop the alarm just by getting out of bed. Steady, Gentle, and Button modes; sleep tracking; hourly chimes and sleepy sounds; and an ever-growing list of game soundtrack themes. But to me the highlights are: 1. it’s a nice clock for my bedroom, and 2. it senses when you get into bed and can play “sleepy sounds” like Breath of the Wild’s campfire and ambient noises for 1 min, 2 min, or 10 mins to help you get locked into some quality sleepy time. Your sleep tracking data stays stored and locked to the device (i.e. there’s no logging into your My Nintendo account to see Sleep Metrics) so it’s generally useless for me relative to Google Health’s data via my watch. But that means it’s safely and responsibly stored, not sold, etc. And I am a major champion of health data, even moreso when you’re gamifying with the brilliance of Nintendo’s creative genius (also see: Wii Fit, Brain Age, and the impact those had on senior citizen communities; I was there Gandalf, working in a nursing home seeing a new light in people’s eyes as gaming wisely expanded). Otherwise, it’d be nice to be able to have some more customization but I definitely won’t cry about it. If you know what you’re getting when you go into it, it’s a great clock + sleeping sound device + alarm that beats your phone alone. ### Bidet https://brianthackston.com/tools/bidet Health · Brondell If you had poop smeared on your body, you would not be satisfied with just wiping it off with a bit of paper. If you got poop on you, you'd be washing that body part immediately. So, why are you okay with wiping your butt with paper only? A bidet becomes non-negotiable upon first using your own. Because sampling a friends just doesn't have the same feeling as using your own butthole-washing device. It's almost like using somebody else's toothbrush. If you are not sold on the idea of using water to properly clean your tushy like a civilized person, you may have some other issues to work through (culturally, spiritually, etc) so if that's the case then you can try tackling those first and returning here. Or, you use this despite your reservation and then uncouple other troubled notions plaguing you. Anyhoo, I hesitated because of cost and complexity, i.e. renting in an apartment, scared to do plumbing, etc. But they're cheap (mine was $80 of the best dollars I ever spent) and installation is not that bad (and a handyman or knowledgeable acquaintenance is not a real barrier). *If you're jacked up, please talk to a doctor* *This is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor if your sinus or bum or other things are bothering you.* *For example, the *[*Neti Pot*](/tools/neti-pot)*, which similarly uses water to cure you of ailments, was suggested to me by the 3rd ENT I consulted regarding some frequent sinus issues I had. And this is simply what has worked for me and some others!* *The bidet is also a lindy concept — simply splashing water can gently wash away quite a bit. It's smart, efficient, but it isn't any sort of medical intervention if you need actual medical help.* ### Brother HL-L2360D https://brianthackston.com/tools/brother-hl-l2360d Printer · Brother Ol' reliable printer that simply prints without software updates or fuss. This is a tool that’s literally lasted me 10+ years so when you’re counting in decades, that’s a very good thing. Black and white printing only. But for shipping labels, documents for work/school, tickets for concerts, or whatever else you may be printing, it is indispensable to have ol’ reliable like this Brother in your home. And ink drums are something you should stock up on (e.g. three drums is a decade for most people). And you shouldn’t have to worry about software updates, etc. when connecting to this workhorse. *Also see: **[The Verge's 2024 article on "The Best Printer"](https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/2/24117976/best-printer-2024-home-use-office-use-labels-school-homework)** which mocked Search Engine Optimization (SEO) while also touting that Brother printers just work.* ### Davek Mini https://brianthackston.com/tools/davek-mini Umbrella · Davek A pocket-sized travel umbrella — under 7 inches closed and about 8 ounces — backed by an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Compact enough to live in a bag and forget about: a 38-inch canopy on a fiberglass-reinforced six-rib frame, aircraft-grade aluminum shaft, and 70–90% UV protection. The real draw is the guarantee — Davek replaces it unconditionally if it ever fails, and offers loss protection if you leave it behind somewhere. ### Dyson Purifier HP02 https://brianthackston.com/tools/dyson-purifier-hp02 Air Purifier · Dyson Dyson's three-in-one — HEPA air purifier, heater, and bladeless cooling fan, with app and remote control (Hot+Cool Link HP02). ### Embody Chair https://brianthackston.com/tools/embody-gaming-chair Chair · Herman Miller A true beauty with great back and lumbar support and a strong copper-infused cooling foam seat built for life's long haul. Invest in your health. Be it Tonal and a great eBike and other exercise. Or just a good chair if you’re spending hours a day sitting in it (also see: Lovesac). This Herman Miller × Logitech G's ergonomic chair is worth every penny and has undoubtedly helped with some of the aging process. Because one day it’s the eternally optimistic early 2010s and then all of the sudden you’re a decade later dealing with new and exciting hellscapes. ### Facecam Pro https://brianthackston.com/tools/facecam-4k Webcam · Elgato Elgato's Facecam Pro. Billed as the first 4K60 webcam, with a large Sony sensor and a premium autofocus lens for a decent feed that struggles in low light. Now discontinued. ### Givenchy Men's Gentleman Boisee EDP https://brianthackston.com/tools/givenchy-mens-gentleman-boisee-edp Cologne · Givenchy I know very little about cologne. But I know I like the smell of this. There is factual information I can provide about this cologne: Black pepper, coriander, geranium, iris, cedar, cacao pod, sandalwood, patchouli, woodsy accord. But I am not that sophisticated (yet?) in way similar to that of wine *(and note here: also see *[*How To with John Wilson*](/recommendations/how-to-with-john-wilson)* S2E2)*. And while I may not be able to smell or taste like the pros, I do know I like what I like. And I like this. Gentleman Boisee by Givenchy makes me feel like a gentleman. A sophisticated, slightly wooden dapper gentleman. So this has become my go-to. I discovered this cologne thanks to a Macy's 12-days of Christmas sampler that had this and 11 other scents. This is my favorite (and I've had some validation as to it being a good match for me). Outside this, I'm rotating in two others from that set for slightly different seasons and occasions -- [MontBlanc Men's Explorer Platinum EDP](/tools/montblanc-mens-explorer-platinum-edp) and [Paco Rabanne Men's Million Gold Intense EDP](/tools/paco-rabanne-mens-million-gold-intense-edp). And now that I've established something, I'm exploring Phantom and Invictus from ol' Paco when those samples arrive. If you're looking for a cologne, do not get this. Get a sampler. Spray one on each day and see where you're at 1 hour, 4 hours, and then 8 hours into it. Everyone's nose is different. Everyone's skin is different. What works for me may not work for you, so see what you like rather than listening the nose-blind lunatics on Reddit or elsewhere. And final note: Get the sampler from a Macy's or other retailer. Buy the big bottle from a Jomashop or other discounter (or dupe shop, whatever) because let's be real here. ### Google Analytics https://brianthackston.com/tools/google-analytics Analytics · Google A relic from when Google's releases felt far more altruistic. Google Analytics (4, for those counting) is a free, powerful tool that every halfway serious website needs. There are other analytics tools you want. And not, not for nefarious “feed the Zuckerverse” and poison the users reasons. But for “provide better web experiences” reasons even for small web projects. And you can layer on top other tools like the soon-to-be-even-more-Adobified [SEMrush](https://www.semrush.com/), or "[Adobe Experience Cloud](https://business.adobe.com/)" or whatever it is they’re calling it. But GA4 is an essential part of the stack. And it's free. And it's quite the workhorse product for seeing what’s working and what’s not (e.g. broken webpages). If you aren't sure what the features and benefits and why I'm recommending this tool, then there's rabbit holes upon rabbit holes of "user lifecycle tracking"-esque places I can point you to. But suffice to say -- Google Analytics is good because it helps you understand what's working on your website, where things might be wrong, and how to surf the digital wave with Google, Meta, TikTok, Reddit, and all big dawgs. The need for a near-universal dataset is why Google gave it away in the first place. So the altruism-eyed view of Google’s website analytics initiative isn’t quite naive, but I do view this free tool from rosy-nostalgia-infused-glasses which have transitioned into dark, pragmatic lens for seeing how web tracking really evolved. And if you don’t know where to get started with Google Analytics, I’m happy to point you in the right direction. *And don’t forget **[Google Tag Manager](https://tagmanager.google.com/)** to pull the whole surveillance gang together. Learning to live with these tools is much better than condemning in totality that which you don’t understand.* ### Key Lights https://brianthackston.com/tools/key-lights Lighting · Elgato As just re-discovered, now in earnest, lighting does matter a lot. And some cheap lighting goes a very long way. ### Logitech G560 https://brianthackston.com/tools/logitech-g560 Speakers · Logitech An ever-so-slightly premium sound solution for somebody who listens to music and plays the occasional game. Logitech speakers are burned into my brain. They are a lindy-ish PC and other accessory company (see: their s-tier now-discontinued universal hub remote). These speakers are more than just good enough for your non-elitist listener. Extra bass, crisp sound, and then the surprisingly immersive RGB-ish colors that can very easily and natively sync with your computer's literal sounds. The colors are also nice when the machine is sitting idle and then they smartly turn off when the PC sleeps. These are things that should work, in theory, on any accessory but I've had enough smart lights throughout my home to not take something that just works for granted. If you want something a bit better than normal, don't mind pay a bit of a premium for a storied brand with a solid product, and aren't an elitist about sound (not knocking, just I am quite literally not in the top ~10% of excellent ear folks so something ~75+% excellent is more than good enough for me). ### Loupedeck Live https://brianthackston.com/tools/loupedeck-live Stream Controller · Loupedeck Loupedeck's creator console — analog dials, haptic touch buttons, and touch bars to drive editing, streaming, and productivity apps from one surface. ### M5StackChan AI Desktop Robot https://brianthackston.com/tools/m5stackchan-ai-desktop-robot Robotics · M5Stack A cute lil' open-source AI desktop robot built on the ESP32-S3. On the bench, still evaluating. ### M5StickS3 https://brianthackston.com/tools/m5sticks3 Dev Kit · M5Stack A tiny canvas for tinkering with initial life's purpose being a glorified Claude notification. ### Moccamaster KBGT https://brianthackston.com/tools/moccamaster-kbgt Coffee Maker · Moccamaster If you do something everyday, it makes sense to not use junk-ass tools. Coffee came into my life later (read: when I got older, slept less, and needed a "healthy" controlled substance reward system). I have since come to appreciate the mild stimulant for more than just the caffeine effects. Good coffee and a good coffee maker can make coffee very tasty. Like beer, it's acquired, for whatever that is worth. But a black cup of coffee has become delightful (and note: all of you who may prefer drinking milky, sugary versions of coffee -- I'm not shaming you by any means but I will say you may want to look at your coffee's calorie count and other "nutritional" information side-by-side a dessert like ice cream; and BTW you shouldn't eat two servings of ice cream for breakfast every day). You will put some time into maintenance (~60 minutes every ~180 days). Anywho, no diminishing returns for purchasing a fine coffeemaker like this. A good coffee maker gives you more than just the last 20% of flavor enhancement. And the traditional drip doesn't require Keurig-style waste-of-plastic-choking-the-planet K-cups so that's cool too. *Personal writing side note for myself to review: research the climate impact of coffee beans as a whole oh wait nevermind my brain is not materially piercing second order effects of global trade and economies and I can simply rest easy knowing that I don't need to use a plastic cup for the 300+ cups of coffee I drink every year which is something I can immediately and directly control.* ### MontBlanc Men's Explorer Platinum EDP https://brianthackston.com/tools/montblanc-mens-explorer-platinum-edp Cologne · Montblanc A change of pace for the rugged yet refined gentleman (or anyone who wants to smell like one). The bottle of explorer has a more rustic smell than that of my mainstay classic dapper gentleman, [Givenchy Men's Gentleman Boisee EDP](/tools/givenchy-mens-gentleman-boisee-edp). Similar in some ways but that one has more of a modern twist and this is more a classic smell tailored to fit modern times. But now it's worth me reiterate my point again from the Givenchy mainstay: I am not sophisticated here or with wine *(and note here: also see *[*How To with John Wilson*](/recommendations/how-to-with-john-wilson)* S2E2)*. And while I may not be able to smell or taste like the pros, I do know I like what I like. And I like this. The words I just gave you may be gibberish but it's how the smell plays out in my head. If you're looking for manufacturer terms to commit to memory for your consideration: - Violet leaves - Clary sage - Cedarwood And again: If you're looking for a cologne, do not get this. Get a sampler. Spray one on each day and see where you're at 1 hour, 4 hours, and then 8 hours into it. Everyone's nose is different. Everyone's skin is different. What works for me may not work for you, so see what you like rather than listening the nose-blind lunatics on Reddit or elsewhere. And final note: Get the sampler from a Macy's or other retailer. Buy the big bottle from a Jomashop or other discounter (or dupe shop, whatever) because let's be real here. ### Neti Pot https://brianthackston.com/tools/neti-pot Health · CVS Perhaps the most valuable tool of them all. I regale anyone and everyone with my decades-long tale of chronic sinus infections, awful allergies, and a poorly performed Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). The surgery was supposed to be the silver bullet for my allergy and sinus issues after seeing two ENTs for 1+ year of diagnosis. But I kept on getting sinus infections requiring antibiotics. 3 months post-surgery with a sinus infection yet again, a third ENT who was a straight shooter just flatly told me that there is literally nothing better than using a neti pot to keep things clear in there. Despite the use of a neti pot *initially* seeming like a simulated drowning, he's right on the money. And the sense of drowning quickly diminishes with daily use. I often compare it brushing your teeth. If you made somebody start doing that after 25+ years of their life, they'd tell you to fuck off because it's laborious and unpleasant. But I would be a far more miserable, less active, curmudgeon with much poorer sleep quality if I didn't start using one of these daily. It is life transforming when you're effortless, easily fending off allergy issues and breathing fully through both nostrils when awake or asleep. It is the simplest of solutions: water + saline packet + squeezable neti pot during my daily shower where I also floss, brush my teeth, and use mouthwash (alongside other standard shower fare). There's important caveats to this recommended tool re: if you're on well water or something else potentially teeming with brain parasites. And I do buy a new one quarterly for good measure. But for many, the danger of brain infection is overblown and for everyone else a bottle of water and a neti pot is a much more valuable investment than another round of Allegra D or toughing out the pain or whatever you may be doing otherwise. ### Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum https://brianthackston.com/tools/neutrogena-hydro-boost-night-pressed-serum Face Lotion · Neutrogena You can combat the crusty, ashy mortal blows of your inevitable decay. Skin cancer is real, a shared sentiment for my endorsement of other sun defense products like the sister-product ([SPF 25 Face Sunscreen](/tools/neutrogena-hydro-boost-water-gel-broad-spectrum-spf-25)). So I take it seriously. This is for the night. You may think laying down for 6+ hours on a pillow is simple, but for ruddy-Irish-skin like mine, you also need to take that seriously. So this is part of the goodnight routine where I wash my face and then apply moisturizer for nutrients avoiding preventable aging alongside pH balancing or however oil control works (alongside weekly pillow case swapping/washing). It's not greasy, it keeps my skin hydrated without being oily, and it doesn't smell like much of anything which is a major plus for a manly-man like me who has a delicate blend of cheap deodorant and value-priced cologne. ### Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 25 https://brianthackston.com/tools/neutrogena-hydro-boost-water-gel-broad-spectrum-spf-25 Face Sunscreen · Neutrogena You got to give deference to the power of the sun. After suffering from a bout of skin cancer, I concede that extra protection against its wicked rays is a must. And of course there’s the added benefit of minimizing the signs of aging as my skin sags like fruit hangs. There’s simply no denying that slathering a quick layer of moisturizer on each morning after a shower will help keep you looking good into old age. Much like twins where one smokes, or drives a truck with half their face next to an open window, and that one ends up looking like a leathery old shoe while the other… well they do not look leathery. But you do you. I’m Irish so the sun repellent alongside my already ruddy-faced-genetics need all the help they can get and this is a pretty good tool in that arsenal. ### Paco Rabanne Men's Million Gold Intense EDP https://brianthackston.com/tools/paco-rabanne-mens-million-gold-intense-edp Cologne · Paco Rabanne This is a secondary cologne I've added to the rotation. It's a bit louder but it's a good fit for me from time to time. My main cologne is [Givenchy Men's Gentleman Boisee EDP](/tools/givenchy-mens-gentleman-boisee-edp). But we contain multitudes and sometimes you gotta zag after zigging. Paco Rabanne Men's Million Gold taught me what "Intense EDP" was in the cologne world. And once I got my brain wrapped around that I appreciated what this stood for and how to incorporate that dynamic into my world. Again, I'll reiterate my point from the Givenchy mainstay: I am not sophisticated here or with wine *(and note here: also see *[*How To with John Wilson*](/recommendations/how-to-with-john-wilson)* S2E2)*. And while I may not be able to smell or taste like the pros, I do know I like what I like. And I like this. It's a bit woody like my other but it's got a fresher, more powerful scent to it. It also seems to last longer, going back to the intense descriptor. If you're looking for the manufacturer terms: - Sandalwood - Spices - Mandarin orange - Cedarwood And again: If you're looking for a cologne, do not get this. Get a sampler. Spray one on each day and see where you're at 1 hour, 4 hours, and then 8 hours into it. Everyone's nose is different. Everyone's skin is different. What works for me may not work for you, so see what you like rather than listening the nose-blind lunatics on Reddit or elsewhere. And final note: Get the sampler from a Macy's or other retailer. Buy the big bottle from a Jomashop or other discounter (or dupe shop, whatever) because let's be real here. ### Panobook https://brianthackston.com/tools/panobook Notetaking · Studio Neat For ~$25 per notebook, I would recommend the panobook above virtually all other tools. Words cannot describe how valuable it is having a permanent notebook perfectly oriented under your keyboard. The panobook was something I never knew I was missing. I've used tablets with styluses to great effect. But then the friction of digital mixed with finnicky software lost out to carrying around notebooks everywhere. My portable notebooks are [Rite in the Rain](/tools/rite-in-the-rain) and they fit perfectly in my pocket, in addition to being impervious to spills and weather and even washing machine cycles. But my ability to draw at my desk wasn't perfectly sorted with a wonderful Mnemosyne B5 Notebook. And the 8 foot whiteboard which I do adore isn't practical for in-meeting ideas and general day-to-day productiveness. I do believe... attention challenges and... obsessive and compulsive tendencies have something to do with the value I place on this tool and how much benefit it's been able to give me. Moving at the speed of thought is generally impossible but the closest you can come is via analog tools. Physically inscribing the world around you (and side note: I particularly enjoyed that aspect in The Three Body Problem). Digital tools, no matter how capable, take a few extra milliseconds or seconds to get into writing when an idea strikes. A physical notebook (or set of notebooks, like how I roll) is irreplaceable and the advancements in image tech means I can then easily take a photo and get it digitized almost effortlessly after capturing it. Having something on your desk to catch stray thoughts from calls, in the middle of tasks, or when you just want to float out and see what pours fourth without a screen in front of, it's magical. Now, I'm not an analogue journal believer. I prefer digital for that because that's often stitching thoughts together while reflecting (also see: [Obsidian](/tools/obsidian)). A good notebook is useful for abstract ideation -- sketching something out to see the general contours, jotting down key ideas and themes and glancing back at them at a high level (e.g. I do a page for each week's tasks and then scribble in the blank spots as the week unfolds and meetings take place). All this notebook philosophy aside and coming back to the panobook -- it's the perfect size (i.e. it's large but not too large, c.f. Mnenosyne 186), it's got the perfect paper (feel + dot grid), and it's got a nifty archival system which is a nice ambitious thought. I'd buy another brand in a heartbeat because $25 per pad is a bit rich. But other than wanting the world to be cheaper, the price is right because it is more than worth that cost given how productive it makes me. And with only ~3 panobooks needed per year alongside my [Rite in the Rain](/tools/rite-in-the-rain) + Mnemosyne B5 Notebook for the couch, it's not a big part of my budget but plays an outsized role in my ability to be productive. I cannot recommend this enough, especially if you are often sitting at a desk working on your computer. The way it will fit under your keyboard and into your life. And the value of your thoughts are worth a notebook that can best help you capture them. An easy purchase every time. ### Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen https://brianthackston.com/tools/parker-jotter-ballpoint-pen Notetaking · Parker A classic pen, albeit not my preferred pen. Parker's Jotter pen is nice. It's light. It looks good. The click is satisfying. And the blue ink is a beautiful color. My biggest issue with the Parker is that I don't feel like I have a good grip on it when writing for any extended period. That's why I prefer the heft of a [Zebra F-701](/tools/zebra-f701); lightness is neat and perhaps good in some scenarios but weightiness helps me balance the pen pressure to pen stroke ratio better. And black ink is indisputably universally better than blue ink (I'm a lawyer -- there is no arguing this point, case closed). I enjoyed using The Parker Jotter when it first arrived for the bright blue ink and the easy-to-twirl shape and weight. But ultimately, it takes a bit of scribbling to get the ink going on most paper *(especially **[Rite in the Rain](/tools/rite-in-the-rain)** paper, but even **[my prized Panobooks](https://www.studioneat.com/products/panobook)**)*, so it's not the best pen amongst my options: [Zebra F-701](/tools/zebra-f701) = [the kingly T3-Mini](https://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-Techo-T-3-Mini-Ballpoint-Pen-0.7-mm-Black-Ink/pd/37012) = [Zebra X-701](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/x-701-retractable-ballpoint?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=63a6e91ed&pr_rec_pid=6929918165198&pr_ref_pid=6929918034126&pr_seq=uniform) > [Zebra F-301](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/f-301-retractable-ballpoint?variant=40845748961486) > Jotter, Uniball, Pilot et al. ### Peak Design Everyday 30L https://brianthackston.com/tools/peak-design-everyday-30l Backpack · Peak Design Phenomenal for office work and camera or electronic traveling. If you want a high quality backpack that you can take into a fancy office, stow under the seats of a domestic airplane, or lug your fancy-schmancy camera gear place-to-place, this is the one. Sure Nomatic is nice too. And Patagonia Black Holes and whatnot for travel. But for a comfortable all-arounder, this simply cannot be beaten. I also have a Peak Design 25L Outdoor backpack with some big, beefy shoulder straps that makes long walks in cities, on trails, and other scenarios much more ideal. But the Everyday 30L has gotten way more work given that I go into an office ~1x a week and it stores all my goods perfectly. And Peak Design’s lifetime warranty is no joke. Good customer service even if not omnisciently perfect. ### Peak Design Everyday 6L https://brianthackston.com/tools/peak-design-everyday-6l Sling · Peak Design A great lil' sling for a light camera carry. Weather resistant indeed after walking through a steady rain for 3+ hours. A bit smaller on the storage factor than you may like, but the light and small footprint of the sling makes up for it (alongside the easy-to-use straps for adding a tripod, jacket, etc. to the bottom of it). It stores a surprising amount via the front zipper area, the interior zipper area, and then the main compartment itself. Reorganizing the dividers is always good when needed, but mostly for being able to safely, snugly carry my camera gear around. And I'd strongly recommend this over the 3L, which isn't a much smaller footprint but it is much harder to open and stuff things into than this, where the zipper goes much lower making it easier to really pull it apart and pick things out. I've also taken to stuffing packable tote in there as well, so if I end up buying some junk and need extra carry capacity then I simply unfurl that bad boy and voila, I've got it covered (and zipped, and also waterproof, etc). A lifetime warranty again from the solid customer service folks at Peak Design. ### Pelican 1535 Air https://brianthackston.com/tools/pelican-1535-air Case · Pelican A Pelican 1535 Air carry-on — colorized electric-blue with yellow latches by ColorCase. FAA-approved, watertight, wheeled, and near-indestructible. ### Preparation H Buttwipes https://brianthackston.com/tools/preparation-h-buttwipes Health · Preparation H There are many buttwipe types. Almost any one will do. But this is the best of the bunch for the Lindy medicated cures it offers. Everybody poops. And hygiene is a critical art and science, but it takes time and circumstance to dial into what's best for your body chemistry and life experiences. So let's get into the buttwipe side of things. First of all, this recommendation assumes you are already familiar with the Bristol stool scale. As you age, you become more attuned to your inputs and outputs. If you're not concerned with any of this, then just buy whatever. Secondly, if you are min-maxing comfort and cleanliness and the inescapable imperfections of existence then Preparation H is a valuable consideration. Perhaps you are a bicyclist who has some saddle rash and butt callus considerations. Perhaps you engage in other butt-centric activities. Regardless, you will almost undoubtedly find yourself with a need for investigating salves such as this. Preparation H is a Lindy Effect blessed tried and true solution for many butt-oriented treatments. So the witch hazel and aloe and other elements constructing this solution all work wonders. And in the abstract, cleaning poop should be taken seriously. If you got poop on your arm, you'd be using soapy water cleansing tools galore. So stay clean, smell good, and stay health by using a [Bidet](/tools/bidet), good toilet paper (read: not [Who Gives A Crap Bamboo Toilet Paper](/tools/who-gives-a-crap-bamboo-toilet-paper)), and get some butt wipes to mop up after you've swept the crap aside, rinsed off thoroughly, and are applying a final hygienic touch. Note: This is HSA-compatible if the premium nature of medicated wipes isn't your jam. ### Prompter https://brianthackston.com/tools/prompter Teleprompter · Elgato Elgato's all-in-one teleprompter — a 9-inch display over your lens so you read scripts, apps, and notes while holding eye contact. ### Proton Pass https://brianthackston.com/tools/proton-pass Password Manager · Proton A cheap, quality-of-life option for keeping all your most information secure and/or shareable with your trusted contacts. Look, I get that a password management subscription sounds like one of the rings of hell. Paying. For the privilege of storing your passwords, which often have to change? If you’re doing any sort of estate planning, then you should know that digital access is quite literally the bane of everyone’s existence in the process. For spouses, family, executors, banks, and anyone else on either side of your bill payments. Make everyone's life easier and be a serious person with a serious password solution. Password management is basically digital laundry where you need to keep your digital hygiene clean. And Google Chrome, Apple's iCloud and other systems offer to do it for you. BUT. And this is a BIG OL' BUTT... [I don't trust like that!](https://youtu.be/zONW46d50A0) I want the freedom to move between Google's Android and Apple's iOS. And maybe even some different, secret third option. Like between Windows and my phone. Or Steam. Or whatever it is. Digital rights matter, especially if you're one of the luddites lamenting artificial intelligence -- which has many valid concerns, just not what's often vocalized. You need to take your digital ID seriously. You need to respect why it is you have to bathe. Germs are real! And the digital equivalent is nasty! And using a password manager, which is FREE, but also offering quality of life features for $200 lifetime from a Swiss company that understands zero-knowledge encryption, secure sharing, and what's really at stake. This is who I go with. Proton offers other sweet products in addition to a password manager like this one (e.g. their VPN for watching soccer or British detective shows or min/maxing to the max for Australian free public TV). But just this one gives you email aliases (and if you say "but Apple" then please re-read and buff that literacy stat please). I recommend this and it's an easy investment at $30/year when I already find myself paying ~$30 a meal or per month on some subscription or (half of) a shirt, etc. This is supporting a company I respect (but don't 100% always agree with, because a company is not your identity so you can be misaligned to some % and still respect, e.g. George Washington). *Important note: The link in the button is affiliate link, i.e. I get 30% of your ~$30/year subscription if you sign up. You do not pay any more than ususual, that is just how affiliate links from Wired and half the websites in your feed work. I ought to share everything affiliate I know at some point, because you most likely unwittingly use so many of them that don't disclose like the FTC says you have to and it's one big part of the modern world that makes me so, so, so angry for so many reasons. * *[This non-affiliate link will be the literally same price](https://proton.me/pass/pricing)** (i.e. free or ~$2.99/mo circa July 2026) BUT I will not receive any affiliate credit. And **[this is their non-affiliate link is to their lifetime version I have](https://account.proton.me/pass/signup?plan=passlifetime2024¤cy=USD)** which I think is worth the peace of mind.* *Other options in the same tool category are Bitwarden (it’s… fine) and LastPass (meh)* ### Ride1Up CF Racer1 eBike https://brianthackston.com/tools/ride1up-cf-racer1-ebike Health · Ride1Up Being active is easy when you're having fun. And biking is always fun. Imperfect beings we are, remaining active is essential for your body, brain, and spirit. And for some it comes easier than others, again because of the imperfect nature of our existence and such. Biking truly is one of the very best ways to stay active, particularly in the cardiovascular realm *(see: rise and fall of Peloton)*. And riding along on one of the most efficient machines ever devised is objectively superior exercise to running, given that you're kinder to your joints while properly exerting them and you simply cover more ground for more sights to see *(c.f. sauntering which maximizes the opportunity to stop and stare and slowly take in the wonder of the world , etc)*. Anywhoo, this bike is tremendous and I've had good luck with Ride1Up, which undoubtedly resells Chinese parts (but again, not a bad thing re: not paying premium for a Trek that also likely sources many parts from there which is by no means inherently wrong or bad, just a consideration). I've had the Lmt'd v1 and now this CF Racer1. Both fine bikes with the Lmt'd being a 1k+ mile over ~4 years for a wonderful starter bike. But this new CF Racer1 is a clear step up in terms of quality -- the smoothness of the ride in both pedaling and non-pedaling, the light yet sturdy carbon fiber parts, the gorgeous and glistening speckled black paint job. It's simply an amazing bike with tubeless tires and many other things that intuitively feel wonderful but are also well regarded by those deeper into the parts side of biking (like cars -- I know a good ride when I feel one but am not keen on DIY mechanical upkeep). I strongly recommend this bike or a similar one. And I strongly recommend finding an outdoor hobby that keeps you active, and even better if you can find multiple. Biking is one of the best (hiking a close second) and I've got immaculate trails right outside my doorstep so taking advantage of those with an incredible ebike has been a true joy and I hope you similarly experience that for yourself. ### Rite in the Rain https://brianthackston.com/tools/rite-in-the-rain Notetaking · Rite in the Rain I bought ~20 different types of pocketable notebooks over the past 5 years. My favorite notebook remains MUJI Pocket Notebook *(Passport Memo Notebook, 4.9" X 3.5" inch)* for the overall pocketability and lined notes. But nowhere seems to sell them anymore. And [the Panobook](https://www.studioneat.com/products/panobook) is far and away my favorite notebook for the desk *(give it a try; placing a notebook underneath your keyboard alongside a glorious **[Zebra F-701](/tools/zebra-f701)** is lifechanging)*. HOWEVER the Rite in the Rain has proven its worth. I started bringing some rough pre-written topics for a ~30-60 minute walk each day to talk work and ideas with ai with a face full of sun to clear my mind (see: Sauntering). Well, those notes started mysteriously going through the wash and yet I was able to find them and re-reference (some days I don't get to talk through all my topics!). Anywho, here's the types I picked up and enjoy for the suspected longevity given the proven durability. - 3x5 Top Spiral Notebook - 3.25x4.5 Stapled Notebook The paper itself feels a bit weird, but no weird pen is needed to reap it's advantages *(and reminder: I'm a Zebra F701 purist)*. ### Rize https://brianthackston.com/tools/rize Timetracking · Rize This is the best use of ai currently available if you are a professional who tracks their time for billable work (lawyer, marketer, consultant, etc). Rize automatically tracks your computer activity and helps you assign it to client work. It also provides fantastic insights in a beautiful-to-use tool for seeing where your time is spent on the computer. Whether you're billing clients or you want to course correct for your time spent on a desktop or laptop device, there's nothing better than this. And I've used a handful of these tool types for legal timetracking software and they're all so much clumsier and poorly performing than this in terms of the artful ai usage. And for $25/mo to save you literally hours of time manually tracking or fighting with poorly-implemented ai timetracking, it’s worth its install and resource weight in gold (or compute or however the analogy should be adapted for an ai tool like this). Fantastic support too from a boostrapped, capable team if you ever need anything. ### Rotring 600 Ballpoint Pen https://brianthackston.com/tools/rotring-600-ballpoint-pen Notetaking · rOtring It's German engineering so you know it's nice (and heavy and overcomplicated and expensive). Not the everyperson masterpiece that a Zebra F701 is, but a pretty perfect premium pen for me. Make no mistake with pen tiers: [Zebra F701](/tools/zebra-f701) is the undisputed best pen. The price point, the quality, the default ink, everything. It's an incredible pen. For ~4x the cost, you can get the Rotring 600 ballpoint pen. It's another phenomenal pen that shares many of the same qualities that make the F701 so great. The Rotoring has some good heft to it with the metallic body, it's got a gnarled grip so it's actually easy to hold (unlike the [Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen](/tools/parker-jotter-ballpoint-pen) which is the idea of pen). And the click of the button is excellent, superior even to the Zebra family. The colorways of the Rotoring family are also excellent and the default 1.0 ink is a bit thicker but also smoother. The 600 has become my desk's daily driver given all this and a decision to lean into the $36 luxury since I deserve it. It sits on top of the [Panobook](/tools/panobook) and they're excellent together. If you're a writer who likes to jot and scribble and diagram and whatnot, I strongly recommend this or the Zebra family. I know little to nothing about the writing implements best for drawing, however. *The Rotring family is known for mechanical pencils. And I do have a separate 3-in-1 Rotring 600 which is black pen, red pen, and mechanical pencil. * *Theoretically 3-in-1 is the best of all worlds. However: * - *a) having an at your fingertips red pen for secondary markup when scribbling schematical notes is fantastic, and * - *b) the black pen sacrifices some quality vs. the 1-in-1 ballpoint only, and * - *c) including a mechanical pencil without an attached eraser undermines the whole thing* *It feels antithetical to the pen’s 3-in-1 convenient, premium design to sacrifice so much pen quality via ink inferiority and so much versatility via lack of eraser.* ### SELPHY CP1500 Wireless Compact Photo Printer https://brianthackston.com/tools/canon-selphy Printer · Canon The paper isn't cheap, but that's to be expected with this quick-print, polaroid-novelty type device. The quality of the 5x7 option is more than fine enough for hobbyist needs. It’s basically the size of your hand (but like printer bulk and proportions y’know). I enjoy the sticker option which also requires an additional accessory that was a bit hard to get. And the app makes it fairly easy to print, although it could be better with properly fitting the stickers. But if you want to elevate your picture-taking from beneath the digital waves of the web and actually remember your photos by having those physical, tactical reminders spread throughout your actual, real life then this is a great device. ### Stream Deck Pedal https://brianthackston.com/tools/stream-deck-pedal Foot Pedal · Elgato Elgato's three-pedal USB footswitch — hands-free triggers for macros, mute, push-to-talk, and any Stream Deck action. ### Stream Deck Plus https://brianthackston.com/tools/stream-deck-plus Stream Controller · Elgato Elgato's control surface — 8 customizable LCD keys, 4 rotary dials, and a touch strip to trigger scenes, mix audio, and fire off app actions. ### Talking Flower https://brianthackston.com/tools/talking-flower Entertainment · Nintendo Nintendo's cuckoo clock that announces each hour alongside other random murmurings. A real-life Talking Flower from Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It's a home or desk companion that offers words of encouragement and silly quips throughout the day. The cuckoo clock feature is the highlight and announces the hour, comments on the time and has a bedtime/wake schedule with a sleep mode, and a quiet-time button. Runs on two AA batteries and strongly recommended for anyone with little kids that want a routine for napping and going to bed on time. ### The Baltimore Banner https://brianthackston.com/tools/the-baltimore-banner Newspaper · The Baltimore Banner The Fourth Estate is an essential investment. Do not take it for granted. Pay for smart people to do an invaluable job. Pulitzer-prize-winning journalism from a nonprofit that rebuilt from the talent that was at the Baltimore Sun. Great for local coverage, decent for nationwide topics, and the parent organization is expanding on the blueprint with the recent acquisition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. You want educated folks and good journalism? Then you gotta subscribe to good local (and national) news. Advertising is not enough and tough to balance with the glut of free content flooding everybody's screens these days. *Reminder: you can “negotiate” with virtually any newspaper source. I cancel each one before renewal and always end up paying a fraction of the price during the "~5 minute “cancellation” process. * *Yes, yes, **[dark patterns](http://deathtobullshit.com/)**. And yes, yes, I mention this in the same breath where I pontificated about “funding journalism” but I do so because a) I do it and b) if it help entice you to pay for quality news (vs. settling for free, corpo-controlled slop) then more power to us all. * ### Tonal 1 https://brianthackston.com/tools/tonal Exercise · Tonal No excuses when this is immediately staring at you after you roll out of bed. And it's always worth investing in yourself. Spend the money and give yourself zero excuses to do a huge variety of strength, mobility, stretching and other exercises. It gamifies without driving you nuts and there's nothing better than rolling out of bed, getting a pump on, all while half-sleeping and not even needing to think about counting reps, changing weights, because it walks you through the sets and moves you along beautifully. This is also where I get 100% of my "whats the top 40 music like these days" answers. I let it play gym music because the rhythm is right and if I want to hate on Sabrina Carpenter or agree that I do like Taylor Swift then it helps me tap into that. But that's a personal thing because I listen to 0% Spotify or terrestrial radio. Anyhow, this is a bit expensive. But whether it’s this or some other workout method, you sadly cannot ignore physical movement as you age. And it even becomes a fun celebration of ability showcasing what you can do rather than a torturous exercise in what you have to do to stay alive and thrive. ### Tretinoin https://brianthackston.com/tools/tretinoin Health A good spot-annihilator that should only be used judiciously. Everybody has blemishes. Be it blemishes of the soul or a pimple upon the face or some other unsightly bit about you that you'd rather hide. For the acne-types, Tretinoin is some good stuff. Tretinoin, in my totally underinformed but practically experienced perspective, makes you shed your skin like a snake. But you only shed just a bit and rather innocuously (especially with a generous use of [Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum](/tools/neutrogena-hydro-boost-night-pressed-serum) and the like). Your cells die and turnover every day. This seems to just hurry it along a tad bit with precision strikes to help you shed your blemish. I've shared some of my skin troubles via the slog that was my Isotretinoin AKA Accutane saga. A worthwhile medicine that shares overlap in name and effect. If you're dealing with chronic cystic acne then I strongly stand by that recommendation. For those instead with the occasional blemish -- cystic or otherwise -- this is some good stuff. *And as a reminder, I am not a medical doctor (albeit a Juris one). * *My skin is (thankfully) not your skin. I am pale, and pasty, and my skin withers in the sun and even tries to give me cancer. If you think this sort of medical tool could also help you then talk to a dermatologist because it's likely more affordable than you think (and worthwhile re: dealing with your problems, instilling confidence in your command of this world, etc).* ### Wave 3 https://brianthackston.com/tools/wave-3 Microphone · Elgato Elgato's USB condenser mic — onboard DSP, Clipguard distortion protection, and a capacitive tap-to-mute for clean streams and podcasts. ### Who Gives A Crap Bamboo Toilet Paper https://brianthackston.com/tools/who-gives-a-crap-bamboo-toilet-paper Health · Who Gives A Crap Do not buy this toilet paper. It is the equivalent of wiping your butt with printer paper. Look, I will not get into all the details. Different strokes for different folks and everyone's butthole is a bit different. Mine is a bit sensitive and I'm going to leave it at that for now *(also see: **[Bidet](/tools/bidet)**, Preparation H Buttwipes, and inescapable aging-related entropy in general)*. What I will scream for the rooftops here is that this toilet paper is objectively the least comfortable toilet paper I have ever used. It does not stand up to water very well *(see: **[Bidet](/tools/bidet)** pre-wipe rinsing)*. It rips poorly. It is abrasive and sharp and unforgiving. And even for the sake of debate. let’s say there’s a skill issue re: the fold vs. ball debate, and uhhh sphincter dilation practice? But even given all that is top 1%, you would not be able to escape the levels of wiping discomfort and frustration trying to make this TP work. I would rather have single ply commercial office toilet paper. And note: this bamboo crap is allegedly triple ply! At least crumby commercial office toilet paper’s only real dangers are a finger breaking through and/or the general lack of premium softness. This Who Gives a Crap bamboo paper is a menace and should not be sold or given to anyone under any circumstance. And you're paying a premium for this toilet paper experience. Perhaps I'm underestimating the trade-offs of sustainably sourced bamboo toilet paper, but I don't care. This is not a real solution for proper health, wellness, and hygiene. ### Zebra F701 https://brianthackston.com/tools/zebra-f701 Notetaking · Zebra Any pen from the Zebra family will do, but this is my favorite. Zebra pens have the fine-point writing that I enjoy. It allows you to be precise when annotating in the margin of your notes, a book, or whatever it is I'm scribbling on. That's one of my major conditions of satisfaction for a pen -- I don't want a sloppy, inky, bloated mess where space is gobbled up and the excess ink ends up on your hands and arms and clothing. Fine point people are the finest around. Outside of the fine point and cheap refills, the weight and texture of the pen is important. This feels good in hand without being ostentatious. It grips nicely with the textured grip vs. it's inferior but still good [F-402 sibling](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/f-402-retractable-ballpoint-pen?variant=40832127303886) where the rubber gets grimy over time (*also see: **[Logitech MX Master 3 thoughts](/tools/mx-master-3s)*). And an F-402 I’m reluctant to lend it out due to grubby-mitted people; [gimme a non-rubber-gripped F-301](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/f-301-retractable-ballpoint?variant=40845748961486) if I'm going downstream or a [X-701](https://www.zebrapen.com/products/x-701-retractable-ballpoint?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=63a6e91ed&pr_rec_pid=6929918165198&pr_ref_pid=6929918034126&pr_seq=uniform) if I'm doing some [Rite in the Rain](/tools/zebra-f701) uncertain conditions kinda work; and then of course [the kingly T3-Mini](https://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-Techo-T-3-Mini-Ballpoint-Pen-0.7-mm-Black-Ink/pd/37012) for everyday carry with a notebook. Anyhow, there are many good pens out in the world but Zebra F-701 is ol' reliable with easy refills, low cost barrels, and a perfect feel in hand and on paper. I’ve used other, finer point pens but it feels like they’re cutting through the paper whereas a Zebra simply glides along. ### Obsidian https://brianthackston.com/tools/obsidian Notetaking · Obsidian Preference and use case matters here. Apple Notes most likely for thee, but Obsidian as of late for me. There are more than just a few ways to get me to talk profusely, passionately, and consistently. Notetaking (pens, notebooks, systems, et al) is one of them. Documentation as some call it. For time eternal, I have jotted down my thoughts and drawings and diagrams and whatnot. I have an 8 foot by 10 foot whiteboard in my teeny, tiny home office AKA The Laboratory. I love writing in all its forms (which is why I'm now trying to be better about sharing my writing vs. hoarding it). You could consider me a Notion poweruser. But since adopting and powerusing Notion, I've gone from primarily multi-player documentation needs to single-player almost exclusively (save for the "Wanderlust" event which transforming an Obsidian markdown file into a lowest-common-denominator Google Sheet more than suffices). With Obsidian, I am paying far less, it's loved by Claude for ai-infused-work, and it's safely secured in multiple places so if something were to ever happen to my Google Account (e.g. I protest something that somebody somewhere doesn't like) then I won't lose my digital life's work. Unlikely, but the older I get and the more DECADES of notes I accumulate, the more valuable the "safely backed up locally and in the cloud" feature becomes. It's hard to learn, but easy-ish to master if you stick to the core principle of optimizing your "time-to-take-note" metrics alongside volume, frequency of re-referencing, and what the goal of notetaking as exercise actually is. And there is some jank but it’s a different sorta product from something super-polished (so Anywho, I'll have a lot more to add here as I transform my digital archives. I'm ~6 months into the Notion to Obsidian transition (which again, isn't a slight on Notion just a reflection of my single-player priorities). #### Obsidian Tips for Getting Started - Do not use any plugins other than the core ones to start - The official sync is worth it unless you’re a computer freak - Use the Daily Note feature primarily, that exercise will train you for good notetaking habits inside (and outside) Obsidian - You can paste a picture in and then move the file to a different folder with a right click - The folders are simply desktop folders and you should right click to have them take a look where and how they live - The web clipper is worth installing on your browser but try to limit being a hoarder (e.g. I have a “link swipe” in the daily note where I share links I’m not certain need to be saved word-for-word in case of link rot;' the best I actually clip) - My structure is simple: 9 folders with some subfolders. Those folders basically echo the sections on this website - Graph view is a novelty; amusing, interesting visual display but ultimately not meaningful to how well your vault is working and how you should structure your setup (which needs to prioritize intuitive-use over analysis-paralysis) ### Logitech MX Master 3 https://brianthackston.com/tools/mx-master-3s Computer · Logitech My hand oils are not compatible with this rubberized nonsense. The dual scroll wheel was revolutionary for me. And I got a good 12+ months out of it. But I have oily skin. Like what the face washes and sunscreens and other products tell you about and how it only impacts a certain % of people in a significant way (like Cilantro) and how we’re all on this like spectrum of human experience. Well, my hand oils aren’t compatible with it and so the rubber slowly got discolored and junky (so may have also been a “I didn’t clean properly re: use of alcohol-based-cleaners). But that type of rubber on any product is a no go and I had to retire it (*also see: **[Zebra 402 vs 701 commentary](/tools/zebra-f701)*). It ripped through many a spreadsheet and website with me; that second wheel is something else. Anywho, I’ve now moved onto a Keychron M6 which improves upon a) weight, quite significantly which I didn’t expect to appreciate, b) material, and c) cost. --- ## Wardrobe ### A.L.O.N.E. T-Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/t-shirt-a-l-o-n-e-health Shirt · HEALTH · Black A.L.O.N.E. tour tee from the band HEALTH. We shall see. ### Adidas Terrex https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shoes-adidas-terrex Shoes · Adidas · Black Good for long walks where weatherproofing is needed. I got these Terrex high tops for $75 in 2024 and it was money well spent. They're good for simple styling sauntering in cities and other long days. Not a huge foot profile (a bit bigger than [Black Iron Ranger Boots](/wardrobe/shoes-black-redwing-iron-ranger-boots)), which I like vs. chunky-bois (although [SpeedArc Matis Black](/wardrobe/shoes-merrell-speedarc-matis-black) has a time and place with certain outfits requiring cool comfort). The shoes are pretty wide and roomy with boost cushioning which just means they've got some decent support. I prefer Merrell for hiking, but again, for some city-walking in Fall and Winter that'll be more intense than Redwing wants, I'll give these a go -- especially in inclement weather. ### Air Max DN Roam Obsidian https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shoes-nike-air-max-dn-roam-obsidian Shoes · Nike · Obsidian All-weather Air Max with a zip-shroud upper, ripstop panels, and Dynamic Air underfoot — Obsidian with chile-red and blue-lagoon hits for the gray days. We shall see. ### Amber Iron Ranger Boots https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shoes-amber-redwing-iron-ranger-boots Shoes · Red Wing · Amber leather (8111) Red Wing Iron Ranger in Amber Harness leather (8111), size 9.5. Incredible boots. Not bulky, form fitting, but a bit of a break in period. Best worn with wool socks. They're not hiking boots, but they hold up for extended city walking. ### Ascent Blue ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Tee https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shirt-ascent-blue-activeice-spectrum-sun-tee Shirt · Outdoor Research · Ascent Blue Heather Outdoor Research's ActiveIce sun tee — a cooling, quick-drying performance shirt with UPF 50+ sun protection, in an Ascent blue heather. A good shirt for warm exercise situations. But nothing too special when comparing to Under Armour run and other technical pieces. The fit is a bit baggy too. ### Atlantic Ranger Shirt Jacket https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/overshirt-atlantic-ranger-shirt-jacket Overshirt · Outdoor Research · Atlantic Heather Outdoor Research's Ranger shirt jacket — a wool-blend sweater-knit shacket with a reinforced ripstop yoke and snap chest pockets, worn as a warm midlayer or a standalone overshirt. ### Baltimore Ravens Sneakers https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shoes-nike-baltimore-ravens Shoes · Nike · Purple and gold A good way to rep the team in a comfy shoe (and I got them on a dramatic sale of 50+% off). Fun to wear during football season with other Baltimore Ravens gear. ### Black Alpaca Wool Socks https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/socks-warrior-alpaca-wool Socks · Warrior Alpaca Socks · Black Extremely soft and comfy wool socks, but bad colorway and shape blows out fast. ### Black Alpine Onset Merino Hoodie https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hoodie-black-alpine-onset-merino-hoodie Hoodie · Outdoor Research · Black A 150-weight merino-blend base-layer hoodie for warmth and odor resistance, in cold weather activity-ing. It's remarkably light and thin yet powerful for next-to-skin layer with a tightly clinging hood. ### Black Alpine Onset Merino Tee https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shirt-black-alpine-onset-merino-tee Shirt · Outdoor Research · Black Outdoor Research's 150-weight merino-blend tee. Breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant (most important) that regulates temperature across seasons. UPF 30 too!. I recently wore this in Washington DC in 100+ degree weather while viewing the National Mall spectacle-less 250th celebration before flaneuring on over to the Postal Service Smithsonian Museum. The shirt performed admirably despite literal buckets of sweat. Like literally dripping down my back in the high heat and humidity. But wouldn't you know it didn't stick horribly to my skin, and most importantly, I did not smell horrible. Strongly recommend. ### Black Bike Shorts https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shorts-bike-shorts-outdoor-research Shorts · Outdoor Research · Black Outdoor Research bike shorts for warm-weather rides. These are made for the activity, making biking even easier. ### Black Casual Belt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/belt-casual-black-belt Belt · Arcade · Black Perfectly light and stretchy for any set of casual pants. Pure black and second to the Blue Casual Belt. Good belt that fits nicely. But I prefer the blue one. ### Black Connect T-Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/t-shirt-black-david-lynch-connect Shirt · David Lynch · Black Official David Lynch "Connect" graphic tee. ### Black Denim Western Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/overshirt-black-denim-western-shirt Overshirt · Levi's · Light black Levi's Barstow Western in light-black denim — a fall and spring overshirt. The cut was a bit small but it looks great otherwise. ### Black Deviator Gloves https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/gloves-black-deviator-gloves Gloves · Outdoor Research · Black Hybrid active gloves — stretch-woven shell with Xreflex heat-reflective insulation and goat-leather palm overlays. ### Black Dress Shoes https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/dress-shoes-clark-s-dress-shoes Dress Shoes · Clarks · Black Black leather Clarks, size 11. Retired. These served me extremely well and I loved them dearly. I really need to polish them — or get a new pair. ### Black Dress Shoes https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/dress-shoes-park-avenue-oxford-allen-edmonds Dress Shoes · Allen Edmonds · Black Classic professional dress shoe. Bought on sale for $350. Park Avenue Oxford. Brilliant feel, classic look. Worth the money, but talk to me again in 10 years. ### Black Expedition Parka https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/jacket-north-face-expedition-parka Jacket · The North Face · Black The warmest jacket this side of the Canadian border. And the suspenders are the underrated hero here with easy, cape-like draping when I walk to the mall, GameOn bar+arcade, or anywhere else in Winter and need to quickly cool down. ### Black Ferrosi Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-black-ferrosi-pants Pants · Outdoor Research · Black Excellent softshell pants. stretch-woven nylon ripstop that's light, breathable, and wind-resistant; the trouser version of my Ferrosi hoodie. ### Black Fish Pro Cargo Shorts https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shorts-black-fish-pro-cargo-sport-under-armour Shorts · Under Armour · Black Under Armour Fish Pro 2.0 cargo shorts in black. These are light, sleek, highly breathable and have some great cargo pockets to go with water repellentness. ### Black Freewheel Ride Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-black-freewheel-ride-pants Pants · Outdoor Research · Black Stretch-woven MTB ride pants designed for movement and abrasion-resistant for the trail. ### Black Heather Zip-Up Hoodie https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hoodie-black-outdoor-research-zip-up Hoodie · Outdoor Research · Black Heather Outdoor Research Cyprus full-zip hoody — a hybrid of technical wool fleece and synthetic insulation. Slightly big and the warmest hoodie in the rotation; layers well over a vest. A bit baggy, but warm and soft with a nice heathered look. Works well with a vest. Slightly big, and the warmest of my hoodie options. ### Black Honestly I'm Sort Of T-Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/t-shirt-black-david-lynch-honestly-im-sort-of Shirt · David Lynch · Black Official David Lynch "Honestly, I'm Sort Of" graphic tee. ### Black I Can Tell You It's Great T-Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/t-shirt-black-david-lynch-i-can-tell-you-its-great Shirt · David Lynch · Black Official David Lynch "I Can Tell You It's Great" graphic tee. ### Black Iron Ranger Boots https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shoes-black-redwing-iron-ranger-boots Shoes · Red Wing · Black leather (8084) Red Wing Iron Ranger in black leather. Incredible boots. Not bulky, form fitting, but a bit of a break in period. ### Black Leather Belt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/belt-wide-basic-black-leather-allen-edmonds Belt · Allen Edmonds · Black A good, solid belt for suits and other professional settings. Could likely work on jeans and other less dressy situations. Size 34 and got it on sale for $80. A classic that does the job well. A good, solid belt for suits and other professional settings — would likely work with jeans too. Size 34, picked up on sale for $80. ### Black Mac Jacket https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/jacket-banana-republic-mac-jacket Jacket · Banana Republic Factory · Black A black mac/trench-style layer — clean lines, an easy throw-on for transitional weather. ### Black Made in America V-Neck https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/undershirt-black-made-in-america-v-neck Undershirt · Jockey · Black Jockey's Made in America V-neck undershirt. Irregular sizing, but the good news is 100% American-grown cotton in a relaxed fit. ### Black Merino Base Layer https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hoodie-thermal-merino-base-layer Hoodie · Smartwool · Black We shall see. ### Black Obsidian Graphic Hoodie https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hoodie-black-obsidian-graphic Hoodie · Cotton Bureau · Black / Multicolor Graphic A heavyweight Cotton Bureau "Obsidian Drive" pullover with a two-sided graphic — slightly thicker and warmer than most of my hoodies, and one of my favorites. A wonderful heavyweight that fits me perfectly and reps something worth sharing. ### Black Obsidian Graphic Tee https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/t-shirt-black-obsidian-graphic Shirt · Cotton Bureau · Black with Obsidian graphic on front High quality shirt and print from a brand I don't mind repping. ### Black Rain Jacket https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/jacket-rain-jacket Jacket · North Face · Black A breathable rain jacket for walking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. ### Black Run Quarter Ultralightweight Cushion Socks https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/socks-run-quarter-ultralightweight-cushion-socks Socks · Darn Tough · Black A noir wool hiking-optional sock for long pants. ### Black STF Jeans https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-black-jeans-stf Pants · Levi's · Black Rigid 501 Shrink-to-Fit — no belt, button fly, and they get softer with every wear. Once you get past the break in period and beyond the diaper butt, these are incredible jeans that I'd recommend to anyone. They fit amazing now that I've worn them for 50+ hours. But hours 3 through 50 it seemed like I wouldn't escape diaper butt despite doing a perfect shrink-to-fit process. No belt required and they get better and softer with each wear. Size 33x34 (so next pair shall be 33x33). ### Black Smooth Fit V-Neck https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/undershirt-black-smooth-fit-v-neck Undershirt · Jockey · Black A 90/10 cotton-spandex blend that hugs without bunching under fitted shirts with nifty moisture-wicking whatnots. But as an undershirt, these are good (and the Made-In-America Jockey too, but irregular sizing meant I got some way-too-short for undershirting). ### Black Star T-Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/t-shirt-black-david-lynch-star Shirt · David Lynch · Black Official David Lynch "Star" graphic tee. ### Black Sun Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/overshirt-black-sun-shirt Overshirt · Nike ACG · Black Black snap-front sun shirt with an absurd number of pockets. A fantastic overshirt. Perhaps my favorite with all its pockets that pairs well with a variety of gear and has phenomenal breathability and comfort. Versatile and fun to wear given all the pockets — easy to unbutton or take off entirely. Great for outdoor adventures in cities; for real hiking it needs head protection to go with it. ### Black Tank Top https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shirt-black-pbs-tank-top Shirt · PBS · Black Black PBS tank top. I'm not sure I can pull off a tank top but it seems like a good one. ### Black Trucker Biking https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/jacket-black-trucker-biking Jacket · Levi's · Black Levi's Commuter Trucker — stretch denim with a water- and dirt-repellent finish, reflective hits, and a stowable hood. Windproof, water-shedding, and built for biking and city wear; best over a hoodie or layer. A good outer layer for walking, biking, and other city-focused outdoor activity. Best worn over a hoodie or another layer. ### Black Trucker Hoodie https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/jacket-black-trucker-hoodie Jacket · Levi's · Black Levi's hybrid hoodie-trucker jacket in black. Can't wear an actual hoodie underneath — the design already mimics a hoodie under a trucker jacket. ### Black V-Neck Compression Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/undershirt-black-v-neck-compression-shirt Undershirt · Under Armour · Black Under Armour's HeatGear V-neck compression shirt. It's an undershirt so sweat wicking, fasty drying, and odor fighting are actually important. The low V-neck stays hidden under an open collar and when I'm feeling svelte it's my best option. ### Black Vest https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/vest-black-outdoor-research Vest · Outdoor Research · Black Outdoor Research Transcendent down vest — 800-fill warmth in a water-resistant recycled-nylon shell that packs down small. Good for hiking and walking, and a step up on the navy OR vest. I am at the age where a good vest helps perfectly temperature regulate in Fall, Winter, and Spring. This one is light, packable, and very nice. Good for hiking, walking, and other outdoor activities. The one I reach for over the navy version. ### Black Waffle Hoodie https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hoodie-black-north-face-waffle Hoodie · The North Face · Black North Face waffle-knit pullover — a bit tighter and thicker than most of my hoodies, with that waffle texture holding a little extra warmth. A bit tight but a great feel for warmth and breathability. A bit tighter and thicker than most of my other hoodies. ### Black Wayfarer Smart Glasses https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/sunglasses-black-meta-wayfarer-raybans Sunglasses · Ray-Ban Meta · Black frames with graphite lense Incredible video. I'm sorry for the surveillance state folks but I strongly disagree re: phones, actual discrete cameras, and then being able to live in the moment while recording memories. This pair and my previous pair however — abysmal battery life. They double as a camera and headphones, and the carrying case charges them between wears. ### Black Zip-Up Hoodie https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hoodie-black-under-armour-zip-up Hoodie · Under Armour · Black Partially waterproof and warmer than most other hoodies, a bit technical looking. Warmer than most of my other hoodies. ### Blue & Purple Sun Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/overshirt-blue-and-purple-sun-shirt Overshirt · Nike ACG · Blue / Purple Nike ACG Dri-FIT ADV "Devastation Trail" UV shirt — versatile and fun with all the pockets, buttons open, and packs away easily. Great for city adventures; bring head protection if you're hiking. Similar to the black overshirt, it's phenomenal and the pockets are incredible for somebody with EDCs like notebooks, earbuds and more. ### Blue & Red Striped Silk Tie https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/tie-striped-silk-blue-and-red Tie · J.Crew · Blue and Red I rarely to never wear ties but this is a good one with a bit of flair to it. ### Blue 501 Thermadapt Jeans https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-blue-jeans-thermodapt-501 Pants · Levi's · Blue Levi's 501 Thermadapt jeans, 32x32. A solid fit and they are breathable in the Summer, we shall see for the Winter! These fit very well, albeit a bit tight in the groin — which is a first for me, so maybe a result of some of that exercising of the cake area. ### Blue Airvent Athletic Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-blue-athletic-airvent-under-armour Pants · Under Armour · Blue Under Armour airvent athletic pants in blue. Returned. I appreciate the baggy with my other Under Armour cargo pants, but those tapered and these would have been under foot collecting junk. ### Blue Anchor Relaxed Jeans https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-blue-anchor-relaxed-jeans Pants · Levi's · Palo Ranch (blue) Levi's Blue Tab Anchor Relaxed jeans. My first pair of Blue Tabs! But I'm scared on the cut. Rigid 100% cotton denim in a relaxed straight fit, in the Palo Ranch wash (it was 67% off). ### Blue Bird's Eye Suit Jacket https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/suit-jacket-blue-suit-supply Suit Jacket · Suitsupply · Blue Bird's Eye Suit Supply jacket in mid-blue bird's-eye pure-wool S110's — light-blue lining, black-and-grey buttons. Best worn with the matching trousers. Tailored to me with beautiful, breathable, durable materials. How could I not love this? ### Blue Bird's Eye Suit Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/suit-pants-blue-suit-supply Suit Pants · Suitsupply · Blue Bird's Eye Suit Supply trousers in a mid-blue bird's-eye S110 wool — no belt needed thanks to built-in side adjusters. Best worn with the matching jacket. Tailored to me with beautiful, breathable, durable materials. How could I not love this? ### Blue Button-Down https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/dress-shirt-blue-bonobos-button-down Dress Shirt · Bonobos · Blue Bonobos premium dress shirt in blue dobby — point collar. It's a solid shirt that I'll use for a long while but it always reminds me why no-iron shirts exist. Needs to be ironed. Slim fit, 16 neck, 34 arms. ### Blue Casual Belt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/belt-casual-blue-belt Belt · Arcade · Blue and Black Perfectly light and stretchy for any set of casual pants. A nifty little mountain design and my preferred casual belt for jeans and such. ### Blue Chino Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-blue-prana-chino-pants Pants · prAna · Gray Blue prAna chino pants in gray-blue. Fine at first but then they start to feel cheap after the novelty of the lightweightness wears off. Needs a belt. Good for walking and business-casual conferences; water-repellent. ### Blue Classic Camo https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/sun-hoodie-blue-classic-camo Sun Hoodie · Outdoor Research · Blue Classic Camo An ultralight Echo sun hoodie — 100% recycled polyester, ActiveTemp cooling, trim fit, in a Blue Classic Camo print. ### Blue Corduroy Button-Down https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/dress-shirt-blue-corduroy-bonobos-button-down Dress Shirt · Bonobos · Blue Corduroy Very comfortable and a bit more casual; button collar. Great for working from home (alongside my non-corduroy, soft blue Costco $10 gem). You cannot beat corduroy and for a WFH shirt or business casual it's a beaut. ### Blue Corduroy Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-blue-corduroys Pants · Levi's · Blue Levi's XX Chino standard-taper corduroys in blue. A little slim but good corduroys are hard to come by and these, especially with the secret zip pocket, are good. ### Blue Denim Western Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/overshirt-blue-denim-western-shirt Overshirt · Levi's · Light Blue Levi's Longhorn Western shirt in light-blue denim. ### Blue Down Jacket https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/jacket-under-armour-limitless-ultra-light Jacket · Under Armour · Jasper Blue A packable 800-fill duck-down jacket with UA Storm water-repellency — stuffs into its own hand pocket. Jasper blue. ### Blue Heather Sweater https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/sweater-blue-heather Sweater · J.Crew · Heather Dark Midnight This fit was the least flattering thing I've ever worn. Very soft though. ### Blue Heather Unity One T-Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/t-shirt-blue-heather-david-lynch-unity-one Shirt · David Lynch · Blue Heather Official David Lynch "Unity One" graphic tee. ### Blue Hooded Jacket https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hoodie-ferrosi-outdoor-research Jacket · Outdoor Research · Blue An Outdoor Research Ferrosi softshell hoodie in Skyline blue — stretch-woven nylon ripstop that's light, breathable, and wind-resistant. ### Blue Hoodie https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hoodie-blue-prana Hoodie · prAna · Blue heather Lightweight cotton prAna hoodie in blue heather. A nice, light hoodie that's admittedly lost a bit too much of its shape. Very lightweight. ### Blue Insulated Anorak https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/jacket-outdoor-research-shadow-insulated-anorak Jacket · Outdoor Research · Blue A half-zip insulated anorak — synthetic VerticalX ECO that keeps warming even when damp, with a hood and kangaroo pocket. An easy active mid-layer. ### Blue Lounge Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-blue-prana-lounge-pants Pants · prAna · Gray Blue prAna lounge pants in gray-blue. Good for lounging but not really out and about pants, they just have an air of pajama about them. Great for traveling and lounging. Zippered side pocket and drawstring waist. ### Blue Merino Wool Socks https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/socks-outway-merino-wool-blue Socks · Outway · Sky Good wool socks without being too thick for excellent versatility so far and a good colorway to boot. Good versatile socks. ### Blue Olympic Clouds https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/sun-hoodie-blue-olympic-clouds Sun Hoodie · Outdoor Research · Olympic Cloudscape An ultralight Echo sun hoodie — 100% recycled polyester, ActiveTemp cooling, trim fit, in an Olympic Cloudscape print. ### Blue Ombré Plaid Frontier Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/blue-ombre-plaid-frontier-shirt Shirt · Pendleton · Blue Ombré Plaid Got this on sale in an attempt to match some of my more brown boot outfits. Pretty good fit. I like Pendleton products. This one seems pretty good like the rest. And getting their stuff on sale is a major plus. It's thin but comfy. And it's vibrant. Just so vibrant it's on the cusp of being a bit too flamboyant (which nothing wrong with any which way, see: [Blue Short-Sleeve Camp Shirt](/wardrobe/overshirt-short-sleeve-camp-shirt)). But it's much louder especially relative to my usual blacks and dark blues t-shirt color scheme (often juxtaposed with professional suiting hours prior or post). But this'll hopefully do nicely as I mature into a button down shirt old man or whatever it is that's going on. ### Blue Plaid Board Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/overshirt-blue-plaid-board-shirt Overshirt · Pendleton · Blue Original Surf Plaid A 100% virgin-wool board shirt in Pendleton's Blue Original Surf plaid — a warm, classic layer with a loop collar and chest pockets. ### Blue Plaid Feedback Flannel https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/overshirt-blue-plaid-feedback-flannel Overshirt · Outdoor Research · Classic Blue Plaid An OR Feedback flannel twill shirt in Classic Blue plaid — a relaxed 100% polyester flannel that wicks and breathes, with UPF 50+ and chest pockets. ### Blue Primary Colors T-Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/t-shirt-blue-david-lynch-primary-colors Shirt · David Lynch · Blue Official David Lynch "Primary Colors" graphic tee. ### Blue Run No-Show Tab Ultralightweight Cushion Socks https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/socks-run-no-show-tab-ultralightweight-cushion Socks · Darn Tough · Eclipse No show-ish may make me look old, but it makes me feel cool. Literally and because legs are sexy with or without body stockings. As a wool clothing convert, Darn Tough makes some good ones. ### Blue Short-Sleeve Camp Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/overshirt-short-sleeve-camp-shirt Overshirt · Levi's · Jacquard My second Levi's Blue Tab item. And my first silk wardobe piece ### Blue Woven Shorts https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shorts-blue-woven-under-armour Shorts · Under Armour · Blue Under Armour Unstoppable woven shorts in blue. Great colorway, good fit, and very breathable for heavy exercise or straight chilling on hot days. ### Brown Cargo Hiking Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-charcoal-prana-cargo-hiking-pants Pants · prAna · Brown prAna Stretch Zion cargo hiking pants. Light, durable, and with some low-profile cargo pockets. These are great. Good for hiking — water-repellent and breathable. ### Brown Dress Shoes https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/dress-shoes-gh-bass-dress-shoes Dress Shoes · G.H. Bass · Brown Brown leather G.H. Bass dress shoes, size 11. These are fine, I've just struggled to incorporate brown into my limited suit wears (and are rather uncomfortable). I should probably get a new pair, despite never wearing these. ### Brown Leather Jacket https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/jacket-brown-leather-jacket Jacket · Levi's · Brown Vegan Leather Levi's faux-leather racer jacket in brown. Best used with a hoodie underneath. ### Burgundy Suit Jacket https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/suit-jacket-burgundy-spier-and-mckay Suit Jacket · Spier & Mackay · Burgundy Spier & Mackay suit jacket in dark burgundy wool — 40R contemporary. Good quality but a bit boxy (and that's coming from me, the ultimate quintessentially generic shaped man). ### Burgundy Suit Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/suit-pants-burgundy-spier-and-mckay Suit Pants · Spier & Mackay · Burgundy Spier & Mackay suit trousers in dark burgundy wool. Good quality and came unhemmed but a bit wide legged. Requires a belt. ### Cenote ActiveIce UberTube https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/neck-gaiter-cenote-activeice-ubertube Neck Gaiter · Outdoor Research · Cenote An ActiveIce multi-functional neck tube — recycled poly/spandex with active cooling and UPF 50+; wear it as a gaiter, headband, or face cover. ### Cenote Odyssey Bucket Hat https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hat-cenote-odyssey-bucket-hat Hat · Outdoor Research · Cenote A packable bucket hat with a chin cord and UPF sun protection in recycled-poly double weave. ### Cenote Sunbriolet Sun Hat https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hat-cenote-sunbriolet-sun-hat Hat · Outdoor Research · Cenote A wide-brim sun hat that looks stupid with UPF 50+ for full-sun days. ### Cenote Trail Mix Gloves https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/gloves-cenote-trail-mix-gloves Gloves · Outdoor Research · Cenote Grid-fleece gloves with light warmth and touchscreen-friendly for cool-weather activity. ### Charcoal Cargo Hiking Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-black-prana-cargo-hiking-pants Pants · prAna · Charcoal prAna Stretch Zion cargo hiking pants in charcoal-black. Good for hiking — water-repellent and breathable, with a cargo pocket and built-in belt. ### Charcoal Cargo Winter Hiking Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-black-prana-cargo-winter-hiking-pants Pants · prAna · Charcoal The winter-weight version of the Stretch Zion cargo pants. Same idea as the regular Zions — cargo pocket, built-in belt, water-repellent — but warm enough for cold-weather hikes. ### Charcoal Close Encounters Micro Crew Midweight Socks https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/socks-close-encounters-micro-crew-midweight-hiking-socks Socks · Darn Tough · Charcoal A midweight hiking sock that celebrates my love of the supernatural alongside natural wool merino. Nice, right? ### Charcoal Spaced Out Micro Crew Lightweight https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/socks-spaced-out-micro-crew-lightweight-hiking-socks Socks · Darn Tough · Charcoal A lightweight hiking sock showing love to the skies above and the natural wool fibers with us. ### Charcoal Suit Jacket https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/suit-jacket-charcoal-suit-supply Suit Jacket · Suitsupply · Charcoal Suitsupply jacket in gray pure wool S110s — paisley dark-blue lining, dark horn buttons. Tailored to me with beautiful, breathable, durable materials. How could I not love this? Best worn together with its matching trousers. ### Charcoal Suit Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/suit-pants-charcoal-suit-supply Suit Pants · Suitsupply · Charcoal Suitsupply trousers in charcoal S110 wool, 34/32. Tailored to me with beautiful, breathable, durable materials. How could I not love this? No belt needed — built-in side adjusters. Best worn together with the matching jacket. ### Conflict DLC Hoodie https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hoodie-confict-dlc-health Hoodie · HEALTH · Black CONFLICT DLC hoodie from the band HEALTH. ### DKY T-Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/t-shirt-dky-health Shirt · HEALTH · Black DKY tee from the band HEALTH. High quality shirt and good print. ### Dark Blue Selvedge 501 Jeans https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-dark-blue-jeans Pants · Levi's · Indigo Levi's 501 selvedge in indigo. Quality selvedge from Levi's. Good fit and feel and recommend, but I'd first recommend trying STF jeans. ### Dark Brown Chino Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-brown-prana-pants Pants · prAna · Brown Dark Iron prAna Brion pants in Dark Iron brown. Fine at first but then they start to feel cheap after the novelty of the lightweightness wears off. Needs a belt. Good for walking and business-casual conferences; water-repellent. ### Echo Boxer Briefs https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/underpants-outdoor-research-echo-boxer-briefs Underpants · Outdoor Research · Storm Three-plus years in rotation and still a five-star daily driver — featherweight 100% recycled-polyester briefs that breathe, wick, and never chafe. These are my best underpants, period. So light and thin but durable and invaluable in high sweat scenarios. ### Galaxy Heather Aberdeen Henley https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shirt-galaxy-heather-aberdeen-henley Shirt · Outdoor Research · Galaxy Heather A soft long-sleeve henley in a poly/Tencel/spandex blend. It's a bit ill-fitting but it gives good warmth and breathability. ### Gray Plaid Burnside Flannel https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shirt-gray-plaid-burnside-flannel Shirt · Pendleton · Gray Plaid An incredibly soft and generously color-neutral flannel. I almost exclusively wore flannels in my teens to early twenties. Now, they're back in my life with my Iron Ranger boots, Levi jeans, and other trappings that best seems to fit me for this time in my capsule wardrobe fashion. Pendleton makes quality products and this is no exception there. I am a fortunate person having scooped this (like virtually all the rest of my wardrobe) on sale for ~$30. ### Gray Topcoat https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/jacket-gray-topcoat Jacket · Banana Republic Factory · Midnight Gray Herringbone Wool topcoat in midnight-gray herringbone. ### Gray Zendo Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-gray-zendo-pants Pants · Outdoor Research · Gray Lightweight stretch travel/hiking pants/leisure (i.e. primary use). Recycled nylon, water- and wind-resistant, quick-drying, UPF 50+. ### Gray-Blue Shorts https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shorts-blue-prana-shorts Shorts · prAna · Gray Blue prAna Stretch Zion shorts in gray-blue. They're a bit snug, for slighter builds, and I'm not hulking behemoth myself. But pretty solid otherwise and a nice colorway. Built-in belt and cargo pocket. Good for walking, hiking, and business-casual-adjacent settings. ### Green Breath of the Wild Rain Coat https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/jacket-green-breath-of-the-wild-rain-coat Jacket · Nintendo x Musterbrand · Green A Breath of the Wild–inspired rain coat: a high quality heavy cotton shell but The Link tunic style hood gives off a bit more of a Klan look than I'd like. ### Green Gingham Button-Down https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/dress-shirt-green-gingham-tech-button-down Dress Shirt · Bonobos · Green newburgh gingham It feels a bit cheap but that makes it light and breathable I suppose! ### Grey Pentiment Woodblock Tee https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shirt-grey-pentiment-woodblock-tee Shirt · Obsidian · Grey Official Pentiment woodblock-print tee from Obsidian's Josh Sawyer masterpiece. ### Hike Classic Ankle Socks https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/socks-smartwool-hike-classic-second-cut-ankle Socks · Smartwool · Charcoal Low-profile ankle hikers spun from Smartwool's Second Cut™ recycled merino program — light cushion, trail-ready, and a little less landfill. We shall see. ### Joviansphere Everyday Crew Socks https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/socks-smartwool-everyday-joviansphere-crew Socks · Smartwool · Black Blue Stripe Everyday merino crew with light cushion underfoot and a virtually seamless toe — comfortable enough to forget you're wearing them. We shall see. ### Light Black 502 Jeans https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-light-black-jeans Pants · Levi's · Slicked Back Lightwash Black Great summer jeans. Inconsistent sizing, but finding a good fit for hot months is great. Because I love jeans and if you're East Coast the weather will start cool, get boiling, and then finish somewhere in between. These make those swings worthwhile. Denim Linen+ that is extremely breathable and a great colorway but sizing/cut was especially tough here. ### Light Blue Cotton-Linen Suit Jacket https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/suit-jacket-light-blue-irish-cotton-linen Suit Jacket · J.Crew · Light blue - Deep water J.Crew Ludlow unstructured jacket in Irish cotton-linen, deep-water blue. Like all my suits, I got it tailored and it looks solid but it's a narrow use case suit. Best for summer, with the slightly rumpled linen look. ### Light Blue Cotton-Linen Suit Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/suit-pants-light-blue-irish-cotton-linen Suit Pants · J.Crew · Light blue - Deep water J.Crew Ludlow trousers in Irish cotton-linen, deep-water blue, 33/32. Like all my suits, I got it tailored and it looks solid but it's a narrow use case suit. Best for summer, with the slightly rumpled linen look. ### Light Blue Oxford https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/dress-shirt-light-blue-royal-oxford-suit-supply Dress Shirt · Suitsupply · Light Blue Suitsupply royal oxford in light blue — semi-spread collar, slim. This shirt is well worth the money and my go-to for getting dressed up in my Blue or Charcoal suits. ### Light Blue Selvedge 501 Jeans https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-light-blue-jeans Pants · Levi's · Light Blue Levi's 501 selvedge in light blue. Another selvedge from Levi's. Good fit and feel and recommend, but I'd first recommend trying STF jeans. ### Modern Black STF Jeans https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-modern-black-jeans-stf Pants · Levi's · Black Levi's 501 Shrink-to-Fit raw denim in modern black, 33x34. My second (successful) pair of shrink to fit (STF) jeans. And they are true beauties that fit me perfectly. Cannot recommend it enough, although it is a process. A “modern” black where it's truly all black, unlike my other black STF pair, which is rather similar now that I think about it. The shrinking process: fill a tub with hot water and soak for 60 minutes, pouring in boiling water occasionally to keep it warm. Hang until not dripping (about 5 minutes), walk along towels with one on each side, then wear until fully dry. ### Navy Chino Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-navy-prana-hiking-pants Pants · prAna · Navy Stormy Night prAna hiking pants in Stormy Night navy. They're fine. Like I said with the other color variants, I got a bit too excited and then noticed the air of cheapness (e.g. their plastic shine). Good for walking and business-casual conferences — water-repellent and breathable. ### Navy Chore Coat https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/jacket-navy-chore-coat Jacket · Everlane · Navy A bit boxy. Best with hoodie underneath but fine without. A bit boxy. Best with a hoodie underneath, but fine without. ### Navy Corduroy Suit Jacket https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/suit-jacket-navy-corduroy-j-crew Suit Jacket · J.Crew · Navy Corduroy J.Crew Ludlow slim jacket in navy Italian corduroy, 40R. This is a unique suit and it's incredible, especially for winter wear. I'm a huge fan of corduroy so when I saw a quality suit (deeply discounted) I got it and I don't regret it one bit. Best for winter, but wearable in other seasons. ### Navy Corduroy Suit Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/suit-pants-navy-corduroy-j-crew Suit Pants · J.Crew · Navy Corduroy J.Crew Ludlow trousers in navy Italian corduroy, 33/32. This is a unique suit and it's incredible, especially for winter wear. I'm a huge fan of corduroy so when I saw a quality suit (deeply discounted) I got it and I don't regret it one bit. Best for winter. ### Navy Feedback Flannel https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/overshirt-navy-feedback-flannel Overshirt · Outdoor Research · Dark Navy An OR Feedback flannel twill shirt in solid Dark Navy — a relaxed 100% polyester flannel that wicks and breathes, with UPF 50+ and chest pockets. ### Navy Storm Fleece Sweatpants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/sweatpants-navy-storm-fleece-under-armour Sweatpants · Under Armour · Navy Under Armour Storm fleece sweatpants in navy. I have a lot of Under Armour sweatpants and these felt cheap and plasticky and not warm so I returned. ### Navy Sun Button-Up Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shirt-blue-prana-sun-button-shirt Shirt · prAna · Navy prAna sun button-up in navy. A nice casual shirt that's breathable. Good for business casual in the sun. ### Navy T-Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shirt-navy-pbs-t-shirt Shirt · PBS · Navy Navy PBS tee. High quality shirt and good print. ### Navy Vest https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/vest-navy-outdoor-research Vest · Outdoor Research · Navy A fine vest but non-flattering. I am at the age where a good vest helps perfectly temperature regulate in Fall, Winter, and Spring. This one is a great colorway but isn't very flattering (I suppose as a tradeoff for the extra warmth vs. my other one). Good for hiking, walking, and other outdoor activities. A bit puffier, and I like it less than the black Outdoor Research. ### Navy Zip-Up Hoodie https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hoodie-blue-outdoor-research-zip-up Hoodie · Outdoor Research · Naval Blue Outdoor Research Trail Mix grid-fleece zip hoodie in naval blue — breathable and quick-drying, and it layers well under the brown leather jacket or a down jacket. A light layer that's not very warm but is very breathable. Good color and design too. Works well underneath the brown leather jacket and the silver down jacket. ### Nova 2 Galactic https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shoes-merrell-nova-2-galactic Shoes · Merrell · Blue and black These are beautiful. Glow in the dark, incredible comfy, and provide you very sturdy footing. Exceptional shoes for comfort and walking. ### Olympic Sun Runner Cap https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hat-olympic-sun-runner-cap Hat · Outdoor Research · Olympic A run cap with a removable sun cape that looks stupid with the cape but does a great job alongside transforming via removable part for maximum flexibility with UPF 50+ for long bike rides and other activities in the sun. ### Pegasus Trail 5 https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shoes-nike-pegasus-trail-5 Shoes · Nike · Black goretex A sleek shoe that just eeks into business casual while also being a real trail runner. Very versatile, very comfy, and my biking shoe of choice. Exceptional comfort for walking and hiking — subdued enough for business casual and everyday use. ### Performance Tech Boxerjock https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/underpants-under-armour-performance-tech-boxerjock Underpants · Under Armour · Blue Smoke / Washed Navy Two-plus years deep and still a five-star staple — UA's 6" Performance Tech Boxerjock with the stay-put fit and zero ride-up. These are my second best set of underpants but price to performance may be better (especially with Under Armour semi-annual sales). ### Petrol Green Wool Trousers https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/suit-pants-classic-creased-wool-petrol Suit Pants · J.Crew · Green - Petrol Very high quality wool pants and I got them at a rock bottom price. Very much traditional style that's come back in style and very comfy. ### Pewter Ferrosi Pants https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-pewter-ferrosi-pants Pants · Outdoor Research · Pewter This is my second pair of Ferrosi pants from Outdoor Research, which should tell you everything. But in the event it does not, they are excellent. Outdoor Research makes technical apparel first and foremost. Some of their clothing can be everyday wears and the Ferrosi line makes a decent claim for it. Their webpage doesn't do a great job of showcasing how the fabric feels and sits on you (idk the models seem weird wearing them for whatever reason, but that's just like my opinion dude). What is not opinion is the fact that I received this second pair because my 5+ year old Outdoor Research Equinox pants got a tear in the pocket (R.I.P.) but the lifetime guarantee was seemlessly honored; they don't make that version anymore so they let me swap for a Ferrosi. And despite what other reviewers say re: "they're not as good as the old Ferrosi!" I disagree. My [Black Ferrosi Pants](/wardrobe/pants-black-ferrosi-pants) are old and these are just as good, if not better. Great brand. Trustworthy products. And good for doing outdoor things (as well as some indoor things). ### Ravenna https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/flannel-shirt-ravenna Flannel Shirt · Outdoor Research · Lingonberry Plaid A midweight cotton and recycled-polyester weave that folds UPF 40 and moisture-wicking into a shirt that still works as a flannel. Let's see how it stacks up to the full-wool Pendleton! ### SFB Gore-Tex Winter Boots https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shoes-nike-sfb-goretex-winter-boots Shoes · Nike · Black These are unbelievably light and work surprisingly well as mild-action winter boots. Great for trudging through snow over to the mall, movies, etc. Basically only for snow and other inclement cold weather that keeps me outside a while. ### Shox R4 SE Black Seaweed https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shoes-nike-shox-r4-se-black-seaweed Shoes · Nike · Black Iridescent Y2K Shox R4 with bouncy column heel and an aurora-borealis reflective overlay — black at rest, a kaleidoscope of green, blue, and yellow under light. We shall see. ### Slate Merino Wool Socks https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/socks-outway-merino-wool-slate Socks · Outway · Black and Blue Good wool socks without being too thick for excellent versatility so far and a good colorway to boot. Good versatile socks. ### Smoke Merino Wool Socks https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/socks-outway-merino-wool-smoke Socks · Outway · Black and Gray Good wool socks without being too thick for excellent versatility so far and a good colorway to boot. Good versatile socks. ### Sol Shade Sun Hoodie https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/sun-hoodie-prana-sol-shade Sun Hoodie · prAna · Light Blue Crescent Bay For hiking and other times outside in the sun for extended periods of time. The colorway was bad and the fit was just bagg-ish. Much prefer Outdoor Research and the North Face ones I have so I returned it. This was refunded. The fit was bad and the blue just didn't look great (c.f. my nearly identical North Face, which is higher quality with a better blue and better materials). ### SpeedArc Matis Black https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shoes-merrell-speedarc-matis-black Shoes · Merrell · Black goretex Another wider shoe great for hiking, extended walking, and casual wear chunky-style. Plus waterproof but very breathable (c.f. Allbirds Mizzle). Exceptional for comfort, walking, and hiking. Perfect all-arounders — I keep this and the blue colorway. ### SpeedArc Matis Blue https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shoes-merrell-speedarc-matis-blue Shoes · Merrell · Blue goretex I had to get another colorway for this shoe great for hiking, extended walking, and casual wear chunky-style. Plus waterproof but very breathable (c.f. Allbirds Mizzle). Exceptional for comfort, walking, and hiking. Perfect all-arounders — I keep this and the black colorway. ### Timberline Fleece-Lined https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-timberline-fleece-lined Pants · Outdoor Research · Atlantic A fleece-lined softshell pant with a water-resistant DWR finish. You hear "articulated knees" and a "gusseted crotch" and you know it's got promise for cold weather biking, hiking, and the like. And you know I like zippered pockets! ### Timberline Utility https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/pants-timberline-utility Pants · Outdoor Research · Pro Khaki The utility member of Outdoor Research's Timberline line. I love OR's other products as they're less style and more technical functional so let's see how this standard-fit, pocket-forward everyday pant for trail and town works out! ### Vibe Cop Baseball Cap https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/hat-vibe-cop-baseball-cap-health Hat · HEALTH · Black A "VIBE COP" dad hat from HEALTH's merch line — white-on-black, low-profile, an everyday lid. We shall see. ### Vibe Cop T-Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/t-shirt-vibe-cop-health Shirt · HEALTH · Black VIBE COP tee from the band HEALTH. High quality shirt and good print. ### White & Navy Zigzag Button-Down https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/dress-shirt-white-navy-zig-zag-bonobos-button-down Dress Shirt · Bonobos · White Navy Zig Zags Bonobos Jetsetter stretch dress shirt in navy zig-zag — semi-spread collar. Another thin, cheap dress shirt but some nice snazz for my Burgundy suit and the like. Slim fit, 16 neck, 34 arms. ### White TM Unified Field T-Shirt https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/t-shirt-white-david-lynch-tm-unified-field Shirt · David Lynch · White Official David Lynch "TM Unified Field" graphic tee. Retired because I cannot keep white shirts clean. ### Winding Trail Hike Crew Socks https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/socks-smartwool-hike-winding-trail-crew Socks · Smartwool · Light Gray Ash Everyday merino hiking socks — light cushion along the full footbed, a virtually seamless toe, and that merino trick of staying warm without the swelter. Made in the USA. We shall see. ### Wool Dasher Mizzle https://brianthackston.com/wardrobe/shoes-allbirds-wool-dasher-mizzle Shoes · Allbirds · Deep Navy Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzle in Deep Navy — water-repellent wool runners, size 11.5. If you ever recommended these, I just want to talk. Doubly so if you ever mention the word "taste" in any context outside eating. Squeaky junk. --- ## Resources ### AI Hallucination Cases https://brianthackston.com/resources/ai-hallucination-cases Artificial intelligence in the legal world is already wild. This tracks the known troublemakers. Hallucinations are not exclusive to the realm of artificial intelligence. Humans hallucinate all the time *(see: **[The Demon-Haunted World](/the-demon-haunted-world)**)*. But goodness gracious. Lawyers are entrusted with lots of difficult, high-stakes situations, along with a lot of MONEY. They allegedly hold themselves to a higher standard. This database by Damien is eye-opening. And it's worrisome for attorneys who dare look in the mirror and inverse the relationship; lawyers have a monopoly on legal advice, so if they're going to AI for answers then soon their clients will. And if AI is good enough for giving answers for lawyers, then what choice do clients have but to turn to AI first as well? ### Death to Bullshit https://brianthackston.com/resources/death-to-bullshit Attention has become our most scarce resource. Reject bullshit. Focus on what matters. Brad Frost's website may help with identifying what is what and how to avoid dark patterns. [Brad Frost](https://bradfrost.com/) has taught me a great deal about design and systems and design systems. His thoughts here on dark patterns, good design, and the dangers of attention being overwhelmed by bullshit is worth exploring. Give it a read and give him some love (he’s a [Pittsburgh](/wanderlust/pittsburgh-pa) chap who hosts very interesting events!). ### Keyboard Shortcuts: A Printable List https://brianthackston.com/resources/printable-keyboard-shortcuts-ctrl Life is short and you owe it to yourself to learn these keyboard shortcuts. And it's a printable guide so sprinkle 1 into your life each month. **Try this RIGHT now:** Press the "Ctrl" key once. It doesn't do anything by itself! But if you combine it with other keys it does nifty things *(e.g. holding "****Ctrl****" then pressing "****T****" = new browser ****t****ab)*. *For Mac users, you'll need to use "Cmd" instead of "Ctrl". The premium price of Mac devices doesn’t just stop at the price tag*. *And for mobile, see pg. 14 and please stay patient with me.* The very conveniently placed "Ctrl" key on the bottom left of your keyboard makes computing and surfing the web much easier. It's quite possible to do anything on a computer *without* a mouse thanks to “Ctrl”! **Quality of Life Suggestion:** Try sprinkling just ONE "Ctrl" command into your routine per month *(e.g. RIGHT NOW hold “Ctrl”, then press “T”, then type "**[sheet.new](http://sheet.new)**", and then press "enter")*. **One more tip to try right now:** Hold down both "Ctrl” and “Shift” then press “T" while in your browser. ### Politics and the English Language https://brianthackston.com/resources/orwell-politics-and-the-english-language Some things never change. And politics seems to be one of those things. It morphs, like language. But we have challenges we have to keep facing. George Orwell is worth a read. My brother may call him “heavy handed” and “politically motivated” but only because it’s true. And that’s okay. George is very explicit in the subjects he engages in and some of y’all need the media literacy lessons George famously gifted in many of his works *(see: **[my opinion on the recent Animal Farm adaptation](/recommendations/animal-farm-2025)**)*. ### The Game of Life https://brianthackston.com/resources/game-of-life An estate worksheet in thirteen moves that ends at a printer: where everything is, who to call, and what you'd wish, left for the people who'll need it. The Game of Life is a guided worksheet for the hardest homework there is: writing down where everything lives before your love ones have to go looking. Thirteen stations, one sitting or several, and the whole thing ends at a printer. It is built backwards from privacy. True secrets — passwords, account numbers, codes — never touch the browser: they go on ruled ✎ pen lines you fill in by hand after printing. Typed answers never leave your device unless you explicitly turn saving on, and the honest save button is the printout itself. Play it on screen, or print a blank copy and do the whole thing in pen. A companion page carries the longer answers: wills and trusts in plain language, choosing a password manager (and why the worksheet won't let you type one), planning a service ahead of need. Play it for yourself, a parent, or anyone you love. Whatever gets written down is a gift. ### The Marginalian https://brianthackston.com/resources/the-marginalian Maria Popova's website offering good writing in an ad-free, ai-free environment. Good writing is invaluable. I believe ai can have a hand in it. Yes, there are ethical concerns with its origination, and like all technology and medical advancements that came through dubious means you’re welcome to reject them. The Marginalian has continuously published beautiful pieces and I’ll continue enjoying them. My own writing is ai-free but I’ll accept its hand when building websites and other technical projects where it’s mining the Github universe as technical kin explicitly intended.