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Christopher Olson

River Falls, WI

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Ryan Paugh What are your favorite cooking/food related shows? My personal favorite these days is Man vs. Food. Also, No Reservations will always have a special place in my heart. What do you watch?

93 weeks ago from I Love to Cook!, Brazen Foodies and Television (Couch Potatoes)1 more

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Pete Collins: Anything with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Very big on local and WILD food.
93 weeks ago

Breanne Potter- Harris: You can't beat "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Love that show! I also like the "Cupcake Wars" and "Best Thing I Ever Ate"
93 weeks ago

Mehnaz Thawer Do you read books more than once? It's really difficult for me to read something again, unless it's really really good.

80 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Brett Kunsch recommended this

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Kristen Creager: Fiction yes, nonfiction no. I've read Gone With The Wind probably 20 times...sad but true
64 weeks ago

Jennifer Liu: I've re-read books that are short and sweet like 'Le Petit Prince' and 'The Giving Tree' and 'the Alchemist'. All short, but profound. I agree ...MoreI've re-read books that are short and sweet like 'Le Petit Prince' and 'The Giving Tree' and 'the Alchemist'. All short, but profound. I agree with someone who mentioned spiritual books like the Bible.
63 weeks ago

Berrak S. We're working on a Team Brazen blog and I'd love your input on Grad School vs. Real World Experience. This is something I'm battling with as well: If I have the real world experience, is it necessary for me to go to grad school? Will it enhance my chances of moving forward in my career? What do you guys think? What's been your experience?

69 weeks ago from Education, Human Resources, Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Changers and Graduate Students 3 more

Ryan Paugh and Brett Kunsch recommended this

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Sal Pellettieri: Grad school was useful for me in that I learned some theory and practical applications in my field (finance). However I would say that about ...MoreGrad school was useful for me in that I learned some theory and practical applications in my field (finance). However I would say that about 80-90% of what I have learned in most classes (undergrad, grad, misc. courses etc) was useless. What has been more important is the credibility that the letters after my name has afforded me.
67 weeks ago

Danver Chandler: the 'paper' it seems helps in some situations, though the reality of it is that its worth in an economy like this may be less than what you paid
65 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh We did something really radical today and stopped featuring blog posts on the sidebar of Brazen. Instead, we're featuring trending discussion because all of the conversations you guys have is where the real value is for anybody trying to build their network. What do you think? Are you happy or sad? Anyone want to punch me in the neck? We want to know...

83 weeks ago from Blogging and Brazen Community Feedback

Ryan Healy, Ashley A. Reed, PHR, Karolyn Chowning and Robin Mills and 1 others recommended this

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Nathan Sorrell: Good job! This site is too much like a self-help book on infinite feedback. I want customers for my flooring business in the Denver Metropolitan ...MoreGood job! This site is too much like a self-help book on infinite feedback. I want customers for my flooring business in the Denver Metropolitan area! There, see how easy it is to state your business, and go on? So far, I haven't seen one single person in here who doesn't sound like a patient at a phychiatric clinic. For $60,000 a year I'll cut through the nonsense at your company like Genghis Khan raiding villages in China, if you want to hire me. Like what you hear? It's called "clarity", "sense of purpose", and "maturity", all of which seem to be lacking here. Just say what you mean, and mean what you say, that's all I ask.
74 weeks ago

Nathan Sorrell: Oops, I misspelled "Psychiatric", for a spelling Nazi like me that is a fate worse than death....:(
74 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh Okay, so now that the Italian Sausage is gone I am ready to tackle the Baby-Back Ribs. Keep in mind that I don't have a grill because I live in an apartment. I do have a slow cooker. These ribs looks really good and I want to do something cool with them. No traditional BBQ sauce. Any ideas, recipes, etc?

85 weeks ago from I Love to Cook! and Brazen Foodies

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Ryan Paugh: I wanted to show you guys the recipe I went with for my short ribs (MoreI wanted to show you guys the recipe I went with for my short ribs (http://bit.ly/bXvU4T). Turns out they weren't baby-back-ribs after all. Sorry about the confusion. If you have a slow cooker and some short ribs try this recipe. The marinade was so good. Add a little sriracha if you like the heat.
83 weeks ago

Dan Healy IV: Little late on this but a cajun dry rub - set you oven to about 200 and leave them in there for about 5-6 hours - ribs will pull right out of the ...MoreLittle late on this but a cajun dry rub - set you oven to about 200 and leave them in there for about 5-6 hours - ribs will pull right out of the meat....
78 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman My boyfriend is jealous that I can eat so much cheese. I just read that according to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who ate an ounce of full-fat cheese daily stayed slimmer then their not-so-cheese-friendly peers. How delicious! What's your favorite cheese? Right now, I've just been craving the basic Muenster. Perfect for my quesadillas!

94 weeks ago from Fit Freaks, I Love to Cook!, Brazen Foodies and Cheeseheads (Wisconsinites)2 more

Elysa Rice recommended this

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Scott Asai: Smoked gouda!
79 weeks ago

L.J. Acker: Fondue - mix of cheeses local to the Rhone-Alpes. We eat too much of it here in Annecy!
79 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh I feel like my musical tastes are regressing. I'm listening to all of the crazy punk rock that I listened to when I was 16, but haven't listened to for 10 years -- Rancid, NOFX, Bouncing Souls, etc. Maybe it's a quarter-life crisis thing. Anyone else been going back to their roots? Maybe it's just me ...

97 weeks ago from Music, The People Who Keep Music In Business and Concert Lovers 1 more

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Philip Goetz: NO USE FOR A NAME! BAD RELIGION! THE DESCENDANTS got back together to play Austin over the weekend. I was not there...
80 weeks ago

Mehnaz Thawer: Ryan, I'm always kicking it old school...and if all I hear is eminem and rihanna on the radio, I go back to stuff from back in the day :)
80 weeks ago

Alexandra Levit If you could choose one workplace skill you wish you'd learned while you were in college, what would it be?

81 weeks ago from JobSTART 101

Ryan Healy, Ryan Paugh, Rebecca Thorman, Brett Kunsch and Benjamin Paul Schuman and 2 others recommended this

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Brett Kunsch: I wish I had learned that doing the uncomfortable was the best pathway to becoming indispensable. Doing the tough things no one wants to do (or ...MoreI wish I had learned that doing the uncomfortable was the best pathway to becoming indispensable. Doing the tough things no one wants to do (or doesn't think to do because it's "outside of their job description") secures your place in the workplace, and leads to great possibilities and fulfillment. The BA or MA doesn't teach that.
81 weeks ago

Alexandra Levit: These are really cool responses, guys. Thanks so much!
80 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh It's been hard to be as productive as I want to be lately. For many reasons. I've been trying a lot of different things and one things that I've been really enjoying is listening to more classical music. It makes me think differently and it makes me more focused. So classical music has officially become part of my daily ritual. Does music have this effect on you? What genre of music?

82 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management and Music

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Brett Kunsch: I LOVE feeling like I'm outside. I heard of this site from a Men's Health article: MoreI LOVE feeling like I'm outside. I heard of this site from a Men's Health article: http://bit.ly/aSQDXe. It allows you to "mix" your own soundscape - birds, creek, rain, drums, waves - it's pretty cool if you want something other than traditional music, and it can also help with cabin fever. Enjoy!
81 weeks ago

Betty Jean Bell: Music used to have a massive impact on my productivity. However, I used to be a professional musician - eventually, I became burned out. That's ...MoreMusic used to have a massive impact on my productivity. However, I used to be a professional musician - eventually, I became burned out. That's when I stopped listening to background music. Now, being outside at a coffee shop with the hustle and bustle in the background helps me focus. I'm in Austin, TX and it is pretty warm here for most of the year. So it is easy to be outdoors for most of the year. However, if I do listen to music while I work, it is usually down tempo electronica with very few words (so I don't sing along).
81 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh I'm going to an 80s party tomorrow night (who doesn't love a good 80s party?) and I need to find a costume. I want to go as an 80s rock legend. Any ideas? I'm running out of time ...

84 weeks ago from Music and genXconnect members

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Doug Mitchell: As someone who was "around" in the 80's, I find it very funny the decade has become costume. I'd go in a DEVO yellow jumpsuit and laboratory goggles.
84 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh: I wish I would have thought of Robert Smith sooner because it's more my style then what I ended up with. I actually think I hit the ragstock a ...MoreI wish I would have thought of Robert Smith sooner because it's more my style then what I ended up with. I actually think I hit the ragstock a little too close to Halloween so a lot of the usual goodness was already gone. What I ended up with is more or less Sammy Hagar or the lead singer from Whitesnake. Big, poof blonde hair. Tight, leather pants. Raggy, white tee with the sleeves cut off and an angel wing on the back. It's pretty good stuff actually ... can't wait for this party!
83 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer What are some good history books? I'm interested in ancient history but would like to just find a great book about any time period.

89 weeks ago from Book Shelf

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Meridith Hall, PMP: I was going to recommend Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond, as well. It is a mix of history and anthropology and covers a wide range of ...MoreI was going to recommend Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond, as well. It is a mix of history and anthropology and covers a wide range of history. Ditto on Harriet's comment above basically.
89 weeks ago

Jessica Bahr: Gun, Germs, and Steel is an awesome book!
84 weeks ago

Karla Mercado Bananas were on sale, so I had to hoard them of course, though I know for sure I wasn't going to be able to keep pace with its ripening. So for the borderline overripe banana leftovers, I made this awesome banana walnut bread. http://bit.ly/aPzWU6

87 weeks ago from I Love to Cook!

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Christopher Olson: Since you are only using them for baking, you can freeze the over ripened bananas for later use, too. Just in a ziplock bag is fine.
85 weeks ago

Mehnaz Thawer: Here's a trick. If you've got a bunch of bananas and you think that they might ripen faster than you can consume them, take the bunch apart. ...MoreHere's a trick. If you've got a bunch of bananas and you think that they might ripen faster than you can consume them, take the bunch apart. Apparently separating the bananas slows down the ripening process....Interesting eh?
84 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh I just realized how much meat I have accumulated in my freezer from the farmers market this year. I need to start doing something with it all. So as I pull out something new to defrost I'm going to ask you guys what you think I should do with it. For tonight I'm defrosting sweet sausage. Send me ideas, links, recipes, etc. I gotta use this meat!

85 weeks ago from Brazen Foodies and I Love to Cook!

Michael E Cantone recommended this

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Ryan Paugh: Just wanted to let you guys know that the recipe I mentioned above was freaking awesome! It calls for roasted red peppers. I decided to roast my ...MoreJust wanted to let you guys know that the recipe I mentioned above was freaking awesome! It calls for roasted red peppers. I decided to roast my own as opposed to buying them. Never done that before and it was easier than I thought. Give it a try sometime. Also, I have more meat in my fridge and I need to cook it, so I'll be posting here again soon. Thanks for supporting the Empty Ryan's Freezer Project :)
85 weeks ago

Sean Masters: Sounds like yet another network to me, Ryan ;)
85 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh If we held a Network Roulette event during the day, who would come? We haven't scheduled a daytime event yet because we're scared nobody will be able to make it. So prove me wrong. Would you be able to make a Network Roulette daytime session?

85 weeks ago from Brazen Community Feedback and Networking Tips

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Jessica Bahr: If it was during a lunch time period I would totally do it!
85 weeks ago

Michael E Cantone: It would be preferred.
85 weeks ago

Christopher Olson joined the groups Brazen Community Feedback and Networking Tips

85 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh I just started reading Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy after seeing The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo movie. I actually skipped The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (the book) and went straight for The Girl Who Played With Fire. Should I go back and read the first book even though I saw the movie and heard it was very accurate to the storyline?

85 weeks ago from Book Shelf and Movie Critics

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Emily Soleil: Read the book. There are so many nuances that they missed in the movie (I watched it after having read the book pretty recently) And the end of ...MoreRead the book. There are so many nuances that they missed in the movie (I watched it after having read the book pretty recently) And the end of the movie leaves out a key part that the end of the book has.
85 weeks ago

Becki Howard: I would definitely say read the first book. I was in the same boat, and the first book goes into WAY more detail than the movie, with a few plot ...MoreI would definitely say read the first book. I was in the same boat, and the first book goes into WAY more detail than the movie, with a few plot differences, too. I'm on the second book right now!
85 weeks ago

Christopher Olson joined the group Email Etiquette

85 weeks ago

Christopher Olson joined the groups Horror Movie Buffs, Ask Penelope Trunk!, Graduate Students, Creating a Life You Love, XY Cusp and Health and Nutrition 4 more

85 weeks ago

Christopher Olson I am searching for a really good chicken marsala recipe. Does anyone have a recipe that they sweear by? I am really trying to broaden my repertoire in the kitchen, and I think this would fit in nicely.

85 weeks ago from I Love to Cook!

Ty Unglebower I am in the earliest stages of starting my own local community theatre company. (Mostly on paper for now.) A very minimalist vision, but having a small but workable space to perform would certainly be a good start. Aside from the ubiquitous networking advice, does anyone have any ideas of how I might go about securing a regular venue at minimal or low cost for such an endeavor? (Doesn't have to be a theatre, but it does need to lend it self to simple productions.)

90 weeks ago from Arts Marketing, FunEmployment, Creatively Inspired, Creating a Life You Love and Washington D.C.3 more

Ty Unglebower and Luke Johnson recommended this

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Ty Unglebower: Thanks Jen. Wheels are turning...
88 weeks ago

Kim Luu: Ty,

Check with local senior centers. They tend to have very nice facilities that can be rented for cheap. Libraries have rooms that can be used ...MoreTy,

Check with local senior centers. They tend to have very nice facilities that can be rented for cheap. Libraries have rooms that can be used by non profits.

The park. It's free and you have nature. Shakespeare by the sea has been an ongoing successful theatre project in California for years.
88 weeks ago

Christopher Olson In honor of National Literacy Month (yes, I'm a few days late), I would like to know what others are reading. This term looks like it may be a little lighter for me, so I maight be able to fit in some personal reading. Currently, I am reading Rework, by Jason Fried and David Heinmeier Hansson and Native Tongue, by Carl Hiaasen.

88 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Elysa Rice recommended this

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Meridith Hall, PMP: I have to admit that in general business books bore me to no end, so unless I am in school, I generally avoid them. I just read the overview of ...MoreI have to admit that in general business books bore me to no end, so unless I am in school, I generally avoid them. I just read the overview of "Rework" though and it looks pretty intersting, so I may check that one out. As far as for fun books, I am usually reading 3 or 4 at a time, but the most recent favorites were "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon (1 of a 7 book series that is considered Historic Fiction - I actually read all 7 within a couple months), "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card (science fiction - read when I was a teenager, but picked up much more of the subtext as an adult), and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Steig Larsson.
88 weeks ago

Christopher Olson: @Meredith: "Rework" is a pretty quick read (when you have time for it). I normally try to read fiction for fun. "Ender's Game" is a GREAT book. My ...More@Meredith: "Rework" is a pretty quick read (when you have time for it). I normally try to read fiction for fun. "Ender's Game" is a GREAT book. My book club just read that this summer, and then read "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (which I still need to read).
88 weeks ago

Christopher Olson Currently, our community theatre is looking at a collaboration with the local high school, which no longer has a strong theatre department (lack of staff support and leadership). I want to make sure that this collaboration benefits both parties, as I am a firm supporter of liberal arts programs in public schools. However, our community theatre needs to also work at keeping and improving the face of our organization. Is there anything we should keep in mind as we move forward on this? Thoughts?

89 weeks ago from Community Theatre

Ryan Paugh My girlfriend and I were talking about our childhood yesterday and somehow we got on the topic of watching Rated-R movies that were way above out maturity level. It was kinda fun to reminisce. My first Rated-R movie was Backdraft. What was yours? Do you think that the ratings system has become more lenient since we were kids or more strict?

92 weeks ago from Movie Critics

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Ryan Paugh: Another one that I saw early in my life was a horror movie called Troll and holy crap! I still have nightmares about that movie.
92 weeks ago

Elizabeth Marling: My first was Batman (might be PG-13). My Dad took me and my sister, who were both 10 and 8, respectively, to see it in the theatre. It was too ...MoreMy first was Batman (might be PG-13). My Dad took me and my sister, who were both 10 and 8, respectively, to see it in the theatre. It was too awesome to describe! It was so dark and cool and totally not a kids movie, and my Dad didn't make any kind of deal out of it. It was like he was saying: "Girls, you have proven yourselves mature enough to see a GOOD movie, congratulations."
90 weeks ago

Christopher Olson While working, I listen to music to keep me motivated and focused on completing my projects. In doing so, however, I often run into a music rut; I get bored listening to the same things repeatedly. My tastes vary; I listen to just about anything and have the privilege of not needing to make sure it is work safe. Currently, I am in such a rut, so I pose this question to you: What songs/groups/albums keep you motivated?

92 weeks ago from Music

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Rishona Campbell: Interesting. I must say that as much as I like music, I don't listen to it at work. For me, music is to chill, unwind, or let loose :-D. I am a ...MoreInteresting. I must say that as much as I like music, I don't listen to it at work. For me, music is to chill, unwind, or let loose :-D. I am a fan of Last.fm over pandora. I like to ultimately control my playlists...and then peek over at what others are listening to and/or listen to a customized 'radio' station if I want. Last.fm's scrobbling feature lets you do just that. The downside is that you have to install last.fm on your machine for that (not always feasible on a work computer). Also I use mine with iTunes (you don't have to use iTunes...but I find it more manageable)...making it far less seamless than pandora.

Another site that I have been getting into lately is blip.fm . It is sort of like twitter w/music. You are a 'DJ' and your followers are 'listeners'. On blip.fm, on my wall, I've come across some really interesting tunes; and since it is all user-driven, you get surprised. Also it is more 'social' than last.fm...even though last.fm does have a cool 'neighbor' feature.
92 weeks ago

Christopher Olson: Thanks for all of the suggestions! I had a chance to play around with a few sites last night that I think will come in handy. I'm not a big fan of ...MoreThanks for all of the suggestions! I had a chance to play around with a few sites last night that I think will come in handy. I'm not a big fan of pandora, so the other options are appreciated.

@Rishona: The background noise helps me stay focused. Complete silence drives me crazy! My mind wanders too much if there isn't enjoyable noise. I've found that if it comes from my computer, my focus stays on my computer, and I am less likely to sing along without earbuds in....
92 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh P-Trunk invited my girlfriend and I to her place for dinner tomorrow night and I'm really interested in how this thing is going to go down. The last time she invited me over to dinner was around 3 years ago and she got us Chipotle burritos. I think Penelope is in a much different place right now and I'm expecting something a tad more extravagant. So I'm thinking that I need to actually bring a dessert or something ... Any thoughts on a quick-and-easy dessert?

94 weeks ago from I Love to Cook! and Brazen Foodies

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Jonathan Hyland: @Ryan: No worries. My AP English teacher in high school corrupted my mind and I usually point these things out to everyone.

To #1, I'd say you're ...More@Ryan: No worries. My AP English teacher in high school corrupted my mind and I usually point these things out to everyone.

To #1, I'd say you're good. Using slightly unripe peaches probably helped the peaches maintain shape and texture. I imagine that if they were fully ripe, the baking might've reduced them to mush.

To #2: I'd say you should cover the pie with foil, and it should be safe to be left on the counter. You can also leave it covered in the fridge, nearer to the front - you just want it cool, not stone cold.
94 weeks ago

Becky Pittman: @Ryan, I live in the south - in peach country. The southern recipes tend to use "tree-ripe" peaches which means you have more flavor than grocery ...More@Ryan, I live in the south - in peach country. The southern recipes tend to use "tree-ripe" peaches which means you have more flavor than grocery store peaches that are not allowed to ripen. The downside of unripe peaches means you lose some flavor and sweetness. The pro is that the texture will remain firm. For storage, again the rules are different for us because our summer temps are consistently in the 90s. The pie won't go bad if you leave it on the counter but it's better if you store it in the fridge and then take it out about an hour before you leave. Peach pie a la mode is a big hit but that requires a warmed pie vs room temp so the ice cream can melt slightly.
94 weeks ago

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