Secrets of PBF

An interview with the creator of the greatest internet comic strip ever.

How it happened..

I have been asked by a few folks, "So how'd you find this gig?!?" Well, it all started while I was sitting on the toilet one evening... No, really, I was taking care of business and idly reading a copy of EOS, a weekly rag put out by the American Geophysical Union that has short articles and, more importantly, a lively classifieds section. It was then that I drifted upon this ad:

"PhD Opportunity in Antarctic Benthic Research. The Dept of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at North Carolina State University has funding to support a doctoral student for 3 years (tuition, fees, and salary) on an NSF Polar Programs grant. the research will involve 3 cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula, with measurement of naturally occuring tracers (primarily C-14 and Th-234) in sediments and in benthos as the primary focus of the student resarch. The goal fo the study is is to asses benthic feeding strategies as the respond to temperature gradients and climate change. Applicants should have a BS and/or MS in chemistry, marine chemistry, or marine biology. For further details, contact [...]

I remember getting a real good feeling about this ad and heard a distinct voice in my head say to me, "This could be your ticket, Brian.." So, anyway, I crapped and got off the pot, so to speak. I emailed the professor, he liked my previous experience, I sent him my transcripts, GRE scores, an essay, etc..., and he offered me the position a few weeks later. That's how it went down. Pretty sweet, eh?

First Post...

Hi all, and thanks for visiting. I intend this little blog to be a diary of experiences, photos, and errata for a new chapter in my life. I recently found out that I have an opportunity to do a few things that I always wanted to do - go to grad school, study oceanography and climate change, and travel to Antarctica. I wished it, and the universe responded in kind. In short, I'm eff-ing giddy with anticipation of what's to come. So stay tuned. I will add details of my studies and travels as I get them figured out. Now things are mostly a blur of barely laden plans and ideas... And please, email or leave a comment. I probably would love to hear from you.