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In the archive of the old board is The Kenny thread, where there are a seemingly endless amount of brilliant, hilarious, and nearly profound posts made by brilliant, hilarious and profound people bored out of their minds at various jobs, for instance this gem from BRW

Badley R. Weissenberger wrote: Camel cigarettes

Just Better: Yuma, Arizona
Just Worse: Listening to Gary Busey discuss the virtues of motorcycle helmets

steve wrote:
One of his best ideas was an outgrowth of this thread.

We were really obsessed with Adrian Zmed for a while

You can feel the love and respect for him coming off these posts. It's kinda awkward trying to express anything meaningful when you don't really know someone, but for what it's worth my condolences to his friends and family and I hope he is at peace.

Words fail, for the most part, but I'll tell you what: will be disappointed if no one here fetches and reposts his RHCP takedown! One of the funniest things I've EVER read! This isn't hyperbole.

Brad had a sharp tongue, at times, not much patience for fools (especially on such subjects as the death penalty and smoking bans). He could be combative here, and likely elsewhere too, at times. But he had a big, big heart that coincided with his gregariousness. And yes, his enthusiasm and general ambitiousness were infectious. So much more could be said, I know he was a great father to his girls, for instance, a unique drummer, a lover of the outdoors and consummate sports fan, and so on...but for now, my thoughts are with those close to him that he left behind. And with Brad himself: I hope you found some measure of peace, man. I'll miss the banter here and elsewhere. *pours one out*

Slimmed from the other thread, something I wrote to another FM addended:

He was one of those who made this forum great. I never met him, but he was such a distinct, bright presence here that this news staggers me. I remember his diligent hunting down of “amazing”, his love of REM, and seemingly arcane diatribes on sport.

I often didn’t understand him: he sometimes wrote in what felt like a code for friends, a charming cipher, sometimes about incomprehensible sports, sometimes about some other particulars of being where he was, but his turn of phrase was so strong and just plain fun that I always enjoyed reading his words.

Many condolences to all of you close to him, much love.

I did not know BRW personally, but through forum interaction, I found him intimidatingly smart and wickedly funny.

Early on in my foruming, '05 or '06, I posted something dumb. I don't recall what it was, but it was dumb. In my defense, I was 23, 24 years old.

BRW responded with "see me after class"

Hilarious, brutal, succinct. I got roasted and deserved it.

What a loss.

Brad always seemed happy to see me. I suspect he had that effect on a lot of people. Present in the moment, whether you were talking about the Sox, old man bars, or a mutual friend.

That's the first thing I remembered when I saw today's news. Then I remembered his joy at channeling his inner Michael Stipe on stage now, what, ten years ago?

Years pass quicker than you think.

I never asked him if he got to the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern. I suspect he didn't. He would have mentioned it, with the kind of memorable quip we'd take for granted on the forum.

Wanted to share this Twitter thread from Sean of Nervous Curtains. Just one example of Brad being boundlessly generous with his time and expertise, helping out some friends of mine whom he didn't really know when they got ripped off by a song licensing agency.

Carl wrote: Thu Mar 31, 2022 10:23 pm I never asked him if he got to the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern. I suspect he didn't. He would have mentioned it, with the kind of memorable quip we'd take for granted on the forum.

I imagine that he did not.

I would pay it-hurts money to be able to send him back to the Banana in its prime, though.

I never met the guy, but it seems like a major loss. I'm very sorry to everyone who knew him. It seems like those of us who did not know him should be sorry we won't get the chance.

Brad and I knew each other from the OG forum and spoke via PM once in a while. I liked his posts and his commentary. We were not close but had a mutual respect and admiration. I always admired his intellect and humor and enthusiasm and his unique perspective and particularly his sense of justice. At one of the BBQs Couch Flambeau played, and I got to mix them in the front room. Brad came over and told me it sounded great and seemed genuinely enthused. Of course it wasn't anything I was doing that made them sound good but he just loved music and being in the moment and spreading joy to everyone involved. It was very appreciated.

About two years ago I got into it with someone on his FB page. Some COVID denier. After some not so kind words from me where I may have wished COVID or death upon him we all went on our own way. I blocked the guy and BRW and I PM'd about it and were cool. Well, sometime later the guy died of COVID. Brad hit me up and this is what he said -

Just FYI, that dude with whom you got into it on my page died a couple nights ago. Covid-stroked. Unsurprisingly, he was vehemently anti-mask. Remind me not to get sideways with you to the point where you wish death on me because apparently you have a very particular set of skills.

No need to apologize. He really was an asshole.

I wanted to let you know so you can be more careful with your internet death rays. The next time that you decide to take out a Trump voter, don't take out a Chicagoan. Be strategic. Smite somebody in a swing state like Michigan. I can give you a list.

Salut, Friend! Be well! Cheers!

Just wicked. He was razor sharp.

The last time I saw him he came to one of my pandemic Zoom happy hours last year. He seemed good.

Reading my facebook feed today and seeing all the memories and photos of Brad and I really feel the huge gap he leaves behind. Just devastating. He will be alive through so many people's love and recollections for a long time to come. He touched a lot of people's lives.

Rest In Power you Brilliant Motherfucker. Wherever your star is shining, it is shining bright.