Edgar Allen Poe

I almost forgot. Today is Edgar Allen Poe's birthday, he would have been 200. The New York Times had a nice post about him on its Papercuts blog.

Personally, I've always enjoyed Poe, particularly "The Cask of Amontillado." Of course, his most famous work is probably "The Tell-Tale Heart." I actually own a collection of his works and I think I'll pick it up and read one of his stories before bed. How bizarre is that, an Edgar Allen Poe bedtime story?

I Disagree with Clint Eastwood

In the January 2009 issue of Esquire Clint Eastwood says:

Smaller details are less important. Let's get on with the important stuff.

I completely disagree.

When I played football in high school, I had a coach who used to tell us that if you take care of the small things (or details), the big things (or important stuff) tend to work themselves out.

So I will have to respectfully disagree with Mr. Eastwood. I have always been taught (and experienced) that attention to detail is critical to success.

Do what you do...

Life is too short to engage in activities that make you miserable. So, to quote Brandon Jacobs, "Do what you do." Do what you're good at. Do what makes you happy.

Now I understand some may have personal situations that may make this seem impossible, but it's not. It's never too late to initiate a positive change in your life. And if it really is impossible, then make time to do something you enjoy.

We all waste a ton of time every single day. Think about what you did today, I bet you can name think of 15-20 minutes (at least) where you wasted time. Whether it was aimlessly channel surfing or compulsively checking RSS feeds/email.

So figure out whatever it is that you like to do, then figure out how you waste time, then do what you like to do instead of wasting time.

Do it.