justin caldwell dot org

Lesson learned in 2008 - part two

Let’s get creating again, yeah? Sick of all the reposted content (or no content at all)? Me too.

Okay, this is from the draft folder, from last year. Here’s part two of lessons learned in 2008 (and here’s part one):

• Wool is amazing. Wool socks are doubly amazing. I don’t know how I survived without wool socks before, especially backpacking trips (or anything foot oriented).
• Salsa is a science. It’s about balancing heat, tomato, sour, texture and cilantro. Good tomatoes are key. Canned tomatoes are the best if not in season. Keep it simple (looking at you, mango salsaites).
• Competition is 80% confidence, 20% skill. Perhaps life is the same?
• Baby accessories are a racket. No, you don’t need that organic bib.
• When taping video interviews, make sure you’re backlight isn’t too hot. Soft light is a must for your key light if your taping older folks. Use your zebra stripes to expose the face. 35mm lens adapters are amazing but have a bit of a learning curve, don’t expect to get it right the first time. Light your background interestingly. A lamp in the background will make it look like you’re in an insurance commercial.
• Use connector panels when wiring a home theater. I have random speaker wires coming out of my walls and it’s not the best look. Connector are cheap and will add resell value to your house.
• One mediocre action is greater than ten good plans
• It’s human nature to think the world is going to end tomorrow.
• Framing is ridiculously expensive.

Now for lessons learned in 2009…