Clients ask for a forest by describing a tree. When you finally produce a forest for them, they’re really just looking for that one tree that they described. The secret to making them happy is putting the tree front and center … Just be sure not to neglect the forest.

My favorite one so far is January 29, 2009. I like the off hand news commentator’s comments, “Poppycock,” “Shut your pie hole.” But my favorite part without a doubt is Blagojevich’s impeachment testimony. I find it completely enthralling when they take a single speech and cut out the empty parts of it.

Do yourself a favor and watch January 29, 2009 in 100 Seconds. I’ve watched this day over and over again.

• Workout: I’ve done a good job of working out (weights and running) on schedule for most of 2008. I want to resolve to keep it up.
• Stretching: Yea, I’ve been lifting weights, but without stretching, it really effects my flexibility. I want to stretch every night or morning. So far, I keep forgetting to get this done. I need a really effective reminder.
• Run a half marathon: I had been aiming for one on Jan 11th, but the holidays ruined my training plan. I’m still going to give it a try though.
• Eat local: I’d love to say that I’ll only eat at local places for 2009, but I know that won’t happen. Instead, I’m going to try to eat at local places more.
• Freelance: I’m not 100% sure about this, but I think I’d like to do some freelance work in the first 3-6 months of 2009. Not the whole year though.
• 8 hours of sleep a night: I’m already failing this one, but that’s why it’s a resolution. I want to hit exactly 8 hours a night. I’m bad about skimping on sleep time.
• Be positive and scrap negatively: Anyone can point out what’s wrong with the situation; I want to start focusing on what’s right … or something like that.
• Keep up my weekly webcomic: I’ve got a good head start on this, but I’d like to hit my webcomic 100% for the entire year. Very doable.
• Blogging schedule: I’ve severely neglected my personal blog … on purpose. Now, I’m want to commit to a weekly schedule of posting. One decent post a week.

Well, there they are, my personal goals for 2009. I’m sure I will think of some others to add.

• The Royal Tenenbaums
• Lost in Translation
• Pearl Harbor
• Miss Congeniality
• Napoleon Dynamite

They’re the most polarizing films that Netflix offers. You either love them or hate them. Is it wrong that I liked Miss Congeniality?

This discovery came about during a discussion about a contest to improve Netflix’s recommendation system. (Via & More)