"Now," the man challenged, "write what you know"

I know that I have a cousin who sees with his own eyes the worst of what the world has to offer -- dead bodies, grieving parents, drunk South Carolina rednecks and lying, thieving bastard politicians -- and not only manages to maintain his sanity, but tells the world about what he sees in a very articulate manner. Me, I sit behind a desk, push paper, make the occasional decision and do schedules -- and I'm on the edge of my sanity, while still somehow calling myself a journalist.

I know that I need to get Time on my side, despite the fact that Time and I have been at cross purposes for most of my life. I've treated time like a mortal enemy -- killing it, fearing its effects and disrespecting its value.

I know that few things are as bad as they seem.

I know that the ocean has many therapeutic effects.

I know it's late and that I'm still awake for no good reason. It sucks, having a run-on mind.

I know that if you read at an average speed, you've just given me 28 seconds of your life that you'll never get back. It might not seem like it sometimes, but I appreciate that more than words can express.