Or perhaps, "I'll Certainly Learn Things in 2013 – Write them Down" <p> Patrick Rhone recently posted a list of <a href="http://patrickrhone.com/2012/12/31/things-i-learned-in-2012/">things he learned in 2012</a>. While a fine list, it's an even better <em>idea</em>. I'm going to steal it. </p> <p> My version, at least so far, involves pen and paper. I'm thinking index cards. So, every time I learn something notable in 2013, I'll jot it down on a new card and toss it into what I hope will be a nice big pile.

<div> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daytripper-ebook/dp/B0064W64EY%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ENGV10E9K9QDNSJ5C82%26tag%3Djackbaty-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0064W64EY" target="new" class="product-title title">Daytripper</a></p> <div> By Gabriel Ba </div> <p> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daytripper-ebook/dp/B0064W64EY%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ENGV10E9K9QDNSJ5C82%26tag%3Djackbaty-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0064W64EY" target="new" class="buy-button"><input type="button" class="sqs-amazon-button sqs-system-button sqs-editable-button" value="Buy on Amazon" /></a> </p> </div></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <p> Comics haven't been my thing, yet so many people I respect and admire seem to love them. It's for that reason that I keep trying. Daytripper was recommended to me by several friends and I read it straight through.

<div> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nexus-Ramez-Naam/dp/0857662937%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ENGV10E9K9QDNSJ5C82%26tag%3Djackbaty-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0857662937" target="new" class="product-title title">Nexus</a></p> <div> By Ramez Naam </div> <p> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nexus-Ramez-Naam/dp/0857662937%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ENGV10E9K9QDNSJ5C82%26tag%3Djackbaty-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0857662937" target="new" class="buy-button"><input type="button" class="sqs-amazon-button sqs-system-button sqs-editable-button" value="Buy on Amazon" /></a> </p> </div></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> Mankind gets an upgrade. </p> <p> I find nano technology fascinating. Nexus is a nano-drug that lets people's minds connect to, and in some cases control, each other.

A few years ago my only camera was a Leica M6-TTL and on it was mounted the best lens I’ve ever used, a Leica 35mm Summicron ASPH. Since then I’ve gone through many cameras and lenses, but I still regret selling the Summicron. I’d purchased that lens (used) for $1,300 and sold it a year later for the same amount. I wish I’d known that in just a few short years the prices for used copies would double.

The second pair of pajama pants I made for Jessica. This time I did it without the need for a seam ripper and there was only minimal swearing involved.

Each year in December I scan Metacritic and music blogs looking for interesting new music. Something out of my comfort zone. Last year it was Tune-Yards, ‘Whokill'. This year it's The Seer, by Swans. <div> <div> <p> I don't know how to describe it.

Whenever I get a new Mac I set it up from scratch. Using Migration Assistant would be easier, but I prefer the process of deciding what goes on the new machine and what doesn't. Each time I also try to only install the very basics. Over time I tend to accumulate a lot of crud and starting fresh is a great way to evaluate what I truly need.

Jason Snell: <blockquote> <p> But I’m starting to suspect that my writing can change radically just by changing the method I use to get those words out of my head. </p> </blockquote> <p> He's describing why writing with a typewriter is different and in some ways better than using a computer. Although he calls his typewriter an "iPad." </p></p> </div> </div> </div>

Working in the darkroom made me a far better, sharper photographer in the field. I could no longer be sloppy, make a good scan and make a workable digital print. Making a good darkroom print starts with a good negative, so you have to be more focused and more on your game. I also love the reality of never being able to make two prints the same, meaning that each and every print is a unique object, the complete opposite of digital printing.

Work on the 2012 photo album continues. I say “2012” as if there have been others. There have not been others, but I hope there will be. Each page contains a photo, printed traditionally in my darkroom, and a hand-written caption. I started with 5×7 prints, which fit nicely along with an index card for the caption. I’m finding I don’t like printing that size, so I’ve switched to 8×10 prints instead.

I’m never going to “go completely digital” or “use only film” since I cannot completely give up either. Not that I haven’t tried. One day I convince myself the only thing that matters is film, and I buy the greatest film camera I can think of because that’s all I’ll ever need or use ever ever again. A week (or month) goes by and I decide I’m frustrated with scanning or whatever and I think I’d prefer something quick and easy, so I find some new hot digital camera that will solve all my problems.

I think maybe I’m taking this analog thing a bit too far. Then again maybe not. This is a photo of the Grand Rapids Movie Club rental catalog and library. It was my grandfather’s and he kept it, as he did everything, very organized and documented. There are entries from the late 1960s until the mid 1980s, all perfectly preserved and legible. At the back, there was even $5.52 in late fees tucked into a banking envelope.