78 rules of photography
Ivars Gravlejs wrote up, and gave examples of, 78 right and wrong ways to shoot a photo.
http://gawno.com/2009/05/78-photography-rules/
For example:
When you take a picture of a sausage, try to use a diagonal composition. It is important to show the cut which is made in 45 degree angle.
winding loops
On Thursday I heard, but did not see, my first robin of the year. Today, while removing painters tape from the guest bedroom walls, I saw my first robin, hopping around, looking for a good meal. The temps have been so nice today and we've had the windows open getting in as much fresh air as we can 
Friday I walked through the Fulton Market district of Chicago. It's an area I've been to before, but never this far west (I made it to Ogden). It's a really neat part of the city and the photographic opportunities were just throwing themselves at me. I had a great time.
Today I sat down to watch part of the latest issue of my DVD magazine from Luminous Landscape. Of particular interest was the segment on street shooting (in this case, in China). Michael Reichmann discusses a bit about what it takes to overcome the intimidation some people feel in photographing people in public. This is something I've mentioned here before and I've not made any headway in remedying the problem. Reichmann's comments have prompted me to think more critically about what my hangups are with this type of street photography. One of his suggestions is to do what I've been doing for some weeks now: shoot in the streets but photograph inanimate objects.
I have tended towards details and textures and elements of form and repetition of form in my photography from these walks. I think, in terms of (for a lack of better words) urban landscapes, I'm slowly refining my eye through this daily, or near daily, practice. Of course, what I don't want to do is to get completely locked into these objects at the expense of other types of photography. I can see this as becoming a way to avoid photographing people instead of challenging myself to do so.
So far it's not been really nice enough to haul out the Holga with the Polaroid back. The temps are still a little cool for developing (and the winds a little strong for trying to hold onto a print before peeling it). I had hoped to take it out today, but the moments of sun were so fleeting, that it just wasn't possible.
We're off to our last play of the season at Chicago's Shakespeare Theater in a little bit. In addition to being the end of the seasion, this will mark the end of our involvement with the theater as well. We have been season ticket holders since it opened and have really enjoyed going to these plays. However, with parenthood looming and prices rising, we felt like perhaps it was time to re-prioritize. If you do get a chance to go to a play there (I don't think tickets for individual plays are difficult to get) I would recommend it.