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by ray on 20. Aug, 2009 in Blog

It’s been a while since I was excited about keeping a journal of any kind. I briefly tried, about six months ago, when Kandace was pregnant, but once again it didn’t stick. I’m frankly not often into just writing with pen and paper, and so I just can’t really get myself to stay with a typical diary. Writing online has been hard to get into, as well, for a number of reasons. But I think I’m finally getting over them.

In order to dispel my worries, I’m going to examine them one by one. (more…)

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That Fred Meyer Smell

by ray on 19. Aug, 2009 in Blog

So I have been in Fred Meyer on Hawthorne lately, and it is rather cool that they’ve put so much work into remodeling it, and I love that it’s so green. That’s just great. However, every time I pass it, I’m completely amazed at the smell.

It’s not necessarily good or bad, I guess, but it’s very distinctive. It’s like walking by a bar, you really know that stale-beer smell. Well I’m not sure what’s making that smell at Fred Meyer. But something is.

Something LEED-certified, apparently.

Fred Meyer Hawthorne Remodel

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Your Baby Is Smarter Than You Think

by ray on 18. Aug, 2009 in Blog

Generations of psychologists and philosophers have believed that babies and young children were basically defective adults — irrational, egocentric and unable to think logically. The philosopher John Locke saw a baby’s mind as a blank slate, and the psychologist William James thought they lived in a “blooming, buzzing confusion.” Even today, a cursory look at babies and young children leads many to conclude that there is not much going on.

New studies, however, demonstrate that babies and very young children know, observe, explore, imagine and learn more than we would ever have thought possible. In some ways, they are smarter than adults.

Op-Ed Contributor – Your Baby Is Smarter Than You Think – NYTimes.com.

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Benjamin Franklin’s Virtues

by ray on 18. Aug, 2009 in Photo

I have been thinking a lot lately about Benjamin Franklin, particularly since reading a blog post in the New York Times, referred to me by Kandace. This is his list of daily “virtues” to be followed.

  1. Temperance Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
  2. Silence Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
  3. Order Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
  4. Resolution Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
  5. Frugality Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
  6. Industry Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
  7. Sincerity Use no hurful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
  8. Justice Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
  9. Moderation Avoid extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
  10. Cleanliness Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.
  11. Tranquility Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
  12. Chastity Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
  13. Humility Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
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Hello, World!

by ray on 29. Jul, 2009 in Blog

I’ve been wanting a “blog of my own” for some time, and here is my chance. I’m going to try my best to write a lot—at least once a day—so you are welcome to pass if you don’t want a lot of reading!

I write in several other places, but this will be my own personal headquarters. Here are some other places you can read my writings, for the interested.

  • brigleb.com – This is more for family affairs. Kandace and I have just started writing here since having a daughter.
  • Needmore Notes – Creative inspiration and small business affairs.
  • Me, on Twitter – Plenty of stuff, obviously very short.
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