It's interesting to experience your brain relearning a habit that has become so ingrained. Reminds me of the Smarter Everyday backward bike episode [1]. In fact, I just tried to tie my old 2 loop knot and accidentally tied Ian's knot again.
The square knot is basic knot tied between two rope ends; the first half of it is much like the first half of the shoe's knot. You then repeat the first half, but swapping which end is on top. Like the shoelace knot, if you do it right, it stays inline (and remains symmetrical and pretty); if you do it wrong, it gets ugly.
Really (at least to me) this is because the shoelaces knot is a square knot; the "bunny ears" are simply added slipknots to make it easier to untie your shoe. But I've never seen the "standard" method taught to tie a square knot, likely because I've never seen the square knot taught with slip knots; those just being something you add if you want them.
Which is how I tie my shoes; I use what the article calls the "two loop knot"[1]. Two methods, same knot, though I always thought my way was the standard, not my dad's. Oh well.
(I just noticed it says the fee has lapsed. Does that imply it's free to use?)
>"Laces" comes with color-coded laces that match the lacing diagrams, and has an "interactive" front cover that can be used as a practice shoe. The pages are filled with trendy looking shoes laced in amazing patterns.
Out of print, but worth it if you can get hold of a copy![2]
[1]: http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/iansbook.htm
[2]: http://www.amazon.com/Laces-100s-Ways-Pimp-Kicks/dp/14027520...
Takes longer, though.