My Personal Weblog

AdoramaPix vs Costco

jdowdle — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:04:01 +0000

I just got my pictures back from AdoramaPix.com. I also sent 3 of the same photos printed to Costco Photo earlier last week.

Comparing the prints side by side, I can say Costco does a great job for the money. AdoramaPix’s advantage is that they offer more paper options (5 in total) while Costco offers only 2 (glossy and lustre).

I think in the future I’ll be using Costco for normal prints and using AdoramaPix for those extra special shots.

Next I’ll be testing out Costco’s 20×30 poster print. For $9.99 how can you go wrong?

New Camera & Online Photo Storage

jdowdle — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:03:42 +0000

Recently, I bought a Nikon D80 w/ a Nikkor 18-135mm lens. So far, so great. I love the camera and the lens is doing very well too.

Now my issue is, where to store the photos? After debating between Flickr and Picasa Web Albums (PWA), I’ve decided on Flickr. The price/feature combination isn’t matched at all by PWA. My photostream is here.

Get in Shape Status

jdowdle — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:08:49 +0000

This morning, I broke the 170 lbs barrier. I’m now at a nice 167.8 lbs.

Workouts continue to go well. I’ve been focusing a little to much on upper body. The upper workouts consist of pullups, dips, ab work, and shoulder press.

I want to start doing 2 more things. The first is to start incorporating more free weights into my workouts. The other is to start keeping my lower body workouts on par with my upper body.

Work Out Log

jdowdle — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:46:34 +0000

In the interest of health, fitness and the American Way ™, I’ve decided to record my gym sessions on this blog. I doubt it will be of use to anyone, but if you’re creepy and like watching other people’s lives, please enjoy.

So, today, I had some anxiety I need to work off and gym therapy hit the spot!

Exercises

Lat pulldown @ 80lbs ea. arm
Shoulder press @ [80lbs x 8 reps x 2 ] + [50lbs x 21 reps x 1] ea. arm
Rear fly @ [85lbs x 8 x 2] + [50 x 12 x 2]
Ab twist @ 130lbs x 12 x 3
Back extensions @ natural weight
X-trainer (elliptical thing) @ 15 min

Aftewards I’m feeling pretty good. I’ve got that mental clarity that usually takes a cup of coffee (or 2). Now its time to work/learn Flex.

Loki and I

jdowdle — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:29:07 +0000

Loki and I

Posted in reply to “Show me your dog“

How not to sell a car

jdowdle — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:53:11 +0000

Today, Emily and I were going to test drive cars. At first we were interested in checking out Mazdas. We currently drive a Toyota and have greatly enjoyed it. So we thought we would give Mazda a chance to win our loyalty. That was until we learned from a Mazda salesperson what I’d like to call “how not to sell a car”.

Complain that it is hot (really? It is hot in Florida?)
Stop caring about me as a customer when I say that I am not buying today
Complain about your meager commission
Tell me about your children instead of the car
Tell me stories about previous customers who did not buy from you
Criticize the other dealerships and brands of cars

I really don’t think any of the points above are to much to ask for. It would have been a great opportunity for Mazda to make a chink in the brand loyalty that we have towards Toyota.

On a more positive note, we then drove to the Toyota dealership. Since great service often goes unnoticed, I’d like to give my thanks (and hopefully future business to) Courtesy Toyota on Semoran and University. The salesman was extremely helpful and didn’t pressure us in any way.

Car buying can be a such a pain. Salespeople, please realize that you’re position is not to complain but to represent your products the best you can.