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Buy design.

August 8, 2008 in Advertising with 11 Comments

I used to think that I made purchases based on very rationale decisions. And for some things, I do. Like food – I know what I want and is good for us, I find it at a decent price and I buy it.

But I own three custom bikes, all with special paint jobs that I directed – not the norm. I use Apple products because I love the way they look and feel, even though they cost almost double the PCs. I buy cars based on their appeal to me, which is always based on design (my fav was a 1980 Scirocco S designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro).

So the other day I had a decision to make, albeit a very small one. It was for espresso. I could have jumped on the $9 can, but recently I bought some Illy espresso and I loved it. Partially for taste – it wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t bad either.

The packaging, however, is something else altogether. The canister is metal, and looks smashing on a shelf. The kicker is in the lid – it’s a twist top that is super easy to use (quarter turn) and fits perfect in my hand. No more popping plastic tops to see espresso fly all over.

Worth $13? Questionable. But not to me. I get pleasure every time I twist the lid.

First impressions and quality product design mean a lot. More so than most people (like me) like to admit.

What are your guilty design pleasures?

In store for O–Eight

January 2, 2008 in Advertising, Austin, Texas, Da Fam., Day in the life., Friends with 2 Comments

This past year I had lofty personal ambitions. Namely I dreamed that I’d train hard and pull great results in the Cat 3 Texas Cyclocross scene.

But the reality is, I’m one half of a two-person team dedicated to caring for seven-month-old twins who posses no mental capacities to do it themselves. I would never have it any other way, and I’m happy beyond words to be a dad. 2007 is going to be tough to top.

So as ’08 approached, I found myself re-evaluating what’s most important to my family as well as me.

Be more active – no excuses…we all say it. And Katie – she’s always worrying about her thunder thighs (I assure her it’s a Doyle trait that she will outgrow). By dancing with the kids, playing, walking to the park and (naturally) cycling with them, we will all be healthier. When temps reach a steady 70º in the early AM, I’ll be carting the babes to day camp in this. Could be longer until they’re old enough for a helmet – some states even require that they be at least one.

Eat better - This is tough (see the 50% part above). In addition to smart, smaller and more frequent gnoshing, I’ve resolved to try one new, healthy recipe a week in my work-from-home-house-dad role. Something fast, good for you and a decent size so there will be leftovers. I’ll be posting recipes here. I’m thinking about a daily calorie counter, too (my sweet tooth and beer tooth will suffer). Anyone have a good online suggestion?

Develop new business - If eating better is tough, this is Mr T tough. I’ve always been good at presenting my creative work. It’s just finding the clients that makes me weak in the knees. Persistence and dedication for Stalelife is key in the new year.

Sweat equity - I was raised by sleeve rollers – men in Dickies who work on their houses and cars. Women who make the most of what they have (and work on the house, too). I want for those times in my own life. I can do it…I’ve had amazing teachers.

NEW! JoeDoyle.com - My friend and best man Patrick designed this site. But I’d like to do it myself this next go (with his help, I’m sure). I’ve started fooling around with iWeb. There are great features and sucky limitations. But even today, as I received two DVDs full of images from my mom and sister, I realize a portal where they can post images and movies of their own would be cool as hell.

They say a good way to reach your goals is to let your family and friends in on them. People who can help keep you accountable.

Ahem.

And cyclocross season, well, there will be others. Maybe this year, maybe not. Thankfully there are 40+, 50+ even 60+ categories for the old guys.

Better yet, there are juniors categories for those with ultra-fast thunder thighs.

Random joke – kids in print (sort of)

June 26, 2007 in Found FUN, Twins! with 2 Comments

Joke of the day:
Apple announced today that it has developed a breast implant that can
store and play music. The iBoob will cost $499 or $599 depending on cup size.

This has been hailed as a major breakthrough as women are always
complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.
(Thanks Finni)

SOX fans in Chicago print:
Katie and PJ

44 days to go.

April 20, 2007 in Twins! with 6 Comments

There’s no way it goes past 29 days. Dr. Cowan promised. And Stacey will hold his ass to it.

The most prevalent question we get is “are you ready?”
According to the scare-your-pants-off twins book I’m into, the answer is no. But is anyone ever really ready?

I mean, the house is in good shape. Corky and Karen came by last week and helped a bunch. Cribs are built. We’re fully painted. New sod and gardens are in. Hospital luggage is packed. Office almost done – new MacBook Pro as I type (oh yeah). I hear some custom-built dressers (one for each kid) are even getting a final sanding (Go Dad!)

WEEK 34 FACTS
Big milestone. Stacey can go any day now and the babies would be in decent shape (longer is better, full term is 42, I think, twins are always early).

Mom is a trooper. Lots of different and new and uncomfortable things happening. Even some fake contractions. Her body shows that the babies have “dropped”.

We took four childbirthing classes and we’re pros on “he he he who”. Repeat.
But if the boy doesn’t go for a dive, we’ll likely need a C Section anyway.

Like I said, “any day now…”
(remember that Ronnie Milsap song?)

These numbers below are eight days old. We can expect 1 lb more (on each) at next wednesday’s sono.

BOY:
• Weighs 4lbs, 10oz
• Heart rate: 133

GIRL:
• Weighs 4 lbs, 3oz
• Heart rate: 133

BINGHAM FAMILY:

Don’t forget to vote on names!