Why D40?

An admirer asked the famous photographer, “Where did you get the camera that took those great photos? The photographer replied, “The same store Shakespeare bought his pen.”

Why the Nikon D40 and not the D80, D300 or D3? I would like to own one of the latter three because in many ways they would help make my life easier and heck, they have cool features. I chose Nikon’s “entry-level” Digital SLR because I was once told that “it’s the eye behind the lens that makes great pictures, not the camera.”

The D40 is my way of hopefully living out that philosophy, while saving a few thousand dollars at the same time.

New member on the used car lot

With gas prices nearing $5 bucks a gallon, it seems the simple transport gets the corner spot on the used lot. Hey, 117 mpg; not bad! I filled my Vespa up last weekend. I had to break a twenty, but I was still able to buy dinner, tip the waiter and had enough change to add weight to my rainy day jar. I’m good for another six months of scooting around town, baby. So, how much for the red sled…?

Sears

Back in the 60s (not to be confused with the 1860s or the future), our family used to visit the Pasadena Sears. The four used to walk in through the rear entrance of the store next to the batteries and tires which, gave off a pungent, rubber odor. We usually had a specific item to look for so we didn’t waste much time. However, the hardware gauntlet of temptation would catch Dad’s attention giving Mom a good excuse to sneak peeks in the women's section.

The smell of tires quickly turned to the aroma of popcorn and chewing gum. The ever familiar soft chime of the elevator was a dead give-away that we were in America’s department store!

Sears was a special place for us kids because they had everything: color TVs, stereos, cool toys, everything a kid could ask for.

Over the years Sears became the stepchild of the department store chains. Wal-Mart, Target and the big electronics store made Sears somewhat of a joke.

While out on the road, I noticed a Sears. The sign was fading, the landscaping was a month or two overgrown and Old Glory was tattered and tired. A sad sight.