Thoughts about Liberty

While reading/listening to the Audible book "Slouching Towards Gomorrah" this passage struck me as important.

Our modern, virtually unqualified, enthusiasm for liberty forgets that liberty can only be "the space between the walls," the walls of morality and law based upon morality. It is sensible to argue about how far apart the walls should be set, but it is cultural suicide to demand all space and no walls.

You may or may not agree with the book and have your own interpretation of what liberalism is, but I think most people would agree with the statement above. The challenge is to clearly define those walls in your own mind and then resist compromise when their stability is threatened. Party affiliations like liberal, moderate or conservative shouldn't impact or compromise those definitions.

To Zune or not to Zune

  It is about time for a new media device. I am currently using the Creative Zen Vision M which is getting a bit long in the tooth. It works fine, but cannot play mp4 or enhanced podcasts. Since I listen to a lot of photography related podcasts, I'm missing out on the images and have to use the mp3 version (if available).
  I don't want to go the iPod route as I don't like iTunes (OK I admit it, I don't want to jump on the Apple bandwagon either). I am not to excited about the latest Creative offerings either.
  The Zune HD 32 GB looks nice, gets great reviews and does everything I need it to do. I can get by with what I have, but hmmmmm..... Stay tuned.

Irish Travel Tip of the Day

When you arrive at the airport, don't be cheap. Rent a cart (one or two Euro) for your luggage, you'll usually get it back when you return the cart. It will lower your stress, and make looking for a rental car or other transportation easier. You'll probably have a long walk to the car and carrying all your luggage will be tiring. This is especially true in Dublin Airport but applicable to Shannon as well. Many grocery stores charge for the carts as well, but return the money when you return the cart.

Grandchildren

Who would have thought there is so much milage in a grandchild. They are a good resource for entertainment, new reading material and getting things done around the house.
For instance, if you encourage the love of dirt and gardening implements, they are a good excuse to get out in the yard and do some spring cleaning and planting.
Just think of all the newe literature you're being exposed to... Dr. Seuess and Shel Silverstein of nothing else.
It is a great reason to get out the camera and take pictures. You really have to hone your skills to get images that are not a blur or back of the head.
Finally, they are just plain fun to have around. I've taught my Granddaughter all about opposable thumbs as in the tiger saying I can't hold an umbrella because I don't have opposable thumbs. (see the now politically incorrect book "Little Black Sambo" who is actually Indian. We just call him little Sambo). She goes around telling people about her "poposable thumbs" and giving them the thumbs up sign.

Photography Confessions

OK, might as well get it out of the way right now. I shoot Nikon and currently only have Nikon lenses. I am using the Nikon D90 body with the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and Nikon 50mm f/1.8. I am not a professional, just a avid amateure. The features on the D90 are everything I need without the bulk and cost of the Nikon D300 or D3 (although I do like the high ISO options). I tend towards landscape photography of which we have many opportunities around the Portland area.
I find the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR great for general travel, but I am strongly considering the Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 for landscape work.
The Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR works fine for general people photography, but the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 is outstanding when you have time to switch and use it.
I am also considering the older Nikkor 75-300 instead of the Nikon 70-300mm VR to get a little more reach when shooting birds in the nearby Whittaker Ponds preserve. I don't need VR as I'll be using a tripod and it will save some money.

Irish Travel Tip of the Day

Rent your car online prior to leaving, it is cheaper and easier than negotiating at the airport. Use Irish Car Rentals as they have the best prices. Get a manual if you can drive one, they are a lot cheaper than an automatic. Make sure you allow for people and luggage in your vehicle choice. Get the smallest car possible, the roads are narrow, but make sure you are comfortable and have room for your luggage. We found the Opel Zefira to be a good choice when traveling with older people. It is easy to get in and out of and holds a good deal of luggage. It sits up a bit higher than a car allowing for better visibility.

Irish Travel Tip of the Day

Take travel adapters for your electronics when traveling from the US to Ireland. Irelands electricity supply is 220 volts at 50hz, whereas the United States uses 120 volts at 60hz.
Make sure that your electronic device can switch to accommodate 220 otherwise you'll need a travel converter (most include one each of the different adapters).
The plugs in Ireland look like the first two images below. Your normal plug goes into the back. I usually carry about 3 or 4. The second image is a good travel converter with different plugs. Don't forget your battery chargers for your phone, camera and GPS! (see the Digital Ireland Travel checklist)