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MEETING BY PAT LOUGHRAN BECKETT WAY PARK WEST DUBLIN

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LEGACY PHOTO COLLECTION MAY 2017

This striking sculpture, titled “Meeting”, was created by Irish artist Pat Loughran. Selected from the final year of sculpture students at the National College of Art and Design, Loughran was commissioned to create a site-specific work for Park West.

Standing at an impressive 3 metres tall, “Meeting” is formed from polished aluminium, its reflective surface mirroring the surrounding environment. This creates a dynamic interaction between the viewer, the sculpture, and the business park itself, symbolising the coming together of people and ideas. The sculpture is mounted on a white concrete plinth, which provides a clean, minimalist base and allows the reflective qualities of the aluminium to take centre stage.

While I couldn’t find specific details about the artist Pat Loughran beyond this commission, the sculpture is clearly influenced by Minimalism, an art movement that emerged in the 1960s and emphasised simple geometric forms and industrial materials. The use of polished aluminium and the abstract form of “Meeting” are characteristic of this style.

The location of the sculpture in Park West, a major business park in Dublin, is also significant. It suggests a connection between the artwork and the world of commerce, perhaps reflecting on themes of collaboration, innovation, and growth.

IN DECEMBER I HOPE TO OBTAIN A M4 PRO MAC MINI AS A TESTBED TO EXPERIMENT WITH APPLE INTELLIGENCE

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BY WILLIAM MURPHY

My Apple 27 inch iMac is getting old and the latest OS upgrade/update to Sosoma could well be the last so I am planning to upgrade my equipment towards the end of 2025 however the introduction of the new Apple M4 mini has impacted on my plans and I suspect that I will end up switching to Apple Minis rather than Studios which are much more expensive.

I had more-or-less decided the get the Mini with the base M4 chip but as I now realise that the M4 Pro is in a different league I have no real option but to get a M4 Pro version with 24G of RAM and 1TB of internal SSD … this is discussed in a bit more detail below. I had considered the 2T option but uplift in price is more than I am willing to pay at this stage.

Apple Intelligence is Apple’s new personal intelligence system, designed to harness the power of Apple silicon to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and simplify everyday tasks. It was announced in June 2024 and the first set of features became available with the release of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 in October 2024.  

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Current Features:

Writing Tools: Enhanced language capabilities to summarise text, rewrite for different tones, and proofread. These are available across apps, including third-party ones.  
Clean Up in Photos: This feature intelligently removes unwanted distractions from photos.  
Create a Memory film in Photos: Automatically generate a film from your photos and videos with music and transitions.  
Natural language search in Photos: Search your photos using natural language, like “photos of my dog at the beach.”  
Notification summaries: Get a concise overview of your notifications to quickly scan and prioritise.  
Reduce Interruptions Focus: Minimise distractions with prioritised notifications.  
Intelligent Breakthrough & Silencing in Focus: Allows important calls and messages to break through Focus mode and silences unknown callers.  
Priority messages in Mail: Elevates time-sensitive emails to the top of your inbox.  
Smart Reply in Mail and Messages: Offers intelligent reply suggestions.  
Summaries in Mail and Messages: Provides concise summaries of long emails and message threads.  
Siri enhancements: Includes product knowledge, more resilient request handling, a new look and feel, a more natural voice, the ability to type to Siri, and more.  
Upcoming Features:

Genmoji: Create personalised emojis that capture your unique style and personality.  
Redesigned Siri with richer language understanding: Siri will be able to understand and respond to more complex and nuanced requests.  
ChatGPT integration: Access ChatGPT directly through Siri for a wider range of conversational and informational queries.  
Timeframe:

October 2024: The first set of features was released with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1.  
December 2024: Apple Intelligence will be available with localised English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K.  
April 2025: Many core Apple Intelligence features, including those listed above, will roll out to iPhone and iPad users in the EU.  
EU Rollout and Ireland/UK Availability:

If you have being paying attention you may notice the discrepancy between Ireland and the UK’s access to Apple Intelligence compared to the rest of the EU. Apple has stated that the EU rollout is slightly delayed due to compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).  

However, Apple has specifically mentioned that Ireland will have access to the localised English version of Apple Intelligence in December 2024, alongside the UK, despite being an EU member state. This suggests that Apple may be rolling out features in phases within the EU, possibly starting with countries where English is a primary language.  

Key Takeaways:

Apple Intelligence is a powerful new system with features designed to improve productivity and simplify tasks.  
The rollout is happening in stages, with some features already available and more coming soon.  
The EU rollout is slightly delayed due to regulatory compliance, but Ireland will have early access to some features along with the UK.

THE NEW M4 MAC MINI AND THE EXTERNAL DRIVE DILEMMA

As already mentioned, I am planning to get an M4 Pro Apple Mini as a testbed rather than as my main machine but choosing the right configuration is problematic but as I am getting a machine for beta testing purposes the incorrect choice will not have a major impact.

There’s a lot of hype surrounding the new machine, and it’s easy to get caught up in it without considering potential drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

The Appeal of the M4 Mac Mini

Powerful Performance: The M4 chip offers a significant performance boost over previous generations, making it ideal for demanding tasks.  
Compact Design: The Mac Mini’s small footprint is perfect for those with limited desk space.  
Affordable Price: Compared to other Macs, the Mac Mini offers excellent value for money.  

The External Drive Dilemma

Cost Savings: Opting for a smaller internal SSD and supplementing it with an external drive can seem like a smart way to save money.
Performance Concerns: While external drives have improved, they generally offer slower speeds than internal SSDs, potentially impacting performance.  
macOS Features: Some macOS features, particularly those related to security and machine learning, may require booting from the internal drive. This could limit functionality for those relying on external boot drives.
Future Updates: As macOS evolves, there’s a risk that future updates might introduce compatibility issues with external boot drives, potentially leaving users with a less functional system.
Apple’s Stance on External Drives

Apple’s design philosophy increasingly favours internal storage for the operating system and critical applications. This approach prioritises:

Security: Booting from an internal drive enhances security by reducing the risk of tampering with the OS.
Performance: Internal SSDs provide optimal performance for demanding tasks.
Reliability: Internal drives are less prone to connection issues and data corruption.

Recommendations

Prioritise Internal Storage: If your budget allows, prioritise a larger internal SSD. This will ensure optimal performance and compatibility with macOS features.
Choose Reliable External Drives: If you must use an external drive, opt for a reputable brand and a fast connection like Thunderbolt.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with Apple’s recommendations and user experiences regarding external boot drives.
In Conclusion

While the M4 Mac Mini is a compelling machine, it’s crucial to carefully consider your storage options. Don’t solely rely on external drives for essential functions, and prioritise internal storage whenever possible. By understanding the potential limitations and making informed decisions, you can maximise your Mac Mini experience.

ST LAURENCE O’TOOLE CHURCH – HARLEYS HANGER

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AND NEARBY MOUNT ANVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL

On a recent visit to St Laurence O’Toole’s Church in Kilmacud, I was unable to photograph the interior in detail due to ongoing renovations. A worker, who suggested I return later, surprised me by referring to it as “Harley’s Hanger”! This piqued my curiosity as I attended this church in the 1960s and 70s and never encountered that nickname. (A previous visit was also unsuccessful as a large funeral was taking place.) It should be mentioned that my younger sister attended the school.

The nickname “Harley’s Hanger” for the 1969 church does seem to derive from its resemblance to an aircraft hangar! The “Harley” part undoubtedly refers to Canon Brendan Harley, the first Parish Priest of Kilmacud. Here’s what I’ve gathered about the nickname’s origin:

Modern Architecture: The church, designed by Stephenson Gibney & Associates, has a distinctive modernist style with clean lines, functional design, and a large open space, contributing to its hangar-like appearance.
Canon Harley’s Influence: Canon Harley played a key role in the church’s construction, overseeing the project and likely influencing its design. Parishioners may have associated the building’s unique look with his leadership, hence the nickname combining his name with its hangar-like form.
Affectionate Term: “Harley’s Hanger” appears to be a largely affectionate nickname, perhaps with a touch of gentle humour about the church’s unconventional design. It reflects the close relationship between a priest and his parishioners.
While I couldn’t find definitive documentation on the nickname’s exact origin, the combination of the church’s unique architecture and Canon Harley’s strong presence in the parish likely led to its adoption by the community.

Mount Anville Primary School

Located near St Laurence O’Toole’s, Mount Anville Primary School boasts a rich history dating back to 1831 when a school was first established on Kilmacud Road. Here’s a brief overview of its development:

Early Years (1831-1866): In 1831, following the establishment of the National Board of Education, a free elementary school was set up on Kilmacud Road. This marked the beginning of formal education at the location. The Sisters of the Sacred Heart arrived at Mount Anville in 1853.
Mount Anville School (1866-1954): The Sisters of the Sacred Heart opened a primary school in 1866. Plans for a new school building were approved in 1869, and it opened in 1870 as Mount Anville National School. It was likely located within the grounds of Mount Anville Convent, not at the current Lower Kilmacud Road location.
The Current School (1954-Present): A new primary school building was constructed on Lower Kilmacud Road in 1954, and officially opened in 1955 by Archbishop McQuaid. Sr. Eileen O’Donovan served as the first principal of the school at its current location (1952-1956). The school continues to thrive as a Catholic primary school for girls, upholding the Sacred Heart ethos with a focus on inclusivity, personal development, and academic excellence.

LOWER KILMACUD ROAD AND STILLORGAN VILLAGE

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MURPHY

Kilmacud and Stillorgan are neighbouring areas in Dublin with a somewhat overlapping identity. It’s easy to get confused about where one ends and the other begins, especially if you’re relying on public transport. Don’t assume that the Kilmacud or Stillorgan Luas stops will get you exactly where you need to go – Kilmacud, in particular, stretches across a significant distance.

To understand Kilmacud’s location, it helps to picture it in relation to its surrounding areas:

North: Goatstown and Mount Merrion
South: Sandyford
East: Stillorgan
West: Dundrum and Balally
The area is defined by two main roads:

Lower Kilmacud Road: Starts in Goatstown and runs southeast, eventually connecting to the N11 Stillorgan dual carriageway. This road is approximately 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) long.
Upper Kilmacud Road: Begins in Dundrum, heads east, and then turns north to join Lower Kilmacud Road near St. Laurence’s Boys School. It’s about 2.9 kilometers (1.8 miles) long.
Adding to the potential confusion, Kilmacud Crokes GAA club is actually located in Stillorgan, while Stillorgan’s Catholic parish is named Kilmacud!

Historically, the boundary between the two areas was less clear. A “Stillorgan” placename sign once stood near Beaufield Park on Lower Kilmacud Road, marking what was then the western edge of Stillorgan. This was before the significant housing developments of the 1950s and beyond.

Getting There by Bus:

Several Dublin Bus routes serve the Kilmacud area, providing connections to various parts of the city. Here are some key routes and stops:

Route 75: Connects Dun Laoghaire to Tallaght, with stops along the N11 Stillorgan dual carriageway, serving the eastern edge of Kilmacud.
Route 11: Runs from Wadelai to Sandyford, with stops on Lower Kilmacud Road near St. Laurence’s Church and the Stillorgan Shopping Centre.
Route 44: Travels between DCU and Enniskerry, serving the western part of Kilmacud with stops on Dundrum Road.
Route 47: Connects Poolbeg Street to Belarmine, with stops on Stillorgan Road near Kilmacud Crokes GAA club.
When planning your journey, be sure to check the Dublin Bus website or app for the most up-to-date routes and timetables. Always confirm the specific stop closest to your destination to avoid a potentially long walk.

THE GREAT ADOBE LIGHTROOM EXODUS – IS THE GRASS REALLY GREENER

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I AM AN ADOBE LIGHTROOM USER BUT I ALSO USE THE OTHER ALTERNATIVE

The Great Adobe Lightroom Exodus: Is the Grass Really Greener?


Adobe Lightroom. It’s been the go-to photo editing software for many of us since its inception. I’m one of those early adopters, and I’ve stuck with it through the years, embracing the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription model. Why? Because let’s face it, Adobe products were a huge investment back in the day. A subscription, while not perfect, feels like a more manageable way to access these powerful tools.

But lately, there’s been a growing chorus of discontent. Photographers are rebelling against Adobe’s subscription fees, claiming they’re too high and that the company is holding their precious images hostage. This has led to a surge of interest in Lightroom alternatives like Capture One, DxO PhotoLab, ON1 Photo RAW, and Luminar Neo.

Is this exodus justified? Are these alternatives truly offering a better value proposition? As someone who uses Lightroom alongside DxO, ON1, Luminar Neo, and Capture One, I have some thoughts.

The Cost of Switching

While the initial price tag of some alternatives might seem lower than an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, the reality is that these programs often operate on an upgrade cycle. You’ll likely find yourself shelling out for updates at least once a year to keep up with new features and camera compatibility. Suddenly, that “affordable” alternative doesn’t seem so budget-friendly anymore.

Feature Parity? Not Quite.

Each of these programs has its strengths. Capture One boasts incredible tethered shooting capabilities and colour grading tools. DxO PhotoLab excels at noise reduction and lens correction. ON1 Photo RAW offers a layered workflow similar to Photoshop. Luminar Neo has some innovative AI-powered tools.

But none of them quite replicate the entire Lightroom ecosystem. Lightroom’s seamless integration with Photoshop, its cloud storage, and its mobile app make it a compelling all-in-one solution.

My Setup and the Future

I currently edit on a powerful 27-inch iMac, but I’m about to make a switch to the new Mac Mini M2 Pro. Like many, I’ve given up waiting for Apple to update the larger iMacs! I’m curious to see how these alternative programs perform on Apple silicon.

What’s Next?

In the coming weeks, I’ll be diving deeper into each of these Lightroom alternatives. I’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, compare their features and pricing, and ultimately help you decide if switching is the right move for you. Stay tuned for detailed blog posts on:

DxO PhotoLab: A deep dive into its noise reduction prowess and optical corrections.
Capture One: Exploring its tethered shooting capabilities and colour grading tools.
ON1 Photo RAW: Analysing its layered workflow and Photoshop-like features.
Luminar Neo: Uncovering the magic of its AI-powered tools.

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