Writing Sample – Advertising Copy

Graphic Treatment

Brainstorm Meteorologist
Keeps a digital scrapbook
Creates own hieroglyphic shorthand
Contributes to community idea generator
Always has something to do on a rainy day
Became a Discovery World emember

Shape and Color Liberator
Colors outside the lines
Sees the world as a palette
Challenged the principles of optics
Mixes stripes and polka dots

Cultural Chemist
Maps genetic family trees
Visits the library weekly
Knows everyone in neighborhood by first name
Favors a 4,000 year old dance move

Dream Leader
Conducts online brainstorming
Mentors fifth graders
Keeps an idea sketchbook
Calls mom every Sunday

Hydroponic Poet
Plants natural insecticides
Mixes homemade ink
Cultivates virtual birchbark
Rows to work

Super Naturalist
Passes on buying a hybrid and learns eco-driving
Knows invasive species by name
Takes urban hikes
Keeps room clean

Viscountess of Bits and Bytes
Speaks, English, Spanish and binary code
Measures typing speed in IM correspondence
Carries a digital encyclopedia
Trains parakeets to check email

Wealth Architect
Engineers dream careers
Builds homes for charity
Makes own schedule
Laughs at the term “casual Friday”

Wireless Superbrain
Conducts online auctions from a cell phone
Recycles discarded electronics
Carries “desktop” in one pocket
Writes haiku in ASCII

Industrial Botanist
Designs compost-powered laptops
Genetically engineers free-range vegetables
Believes nature is the ultimate engineer
Speaks dandelion language

Cloud Engineer
Knows why the sky is blue
Chases storms
Prints water molecules in 3-D
Loves heights

Freshwater Draughtsman
Collects rainwater and digital music
Knows eight ways to purify water
Maps Milwaukee’s water features
Chews ice

Maestro of Words and Pictures
Thinks a word is worth a thousand pictures
Sings in color
Paints with words
Teaches robots interpretive dance

Master of Spin and Perspective
Thinks in seven spatial dimensions
Dreams of new ways to connect people
Coordinates words and pictures
Operates business from neighborhood coffee shop

Hyper Visualist
Storyboards the future
Carries a creative license
Meditates on meditation
Starts day by reading the clouds

Writing Sample – Press Release

SECRET LABS UNCOVERED BENEATH MILWAUKEE’S STREETS Press Release Draft
New Television Experience Premiere’s in the Brew City

Milwaukee, WI – March 24, 2008 – Discovery World and Milwaukee Public Television (MPTV) have begun production of a new television experience called Secret Labs. Set “deep beneath the streets of Milwaukee,” the Secret Labs take viewers to the underground workspaces of “scientists” exploring everything from genetics to architecture to creativity and the human brain.

Combining humor with accelerated learning, the program allows scientific principles, technology and creativity to be interesting and interactive.

Much of the 30-minute program is filmed before a live audience, and adult fans of science, technology and art are invited to enter the Secret Labs “subterranean” set to participate in the interactive, live taping on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 7pm. The two and half hour live taping will feature special guests, refreshments, musical entertainment and a cash bar. Admission is $25 per person; reservations can be made by calling 414-765-9966 ext. XXX.

Show Synopsis
Each episode explores a special theme and features emerging technologies, national experts, do-at-home experiments and the Secret Labs’ own take on the topic. Led by an ensemble of scientists and innovators the program delves into often-missed topics, like invisibility, time travel and odor analysis. Things get turned on end when smart-talking Tommy falls into the Secret Labs and begins doing a little exploring of his own.

With segments filmed throughout Milwaukee, a landmark such as the Wisconsin Gaslight Building becomes a perch for Tommy’s sister Jane, a community icon like Sendick’s Grocery becomes a portal for the Green Screen Twins and an orbital platform floating above our city becomes the next frontier for explorer Abigail Adams. The show ultimately reveals that the Secret Labs are anywhere you decide to embrace innovation and creativity.

The television program is scheduled to premier on MPTV in Fall 2010.

About Discovery World
Discovery World Ltd., formed through a merger in 2004 with Pier Wisconsin, Ltd., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to connect innovation, science and technology with exploration, environment and our Great Lakes freshwater resources through interactive exhibits and experiential learning programs. Key features of the new facility are the Technology Building, the Aquatarium and the S/V Denis Sullivan.

About Milwaukee Public Television
MPTV is a public service outreach of the Milwaukee Area Technical College. It operates two not-for-profit public television stations, Channels 10 and 36, that serve eleven counties throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Nearly 1.9 million viewers watch both channels each week.

Media Contact
NAME, NUMBER & EMAIL OF MEDIA CONTACT
www.secretlabs.info
www.discoveryworld.org

Writing Sample – Ad Copy: campaign to educate teens about Nanotechnology

Graphic Treatment

Nano Medicine
Nanoscopic robots will be inhaled and begin fighting harmful viruses and bacteria before a patient even has a sniffle.

Nano Computers
Nanochips smaller than dust particles will allow powerful computers to be carried in one hand.

Nano Air Bags
A net of specialized molecules will surround an individual and provide invisible protection from impact and minor accidents.

Alternative Power
Nano-engineered solar cells will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels; thereby, reducing cost and pollution while protecting our natural resources.

Nano Air Purifier
Air filters will go to the atomic level to separate clean air from pollutants; air quality will return to levels not seen since before the Industrial Revolution.

Space Holidays
Inexpensive fuel sources and stronger, easier-to-manufacture materials will make space vacations an inexpensive alternative to earthly destinations.

Nano Cosmetics
Make-up, tattoos and colored contacts will be replaced with nanotreatments that alter skin and eye color for a day, a week or even a month.

Indestructible Fashion
Enhanced textiles will result in clothes that resist water, wrinkles and stains while providing protection from extreme temperatures and environments without sacrificing comfort, weight or quality.

Writing Sample – Exhibit Overview and Proposal for Discovery World

Combining memorabilia, hands-on exhibits and performance, Les Paulʼs House of Sound will celebrate the ongoing contributions of Wisconsinʼs native son and music legend. The exhibit and corresponding events will be designed to showcase the entrepreneurial characteristics of Les Paul and reveal that his innovative spirit is waiting to be awakened in every one of us. Visitors will discover that by combining creativity with scientific know-how — just as Les Paul did — they too can have a lasting worldwide impact.

Les Paulʼs House of Sound will kick off with a community-wide celebration on June 21st. The event will launch on the weekend of June 21 and 22 and will continue through the summer of 2008 at Discovery World. Throughout the summer of 2008, more than 1.3 million visitors will descend on the shores of Lake Michigan for events like Summerfest and the Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration. The combination of these events, the natural draw of Milwaukeeʼs lakefront and our own marketing efforts will provide a strong local, regional and national audience for the project.

The experience will provide an immediate opportunity to showcase the inventions and influence of a Wisconsin legend and intertwine events that highlight the spirit of creativity and ingenuity. We will seek to place a spotlight
on Les Paul, but, as importantly, seek to inspire the “Les Paul” in everyone.

The experience will also serve as a proof-of-concept for a possible permanent exhibit at Discovery World or elsewhere by showcasing public interest in the project and potential donor participation.

THE LAUNCH
In the days leading up to the launch, Discovery World will use its deep connections to a variety of civic and media outlets to highlight the ongoing achievements of Les Paul and build interest for Les Paulʼs House of Sound. Opportunities include television segments on Upfront with Mike Gousha and Milwaukee Public Televisionʼs “I Remember” as well as special proclamations by the Governor of Wisconsin and the Mayors of Milwaukee and Waukesha.

The launch will also include a party and live performance at the Pabst Theater. To make the event accessible to a wider audience and to showcase the technology of Discovery World, it will also be broadcast on the Internet and fed to the Discovery World theaters. Guests at this kickoff will be invited to preview Les Paulʼs House of Sound.

LIVING TIMELINE
Les Paulʼs House of Sound will be framed by a large graphic timeline that will highlight the significant points in the artistʼs life through photos, audio and video. This timeline will reflect his inspiration, innovation and the impact he continues to have on popular culture.

Guests will be invited to post “notes” on the timeline relating to their memories and experiences with the music legend through writing, video and sound. This hands-on approach encourages the audience to participate in the living timeline and allows them to help build it over the run of the exhibit.

THE BOY WIZARD
The first part of Les Paulʼs House of Sound will center on Les Paulʼs early years when signs of his lifelong innovative core first surfaced. Les has identified five everyday items of the era in his motherʼs living room that, when coupled with the “can do” spirit of Popular Science, turned his childhood home into a laboratory. The five items – the phonograph, the telephone, the radio, the piano and the window – inspired him to seek the “magic” in the things around him and motivated him to experiment with sound and music.

One of his most profound discoveries occurred when Les placed his hand on a pane of glass. As a locomotive would pass behind his house, he would note how the vibrations changed at different points as the train went by. This introduced him to the principles of sympathetic resonance and vibration.

This area will feature several interactive exhibits including a dissected antique telephone, an acoustic guitar that displays sound waves through an oscilloscope and a tube of sand that demonstrates the doppler effect
of waves.

THE ARTIST & SCIENTIST
This area will show that art and science coexist and the combination of the two can have historically important consequences. The installation will feature the ways Les Paulʼs passion for the intersection of technology and artistry helped him transform the recording and performance industries. By featuring prototypes by Les Paul and others, this area will emphasize the role art and science play in good design.

Some features include:

Electrifying the Guitar
As a teen, Les was invited to sing at a roadhouse parking lot. There, he noticed that his voice could be heard, but not the sound of his guitar.

This inspired Les to take apart his telephone and place the electromagnet under the guitar strings. This created an electrified guitar, as opposed to the amplified guitars of the day. We will recreate this experiment and allow visitors to test it out for themselves.

Railroad Track
Through observation and experimentation, Les determined that something solid would better communicate vibration than something hollow. He demonstrated this with a railroad track, a guitar string and a pickup. We will display several interactive examples that prove Lesʼ observations.

The Log
He further developed his idea with “The Log,” a 4×4 piece of hardwood he fashioned into a guitar. This innovation became the basis of the electric guitar. From this prototype, he partnered with Gibson Guitars and created a beautiful solid base guitar. It featured a Humbucker pickup that reduced undesirable noise and interference. We will display “The Log” as well as exercises that involve the audience in the design
process.

Record Cutting Lathe
Les went on to create a homemade record-cutting lathe to produce his own record masters using vibration and wax disks. We will showcase the technology applied to create these records and provide a microscope for
visitors to observe the grooves on a record.

Recording Tape
After World War II, the US acquired the first recording tape machines from the Nazis. From this, Ampex became the first commercial producers of recording tape machines and revolutionized the recording industry. Les was at the forefront of experimenting with this new technology and discovered that by using two recording heads, he could
record sound over sound, allowing him to tape his own back up and play back sounds at different speeds. We will feature this technology and create a series of interactive activities that allow visitors to experiment with tape loops and multi-track recording.

Television and the Les Pulverizer
In addition to his radio program, Les hosted his own television show and at one point had 8 of the top 10 songs in the country. During this time, he developed the Les Pulverizer, which was a large analog computer that allowed him to play, play back and record. We will showcase the capabilities of the Les Pulverizer and display clips from his radio and television programs.

Interviews
The area also includes interviews with Les Paul talking about topics such as his inspirations, his first performance, the importance of good design, the performerʼs motivation and the relationship of art and science.

THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW
The exhibit experience continues with a look at the advancements in technology relating to Les Paul and his lifeʼs work. This includes the progression of the radio, the television, recording devices, TV cameras,
tape decks and the guitar.

THE LES PAUL SPIRIT
Les Paulʼs House of Sound concludes with a look at Les Paulʼs most recent endeavors as well as a showcase of emerging technologies and innovations that embrace his innovative spirit. These will be presented through a series of experiences that feature digital audio manipulation, “perfect” recordings, open programming environments, home recordings, guitar effects and several others.

THE GREEN SCREEN EXPERIENCE
In addition to the installation, Discovery World will use its Television Studioʼs green screen technology to give guests the opportunity to perform with Les Paul in a virtual environment. The activity will have variations that will accommodate musicians and average music-lovers and will allow them to take home a DVD of them performing with Les Paul.

Other activities will include audio recording and manipulation experiences in Discovery Worldʼs Audio Lab and live performances in the Discovery World Theaters, including a 5 hour guitar jam featuring a wide range of guitarists.

Writing Sample – Website Content

Your Host
Greetings. My name is Liam Hughes and I welcome you to Knockahopple Cottage.

In 1989 while visiting family in County Tipperary, I asked a cousin if he knew of any homes for sale in the area. He took me down the road to an abandoned cottage that was in desperate need of repair.

Although it had been empty for several years and required a lot of work, I knew I had found home. My great grandfather came from Knockahopple in the mid-1800′s, and I was returning. From that point on, this place was my Cottage.

Since then I have lovingly restored Knockahopple Cottage. I have tried to be mindful of the feel of a traditional Irish cottage, but with all the modern comforts.

My First Guests
I never thought of having guests other than family and close friends at Knockahopple Cottage until I received a call from Gaeney Ryan, a seventy-five-year-old woman from Indiana. She heard of my place from a friend of my mother and was interested in staying there while she visited Ireland in June of 1999.

We made the arrangements over the phone, but she was disheartened to learn that her age restricted her from renting a car in Ireland. That was when she asked if I would be interested in driving her and her friend to their destinations. I agreed, and we made arrangements for the three of us to get together stateside to work out their 14-day itinerary and determine the costs involved in such a tour.

On the day of their arrival in Ireland, I had their car ready for them when they landed, and we were enjoying tea and scones at Knockahopple Cottage within an hour. The next morning I served a full Irish breakfast. It even included fresh-baked Irish soda bread that I cooked over the open fire in the kitchen (a secret I learned from my Irish cousin, Anna Mae).

Both women expressed how special it was to sit by the fire late into the evening. It was at this time we would talk about the events of the day and go over our upcoming itinerary. We covered much of Ireland and Northern Ireland in those two weeks, including a number of days relaxing around Knockahopple. Because we were not tied to a tour group, Gaeney was able to adjust her plans based on her mood and the activities going on in the areas we visited.

Discovering the Real Ireland
On her last day at Knockahopple Cottage, Gaeney and I sat by the fire where she told me how special it was to see the side of Ireland most tourists miss. She insisted I begin putting my passion for, what she called the “real Ireland,” to work. And on that day, Knockahopple Cottage and Tours began. In just a few short years, my business has grown, but remains small and personalized, which is exactly the way I intend to keep it.

Coming Home
For Irish-Americans like myself, there is a strong bond with Ireland that calls us back to the place of our ancestors. There is something about the Irish countryside and turf burning in an open fire that makes one think of how difficult it must have been for our forefathers to leave a place as beautiful as this.

I welcome you to Ireland and Knockahopple Cottage as my guest and friend.

Writing Sample – Feature Article

A wrong turn down a forgotten road kept the turrets of Charleville Castle just over the treeline and disappointingly out of reach. Realizing we were not getting any closer, Liam and I abandoned our car and, instead followed an ancient path through the woods, hoping it would lead us to the castle’s entrance.  Overgrown rhododendrons blocked the midday sun and the rustling leaves and snapping twigs around us served as reminders that although the area lacked “no trespassing” signs, we were probably still in a place we were not supposed to be.

It was a relief when the path ended at the castle’s front gates. Slightly beyond the wrought iron entrance, we saw the enormous, ivy-clad gothic castle standing just as it did at the turn of the19th century. The giant wooden front door was studded with ancient metal rivets and the darkened windows hid any signs of life. We approached slowly, confused as to whether the grounds were open to the public.

We rang the brass bell that hung next to the massive door. From inside, we heard the shuffling of little feet and then, just on the other side of the door, a child’s giggle. We both held our breath waiting to hear the sound again. Quiet. Spooked, but not deterred, we rang the bell once more. This time the door creaked open to reveal the castle’s keeper, Dudley Stuart, who looked more like a professor than a ghost.

He smiled as he welcomed us, “I’m afraid I don’t have a tour guide today, but you are welcome to look around.” Inside, we were greeted by a dark wood foyer surrounding a dramatic staircase and a large chandelier.

“Was that a child we heard?” Liam inquired.

“Ah yes, that would be one of our resident ghosts,” he said with a wink as he discretely pointed to the door under the stairs. A young girl could be seen peeking through the crack.

Partly relieved and partly disappointed that our giggling greeter was of the living world, we followed our host. A bit disheveled and clearly juggling a variety of tasks, Dudley dug up some papers from a desk tucked in the shadows and handed us a pamphlet about the castle. “Which of you two is the eldest?”

Liam sheepishly raised his hand.

“Then you’re in charge. I’m interviewing someone for a job, and then I have to go into town. Feel free to look in the rooms on the upper level and go ahead and walk around outside.”

Noticing that the papers he handed us stated a price for tours, I asked where we should pay. “Ah, no tour, no charge. Just take good care of the place while I’m gone.” With that, he marched up the stairs to his interview.

This relatively young castle was built in an era when fortification was not an issue, so the gothic showcase had large windows and elaborate plasterwork. There we were, unescorted and snooping through the large dusty rooms filled with antique furniture and dozens of handwritten placards demanding we refrain from smoking. As we wandered from one grand but worn space to the next, we were mindful of whether we left the doors open or closed, for we had heard tales of Charleville’s playful ghosts and their reputation for locking cabinets and closing doors.

Eventually, we found ourselves at the last door on the upper level. As Liam pushed it open, the air on the other side was distinctly cooler than the air in the hall. The dust was three times thicker on the sills and baseboards in this area, and the windows were frosted with dirt. “I don’t think this area is open to the public,” I said quietly.

Being a bit more adventurous, Liam whispered, “I didn’t see a sign,” as he approached a very unusual, cantilevered staircase that clung to the wall. The stairs did not appear safe and a frayed rope drooping across the stairs reinforced the idea. Liam twisted his neck over the banister to see the passage to the upper floors. “Wow,” was all he could utter as he looked up the ornately carved railing that extended all the way to the top floor.

As we made our way from the staircase to a room in one of the round turrets, the floor creaked below us and, oddly, above us. The sound stopped when we stopped, making it difficult to tell if we were being tracked by the paranormal or just hearing the groans of an old home.

Inside the turret room there were tables covered in hundreds of old dishes, which were distinctly cleaner than anything else in the room. Beneath the dishes, the room was still outfitted in antique furniture. Eerie paintings watched over us from the walls. As I stepped in for a closer look at an old clock on the mantel, Dudley’s voice interrupted the silence. “I’ll be off now, but wanted to check in with you before I go.”

Hiding my uneasiness with the space, I asked, “What’s with all the dishes?”

“It’s for a local charity, they sell them here about once a month.” With that, Dudley escorted us back to the main hall before packing his interview guest and a bicycle in his car. Before ducking into the car, he said, “Take care, now, Liam and Corey.” He remembered our names.

Outside, the castle proved to be as interesting as the inside. The overgrown gardens still offered traces of their formal past, and a bank of outdoor showers and various tarps scattered about the ground revealed that the property was offered as a summer campsite for backpackers. The lived-in feeling of the outside contributed to the overall strangeness of the site.

Aged grills and discolored plastic furniture served as modern relics in the back garden. Near the once grand stables, a young woman was hanging a modern array of fashions on a communal clothesline. Beside her, the girl we saw inside giggled as she played with the various toys strewn about. Both ignored us as we peered into the windows of the derelict stables.

Around the back we found a volunteer named Sullivan who was tending a garden. He was eager to take a break to tell us about the American woman who held the lease on the castle, Dudley’s slow-going efforts to restore it and the Woodstock-like music festivals held on the grounds each summer. “It’s a communal place. I work here a couple times a week for some quiet, and they give me soup. There’s some in the kitchen. Would you like some soup?”

We politely declined his offer, but pressed him for more details about the castle. He told us of the cycle of extravagance and destitution that has accompanied the estate. Then we asked about the ghosts.

“I’d say I’m not the one to tell yee about that sort of thing.”

Not sure if he had no story to tell or if he was simply afraid to share the details, we asked again.

“I’m really not the one to tell yee about that,” he emphasized, quickly transitioning the conversation to Dudley’s search for a new tour guide. “Come back another time, and he’ll have a new guide. They’ll know about that sort of thing. It doesn’t take ‘em long to have a ghost story.” With that, he wished us well and returned to his gardening.

As we walked to the front of the house, we lost sight of Sullivan and the mysterious child and her mother were nowhere to be seen. The castle garnered a lonely, isolated atmosphere. The two of us were already planning our next visit and discussing who among our friends would appreciate this unusual and potentially haunted treasure.

Once again at the gates, we glanced back for one more look. At that very moment, the front door slowly closed. Liam and I looked at each other, and without a word headed down the path and back to our car.

Charleville Castle is located one mile south of Tullamore in County Offaly. It is available for tours-by-appointment from noon to 6pm in high season. Price is €16 for one adult or a couple and €6 for additional guests. Note that this castle is pronounced CHAR-leville, not SHAR-leville. www.charlevillecastle.com

SIDEBAR:

Looking For A Few Haunted Castles In Ireland?

Huntington Castle
Located in Clonegal, County Carlow, Huntington Castle is still occupied by decendants of Lord Esmonde. Although it has seen better days, the 17th century castle provides a perfectly eerie backdrop. If the two resident ghosts don’t leave guests unsettled, the peculiar shrines constructed in the dungeon by Fellowship of Isis churchgoers, certainly will.
www.fellowshipofisis.com
www.carlowtourism.com

Leap Castle
Considered the most haunted in Ireland, Leap Castle in County Tipperary also delivers one of the most ghastly tales. In the 1920s a bricked-in room was discovered behind the chapel…and inside the secret room, three cartloads of human remains.
www.castles.org
www.hauntedcastlesandhotels.com

Kinnitty Castle
Now a comfortable hotel, Kinitty Castle in County Offaly was once an Augustinian monastery. A monk from that era still roams the banquet hall. Clearly not maintaining a vow of silence, he has been known to talk to visitors and staff and has a reputation for providing surprisingly accurate predictions.
www.kinnittycastle.com

Still haven’t gotten enough haunted Ireland? Try these websites.

Haunted Britain & Ireland
Featuring history and hauntings throughout Ireland,sites in the North, West, Central, East and South are highlighted. www.haunted-britain.com

Irish Culture & Customs
Includes stories of some of Ireland’s creepiest castles and homes.
www.irishcultureandcustoms.com

Haunted Hotel Guide
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more complete guide to haunted accommodations in Ireland.
www.hauntedhotelguide.com

Irish Ghosts & Folklore
Featuring story after story of hauntings, traditions and Irish oddities.
www.nzghosts.co.nz

Writing Sample – E-Newsletter Article

Ireland’s B&Bs Provide More Than A Warm Bed And Hearty Meal

As chain hotels pop up throughout Ireland, they cater to a range of guests from the business set to tour groups, but bed and breakfasts continue to provide visitors with a combination of local flavor and great value that hotels are unable to match. The small, independently-owned bed and breakfasts, also known as B&Bs, are famous for their warm hospitality and hearty Irish breakfasts.

Be it a country farmhouse, a Georgian manor or a modern bungalow, the greatest asset to most B&Bs still tends to be its owners. Spending a few moments with your hosts will reveal that in addition to opening up their home, they are quick to offer insight into nearby restaurants, pubs, traditional music and activities — as well as providing their own take on local legends, sites and general life in their part of Ireland.

The Anatomy of a Great B&B
When you check in, your host will provide you with a pair of keys, one for your private room and another for the front door, which allows you to come and go as you please. You will also have access to a bathroom; “en suite” rooms (pronounced “on-sweet”), which are becoming the norm, include a bathroom within your room rather than down the hall. Each guest will be provided a towel and sometimes a washcloth, hand towel and each bed will include linens and extra blankets.

A full Irish breakfast will be on the menu every morning. This includes a serving of rashers (Irish bacon), as well as a fried egg, a fried tomato, mushrooms, a banger (pork sausage) and in many cases, a serving of white pudding and of black pudding. For those who don’t know, Irish puddings are actually sausages stuffed with meat, whole grain and spices. White pudding tends to be a bit milder while black pudding appears denser and gets its color from animal blood that is integral to the recipe.

In addition to the hot Irish breakfast, most B&Bs have a table of assorted cold cereals, fruit, breads and yogurt to which you may help yourself. Hot tea, milk and juice are always served and coffee, which is usually instant, is commonly available. Some B&Bs also offer alternative hot breakfast options — which may include garden-picked vegetables or fresh salmon, while others may provide healthier alternatives to the fry.

Many hosts provide extra amenities that make their accommodations more like a boutique hotel than a traditional B&B. This can include furnishing rooms with electric tea kettles, biscuits, irons, hair dryers, radio alarm clocks and televisions. Meanwhile, several B&Bs provide additional public spaces such as a TV room, library or picnic area, and some even offer internet access.

Booking A Great B&B
There are several ways to find a great B&B. A guidebook with a strong accommodation section can provide a good snapshot of places to stay. Meanwhile, paid listings like the Board Failte (Irish Tourist Board) and Town and Country books offer an extensive list of amenities available at or near their listings and require that each B&B meets specific criteria. Internet message boards, like Trip Advisor, give you the opportunity to read other guests’ comments, but remember, message boards are written by strangers who may have different standards than you.

Most B&Bs have some type of internet presence, be it their own website or a listing on a shared site. Their rates (sometimes called tariffs) are clearly marked for each season and a list of amenities posted. Most B&Bs include photos of the exterior and interior. Be aware that many B&Bs include photos of nearby attractions, so although they may display an image of, say, sheep grazing on a mountain slope near a pristine lake, that might not be the view from your room.

Inquiries and bookings can be made via email or phone. However, many B&Bs also offer online booking. In most cases a credit card is required to reserve a room (even when the B&B doesn’t accept credit cards as payment). Be sure to print off copies of all confirmation emails and email correspondence before you leave, in the event there is a problem with your booking.

It is possible to book-as-you-go when traveling in Ireland. This can be as simple as knocking on a door and asking if there is a room available. However, this process can be especially tedious in the high season months of June, July and August. If you are turned away at one place, be sure to ask for a recommendation. Many hosts will offer to call a neighboring B&B to inquire about vacancy. If you have special needs, have a specific B&B in mind or are staying in Dublin, book your accommodations in advance.

Another great resource is the tourist offices. Their network allows them to book accommodations for you anywhere in Ireland. They charge a small fee for the booking, but since they make the calls and secure the reservation for you, it can be well worth your time in stopping by.

Some Tips For Improving Your B&B Experience

• Once you have your room reserved, the best time to arrive at a B&B is between 4:30 and 6:30 in the evening. You can check in early, but realize the owner may be away running errands, picking children up from school, laundering sheets and towels or simply may not have your room turned over yet. On the other hand, if you’ll be arriving AFTER 6pm it is important to call the B&B to let them know when they can expect you.
• Many B&Bs will have tea and biscuits waiting for you on arrival — either in your room, the breakfast room or somewhere else in the hall. Feel free to stop in and enjoy them. Your host will often spend a moment inquiring about your plans, offering suggestions for your stay.
• Breakfast is usually served between 8 and 9:30 in the morning. Your host will ask what time you would prefer breakfast served, so be sure to arrive in the breakfast room at that time. If you plan to get an early start to your day, you can inquire about an earlier serving time. If your host cannot accommodate the request, many will offer to leave out some fruit and cereal. In this situation, pay your bill the night before and ask about check-out protocol.
• Although a B&B may ask for a credit card to hold a room, they rarely ask you to pay for the room until after breakfast. If you are asked to pay upon arrival, always inspect the premises and ask what will be served for breakfast before exchanging money.
• Speaking of money, B&Bs in Ireland can be very direct about asking for cash over credit cards. Some even state that there is an additional fee on credit card transactions. Other B&Bs will take only cash, while others gladly accept credit cards, so it is important to research this information prior to settling the bill.
• B&B hosts usually rely on their guests being “on their way,” be it checked-out or off site-seeing, before 11 am. This allows the host plenty of time for household chores and family obligations.
• While at a B&B, guests are not expected to help with chores, so no need to worry about making beds or clearing the table. If you spill or break something — don’t worry, accidents happen. Just let your host know as soon as possible so they can tend to it.
• If you have dietary restrictions, discuss it with your hosts, but realize they might not be able to accommodate special diets.
• Although your hosts will go out of their way to make you feel welcome, tipping and bringing gifts for your hosts is not expected. If you insist on bringing a gift, consider a prepackaged food product or small present from your hometown; include a brief note explaining the gift, and do not be offended if your host chooses not to open it in front of you.

Writing Sample – Article

My task was simple. Visit my local bookseller, find a guidebook on Ireland,  then start planning the trip of a lifetime. With this strategy, I would be compiling a list of top ten sites and a rough itinerary before dinner, right?

My naivety became obvious the moment I approached the bookstore’s travel shelf. There I found one, two, three, four…TWELVE books on Irish travel. There were guides for hikers, bikers, parents and even dummies. Others claimed to reveal the best of Dublin, the highlights of the southwest, the most beautiful villages, the coziest B&Bs. It was a collage of superlatives, but deciding which book would actually deliver my dream vacation didn’t seem as obvious as my inclusion in the race for the “most clueless tourist in Ireland.”

In the end, I made the obvious choice. I bought the book with the most pictures.

That was over ten years ago, and a lot has changed. I thumbed through all twelve of those original travel books, even reading many of them. The Irish travel section of my personal library now exceeds my local bookseller’s, and I can usually rate a guidebook’s attributes by leafing through only a few pages. I’ve also learned that the right guidebook really depends on your travel style and budget.

“Dreambooks” – More Prose and Pictures
For the first time traveler, I recommend starting with, what I call, a “dreambook.” “Dreambooks” are filled with pictures and a general overview of Ireland.  Ranging from a coffee table book of beautiful photographs to a guidebook with maps, cutaways and lots of photos, a “dreambook” is useful in helping identify a region you may want to visit when your itinerary is not yet set. Some good books in this category include “DK Eyewitness Travel Guides,” “Fodor’s See It Ireland,” “AAA Spiral Guides: Ireland,” “Reader’s Digest Illustrated Guide to Ireland” as well as the many photo books out there.

Full-On Guidebooks – Everything but the Kitchen Sink
For a more in-depth look, traditional guidebooks provide additional information on regions, routes, sites, accommodations, restaurants and nightlife. These books can be text-heavy and may seem intimidating at first, so I suggest starting with a region that includes a site on your must-see list and branch out from there. Budget travelers will find “Frommer’s Ireland from $90 a Day,” “Let’s Go: Ireland,” “MTV – Ireland” or “Lonely Planet Ireland” the best for making economical decisions. Meanwhile, “Ireland for Dummies,” “Fodor’s Ireland,” “Frommer’s Ireland,” and “Rough Guide to Ireland” each provide thorough coverage of the Emerald Isle.

Special Interest Publications – A Perfect Fit
If you have a special interest, such as golfing, biking, walking or traveling with children, there are books written especially for you. These books, as well as those dedicated exclusively to listing accommodations, can provide all the details you need to plan a personalized tour.  Many of these books are distributed by major  publishing houses, but several books and pamphlets are put out by independent authors  as well as smaller publishers. This category includes “Independent Walkers Guide to Ireland,” “Secret Dublin,” “Garden Lovers Guide to Ireland,” “Michele Irdvig’s Best Little Guide to Ireland,” “Ireland’s Golf Courses,” “Take the Kids to Ireland, ” “Take a Break In Ireland” and the “Exploring” series from O’Brien Press.

Back to the Bookstore
Nowadays, my biggest challenge at the bookstore is  choosing between guidebooks. Now, I select the same area in each book, reading the sections carefully. Most books do a good job of covering cities, so I tend to inspect their coverage of places like Donegal or Cobh  comparing how they handle the less-known destinations and then make my decision.

Writing Sample -Tips/How To

When it comes to spectacular photo ops, the Emerald Isle delivers something to delight your camera around every corner. But the weather, the landscape and the sites in Ireland present some very specific challenges. We’ve got our list of photo tips especially for your travels around Ireland.

CARRY THE CAMERA EVERYWHERE
The camera is no good to you if it’s stuffed in the glove compartment of your rental car. Make a point to take out the camera anywhere you go, including restaurants, shops and roadside stops.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA
New digital cameras have added several features that can dramatically improve your photos. Get to know your device’s scene features and be sure you figure out how to turn the flash on and off as well as quickly preview and delete photos.

GET CLOSER
Is there a reason you keep taking photos of people who look like specks in the distance? Get up close and fill the frame with people, architectural details whatever you are trying to capture.

BEAT THE CLOUDY SKIES
Light rain and overcast skies appear regularly in the Irish forecast and can make your photos look dull and grey. Plus, many digital cameras have a hard time focusing in cloudy or foggy conditions. To combat this, take fewer wide shots and concentrate on close ups and details. Also, before you snap, look for shapes and colors that show contrast between light and dark, bright and dull. And if all else fails, use editing software (which often comes with a new camera) and try adjusting the saturation and contrast.

CAPTURE THE CASTLE
With the number of castles in Ireland, you are certain to add a few to your photo collection. From the outside, try photographing the fortress from an angle rather than straight on and attempt to squeeze in a patch of grass, sky or gardens to counter the castle’s dark grey stones. From inside, it is often difficult to capture the space without a wide angle lens, the best alternative is to photograph from a doorway or whenever possible from a perch above.

BRING ALONG A WEATHER-PROOF CASE
Digital cameras tend to be more sensitive to water, sand and rough handling than traditional cameras, so a good weather-proof case can protect it from the elements and provide some extra cushioning. When in Ireland, go to great lengths to keep your camera dry, and if it does get seriously wet, turn off the camera, remove the battery and let it air dry.

BUY THE POSTCARD
Postcards usually capture a landmark better than most novice photographers or provide an angle the average visitor isn’t able to get. Buy a postcard with the view you want and then use your own camera to take photos of your favorite details or of your family. Be sure to buy postcards that will fit in your photo album…jumbo and panoramic postcards sometimes just don’t fit.

ROUND UP THE LIVESTOCK
Be it on a farm, in a field or in the middle of a country road, farm animals are a common sight in the Irish countryside. If you come upon an Irish traffic jam (cows or sheep), stay in the car and take photos through the window. Baby animals are extraordinarily cute, but remember their parents are exceptionally protective, so beware! Use your zoom to get up close and personal rather than approaching animals and never get close to an animal without its owner present.

THINK ABOUT LIGHTING
The best natural lighting tends to be when the sun is lower at around sunrise and sunset. Faces tend to glow in this kind of light and squinting eyes tend to be less of a problem. If you’re lucky enough for sunny skies, watch out for dark shadows on faces; turning on your flash in these situations can help fill-in those shadows. When indoors try the shot with and without flash.

STOP THE CAR AND GET OUT
If you’re in too much of a rush to get out the car to take a photo, you’re probably traveling at a faster pace than you should. Don’t hesitate to cautiously pull over or turn around and go back to capture a great shot. While you’re stopped, carefully wander over to the other side of the road and see if there is anything noteworthy on that side as well.

STOP POSING AND START DOING SOMETHING
Oh look, there’s a photo of the family standing and smiling at the Cliffs of Moher. Here’s the same pose in front of Dublin’s Molly Malone statue. Oh and again at the Rock of Cashel. Try getting pictures of people doing things…inspecting the Liscannor stone on the walk at the Cliffs, climbing Croagh Patrick or sharing a latte at Bewley’s Cafe. You’ll find such photos tell the story of your vacation much better than a forced smile in the usual pose.

TAKE THREE; SAVE ONE
The biggest advantage of digital cameras is the fact that you can take more photos without having to pay for developing, so take more shots than you’ll ever need. Be sure to try different angles and camera modes and keep only your best images. Saving redundant images clogs memory and can make your photo album a drag to look through.

CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE
For some people, turning the camera from horizontal to vertical is a pretty radical move, but get more variety by trying the same shot from very high and very low angles. That might mean standing on a chair or lying on the ground to get the perfect shot. Also don’t be afraid to turn the camera on an angle; canted or diagonal shots can be quite interesting.

CARRY A SPARE BATTERY
Don’t be caught without power. Be sure to have an extra battery charged and ready to go. Look at the specifications printed on your charger. If it says AC Input: 100-240V, it can handle handle Ireland’s 220 volt outlets and all you need to bring along is a plug adapter that will allow you to plug it in to the wall at your B&B.

ENJOY THE CRAIC!
The word “CHEESE!” causes some people to contort their faces into an almost frightening, tooth-bearing expression. A gentle laugh tends to look more natural in photos.

PASS THE CAMERA
There’s one thing missing from vacation photos with a designated photographer…the person behind the lens. Let everyone in the family take photos, ask fellow travelers to snap a pic of your group or use your camera’s self-timer to get everyone in the shot.

KEEP IT SAFE
Whether your camera or the memories it contains are more valuable to you, keep your camera secure. Pack it in your carryon luggage (airport x-ray equipment will not damage your digital camera or the information on your memory card). If you need to leave it in the car, b&b or hotel, keep it out of sight or ask your host for their recommendation.

LOOK AROUND
Taking a moment to stop thinking about what you’re looking at and start noticing what you’re seeing can completely change your photographic style. Look for shadows and reflections and be sure to look up…the ceilings and sky reveal often-missed wonders.

STOP THE CHURCH BLUR
The low-light conditions in churches and other buildings can result in blurry photos and the flash tends to eliminate any sense of mood. Use your camera’s museum or low-light settings and lean your camera against a column, pew or other steady object to avoid camera shake.

SNAP YOUR SUITCASE
Before you leave, snap a photo of the contents of your suitcase. In case something goes missing, you’ll have documentation.

FIRE UP YOUR “DIGITAL COPY MACHINE”
Use your digital camera to take photos of information signs, posted maps, train schedules and passports. You’ll have information handy without having to carry extra hard copies.

CAPTURE THE GOOD WITH THE BAD
Just because it’s pouring rain, your luggage is missing and you just found out your self-catering cottage is missing a roof, doesn’t mean you should stop taking pictures. Documenting the entire trip will tell the whole story. Plus, the photos might come in handy for refunds and insurance purposes, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be able to look back on those moments and laugh.

BULK UP ON MEMORY
The memory card that comes with most cameras simply isn’t big enough to accommodate an entire Irish holiday. Get a card that will hold at least 100 photos at a high setting – which still might not be enough memory! Remember, higher megapixel cameras need larger memory cards. If you find yourself running low on memory, stop by a one-hour photo store and clear your memory card by having your images put on a CD or purchase another memory card while on the road.

USE THOSE MEGAPIXELS
You paid for those extra megapixels, so why aren’t you using them? Keeping your photo size set at “basic” or “low” means you probably won’t be able enlarge your photos beyond 4”x6” and you likely paid for a bigger camera than you needed.

CHOOSE A CLOSING SHOT
Before you end your visit to any site, stop and think about a closing shot…something that sums up the visit and captures your mood. These images often make the best additions to your Irish photo album.

PUBLISH THOSE MEMORIES
Photo albums are great, but new technology makes it easy to turn your digital photos in to books, cards and stickers. Online services such as Flickr, Moo, Shutterfly, Kodak and Apple’s iLife make it easy to produce amazing products. And remember, be ruthless in your editing – only include your very best images or the photos that best tell a story; it’ll save on printing costs and keep your collection interesting.

You can visit the Irish Fireside PHOTO ALBUMS by visiting www.irishfireside.com/photo.html

Writing Sample – Blog Post

From Penny-Pincher to Poshie

My original plan was to experience Dublin on a budget…sleep cheap, eat cheaper and tackle the city’s free and nearly free attractions. The opportunities for inexpensive siteseeing were endless, and things certainly started out on the right track.

I rode the bus into the capital rather than the train and saved a whopping €18. My first night was spent in a hostel, my second in a budget hotel. Meals included simple sandwiches taken at convenience stores or restaurant “early bird” specials.

On the first day alone, I wandered Grafton Street, visited several museums, dropped by St Valentine’s relics, wandered into an “Everything’s €2” store, escaped to a bookstore for two hours and lounged on a park bench in St Stephen’s Green. Everything a budget traveler should do, and in the end, I only spent €35 that day…and that included accommodations!

My budget obsession had me on the go, taking in freebies from the moment the garbage truck beeped outside my window in the morning to well after I climbed into bed with my eleven snoring hostel roommates at night. By the end of the second day, I realized it wasn’t the joy of finding bargains that had me keeping such a pace, it was the fact that I didn’t want to go back to my crummy room.

On the second morning, I dragged the chair from in front of the door of my seedy hotel room — I pushed it there because the lock on the door looked like it would fall off despite the extra screws put in at all angles in an attempt to secure the device, and I knew I had enough of Dublin on a shoestring.

I hadn’t booked my next night’s accommodations, so I opted for a night at the other end of the spectrum and booked a room at the Morrison Hotel…a place so swanky, it took me two extra minutes to find the toilet stalls in the bathroom because they were built in to the wall and covered with floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

This was the start of what I called Posh Day. A glorious 24 hours of pampering and luxury. I took in high tea, the theatre and hung out in trendy neighborhoods. It was quite a shift…and quite a shock to my credit card.

Regardless, traveling at the extremes taught me a great deal about the need for variety when exploring Ireland. I found wonderful places on my adventure on-the-cheap I would have never found otherwise, and Posh Day exposed me to a few joys I would have missed if I was in any other mindset.

I made sure to document the entire experience.

* Podcasts: http://irishfireside.com/48dublin.htm (I’d recommend #50 Posh Day)
* Dublin Blog: http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/category/summer-2008/dublin-2008/
* Posh Day: http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/category/summer-2008/posh-day/