January 31, 2006

Alito In and How I Celebrated

Finally. Alito has been confirmed. 58 in favor, 42 against. Here's the breakdown from C-SPAN.

One Republican, Chafee of Rhode Island, voted against Alito. Four Democrats voted for him.

In celebration, I bought a new lens for my camera. I was trying to decide between the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 and the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. The Canon lens cost about $1,100 whereas the Tamron lens could be had at about $350. Normally, quality comes with a price, and I was looking for quality. I have heard good things in the past about Tamron lenses, so I wanted to give it a fair shake in comparison with its Canon counterpart.

What should one do if trying to compare lenses? Google it. I was able to find several comparisons and reviews, and from what I found, the Tamron lens actually performed better or equal to the Canon lens. Check out this nice comparison. Another can be found here.

With the comparisons coming in favor of the Tamron, I had to go with it. Plus, I saved about $500. I'll try to post some reviews of the lens once I receive it.

Next lens...the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8. I probably won't do many comparisons here. I love this lens and have shot with it before (some examples here). Plus, you just look cooler carrying around that big, white lens.

PS: Oh yeah. I'm supposed to be going to see some guy named Bush speak tomorrow. Not sure what that's about. heh

Comments:

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I know this is jumping ahead, but if Bush gets a chance at another Supreme Court nomination, I'd like to see the one who made the following quote selected:

"The Second Amendment is a doomsday provision, one designed for those exceptionally rare circumstances where all other rights have failed -- where the government refuses to stand for reelection and silences those who protest; where courts have lost the courage to oppose, or can find no one to enforce their decrees. However improbable these contingencies may seem today, facing them unprepared is a mistake a free people get to make only once." -- Justice Alex Kozinski, US 9th Circuit Court, 2003

But I think Kozinski is a real libertarian whose thinking would offend both Democrats and Republicans--and thus will never be chosen. Obviously leftist Democrats who SAY they are for civil rights would go nuts over the above quote.

Posted by: Ron W at January 31, 2006 12:50 PM

I've always wanted Kozinski, but I don't think he has enough friends in the administration to even get a nomination...which is most unfortunate.

Posted by: Blake at January 31, 2006 01:17 PM