A Slovak Spectacle

Back in 2001/02 Rachel and I lived in Bratislava, Slovakia. Rachel was the editor-in-chief of the local English-language newspaper and I worked as a photographer and copy editor for the same paper. While we were there our good friend Tom stayed with us for several months while he researched and wrote a travel guide to Slovakia. I followed Tom around for a day with my camera so people back home could see what life was like for us in Bratislava. This is the first time I have stiched a movie together from stills, so the result is a bit shaky. Some might call it quirky. Music by Paberky Marko Cermaka. Please leave comments if you feel moved to do so.


A Slovak Spectacle from iambrianjones on Vimeo.

Tessie 199? - 2008

When Rachel and I were living in Mexico City in 1997/98 we adopted two cats - whom we named Monster and Tessie. Both cats have lived with us in our homes in Mexico City, Brooklyn and London with a few stints at my parents' house in Haddonfield, New Jersey, in between. Two years ago Tessie was diagnosed with heart disease, a condition in which her heart was so enlarged that there was not much room for her lungs. The veterinarian's prognosis was that she would suffocate within a few months. Luckily she lived much longer than that - and with only mild discomfort until the end. On 3 December 2008 Tessie died at home with me, Rachel and Monster by her side. I would like to share with you a few photos of our beloved Tessie:




The two cats used to hide together when they sensed danger.


Such a noble profile!




Tessie used to like sitting on black bags.




Her favourite song was Danny Boy. Rachel would start singing and she would jump up on the bed and listen intently.


We were always greeted by Tessie when we came home.


Here she is minutes after her death.


This and the next few photos are of me digging her grave at Lally and Cecil's house.






Here she is in her silk shroud.

Winter bike ride at sunset

On Sunday December 7 Mark MacNamara and I rode in a train to Cheshunt and then cycled back to London along the river Lea. It took us about two leasurely hours to cycle the 15 or so traffic-free miles. It was cold, crisp, and dark when we got back and had a pint at the Dove on Broadway Market.