Into the West

Regular posting will be suspended for the upcoming week as the Mrs and I head to California on a little break. Stay tuned for a return to normal programming.

Today is Zia day

ZT by AH

Today is my wife Zia's birthday and in celebration of that here on 'Whats the Jackanory ?' I am declaring it Zia day. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today, personally and professionally with out her. Not only is she beautiful, smart, passionate, kind, loving, creative, inspirational, she has a wicked eye especially when it comes to my photography and has helped me conquer the fear ! When the works good she says it is and when its weak she tells me like she sees it, such support is priceless and while it may hurt sometimes, she is usually always right.

AH by ZT

Here's to you Zia, I love you !

Desktop entrant # 7

This one comes courtesy of Roy Grisewood my uncle in law. Roy is multi-talented, an artist, teacher, photographer amongst many other things. He also has a taste for the good things in life, fine Irish whiskey. He has been documenting his sprawling Dansville New York estate for some time. Check out L'Hermitage in all its seasonal glories here.

Here's to you Lord Grisewood !

Friday Foto(s)

In keeping in the spirit of us all being photographers now, I thought I would mix the Friday Foto(s) up a little this week.


This set comes courtesy of my brother Richard whos new house in Dublin is undergoing something of a major renovation.


I really love this little series 'Whats on the builders table this week ?' where he has been documenting the eating habits of that most exotic of human species, the Irish builder !

Photos © Rich and Michelle

You can follow the progress on the house and more here.

Heres to you Richard, Michelle and Adam !

Keeping it in the family

Photo © AH

Sunday night is the premiere of The Tudors on Showtime , the story of Henry VIII. My brother Richard was the boom operator on the series. It was all filmed in Ireland, part on location but mostly on the big soundstage @ Ardmore Studio's (they had different directors come in to do a couple of episode's a piece, the first two blew the whole location budget early on so the rest had to settle for the indoors). Ardmore is where my father cut his teeth as a young cameraman back in the day.

I guess I will have to fork out the extra for the premium cable upgrade and while I am @ it perhaps I should get myself some surround sound to experience the subtleties of Richard's mastery on the mic. Its chockablock with acting talent Sam Neill, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and my brother in law Chris who did his bit as an extra. That bastion of all good things cultural the New York Post gave it a stellar review with 4 stars.

It has nudity, violence (the odd beheading) & adult content (graphic sex), viewer discretion is advised, perfect for a Sunday night in with the family.

Check out the extended trailer here.