A Few Rome Photos

The Curse of the Ex Player

Derby lost again last night. This time to Birmingham. Once again an ex- Derby player, Lee Carsley scored against us. (My sister bought his old house - he had very dodgy curtains)

I remember Tom Huddleston played over a 100 times for Derby and never scored a goal. He then went on loan to Wolves and in the game against us, guess what? He scored his first ever goal.

The club's cursed, I'm convinced of it. When Derby moved to the Baseball ground the club allegedly moved some gypsies off the site, who cast a curse on the club and said that they would never win a major trophy. I'm sure they're responsible for the ex-players' goals.

My First 10K Run of the Year

On Sunday I completed my first 10K run of the year in Epsom. Because of the heavy rain, parts of the run were completely waterlogged. However, managed to complete it and the rain kept off during the race itself. My time - as ever - was really slow, but I didn't finish last which was the main goal.

Am keen to do some more this year. Once again my New Year resolution is trying to get fit. For about the 20th year in a row.

FA Cup 4th Round Derby 1 Forest 1

The man in charge of the PA system at Pride Park has a sense of humour. As the crowd were leaving last Friday night after the game he was playing Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'. Summed up the mood of the Derby fans. We should have won. We were 1 nil up and all over them in the first half. Then Robbie Earnshaw ex-Derby striker - who was rubbish when he played for us - scores a great goal to equalise. Typical. Even our ex-keeper (Mart Poom) has scored against us.Then their goalie saves them near the end.

Great atmosphere. Exciting game. We'll just after beat Forest at their ground and play...yes, Man United again at Pride Park in the next round. I bet they're feeling nervous.

January's A Big Birthday Month For Us

And Lia's 8 today! Looking forward to the cake later this afternoon

The Dream's Over

Last night Derby lost 4-2 to Man United and were knocked out of the Carling Cup semi-final. The final outcome was inevitable, but it does feel like a missed opportunity. We could / should have taken a bigger lead to Old Trafford from the first leg. We let in soft goals in the first half and left ourselves with too much to do.

Still, we avoided humiliation and its great to see Barnes back in action. On Friday I'm going to Pride Park to see Derby v Forest in the FA Cup. Should be a great atmosphere. If we win, all will be forgiven.

Slumdog Millionaire - Don't Believe the Advertising

On Sunday evening I went to see Slumdog Millionaire. It was a really good film and certainly worthy of the 4 Golden Globes that it recently picked up. However, the ads on the buses completely mis-represent what the film's about. It's called 'the feelgood movie of the decade' - which is most certainly isn't. If you were expecting a 'Mamma Mia' / 'Love Actually' style film then you'd be sorely disappointed.

There is a central love story and there is a positive message. However, the scenes in-between are really harrowing and the poverty, violence and cruelty is very explicit.

It was only after reading the reviews and talking to friends who'd seen it that I decided to see it. Brilliant acting, great soundtrack, clever storyline. Very moving but short on saccharine. Definitely worth seeing.

Mae's A Tween

Mae turned eleven on Thursday which using marketing-speak makes her a tween - that hard to reach, yet highly influential demographic between child and teenager. Next stop - mobile phone.

On Saturday morning I had the frightening experience of taking 4 children on the ice rink at Somerset House to celebrate her birthday. Managed to stay on my feet - just about. Still think this is the nicest ice rink in London. Not sure how long its going to carry on for, but still worth a visit.

Lovely Restaurant

Went to Salt Yard on Goodge Street yesterday for lunch and it was fabulous, serving the most delicious tapas. It was packed too, which shows that even in tough times the very best eating places will continue to do well.

Recommended

Just Back From Italy

Went to Italy this weekend to check out progress on the house. So far so good. think it'll be ready by Easter if all goes to plan. Usual mixture of walking in the hills, eating fab food and watching dreadful tv progs in the hotel. They've got their own versions of X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing which are truly awful. Beckham featured heavily in the news, as he's now started playing for Milan. He truly is a global phenomenon.

Unbelievable

The Return of Cloughie

Young Nigel is now boss of Derby, replacing Paul Jewell who resigned over Christmas. So...another chapter in the turbulent history of Derby County begins.

Its going to an interesting few weeks - Man U in the semi-final of the Carling Cup, followed by Forest in the FA Cup - now managed by former Derby boss and former hero, Billy Davies

Will Nigel come anywhere close to emulating the success of his father? I very much doubt it. He's only ever managed a non-League team. But you never know. Maybe he's inherited his father's magic touch. Watch this space.

What I'm Reading

Over Christmas you need a good book to dip into as a break from the non-stop eating, rubbish telly and games of Monoply. This Andrew Marr book is just the job. Its over 600 pages long and is perfect for dipping into. Its got the perfect balance of fact, observation and insightful commentary that makes it engaging and informative. Really enjoyable.

I'm up to 1970 where Heath has just been elected. What strikes me so far is how many of the issues we debate today stretch back many generations: our relationship with America and mainland Europe, the decline of our manufacturing base, how to handle immigration, Rhodesia / Zimbabwe, our education system, etc. Its clear that all the post war governments - all the way back to Attlee and Churchill - have tried and ultimately failed to resolve them.

Its also obvious that although we're in the midst of a recession today, Britain always seems to be teetering on the brink of disaster. Rationing continued for many years after the war and in so-called Golden Era of the 60s our economy was a disaster we had to devalue the pound. We always seem to come through it.

It may be viewed as a little superficial for hard-core historians but I'm loving 'A History of Modern Britain'. Highly recommended.

The Cornish Coastline

We're just back from a week away in Cornwall and was struck by how beautiful the coastline was. Here's a few pics.

Feeling Chrismassy Now

Yesterday we managed to visit Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, have tea at Harrod's, go to Trafalgar Square and see Hansel and Gretel at the Barbican. If you're still looking to kick-start your Christmas spirit, a wander round central London will do the trick.

More Milan Pics

I Looked For David Beckham in Milan Today

But I didn't see him. Thought he might have been hanging around the Prada shop in La Galleria but he was nowhere to be seen. There were lots of other people instead, sheltering from the rain. It really is a miserable day. Did a little bit of sightseeing eg Il Duoma but was getting so wet I decided to give up and catch the no 19 tram back to my lovely hotel. Plus, there are only so many designer shops one can absorb in one day. Am here until Thursday evening. Hope the weather improves.

Nice Restaurant

Went to Orso in Covent Garden for lunch today which was lovely. Its in a basement location and has been around for a long time. It specialises in really delicious rustic Italian food, served in hand painted tableware. It had a nice buzzy atmosphere. The staff were really friendly and helpful too.

Recommended.

Derby vs Man United

Miraculously Derby find themselves in the semi final of the Carling Cup, where in January they will play Man U over 2 legs. Of course, there will be only one winner and Derby's aim will be to get through it without being totally humiliated.

Those will long memories will recall that it wasn't always like this. Check out this fabulous film footage of Derby playing Man U at the Baseball ground in 1970, featuring some of the best players in the history of either club, playing sublime football on one of the worst pitches ever. Happy days.

My Favourite Christmas Ads

Tesco Featuring Des O'Connor
Reminds me a lot of the old Morecombe and Wise Christmas Specials, where Des was the butt of all their jokes. Funny - but with a strong value message.

Argos Garage
Very insightful depiction of the risks of last minute Christmas shopping. Its happened to us all, I'm sure. Slightly incongrous Stephen Fry voiceover, but adds to the humour.

Marks and Spencer
This is where I'd like to be on Christmas day - at Twiggy's lovely house with lots of good looking women and having a sing a long with Take That.

Waitrose
Beautiful production values, great soundtrack. Lovely images of people travelling home for Christmas.

Click on the titles to view them

Monday Morning

View from my office window.

A Star is Born

Lia was the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at yesterday's Stagecoach performance at Honeywell School.

She was fantastic. The star of the show.

What I'm Reading

I've just finished Murakami's latest book, 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' and really enjoyed it.

Its a very slim book, more of a diary than a novel / autobiography that reflects on his pre-occupation with running and how it influences his life and his writing.

I happen to be a big fan of his and a regular-ish runner so I guess that's what appeals to me about it. As well getting to understand the author and his life, Its helped me understand the love/hate relationship I have with running and has inspired me to go out more often.

Recommended for all the runners and Murakami fans out there.

We're Gonna Win the Cup

Tonight Derby beat Stoke 1-0 and are now in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup. The first time for 40 years, thanks to an injury time penalty.

Could be another trip to Wembley. Remember the last time we were there?

Karen's Birthday Party

Hurray - made it back in time for Karen's BIG party which was fab. Thanks to Richard and Grant for the live performance, Andy the DJ for the classic tunes, the caterers and all the helpers..and most of all to the friends who made it such a memorable event.

Wandsworth council officials came round early in the morning to tell us to keep the volume down, so apologies to all the neighbours.

For full, unedited photos click here.

Still in Monza

I should be home by now. Instead I'm back in my hotel room. Because of the light sprinking of snow that fell in Milan today, all flights back to London were cancelled. I'm booked on the 7.35am flight tomorrow. I hope there are no more delays as its Karen's BIG party tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

In Monza

Its been Italy all the way recently. Tuscany last week, the River Cafe on Tuesday and am now working in Monza , just outside Milan. Monza is most famous for being the home of the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix. Have not see the race track. Apparently its only a few km away. Have been teaching all day, but have not been brave enough to speak any Italian to the group. Maybe tomorrow.

Went for a walk around the town centre tonight and had something to eat at a nice restaurant by the river. Pizza and ice cream. Last night saw Inter Milan on TV, where Jose Mourinho is the manager. Pleased to see he's looking a bit older and less handsome nowadays

Its quite chilly here and snow is forecast. Hope I don't get stuck. Big day tomorrow. Karen's party.

The River Cafe

Last night was Karen's proper birthday and ends with an 0. So went to the River Cafe, which is my/our favourite restaurant in London. Whenever you go back to a favourite place you're always worried that it will let you down and tarnish the memory. However, last night it didn't.

I love it, because

- its got a youthful, energetic feel, without being fussy or unpretentious

- the food is simple, classic Italian but with really, really good seasonal ingredients: Italian food doesn't get better than this

- the setting is lovely with the long bar and the big clock at the end

- I like the whole River Cafe story - with its 2 female owners (Rose Gray / Ruth Rogers) and the classic cook books which I still use all the time (esp the blue one)

No sign of the credit crunch here. It was packed even though the bill did burn a whole in your pocket. Probably won't go again until another big occasion so will treasure the memory.

Still London's No 1 restaurant, I reckon.

Skylon is Better than the People's Palace

Skylon is the restaurant within the Royal Festival Hall, which used to called the People's Palace when it first re-opened a few years ago. We went there last with our friends Michael and Eilis as Karen's pre-birthday treat.

It's better because:

- there's a nice bar in the middle
- its warmer and friendlier
- there's a brasserie as well as a formal restaurant.

Food was good - not great - but still good. And of course the views of London are amazing.

Grappa and Ice Cream

Am just back from a couple of days in Tuscany where I've been checking out progress on our house renovation in Italy. The good news is that after a year of planning delays, work is finally underway with an army of builders hard at work. Looks like is going to be ready before Easter. Met up with my neighbour and he's picked all the olives off our land. They're going to be made into olive oil on Monday so we'll have our first batch ready for the next time we visit.

Food as ever was a highlight. Is the mushroom season here and they feature on all the local restaurant menus. Went with my mum, who likes her liqueurs. On the last night I had a grappa and she had a cynar (made from artichokes). We also had a hazelnut and chocolate ice cream. Grappa and ice cream. Great combination

Surprise Visit by Tevez's Mum

My New Blog

I've just created a new work related website. As well as showcasing what my company does, there's a blog which comments on marketing topics. If you're interested, click here

Facilitation Skills Training Course

I've got a new facilitation skills training course on the 5th December. It's an Open Programme with people from different organisations. I've got 2 places left, so if you're interested in coming along, please click here.

Perfect For a Wet Weekend

I recently went to the Museum of Childhood near Bethnal Green, which as the name suggests exhibits toys, dolls and games that date back to the 16th century. It was a really enjoyable visit and satisfied many of the criteria I look for in a museum
1. its free
2. its not too big and can be done in an hour or two
3. kids don't get bored too quickly
4. interesting building / space
5. nice coffee

Next on my list is the Museum of Brands, which looks interesting. If anyone's been, do let me know.

What to Feel Inspired?

Then watch Barack Obama's Election Night Speech here

Most Popular Brands of 2008

Over the past 12 months I've facilitated many workshops where brands have been discussed ad infinitum. From memory, these following brands have had the most mentions. So, in no particular order....

1. Apple

It used to be the iPod, now its the iPhone. Usually someone has one and likes to wave it about, provoking jealous looks from those people around them. Occasionally someone says I hate Apple.. and receives pitying looks from everyone else.

2. Nespresso

Quoted more often by women. People admire its innovative route to market, the way it has built partnerships with suppliers and its aspirational brand image. Others just fancy George Clooney.

3. The Nintendo Wii

A brand with broad appeal which provoke many stories of how difficult it was to buy. Amazingly not everyone has played it. However having heard it described to them most people say ' why haven't you brought one to the workshop?' I must remember next time.

4. Bugaboo

A recent entry, this range of expensive baby buggies is usually mentioned by image-conscious young dads who would much rather spend their hard earned cash on a BMW but have been told they can't. They usually claim they choose one because of its 'great functionality'. Now we know this isn't true

5. Abercrombie and Fitch

A popular choice amongst the nubile females, gay men and people from Dublin. The real fans can describe not only the 'must buy' items, but also which stores in New York have the best ranges and the best times to go shopping there.

6. Ocado

A life saver for all the UK based stressed business women. Non-Brits have never heard it, but are usually convinced of its merits after a long description of how nice and helpful the Ocado-man is.

7. Innocent

A brand admired for its 'tone of voice' and the cute woolly hats promotion. In almost every workshop I've been to someone has said 'we must do an Innocent with our brand'. This is usually followed by someone else saying our brand personality needs to be a 'bit more like Jamie'.

A Night Out in Warsaw

A very friendly bunch of clients gave me a tour of Warsaw last night. What I didn't realise was that during the war Warsaw was almost entirely destroyed. Although the centre looks old - and is referred to as the old town - it was completely rebuilt in the style of the original city.

After a walk around the very pretty town centre we went to a traditional Polish restaurant where I sampled a whole range of classic dishes but more importantly drank lots of the local beer and many shots of Polish vodka. I had no idea that the Poles are such big vodka drinkers. I do now. I always find that Polish people are great hosts. They're very open and friendly and made me feel very welcome.

After a long day, I'm now in the Lot Airlines lounge waiting to fly home. Somehow I got put in business class and am looking forward to some relaxation and pampering. As Frank once said..its oh so nice to go travelling, but so much nicer to come home...or words to that effect.

In Warsaw

Arrived a couple of hours ago at the remarkably mild Warsaw airport. Walked a couple of hundred yards across the terminal to the Marriott hotel where I'm staying. Flight on Lot was fairly relaxed, but food wasn't great. Ordered a bowl of Polish soup via roomservice which was delicious and flicked through all the TV channels. All the usual suspects - CNN, BBC World, Eurosport, etc showing endless pictures of Americans voting. Can't find any Adult Channels (not that I'm interested, of course). Probably because its a Catholic country. They're normally free in Dutch hotels. Missed our Italian lesson tonight. Will need to catch up before next week.

Have got a taxi booked at 7.15am tomorrow to take me to the client's office. Think its near the city centre, which would be good. Have never been to Warsaw (although I have been to Poznan before) Hopefully I'll get a chance to look around a bit. Will miss the fireworks tomorrow on Clapham Common which is a bit of a shame.

Have finished my book - Bel Canto - which I continued to enjoy. I always need a period of reflection before I begin a new one. Can't get iPlayer so will probably go to bed now. Need a good night's sleep so I can get into 'the zone' for the training course over the next couple of days.

Decision Time

I can't believe that the day of the US election has finally arrived and that after months of campaigning we'll shortly have a new President.

According to the Polls its a one-horse race. However, If there are any undecided Americans out there, please vote for Obama. The world needs you to do the right thing.

Allotment News

Dug up some Jerusalem artichokes yesterday. Strange looking things aren't they, with an even stranger name. Have never cooked them before and can't remember the last time I've tried them.

According to my sister they're nice when they're roasted, although I've also read a couple of interesting soup recipes. Wonder why they're not more popular?

We Were Robbed, Apparently

Whilst we were walking by the river Derby were playing Nottingham Forest in front of a sell-out partisan crowd at Pride Park. Derby hate Forest in case you didn't know.

According to various text messages I received the ref was useless and denied us a perfectly legitimate goal in the last minute. I guess we could have helped ourselves by not missing a penalty. It ended 1-1.

Anyway, at least it was exciting and will give the folk in Derby something to moan about.

My Favourite Part of the Thames

I love walking by the river between Ham and Richmond, especially this time of year. You've got the meadows, Ham House and of course the fabulous cafe at Petersham Nurseries with their lovely cakes. A nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Halloween

Every year it seems to get more popular to the point where Bonfire Night seems a bit dull in comparison. What's happened to 'penny for the guy?' We used to do this all the time. Shame, really.

First Day of Snow in London

Walked to Tooting Bec tube station on a chilly clear morning. Got out at Arnos Grove in North London to discover several inches of snow on ground. Its a rare occurence in London and even more surprising given it only partially covered the city. According to the Evening Standard it was the first October snow in London for 70 years. Starting to feel Christmassy now.

Thunderstorms, Scottish Dancing and Chinese Girls

Last weekend we held the 9th annual Reunion of the girls from the Long Yan Orphange at Dumfries, birthplace of the great Scottish poet Robert Burns. There were 8 families from all over the UK and in keeping with the location there was an evening of Scottish dancing on Saturday evening after a day of mountain biking in the torrential rain. We even visited a genuine Scottish castle.

Every year its a joy to see the girls growing up and to catch up with the familes. Next October we'll be south of the border. Liverpool? Southport? My vote's for Blackpool.

What I'm Reading

Over the weekend I've spent several hours on long train journeys. Its during these times that you're really grateful to have a good book to pass the time away.

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett is a really enjoyable read. Its the story of a group of wealthy people, including a famous opera singer kidnapped by terrorists in a Latin American country. People fall in love, strange alliances are formed and they learn to survive in unusual circumstances. Ann Patchett also wrote 'The Magician's Assistant' which I also really liked. This is even better, I think.

Thanks very much to the lady in Dublin airport who recommended it to me.

Another Nice Lunch

Thanks to a recommendation from my sister Silvana, I went for lunch today at Hix Oyster and Chop House, located around the corner from Smithfield Market. As the name suggests, oysters and various cuts of meat feature prominently on the menu. The atmosphere was informal with a long marble bar where people could sit and eat, white tiles and dark wooden floors. Lovely food. Nice staff. Definitely worth a visit.

Nice Day For Lunch at the South Bank

Posh Cocktail Party

Last night we went to a reception at the Italian Cultural Institute to celebrate a season of Italian films being shown at the London Film Festival. We were invited by our Italian teacher Tina and it was a very stylish affair. I know its a cliche, but Italians are so well dressed and, of course, are very good looking. The great and the good of the Italian film world were present and it was a lovely way to end the week.

Shock Horror! Derby On a Winning Streak!

Derby have now gone seven games unbeaten and are 1 point off a place in the play-offs. The world of football is so surprised that they've decided to launch an enquiry into a match fixing allegation following Derby's away win at Norwich. Bloody cheek!

Am particularly pleased that Tottenham are doing so badly at the moment. The people who run the club have never struck me as being particularly pleasant and I can't stand the way their fans continue to abuse Sol Campbell. Hopefully they'll go down this year.

I'm Currently Reading

The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid, told through the eyes of a Pakistani Muslim with a high-flying job in New York during the time of the attacks on the World Trade Centre. I've read about 40 pages and I'm really enjoying it. Its very precise, sharp and compelling. The kind of book I'm looking forward to reading again, which will probably be during my flight this afternoon to Hamburg. My friend Clare lent me her copy. Thanks Clare. Good choice.

My Cavolo Nero

The End of the Allotment Year

It was a beautiful Autumn day on the allotment. There's not much left to pick apart from the remaining runner beans, leeks and red cabbage. However, cavolo nero - is looking really good. Need to get out the recipe books - ribolito is all I can think of.

The biggest job is clearing everything away and filling up the compost bins. Luckily my father-in-law Maurice who has moved in recently is able to give me a hand - thank goodness.

We Got Our First Christmas Card Today

Thanks Ronnie, Charlie, Ben, Hannah, Rosie and Josh. Much appreciated. Is it that time of the year already? Maybe they operate on a different Calender in Wirksworth.

Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food.

I'm really enjoying Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food. whereby he's trying to get the whole nation to cook again by passing on recipes.

This time he's dealing with issues that are much more deep rooted and complex that any of his previous campaigns and I really admire what he's trying to do.

This is much more than a cookery programme. It exposes some of the key issues facing Britain today.

- our ongoing class system and the north south divide

- poor education, with people who can't read recipes and have never been taught to cook

- family breakdown and the consquences of single parenthood

- the growing gap between rich and poor

- our obesity epidemic and resultant health issues

Jamie represents the middle class, self made, foodies at the heart of Britain's 'food revolution' and I love the way he can't quite get to grips with people who can't/ won't cook for themselves and prefer to spend what little cash they have on fags, booze and takeaways.

There are no quick fixes here, but well done Jamie for raising awareness of the issues and having a good crack at them.

I saw Gordon Ramsay this evening sitting by a swimming pool

This evening I went to pick up Mae from her swimming club at a school in Wandsworth. Gordon Ramsay was there too, talking to his wife. I only noticed him because Mae asked him to move so she could get her bag.

'Can I get my bag please' she says, ', 'oh, sorry' says the man. Blimey, that's Gordon Ramsay I thought.

I guess one of his children goes to the same swimming club.

Dublin Airport in The Rain

I often buy books at Dublin airport. I don't know why. It's just a habit I've acquired and there really isn't much to do there. A woman was browsing next to me. I recommended the Wind Up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami to her and she recommended Bel Canto by Ann Pratchett to me. We both bought them. Must talk to strangers more often.

From Paris to Dublin

Spent most of last week travelling. Had a fabulous dinner last Tuesday in Paris (foie gras, cote de boeuf) followed by a workshop, then a day in Dublin on Friday reporting back on some market research findings. (haddock and chips for lunch, by the way)

Was very impressed by the Paris bike rental scheme, whereby you can pick up a bike at the metro station and deposit it at any other parking station in the city. According to the Parisians I've spoken to, its been a massive success.

Would love to see a scheme like this in London. Am sure it would be a big hit. Come on Boris, time to make your mark.

Is Jamie Oliver the most influential man in the UK?

Saw Jamie Oliver on the Jonathan Ross on Friday launching his latest campaign to get the nation cooking again.

We're all aware of the country's obesity problems - we're the 3rd most obese country in the world and we're always being told what to do about it.

However, despite all the government's efforts I'm convinced Jamie will have a much bigger impact. People like him. People listen to him.

Is he the most influential person in the UK? Probably.

Its 0-0 and QPR start the second half convinced that they can retain their 100% home record against a Derby team that has not won away from home for 2 years.

Emmanual Villa has just put Derby 2-0 ahead. It's the 90th minute and Derby have just completed a thoroughly deserved victory. The fans go wild! We are Derby, We Are Derby, Super Rams, We Are Derby....