ONE DAY, ONE BOOK, SIX DECADES

Quo Vadis for breakfast with Dylan Jones and his hugely entertaining romp (did people romp in the 1980’s, maybe the 1880’s?) through the running order of Live Aid on July 13 1985.

THE EIGHTIES – ONE DAY ONE DECADE uses the artists and players on the Wembley stage that day as a human prism through which to view the moment the me generation became, temporarily at least, the we generation. To get us in the mood,, I played the introduction to LIVE AID on the big screen, (courtesy of YOUTUBE), Richard Skinner’s voice bursting out of the surround sound speakers “It’s twelve noon in London, 7am in Philadelphia…”

And, as if that wasn’t enough sensory nutrition, we had a protagonist from the the big day joining us at the table – Ivor Novello winning singer/songwriter/film star/ former Spandau Balleteer and LIVE AID veteran, Gary Kemp – Sitting opposite Dylan, Gary shared secrets, gossip and a very honest perspective of the world through the eyes of a pop star.

Age ranges in the room spanned six decades of experience and musical sensibility – fascinating for instance, to hear Novel Diner’s Mina Holland give her view of the eighties, the decade in which she came into the world, and heartening to realise that we could all sit round a table one sunny morning in Soho, sharing a book, some breakfast and each other’s company before bouncing back into the distractions of day to day life.

WIRED MAGAZINE POPS UP IN REAL LIFE

To the Wired UK Pop Up Store on Regent St last Thursday, where the magazine for future folk is manifesting itself in physical form until Wednesday December 5th.

The launch party was packed with clever looking boys, good looking girls and several fashion beards. Settled in the corner, tucked away from the gadgetry and gizmopia, super funny animal Peter Serafinowicz, was busy writing messages (every one unique) in his new book, A Billion Jokes.  Rumour has it he’ll be seen live-tweeting in the Wired window this week, answering questions about the universe in a humorous and typographically economic way.

I’m off back to the Wired store tonight (3rd Dec) to host an evening with Hennessey Fine Cognac , talking to the FT Restaurant Critic and former owner of L’Escargot, Nicholas Lander. His new book, The Art of the Restaurateur, is a fascinating insight into the business of serving food to people for a living, challenging the “lofty position” of chef’s in the kitchen with an homage to the people who run front, back and middle of house.

CHIMPS FOR BREAKFAST

“I don’t even like sport” said the man who, in his own words, “supplied the final piece in the jigsaw” that was the domination of Team GB Cycling at London 2012 and whom Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins and Vicky Pendleton credit with preparing their minds to make the difference between Good and Gold. “But I do like the people in Sport,” he said. This is the genius behind the Mind Management Programme based on Dr Steve Peters’ 20 years of psychiatric experience – he puts people first, achievements second. Winning is happiness, taking part is success and enjoying the journey of life’s ups and downs is the ultimate accolade.