emc3=experiences

L U V Madonna Video for Superbowl 2012

2012-02-05T12:44:00.001Z

Checkout L U V Madonna's latest song with Nicki MINAJ & M.I.A for Superbowl on Sunday......Smoking! L.U. Madonna xxxx http://necolebitchie.com/2012/02/03/new-video-madonna-f-nicki-minaj-m-i-a-give-me-all-your-luvin/

EMC3 Brand Marketing Annual Event in Lagos Nigeria Jan 2012

2012-02-03T14:12:00.011Z

WOW! What a year already. We decided to swim upstream like a salmon and go to Nigeria whilst others were leaving due to the National Strike & Protest http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16464922 . Why? Because we had a Message to deliver to the people. What was that? It all about the 3 Ps for your Company: Perception, Positioning & Profile!

So we decided to have a Brand Marketing/Awareness Event on Thursday 19th January at the World Famous Lagos Motor Boat Club ( Which probably has the best bar in the world....). The strategy was to hand pick & invite a cluster of discerning but affable high net worth potential clients, friends & family to understand what services we at emc3 could offer Europe bound or focused customers in the way of Events, Marketing(Brand Marketing), Concierge, Conferences & Creative Experiences.

Success! Great Afro Beat Music from Yellow &b the Jajas, small chops of chicken, suya, samosas & fine wines from Chile. Hosted by myself, Baba-Jallah Epega and aided by my sister Yewande along with guests including Olorugun Oskar Ibru, his lovely Wife Wanda & their gorgeous soon to be married daughter Makashe, my good uncle Otunba Barin Epega, Aunty Buki, Seun Vigo,Shola Ojora, Obi Asike, Akintayo, Abi Kuku, Bo Kehinde, Nike Etiebet,Muda & Ojoma Sanusi, Gboye & Titi Fowora,Rasha Bahgat, Afolabi & his sister-in law Habiba Balogun ( who won the Grand Prize of a dinner for 2 at the Ivy Restaurant), Abiola Idowu,Toks Ojian, Ola Shonekan, Tunde Aiyegbusi, Jason Mycroft, Daniel Sas, Hugo D'Aspice & a few others whom I thank for coming.

Here is our presentation that was well receive:

As per my presentation here are some details about our company EMC3: www.emc3.eu/emails/Presentation/presentation.swf

Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/emc3channel?feature=mhee to view our “You Tube” Conferences & Events Channel.

Thank you God & Mother Nigeria for keeping me safe during my 2 weeks there.

Others may laugh but may our leaders have the vision & fortitude to take drag our country organically out of corruption & into transparency!

Nigeria we hail thee......

Latest News EMC3 Launches You Tube Channel

2011-12-05T17:39:00.004Z

Checkout some of our latest Events on our NEW You Tube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/emc3channel?feature

Come & Join Us for Xmas Drinks at 50 Golborne Vintage Shop 12pm-5pm 3rd December 2012

2011-11-24T11:09:00.003Z

Kitty Brucknell sings at Nordic Games We Sing Rock Event, Penthouse, No 1 Leicester Sq, London

2011-11-23T17:36:00.009Z

Kitty at We Sing Rock

We helped launch Nordic Games We Sing Rock Game www.wesinggame.com last week at Penthouse with X Factor's Kitty Brucknell. She's actually quite fab on stage! What a blast it was with the latest form of Karaoke style called Bandoke going down a storm. Congrats to Producers Wire Productions www.wiredproductions.com for the games which brought so much fun to all the 300 Guests on the night!

Any press is good press http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2063101/Kitty-Brucknell-makes-desperate-attempt-remain-spotlight-continuing-controversial-performances.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

See invite: www.emc3.eu/emails/weparty/LaunchPartyInvite_2011-final.html

Great Clients , yummy food & fab venue ...... Looking forward to the next vid game :-)

For pictures http://www.facebook.com/#!/wedancegame

Kitty Brucknell mises it up!

Red Hot Chili Peppers @ O2

2011-11-23T17:24:00.004Z

O2 is the snizzle ....not only can you watch the ATP Tennis here but you can catch some of the best Rap Rock Bands in the world shake their toush whilst twanging away like Flea! Gosh I forgot how much I loooove this mad bad of Rock & Rappers!!!! Ahhhh takes me back to my salad days when I would sing & Luke would play the guitar as we serenaded some buxum beauties at the age of 17 . Thank you for the memories Guys!

Haven't been to the O2 lately then you must go.......!

Arik Air's 5th Anniversary Celebration in the Ballroom at Claridge's Hotel, London

2011-11-23T16:12:00.002Z

One has to say in these times of cut backs, stringent budgets & failed airlines there is a beacon of light shining from Nigeria called Arik Airline www.arikflights.co.uk . A fabulous example of great commerce coming out of my Motherland, triumphing against other International Airlines, too many to mention here, that wish to squeeze us out of this lucrative route & market. After 5 YEARS ARIK grows from strength to strength - Thank you Sir Joseph Arumeni-Johnson & most imporatntly the formidable team that include Simon Cook, Mooi Devine & many many others behind the scenes.
Great Event at Claridges Guys - only we could have bettered it!

Femi Kuti was awesome though.....
Flying to Nigeria or within soon then why not try our flagship airline - just bought new planes as well.

Go Arik Air - keep flying the flag for Nigerian enterprise!

London Fashion Week - September 2011

2011-11-23T15:23:00.005Z

Wow! What a year of fashion this has been www.londonfashionweek.co.uk . Apparently this Autumn/Winter's colour is green. I was fortunate enough to get some Somerset House Fashion www.somersethouse.org.uk complimentary tickets in September so I decided to take my dear Aunty & Niece on 2 separate occassions. We saw lots of new designers & some very old. Definiately worth going to in Feb 2012!

But in the immortal words of Coco Chanel- “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”

Venue reservations showcase at Imperial War Museum London

2011-10-18T12:19:00.002+01:00

We at EMC3 are a peaceful nation, but when our friends at Venue Reservations invited us to their showcase at the Imperial War Museum last Wednesday we dashed down to check out their artillery! There were plenty of friendly faces in amongst all of the massive guns. The evening was a great opportunity for us to see what some of the venues and suppliers in the area have to offer. I spoke with a lovely lady from Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, who showed me some of their beautiful event space, of which there is lots! A great place to consider for conferences for those of you bored of the hotel scene. They also have a great match day hospitality package, perfect if you have a Spurs supporting client you wish to butter up; if meeting the man of the match can’t seal your deal, then having a Spurs legend with you for the day definitely will!

Another great venue we saw was Barber-Surgeons Hall, a very grand space hiding just around the corner from St Pauls with a beautiful garden and plenty of natural day-light. The central location makes it ideal for inner city meetings and conferences. We got to grips with a couple of similar venues such as 43 Milbank and The HAC, both lovely grand spaces. There were also some more lively venues where you can let your hair down, see some live music and have a few sherbets like KOKO and Proud2. So whatever you desire give us a call, we can provide the big guns to make sure it goes with a bang!

Written by Ross Cassey

Frieze Art Fair Week - Josephine Meckseper's Private View Exhibition at Timothy Taylor Gallery

2011-10-13T09:39:00.008+01:00

On Tuesday a good friend who happens to be one of London's top curators invited me to the Josephine Meckseper's 1st solo exhibition at Timothy Taylor's Gallery in Carlos Place. The New York based Artist showed her slant on neo-modernism with consumerism with the Hitchcockian piece being my favourite.

See http://www.timothytaylorgallery.com/exhibitions

A MUST SEE!

This beautiful cubic space filled with pieces reflects the excessive consumerism of our times!!! Good work Bomi - Thanks for the invite & bonne chance to all involved in the Frieze Art Fair. Good on you Deutsche Bank!!

Frieze Art Fair 2011
October 13 - 16, 2011 │ London

http://www.friezeartfair.com/

Deutsche Bank is the main sponsor of Frieze Art Fair for the eight consecutive year. The art fair takes place in London’s Regent’s Park from October 13th to 16th. Deutsche Bank will announce the “Artist of the year 2012” at the fair. Once again the bank is using the fair to present works from its substantial corporate collection.

In its lounge, Deutsche Bank will hold a small exhibition of three conceptual artists, Nedko Solakov, Roman Ondák and Yane Calovski with the aim of demonstrating the importance of passing ideas around. There will also be works on display by the Chapman Brothers, Samuel Fosso, Ivan Grubanov, Damien Hirst and Gavin Turk for a charity auction event in aid of War Child on Thursday, October 14th.

In a short time, Frieze Art Fair has developed into one of the world's most influential contemporary art fairs. The declared aim of both, the organizers and Deutsche Bank is to make contemporary art accessible to a wide public.

Momo's Xmas Showcase 7pm-9pm Friday 7th October 2011

2011-09-29T09:38:00.003+01:00

Come & join us at London's most exquisite venue - Momo's on Heddon Street W1 !

Kemia Bar @ Momo's London EMC3 Xmas Showcase 7th October 2011

2011-09-15T13:38:00.008+01:00

Planning a Xmas Party?

This unique venue replicates but in many ways exceeds the mystic of any Moroccan souk in delightful Marrakesh; the decor is made up of beautiful exotic furnishings - coloured glass, gilt lanterns, brass finishing’s and lots of colourful lush cushions made from gorgeous fabrics with original furnishings throughout the house. Momo’s surroundings transport you into a world of an Arabic fairy tale whilst the ambience of Arabic fusion music, fantastic cocktails, superior quality service, shisha pipes & culinary delights from the menu of a variety of North African cuisines is second to none. This treasured hideaway in the heart of London is ideal for a drink, people watching, dinner or a private party. Thinking of an alternative but most sumptuous Xmas Party venue? Then come & sample the delights we have to offer you in the Kemia Bar at Momo’s on Friday 7th October from 7pm-9pm.

Email Saskya@emc3.eu to join us & for the events e-pack!

Baglioni Hotel, Hyde Park Gate, London

2011-09-08T10:01:00.002+01:00

Have a strong relationship with this Italian hotel for many years now on Tuesday night we took a trip to see the Baglioni hotel, a 5* luxury boutique hotel opposite Hyde park with lovely views of the park, and Kensington Palace and Gardens. The hotel is just off the main shopping strip of High Street Kensington and is close to all the major attractions including the Royal Albert Hall and Harrods.

The Italian hotel is immaculately decorated with unique and individual antiques in every room. We at EMC3 have seen a lot of hotels – but this one still stood out to us as beautifully designed and decorated. There are actually more suites than standard rooms in the hotel, boasting gorgeous 4 poster beds, comfy sofas and beautiful paintings. All the rooms come with a complimentary espresso machine, a fully stocked mini-bar, and a desk perfect for those looking to get some work done. All of the rooms have outstanding bathrooms with beautiful hand-made Moroccan sinks and Ortigia toiletries. If you are looking for a luxury boutique this is such a lovely place to visit and stay.

The hotel has a beautiful, secluded spa that is large enough to offer a wide range of treatments but small enough to provide a personalised and intimate service to all guests. It is also open to the public. The hotel has plenty of meeting room space, with a versatile set up that can cater for many different style events and private dining menus straight from the kitchen. There is also a private nightclub – Boutique 60 – in the basement. It is completely soundproofed and has a terrace outside as well.

The hotel also boasts an impressive restaurant. The refined Brunello Lounge & Restaurant, inspired by the famous Tuscan wine, is considered to be one of the trendiest restaurants in the city of London and offers its guests contemporary Italian cuisine made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. The service is brilliant – everyone is so friendly and welcoming and most importantly – have great knowledge of the menus.

We finished the night with a lovely 3 course dinner in the restaurant. The food was delicious and the wine was wonderful.

The Baglioni collection reaches out all over Italy (Milan, Venice, Rome Florence & Tuscany) and France. With a new hotel opening in Marrakesh soon.

Thanks so much for showing us around Emma!

Written by Saskya Liney

Notting Hill Gate Carnival 2011 - Drama what drama ?

2011-08-31T17:55:00.008+01:00

Ahhhhhh ....what a relief!

The Carnival passed without a continuance of the riots 3 weeks ago. I love this city - I think it's the only place in the world you can have a massive & beautiful gay march one month, a jubilant & joyously participated Royal Wedding extravaganza another; then a horribly discourteous and disenchanted riot as well as a Bonne Viveur Carnival withing 20 days of each other.

Well it's all about the communication between the people & the police; well plan non aggresive security & the harmonised mentality of a community are most paramount!

Viva Sancho Panza http://sanchopanza.org/ y the 2012 Olympics.

Bring it on ..... London's rainbow is back & here to stay.

Thank you God x

Cartier Polo Chinawhite Enclosure Sunday 24th July 2011

2011-08-31T11:11:00.009+01:00

The EMC3 team headed down to the world renowned International Guards Polo, sponsored by Cartier, for a day of Champagne, Chinawhite superior quality hospitality, picnics, great company, music and of course Polo. This year was particularly special as it celebrated 100 years of The Hurlingham Polo Association’s Coronation Cup, which has traditionally seen International teams from across the globe compete at the very highest level. It is also reputed to be the last one Cartier are to host. But we think the games will only grow from strength to strength. The polo was played at an outstanding level and really captured the attention and imagination of the crowd. The day started off with the Golden Jubilee Trophy match, where The Prince of Wales Team beat Hurlingham in a spectacular match. This was followed by the long awaited Coronation Cup, where The English Polo Team played against The Brazilian Polo Team. It was a close match that had us on the edge of our seats!

It was a classic British polo day with sunshine, big hats and beautiful horses. After a feast of Sushi, wines, cheeses and chocolates we headed over to The Chinawhite Enclosure, where the party really kicked off. The last few years have featured Jeremy Healy, Mark Ronson and the legendary Pete Tong DJ-ing in the tent. However this year, Mark Ronson unfortunately pulled out of the performance due to the death of his friend Amy Winehouse. Of course it was a shame but most understandable, we still made the most of a great day & eve. We were massaged by a lovely team of “massage angels”, sipped on Champagne and saw one of 3 celebs. The night ended with a fantastic DJ set from Axwell (Swedish House Mafia). We had SUCH a great day. Thank-you Chinawhite!

Written by Saskya Liney

See more at http://www.chinawhite.com/polo

Prague, Czech Republic Fam Trip - July 2011

2011-07-21T08:30:00.009+01:00

Les Gens Que J'aime....

Praha Spires

Mr Policeman

Pilsen Beer Factory

Pilsen Cathedral

Pilsner Urquell Beer Man

Prague loves Jazz - Nat King Cole

Smetana Municipal Music Hall

Bloody Marionnettes

King Charles IV & one of his wives ....

We thank God!

River Vltava runs through

Astronomical Clock

Pilsen Beer Master aka Clint Eastwood

On my 1st Familiarisation Trip ( When you are invited to a City by their Government or Bureau interested in winning your business) I was invited to Prague or should I say Praha in the Czech Republic. Being a Fam Trip Virgin I was slightly coy as I had not even been to the Czech Republic & I wasn't familiar with the currency or language they spoke. Eureka I thought, that alone is a great reason to go!

I was invited by the radiant Jitka from the Prague Convention Bureau on the 14th-17th July, to come and see for myself what the city had to offer for all friends & clients alike. So I went! To be honest is it was a harduous fast paced program ( no such thing as a free lunch); but WOW it most productive. This City of a 1000 Spies, oh I mean Spires, is a most enchanting, culturally alluring and musically enhanced centre of excellence. I was impressed by their all round cordiality & style of the people. Seemingly in another world it is only a pleasant 1 1/2 hrs flight from London.

A great place for a romantic gate-away or a corporate conference/meeting. Almost in the centre of the Czech Republic it boasts a most varied array of culinary delights & culture for sightseers & adventurers alike. Like for instance most sees are the Prague Castle, Old Town, Jazz music cruise on the River Vltava, Charles bridge & the Municipal Music Hall dedicated to Czech composer Smetana & where Italian Musical Genius Ennio Morricone was conducting during 2 evenings of our stay. The Hotels are world class, Jazz was magical & the nightlife interesting!

The local food was surprisingly delicious. Czech wine is highly recommended & of course the Pilsner beer is better than liquid gold!!!!

Thank you Lenka, Jitka, Martina & the Prague Convention Bureau for the trip. Also Děkuji for introducing me to such a lively and diverse group of fellow campers. Babydoll Elisa, Gargantuan Gary, Romeo Bralte, Groucho Kim, Ever prepared Glyn, Que Sera Sera Monique, La Douche Marrianne, Fine Wines Lionel & Secret Agent Anthony - what larks we had!!!!

Look forward to doing some biz & seeing you again mes amis........Na zdraví!

Jazz at Reduta

It's A Knockout Teambuilding Day for Bird's Eye

2011-07-10T16:58:00.003+01:00

On the rainy morning of the 7th July, four of the EMC3 team headed down to The Birdseye/ Iglo Group Headquarters at Bedfont Lakes to put on a fun team building day for the company. Outside in the garden, a giant inflatable “It’s A Knockout” was erected in the rain, whilst the café was transformed with a rodeo bull set up in the middle. The company was split into groups and each team were given tasks in line with the company PACE guidlines (Performance, Ambition, Collaboration, Energy.) The group were given the task throughout the day to identify 60 famous captains (no iPhones allowed!), to gather as many points as possible on the “It’s A Knockout” event, rack up points from the highest score on the darts, and the longest time on the rodeo bull.

The rain poured down all morning, not the greatest weather for an outside team building day, but as soon as it hit 2pm, as if by divine intervention the sun broke through and glorious sunshine remained for the rest of the day! After a workout video inspired warm up, the games kicked off with a giant inflatable assault course. Each team member was challenged to jump through a soaking wet course and dive out of the other end, before milking their team’s ‘Daisy The Cow.’ The team that collected the most “milk” from their cow was crowned the winner of the round. The giant games continued, with a penguin run, where teams took it in turns to pull on a giant penguin costume and run along the course. The giant games continued all afternoon and the teams got more and more competitive as the day went on. For those less willing to get soaked, foamed and dragged along on a water sledge, a mini fairground was set up, with a coconut shy, dart boards, and loads of other games.
An ice cream van refreshed people all day, serving ice cream, slush puppies and ice lollies (one that turned your mouth bright blue!) After everyone had changed out of their wet clothes, the winners were announced, with the Gold team coming first! As they paraded around in their medals the barbeque was fired up, and of course no summer celebration would be complete without a few glasses of Pimm’s & Lemonade. Hot dogs and delicious burgers were passed around as The Mutiny, a band lead by one of the Birdseye staff started to play.

All in all, a great day for Birdseye/ Iglo Group. It has to be said, Clarence the polar bear was very happy 

Written by Saskya Liney, Lifestyle Enhancer

Late Night London's Sterling Venue in the City

2011-07-10T16:47:00.003+01:00

Late Night London invited EMC3 to their exclusive summer party evening,“Summer lovin!!”, on Wednesday 6th July. The event was held in Late Night London’s newest venue; The Sterling which is impressively located on the ground floor of the world famous 30 St Mary Axe, the Swiss Re Building (colloquially referred to as the Gherkin Bullet). It is just one of Late Night London’s 47 venues located throughout London’s City and West End. The Sterling is a great location for both indoors and outside parties with the space for 550 indoors and 280 outside. With a fresh modern feel The Sterling is a great place for private parties or a simple drink after work.

Stephanie, Mimi and Mo represented EMC3 at the event on Wednesday night and although it was very chilly, they enjoyed the outside area of the venue with a Glass or 3 of Pimm’s along with some delicious canapés especially the Asparagus wrapped in Parma ham. The event included a live Jazz band who created a fantastic atmosphere and luckily the rain held off. Thanks to Emma for the event and the Goodie Bag!

For free venue booking placement with special event rates contact us.

Written by Mimi Driscoll "Lifestyle Enhancer"

Stephanie Utting's Back to University Last Supper at Sketch Restaurant

2011-07-06T11:33:00.006+01:00

EMC3 are sad to say goodbye to Events assistant Stephanie Utting, who is returning to Bournemouth University to finish her BA (Hons) Event Management degree after a year on a student programme working hard for EMC3. Many of the courses at Bournemouth University offer a year out on placement, giving students the chance to get a more hands on experience in the industry they are studying.

So to celebrate all Steph’s hard work this past year,the team were taken to Sketch Restaurant www.sketch.uk.com by the Directors, one of EMC3’s favourite event restaurants that brings together food, art, style and music perfectly. For all of you who have not yet visited Sketch, you must. Even if it is just to check out the awesome egg –like toilets!! The whole venue has an imaginative neo-futuristic feel, with an absolutely stunning interior design. We are talking unusual, almost bizarre, but it really works. Each room is different from the last; the gallery boasts a mesmerising 360 degree screen running round the room that you could watch all evening, with images from emerging artists and designers; very modern and technological. In contrast there is The Parlour, a room that makes you feel like you’ve been dropped into Louis XVI’s 18th century lounge, antique furniture with a quirky twist. It was here that the first cocktails started flowing. After umming and ahhing over the cocktail menu for a good 15 minutes we chose the brightest, fruitiest cocktails possible needless to say they were delicious!

The food at Sketch is as delectable & beautiful as the building, and tastes even better than it looks. It is predominately French, with a modern and international twist. Canadian lobster aspic with mini lobster éclair was a strong candidate for the favourite starter. It was almost impossible just to choose one dish and not just say I’ll take it all! All the main courses were cooked to perfection and so well presented that they looked like they could possibly be part of a new art exhibition at the Tate Modern, almost too good to eat. Almost! The veal was a winning choice, as was the lamb; in fact all the dishes gave our taste buds the treat of a life time! As for the desserts, lumpy custard has no place here and is replaced by the likes of rose water marshmallows and iced pineapple parfait.

After a little encouragement Steph gave a small speech, and thanked each of the Directors for all their help, support, and individual characteristics that have made her time at EMC3 so enjoyable. With no encouragement needed, Baba burst into song and for she’s a jolly good fellow echoed through the gallery. Baba then presented Steph with a stunning Tiffany bracelet on behalf of Alistair,Baba, Daniel & EMC3 (Steph’s boyfriend James looked horrified that every single one of his presents may have just been trumped by a little blue bag! Sorry James).

All of us at EMC3 would like to wish Steph best of luck with her final year. She will be missed greatly by all of us and there will always be a spare desk here for you Steph!!!

Written by Saskya Liney
Lifestyle Enhancer

VIP Champagne Room at St Pancras Station

2011-07-04T11:04:00.003+01:00

St Pancras Grand: Searcy’s Champagne Tasting

http://www.searcys.co.uk/st-pancras-grand

Bubble! It is undeniable how much Champagne has become the centre of our social lives. It’s no longer saved for weddings and special birthdays; Champagne can be brought out anytime, anywhere. So when given the invitation to try a champagne tasting at St Pancras Grand’s private room at the Oyster and Champagne Bar located on the Upper Concourse, we could not refuse. The Champagne bar is a stunning addition, separate to the restaurant, with leather booths, comfy sofas, and even a private room for more intimate events.

Did you know?

• Only a choice of three types of grapes are used to make Champagne?
• There are over 50 million bubbles in a bottle of Champagne?
• The UK consumes over 37 million bottles of Champagne a year?
No, neither did we! But thanks to the hospitality of Searcy’s and Eduardo’s wisdom, we left with insightful history and trivia of champagne, alongside the taste of plenty of Pommery Champagne. We sampled a Champagne for every season, then an extra special Pommery’s Champagne which was delicious  I think it’s safe to say that we will all be taking a leaf out of Eduardo’s book and no longer just saving Champagne for special occasions.

Written by Saskya Liney, Events Assistant, EMC3

Global Zero Nuclear Summit rules the world at The Savoy Hotel in June 2011

2011-06-28T10:20:00.009+01:00

Global Zero Rules - Books not Nukes!

http://www.globalzero.org/

CNN, ECONOMIST & CNN PRESS:

See http://globalzero.tumblr.com/

Last week we helped organise a wonderful Summit at the Savoy Hotel for some of the most cordial & forward thinking American Clients I have ever come across. The cause was to discuss the global disarmament of nuclear weapons.

We had some great brains involved including Dr Bruce Blair, Mr. Matthew Brown, Mr. Derek Johnson, Mr. Tom Hampson-Bellon, Rt. Hon Dr Hans Blix, Dr Jennifer Allen Simons, Rt Hon Magaret Beckett, HRH Queen Noor of Jordon, Baron Des Brown, Sir Malcolm Rifkin, Lawrence Bender, Ambassador Richard Burt, Ex CIA Agent Valerie Plame Wilson, Rt Hon. George Carey ( all blinged up), Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani, Hon. Keiichiro Asao, Maj. Gen. Pavel Zolotarev & Mr Raymon Frankel to name but a few......

Here is how it was broken down:

100 International Leaders Launch Global Zero Campaign To Eliminate Nuclear Weapons

Distinguished Group Developing Step-by-Step Plan for Phased, Verified Reductions to Zero Nuclear Weapons

Leaders Agree That Eliminating Nuclear Weapons Is Only Way To Stop Proliferation and That a Special Russia-U.S. Partnership is Needed

New Worldwide Poll Shows Overwhelming Support For Getting To Zero Nuclear Weapons

One of the most interesting Summits I have ever had the honor of being part of.....

Keep flying the flag Derek, Caitlin, Holly, Shing, Galit, Drew, Trevor, John Michael & the GZ crew!

Pictures will follow - Thank you God!!!!

The One Abuja - 1st Group comes to Nigeria !

2011-06-12T15:38:00.006+01:00

Map of Abuja

We have been asked to market a very exciting new property project in the heart of Nigeria which is innovative and most futuristic. It is called "The One", which comprises of new aged Apartments run as Hotel rooms & suites. The mother company may have it's critics and sceptics but all must realise this daring enterprise is the future - so embrace it and get involved as the apartments are going fast! I am all for commercial progression when with the right due diligence it will in time better the property markets allure of investing in Nigeria as a whole.

Contact me for more details!

Virgin Galactic In Space Edutainment Experience - Any takers?

2011-06-12T15:26:00.011+01:00

A few weeks back we were priviledged enough to organise an edutainment experience event for a cherished Client hosted by Stephen Attenborough, Commercial Director of Vigin Galactic. WOW! $2000,000 to be a space tourist and already over 200 signed up passengers. I think I would when I can! Especially when the return to earth's Shuttlecock Theory .

Good work Sir Richard & the Cosmic Crew:

When you watch a space shuttle launch or see old video clips of the Apollo moon landings, you may dream of flying into outer space. In the past, that privilege has been reserved for highly trained astronauts and a few high-paying passengers. But the dream could become a reality for more people as a new space liner called Virgin Galactic sets up shop. You'll just need to scrape up about $100,000 first. True, that's not cheap, but it's a whole lot better than the $25 million that other space tourists have paid.

Space Tourism Image Gallery
Photo courtesy Virgin GalacticSir Richard Branson (left) and Bert Rutan, the brains behind Virgin Galactic. See more space tourism pictures.
Virgin Galactic is the brainchild of British billionaire Sir Richard Branson. He has partnered with Burt Rutan, the designer of Ansari X Prize-winner SpaceShipOne, to build a fleet of spacecraft that will carry paying passengers into outer space and back.
Up Next
How Space Tourism Works
How Solar Sails Work
Curiosity Project: How high will Virgin Galactic fly?
Virgin Galactic has licensed the designs and technologies of SpaceShipOne to create two new ships, SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo (the turbo jet that carries SpaceShipTwo into the air). The ships were unveiled in January 2008, but passengers have been signing up since 2005. And sometime around 2010, they'll finally be launching into space.
SpaceShipTwo takes passengers on a wild two-and-a-half-hour flight, blasting them 360,000 feet (109,728 meters) above the Earth and giving them a four- to five-minute zero-gravity experience (and, as an added bonus, passengers officially become astronauts by traveling more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) into space). After the brief suborbital flight, the spacecraft re-enters the atmosphere and glides back to Earth.
Both Rutan and Branson believe that the success of their designs has opened the door to space tourism, that tourist flights can be done safely and that the space tourism industry will be successful. So, how do these new spaceships work, exactly? How safe are they? And how do you score a spot on a Virgin Galactic flight?

How it all began !

Nigeria Pre Inauguration Visit in April 2011

2011-06-12T14:49:00.007+01:00

Nigerian Art Rules!

Fish or Fishes ?

Attention!

No country for non oil men...

VIPs & Yachts

Naija Art

Abuja or Bust !

Mosque in Abuja

Abuja over the hill ....look over yonder!

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja

This trip to Nigeria was filled with anticipation as there were solid projects of Govt. Events & Property Marketing Projects I was going to work on. Destined for both Lagos & Abuja I was ready for action. Most people outside Nigeria think it is such a barbarous & chaotic place. Although there may be a slight hint of the above it is no way anywhere close to the those nightmares we see & hear of in the media. There are still the masses whom are under the suppressive yoke of International Finance, Corruption & Oil Deals but it is getting better thanks to the likes of our President Goodluck Jonation & the youthful Governor of Lagos State Babatunde Fashola. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

I was also quite excited to return as every time I go home I always seem to be in the middle of some interesting functions or phenomenons. This time I was not disappointed once again as I was invited to a great Art Exhibition in Lagos by the enchanting Mrs Oskar (Wanda) Ibru transporting across their super yacht along the lakes to the Art Gallery. Lagos is such a fervant & triving market for African paintings, sculptures & artefacts ....... we are going through a blinding renaissance that I hope will also yield positive returns to the Artists themselves.

I also went with Olorugun Oskar Ibru to a Nollywood & Music Studio Launch in Badaga, Lagos called J3 Media which was not only impressive & spriritually filling but should actually work......Viva Innovation & Multimedia Services.

Abuja bound I was fortunate enough to have my good Friend Kunle O at hand as a guide and host during my property site visit to "The One" Hotel Appartments fopr which I am an Agent.

Nigeria is slowly but most distinctly moving in the right direction - all we need to do is find a way to work together to quicken the pace!!

Viva Nigeria!

A little prayer goes a long way......

The Vanessa Show - Jay Jay & Baba's 2 minutes of Fame ;-)

2011-04-21T10:09:00.003+01:00

Catch us ...once again as guests on THE VANESSA SHOW -CHANNEL 5 Wednesday 20th April ->> we are joined this time by Daybreak's Kate Garraway ;> x
If you miss it watch again here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb-sMSpXiqY&list=SL

Reena & Rufus's Vintage Shop - 50 Golborne Rd, Notting Hill Gate

2011-04-21T09:50:00.003+01:00

If you are ever in the Notting Hill area for a tea, walk, checking out some art or shopping you would be at an advantage if you were to go up the Golborne rd to one of the most edgy but bargain finding clothes, art & furniture stores in London. My good friend Reena has successfully launched her shop in Notting Hill's trendy and developing centre of Golborne rd.

Worth a pop in....say Baba sent you ;-)

Murcia- San Javier-Mar Menor y La Manga

2011-04-21T09:28:00.007+01:00

El Hombre Jose

Sideways Up

The Scuba

The Map
La Manga

The Chef Santi

The ease

Your Future

The Tuna that was.......

The rollerbalding drift

The Boys

Bienvenido

There is a place in Southern Spain where the sea is beautiful, the beach is clean, the scuba diving is dazzling, the golf is teed up and the people are enchanting. It's only a couple of hours away from London even by Easyjet and yet not a lot of people know that! It is Murcia, not just the city but also the region. Great wine, awesome food and such kind people. My good friend Jose Miguel Palazon is a top lawyer in the region with all the business & municipal links you would ever need to rent, buy or visit the region. I was there last week-end to scuba, enjoy the company of good new friends and eat paella mariscos. We all know that Spain has it's own economic problems but that hasn't disheartened the raging bull spirit of this gallant people to enjoy life and show love.

Viva España y la Región de Murcia!!!!

For any enquiries for Holiday retreats, Golf trips, Scuba diving or just Culinary delights give us a call on +44 203468 3901 !!!

Gordon Ramsey's Maze - Chef's table withWestfield

2011-04-02T15:03:00.002+01:00

On Thursday we decided to celebrate with lovely clients from Westfield after successfully implementing a series of Prize winner concierge rewards & incentives programmes over the last 3 months. To my pleasant surprise, because of the great business we give them, we were treated by Catherine and the Gordon Ramsey Holdings Group to a most veritable meal on the Chef's table hosted by Head Chef & top man Alex Marks www.gordonramsay.com/maze/chefs/headchef . We were spoilt by being treated to a tasting menu that was out of this world. I dine most luxuriously but the service, kitchen vista and most importantly the portions & food blew my mind. Also seeing my old friend Jonas back at Ramsey in the role of Maitre D' almost brought a tear to my eye. Whatever anyone says about Mr Ramsey, his influence, Godfather-esque love for food & staff have made his restaurants a travellers destination that should make all the Brits proud. Time to praise greatness as it should be praised!

England V Ghana Wembley triumph with Fashion Genius Ozwald Boateng

2011-04-02T14:23:00.006+01:00

WOW! What an experience! What an awesome vibe! Big up and respect to our West African neighbours Ghana for their productive, professional and skillfull determination to snatch a draw from the teeth of defeat. I went to this awe inspiring game with the British Ghanian Bespoke Couture Fashion Designer Ozwald Boateng www.ozwaldboateng.co.uk and his son. As we are working on Fashion Experience Events www.emc3.eu/pdf/fashion_men.pdf for Private Clients at his flagship store in Savile Row, it was a good opportunity to bond and enjoy the game. To our pleasant surprise it turned out to be one of the best football games either of us had ever been to. The atmosphere, the singing jubilant Ghanians, the beautiful colours and sheer audacity of the Black Stars to come back to draw in Wembley from being 1-0 down; was a once in a lifetime experience. Bravo Ghana, bravo English fans, bravo Wembley and bravo Ozwald for continuing to fly the flag for us Nubian Warriors!

The Vanessa (Feltz) Show, Sofa Surfer - Will it, won't it?

2011-03-28T18:23:00.006+01:00

Last week my Sis Jay called me, as she does from time to time; asking if I want to be on TV? Thinking it was because of my good looks , articulate manner and wide girth I was flattered to get the call. No she said it was only because I was her Bro and she had been asked to bring someone along close to her to talk about relationships (no comments please) and general insights into life in London. When she mentioned it was the Vanessa show I thought warrily, "Mmm, Vanessac Feltz - intelligent, sharp lady who doesn't hold back on her punches". Worth a banter :-) Then I found out I was to be along side her reporter/singer hubby Ben Ofoedu, a fellow compatriot: how could I resist? I know she gets a lot of stick and the ratings have been low but I still think she's a fab lady and Ben has a lot of mileage to go on TV as a Presenter.

People in media fear women who seem far too smart and not mincers of words. Not everyone on TV should be talentless and pretty like Cheryl C. Ladies sometimes it is good to rally around someone of your gender who sees through all the baloney and says it as it is....... What happened to Girl Power?

See the show on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhXeYwMFe_w Keep fighting the good fight Guys and thanks for the airtime!

Justin Bieber, Willow & Jaden Smith with Guest Appearance By Craig David Gig

2011-03-20T16:07:00.013Z

Well, what can I say to add to the phenomenon that is this decade's Justin trousersnake? My niece, being in her very early teens, wanted to see the Justin Bieber film 'Never say never....'. Unfortunately the only place showing it was in Kingston Upon Thames. So with the right events and concerts intell from Felicity, our proficient concierge manager; I managed to obtain access to quality tickets at a most palatable price. A friend Cheryl, of Eastenders fame, wanted to take her son along so we decided to go together to the O2 last Monday. Mobbed for autographs & pictures by teens and parents alike for her role in BBCs famous drama;we worked our way into the iconic O2 in Greenwhich for an interesting night. I still cannot believe the eardrum bursting shreiks & screams that teenage girls can make. OMG! I was almost deafened by the shout offs between loving factions of fans pronouncing their undying love for this little man.

I have to admit thanks to Usher (the 17 year old was spotted by him on U Tube) this kid not only can sing beautifully but also has some smooth dancing moves that triggered the same reactions from his adoring fans as Elvis must have from his.

I am quite intrigued by Will & Jada Smith having the prescence of mind to catapult their kids Willow & Jaden Smith into this spectacle at such an early age. How very bizarre!

Some of their songs were familiar but most were lost to a gent of my generation.

But I think JB's a good influence on the young as so far his clean living is making a good example to all the kids out there both male & female.

Thanks to a special appearance by Craig David I too was able to sing along to a song or 2 I wholeheartedly recognised!

The Beiber Fever is live !!!!

JB1

JB2

JB3

Willow Smith

Craig David'S guest appearance

February Oil Week Events

2011-03-20T15:44:00.007Z

Once a year in February, Oil Trading & Commodities Entities come together all around the world to make plans for the summer. Big business meets big numbers. We were lucky enough to throw 1 or 3 of these Events in London. Not the same big budgets as in yesteryear but still lots of fun and love in the room.

Good to see old and new friends thriving during these torrid times. Thanks for the biz Guys!!!

Bring on the dancing girls.......!

ICONS "F**k Me I'm Famous" Exhibition in Olympic Village Gallery

2011-03-20T15:10:00.007Z

Bienvenue!

My Fela !

William The Conquerer

With the canter increasingly picking up pace into a gallop destined for the 2012 London Olympic Games, it's getting tasty. Property prices, hoxton quiffs and mega Straford shopping centers are on the up! So when I was invited to a most unique and spacious gallery exhibition on Fish Island in the Olympic Village by my good friend Will Chamberlain, the curator; I prepared a small battalion for the trip across town. Hackney Wick is home to the highest concentration of artist studios in the world, as well as the annual Hackney Wicked Art Festival. Forman's Smokehouse Gallery http://smokehousegallery.org/ is an art project space overlooking the London 2012 Olympic Park, and was founded to provide artists with a high profile platform from which to introduce their work to new audiences.

Owned by H. Forman & Sons, most famous for the world's finest smoked salmon, speciality fish, and bespoke prepared food established in 1905.

The exhibition was such a success that I even bought a digital art piece by the London based Ukrainian/Russian genius that is Vitali V http://www.vitaliv.info/

Great art, futuristic venue and the forthcoming games makes this strategy a winning campaign!

Burn's Night Event 25th Jan 2011

2011-03-20T14:44:00.005Z

At the end of January we organised a most endearing client's dinner at the capital of Scottish pride in London: Caledonian Club http://www.caledonianclub.com/ . After a last minute dropout my friend JC kindly stepped into a Campbell kilt to preside over the evening's Selkirk Grace right till the end of the Auld Lang Syne. Thanks John - you made the night an utter success!

Here's what it's all about.......

A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of many Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, sometimes also known as Robert Burns Day or Burns Night (Burns Nicht), although they may in principle be held at any time of the year.
Burns suppers are most common in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but occur wherever there are Burns Clubs, Scottish Societies, expatriate Scots, or aficionados of Burns' poetry. There is a particularly strong tradition of them in southern New Zealand's main city Dunedin, of which Burns' nephew Thomas Burns was a founding father.

Burns Night
The Burns Supper is an institution of Scottish life: a night to celebrate the life and works of the national Bard. Suppers can range from an informal gathering of friends to a huge, formal dinner full of pomp and circumstance. This running order covers all the key elements you need to plan and structure a Burns Supper that suits your intentions.
Piping in the guests
A big-time Burns Night calls for a piper to welcome guests. If you don't want all that baggage, some traditional music will do nicely. For more formal events, the audience should stand to welcome arriving guests: the piper plays until the high table is ready to be seated, at which point a round of applause is due. At a more egalitarian gathering - with no high table - the chair can simply bang on the table to draw attention to the start of the evening's proceedings.
Chairman's welcome
The Chair (host/organiser) warmly welcomes and introduces the assembled guests and the evening's entertainment.
The Selkirk Grace
A short but important prayer read to usher in the meal, The Selkirk Grace is also known as Burns's Grace at Kirkcudbright. Although the text is often printed in English, it is usually recited in Scots.Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it,
But we hae meat and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit.
Piping in the haggis
Guests should normally stand to welcome the dinner's star attraction, which should be delivered on a silver platter by a procession comprising the chef, the piper and the person who will address the Haggis. A whisky-bearer should also arrive to ensure the toasts are well lubricated.
During the procession, guests clap in time to the music until the Haggis reaches its destination at the table. The music stops and everyone is seated in anticipation of the address To a Haggis.
Address to the haggis
The honoured reader now seizes their moment of glory by offering a fluent and entertaining rendition of To a Haggis. The reader should have his knife poised at the ready. On cue (His knife see Rustic-labour dight), he cuts the casing along its length, making sure to spill out some of the tasty gore within (trenching its gushing entrails).
Warning: it is wise to have a small cut made in the haggis skin before it is piped in. Instances are recorded of top table guests being scalded by flying pieces of haggis when enthusiastic reciters omitted this precaution! Alternatively, the distribution of bits of haggis about the assembled company is regarded in some quarters as a part of the fun...
The recital ends with the reader raising the haggis in triumph during the final line Gie her a haggis!, which the guests greet with rapturous applause.
Toast to the haggis
Prompted by the speaker, the audience now joins in the toast to the haggis. Raise a glass and shout: The haggis! Then it's time to serve the main course with its traditional companions, neeps and tatties. In larger events, the piper leads a procession carrying the opened haggis out to the kitchen for serving; audience members should clap as the procession departs.
The meal
Served with some suitable background music, the sumptuous Bill o' Fare includes:-
Starter
Traditional cock-a-leekie soup;
Main course
Haggis, neeps & tatties (Haggis wi' bashit neeps an' champit tatties);
Sweet
Clootie Dumpling (a pudding prepared in a linen cloth or cloot) or Typsy Laird (a Scottish sherry trifle);
Cheeseboard with bannocks (oatcakes) and tea/coffee.
Variations do exist: beef lovers can serve the haggis, neeps & tatties as a starter with roast beef or steak pie as the main dish. Vegetarians can of course choose vegetarian haggis, while pescatarians could opt for a seafood main course such as Cullen Skink.

The drink
Liberal lashings of wine or ale should be served with dinner and it's often customary to douse the haggis with a splash of whisky sauce, which, with true Scots understatement, is neat whisky.
After the meal, it's time for connoisseurs to compare notes on the wonderful selection of malts served by the generous chair.
The first entertainment
The nervous first entertainer follows immediately after the meal. Often it will be a singer or musician performing Burns songs such as:-
My Luve is Like a Red Red Rose;
Rantin', Rovin' Robin;
John Anderson, my jo; or
Ae Fond Kiss, and Then We Sever.
Alternatively it could be a moving recital of a Burns poem, with perennial preference for:-
Tam o' Shanter;
Holy Willie's Prayer;
To a Louse;
Address to the Unco Guid; or
For a' that and a' that.
The immortal memory
The keynote speaker takes the stage to deliver a spell-binding oratoration on the life of Robert Burns: his literary genius, his politics, his highs and lows, his human frailty and - most importantly - his nationalism. The speech must bridge the dangerous chasm between serious intent and sparkling wit, painting a colourful picture of Scotland's beloved Bard.
The speaker concludes with a heart-felt toast: To the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns!
The second entertainment
The chair introduces more celebration of Burns' work, preferably a poem or song to complement the earlier entertainment.
Toast to the Lassies
The humorous highlight of any Burns Night comes in this toast, which is designed to praise the role of women in the world today. This should be done by selective quotation from Burns's works and should build towards a positive note. Particular reference to those present makes for a more meaningful toast.
The toast concludes: To the Lassies!
The final entertainment
The final course of the evening's entertainment comprises more Burns readings.
Reply to the Toast to the Lassies
Revenge for the women present as they get their chance to reply.
Vote of thanks
The chair now climbs to his potentially unsteady feet to thank everyone who has contributed to a wonderful evening and to suggest that taxis will arrive shortly.
Auld Lang Syne
The chair closes the proceedings by inviting guests to stand and belt out a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne. The company joins hands and sings as one, having made sure to brush up on those difficult later lines.
Optional extras
These can slot into any part of the evening.
Lost Burns manuscripts
Some Burns Night suppers include a lost manuscript reading, where a participant with literary aspirations recites from a fictitious long-lost musing of the great man on a new subject.
Quizzes and/or recitation competitions
Involving the guests - instead of having them sit passively - is key to a fun and successful Burns night. Make up your own activities for best effect.

Cabaret Dancers All the Rage - Hula Hooper- Circus Vs The Box

2011-03-20T14:25:00.007Z

Prefer burlesque to trannies ? Or hula hoopers to bearded ladies ? Then stay away from the Box and head to Supperclub http://www.supperclub.com/ or Circus Restaurant http://www.circus-london.co.uk/ . At Circus you'll enjoy a plethora of aesthetically pleasing

entertainers as well as south american creole fusion cuisine off covent garden. This is entertainment & a winner for intimate and large group diners alike.

Don't get swepted along by hype & suckered by some venues shock tactics and over priced door policies ...The Box isn't all that!

Zimbali Fairmont, KwaZulu Natal

2011-03-20T13:01:00.006Z

I can't help but fondly reminisce the time I spent over New Year in SA. Chilling with my good Friend Brendinium & having a platter of oysters, salmon, eggs & fruits for breakfast at the world renowned Zimbali Fairmont www.fairmont.com/zimbaliresort in Kwazulu Natal is one of the memories I shall cherish for a very long while.

Chattering monkeys, singing whales, a vast tumultous Indian Ocean and deep sea diving are some of this southern hemisphere's state's delight!

Bafana, bafana !

Zimbali Waves

Monkey Magic

A.G Leventis Foundation Help Sickle Cell Programmes & Biodiversity By Funding

2011-02-09T08:07:00.006Z

RICHARD COKER FOUNDATION

I went to a moving and interesting Book & Photography Presentation at the Hellenic Centre, Marylebone sponsored by the benevolent Cypriot A.G Leventis Foundation www.leventisfoundation.com last night ( Exhibition from 7th-16th Feb 2011) . Did you know that A.G. Leventis, that multi-national company with stakes in all human endeavours started in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital over 90 years ago. Over the years the Foundation has helped a plethora of causes get the funding they needed to help communities and individuals alike. I ran into them a few years back when they donated a large sum of money over 3 years to the Richard Coker Foundation's successful campaign to raise funding for the Sickle Cell Society http://www.sicklecellsociety.org/ .

Unfortunately 1 in 20 from risk groups carries a trait for Sickle Cell Disorder. The child of two carrier parents may inherit a full blown Sickle Cell Disorder. These disorders have no cure and will affect every aspect of the child's life. Before starting your family, a simple blood test can reveal if you're the one. From the Caribbean, through Africa, Middle East to India we are all effected. It's a major shame that most of the men in these cultures think it weak to go and get a test .....Idiiiiots. Please go now and ask your Doctor for a test!

On the flipside Mr Taso Leventis & the A.G Leventis Foundation has been making in-roads in helping to try and better amongst many my Motherland. For example the Natural History Museum built in the University Of Ife, Agriculture Tranining Schools in Tumu, Uesa, Abuja & Kano are a few of the winning projects they have spent both time and money to help succeed. Yes they made a lot of money from Nigeria but at least they are re-investing in this and many Nations !

In Nigeria it is essential that our youth continue to learn how to use the land for Agro Forestry, Farming and Natural Resources Utilisation before it's too late. Firewood & charcoal burning are the major components in deforestation ( slash & burn). Did you realise that 150 Million hectares per year has been destroyed across the world from 1990 - 2009? People's funding of Charities in UK only apply 3% of funding to Conservation & Environmental causes. Mad - especially when we see what has happened this winter from here in UK , Australia, the Americas & Africa......

WAKE UP - WE ARE CHANGING THE PLANET & UNBALANCING THE ANIMAL /PLANT LIFE ECO-SYSTEM.

"Man did not weave the web of life - he is merely a strand in it.Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself."
Chief Seattle, 1854.

Bacanal @ Supperclub

2011-01-25T05:55:00.008Z

Last Friday a good creative friend from Google and I decided to throw a Murder Mystery dinner which went down as a roaring success. The next day ( on a Saturday afternoon I may add) he asked me to join him at a luncheon party thrown by one of his growing army of protégés. It is an interesting movement lunch of like minded aspirational twenty/thirty somethings that transpires once a month in some of London's most lush venues. I was happy to say this event was at a fly venue near my yard and close to my heart: Supperclub restaurant & club http://www.supperclub.com/html/london/experience/people/djs/ partly owned and run by the Italian stallion Albi and musically directed by the genius that is DJ Femi Fem.

The theme was Alpine ski. Refreshing to say the 150 strong ski googles clad crowd ( By invitation only) felt like a family under one roof, were stylish, outgoing and interesting. Fireaters, Jugglers, Holu Hoopers, Drummers, Super DJs, Podium Dancers made up an allurring and dazzling ensemble of entertainers & performers that reminded me of emc3 events.

More grease to your elbow Nicky of Bacanal http://www.bacanal.co.uk/ ! With such an attractive tribe I am sure we can find a brand fit sponsor to help all our causes....reminds me of what the swinging 60's could have been like without the drugs!

Watch this space ;-}

HULA GIRL

ROCKING BABY

Totem: Cirque du Soleil Experience

2011-01-16T21:52:00.003Z

Missing the cradle of Humankind in SA I decided , for creative event inspiration and to introduce my niece to this beautiful world, to go to see the latest production of Cirque

du Soleil http://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/cirque-du-soleil/default.aspx called Totem ( Emblem of the beginning).

Although it was a spectacle of Darwinian creativity and gymastic splendour, I could n't help missing the original show I went to with my Mother in the mid 80's. Truthfully, it is hard to keep topping the sensational acrobatics and ingenious acts that make up this wonderful phonomena from Canada!

Watching it through a young teen's eyes was a joyful experience.

Worth a watch!

Keep them coming Mr Lafarge ........

Shaka Zulu's Country, South Africa

2011-01-16T20:43:00.011Z

I made a preemptive decision before the Xmas Party season to book a holiday straight after I was to make the Xmas Lunch a chez moi for the Family. Where to go ? See my Boys in Miami, Girls in Bali, Crew in Egypt or the Afris in South Africa...... I decided as I missed the brilliantly hosted 2010 FiFa World Cup in SA I needed to be there to see for myself what improvements had been made for the successful Games.

Also one of my oldest best friends, Brendan, had decided to stay put for 10 years in this Rainbow Country and set up a Travel Agency and sell it off. Worth a look for the business interests to say the least. Worth a feasibility study to visit Sean and his Diamond /Gold Mines in Kimberley , Percy Montegomery and his face of Sport & Property Ventures in Cape Town and Brendinium and his sale of a successful Travel Agency in Joburg. Also I heard the scuba dive there was one of the most dangerous and interesting on this planet. Kindly our people in the Fairmont Group of Hotels had hooked me up with favourble rates at their 5 Star Resort on the East Coast called the Zimbali Resorts http://www.fairmont.com/zimbaliresort .

No need for a Safari to Kruger Park this time....

How could I resist this Phileas Fogg adventure !

So as the Xmas Party Season was, although not equal to 2-3 years ago, a success and Christmas day turkey a hit I ventured off to Johannesburg on a Virgin Atlantic drift.....ahhhhhhhhhh what a luxury!

In the capital city, I was so well hosted by Brendan in Sunning Hill, Sandton, Joburg that I decided to skip the NYE Party invitations in Cape Town and take some time off and chill with my Friend & his rottweiler Bella for a full week in the capital city. Wow, how kind the South Africans of all colours and creeds. Great food ( Oysters for breakfast, Steaks for lunch & Fruits for dinner), world beating wines and a most powerful Sun why would n't they be. Black Economic Empowerment so well placed by the Great Demi-God & Peacemaker Nelson "Madiba" Mandela is very strong and progressive with its strategy of inclusion! Different world now SA!

My favourite time was the E200 Mercedes Benz ( Sponsored by our dear friend Adel from Dubai) 600 km drift from Joburg across the beautiful landscape made up of Table-esque mountains, hills and beautiful coastlines through Free State http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_State , Industrial Durban to KwaZulu Natal http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KwaZulu-Natal 's Famous UNESCO Heritage Forests that make up the Zimbali Resort http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KwaZulu-Natal

. If you ever need to relax and enjoy in a superior quality environment in SA look now further than Fairmont's Zimbali.

Resorts & Lodge! Service, landscape and luxuries are like now where I have been for a long while - and I have enjoyed! Whether a keen ornithologist , gourmand or keen scuba diver like me this is Eden's Paradise so highly sought after around the world but seldom attained. Thanks to the Guys & Dolls at the scuba dive school Aliwal Centre http://www.aliwalshoal.co.za/ in Umkomaas I had 4 days of diving and pleasure. Although it took me a day to gain my sea legs ( sick as a dog) diving 10 KM off the coast and 24 metres depth in heavy rain and 10-20 ft waves - it was all worth it to seeing and swimming with Whale & Tiger Sharks , Turtles, Rays, Moray eels, a plethora of Fish off this rugged and de-coraled coast!

Long live the energy and progression of SA and thank God for keeping me safe in a country that is reputed to be dangerous but in reality is a Paradise on Earth..........next time I must make the Cradle Of Humankind http://www.cradleofhumankind.co.za/index.html .

Love you South Africa & the Bafana Bafana Crew :-)

Human Rights Day at the House Of Lords - Sickle Cell Society

2010-12-23T15:04:00.005Z

In my business you need to speak many languages and wear many hats. Sometimes the alturist prevails and you must don a charitable one. No other cause is greater to my heart than that of the Sickle Cell Society http://www.sicklecellsociety.org/ . Losing my dear cousin Richard Coker Enahoro to this dredded disease. Sickle-cell disease (SCD), or sickle-cell anaemia (or anemia; SCA) or drepanocytosis, is an autosomal co-dominant genetic blood disorder characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape.

As Fundraiser of the Richard Coker Foundation I had to accompany my awesome Aunty Miss Julie Coker and Sister Jay Jay to the Moses Room in the House Of Lords to attend a Bloombury Club symposium chaired by the eloquent and most affable Dr Ian Hall and Baroness Scotland. As it was Human Rights day we had the honour of also here a few impactual words from David Wardrop, Chairman of the United Nations Association Westminster Branch
http://www.unawestminster.org.uk/ . I love going to these gatherings as not only do I get to go to the House but also I get to meet so many great people with illuminating thoughts and ideas.

Long live Britain and her benovolent people & nature!

Extracts from David Wardrop's speech :

Notes on this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner

Liu Xiaobo has served one year of an eleven-year prison term for co-authoring Charter 08, a document calling for gradual political reforms in China. His wife Liu Xia was placed under effective house arrest since the announcement of the prize on October 8, and ordered by the police to stop issuing public statements on penalty of being permanently denied permission to visit her husband in prison. "Liu Xiaobo's arrest was illegitimate, his trial unfair, and his sentencing unjust," said Sophie Richardson, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. "He should be freed and allowed to travel to receive this historic award along with his wife."

Extracts from his final speech during his trial
Hatred can rot away at a person's intelligence and conscience. Enemy mentality will poison the spirit of a nation, incite cruel mortal struggles, destroy a society's tolerance and humanity, and hinder a nation's progress toward freedom and democracy. That is why I hope to be able to transcend my personal experiences as i look upon our nation's development and social change, to counter the regime's hostility with utmost goodwill, and to dispel hatred with love
and
Freedom of expression is the foundation of human rights, the source of humanity, and the mother of truth. To strangle freedom of speech is to trample on human rights, stifle humanity, and suppress truth.
In order to exercise the right to freedom of speech conferred by the Constitution, one should fulfill the social responsibility of a Chinese citizen. There is nothing criminal in anything I have done. [But] if charges are brought against me because of this, I have no complaints.

Some Thematic areas where Human Rights need to be considered.

HIV : progress on the human rights aspects of the HIV epidemic, and awareness raising with regard to the right of people living with HIV not to be discriminated against.

FGM, new agreement WHO is seriously concerned about health care providers performing FGM, as it contributes to undermining the global effort to eliminate the practice. A recent estimate suggests that more than 18% of all girls and women who have undergone female genital mutilation, have had the procedure performed on them by health care providers. This we refer to as "medicalization of FGM". (are these cultural rights)

Passive Smoking The World Health organization (WHO) report that more than 600 000 death per year worldwide are caused by second-hand smoke (SHS) - more than 1% of all deaths. 165 000 of these deaths are among children.

Finally:

Is there a universally accepted ‘human right’ or human obligation?

The Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is that one should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself

Or conversely one should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated (Silver rule)
Where do we find this
a) Ancient Egypt: An early example of the Golden Rule is dated to the Middle Kingdom (2040–1650 BCE): "Now this is the command: Do to the doer to cause that he do.
Late Period: (c. 664 BC – 323 BCE) papyrus: "That which you hate to be done to you, do not do to another.

b) Christianity
Attributed to Jesus of Nazereth
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."
Matthew 7.12 and Luke 6.31

c) Modern English
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".

Louvre Museum or Versailles Palace - Where the best to throw a Party?

2010-12-23T14:24:00.009Z

The Monday before Ali, Dan & I had the most hearty pleasure of going on a Roadtrip together to Gai Paris on the behest of a super kool Client to find the right venue for his Wedding Celebrations. It was either to be at the Louvre Museum or the Palace Of Versailles. We never complain when sent on a 3 Musketeer Mission especially if we are able to get up in Londinium take the Chunnel to Paris , have lunch in the 14th arrondissement and then chauffeured around the sites of this fair City & its outskirts.

Tough choice between Musee du Louvre and Louis XIV 's yard but Gallerie des Glaces wins hands down.

Vive la France et la carte des vins!

Great to spend time with my League of Extraordinary Cats :-)

Xmas Parties & Events 2010

2010-12-23T12:17:00.004Z

Wow , although the budgets for the Monster Parties have died down: small ones are more juicy! We had a good run his December - better than last year which means the worm has turmned. Companies in Finance, Games, Luxury, Films, On Line, Publishing, Law all came to us to help make their Christmas Parties a roaring success!b Thank God for Jesus & thank Jesus for God!!! Even have some residual events to organise in January 2011 .....Year is already starting on a high!!! Working with people you love and making money for yourselves makes going to the office a sweeter pill to follow even on Xmas eve :-)

Proud Gallery Presents John Lennon By Tom Hanley

2010-11-25T14:51:00.004Z

Last night my Sis Jay of Epegamedia (http://www.epegamedia.com/ ) PR infvited me andsome friends to the latest addage to the Proud Dynasty of Upmarket but edgy Galleries on the King's Road!

Great space on the main road of one of London's most recognisable streets.

It was beautiful Photo Exhibition by Tom Hanley of beguiling life of Beatle John Lennon......

http://focushubcourses.com/blog/2010/10/john-lennon-tom-hanley-proud-chelsea/

My favourite photos from this great and illustrous Photogrpaher were of the Legend that is Jimi Hendrix!

Jimi Hendrix Room At The Cumberland Hotel

2010-11-25T10:01:00.002Z

On our 2012 Olympic accommodation trail seeing hotel rooms and setting up deals I went to the holy grail of bedrooms for me. Jimi Hendrix styled room at the Cumberland Hotel.

Exhausted from the rigours of touring, besieged by hangers-on, worn down by his own drug use and unsure of where his career was going next, Hendrix was in need of sanctuary.
In the four years that Hendrix lived in London, he would stay in any number of hotel rooms, furnished flats and boltholes.
He lived with his girlfriend Kathy Etchingham in a flat at 23 Brook Street – next door to the house where Handel had lived and where he composed Messiah – and once described it as "the only home I ever had".
But the Cumberland was his private redoubt – a place to which he would often retreat to find privacy – and to conduct his hectic and often complicated love-life.
As Keith Altham, a music journalist who became Hendrix's friend and confidante, puts it, the Cumberland was where Hendrix would go "for the purpose of meeting various young ladies when he wanted to keep away from the various other young ladies that he was seeing".
The hotel is also named on Hendrix's death certificate as his place of residence. He died on the morning of September 18 1970 from an overdose of barbiturates in the room of a girlfriend at the Hotel Samarkand in Lansdowne Crescent, Notting Hill.
Nowadays, the Cumberland is a luxury hotel, its reception area a huge expanse of marble and glass, bathed in lime-coloured light, with a Gary Rhodes restaurant attached. In Hendrix's day it was somewhat more louche, a favourite with rock musicians passing through London, with "running hot and cold hookers" in the bar, as Altham remembers.
To mark the 40th anniversary of Hendrix's death, the Cumberland Hotel has styled a special "Jimi Hendrix suite", on the same floor, the fifth – if not the same room – where the musician stayed.
An accurate reproduction of Hendrix's suite would probably be furnished with G-Plan furniture and a candlewick bedspread. Instead, the designers Mary Gannon and Cynthia Garcia have fashioned a contemporary version of the psychedelic Sixties, as they put it, to "capture the ethos of Hendrix, and ultimately be a sanctuary where Hendrix himself would enjoy spending time".
Primary-coloured op-art lines swirl across the ceiling; there are zebra-skin throws, fibre-optic lights, framed pages from the music papers of the period, and a huge mural of Hendrix by the artist Andie Airfix dominates one wall. It is a fun experience, if not exactly an authentic one, lent a particular poignancy by the film of Hendrix flickering on the large plasma television screen – "a little big to throw out of the window", as Garcia puts it, and by a tape of Hendrix's last-ever interview, which was conducted by Altham in the musician's suite on the afternoon of September 11, and which is available for guests to play.
Hendrix's voice echoes across the years – rambling, gnomic, amused. At the end of the interview, Altham asks whether he has now amassed enough money to be able to live exactly as he would like to.
"Ah, I don't think so," Hendrix replies. "Because, like, I want to get up in the morning and just roll over in my bed into an indoor swimming pool and then swim to the breakfast table, you know, come up for air and get maybe a drink of orange juice or something like that. Then just flop over from the chair into the swimming pool, swim into the bathroom, and you know, go and shave and whatever…"
You want to live luxuriously? Altham asks.
"No! Is that luxurious? I was thinking about a tent, maybe," Hendrix laughs, "overhanging a mountain stream."
A week later, he was dead.

Fabian Perez Art At Clarendon Fine Art Gallery

2010-11-25T09:42:00.003Z

Oh where would we be without Xmas. On my way to an Art Exhibition to meet a lovely client from Polo Ralph Lauren I was caught in the throng on Bond Street that awaited the Xmas lights being turned on by Lisa Snowden. Using sidestepping skills that where most useful in my Rugger years ( oh how I miss those salad days) I managed to manoeuvre myselft through the crown to my destination private view at the Clarendon Artt Gallery in Dover St of new works by Fabian Perez, official artist to the Latin Grammy Awards, Vancouver Olympics and the London 2012 Olympics.
This important exhibition represents one of the largest and most diverse collections of Fabians' paintings ever to be shown in the country. It offers collectors a unique opportunity to acquire both new works and a small number of pieces from the artist's personal portfolio, at a time when his work is in huge demand.

Passionate work, nice guy and thanks for the invite cousin Tayo x

Gorrillaz featuring De La Soul Concert, O2

2010-11-25T09:29:00.003Z

November in previously years had been the lull month before the tsunami wave that is December in way of Events & Parties. But this year November has been busy with Client events, 2011/2012 Conference Planning and invites to some very interesting VIP Events. None so much as the Gorrillaz featuring De La Soul Concert.

I was honoured to be invited with VIP Backstage passes to one of the most futuristic and enchanting concerts I have ever been to. The vision of of genius songwriter & producer Damon Albarn along with artist and designer Jamie Christopher Hewlett is breathtaking. The songs were awesome, the cartoons were memerising and the After Party was delicious. Thanks Smiles (Manager of De La ) for your continued friendship & support. Shame the fog delayed the Boys flight back from Amsterdam so they missed a large part of the show. What a visionary collaboration it was though......Bobby Womack, Neneh Cherry & Brown from Farside to name the main - Good luck with the MONSTER tour and see you on the other side! Thanks for the love :-)

Double Fireworks Nights ! Remember, remember the 5th of November!

2010-11-07T08:08:00.002Z

As things have changed I have found more time to spend with some dear friends than I didnt have the opportunity to in years gone by. So Friday I was able to hook up with my good buddy Luc & his lovely girlfriend Constanza as they invited me to Ladbroke Sq in Notting Hill for a Fireworks display in ode of a poor ill fated Yorkshire man called Guido!!! WOW - what a memerising and enchanting time of the year this autumn is starting to become .....1st it was my Birthday, then a double Halloween week-end and now a double Guy Fawkes week-end. These superior quality residential squares really spend money on the fireworks. In the buisness we know that displays go for about £500 - £1,000 per minute. Geeez, it was almost 20 minutes a spectacular array of dreamlike kaleidoscopesque vividity. Beautiful! Then on Saturday eve I was once again invited to another great Fireworks display by mon ami Alex in Randolph Square....Awesome! I love fireworks. Something quite beguiling about low explosive pyrotechnics. Thank you 12th Century Chinamen for 1 of 4 of your great inventions. Thanks for the love Guys!!

Want to know more about Guido & his friends?

Guy Fawkes (13 April 1570 – 31 January 1606), also known as Guido Fawkes, the name he adopted while fighting for the Spanish in the Low Countries, belonged to a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Fawkes was born and educated in York. His father died when Fawkes was eight years old, after which his mother married a recusant Catholic. Fawkes later converted to Catholicism and left for the continent, where he fought in the Eighty Years' War on the side of Catholic Spain against Protestant Dutch reformators. He travelled to Spain to seek support for a Catholic rebellion in England but was unsuccessful. He later met Thomas Wintour, with whom he returned to England.
Wintour introduced Fawkes to Robert Catesby, who planned to assassinate King James I and restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. The plotters secured the lease to an undercroft beneath the House of Lords, and Fawkes was placed in charge of the gunpowder they stockpiled there. Prompted by the receipt of an anonymous letter, the authorities searched Westminster Palace during the early hours of 5 November, and found Fawkes guarding the explosives. Over the next few days, he was questioned and tortured, and eventually he broke. Immediately before his execution on 31 January, Fawkes jumped from the scaffold where he was to be hanged and broke his neck, thus avoiding the agony of the drawing and quartering that followed.
Fawkes became synonymous with the Gunpowder Plot, which has been commemorated in England since 5 November 1605. His effigy is burned on a bonfire, often accompanied by a firework display

Silverstone Driving Experience

2010-11-02T18:22:00.004Z

We do some good business with the F1 Circuit and have been especially fond of the people we do GP business with at the Silverstone Circuit. So it was great when Felicity and I got an invitation to the Circuit by Claudia and the team to learn more about the new and ever improving Silverstone Circuit near Banbury. This we have to remember is where Grand Prix racing 1st began. But we must also not forget that the 800 acred Silverstone circuit is also has a new futuristic Start/Finish Hospitality Building under construction ( ready in May 2011) that doubles as a 4,000 delegates Conference space, a Car Rally Driving circuits as well as Moto GP & Moto Cross tracks.

It was a very early start but my was it worth it! Afte a fast train ( 35 mins) from Euston to Milton Keynes then a taxi drift to Silverstone we were warmly welcomed by Claudia & Helen into the Stowe Enclosure for bacon sarnies and coffee. After an induction and update by ex Drivers Mike & Steve we were given the grand tour of the Garages,

Control Room & British Racing Drivers' Club where the likes of legends such as Stirling Moss &

Graham Hill, as well as Stars like Lewis Hamilton, David Coultard & Jenson Button were honoured for their services to racing!

There I stood on the podium thinking of what it must have taken to reach this spot on a race day. Since the 1900s mad hatters aka Petrolheads had dedicated their time, and in some instances lives, to the thrill of speed. When I was given a Le Mans styled stick shift red Ferrari F430 to drive 10 times around the circuit I knew why they did it!

Well done Felicity for beating all us Guys and recording a better circuit time - But it's

only because your Dad was top Rally Driver & you have the inside story from a couple of F1 GP Champions. But fair dues " A win's a win!"

Myyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy - what a buzz, what an experience, what great memories.

Thinking of a gift for a loved one or a prize for clients or employees? Then look no further! You couldn't go wrong with signing them up for the Silverstone Experience.

Their moto included Passsion, Safety, Innovation & Constant Improvement .......now I know exactly what the mean! Seeing is believing!

Thanks Claudia, Mike, Helen, Chris, Steve & the Silverstone Crew for an awesome day out!

I WANT A RARI! ;-)

Halloween 2010 is massive in UK

2010-11-01T16:48:00.004Z

Wow I didn't realise until this past week-end how massive Halloween is in the UK. After years and years of relentless marketing from US ( think of Jason & Halloween) the UK has given herself fully like an initially unwilling bride of Count Dracula on the night after the big day ;-)

Well this year I was lucky enough to go to both Home House and Soho House Halloween Parties on consecutive nights with some good friens. Man o man what larks we had. And I wasn't even drunk. People went to so much effort with their costumes and themes. The costume that still scares me the most is seeing 2 different Osama Bin Ladens on both nights!

London was awash with blood, gore and fangs.......loved it!!!

Nigeria At 50 Golden Jubilee Celebrations, Alexandra Palace 23.101.0

2010-10-29T09:03:00.008+01:00

After meetings about meetings, blood, sweat and tears gues what? We did it!!! The event was beautiful! As the Project Manager I'd like to say a big thanks to the HOC, Head Of Political Affairs,Doc Abani, K, Bimbo, Priscilla and the Events Committee for a fabulous phonomenon we have begun. God bless Nigeria & God bless us all!

"Arise, O Compatriots"

Arise, O compatriots,
Nigeria's call obey
To serve our Fatherland
With love and strength and faith.
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.
O God of creation,
Direct our noble cause;
Guide our Leaders right:
Help our Youth the truth to know,
In love and honesty to grow,
And living just and true,
Great lofty heights attain,
To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.

This superior quality event was hosted by the Nigeria High Commission's Head Of Chancery Mr Ahmed Umar in the presence of the Vice President Of Nigeria Architect ( & Left Handed) Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON!

Nigeria At 50 Golden Jubilee Celebrations 23rd October 2010 At Alexandra Palace, North London

2010-10-18T19:41:00.004+01:00

We are here to show that not we are not all bad - come and see for yourself our good work!

Emerald Faerie at the V&A Last Friday

2010-09-28T09:25:00.007+01:00

The week we spent presenting/pitching and winning a large contract for a bi-annual Conference for a prominent US Business School. It was a long arduous week of site visits to some of London's most notable and distinguished landmarks eg Battersea Power Station, Royal Courts Of Justice, British Film Musuem, Natural History Museum, Grosvenor House & Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre to name but a few. Needless to say with such Monster Venues to see I missed one of the most beautiful rooms at one of the most beautiful venues - the Garden at the V&A. Well nobody's perfect ......luckily the Guys backed me up by showing it the next day to the lovely Clients from across the pond.

Luckily I was invited the next day to a Friday Late "Two is a pair" @ the V&A showcase which I hasten to add was free and open to all. An Artist/designer friend of mine , Emerald Faerie was premiering the film "Cinderella's Revenge-Layers of Interpretation", a 3 part colaboration with Film Director Catherine Walker......the film was inspired by shoes by Tony De Haviland & Chandeliers from Emerald Faerie.

I went with my good friend from Access Bank who too like to observe some of the finer things this world has to offer. Needless to say I was quite perplexed but entrique by what we call Art today. Although a bizarre evening it was somewhat beguling yet enriching.

We need more of these evenings made up of mesmirising twin djs, dancing ballerinas and butterflies with alternate wings ...... The V&A Garden was fab as well . Big up to you Queen Vicky for your love of Albert to build such edifices of Art & Culture!!!!

Stella McCartney's Night Of Fashion London

2010-09-09T13:49:00.003+01:00

Last night Felicity and I were kindly invited by Akiko to Stella McCartney's Fashion night out. Lots of celebs, natural food, Gin & Ts and fashionistas. We also ventured to LVMH and RL which were not as interesting but still good. Bring on LFW ......acronyms! TTFN x

Compliments Of Mail On Line http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1310422/Fashions-Night-Out-Gwyneth-Paltrow-joins-Thandie-Newton-Claudia-Schiffer-Armani-party.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Gwyneth Paltrow flashes her bra as she joins Thandie Newton and Claudia Schiffer at Fashion's Night Out
By Emily Sheridan

As the hostess of Stella McCartney's Fashion's Night Out party last night, Gwyneth Paltrow used the opportunity to be the perfect ambassador for her friend's fashion range.
The Oscar winner, 37, dressed head-to-toe in McCartney's latest collection as she arrives at the designer's Bruton Street boutique in Mayfair.
Choosing to wear a plunging neckline, you'd expect someone as fashion savvy as Gwyneth to go braless - but she ended up letting down her overall ensemble by flashing her pink lacy bra, which was clearly visible.

Hostess with the mostess: Gwyneth Paltrow, wearing head-to-toe Stella McCartney, arrives at her designer friend's Mayfair store to host a Fashion's Night Out party
The mother-of-two went for the smart-casual approach in a pair of £425 stretch jersey military pants, plunging top, sports jacket and peep-toe shot boots.
Also wearing McCartney creations was the designer herself, who was treating the event as an early birthday party ahead of her 39th on Monday.
Paltrow and McCartney were joined by their supermodel pals Claudia Schiffer and Natalia Vodianova, singers Pixie Lott, Diana Vickers and Dionne Bromfield and Ronnie Wood's ex-wife Jo.

Out of this world: German supermodel Claudia Schiffer wore a Christopher Kane galaxy dress to the Armani and McCartney parties

It's a sheer thing: Thandie Newton wore a nude transparent Stella McCartney creation to the Armani party (left), while the designer herself also wore her collection
The McCartney bash was just one of several events going on in the West End last night as part of Fashion's Night Out.
Schiffer, 40, looked out of this world - literally - in a Christopher Kane mini-dress with galaxy designs, while Russian model Vodianova, 28, looked ready for autumn in a grey David Koma dress with peplum detail.Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1310422/Fashions-Night-Out-Gwyneth-Paltrow-joins-Thandie-Newton-Claudia-Schiffer-Armani-party.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0z2IJ5rCh

Linked In Sports Day By Stephanie Utting

2010-09-08T10:41:00.003+01:00

Emc3 Teamed up with Linkedin www.linkedin.com

We took Linked in, out of the workspace in order to make some ‘old school’ memories together. Through sending out school geometry sets and work books as invites to employees an event was created to take workers back to the fun days of school where there was nothing in the world to worry about apart from being in the winning team at sports day!

With some perfect September weather creating the beautiful backdrop in Hyde Park, the event successfully took place by the Lido Cafe – Bar and Terrace overlooking the river. Sports races took place including the old favourites: tug of war, welly throwing, sack races, egg and spoon as well as the new caterpillar races! A delicious BBQ by the Lido Cafe was served as a well deserved break to the guests and a free bar is always appreciated! Thanks to Nasreen.... and good luck with the new baby.

Notting Hill Carnival 2010 - Daniel's eye view

2010-09-03T17:11:00.009+01:00

Viva Carnival!

This year I moved to Kensal Rise specifically to be near the Carnival in August! As things haven't exactly worked out as I would have liked I couldn't be arse to indulge in such folly.

But Daniel was in good stead with his new Brazillian beau (which I am pleased to say I helped link up). They had a wicked float and all enjoyed. Here are the pictures and videos to prove it!!!!

Viva Carnival!!

Sharm el Sheikh, Aviles Spain & Lagos Nigeria All in 1 month - August 2010!

2010-09-02T11:54:00.013+01:00

Our Island in Elado, Lagos Nigeria

St Katherine's Monestary

It has been a most interesting August month that saw me diving in Sahrm El Sheikh ( Thanks Ruth for the PADI Training), climbing Mount Sinai past St Katherine's Monestary (Inspirational!), observing dancing fish in Aviles during the beautiful Wedding of Bawo & Andrea and an adventurous but productive time in Lagos Nigeria . Phew what a month. Mixed feelings but seem to have come through the other end just about - with flesh wounds.....lets see what September brings!

The Family Link- Harrimans & Epegas in the 1960's at a Cockatil Party in Lagos Nigeria

Aunty Irene Harriman in full regalia xx

Bawo & Andrea Harriman

Don't look up now Babs

The Road to Mount Sinai

Diving off a yacht in Sharm

Bawo & Andrea's Wedding Dancers

Bawo & Andreas Wedding

Members Day At Arsenal FC 5th August 2010

2010-08-06T13:02:00.007+01:00

Yesterday I and a top Client ( & his his lovely kids) were kindly invited by Tim and the Arsenal crew to a Members Day at the Emirates. Watching the guys training and listening to what Arsene had to say about the forthcoming season fills me with inspiration! We do have a chance! And no Cesc is not leaving ! Barcelona couldn't afford him anyway. Watching him and Robin training with Bacary and the boys was fun.

Watch out for newboy Chamak!

The new WM Members Club looks awesome. I am lost for words how the Club has developed in the last 13 years. Lets hope we can add some silverware!

Shaka Zulu Launch - 4th August: Bravo !

2010-08-06T12:43:00.006+01:00

Hats off to the South Africans this year as not only have they pulled off a triumphant Hosting of the World Cup but also they successfully opened http://www.shaka-zulu.com/ here in Camden's Stables London. The night was well attended with a constellation of stars and vips alike. 2 Kings and one Mogul Industrialist were numbered amonst the invitees.

The South African themed menu ( from Food to Wine) was most sumptuous along with the African themed entertainers. The night was only slightly marred but the usual antics of a certain Miss Winehouse : http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2010/08/06/amy-winehouse-on-worst-behaviour-in-front-of-royalty-at-camden-s-shaka-zulu-launch-115875-22468189/

Thanks Sam & Good luck Guys and I look forward to our Party there on the 26th August 2010:

http://www.emc3.eu/emails/shakazulu/html/shakazulu.htm

Shaka Zulu Restaurant Opens in London - King Kabhekuzulu

2010-08-02T10:49:00.002+01:00

My friend King Goodwill Zwelithini Kabhekuzulu of the Zulu Nation is in town this week to open his new Restaurant www.shaka-zulu.com Watch this space!

Summer Party With The Twist July 2010

2010-07-26T19:28:00.008+01:00

It's funny - just when you don't think you could meet any more nice people in Banking ;-) along come a Cluster to upset your preconceptions. This was true when I met a nice new Lady Client whom was looking for a Venue to throw a Summer Party for her Boss. Unfortunately due to sending out the wrong message a lot of Banks have slashed their Entertainment Budget. So this French client took it upon himself to spend c. £18 k of his own money to throw a party for his Wife's Birthday, Colleagues and Clients. I salute you Mr A! After Site visiting about 10 venues I finally stumbled on a gem of a venue called Royal College Of Physicians in Regent's Park. Awesome for conferences and Summer Parties alike. The staff, food & professionalism impeccable.

My Clients wanted something different with a cool twist..... So we devised not just a standard summer party but threw in some live music, superstar dj and dancers. The ingredients were mixed together and we concocted a winning formula. South African Braai, Champagne, Jamie Archer ( X Factor) singing, Femi Fem DJing and Patricia & the Brasillians dancing - I love my job! Just seeing people happy and enjoying themselves does a lot for the soul me thinks. So the day before I shot off to Egypt I threw this f**k off party that was deemed a noteable success! Thanks Celine, Jane & Antoine for the pleasure....see you soon x

FIFA World Cup 2010 Final Tickets - Sign Of The Times !

2010-07-08T09:18:00.003+01:00

I am so proud of what SA is doing to dispel all those arsey critisizers that prior to the games said " Oh it's going to be so dangerous, it's going to be a mess". Well up your Vuvuzela is what I say!

It is also a big shame that due to the world economic climate Clients cannot be seen to be taking gifts from their Suppliers especially when it comes to tickets and hospitality for the World Cup.

So it saddened me when a lovely Client called me earlier this week and said due to her Boss's work commitments and the lack of their Customers willing to take up the Full Flight & Hospitality Packages they had on offfer 6 x VIP World Cup Tickets & Full Hospitality Packages worth $5,000 each needed to be sold.

When I advertised them with "Les Gens Que J'Aime", you can imagine what kind of interesting offers I was getting. Due to time decay and the tickets being here with me in Blighty I will have to bulk and sell them at a fraction of their true worth so at least my Client gets something back.

Oh well C'est la vie! A sign of the times we live in - perculiar but sweet: One man's poison is another man's remedy..........who ever gets these tickets is one lucky duck!

Come on Holland!!!!

Fela Kuti - The Legend Lives On

2010-07-07T11:13:00.003+01:00

This morning as I was trying to shed some ponds on the treadmill ( yeah yeah - I do go to the gym :-) a beautiful song came on my Ipod called "Zombie" by the everlastion Afro Beat Legend Fela Kuti. Wow what a genius. Still loving your work Guru!!!!

Here are some details on the great Man!!!

Fela was born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria [2] into a middle-class family. His mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a feminist activist in the anti-colonial movement and his father, Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, a Protestant minister and school principal, was the first president of the Nigerian Union of Teachers.[3] His brothers, Beko Ransome-Kuti and Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, both medical doctors, are well known in Nigeria. Fela was a first cousin to the famous African Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, the first African to win a Nobel Prize.
Fela was sent to London in 1958 to study medicine but decided to study music instead at the Trinity College of Music. While there, he formed the band Koola Lobitos, playing a fusion of jazz and highlife.[4] In 1960, Fela married his first wife, Remilekun (Remi) Taylor, with whom he would have three children (Femi, Yeni, and Sola). In 1963, Fela moved back to Nigeria, re-formed Koola Lobitos and trained as a radio producer for the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. He played for some time with Victor Olaiya and his All Stars.[5] In 1967, he went to Ghana to think up a new musical direction.[3] That was when Kuti first called his music Afrobeat.[3] In 1969, Fela took the band to the United States. While there, Fela discovered the Black Power movement through Sandra Smith (now Izsadore)—a partisan of the Black Panther Party—which would heavily influence his music and political views and renamed the band Nigeria '70. Soon, the Immigration and Naturalization Service was tipped off by a promoter that Fela and his band were in the U.S. without work permits. The band then performed a quick recording session in Los Angeles that would later be released as The '69 Los Angeles Sessions.
After Fela and his band returned to Nigeria, the band was renamed to Africa '70 and the lyrical themes changed from love to social issues.[4] He then formed the Kalakuta Republic, a commune, a recording studio, and a home for many connected to the band that he later declared independent from the Nigerian state. Fela set up a nightclub in the Empire Hotel, named the Afro-Spot and then the Afrika Shrine, where he performed regularly. Fela also changed his middle name to Anikulapo (meaning "he who carries death in his pouch"),[6] stating that his original middle name of Ransome was a slave name. The recordings continued, and the music became more politically motivated. [citation needed] Fela's music became very popular among the Nigerian public and Africans in general.[7] In fact, he made the decision to sing in Pidgin English so that his music could be enjoyed by individuals all over Africa, where the local languages spoken are very diverse and numerous. As popular as Fela's music had become in Nigeria and elsewhere, it was also very unpopular with the ruling government, and raids on the Kalakuta Republic were frequent. During 1972 Ginger Baker recorded Stratavarious with Fela appearing alongside Bobby Gass.[8] Around this time, Kuti was becoming more involved in Yoruba religion.[9] In 1977 Fela and the Afrika '70 released the hit album Zombie, a scathing attack on Nigerian soldiers using the zombie metaphor to describe the methods of the Nigerian military. The album was a smash hit with the people and infuriated the government, setting off a vicious attack against the Kalakuta Republic, during which one thousand soldiers attacked the commune. Fela was severely beaten, and his elderly mother was thrown from a window, causing fatal injuries. The Kalakuta Republic was burned, and Fela's studio, instruments, and master tapes were destroyed. Fela claimed that he would have been killed if it was not for the intervention of a commanding officer as he was being beaten. Fela's response to the attack was to deliver his mother's coffin to the Dodan Barracks in Lagos, General Olusegun Obasanjo's residence, and to write two songs, "Coffin for Head of State" and "Unknown Soldier", referencing the official inquiry that claimed the commune had been destroyed by an unknown soldier.[10]
Fela and his band then took residence in Crossroads Hotel as the Shrine had been destroyed along with his commune. In 1978 Fela married 27 women, many of whom were his dancers, composers, and singers to mark the anniversary of the attack on the Kalakuta Republic. Later, he was to adopt a rotation system of keeping only twelve simultaneous wives.[11] The year was also marked by two notorious concerts, the first in Accra in which riots broke out during the song "Zombie", which led to Fela being banned from entering Ghana. The second was at the Berlin Jazz Festival after which most of Fela's musicians deserted him, due to rumours that Fela was planning to use the entirety of the proceeds to fund his presidential campaign.
Despite the massive setbacks, Fela was determined to come back. He formed his own political party, which he called Movement of the People. In 1979 he put himself forward for President in Nigeria's first elections for more than a decade but his candidature was refused. At this time, Fela created a new band called Egypt '80 and continued to record albums and tour the country. He further infuriated the political establishment by dropping the names of ITT vice-president Moshood Abiola and then General Olusegun Obasanjo at the end of a hot-selling 25-minute political screed titled "I.T.T. (International Thief-Thief)".
In 1984, he was again attacked by the military government, who jailed him on a dubious charge of currency smuggling. His case was taken up by several human-rights groups, and after 20 months, he was released from prison by General Ibrahim Babangida. On his release he divorced his 12 remaining wives, saying that "marriage brings jealousy and selfishness."[11] Once again, Fela continued to release albums with Egypt '80, made a number of successful tours of the United States and Europe and also continued to be politically active. In 1986, Fela performed in Giants Stadium in New Jersey as part of the Amnesty International Conspiracy of Hope concert, sharing the bill with Bono, Carlos Santana, and The Neville Brothers. In 1989, Fela and Egypt '80 released the anti-apartheid Beasts of No Nation album that depicts on its cover U.S. President Ronald Reagan, UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and South African Prime Minister Pieter Willem Botha with fangs dripping blood.
His album output slowed in the 1990s, and eventually he stopped releasing albums altogether. In 1993 he and four members of the Afrika '70 organisation were arrested for murder. The battle against military corruption in Nigeria was taking its toll, especially during the rise of dictator Sani Abacha. Rumours were also spreading that he was suffering from an illness for which he was refusing treatment. On 3 August 1997, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, already a prominent AIDS activist and former Minister of Health, stunned the nation by announcing his younger brother's death a day earlier from Kaposi's sarcoma brought on by AIDS. (Their younger brother Beko was in jail at this time at the hand of Abacha for political activity.) More than a million people attended Fela's funeral at the site of the old Shrine compound. A new Africa Shrine has opened since Fela's death in a different section of Lagos under the supervision of his son Femi Kuti.

African Business Awards 2010 Grosvenor House

2010-07-01T09:22:00.007+01:00

The last week I have been lucky enough to be invited to a most inspirational series of Events and Conferences put together by the African Business Magazine about Trade Finance in Nigeria and across the Sub-Saharan African Continent. Our time is here to turn potential into productivity. Being Nigeria's Golden Jubillee year there are a plethora of Events and Gatherings that you can participate in. As Project Manager for the Events Logistics & Implementation of the Nigeria At 50 Golden Jubilee Celebrations I will be listing all the pertinent Events you can join it imminently.

But hats off to the African Business Awards Team for a most proficient and positive set of Events......Inspirational!!!

African Business Awards http://www.ic-events.net/awards/african_business_awards_2010/

Now in its third year, the African Business Awards is the key annual event for the African business world and its accolades are much sort after by Africa’s leading companies and entrepreneurs. Organised by IC Publications, publishers of African Business magazine, and the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), the African Business Awards has become a platform to celebrate excellence and best practices in African business and recognises those who have driven Africa’s rapidly transforming economy.

"The African Business Awards are a demonstration of the strong interest in business in Africa. The enthusiasm and confidence of investors and business leaders in Africa is palpable." Paul Skinner, Chairman, Rio Tinto

SPEAKERS

DANCERS

Longleat- Mr & Mr Pendleton's Wedding Hosted By Ceawlin, Viscount Weymouth

2010-06-15T09:20:00.011+01:00

Wow, sometimes being couped up in the Big Smoke almost makes you forget how beautiful the countryside is in the UK. Well this week-end I had my memory topped up in a most sublime and stylish way. I was invited to my good friend Nana's Wedding to the quiet but charming Ian Pendleton in Wiltshire. The invitation said 2pm at the Orangery, Longleat. Little did I realise that no one had been allowed to have a Wedding in the Orangery for the last 40 years. I always knew Nana had connections by Boy was this a link up. Her very good friend Ceawlin, Viscount Weymouth had kindly offered his enchanting Estate to the proceedings.

The train journey into Wiltshire was smooth and pleasant: I occupied by reading and catching up on Global MacroEconomics with the Bible that is the Econmist - great read. I stayed at a quaint hotel in the middle of some lush fields called http://www.oldmanorhotel.com/ in Trowbridge. Beautiful and over a hundred years old.

Quick turnaround ...... onward bound to Longleat http://www.longleat.co.uk/ - Wowza what an inspiring driveway and magnificent House. Tourists everwhere and only the VIP Guests at the Wedding were allowed into the inner sanctum. Of course I was one of these..... How refreshing to meet old friends again after 5 yeasrs and still have a warm affinity with them. Thank you Pendletons for putting me on a most positive table with the great and good. I enjoyed stimulating conversation whilst I ate a most veritable meal...... I whiled the time away with the likes of journos Martin Deeson & Kate Spicer as well as PR Guru Naila . What larks we had !!!!

Didnt think that having a Wedding on a Football World Cup that both Nigeria and England were playing would be such a blast!!!!!

The speech from Ceawlin was from the heart and most endearing!

His Father Lord Bath was also in magnificent spirits.

Great break, lovely Wedding and fabulous company ......... Thanks Guys. Just what I needed :-)

May the sun light up your path,

And the winds push forrward all your endeavours !!!!!

Congratulations The Pendletons xxxxxx

Alistair Is Triumphant In Triathlon Charity Campaign

2010-06-07T11:04:00.005+01:00

WOW ! What a monumental week-end! Whilst I was planning a must laid back picnic in Hyde Park with Friends and Family this last Saturday my business partner: Alistair, was successfully finishing a 2.9km run after a 400m swim & a 13.2 km Bike ride at Blenheim Palace http://www.blenheimpalace.com/ . 3 weeks training and still nursing a cold he managed to finish a commendable 124th out of 250. "Next year I'll train for longer", said Al in great spirits to his Dad at the finish.

Not only did he finish but he was running to raise money for a charity in Zimbabwe http://www.friendsoftose.org.uk/ which his mother-in-law is involved with. He has raised over £1200. We are all very proud of him. Nice one Mate !!!!

Cuckoo Club Showcase Invite From Pearl Van Den Ende

2010-05-27T10:03:00.003+01:00

Last night Felicity & I were invited to a Venue Showcase by an Ex-Lovely Employee called Pearl who runs the Events at the Cuckoo Club in the West End. They put on a beautiful Electric Strings show by surreal violinist Electra - didn't rate the dancers too highly but will use Elektra some day. Great venue & Staff Pearl but was still left hungry after the event ...... You know my stomach. Thanks for the warm reception though and let's work together soon.

www.thecuckooclub.com

CLIENT BLOG WITH A TESTIMONIAL - ASH CLOUD

2010-05-26T15:11:00.003+01:00

Good to read how our Clients appreciate our good work :-)

As part of the stranded pack of Americans stuck in London last month after Iceland’s volcano burped, and shut down the skies over Europe, the stranded masses were faced with a common dilemma … how are we ever going to get out of here? The news changed hour to hour. Saturday’s flights were cancelled, rescheduled to Monday. Sundays were cancelled, rescheduled to Tuesday, and so on.

We became increasingly frustrated by the realization that the details of when and how we would finally get home was beyond our control. Rather than just sit by passively and bemoan our condition, I recruited some fellow Skoll World Forum exiles, Drummond Pike, Dave Chen , and Jim Greenbaum, to join me in brainstorming our alternatives. We sized the market to be as many as 250 fellow Skoll Forum attendees, who all felt the pressure (some more than others) to find an alternative way home. So the problem was defined, the market sized, and the search for solutions began.

Event Brite Page

We could take a train to Denmark, and a ferry to Iceland (ironically, no flights were cancelled in Iceland, since the volcano was east of the airport, and planes had no problem taking off and landing). Infrequent ferry service made this option a poor choice. A ferry to France and a train to Paris was considered. However, flights from Paris were also at risk, and seats on the EuroStar were quickly sold out. How about a charter bus from London to Madrid? Spain had no problems with the volcanic ash, and a bus with two drivers could make the trip non-stop in about 18 hours, with only brief stops for fuel.

Pike, Hornthal & Epega

We found a fantastic ground operator, EMC3, that was willing to work with us and had a stellar track record in creating amazing events and support with little-to-no advance warning. We determined that a charter bus with on-board bathroom, food, and two drivers could do the trick, and arranged for as many as five buses at 50 per bus to take our ragged band of weary travelers to a safer harbor.

Monday night, however, a false sense of security set in as people we convinced that flights would be back to normal on Tuesday. So our planned ‘announcement’ at the TEDx Volcano event was tabled due to a rise in apathy and the hope that we would all soon be on our way home.
The volcano had other ideas, and late that night, burped again, triggering another round of cancelled flights. We spent Tuesday reviewing alternatives and considering our options. There was competition (Skoll Forum was rumored to have chartered a bus, but it was then cancelled; rumors of a charter flight also came and went). By Tuesday late afternoon, we decided to take matters into our own hands and committed to find the cost of one bus (to start), and made those arrangements as the business day was closing. To be clear, this was a non-profit social venture; the financial goal was to fairly recover the out-of-pocket costs for the bus, and share it equally among the passengers. If there was a shortfall, we would share in the losses, aided by our friend, fellow castaway, and President of Skoll Global Threats, Dr. Larry Brilliant.

That night, we began the process of marketing, and quickly determined that we needed a back-end system to enable us to reach our community efficiently and effectively. Impressed by the speed at which TEDx Volcano was pulled together, we adopted the same platform – EventBrite. While I wish I had started before midnight, I must say that it couldn’t have been easier for a first-time user to set up the page, and begin emailing our friends who had heard about our expedition. We told people that they should think of this as an insurance policy — a chance to get to Spain by Thursday morning, where planes were actually taking off. By 3am, the site was “live” (what’s a start-up without at least one all-nighter?). We were in business. As emails went out, we were able to watch our reservations like a hot stock going public in 1999. 50 seats available … 42 seats … 35 seats. People calling to put seats on hold. Peter Greenberg called from CBS. They wanted to do a story on the “Magic Bus” and Peter was coming with two people from his crew. Fame as well as fortune ? 14 seats, 5 seats, do we need a second bus? We ended the day nearly sold out on bus #1, with a wait list starting to form. London departure set for Thursday at 1pm. Time to get some sleep and get ready for packing and final day logistics on Wednesday.
Wednesday morning, we awoke to a different landscape. Seems like perhaps the airports were closed unnecessarily. Many test flights were made and came back without any damage, and the industry was crying to get back in the sky. Looks like Heathrow would be open by Thursday morning (just about the time the bus would be arriving in Madrid). People wanted to get out of their bus commitments, but we had already signed the deal with the ground operator. The wait list evaporated, and by the time the bus departure came, there were only 4 people on board. Bus to Madrid – Departure The only saving grace is that we were able to offload most of the food and donate it to a local shelter.

Our failed venture had many earmarks of success, in spite of the time and money spent. I can count at least five major milestones/accomplishments. 1) Four people were able to get to Spain and get home. 2) 46 people slept better knowing they had a “Plan B” escape route for their insurance premium, 3) a local shelter got a generous donation of some great food. 4) Drummond Pike, Jim Greenbaum, and I were able to get back to our day jobs, none the less for wear. And 5) we made it from Start-up to Shut-down in 36 hours — I think that could be a world record!

Osman Yousefzada, Mercedes Pagoda & Week-End Of Fun In The Sun

2010-05-24T18:56:00.004+01:00

Hey, what a fantastic week-end non. Like most people in the big smoke I spent most of this week-end laying on the green in Queen's Park and Kensington gardens sipping Koppenberg Ciders and playing Baddmington.

But unlike most I maged to squeeze in a Fashion Show by inspiration Osman Yousefzada ( thanks Nicola) at the V&A , a book launch at the Nigerian High Commission, Dinner at Electric with a friend fresh in from Hong Kong and a grand tour driving experience in a Mercedes 1964 Pagoda with my man John Campbell......ahhh salad days are here again.

Thank you God!!

Happy belated Birthday Kay - it was emotional :-)

Osman's Fashion Show At The V&A

OSMAN UNVEALS AT THIS YEARS ‘FASHION IN MOTION’ AT THE V & A MUSEUM V&A, South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London SW7

V & A FASHION IN MOTIO

Live Catwalks: Osman Yousefzada, rising star of the http://www.osmanyousefzada.com/ international fashion scene, is the focus of the V&A’s forthcoming Fashion in Motion. For one unique day in May, the designer will present a selection of pieces from his collections to date in a series of catwalk shows at the V&A’s Raphael Gallery.

Born in the UK to Afghan parents, Osman Yousefzada was inspired from an early age by his mother’s Birmingham dress making business, which influenced him to study Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins in London.

The V&A has been a long-standing source of inspiration for the designer who was nominated for Designer of the Year in 2007. Alongside the Fashion in Motion shows, contemporary dancers will showcase the extraordinary way in which Osman’s designs move on the human form. Osmans Atelier can be found 3 New Quebec Street in Portman Village.

Come & join us at "McQueen's In The City" 27.05.10

2010-05-19T12:50:00.004+01:00

Click here for Invite Details: http://www.emc3.eu/emails/mcqueens/html/mcqueen.html

McQueen's In The City

Bringing a Touch of Vintage Hollywood Glamour to East London

"Sometimes you have to say goodbye to the things you know, and hello to the things you don't." Steve McQueen

McQueen... London's newest bar, club, restaurant, live performance and music venue takes its inspiration from Steve McQueen, the king of cool, his iconic style and attitude.

Bringing a little vintage Hollywood glamour to London; sophisticated, tasteful and refined, this is a venue for connoisseurs bored with the usual 'go-to-a-bar-and-drink' nights out.

With its high ceilings, chesterfields and warm inviting fireplace, The Lounge Bar is possibly the most McQueen influenced room. Not only is this room reminiscent of a New York City loft style apartment, this room is also a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen, with a lavish mannequin styled sculpture, art deco design, with plenty of vintage touches and an ever-evolving art collection.

The Club is where McQueen goes a bit rock'n'roll, mixing 1960s Hollywood glamour with a contemporary live music space, creating a venue unique for comfort, service and experience. This is boutique clubbing at its very best. Expect to see some of the world's top DJs & promoters here every week.

Chris McCormack, Head of Live Music and former lead guitarist of 'Three Colours Red' and 'Grand Theft Audio' with his team of respected musicians will bring in the very best acts in today's music scene including bands, musicians and DJs old and new.

Like the bar, the restaurant at McQueen has a vintage cool appeal, inspired by the look and feel of McQueen’s movies. As such one wall of the restaurant will play iconic movies with live music and performance, inspired by the 1930s supper clubs era.

AGM Theo Von-Sternberg and bar manager Eline Bosman have created a list of simple, no frills, delicious drinks inspired by McQueen, and the golden age of Hollywood circa 1920s to 1960s.

The fruit-led cocktail phenomenon of the 80s and beyond has taken a back-seat to the old school style/flavour and balance led drinks. All the house drinks are American based classics with a slick twist. Using spirit bases that were available during that time (1920s - 1960s)... rum, brandy, vodka, whisky, and liquors.

Open Tuesday until Sunday from midday, there's a party every night at McQueen...

Saturdays David De Darvalho's Body Heat nights fuse music, art, fashion and society.

Crazed Cabaret on Friday's is 1960s Hollywood meets alternative cabaret, with resident DJs Team Disgusting, Jimmy Napes & Emily Rawson, alongside weekly performances from cabaret artists such as TrixeeBelle, Chrys Columbibe, Monooka the Marionette, Naomi DeKleined on the fiddle, plus music much more... dress code is decadent so dress to impress.

Thursday 27th May is EMC3 Launch Event at our beautiful venue.

On Wednesdays Patrick Alan, singer/songwriter/choreographer and Michael Jackson's former dancer, brings his legendary NYC & LA celebrity jammin' session and live show to McQueen.

Kuga Manuva on Tuesdays is a new music night for the fashion-forward crowd. DJ Richard Stone orchestrates a mix of new electro/hip hop/mash-ups/ with dub-step and drum and bass. Expect big name artists and acts with resident DJs Richard Stone, Dan Healy, Bassam Ibellini, Sam Young and El Chico.

And last, but not least, Julian Bennet styles Fashion Sundays.

Resident DJs and entertainers also include Max Bloom, Vula Basement Jaxx, Raff, Jodie Harsh & The TrixeeBelle Show, we also have some extra special performances and parties planned by some of the biggest names in showbiz...

McQueen, 55-61 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4AA.

Opening Times: McQueen is open Sundays - noon ‘til midnight, Tuesday to Wednesday - noon ‘til 1am and Thursday to Saturday - noon ‘til 3am*

*No admittance after 1am.

Steve McQueen fan, interior designer, bar/restaurant and club impresario -

McQueen is born of the imagination of Dezzi McCausland.

The GM is Lincoln Hall (Zuma & The Opera Quarter Bar).

Grace Jones Poerty Reading At Chris Levine's

2010-05-10T11:51:00.003+01:00

Just before I went Scuba Diving in Tenerife with my Beau we were invited by the one and only Dr Nastro to Chris Levine's Portraits of the Legend Grace Jones "Pull Up To The Bumper" . Seeing as she has been an inspiration of mine since my flat top days, when I had hair; I had to be there. Mad queue was deftly bunny hopped thanks to Reena and Raffi at the Vinyl Factory. Forgot how fly this Venue is. Great for launches. Needless to say I was not disappointed as Miss Jones was as inspirational and unique as ever. 60 years young and still tight and beautiful as ever. Great to meet such a person who has transend time and frontruns style. WE LOVE YOU GRACE !!!! Must catch her Gig!!!

FROM SPOONFED ART- "Who would dare to copy Grace Jones? Lady Gaga apparently. 2 weekS or so ago, news emerged that Jones had turned down the opportunity to play live with Gaga because, as Jones told the Guardian: "I'd just prefer to work with someone who is more original and someone who is not copying me, actually.” Ouchies!

I only mention this because the thought of someone copying Grace Jones' performance this evening is really not one worth considering. We're at the Vinyl Factory, a massive industrial sort of space underneath a rather unpreposessing record store in Soho, at the launch party of Stillness at the Speed of Light, an exhibition of portraits of Grace Jones by contemporary light artist Chris Levine. After hours of gradually building excitement, Jones arrives, surrounded by subordinates and cameras. Sporting a black lace eye-mask and long Red Riding Hood-style cloak, Jones struts to a stool, sits down, pulls the microphone towards her, and...no, alas she doesn't start singing; she reads a poem. A really long poem. It's not quite what we were all hoping for – as the background chatter escalates, Jones declares in no uncertain terms, “Fucking shut up! Or leave!” Can't imagine Gaga doing that huh?
Anyway, it's all good fun, and the Chris Levine's work here is really cool. Levine is probably best known for his portrait of the Queen from a couple of years ago. Striking and beautiful, it was hailed by Mario Testino as "the most beautiful image of Her Majesty I have ever seen". Which is rather nice. Most of the works on show here see a sparkly-hatted Jones given the Levine light treatment. I have no idea how he does it, but the results are like disco holograms that shift and shimmer as you move around them. The highlight for me is a piece that at first glance appears simply as a verticle strobe light. But then just as you look away, an image of Grace Jones flashes into your peripheral vision. Moving your head from side to side, the image repeatedly flashes up and then disappears. It's impossible to get a firm focus on – it just keeps dodging away. Grace Jones – as her unexpected performance this evening demonstrates – just won't be pinned down."