Tag: football

Picture of the Week: The two faces of Ahmadinejad

Contrasting images of President Ahmadinejad

In a departure, this week we have two The Steeple Times pictures of the week. They were separately taken but both feature President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran. Whilst one shows a fawning television presenter interviewing this madman, the other illustrates a courageous lady sticking a finger up to him.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran being interviewed by Piers Morgan on CNN’s “Piers Morgan Tonight”

On CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight, ahead of his visit to the UN General Assembly, Ahmadinejad was, according to the Daily Mirror, “not at all fazed” by the questioning from his interviewer. Given this rare opportunity, Morgan, instead of pussyfooting around, should have confronted this tyrant with better thought out questions than:

“You have two sons and a daughter, what would you do if one of them was gay?”

The world already knows Ahmadinejad’s bigoted views on homosexuality and Morgan should have realised that this former teacher would have prepared his answers to such. It would surely have been cleverer of Morgan to have hit his guest with something unexpected.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran comes face to face with a lady courageous enough to stick her finger up to him

As a contrast, this morning on Facebook my friend Michael Marmol shared an image featuring Ahmadinejad in a setting he plainly hadn’t anticipated. Here, a young lady stands in front of the Iranian leader’s motorcade and publicly sticks her finger up to him. Captioned: “Courage, It is most awesome when you least expect it,” we only wish Morgan had taken this mantra onboard before agreeing to interview President “Ahmawackjob.”

Watch videos of the CNN Piers Morgan Tonight interview with President Ahmadinejad at: http://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/23/piers-morgan-sits-down-with-iranian-president-ahmadinejad-advance-highlights/

September 30, 2012
John King: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times asks John King, the sales manager for No. 11 Cadogan Gardens: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?

My parents.

“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

“Don’t get mad, charge more.”

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?

Victoria Beckham. The woman is despicable and the unhappiest celebrity there is.

Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

My business: a lettings agency in Brixton.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

An island, a super yacht and a supermodel.

Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?

Coca Cola was once funded by the bank. We all need banks.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

“In’it.”

In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

When I have enough to give, I won’t discriminate.

The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?

Anywhere except the dinner table.

If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

My parents, Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Muhammad Ali and Sir Alex Ferguson.

No. 11 Cadogan Gardens sales manager, John King

If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

Mince and tatties in my mum’s living room.

What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

Any time after 12, I’m not declaring which 12 I mean.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

None of the above. I like a champagne cocktail at the bar at No. 11 Cadogan Gardens.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

My own because my closest friends are with me.

Who is the most positive person you know?

My five year old nephew, Charlie.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Glenmorangie 18 years old.

If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

A motto which says: “What’s for you, will not go past you.”

If you were a car, what marquee would you be?

A Porsche 911 Carrera in red.

Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

I’d say that it is that I have managed to live in London for 9 years.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

My watch. I stupidly left it at home.

John King is the sales manager for No. 11 Cadogan Gardens, London, SW3 2RJ. Website: http://www.no11cadogangardens.com

August 29, 2012
Peter Burrell

A businessman with a passion for racing. Burrell has worked with Frankie Dettori since the latter was 15 and was also the agent for Vinnie Jones. He drives a Toyota IQ, has climbed the Matterhorn and loves playing a round of golf in his spare time. In 2014, he invented the Gillhams Gravel Rake to solve the problem of keeping gravel drives in pristine condition.

August 22, 2012
Cycling with a Smile

Former Emmerdale bad boy Lyndon Ogbourne updates readers of The Steeple Times on his cycle expedition for Once Upon a Smile

Part One:

I begin this section of my travel journal, sat Bear Gryls style, next to a campfire I’ve successfully made, cooking a fish I’ve caught (with much difficulty) that I plan to serve with some bread from a boulangerie about 110km from where I’ve set up camp.

Lyndon Ogbourne cycling through the French countryside

Ogbourne’s Cadence Performance bicycle is given a well earned rest

I’m exhausted but exhilarated. The journey I set out on 5 days ago has taken me through some of the most beautiful but challenging sections of country I’ve ever experienced. I’m a novice cyclist but with the help of the Cadence Performance Centre I trained for the distances I would cover. Nothing, however, could prepare me for the scorching temperatures I have experienced. They would have been fantastic sat chilling on a beach, but are an added and detrimental element to a 635-mile cycle challenge.

The structure of my cycling expedition has been loose and spontaneous and as long as I cover a minimum of 100km day, I’ll make it to the airport in time for my scheduled flight. The rest is an adventurous ‘play-it-by-ear’ set up.

Part Two: Toulon

My legs are tight and bruised and battered from a fall near Castelnaudary when I was outfoxed by a tree stump on the path. Ahead of me, though, was the greatest challenge of all, the mountainous terrain between Marseilles and Toulon. There I encountered 136km of mountain range, with 8km ascents dappled with 3km climbs just to stick the knife in.

I arrived in Toulon a broken man. The beautiful views of Marseilles were awe inspiring, but the mountains I have just covered were nearly my undoing. I write this second section sprawled like a rag doll on my bed in a rustic but somewhat dingy B&B in Toulon.

I have never challenged myself like this before and my whole being tingles with a feeling beyond pain. My mind, however, is filled with memories that I will treasure forever and, if it ever recovers, my body will grow stronger.

Tomorrow, I venture on, edging ever closer to the final leg of this mammoth challenge. Today, I saw a sign to Nice and the energy and endorphin rush it produced inside me made me feel I should cycle there tonight. Luckily common sense prevailed and I realised rest was required.

My trusty steed, the bike that has accompanied me on this challenge, has become very dear to me. It is an incredible piece of carbon fibre mastery and the only way I am here in Toulon is because of this bike. Cadence have created a piece of kit that is so advanced and beautiful that at every destination I have been stopped by people from every region to ask about it or to comment on its splendour.

Lyndon Ogbourne training with the Cadence Performance team

It’s in part due to the training and equipment that I’ve come this far, but now it’s down to me and my weary body to complete this task. Please donate to the fantastic charity Once Upon a Smile, whom I’m raising money for, via the link below. Equally, may I suggest, if you are thinking of purchasing or training yourself up for a cycle of any distance, you could be in no better hands that those of Cadence Cycle Performance Centre.

For now I must sleep as I still have 100-miles to cover. I feel my legs may walk out on me if I don’t give them the rest the deserve. Bonne nuit and happy cycling.

Once Upon a Smile: http://www.onceuponasmile.org.uk

Cadence Performance: http://www.cadenceperformance.com

To donate, go to: http://www.justgiving.com/Lyndon-Ogbourne

August 20, 2012
Who will win the Eclipse?

An analysis of the Eclipse by our latest columnist, The Tout

The Eclipse is a Group One race named after one of the great thoroughbreds that we have ever seen in this country. It is a key event in establishing the reputation of any good horse and is run over a mile and a quarter for three year olds and upwards. The distance is perceived to be an ideal step between speed and staying power and it is generally the fist valid weight for age event in the calendar. Weight for age is the weight allowance that a three year old gets from a four year old but this year the field consists of older horses.

Frankie Dettori winning the Gold Cup on Colour Vision at Ascot 2012

We have had a lot of rain this week and with more to come please bear that in mind on Saturday when making your selections. Sandown is a stiff track so you will need a performer who is proven on a softer surface and one who will stay the trip.

Frankie rides Farhh who is a progressive horse and the proven performers with a realistic chance are Nathaniel who won last year’s King George at Ascot and Monterosso the winner of the $6 million Dubai World Cup in March. The great Australian import, So You Think, who has won numerous Group One contests and over £4,000,000 in prize money including The Prince of Wales Stakes at The Royal Meeting last month now looks to be a non runner in what would have been his final race prior to retiring to Australia to take up stud duties. Nathaniel who is running for the bang in form John Gosden yard and named after his owner Nat Rothschild should win if he is match fit for his first start of the year. A longer shot may be Twice Over for Sir Henry Cecil but he appears to be running for a place. This race never disappoints and this year there is yet another very competitive field.

In summary, the finish should be as follows with Nathaniel the winner and Frankie a fast finishing second on Farhh with Twice Over staying on for third.

Good luck to all the followers of The Steeple Times!

The Tout.

July 5, 2012
An interview with Lyndon Ogbourne

Claire Rubinstein interviews Lyndon Ogbourne for “The Steeple Times”

Last week, Claire Rubinstein made Emmerdale fans envious when she interviewed the soap’s former baddest boy at Sette restaurant in Chelsea.

Over lunch, the pair chatted about Ogbourne’s career, charity, social media and forthcoming projects. Watch video footage of the interview here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tncDQkCxgsY

As you’ll see, there’s a lot more to come from Mr Ogbourne.

View Lyndon Ogbourne’s show reel at: http://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/lyndon-ogbourne

Support Lyndon Ogbourne’s cycle fundraiser for Once Upon A Smile at: http://www.justgiving.com/lyndon-ogbourne

Sette, 4 Sydney Street, London, SW3 6PP. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7352 3435. Website: http://sette-restaurant.com

July 4, 2012
Peter Burrell: What's on your mantelpiece?

In the first of our mantelpiece series, we pitch twenty questions to Peter Burrell, a racing supremo who also co-owns Sette restaurant with Frankie Dettori MBE

The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?

Mine is the world of horse racing that I have been in love with since I was 13 years old. I adore the horses and the people… Imagine being involved in a sport that has Lester, Frankie and Frankel!

“Never regret, never explain, never apologise” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

Wish I could live like that as most mornings that should be my modus operandi… I am more Peter Langan.

Kerry Katona was unacceptable in 2007. Who is unacceptable in 2012?
Julian Assange, Mugabe, Assad and the current limo culture that we live in.

Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

I don’t miss him or his wife that’s for sure but I do miss a good Partagas No. 4 after dinner.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

I am potless but if I were a rich man I would trade it all for a good night’s sleep and a hole in one.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

The word “like” when used as an adjective.

In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

Cancer and children.

Have you ever been arrested and if so, for what?

Yes: For refusing to pay an over priced taxi in Spain. When I’m drunk I will take them on.

If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

My wife.

Peter Burrell pictured at Ascot with his wife Carmen

Peter Burrell conquers The Matterhorn

If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

A really good prawn cocktail then an oxtail stew washed down with Haut Brion in the electric chair itself.

What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

Like Churchill said: “Time is only for the middle classes.”

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

Negroni.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

My own because I am the centre of attention and I love making speeches.

Who is the most positive person you know?

Frankie Dettori MBE is the greatest jockey in the world and Umberto at Sette in Chelsea is the greatest restaurant manager in the world.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?

A sneaky cigar.
What was the first bone that you broke?

Left arm.

If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

I have three and I like my star tattoo the best.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?

Toyota Land Cruiser.

Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

I am an optimist with a love for life that will never be surpassed. I wish I could tell you I had hidden a pot of gold somewhere but as someone once said to me: “Pete you don’t need money as you will never be far from it!”

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

Invitations to Ascot and Johnny Gold’s 80th birthday and two horse bronzes.

Sette, 4 Sydney Street, London, SW3 6PP. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7352 3435. Website: http://sette-restaurant.com

July 3, 2012
Vincent Tchenguiz

This Mayfair based property tycoon was born in Tehran and owns a Mangusta motor yacht named “Veni Vidi Vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered”). His Rolls-Royce Phantom, numberplate “2V,” is often spotted outside London’s finest establishments and an SFO investigation into his business affairs has now been sensibly put to bed.

June 22, 2012
Benjamin McKenzie (born Benjamin McKenzie Schenkkan)

The nephew of Pulitzer-Prize winning playright Robert Schenkkan is best known for having played The O.C.’s Ryan Attwood, a troubled teenager and outcast who is given a second chance and a life of luxury in Newport, California by the rich Cohen family. One of his best lines in the series, which concluded in 2007, was: “You know what I like about rich kids? [punches another character] Nothing.” He’s since excelled as a rookie police officer in the NBC drama Southland and is most definitely one to watch.

June 4, 2012
Steven Berkoff

Steven Berkoff is a titan of the stage and a might with a pen. He’s best known for playing the darkest of characters but in reality he’s charm personified. Berkoff beat Julie Burchill in a libel case in 1996 and finds it “flattering” to play evil characters. He lives on the river in a converted warehouse in Limehouse with his delightful partner, the Danish pianist Clara Fischer, and often sports the snazziest loafers in town.

May 23, 2012