Tag: surprising

Annabel Mullin – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with criminal justice expert, former police officer and Liberal Democrat candidate for Kensington Annabel Mullin

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

To live every moment to the fullest and make the biggest difference to people’s lives that I can.

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

I love the motto ‘carpe diem’ (seize the day). When I was younger, Dead Poets Society was one of my favourite films.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?

Brexit.

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

Currently I’m missing not seeing my children much because I am campaigning so hard.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

Knowing that my children will have a great future.

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 state of the financial system?

One of the things I would like to see in Kensington is more support for small businesses and local shop owners that help to create our community. We are currently facing threats to our local services from business rates and that is something that needs to be addressed.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

I loathe it when people say things they don’t mean. ‘Strong and Stable’ is currently high up there.

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

I agree. I support that concept. Having worked at Crisis, I continue to support homeless charities. I also love shopping in our fabulous Kensington charity shops.

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?

Mobiles are amazingly useful and I’m a bit of an addict to my device. However, there is a time and a place for them.

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

George Orwell, Harriet Harmen, Lawrence of Arabia, Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill, Sophie in’t Veld, Hercule Poirot, Hilary Clinton, Charlie Chaplin, Shirley Williams, Paula Radcliffe, Prince and Laura Kuenssberg.

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

My meal would be steak, chips and red wine followed by tiramisu. I’d rather like to eat it high up in Petra overlooking the wondrous landscape.

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

That depends entirely on which time zone you are going by.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A martini, preferably an espresso martini.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

Now, dinner parties with close friends but when I was younger, more partying.

Who is the most positive person you know?

My husband.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

The ‘Archers Appreciation’ group on Facebook… With wine.

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

A dragon.

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

A Mercedes-Benz Gullwing.

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

That I was an ultra-marathon runner and completed the Marathon Des Sables in 2008.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

An elephant – the house is littered with them, candlesticks and birthday cards for my eldest’ fifth birthday.

Annabel Mullin was born and brought up in Kensington and Chelsea. She is mother of three young children, a keen environmentalist and a cyclist. She is a criminal justice expert and has spent most of her life working in London as an analyst, a Metropolitan Police officer in Soho and Mayfair and as an assistant psychologist with prisoners with mental illness. Recently she has worked as a PhD researcher at UCL.

Follow her on Twitter at @annabelmullin and @KCLibDems.

June 1, 2017
Louise Rowntree – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with public affairs and communications consultant and Liberal Democrat candidate for Chelsea & Fulham Louise Rowntree

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

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

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

You’re not living unless you take risks.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?

Theresa May.

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

Time to ‘mong’.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

Being the fastest swimmer in the world.

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 state of the financial system?

It was going quite well in Britain until Brexit.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

“How are you?” instead of “hello”.

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

With three children, a small business and the General Election, I am conscious that I don’t do enough to help out in the local community currently. Locally, I’m ambassador for the Fulham Cricket Club – which gives free cricket training to children whose parents wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it, and has linked up with a number of charities including Hammersmith & Fulham Refugees Welcome. More generally, I donate (a modest sum) to Save the Children each month.

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?

My late father always said: “You can tell who’s important. They’re the ones without a phone”. When on a train take calls in the corridor, try to avoid taking them when with others but – if you must – ask permission first. Never put your phone on a table if with others.

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

Vincent Cassel, Nancy Wake (‘The White Mouse’), Ian Hislop, Michelle Obama, Mick Jagger, Amy Schumer, Guillaume Canet, Diana Ross, Jimmy Fallon and the entire cast of Saturday Night Live.

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

Chinese dim sum, on a boat on the River Thames going through Chelsea and Fulham.

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

Any time, as long the occasion fits and you can handle your drink.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A Negroni, but in a glass, not from the bottle.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

Ours: Because my husband DJ’s and we always have to threaten to call the police at 4am.

Who is the most positive person you know?

Jessica Arora: Fashion guru, co-founder of NotSuchAModelMum and a good friend.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Eating a whole box of salt and vinegar Pringles whilst drinking wine in bed and watching American TV series’.

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

A rowan tree: I’m a descendant of Vikings who invaded York over a thousand years ago and took their name from the local rowan tree – which morphed into ‘Rowntree’: Rooted, earth, strong, proud – it sums up both my Yorkshire ancestors and me.

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

A Lada: Old fashioned, rare, traditional and scrubs up surprisingly well with a bit of polish.

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

I was taught how to fight at the age of five, but thankfully have only once had to.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

A Mappin & Webb clock my late father was given when he retired from the bank he ran, a couple of Delft vases from a Belgian flee market, a Limoges egg which belonged to my late grandmother, and my son’s Grade 2 Music Theory certificate.

Louise Rowntree is a lawyer-turned-public affairs and communications consultant who grew up in Chelsea and lives in Fulham. She is married to Raphael, a Belgian lawyer, has three sons and is standing as the Liberal Democrat for Chelsea & Fulham in the 2017 General Election.

Louise worked for several years in Brussels – where she ran Hill & Knowlton’s Trade & Competition department. In 2012 she founded her own, niche, consultancy Rowntree & Associates and moved back to London soon after. She has personally advised heads of state, ambassadors, ministers, multinationals, NGOs and law firms.

Follow her on Twitter at @louise_rowntree.

Photograph by Micki Scupin Rogers.

May 14, 2017
Adrien Gaubert – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with Adrien Gaubert, award-winning co-founder of myGwork – an inclusive LGBTI recruitment hub

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

Positivity and fun. I am grateful to be alive and able to do what I do. Enjoy every moment.

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

Just be yourself, be honest and work towards a goal. You’ll achieve it.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?

Bashar al-Assad.

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

I miss living in China. I am a great fan of Chinese culture and their way of thinking.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

To give food and shelter to everyone.

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 state of the financial system?

Our financial system protects the wealthy and has given up on the poor.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

“God wants” – I don’t believe, if there were such a thing as God, he would expect anything from humanity.

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

Whenever someone asks me for a coin in the street, I give them a smile and give them what they have asked for. I believe such people are incredible brave to ask others for help and comfort. I personally support anyone in need without distinction or judgement. I never buy sandwiches for homeless people when they ask for cash even if they might use it to buy alcohol or drugs. If I were living on the street, I might also want to get high so as to forget about my situation.

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?

Your microwave could explode anytime, but you use it everyday. I believe mobile phones are a great communication tool and I would not give mine up.

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

I would take my brothers, my mum and my grandma and grandpa (with whom I watched the movie adapted from the Agatha Christie novel when I was a child).

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

I would eat some really spicy Sichuan food.

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

12pm if it is summer and a holiday. 7pm during the week.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

If it is just one, then tea but if I get more than one, martinis.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

Mexican weddings. Those people clearly know how to celebrate.

Who is the most positive person you know?

Probably me.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Cigarettes.

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

I have no tattoos and I am not a fan of them as a form of expression. Personally, I would not get a tattoo to remember who or what I love.

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

A Jaguar. They are safe and fashionable.

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

I have a twin brother.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

Flowers.

Adrien Gaubert is a 29-year old Frenchman who now lives in London. He co-founded myGwork, a networking and recruitment platform to promote diversity for LGBTI professionals and graduates, with his twin brother, Pierre.

Follow the Gaubert twins on Instagram at @thegaubertwins

May 8, 2017
Jack Turner – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with English born, Los Angeles based actor and musician Jack Turner

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

Treat people well. Try and learn your blind spots.

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

Be nice, but don’t get shat on.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?

Everything seems to be acceptable. People are being absolutely despicable because of messaging they see from those in power. Perhaps the only unacceptable thing is calm and clear discourse.

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

My family and Weymouth Beach.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

Everyone having some.

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 state of the financial system?

That, and the political system (similar principles), make me most unhappy to be an atheist.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

“Reach out”. The word I maybe most love is “tosspot”.

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

I think there’s a threshold of financial and social safety below which there is no hope to ascend, and that people below that threshold need help. What we have in the UK and US would be considered a ludicrous luxury in many places. I personally just donated a pretty solid sum to Syria and Somalia.

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?

I wish my phone would blow me up. These devices are ruining people’s presence, empathy, and ability to talk. I just read a great summary of the evidence linking socialization and our neurobiology. When you consider socialisation is being replaced by phones, I fear sociopathy will rise massively. Put the fucking phone away, or on silent if you just can’t be without it, you tosspot.

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

People without phones, who can like each other even if they disagree. I pick my girlfriend and my mate Monte. Anyone else is welcome. That should ignite some fun.

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

Curry from Mirch Masala in Tooting, and bitter. Followed by red velvet cake and some Law Estates Cab.

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

Not so much a case of “Is this acceptable?” as: “Will my body reject this now?”

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

I don’t know what a Negroni is. Martinis are frightening. So I’ll go for some tea, please.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

Those I curate carefully to avoid tosspots. Because I loathe tosspots.

Who is the most positive person you know?

My girlfriend. I’m lucky enough that this is a pretty competitive decision, but she takes the cake.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Aforementioned red velvet cake. And guitars.

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

I don’t like tattoos, which I think sums me up.

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

Public transport or a bicycle. I now realise both sound dirty.

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

To my shame I didn’t know what an incredible singer she was. I thought she was just a host. That surprised me. I’m a terrible singer. Which maybe makes it surprising that I was in a great band and continue to make music. Check out our old stuff if you’re interested – Cable Car on Spotify, iTunes, etc.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

Our place isn’t fancy enough to have a mantlepiece. However, we do have a cupboard, upon which we put meaningful things. My mum potted me an Oscar statue, which we call ‘Oscar’. Probably unoriginal, but, I think it’s very sweet, and I’ll take what I can get.

Jack Turner grew up in Weymouth, Dorset, where he was a dubiously-skilled mackerel fishing tour guide. He studied psychology at Oxford before working for Google in London and San Francisco. He’s now an actor in Hollywood and has starred in Netflix’s ‘The 10 Year Plan’ and Hallmark’s ‘My Summer Prince’.

Follow him on Twitter at @jackoturner and Instagram at @jaxonturner.

May 4, 2017
Daphne McKinley – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with businesswoman and founder of the Sean Edwards Foundation Daphne McKinley

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

My guiding force is my son Sean who drives me forward since his death to make real changes in motorsport in order to stop unnecessary deaths.

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

Follow your heart, live by the truth, stay strong, don’t let fear get in the way and live today as tomorrow may never come.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?

That there is poverty in the world.

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

My son.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

To have him back.

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 state of the financial system?

Probably true – I think unrestrained greed was the cause of the collapse and for our current financial state which is good for the individual but not for the society in which that individual lives. I believe that the regulatory framework that has now been set up is not stringent enough and still doesn’t ensure another collapse.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

#

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

My belief is that charity should begin at himself. I believe that we should take care our family, friends, and others first before taking care of anyone else especially the old and the young.

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?

Get rid of them as much as you can. They fry your brain in more way then one.

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

Jesus Christ, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, Mozart, Van Gogh, Mohammad, Eddie Murphy, George Carlin and my family – Natasha and Jeremy Dillahunt and Jade Edwards.

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

A bottle of good red wine whilst kneeling and praying for a miracle.

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

After 6pm.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A martini.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

Dinners at home with family and friends as they have meaning.

Who is the most positive person you know?

My dog, Mr Darcy.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Chocolate.

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

“F*** off”.

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

A Ferrari.

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

I’m probably mad.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

The ‘Throphy wife’ by Alexander de Cadenet, candles, photos of my family, a large plant, a book titled Fuck The Resume by Jeremy Dillahunt and my daughter Jade’s film script.

Businesswoman and mother of three Daphne McKinley was born in Ireland and grew up on a stud farm. She has a broad commercial background and decades of property development experience and also founded the Sean Edwards Foundation in honour of her late son.

Follow her on Twitter at @DaphneMcKinley and the Sean Edwards Foundation at @SeanEdwardsF.

December 5, 2016
Emir Bahadir – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with 25-year old New York based BHDR real estate brokerage and development firm founder Emir Bahadir

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

My driving force is being able to bridge the gap between international investors and local markets. Being a member of the fifth generation of my family, my guiding force is maintaining the business standards set forth by my ancestors.

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

‘More is more, work smart not hard’ and ‘Well done is better than well said’.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?

This is relative depending on the realm of the industry you are in. Two of the things that I find unacceptable are dishonesty and lack of communication.

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

I miss my high school days when I had no responsibility and was surrounded by intellectual people. Maybe this has a lot to do with my young age and my active business life, even then. I feel I never got to be reckless after graduating from high school in Switzerland and became very responsible and focused instead.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

I would swap my wealth for helping end hunger and poverty throughout the world. Most people don’t have awareness of what the world’s real needs are.

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 state of the financial system?

Based on that comment, that statement is truthful. Based on that statement, today the banking system is changing for the better. I believe in the short-term we will see a lot of improvements.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

I used to think: “The worst thing in life is to end up alone”. It’s not: “The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone”. The reason why I hate this phrase is because it is so true.

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

Charity does start at home. Growing up, my parents emphasised the importance of charity and then it became a way of life, a routine. I have volunteered in Zambia to help build schools and teach kids. Whilst there, we also took 500 mattresses to the schools in different tribes. Today, my family’s foundation helps hundreds of children with scholarships to study and become successful members of their communities.

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?

There is always a risk using any kind of technology regardless if it is security based or not. However, I think there is a strong need for technology, especially with the fast pace of the business world these days.

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

Benjamin Franklin, Steve Jobs, Abraham Lincoln, Mozart and Picasso.

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

I hope that won’t be my reality ever. However, to answer your question, I would like to eat the judge who sentenced me to death.

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

Lunchtime usually is the time to start. However, at weekends, noon bellinis are acceptable.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A martini; a very, very dirty martini.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

I do enjoy my own parties because I pay so much attention to the details prior. It means that, during the event itself, I can put all my energy and efforts into entertaining my guests.

Who is the most positive person you know?

My grandmother is one of the most positive people I know and my COO, Tanya, always calms me down when I get a little wound up.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Eating chocolate late at night.

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

Even though I have a tattoo of the OHM sign, it does not really sum me up. I wish it did. My other one, Dum Spiro Spero (When I Breath I Hope), would be the one to describe me. I tend to hope and dream and work hard to make my dreams come true.

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

A Bentley – Fast and furious, yet classy and comfortable.

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

That I am humble and relatable to is a surprise to most people. Considering my background and my current motivation to succeed on another level, people don’t expect it.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

I have a small sculpture by Jeff Koons.

Emir Bahadir is a 25-year old entrepreneur based in New York. He was educated at the American School in Switzerland and New York University. Bahadir is the founder and CEO of the BHDR real estate brokerage and development firm, invests in tech startup firms and is also an art collector.

Follow him on Instagram at @emirbahadir and use his own hashtag, #bahadiring

October 18, 2016
Nolan Browne – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with Nolan Browne, manager of London’s Taschen store and Gallery Nolan Browne

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

Ambition.

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

Rubbish in, rubbish out.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?

Homelessness and Donald Trump.

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

A couple of people.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

I wouldn’t.

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?

Is there still a crisis?

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

‘Take care’.

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

I detest chuggers and I’m running the Royal Park Half Marathon in October for Shelter, who help the homeless.

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?

Don’t text while driving or cycling. Remarkable that people do it.

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

Woody Allen and Magritte and a billionaire, just to find out exactly how you get that rich.

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

I doubt you could wander too far, so maybe a nice Harrods hamper in the prison yard.

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

Anytime depending on the occasion.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A martini.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

Arty ones – always full of characters and great chat.

Who is the most positive person you know?

Both of my sisters are very positive.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Thomas Pink shirts.

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

No answer.

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

Any kind of Ferrari.

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

I was born in Bangkok.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

A wedding invitation and some art related postcards.

Nolan Browne is the manager of London’s TASCHEN Store and Gallery Nolan Browne. Travel and art are in his blood and he is the son of a diplomat and an art collector. Browne was born in Bangkok, grew up in New York, Somalia, Ukraine and Rwanda and went to school in the UK. While at university, he founded Unscene Art, a pop-up platform for emerging artists. It was dubbed “The student Turner Prize” by i-D magazine. Pitstops at White Cube and Phillips Auction House led him to TASCHEN – where he is fast turning the London store into one of the capital’s art destinations.

Follow him on Instagram at @nolanbrowne.

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September 16, 2016
Charlie David – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with director and producer Charlie David

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

I have an uncanny knack for honing in on beautiful Brazilian men in a crowd. I’m mysteriously led to them like a dowsing stick to water.

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

Be brave enough to be honest with everyone in your life.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?

Man buns.

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

Playing the piano. I know, I know! Easy enough to fix. A little easier to get back in the saddle with than becoming the head of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

One night of debauchery with Ricky Martin.

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?

Like travel, music, film, and other industries before it, the big banks now face the squeeze of existing in the age of the Internet. There are better places to invest than through traditional means and people are becoming savvy to that.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

In television, network execs are very fond of using the words ‘buckets’ and ‘wheelhouse’ to describe the topics or areas of interest on their shopping list. It makes me gag a little.

Overheard at the markets this year: “Murder is huge. We want BIG characters and murder. Like if you have anything with a village of little people who come together as a community to sleuth out a serial killer who has been stalking them? That would definitely be in our wheelhouse”.

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

Through trips to Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa I was able to see a lot of wildlife, humanitarian and environmental initiatives. I think these are important but somehow we’re still really missing the mark in terms of foreign aid.

I recently read Paul Theroux’s Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town and it was a bit shocking to me in its frank and pragmatic assessment of the impact of foreign aid and voluntourism. Definitely a very good read for anyone who has spent time in Africa or other parts of the world as a volunteer. It certainly caused me to pause and reflect a lot on the type of initiatives I lend my time and dollars to.

Now on the international front, I micro-lend through Kiva.org which to me seems a more pragmatic way forward than hand-outs. It supports entrepreneurs around the world who are unable to apply for a traditional bank loan. I think it fosters business skills, accountability and trust which are all great characteristics for a thriving community.

At home I like to contribute to educational, environmental and arts organizations and generally prefer to donate time/money directly to ones I’ve been involved in. That way I know the people; I can gage the impact and witness the ongoing results.

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?

They should be well and truly hidden whenever humans gather to break bread.

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

Ricky Martin. Can we have one carriage to ourselves? Please? Honestly, I just think he’s talented and a total D.I.L.F. It’s likely just a passing fancy, not fanaticism.

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

I’d ask for something I could share with the other inmates like a pizza party at the gym in the courtyard. I’d want it to be a block party, not a solo steak dinner.

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

If you’re in control of your use of alcohol and it’s not controlling you, then the hour of the clock is irrelevant.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A Negroni s’il vous plait.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

My nephews’ and nieces’. I love watching them go to work on a piñata.

Who is the most positive person you know?

My mother. She is pure joy and gratitude. I strive to embody that outlook.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Pizza and Netflix.

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

Ricky Martin eating a pizza and watching Netflix.

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

Honda – Reliable, frugal and pragmatic.

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

I had a band as a teenager and opened for Destiny’s Child when Ferra was still part of the group.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

Books, books, books. And a bobble-head doll of Ricky Martin.

Charlie David is a storyteller with film, books and web. He lives in Toronto and Montréal, Canada and is the founder of Border2Border Entertainment, Inc.

Follow him on Twitter at @CharlieDavid and view his channel on YouTube at @MrCharlieDavid.

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September 11, 2016
Nicola Radano – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with Nicola Radano, an Italian fashion blogger and founder of tie producers Spacca Neapolis

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

Determination and loyalty.

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

“One can get rich at any moment, but if one has no class, one is always a beggar” – paraphrased from philosopher and connoisseur of Neapolitan culture Luciano De Crescenzo.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?

A lot of people.

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

I miss being able to sail.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

Living in a world populated by principled people.

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?

The banking crisis was born to the low value given to the Euro. I have no words to say on that.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

“I can’t do it”.

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

For me, it’s absolutely right to support both domestic and international charities. Helping someone who has little is the most gallant gesture that anyone can do.

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?

Smartphones are now improperly used by young children. This is harmful because many of them prefer using them to reading a good book.

Nicola Radano

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

Only elegant men.

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

A plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce by the sea.

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

In the afternoon.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A cup of Neapolitan coffee please.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

I like afternoon appetizers in the summer time. I find them most relaxing.

Who is the most positive person you know?

My mum.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Sleeping in late without being interrupted.

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

A rudder.

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

A Porsche.

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

That I’ve been able to create unexpected things from nothing.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

Family photos, antique ashtrays and a clock.

Nicola Radano declares his passion to be classical fashion and Neapolitan tailoring. He established a blog about the subject titled ‘Me, Myself & I’ in 2013 and launched his own firm of hand sewn tie producers, Spacca Neapolis, in 2016.

Follow him on Instagram at @nicolaradano and on Facebook by clicking here.

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August 30, 2016
Gerald Ratner – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with well-known businessman Gerald Ratner

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

Road cycling.

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

Don’t give up. Failure is the route to success. You will fail many times before you succeed so embrace failure.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?

Mark Carney is a mine of misinformation. He said interest rates would go up for the last five years and scared the sh*t out of us on Brexit.

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

Running a big company.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

I haven’t got all that much wealth, but, as you get older, you appreciate your health more.

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?

Business requires endless cash and if you can’t raise it anymore, that has a negative effect on the economy.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

Starting every sentence with ‘So’.

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

I support animal charities but I don’t like the aggressive approach to fundraising by certain charities and their endless shock adverts on television.

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?

I hate people screaming down them in public.

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

Robin van Persie (my all time hero), David Tang (stylish and witty) and Mark Carney (so I can throw him out the window).

Gerald Ratner

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

The Waterside Inn at Bray. I would order a magnum of Château Latour.

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

During the week: At nighttime.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A double espresso.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

One that ends early.

Who is the most positive person you know?

My dog, Bear. He thinks he is human.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Cigars.

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

I hate tattoos.

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

I was a Ferrari. Now, I’m a Volvo.

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

I never called my jewellery ‘crap’ in that infamous speech. I described it as high quality but unfortunately I called a sherry decanter ‘crap’.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

A picture of my dog.

Gerald Ratner is the former chairman and chief executive of the Ratners Group. He is now a keynote speaker.

Follow him on Twitter at @Gerald_Ratner.

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August 23, 2016