October 19 2006

Radio City/Paul Newman/New project/Wine/Barcelona/Sleep?

Pleased with aerial pictures in paper yesterday. Gave a real indication of how much major development is taking place in the city.
Set me up nicely for an interview with The Independent who were keen to know whether I thought national newspapers gave Liverpool a fair deal. Answerable in a word. They loved it when Liverpool was a basket case and they're hovering like vultures waiting for us to cock up again. Vital we don't. Was out and about a bit in town yesterday and the quality and the activity was further support to my belief that we are moving onwards and upwards.
Lunch in the LIving Room in Victoria Street for instance. With my boss, Sara Wilde, to meet Iain McKenna, the new MD of Radio City and MIchelle Sorrell their Group MD.
Living Room is a stylish bar/restaurant and the service standards are way beyond what one would have expected or found in Liverpool even five years ago. By 1.30pm the place was heaving.
Iain has only been in Liverpool for five months but is fast developing the affection for the city that comes more quickly to incomers to Liverpool (myself among them) than any other city.
Sara on good form. A lunch full of laughter as well as some excellent business ideas.
Back in the office and a meeting with Arts editor Joe Riley about a major new project we're planning to launch next month with an eye on next year's 800th birthday.
A lot of work involved but its something that I hope will capture the imagination of Merseyside. Needs someone steeped in Liverpool and a stickler for detail to lead it. Joe didn't disappoint. Right up for it. Watch this space. Announcement soon.
Glass of wine with Culture Company Communications supremo Paul Newman and Echo sports editor John Thompson after work. Paul is a thoughtful guy whose background as a journalist allows him our take as well as his employers'. Has worked at Sky and the FA so full of great stories.
Once again marvelled at City's progress as I sat in the bar at the Pan American at the Albert Dock and looked across to the Liver building. Much done, but as John pointed out, still so much potential to exploit.
Home to a bollocking. Slumped down in front of Chelsea v Barcelona and Lynne not happy. Suggested I might have spent 20 minutes chatting through the day with her before I did. Fair enough.
Bed by 10 but didn't sleep. Dozed on and off all night. Morgan came into our bed at 3am and I know we should take her back to her own room but at 3 in the morning i'ts hard to summon up the strength. Cleared off into her bed.