On my first TV shoot, as a young account exec (with hair!)I was told that my job was to keep the client the client away from the director at all costs. Any queries absolutely had to go through the producer. It said a fair bit about highly strung directors as far as I was concerned,…

I was bothered at the Sun failing to cover the IPCC report. Then the other night I asked some car buyers, within the Sun’s demographic, about driving issues. No surprise that congestion was number one, but emmisions came second. But not a single one gave a fig about global warming – what mattered was ‘unfair…

I worked on a pitch late last year where we did absolutely nothing wrong apart from asking a fair price for our work (Yorkhsire prices) and not being in London. I’ve just seen the work they’re going with. With no trace of sour grapes, not a jot of bias, it’s dreadful, 100% wrong for the…

Lots to do next week. Stu’s letting me go to some casting session in Manchester (officially to have input on consistent tone, in reality, it’s half naked women in beds), back in Manchester for the Northern Planning Strong Coffee Evening next Thursday night.. and then London on Friday. With any luck, I’ll make a Russell…

1990 (ish). My Dad has been wearing the same sweatshirt for pretty much every holiday for the last ten years. It mysteriously disappears. He suspects my Mum, spends months finding a replacement. 2003. My favourite hooded top is on it’s last legs. It’s seen me though most of university, London, Newcastle, and the return to…

I can’t find it on the website, but there was a great article in the ‘Work’ section of Saturday’s Guardian about the stability of a great job. In short, we’re all told to have a life outside the office, but when you’re life’s in turmoil, you’re job can be a refuge from the chaos. Depends…

Thankfully I’m largely over the ‘what do I post about’ crisis, but my little one man department is struggling to do everything at the moment, so I’ll have to admit I’m human and just do what I can. Posting is one thing, not being able to comment on other people’s stuff is worse. So if…

Right, the next meeting of the Northern Planners is 15th March in Manchester, probably in the ‘Northern Quarter’ (fitting). We know it will be the evening, it may be boozing, but Simon is looking at other options. I’ll be there, but don’t let that put you off, since  Famous Rob, JamesB, Gemma, Simon and other…

…this is Melton Mowbray pork pie enjoyed in Melton Mowbray.

Beauty salons and hairdressers are social hubs. For many women they are a great place to socialise and escape the daily drudgery for an hour or so. For some women, is finding the right salon more about finding a confidante, maybe even some juicy gossip, as much as the ideal hairstyle. There’s something about that…