[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0qMe7Z3EYg]

Well that explains it all very nicely!

Next time you fall out of a pub or club at closing time and you need a ride home, when some bloke whispers “minicab” as you stumble past, just hope he’s no relation to this guy!

Ask for my feedback and you’re going to get it!

The Hilton asked me to fill out a survey after my stay during SES New York and I told them what I thought:

• “Executive” room was tiny 
• Internet didn’t work – 30 minute call to support
• Ridiculous packaging on laundry when it was returned
• Bath took 20 minutes to drain
• Room smelt musty
• Decor was tired
• Daft portion sizes – who eats large 4 sausages and 4 huge pancakes?
• Do not disturb sign ignored
• Receptionists sullen and humourless
• Ad finitum

Now I complain but am not very good at doing at the time. Maybe it’s because I’m reserved (ahem!) but mainly because I’ve already unpacked and can’t be bothered.

Anyway I’ve just had an email from their assistant director of housekeeping:

“Thank you for taking the time and consideration to let us know the circumstances surrounding your recent visit to the Hilton New York. Please accept my sincerest apologies for the inconsistencies in service you experienced during your stay.

We at the Hilton New York consistently strive to achieve high standards of service and regret we failed to meet your expectations on this particular occasion. Our primary concern is the quality of your experience in our hotel, and the problems you have encountered are not at all indicative of the fine service we strive to provide to our guests. We can offer no excuse, but do want to assure you that your concerns have been addressed with the appropriate members of our staff and steps have been taken to prevent recurrences of this nature in the future.

We look forward to a future opportunity to deliver a level of performance you have every right to expect from the Hilton New York.”

I think it’s a really nice touch. They could have just taken the feedback but to get a personal email like this is quite cool.

But where are the extra loyalty points to ensure I come back…..?

Had an email yesterday from a director of a large digital media agency here in the UK.

Apparently a recruitment firm had got past their telephone receptionist saying they were calling from New Media Age (top industry magazine) and wanted to interview a particular person.

In fact they wanted to interview that person for a job with us apparently.

Now we don’t use that recruitment firm, so why are they arsing about malpracticing and causing potential friction between us and an agency?

Are they so stupid to think that someone won’t cotton on and it might not get blogged about?

Don’t do it! Or next time you’ll be outed!!!!

Well there’s just over two weeks till the big day and I’m just about prepared. 11 miles around Central Park in New York last week and 15 miles around Richmond Park here in London on Monday have made tree trunks out of my legs. It’s incredible how the body reacts to training properly.

The 15-miler was hard. I just hadn’t eaten properly that morning having had just a couple of Weetabix before setting off. It took a good 1 1/2 hrs before I started to feel comfortable. Then the heavens opened and it started to snow. I ended up with an inch of snow piled ontop of my head at one point.

I managed to drum up a lot of support to come and watch the big day. I’ve never been to see the London Marathon as I always vowed the 1st time I saw it I’d be in it. Visualising crossing the finishing line is a serene thing, although there’s 26 miles to cover before that.

I’ve run 20 miles before but I was woefully under-trained and it nearly crippled me. I’ve only put in a couple of runs a week and a long run for the last few months. I could have done better but the race being in April means training through the cough and cold season and that ain’t fun.

I’ll let you know how I get on at the weekend. I aim to cover 18 miles and then that’s it!

In the meantime there’s plenty of room for sponsorship!

So far we’ve raised just shy of £2,500 which Microsoft will match so – £5,000 or $10,000 which sounds even better!!!!

Please give what you can here: http://www.justgiving.com/melcarson