Pool with Jackass Johnny

It is gratifying to see that the movie Jackass Number Two is doing so well. I liked Johnny Knoxville when I met him , though he did turn a touch moody after I beat him at pool. The success of a macho loco suicidal stunt film reminds us of the attempt over here to turn the crash of the Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond into an "ishoo" with all sorts of health and safety concerns. There are plainly too many people on the planet. If a few of them want to risk their lives in entertaining ways, then I can't see how this is anything other than a good idea. I met Johnny in an excellent sports bar called Barney's Beanery. It was just down the hill from the Mondrian Hotel where I was staying. We could have done the interview there except Johnny was banned, something to do with potted palm trees in the pool. Of course, I wouldn't dream of staying at the Mondrian now - see here - as it belongs to Ian Schrager.