Nick Gilmartin's Weblog

Well ladies and gentlemen, it is that time of year again when we start scouring the shops for gifts for our loved ones.  I know, it seems to get earlier every year, does it not?  Well in these straightened times we all have to plan our spending well in advance so I thought I would get this article in before your next paycheque.

For the Whisky aficionados  among us there is one ideal place to shop and that is www.whiskyshop.com for the most rare and exciting brands.

Not only whisky, but they have an extensive range of hip-flasks, cigars and books on the topic of our favourite tipple.

But the right whisky can only be served in the right tumbler.  A set of decent crystal tumblers can be found at John Lewis or Debenhams .

The John Rocha designed Waterford Crystal tumblers are available at your local John Lewis for £63 for a pair.

For an equally spectacular drinking vessel go down to your local Debenhams to gaze up on the Royal Doulton collection.  They offer six Dorchester tumblers for £75.00

At the cheaper end of the scale John Lewis also do six 22cl tumblers at £10.75.

If the Whisky lover in your life is also a bookworm, or just looking to expand their knowledge of Whisky origins and products then there are several full-colour hardback books out on the market.

Whisky: The definitive world guide pretty much does what it says on the tin.  It covers Whisky from Bourbon to the Scottish Highlands to the rolling hills of Antrim.  The book combines a dedicated knowledge of the product with outstanding photography to produce the finest Whisky guide on the market.

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible is a pocket sized annually updated guide to all that is new and exciting about the world of whisky.  Less bulky than the definitive guide, it is a handy size to take on your trip around Scotland.

Now if recently hit the jackpot or you just have the cash to splash and fancy a weekend break there are several whisky tours that are available all year round.

From a short weekend in Edinburgh to an 8-day tour around the Highlands and Islands there is a tour for every wallet.

http://www.whisky-tours.com/

So good luck with your Christmas shopping and I will be back later this week with some more ideas for family gifts.

This shot pretty much summed up my week

Hi Boys and Girls,

Sorry I have been away a while.  I was actually in Dublin for a few days researching my new book.  Nah, that’s a lie, it was the plan anyway.  In fact all we did was chill out, spend time with friends, eat good food and drink a hell of a lot of Guinness.  It is good stuff, very nice, and I totally recommend it.

We also saw Dave McSavage performing his stuff live on the streets of Dublin.  Have a look here:

When we came back we had a few days with our respective families too, and caught up with loads of people we had not seen in ages.  Good times had by all.

So what now?  Well I have decided that my blog has been concentrated on the dull, serious stuff for way too long.  I missed the last Grand Prix too (unforgivable) because I was elsewhere and it is a bit pointless adding it now.

But coming up next we have an interview with Comedian and Model Jessica Delfino, fresh from her ordeal of touring Britain.

We also meet Scream Queen Ryli Morgan who will be lifting the lid on what goes on behind the scenes of a horror film.  And after that, who knows?  But I promise I will leave the serious journalism stuff behind now for the rest of the year, nobody read it anyway.

Take care people,

Nick

It is this long, babe, I swear

Silvio Berlusconi is a man on a mission.  As womanizers go he makes Peter Stringfellow look like Cliff Richard.  And in a weird way Italian voters love him for it.  I swear you would think he only took the job as Prime Minister as a way to meet hot babes.  Evidently it is a tactic that works jolly well.

Only recently, when caught carousing with several leggy lovelies at a spa he said he was there to recover from back pain.  I really must use that as an excuse myself one day.

Since before the days of Kennedy and his low-rent cousin, Bill Clinton, the world loves a shagger.

Silvio started out as a cruise ship singer back in the sixties after graduating college.  Since then he has been everything from a real estate tycoon, insurance expert, media proprietor, and the owner of a football team.  He came into politics late in the day and his policies are generally centre-right.  He is an expert in manipulating the media to get his stories on the front page and any bad stories stuffed well in the middle.

His choice of cabinet recently looks more like the line up for Miss World.  Not that I have a problem with that, naturally, just a bit unusual.  I mean can you imagine Gordon Brown making Jordan the Home Secretary?  The Cheeky Girls the minister for transport?  Naomi Campbell the Minister for war?  She would be good at that.

A one woman war department

Well that is pretty much what Silvio did.  And, annoyingly for some, it worked surprisingly well.

Silvio is married to the long suffering Veronica Lario, who is currently carrying out divorce proceedings.  This is no simple process is catholic Italy.  And when you are the wife of the serving Premier, it is a hell of a lot harder.  But the case will, no doubt, be making headlines every day next year, as long as it gives Silvio’s side of the story in a  good light.

I think Silvio’s problem is that he is, on face value, far too light hearted for a sober political career.  Not that this has done anything to effect his popularity at home, but it has worked badly for Italy’s foreign interests.  He compared a German official to a death camp guard, and implied that a Spanish minister was a cuckold.  He didn’t mean it of course, it is just that the foreigners have no sense of humour.

Silvio is very intelligent, working as he has in many careers and is subsequently very rich.  This works to his advantage as 94% of Italy is working class.  They see a man who is very self made yet still has a laugh and a bit of hanky panky when the wife isn’t looking.  Had he not entered politics he would probably have been even richer.  But he understands that influence is a stronger form of currency than the Euro.

To understand Silvio’s popularity is to understand Italy at all.  This is the country that has, on prime time TV a show called Italian Stripping Housewives. Even the Fast Show couldn’t make this programme up.

The first time I saw this programme it was 20.30 on a saturday night.  I was ten and on holiday with family.  I remember thinking holy shit, I love this country!

This is a country where the women stay home, and by God, they rule the home.  But outdoors the boys do play hard.  They love their football and chase the women incessantly.  Infidelity is taken as par for the course.  Until now their leaders have been dour gentlemen with quiet, measured policies.  Enter Silvio, the human hand grenade.  Immediately identifying with the boys, and winking at the girls, this is a man who just oozed charm, and naughty fun.  And the serious stuff could go hang.

It was this big before the colligen injection

There have been gaffs and accusations.  It has been whispered that he has Mafia connections.  Hardly surprising, really in a country riddled with corruption and organized crime.  In truth, as a prominent businessman in several fields, he probably does.  But more likely he is pulling their strings than vice versa.  He hardly needs them now, he has the power of the country at his fingertips.  He isn’t an easy person to buy, he simply doesn’t need the money.  He is hard to blackmail, as he is so shameless every transgression makes him even more popular.

And then we have the women.  Right, deep breath..

Veronica Lario is his current wife.  He first saw her when he was married and she was performing topless on stage.  They were married in months and she expected him to be faithful.  Like, yuh!

The soon to be ex-wife, Veronica Lario

Noemi Letizia is the daughter of a friend and colleague.  Silvio states categorically that nothing happened between them and he never met her without her parents present.  Her boyfriend claims different, that she met Silvio at several parties and spent several days at his mountain retreat.  She calls him ‘papi’ and he says he will support her career either as a showgirl or a politician.  Only in Italy could the two careers combine so poetically.

Noemi Letizia. Politicial, Showgirl, whatever

Barbera Matera is a dreamy Blonde ex-miss Italy.  We knew one would figure in there somewhere.  He is actively promoting her as a future MEP stating that she would be a first rate ambassador for Italy.  Undeniably true, but did he have ulterior motives for the pneumatic Miss Matera?  We would.

Barbera Matera, former Miss Italy, now MEP

Elonora Gagglioni is a former underwear model turned TV personality.  She was implicated as Silvio’s lover on tape last year.

Elonora Gagglioni

The De Vivo twins.  Yu-huh that’s right, twins.  Holy shit, is this guy trying to be Hugh Hefner or something?  After they appeared on a reality TV show Silvio met them at a party and persuaded a TV network to give them jobs as weather girls.

The dazzling De Vivo twins

Finally give a standing ovation (most boys do) to escort girl, Patrizia Addarino.  This little minx is the one who may yet be his undoing.

Patrizia D'adderino. Worth every cent

It is known that they slept together and that she was working as a prostitute at the time.  But it is unclear if he paid her, a criminal offence in Italy.  He has publicly stated that he didn’t pay her and doesn’t understand men who pay for sex.  Given his track record this reply is understandable.  This is a man who probably never paid for sex in his life.

In conclusion it is hard to dislike the guy unless you are a feminist or a vicar.  He has a dazzling way of distracting attention away from his Government’s failings and he is a tabloid newspaper’s wet dream.  And here is the clever bit, the newspaper belongs to him.

Can we get this guy doing Gordon Brown’s job?

Fundrasier.. friend of royalty... whatever..

It has been a while since I have caught up with Sarah Ezekiel, but she isn’t a lady to let the grass grow under her feet.  Since our last visit she has been shocking the hell out of cinema goers who have actually wanted her advert banned.  Newspapers (and one or two bloggers) have been queuing up for quotes on the controversial debate over the right to die.

But best of all, she has been to a Buckingham Palace Garden party, where she met the Queen, Prince Phillip and the Duke and Dutchess of Cornwall.  She moves in some glamourous circles these days.

So what was it like at Buckingham Palace Sarah?

I was invited to the Garden Party by Donna Cresswell at the MND Association back in February and was absolutely thrilled.   I knew immediately that I should ask  Ruth.  She is the sister I never had.

Prince Charles stopped to talk for longer than the others and I was really impressed by him. It was only general chat but he seemed genuinely interested. Then we spoke to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Alexandra and Lady Ogilvy. They were all very kind and polite and I was very pleased to have met them all. I could get used to a Royal lifestyle!

Just popped in for tea and a natter with the Queen

Away from the place Sarah has been busy lending her voice to the debate over the right to die.  While many people feel they have the right if they are terminally ill, to a swift end.   Sarah is a reminder that you also have a right to live, and perhaps a duty to do so with courage.

Sarah featured in a short advert that was to raise awareness for Motor Neuron Disease.  When it was shown in cinemas it set out to shock, and it certainly did.  They received five complaints.   When it came to showing the 90-second advert on TV, it was turned down, as it was considered too harrowing.

Clearcast, the television watchdog is quoted as saying that:

“Even good-cause advertising is capable of causing widespread general offence.  We felt the level and amount of distressing and disturbing images went too far for television broadcast, even late at night.”

So I will show you the advert and you can tell me what you think.

To read more about Sarah and follow her charity please follow this link:

www.sarahezekiel.com

www.sarahsstory.org.uk

Is American Healthcare strangled by it's Pharmaceutical industry?

Even as the Messerschmidts rained destruction down on England, Clement Attlee was preparing his post-war reforms.  In order to reconstruct post-war Britain he proposed a series of far-reaching changes.  The jewel of his manifesto for a postwar election was the creation of the National Health Service.  When his party duly won the 1945 election Mr Attlee set his plans into motion.

The idea was that  Britain could work towards full employment and spend huge sums of money during the wartime effort.  Then, in a time of peace the bonds of social solidarity fostered as the ‘blitz spirit’ and financial resources could be redirected towards fostering public goods.

And they managed all this while Britain was virtually bankrupt and devastated by years of bombing.  I would like to remind the nay-sayers of this fact in the Pharmaceutical industry.

The NHS has three core principles.  These are:

That it shall meet the needs of everyone

That is shall be free at the point of delivery

That it is based on the patient’s clinical need, not their ability to pay.

The NHS is paid for out of public money from taxation and national insurance contributions.  Extra things like eye tests and dental check-ups are paid for by the individual, and they are affordable.

The advent of an all American Healthcare system will be a good thing for everybody.  Even the pharmaceutical bodies that scream they will go bankrupt will find a way to make it work.  And it will work, it will keep people alive for longer.

Hillary Clinton did her best to produce a national Healthcare bill but it ultimately came to nothing,  The sway of the private healthcare lobby was too powerful, even for her.  I suspect she may have had a hand in convincing Obama to make it one of the prime objectives of his first term..

For further reading please check out this book:

So while I was a few miles away in Monaco the Cannes film festival drew to a close.  The Palme d’Or was awarded to Michael Hanake for his film ‘The White Ribbon.”  Click play above.

Well I hate to admit I was wrong but I really thought the award would be coming home to Britain this year.  Frankly their choice of winner of the Palme d’Or defies sense.  I couldn’t think of a less entertaining film to download (sorry, go to pay to see).  I can’t help but think this was a reactionary vote, due to the swarthe of violent and horror entries for the prize.  So they thought they would teach us a lesson by voting the dullest film since ‘The History of Wet Paint’.

And here is another interesting fact:  The President of the Jury, Issabelle Huppart made her breakthrough film under the winning director.  Coincidence?  Ah, non.

And the rest of the prizes were not better, they all went to unwatchable movies.  Never mind, as long as Up, Inglorious Basterds, and Antichrist make it to the local multiplex I am happy.

It has been fun following the full two week carnival, even though I didn’t get there myself.  Ah well, maybe one day.

So I will leave you with the best the red carpet had to offer.  Enjoy.

Photo by Sipa press/ Rex features

She still has it

See you there next year?

The Intercontinental Carlton Hotel, Cannes

So you have flown into Cannes for the festival.  You have a screenplay to sell, people to meet, hands to shake and numbers to take.  Just where will you find Mr Spielberg or Mr Bruickheimer?

Well, ladies and gentlemen, if you would like to follow me..

The interior of the Intercontinental Carlton Hotel

This magnificent facade is the Intercontinental Carlton hotel.  Thought by many to be the flagship hotel of Cannes and one of the four ‘Grand Dames’, this is the place that has hosted Prince Ranier and Sophia Loren.  It has the finest cuisine in Cannes.

It hosts one indoor restaurant and one beach restaurant with ingredients always bought locally and prepared fresh on the day.  No awards or Michelin stars were mentioned, maybe they are just modest.

It also has three bars, the Petit bar, the Terrasse bar and the Bar de Celebrities.  Well where else would you be likely to find them?  Here’s a tip: try one of their Lady Carlton cocktails.

Tha Majestic Barriere

Further down the Croisette you have the Majestic Barriere, recently refurbished and still with that sexy new carpet smell.  it comes complete with private beach and luxury boutiques.  It is located further down the Croisette, not far from the main venues for the festivals.

The Palais Stephanie is the next on our tour.  With it’s timeless art decor and heated rooftop swimming pool it is easily a match for it’s more established sisters and very popular with movie stars and directors.  It has played host to many fashion shows,after-show parties and television programmes.  The hotel boats many fine views of the bay of Cannes and it’s islets.

The Martinez Hotel

Our final stop on today’s tour is the Martinez hotel, the last of the Grand four dames.  Now this is my personal favourite.  It has it’s own glorious beach club, with a long pontoon and waiter service for those cool juice drinks.  It has a large reception area that is uniquely organised to provide maximum efficiency.

It’s Palme d’Or restaurant has two Michelin stars, and it’s spa takes it’s cue from two experts, Lancaster and Soothys.

To stay at any of the four hotels check out their websites here.  I recommend you book at least six months in advance.

http://www.intercontinental.com

http://www.lucienbarriere.com

http://hotel-palais-stephanie-cannes.com

http://www.hotel-martinez.com/en/

I have been completely ignoring Formula 1 all week, in spite of one of the biggest wheeled-wars threatening to erupt at any minute.

Earlier this year Bernie Ecclestone and Max Moseley announced that from 2010, because of the world wide reccession, they would be capping the budget at 30 million, later topped to 40 million.

Why?

Well the costs of Formula 1 just keep going up and up, it is getting harder and harder for smaller teams and new blood to compete.  Also the world wide recession was making life hard for constructors to stay in business and preserve jobs.

So why is Ferrari, and now Renault, Red Bull and Toyota so annoyed by it all?

Well Ferrari and co make cars.  Ferrari in particular make very fast very expensive cars and they need a place to showcase their speed, competitiveness and dominance.  Where better than Formula 1, the fasted car chase in the world?

So what will happen?

Well Ferrari have launched an injunction to prove they are serious.  They may flounce out of Formula 1 altogether, which would be  a shame.  But they have nowhere else to go from there really?  Can you really see Ferrari in Nascar?

They could one day form their own series, like Renault, but such a move takes extortionate amounts of money, time and attention that could be better used elsewhere.

Keep watching Autosport.com and see what happens.

One of the leading contenders for the Palm d’Or is the horror film Antichrist.  Produced by Lars von Trier and starring Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsborough,  it is looking to do nicely.

It’s imagary is both creepy and also sexually explicit in parts.  It depicts a tale of a couple who move to a cabin in a deep forest for solitude after the death of their child.  Events soon take a turn for the worst and it seems the woods around them are alive with evil spirits.  I feel it was largely inspired by the Evil Dead series but this version is a lot more psychological and it has a lot more twists and turns than the Evil Dead.

Come have a look here:

Lars von Trier is well known for his provocative films.  His background is very unusual.  His parents were both committed communists and committed nudists.  They thought the disciplining of children to be ‘reactionary’.  This lack of boundaries  led to a complex personality who found solace in film making.

He has had success in the past in Cannes with his film, the Idiots.  George W Bush was unavailable for comment at this time.

The Daily Telegraph www.telegraph.co.uk have been doing a sterling job of covering the Cannes Film Festival.  They also found some wonderful images of Cannes in the fifties and sixties.  Here are just a few.

Once upon a time..

Pablo Picasso met Bridget Bardot

Warren Beatty and Natalie Wood at a premier

Elizabeth Taylor, between husbands.

Long before Katie Price, Diana Dors was Britain's biggest Pin-Up

In the days before Implants and botox, either you had it or you didn't

Janette Scott always travelled light.

Alfred Hitchcock, a man as Iconic as he was Iaconic

Robert Michum and Jack Palance, the defining male leads of their era. Tough, handsome and well dressed.

Jayne Mansfield was stopping traffic long before Megan Fox

A girl with the sex factor

Jane Birkin just turned men to jelly with a smile

Sophia Loren ws the epitome of eligence