Category: MOVERS & SHAKERS

The snakes and ladders of society.

A chronicle of drama, scandal and success in London, Paris, New York and elsewhere

  • New York’s real estate power brokers: Part I

    New York’s real estate power brokers: Part I

    Oliver Estreich’s New York real estate power brokers

     

    In the first of a series, Oliver Estreich profiles New York’s top realtors. He begins with Joan Swift, James C. Cox Jr. and Emily and Elizabeth Beare.

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  • The battle of the vanities

    The battle of the vanities

    An Iraqi medical student and an aspiring actor from Abu Dhabi battle it out for the title “the most beautiful face ever”

     

    Regular readers will recall our having added Omar Borkan Al Gala to our roll call some time ago. He was deported from Saudi Arabia as authorities there deemed him “too sexy” and since, with the ensuing press attention, he’s landed a part alongside Homeland’s Navid Negahban (who plays Abu Nazir in the series) in a short film titled 51.

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  • Allard Marx: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Allard Marx: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks strategist and businessman Allard Marx: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

    The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?

    Caterine Axelsson’s daily smile.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    There is always a way. “How?” not “Why?” should be the guiding principle of our lives.

     

    Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?

    Is she Eric’s sister? Unchecked greedy bankers. Ignoring the irrefutable damage we are doing to world’s waters and all forms of life.

     

    Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

    The sunshine. I live in London.

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    More people’s lives flourishing with their own efforts added. Before that, some wealth to do that with would be wonderful.

     

    Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?

    Reducing their profits expectations with some more risk-taking by providing credit to business might help everyone. In other words, replacing the ridiculously high salaries of some executives and high dividends for a few shareholders with liquidity to benefit many.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    “Yes my friend” from someone I’ve just met and “You awright there?” in shops.

     

    In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

    Generosity of spirit wins you “Karma Kredits”. The Going Blue Foundation is a charity I co-founded with Susannah Stewart and Roberto Danovaro and is where the money I don’t have often goes.

     

    The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?

    Using them out of my earshot.

     

    Allard Marx
    Allard Marx

    If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

    Caterine Axelsson, Willem Marx, Alex Marx, Harry Langley, Patricia Lukas, Michael Kermer, David Robson, Nick King, Brian Smurthwaite, Luca Sprea, Michelle Cuthbert, David Draier, Diederik van Lede, Irina Kouptcha, Tracy Elner, Filippo Verrone, Marina Capello, Rosalind Milani Gallieni, Peter Kirchem, Richard Hoare, Eduard van Raay, Gisela Söderstrom, Serena Massa, Maggie Wright. Good friends all of them.

     

    If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

    Something tasty, spicy and filling. Kway Teow with vinegar in full view of the blue open sky.

     

    What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

    Whenever suits an individual as long as they keep making sense and don’t fall over.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    A cup of tea. There was a time when a vodka tonic would have taken precedence.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    Weekend parties, with large dining tables in huge kitchens. The ones I had in Byde Mill House in Wiltshire took some beating. Not because of me but because of the space that they were in and the people who came. Good plentiful food is as crucial as the wines.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    There are three women I’d say are the most positive people I know. They are Carla Marx-Welter, Caterine Axelsson and Irina Kouptcha.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    Dairy-free chocolate ice cream from Snowflake on Westbourne Grove made by ice cream chef Paolo.

     

    If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

    Heaven forbid. Can’t stand the bloody things.

     

    If you were a car, what marque would you be?

    A Delfino. Not that I have ambitions of being a car. I have ambitions of returning to that project and making it a success.

     

    Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

    I have no clue. I think I’m an open book. You’d have to ask someone who had just met me and then ask them again a month or two later.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    I don’t have one.

     

    Allard Marx is a London based strategist and businessman. He is the author of The Business Brand Book (My Orange Bag) and companies in which he has founded and been involved in include:

     

    – Delfino: http://www.delfino.co.uk

    – Aethic: http://www.aethic.com

    – Go Blue Too: http://www.gobluetoo.com

     

    Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/AllardMarx

     

     

    Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter at: http://thesteepletimes.com/subscribe

  • Samuel Whiting and Lucas Alexander: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Samuel Whiting and Lucas Alexander: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks the duo behind the Heart of House music label, Samuel Whiting and Lucas Alexander: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

    The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?

    Dedication to the groove and the drive to evoke and discover new feeling.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    Don’t be afraid to be different, be unique and be you!

     

    Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?

    People calling house music “EDM”.

     

    Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

    Summer visits to Saas Fee, a virgin hamlet hidden in the Swiss Alps.

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    Our definition of wealth deviates from that of the norm, that is – to promote and foster a positive state of mind and well-being. Wealth is health, happiness and wisdom – qualities that one does not simply barter.

     

    Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?

    Consult our Professor, Kevin McLaughlin. We wrote a paper on the banking crisis, its impact on financial institutions and the ramifications that stem from the Dodd Frank Act of 2010. Live within your means and engage in ethical business practice.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    “It’s impossible”.

     

    In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

    Indeed, charity does begin at home. Its roots are fostered through one’s exposure to new experience and occurrences in life, which allow an individual to formulate an identity, creating a world of opportunity. From this notion, we invite you to stay connected through the links below for upcoming content and our upcoming charity concepts.

     
    The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?

    Technology and innovation are key elements that allow our culture to evolve, expand and connect. From a business perspective, the mobile era is essential and allows for businesses to operate effectively and efficiently, with the ability to establish a global network.

     

    Samuel Whiting and Lucas Alexander on the decks
    Samuel Whiting and Lucas Alexander on the decks
    Lucas Alexander and Samuel Whiting
    Lucas Alexander and Samuel Whiting

    If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

    DJ Danila, Denis A. and Andrey Loud alongside our amazing friends and family.

     

    If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

    Make reputable decisions and avoid that rabbit hole. Yet for this case, I suppose, a large portion of bœuf bourguignon prepared by Michelin Star chef and old friend chef Philippe Rispoli with a bottle of Saint-Josephs Côtes du Rhône as its complement.

     

    What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

    That all depends what is on the menu.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    A cup of tea.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    Heart of House events. Naturally.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    An incredible guitarist, Aiden Anthony Earley.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    Swedish tobacco.

     

    If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

    In 2008, Sam tattooed “Rude Boy” on his chest. It signifies Jamaican culture and the notion to stand up for your beliefs and those around you regardless of what others think or say.

     

    If you were a car, what marque would you be?

    A new generation Camaro. Reason being, the Camaro has always been an icon. Recently, its been redesigned to evoke it’s more classic roots. The new generation Camaro blends the old with the new, the sharpness of styling with powerful underpinnings. If you want to know which model, the ZL1 is the only way to go.

     

    Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

    We are launching a record label titled “Heart of House”; a music label inspired organically to evoke a unique house feeling and foster a passionate, worldwide community that is dedicated to music, culture and the arts.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    An eagle-winged Venetian mask and quartz crystals to promote harmony and positive energy.

     

    Samuel Whiting and Lucas Alexander are the co-founders of the Boston based music label House of Sound.

     

    Follow Heart of House online at:

    –       Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HeartofHouseOfficial

    –       Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/heart_of_house

    –       Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/heart_of_house

    –       Instagram: http://instagram.com/heartofhouse

     

    Contact Heart of House at: [email protected]

     

     

    Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter at: http://thesteepletimes.com/subscribe

  • The tribes looking for CFS

    The tribes looking for CFS

    Sarah Tucker goes in search of the ten tribes paying homage to a centenary of flower power at the 100th RHS Chelsea Flower Show

     

    Yesterday I attended the press day for the 100th anniversary of the Chelsea Flower Show. Gnomes have been allowed for the first time, but many of the celebrities who attend to admire the gardens and be admired in the gardens were little more than pint sized themselves. Most celebrities really are extremely short. Although the show runs all week, press day is best day to go.

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  • Brave Rebekah

    Brave Rebekah

    Could the failure of the makeover of Merida be a positive sign for Rebekah Brooks?

     

    Merida, Disney Pixar’s heroine in Brave, has had a makeover. Notwithstanding the new look, however, she still looks like Rebekah Brooks.

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  • Picture of the week: An image of Cliff Richard that will scare children

    Picture of the week: An image of Cliff Richard that will scare children

    An image that should come with a health warning

     

    There’s not much to say about our picture of the week, other than it should come with a health warning. The image, a spoof mockup of Cliff Richard, truly is scary. (more…)

  • Fooling Fogle

    Fooling Fogle

    Ben Fogle suggests that he could have been poisoned by a Russian spy

     

    Ben Fogle’s rise to the middle realms of “fame” is something I’ve always found puzzling. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an affable chap and I have utterly no problem with him but whenever he comes on the screen, I find myself simply asking: “Why on earth is this man famous?”

     

    Mr Fogle featured in The Telegraph’s ‘Mandrake’ column, written by great friends of The Steeple Times Tim Walker and Richard Eden, this morning and frankly made the most preposterous of suggestions I’ve heard in years. Even though he had to admit it sounded “far-fetched”, he went ahead and alleged that he could have been poisoned by a Russian spy. Has the man gone bonkers?

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  • Douglas Chadwick: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Douglas Chadwick: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks private investor and chairman of the Saltydog Investor Douglas Chadwick: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

    The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?

    The thoughts of Jesse Livermore. He was the first acknowledged momentum trader in the United States. He was worth over a billion dollars by the time he was thirty, lost it and made it again. It was tragic that he committed suicide.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    “Get rich slowly” – It’s not important to get rich quick, it’s easier to get rich slowly.

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  • Zach Matari: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Zach Matari: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks singer Zach Matari: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

    The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?

    Passion.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    “Argue for your limitations and they are surely yours”.

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