Tag: interview

Davide Giardino – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with economist turned real estate investor Davide Giardino

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

“The happiness and success of those closest to my heart.”

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

“If you keep your destiny in mind, every moment in life becomes an opportunity to move closer to it.”

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2018?

Technocrats – as at least populists are lying most of the time.

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

A simpler life. I miss the routine of going to an office every morning. Am I crazy?

What might you swap all your wealth for?

Assets? Well, in all seriousness, good health for me, my family and my friends.

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 state of the financial system?

Who is richer and who is poorer from the latest financial crisis? You’ve got my answer…

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

“I am saying it for your sake.”

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

Charity often substitutes for the lack of adequate government or international policy which is disappointing. I support a variety of causes including helping children born with congenital diseases and homeless children.

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?

Shut them off at night.

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

My twin brother, a bunch of friends, Isabelle Huppert, Glenn Close and probably Angelina Jolie.

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

Bucatini with lobster (I always liked bucatini more than spaghetti), gâteau de pommes de terre (cooked the Neapolitan way), a large portion of figs and a torta caprese chocolate cake. I woiuld probably eat it at the Villa San Michele in Capri, Hotel Bel Air or Cliveden House – all places close to my heart for different reasons.

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

11am, though not every day.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A Negroni.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

A dear friend of mine throws the most memorable dinner parties. I love how he always selects a group of diverse people who do not know each other, but will create an incredible energy together by the end of the night. It always helps that I’m always the guest of honour!

Who is the most positive person you know?

Maybe me.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Buying French pâtisserie and flowers for myself many times each week.

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

“I want it all.”

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

A vintage Fiat 500 with a new engine. They are so cute and practical and I don’t need a Maserati to compensate for a lack of personality or something else.

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

I am still trying to figure myself out.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

Fresh flowers.

Davide Giardino is the founder of DGC-Luxury Homes and a licensed realtor at Rodeo Realty – Beverly Hills and Greater LA. He has extensive experience in the real estate advisory and investment business and previously was an economist at several global finance institutions. He describes himself as “a multi-lingual globetrotter” and holds a double degree from Bocconi and USC, an MSc in European political economy from the London School of Economics and a masters in finance from LBS.

Follow Davide Giardino on Facebook at @dgcluxuryhomes and on Instagram at @dgc_la

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September 4, 2018
Lose the Loose

Matthew Steeples suggests enough is enough after ‘Loose Women’s’ latest scandal; ITV should scrap this repugnantly gross TV show

I’ve always thought Loose Women to be nothing but gross – and in fact have even suggested there should be a male counterpoint titled Misogynist Men. Featuring an ageing bunch of blabbermouths, this lunchtime ‘chat show’ is about pandering to the lowest common denominator and allowing a set of ‘brash birds’ to ogle younger men and relive tales of their frankly unappealingly gross sex lives.

Frequented by such has-beens as the ‘Inglorious’ apologist for Cliff Richard, Gloria Huninford, and the cackling cat Linda Robson, Loose Women stooped to a new low last week when Coleen Nolan made fellow panellist Kim Woodburn cry and caused her to storm off the set.

In response, in her “only interview” on the incident, publicity seeking Coleen Nolan told the Mirror: “Anyone that knows me knows I’m not a bully. That would be the most hurtful thing people could call me.”

Returning fire on Twitter, Woodburn stated:

“Those Nolan sisters are just like the mafia, cross them and the mob are after you… fortunately I won’t let them break me, I’m much stronger than that! #loosewomen”

Going further, in an interview with The Sun, the former How Clean Is Your House star added:

“I was ambushed, it was disgusting. It was like a circus and I was there for some cruel entertainment. I want Coleen and her sister fired.”

“They could have stopped that show. The one who had the ear mic could have stopped it. But they did nothing to curb it.”

“I do go at people if they go for me. I hope I never live to see the day when a human being in her 50s and her sister could mock a lady sobbing on TV.”

“They should not be on that show. And I will do all I can to get them off it.”

Ofcom have received over 7,000 complaints about this debacle. They should investigate and ITV should do the decent thing: They should lose the Loose Women for once and for good.

Sign a petition to have Coleen Nolan fired by clicking here.

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Twitter: @SteepleTimes and @M_Steeples

September 3, 2018
Oliver Ouboter – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with Oliver Ouboter; the co-founder of the imminently launching innovative Swiss ‘bubble car’ – the Microlino

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?

Just do it! (Thanks Nike).

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2018?

SUVs.

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

Having the curiosity of a child.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

My family’s health.

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 state of the financial system?

It’s as fucked up as the Donald himself.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

‘Trivial’ as in German nobody uses it and most people don’t understand it. I loathe ‘trivial’ for being a ‘non-trivial’ word to describe something ‘trivial.’

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

I support mainly environmental causes. It is not that I think that humans deserve it less, I just think sending money to developing countries won’t solve the problem and is just an easy fix for many people to feel good about themselves.

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?

Try to use it less, fail miserably in doing so and then tell yourself you’re gonna do better next year.

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

My family and Barack Obama and Steve Jobs and Nelson Mandela if they were still alive.

Oliver Ouboter pictured with a Microlino (as featured in ‘The Steeple Times’ earlier this month) and his brother Merlin and father Wim.

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

A special home-made roast.

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

It depends on the situation.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A Negroni of course.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

Parties of friends that I don’t spend too much time with. There are always new people to get to know.

Who is the most positive person you know?

My dad.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Chocolate of course. I’m Swiss.

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

It would be a Kickscooter, of course.

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

What a question: I’d be a Microlino!

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

I cannot operate a washing machine but that’s not surprising though.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

Big companies and governments. They are slow and inefficient in dealing with global warming.

Oliver Ouboter is the co-founder of a start-up alongside his father and brother that has developed a small electric city-car named Microlino. He is considered one of the best guinea pigs as his dad invented the world-famous Kickscooter in 1999.

Follow Microlino on Twitter at @microlinoworld, on Facebook at @Microlino.car and on Instagram at @microlino_official

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August 27, 2018
Haaz Sleiman – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with Lebanese-American actor Haaz Sleiman; he has starred in ‘24’, ‘ER’, ‘Killing Jesus’, ‘NCIS’, ‘Nurse Jackie’ and ‘Person of Interest’

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

Love.

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

“If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you going to love somebody else?”

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2018?

Who is she?

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

Definitely not him. I hate politics. I’d say: My future husband. Where is he?

What might you swap all your wealth for?

To be adopted by Madonna.

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 state of the financial system?

It is terrible. We have a vanishing middle class.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

‘Retard’.

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

I support anything to do with homeless LGBTQ youth and animals.

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?

I’m sorry but I don’t understand the question.

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

My parents and all my siblings with their families.

Haaz Sleiman as Jesus in the 2015 television film ‘Killing Jesus’

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

In the most lush and exotic natural habitat with tonnes of trees and waterfalls or by the ocean. I’d have the best steak and fries with the most expensive bottle of red wine possible.

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

I don’t drink much really.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

Tea.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

I enjoy concerts because I love seeing how music makes the people come together. Thank you Madonna.

Who is the most positive person you know?

E-Jay Randolph, my mentor.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

RuPual’s Drag Race.

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

A cross with a naked Jesus hanging on it wearing a Star of David pendant around his neck. Jesus would have a tattoo in Arabic on his left pec of the most important line in the Quran, the line that you would need to say to become Muslim. I am interested in inclusion.

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

A Tesla.

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

I’m a baby in a grown ass man’s body. It’s a good thing.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

A framed picture of my beautiful mother.

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese-American television and film actor. He starred as Jesus in the TV series ‘Killing Jesus’ and has also appeared in series such as ‘24’, ‘CSI: Miami’, ‘ER’, ‘NCIS’, ‘Nurse Jackie’ and ‘Person of Interest’. He describes himself as: “A lost soul finding its way back home.”

Follow Haaz Sleiman on Twitter at @haazsleiman, on Facebook at @haazsleiman and on Instagram at @haazsleiman

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August 24, 2018
Toynbee Turns

Left-wing firebrand Polly Toynbee does an about turn and brands government in Britain today worse than under her arch-enemy Thatcher in the 1980s

Polly Toynbee was always amongst the loudest voices of the left in Britain. She has been known to rant and rave in support of atheism, the SDP and unilateral nuclear disarmament but on Saturday, this great-great niece of philanthropist and economic historian Arnold Toynbee surprisingly branded the government of Theresa May to be worse than that of Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.

In a wide-ranging interview about working at The Guardian, when asked: “How does this political moment compare with others you have lived and worked through?” Umbrian villa owning Toynbee answered:

“There has never been an austerity like this in my life-time. If Thatcher’s 1980’s cuts seemed savage, I would never have guessed a future Tory party would go so much further than she dared, in shrinking the state, crushing local government, squeezing the NHS as never before, leaving schools bereft. As for the shock Brexit vote, it has split the country in half in ways it may take decades to repair, if ever, as it sends Britain into a downward spiral. These are the darkest days I have known – plenty to write about, but very hard to think of optimistic themes.”

#GodHelpUsAll

Pictured above: Multi-millionairess Polly Toynbee in a Ferrari F430.

Follow The Steeple Times on Twitter at @SteepleTimes.

February 26, 2018
Opening up Menéndez

Previously publicity shy Menéndez brothers both speak publicly about killing their parents in the wake of the success of NBC’s ‘Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders’

Erik and Lyle Menéndez, the brothers convicted of murdering their allegedly abusive multi-millionaire parents José and Mary ‘Kitty’ Menéndez at their home in Beverly Hills, California in 1989, have generally been pretty quiet in the years since their conviction at their second trial in 1994.

Now, however, in the wake of the immense success of NBC’s eight-part series, Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders, about the case Erik Menéndez has given his first interview since 2005 to A&E. Set to be screened in America on 30^th November, The Menendez Murders: Erik Tells All will also include previously unseen photographs and new interviews with family and friends.

In two trailers for the show, Erik, now 46, speaks through the phone from the Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California and states:

“I’m Erik Menéndez… I’m serving life in prison without the possibility of parole. I’ve heard many different versions of my life told in the media, and those stories are fictional. I think it’s time people hear the truth in my own words without the restrictions of a courtroom.”

“From the moment after, I wanted to go back in time. It was so wrong. I didn’t want my parents dead – I just wanted the abuse to stop. Years and years of pain exploded that night in an unimaginable violence. It is my own personal hell.”

“My only hope in speaking out is that people have a more complete understanding of the events that led up to my actions on the night of 20^th August and really a fuller picture of what happened in my life.”

“All I can hope for is that people will come to realise that the truth is not a simple one-line explanation that many people have tried to make it out to be. That really, that my life was unfolding of a complicated life that I lived that had all of these things that came into being and that led up to what is an ongoing and enduring family tragedy.”

“The tragedy didn’t end on that night, as devastating as that night was. It didn’t end there for my family, and it continues on to this day, and that sadness is something that I am trying to make up for them and with my parents for the rest of my life. It will never end.”

A photograph of José Menéndez with his sons Erik and Lyle on his knee; references have been made to the situation of José Menéndez’s right hand to be evidence of his highly inappropriate relationship with his children

Elsewhere, on the @MenendezBrothers Facebook page this weekend, through an intermediary seemingly in his presence at the Mule Creek State Prison where he is housed in Ione, California, Lyle Menéndez participated in what appeared to be a live Facebook chat.

Aside from sounding quite upbeat and referencing how his second wife (he has married twice since being imprisoned) had visited him earlier in the day, Lyle answered a question about which Spice Girl he liked most with the answer “Posh, of course!” and stated that “no one is good enough to play [me] for it be enjoyable” of “paddle tennis” in the prison. He shared news that he is “currently re-reading Shogun” as it is “a book centered [sic] around great patience and spirit under terrible circumstances” and in response to a question about what music he likes most added: “I like the stories that country music tells so for me it is most uplifting to listen to country music. It puts me in touch with my emotions. But I do like all sorts of music.”

More tellingly, especially given he is likely never to leave prison during his lifetime, Lyle, in referencing a question about the unauthorised @FreetheMenendezBrothers Facebook page stated:

“People have filled me in. We are not affiliated with it in any way. We have told people that writing letters to the governor right now is not helpful to our release and could actually be a detriment. We know that it is frustrating to people but these are serious legal matters that have very specific avenues that require serious legal planning. I know it is frustrating and that we cannot stop people, but what I am saying now are my wishes.”

Plainly this statement shows that Lyle still has hope that he could actually be released and given that the allegations of appalling abuse and sexual assault by their parents seem to be finally attracting worthy examination also, it does indeed seem time that the severity of the duo’s sentences again be looked at.

Follow The Steeple Times on Twitter at @SteepleTimes.

November 13, 2017
Moron of the Moment – Stephanie Mack

Daughter-in-law of fraudster Bernard Madoff illustrates how utterly out of touch she truly is with normality and the lives of ordinary, decent people

“The biggest mistake is putting on something you don’t feel comfortable in” casually commented Stephanie Mack (formerly Madoff) to The New York Times’ ‘Style’ in an interview this week.

As if without a care in the world, the daughter-in-law of the world’s worst Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff – a man whose actions led to financial ruin for many and the suicides of several of his victims – talked to the paper’s Hilary Sargent and shared news that she’s now gone into the business of advising women on how to “choose simple pieces like the best jeans and the kicky accessories to go with them.”

Tastelessly titled: “A Madoff gets a makeover, by giving them,” this cringeworthy feature was plainly designed to give this out of touch with normality woman (whom “loves a good beanie”) room to try and show her human side. It failed and simply illustrated yet another example of the very self-serving entitlement that brought down her father-in-law and those around him.

Remarks such as “I have nothing to hide” are all very well from Ms Mack, but in sharing that she now urges clients coming out of “their recent breakup or divorce” to “drop… $1,200 on a jacket by Iro” she illustrates that money is still her mantra. In adding that her mother-in-law Ruth Madoff is “so much fun to be around” she forgets that this very same woman was shown to be a greedy cross between Imelda Marcos and Barbara Amiel but in commenting: “I’ve urged her to have a comeback. Everyone loves a comeback,” Mack most definitely fails to understand that the public have no desire to see such.

Whilst Guest of a Guest, in toadily referencing the article, decided to term this pointless clothes peddler “the best friend you didn’t know you needed,” we would suggest otherwise: Stephanie Mack – a woman whose new name includes ‘M’ for ‘Madoff’ and vulgarly ‘ACK’ after the airport code for Nantucket (a ritzy location where she once had a holiday home) – is someone one most definitely doesn’t need.

October 21, 2017
Zach Tinker – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with American actor and star of NBC’s ‘Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders’ Zach Tinker

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

My gut and my heart.

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

“Kill ‘em with kindness.”

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?

To be frank, I had no idea who Kerry Katona is so I looked her up. I also searched “Kerry Katona 2007,” but couldn’t find anything besides some stuff about her being on drugs and held up at knifepoint: I feel like I’m getting off track here.

I would say bigotry is unacceptable in 2017. It’s a distraction. There is so much going on right now that could end really badly and that’s where our focus should be, not on looking for someone else to blame because of their colour or gender or religion.

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

Only at certain times, but I miss being a little kid: Ignorance is bliss.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

More wealth. I’m kidding: Probably the ability to fly.

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 state of the financial system?

I am probably not the one to ask: I’m 23 and just starting to deal with the state of my own economy. But it seems logical that the world is a better place if more people can participate, when we all feel like we have a stake in the outcome.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

“The proof is in the pudding” – I’ve never understood what the hell that means. On a more positive and sort of related note,my favourite word is “goop.”

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

I think: “Charity begins at need” – That seems more relevant, especially with the horrible string of natural disasters that have occurred around the world recently.

From elementary school through college, charity and volunteering was built in to the education curriculum, so that made it easy and I was very involved in with Camp Harmony. It is a well-run programme to support under privileged children from inner cities, the homeless and troubled families. They host summer camps, winter camps, holiday events, do food drives, back to school drives, support mentorships… I volunteered there for five or six years and it’s one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Sadly, I haven’t been very active in that community for the past few years because of my schedule, but to anyone living in Los Angeles, I couldn’t recommend the programme enough.

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?

If the question is: “What is my view on the appropriate use of cell phones that explode?” I would probably say, never. They are crazy dangerous, plus I heard their network coverage is terrible.

When it comes to regular old mobile phones, I think in general, just don’t be a dick. I know that sounds flip, but most of us know when phone use is not okay: Don’t text and drive; don’t talk on the phone in a movie theatre and don’t FaceTime at a funeral.

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

Michael Jordan, Lincoln, Marlon Brando, Will Smith, Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra, Eminem, MLK, Louis CK, Dave Chappelle and my mother’s father. He passed away when my mom was seven and I’d like to meet him and say thank you.

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

A bucket of Ben & Jerry’s half-baked half-twisted ice cream, my grandma’s Italian chicken cutlets, a jar of Skippy Peanut Butter, a box of Captain Crunch Berries with 2% milk, a PB&J sandwich on whole wheat, and a slice of Susie Cakes’ red velvet cake for dessert. Oh, and a big bottle of lemon-lime Gatorade to wash it down. I would eat it in prison, presumably, since I’m on death row.

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

I don’t drink regularly, but that’s mostly about fitness. I’m not judging, but first thing after you wake up is probably not the best idea. Otherwise, sometimes a drink is just what the doctor ordered; I get it.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

Tea, but I’ll need two packs of Stevia in there first.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

Small ones: I like when gatherings are intimate, where I can have conversations with people and get to know them.

Who is the most positive person you know?

Probably my step-dad, Ken Karman.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

The TV show My Strange Addiction. That show is insane. All those kinds of shows: Intervention, Cops, etc. They’re trash TV, I know, but God are they entertaining to watch.

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

Hmmm… A piece of chocolate candy, maybe: Sweet with a slightly hard exterior and a soft and gooey inside.

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

I’d like to say a Ferrari or Lambo, but I’m probably more like a 2005 Mazda Miata or something.

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

I almost bit my own tongue off as a child and had to have it sewn back on while conscious and awake.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

There is no actual mantelpiece in my tiny studio apartment, but I do have out on display an award my grandfather received from the NBC television network, a book about Marlon Brando, the graphic novel, Watchmen and a bottle of acne medication (left that out, unintentionally).

Actor Zach Tinker was born in New York in 1994 into a family of directors, writers and producers. He is the first of his family to work in front of the camera and currently appears in the NBC series ‘Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders’ as Craig Cignarelli, a classmate of Erik Menéndez .

Follow Zach Tinker on Twitter at @ZachTinker and on Instagram at @zach_atticus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVcw6H2MA8E

October 15, 2017
Pauline Amos – What’s on your mantelpiece?

A 20-question interview with Liverpool born artist Pauline Amos; one of her works is for sale for £1.3 million

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

Myself.

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

“If you hesitate, you’ve lost.”

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?

Abū Bakr al-Baghdadi.

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

My dad.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

Ending cruelty to animals and children.

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 state of the financial system?

A disgrace.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

Trump.

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

Being charitable is being a good human being. I support Coram children’s charity, Stop Ivory, the RNLI and charities that support war veterans.

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?

Use if necessary.

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

Shakespeare, Winston Churchill, Stephen Fry, Oscar Wilde, my husband, my dogs, Hunter S. Thompson and Maya Angelou.

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

Caviar. On the outside.

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

Blackwell Rum on porridge for breakfast. Every hour is acceptable.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

A martini.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

My own: I choose the guests and the music.

Who is the most positive person you know?

Myself.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Charbonnel & Walker salt caramel chocolates.

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

An angel.

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

A Bentley Land Rover hybrid.

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

One of my paintings is on sale for £1.3 million.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

Two silver candlesticks, some invitations and a sign that reads: “Scouse and Proud.”

Born in Liverpool, Pauline Amos is a creative performance painting artist with a unique style of work combining painting, performance and music. Amos has a PhD from Dartington College of Arts and has drawn international acclaim for her provocative, powerful and bold works.

Follow Pauline Amos on Twitter at @paulineamos99 and like her page on Facebook by clicking here.

September 20, 2017
Hero of the Hour – David Cornwell

Novelist David Cornwell (AKA John le Carré) speaks sense on the elite, Brexit and Donald Trump

David Cornwell – better known as the novelist John le Carré – gave a rare interview in yesterday’s The Sunday Times. In it, he spoke candidly and revealed his beliefs that Brexit is something he “despises” and that Donald Trump “is such a horse’s arse.”

In the interview Cornwell told the paper’s Bryan Appleyard:

“Surely the definition of a decent society is: one, how it chooses its elite; and, two, how it looks after its losers. Now we choose our elite horribly badly and, as long as private education commands the scene, don’t talk to me about levelling the playing field — the social contract is bust in this country.”

“We’re getting people who start their political careers at university and go in as special assistants to MPs, like those ridiculous people who were advising May [Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill]. We are run by the wrong elite.”

“I understand why people who are socially deprived, with the safety net taken away from them and treated as second-class citizens, have every right to vote for some other dream. I understand that, and I understand it needs a desperate remedy, and fast, but Brexit isn’t the answer.”

Of Trump, he added:

“The Russian-Ukrainian money trail is the one that, combined with collusion in Russian electoral tampering, will, with luck, nail him.”

Cornwell is spot on all scores and we salute him.

‘A Legacy of Spies’ by John le Carré is out on Thursday (Viking, £20). Pre-order from Amazon for £9.50 by clicking here.

September 4, 2017