Victoria Aitken launches a single for Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, the electro-house chart topping singer-songwriter Victoria Aitken, daughter of the former Conservative minister Jonathan Aitken, has released her latest single, Kiss Me.
The cover for Victoria Aitken’s “Kiss Me” single
Of what inspired her to write it, Aitken comments:
“Sometimes we are left ‘un-kissed’ and it can just be so depressing! I was inspired by my time with an Italian man, chatting and flirting over cocktails night after night. I then became annoyed, wondering when he was going to make his move. I believe many women and men feel like this: there is a certain vibe and then nothing”.
Produced by Marc JB, who has remixed seventy #1 UK dance chart hits for artists such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna, the single features a cover by the up-and-coming British visual artist Zoobs. In it, Aitken wears a headpiece and eye veil by Jane Taylor, a milliner who has created headwear for amongst others Paloma Faith and The Duchess of Cornwall.
The French romantic writer Victor Hugo once stated: “A compliment is like a kiss through a veil” and Victoria Aitken in Kiss Me certainly explores this further.
To listen to Kiss Me, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3P2AW6S5UI
Gina Miller investigates the links between Saint Valentine and transparency in investing
According to the wise font of all knowledge, which can be extremely accurate or extremely inaccurate, Wikipedia, Saint Valentine (in Latin, Valentinus) is a widely recognised third century Roman saint commemorated on February 14th and associated since the High Middle Ages with a tradition of courtly love. Nothing is reliably known of Saint Valentine except his name and the fact that he died on February 14th.
Love and money will forever be interlinked
But many of the current legends that characterise Saint Valentine were invented in the fourteenth century in England, notably by Geoffrey Chaucer and his circle, when the feast day of February 14th first became associated with romantic love.
Whatever the truth is, most people today associate Valentine’s Day with romance. When one thinks of romance it is normally in the old fashioned Mills and Boon books or the more modern 50 Shades of Grey with some dashing man seducing his future conquest but once the charming good looks are pierced, below the surface they are often found to be pretty shallow and unedifying and after a while, maybe the real cardinal sin, boring. I say this as someone who once dated a famous model who was known across the UK for taking his jeans off in the laundrette revealing a great body but sadly not a lot of substance beneath.
Where is the connection with the world I work in, investments? Well a surprising amount when you consider it. The world of investment relies on seduction but the seduction is used for all the wrong reasons and normally with all the wrong results. There is a fine line between seduction and deception. Every day countless savings and investment managers cross this line.
When you meet your wonderfully charming or slick fund manager they try to seduce you with flowery words and jargon with no meaning or deliberately assembled to impress you with its complexity; but designed to prevent you from understanding how your money is really invested or how much your money is really costing. The smoke and mirrors are crafted to beguile and reassure that by being so complex, they must be amazing to do what they do and charge what they charge. Of course more often than not investing does not really need to be so complex or expensive to get sold returns.
If you think of most great inventors or inventions they are often based on a simple design or a simple concept. In investment the living Saint of investment is widely held to be Saint Buffet of Omaha, Nebraska. He has an annual convention where thousands flock to his temple to hear and learn from every word he says since he has probably the longest and best known and maybe most successful track records of anyone. He does not make things complicated or flowery he talks of common sense and old fashioned virtues that have stood the test of time and which people can understand. He simply tries to buy companies which he trusts, thinks are great franchises that can stand the test of time; and which for whatever reason are available at the right price. He does not hide from his investors how he invests, what he invests in or his charges for the services he provides. He works alongside his clients because he is managing his own money in the same way.
When you meet your fund manager or wealth adviser or whatever other name they call themselves, don’t be seduced by the initial lavish language or entertaining or lavish date because normally this does not last and it is you who ultimately is paying for it anyway. Often the more lavish the entertaining, the more likely that they are ‘after’ something and that something is to erode more of your returns in fees.
In economics there is a term called giffen goods. These are goods by which the more that is charged the more that it is demanded, these are luxury goods. If your XXX handbag was available for £10 rather than £1,000 it would quickly lose its panache or lustre. Investment managers try and make their services desirable through charging more in the knowledge that most clients wrongly think: “If I pay more I must be getting a better product or a better performance”. However the research shows the precise opposite and that if you pay more, it simply means more money has been deducted from your savings and in turn they are then worth less.
Gina Miller is spearheading the True & Fair Campaign with her husband, AlanThe True and Fair Campaign’s poster is part of their call to action
We have been working extremely hard via a True and Fair Campaign to force by law, the investment industry to stop this deception and reveal to customers exactly how much, in total, investments are really costing and how they are really invested. The scale of this deception is truly shocking.
Maybe, just like a good relationship, there needs to be substance and openness and trust or the relationship is not a real relationship but just an empty dalliance, fun at the time but not particularly rewarding thereafter. I implore you to trust your instincts, keep to your principles and do not be seduced by the flannel. Instead, do plan today for your tomorrows and the life you dream of as you grow older and go off into the sunset of retirement.
The sale of The Duchess of Cambridge’s uncle’s holiday villa, La Maison de Bang Bang
Just as it is reported that the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge is said to be furious about photographers having managed to capture her in a bikini on a beach on the private island of Mustique, another of her previous holiday destinations has come to the market.
Kate Middleton and Prince William aboard Tapeka Point during their 2006 holiday in Ibiza.Carole Middleton’s brother businessman Gary Goldsmith.La Maison de Bang Bang’s sign.
The Duchess, as Kate Middleton, stayed with Prince William at the holiday home of her uncle, Gary Goldsmith’s in Ibiza in 2006. During the break at the exotically named La Maison de Bang Bang, the Prince and Miss Middleton were photographed on a motor launch, Tapeka Point, that was subsequently put up for auction in April 2012 for £120,000.
La Maison de Bang BangAn aerial shot of the property
The 4 double bedroom villa, named according to its official website, after “Ibiza’s famous banging house music”, is just five minutes from the Cala Jondal beach and the “hip” Blue Marlin beach bar. The house stands on a plot of 23,850 square metres and includes a large reception room, 4 dining areas and a fully equipped gym. In addition there is a staff bungalow, swimming pool and tennis court.
The main reception area in the house.One of four dining areas.One of four double en-suite bedrooms.An example of Mr Goldsmith’s humour.Buddhas can be found throughout the villa.And also in the garden.As well as an outdoor swimming pool, there is a full sized tennis court.
In a statement to the Daily Telegraph’s “Mandrake”, Goldsmith, who was subject to a News of the World sting at La Maison de Bang Bang in 2009, commented:
“I’m looking to buy a bigger house in London, given that I have only been there myself once in the last two year… After what seems like a million years of fun, fun, fun, I’m selling Bang Bang, folks”.
Of the house itself, Mr Goldsmith told the Daily Mail’s Richard Kay:
“It’s on for 6.5 million Euro. Despite the Spanish economy, it’s a good time to sell because the Euro is very strong at the moment, plus Ibiza isn’t like mainland Spain. It has a micro-economy all of its own”.
Knight Frank’s particulars for La Maison de Bang Bang were prepared last September and though Mr Goldsmith, who made £275 million selling his recruitment business in 2005, may be a canny businessman, it seems as if he may have to wait some time before someone else decides to put their bucks into the Bang Bang.
For more information on La Maison de Bang Bang, contact Knight Frank on +44 (0) 203 641 5161.
His life was short but he brought joy throughout it and wherever he went. He looked like Colonel Gadaffi, loved the voice of Radio 4’s Jenni Murray and was particularly partial to a visit to Chelsea’s Sette restaurant. He even liked travelling by bus. This boisterous Standard Poodle will be greatly missed.
A former supporter of Julian Assange denounces his behavior
Jemima Khan has shown great courage in turning on Julian Assange. In a feature in the New Statesman, she described him as being “more like an Australian L. Ron Hubbard” than the crusader he has portrayed himself. Suggesting Assange thinks himself like a real life Jason Bourne, she commented:
“It may well be that the serious allegations of sexual assault and rape are not substantiated in court, but I have come to the conclusion that these are all matters for Swedish due process and that Assange is undermining both himself and his own transparency agenda – as well as doing the US department of justice a favour – by making his refusal to answer questions in Sweden into a human rights issue.”
Jemima Khan
‘There have been three rounds in the UK courts and the UK courts have upheld the European Arrest Warrant in his name three times.”
“The women in question have human rights, too, and need resolution. Assange’s noble cause and his wish to avoid a US court does not trump their right to be heard in a Swedish court.”
“I don’t regret putting up bail money for Assange but I did it so that he would be released while awaiting trial, not so that he could avoid answering to the allegations.”
In a firm but fair article, Khan stated: “I remain convinced that if Assange is prosecuted for espionage the future of investigative journalism everywhere would be in jeopardy” but added “[Julian Assange] has been guilty of the same obfuscation and misinformation as those it sought to expose, while its supporters are expected to follow, unquestioningly, in blinkered, cultish devotion.”
Jemima Khan talks sense. Some of what Assange did was in the public interest but his behaviour now is ridiculous and his attitude to justice perverse. Julian Assange should walk out into Hans Crescent and hand himself in.
Normally, here at The Steeple Times we focus on the luxury end of the property market but today when we saw a 4-bedroom house for sale for just £10,000 we became curious.
In Rawlings Street, Chelsea, for this price you can rent a 4-bedroom house for one month. In Egremont, Cumbria, though, you can purchase a house of the same size outright.
The exterior of this 4-bedroom £10,000 terraced house at Vale View, Egremont, Cumbria, CA22 2RGThe interior is basic and clean but plainly in need of updatingThe views from the house are quite delightfulA view like this is surely worth more than £10,000
With views across countryside to the River Ehen, this mid-terraced house will be auctioned on 6th February 2013 at the Swallow Hotel in Preston, Lancashire.
The market town of Egremont itself is at the foot of the Uldale Valley and Dent Fell and features a wide main street, two supermarkets and a castle. The Egremont Crab Fair, one of the oldest fairs in the world, has been held in the town every September since 1267 and is famous for festivities including street dancing, gurning and grease pole climbing.
Often one reads of cheap terraced houses in deprived places like Blackburn and Tyneside, but this property’s situation is plainly a little different.
It’ll be interesting to learn who’ll be in for a penny or in for a pound when this house is auctioned at 6pm tomorrow.
For more details, contact Pattinson on +44 (0) 191 244 9567.
The Steeple Times asks the Bond Street couturier and Huntsman co-owner Roubi L’Roubi: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Timesshares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
“Achieve the ideal”, striving for perfection in my craft. Indeed, I am reminded of this every day, because I am lucky enough to work with the team at Huntsman who really are the finest tailors and cutters in the world.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Misericordie et beneficentie sunt omnes (Compassion and kindness are all).
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Abuse of human rights.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Not having time for my horses.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
The health and well-being of my partner and my family.
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?
It’s time to do things differently. In Africa there is a microfinance scheme called Sundouk. A small number of people (usually women) get together and pay in a set amount, regularly, say once a month. Each time a member is given the total paid in on that day to invest in their business or do whatever they need to do. The next month, someone else receives the full amount. It works.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“I” and “want”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I think we have to think in terms of a global home. Children hold our future in their hands so I support the NSPCC and Childline.
The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Couldn’t live without it, I text my mother all the time – it’s a miracle to connect with someone 5,761 miles away, instantly. But I always put it away when I’m with anyone and get in a rage when that someone doesn’t follow suit.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
My partner and then a selection of our friends who are always rushing. The Orient Express is very slow, it would do them so much good.
Roubi L’Roubi
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Fruit, particularly berries, and a pot of PG Tips tea.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Lunch, with food.
ANegroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
Tea, so long as it’s PG .
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Our own – because we’ve chosen the guests. It’s great to mix people and see how they mix together and enjoy each other.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Joanna our seamstress.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Movies. I love watching movies with friends. Nothing beats a film, popcorn and Diet Coke enjoyed in good company.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
Tattoos don’t work for me.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
My favourite car is a Porsche Boxster so I’d like to think we are similar.
CillaBlack presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I have a degree from Imperial College, London in mechanical engineering.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
The most beautiful blue-grey crystal and silver flask containing perfume created by my mother. It’s a rich, deep mix of sandalwood and musk. It brings back beautiful memories.
Roubi L’Roubi is the founder of the Bond Street couturier Roubi L’Roubi and the co-owner and creative director of iconic Savile Row tailor Hunstman.
This talented analyst and writer specialises in “Latin America, terrorism, oil, US foreign policy, global security, transnational criminal organisations, the Middle East and asymmetric warfare.” The British press nicknamed Neumann the “Cracker from Caracas” when news of a relationship with Mick Jagger surfaced and the epithet has stuck. Combining intellectual might with glamour, this jetsetter is as likely to be found on Mustique or in 5 Hertford Street as she is in her post as senior fellow at Philadelphia’s Foreign Policy Research Institute.
Some say he died in 2009, others, including the Serious Fraud Office, suspect he’s hiding out in the rainforests of Borneo. This bankrupted businessman was best known for drinking red wine from a teapot at breakfast and for his public spats with Egon Ronay, Richard Desmond, Lord Rothschild and Ernest Saunders. He met his wife, Nicola, in a nightclub. When asked what she’d require to move in with him, she asked for £5,000 a month. He organised it that very night and though most of his assets have been seized, she continues to drive a top of the range Mercedes and lives in comparative luxury on the island of Labuan, Malaysia. The investigators are still watching.
Matthew Steeples reports on the latest initiative from The Rib Room
Last week my friends and I enjoyed an evening of live music at The Rib Room at Knightsbridge’s Jumeirah Carlton Tower.
Jazz singer Emma TopolskiThe Rib Room team are famed for their legendary cocktail making skills
Each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30pm various artists perform in the buzzy bar of this fine establishment and amongst them is the jazz singer Emma Topolski.
Topolski is the daughter of the actress Susan Gilmore and her rowing commentator husband Daniel Topolski. A collection of the works of her grandfather, Feliks Topolski RA (1907 – 1989), a Polish born British expressionist painter best known for a 600ft mural depicting events and people of the 20th century, hangs in The Rib Room.
The Rib Room is well known for their excellent burgers and we began the evening with one of these and concluded with some of their excellent gin cocktails. Here, indeed, is an ideal way to lift your spirits in the company of friends on a rainy winter’s day.
The Rib Room, Jumeirah Carlton Tower, On Cadogan Place, London, SW1X 9PY. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7858 7250. Website:http://www.theribroom.co.uk
