In Ireland we have a saying: “cead mile failte”. Its basic meaning is “Welcome” but the literal translation is a “hundred thousand welcomes” - the Irish are a very poetic lot! So instead of coming up with endless excuses why I have been sooo bad at updating my blog I just want to say a hundred thousand apologies/ “sorries” – if that makes any grammatical sense? Hopefully discerning readers, you understand exactly what I mean.
The last nine months have been filled gadgets, dolphins, numbers (yes, I was in the running for Carole Vorderman’s Countdown job!), and several other projects which I shall elaborate on as and when the time is right. Translation = hopefully VERY soon.
Here’s a link to the new gadget show Boxed which I co present with Absolute Radio's Adrian Hieatt. Boxed “is an online entertainment gadget show that takes a quirky, irreverent and informative look at all the newest and coolest gadgets out there”
We’re not sure at the moment what’s going to happen with it. There are a couple of companies interested in sponsoring it and also a pretty huge UK production company that may take over the production. I’ll keep you all posted!
In the meantime here are photos from some of the highlights of the last few months:
For those of you who have never been to a GP before - I'd suggest Monaco as a great starting point!
However be warned! Prepare yourself for an UNBELIEVABLE amount of noise - and crowds aplenty! This is a picture from the walk from Monaco train station to the apartment where I watched the race.
Forget driving into Monaco - naturally most of the roads are closed and so many race fans besiege the principality that it is pretty much impossible to move by any form of wheeled transport.
That said, you can almost taste the excitement and despite not being a confirmed race fan I was equally revved up by the time the race began!
Here's a couple more photos for you:
We were situated just over the start/finishing line - so had fantastic views!
I watched the race at Stelios' (Mr Easy Jet) apartment - then went on to party through the evening as he'd laid on food, drink and a great DJ!
NBC Universal Party
I was hosting the NBC Universal Party at 67 La Croisette during MipCom and managed to get hold of some photos thanks to Mr Photographer extraordinaire Pat Denton. This is one of the most amazing penthouse apartments in Cannes so I wanted to share a taster of what it’s like and the views from it. It even has its own swimming pool running between the floors!!
This is the terrace!
Here I was being held at gunpoin
t by a chick from the sci fi channel!
There were some great costumes on show - I felt pretty under-dressed, even the feather boa was given to me by the feline lady to liven up this shot!
One of the most fascinating places I visited last year was Damanhur. Based in Italy, just north of Turin this must be one of the most incredible places on the planet. I couldn’t believe I had never heard of the place before. Nestled in the side of a mountain, the brain child of man named Oberto Airaudi (aka Falco), are some of the most extraordinary temples I’ve ever seen. It was like taking a trip back in time to ancient Egypt!
They are now known as the Temples of Humankind.
Excavation was done in complete secrecy as Airaudi had not obtained planning permission, apparently it would have been almost impossible to get.
So in the late 1970’s Airaudi and some followers started carving in to the side of the mountain with basic tools like hammers and picks. What was created is astonishing! Take a look at the pictures.
We had an amazing tour of the temples and everybody in the group was left with an overwhelming sense of reverence.
Irrelevant of religious or spiritual beliefs, I really recommend a visit to the temples.
They are now considered to be the 8th wonder of the world - a view I entirely concur with!