Did you see the news this morning……………I did…………..and once again the world has gone mad.
Good morning from Naples where the sun is shinning and I have just finished my breakfast of cereal and a cracker with cheese…………..who needs eggs, bacon, sausages and loads of toast oozing with butter when you can have shredded wheat and a slice of Italian cheese on a cracker.
It was while I was munching away on my breakfast and watching SKY news in the hotel room that I came across a story that beggers belief.
As you know there has been a terrible and devastating earthquake in China and continuous aftershocks have made the situation even more problematic for the rebuilding program. One of the biggest concerns are the many dams that may have become unstable and are starting to show cracks could break and flood entire towns and villages………………..60,000 people lost their lives in the earthquake and this is the last thing the provinces of this part of China need.
So, the news report showed plans to create dykes and purposely break sections of the dams channeling the fresh water away from the villages and towns and human life into the sea.
However, this morning that plan is on hold because protesters in China found Li Li, one of only 100 white-finned freshwater dolphins in the world . (What is it about Chinese wildlife? Why can’t it mate properly?) Li Li was shown swimming and mincing around having fun while a few miles away death and destruction lay all around.
In the West this would have had people crying and men with long hair and beards demanding something be done. Marine biologists would have been flown in from California. Work would have been halted and people’s lives would have been put at further risk and Li Li would have been airlifted to safety in a specially converted Richard Branson Virgin plane.
I think they do things rather differently in China and I will not be surprised if Li Li disappears and spends her days in someone’s private exotic pet collection or if the truth be known she will be become Kung Po Dolphin.
I know that sounds cruel and it may be coming across that I hate all animals following this and my Gordon Ramsey rabbit slaughter blog…………but really I don’t…………I love animals……………I want nothing but happiness for them but how can anyone think about not saving hundreds of thousands of lives because of fish…………….mammal…………whatever. ………………rescue it, do whatever but not at the expense of more suffering for the poor people of China.
I am ranting I know………but well, honestly, do you think the pyramids would have been built if anyone had concerned themselves with the welfare of the Egyptian Brown Nosed Fruit Bat.
I remember how people screamed about the Concorde………….it would damage the environment and knock cows over as it flew by…………………but good old Maggie Thatcher said bollocks ……..we are building it………..and she did……….with a little help from the French……………nobody’s perfect.
By the way, Fincantieri builds amazing vessels for us and I am proud to say that no Dolphins were harmed during the construction.
Talking of fish I want to say a big thank you for the many of you who have sent some Swedish fish to Chris Prideaux’s attention to send in turn to Heidi…………….she really is hooked on these things.
I also want to say thank you for all the comments and have just finished replying to all the ones you marked as “Stephanie – please have John reply “……………..once again, if there is anything I can do for you please let me know.
Now, for those of you on the Bloggers Cruise ………..thats 414 so far……………please can you make sure that when you booked you have the Bloggers Cruise fare thingy included in your booking ……….this will make sure you get assigned to the dining room seating with the rest of us…………..that didn’t make sense did it……………..STEPHANIE…………..help me out here……………..what do they have to do??…………….here’s Steph to tell you what I am obviously incapable of doing.
Hi Everyone,
It’s pretty simple really, just tell your Travel Agent, PVP or reservations agent that you are booking the cruise because you want to be part of the John Heald’s Blogger’s Cruise. The code for the cruise is CPBL or PBL. Once you are booked under this code you’re guaranteed invitations and access to all the special blogger’s cruise only events and will also be treated to special giveaways. If you’re already booked you can check out your booking by visiting the My Reservation section of carnival.com. You should be able to check if you’re booked with the code. If you need any help, just email me at socialnetworking@carnival.com.Thanks and see you in February 09!
I hope to publish two very special interviews today and or tomorrow……………including Celebrity Chef and someone who has featured heavily in Heidi’s dreams Todd English and we go behind the scenes of what it is like to run the hotel department of the one of the world’s most famous vessels.
The hotel we are staying at is beautiful……………oh by the way remember we are leaving here today so please don’t call as we will have buggered off to Capri……………..and on that note a special good morning to Claire (Texas cruiser) who called me last night at 8:00pm……………well………….that’s 8:00pm her time which was 3:00am my time………………..don’t worry Claire………….I know you were distraught when you realised but please don’t worry………..it was wonderful to talk to you and Heidi and I will be thinking of you on Tuesday when you have your surgery………..all will be well I promise.Anyway, back to the hotel and last night after dinner Heidi and I went to sit on the terrace so I could enjoy a cigar………….well……………..it was there that she discovered some board games were available for guests to use. These included the usual suspects………jigsaws, scrabble and to my horror………..Monopoly.
Like cricket, Monopoly has no end. The rules explain how you can unmortgage a property and when you should build hotels on Bond Street or Madison Avenue but they don’t say, and they should, that the winner is the last player left alive. ……………….I hate Monopoly. Luckily though the game was of course in Italian and even though we didn’t end up playing, the fact that one of the pieces – “the car” was a replica of a Ferrari Enzo really did make me giggle……….only in Italy!
Anyway, while we were enjoying the delights of the evening and not playing Italian “Monopolyo” I noticed that we had been joined on the terrace by someone very famous……………the actor Jason Stratham……………..he was so famous that Heidi had never heard of him………..I listed his movies including my favorite “Transporter” but she still looked blank. We then got into this whole argument about who is a real celebrity and who was the ultimate celebrity in the world…………this was our conclusion.
To find the ultimate celebrity you need to turn left at David Beckham then head straight on past Tom Hanks, Britney Spears, Bill Clinton and through the gates of Neverland into the almost strangely coloured world of Michael Jackson…………………surely the most recognized celebrity in the world.
He had it all……..a carousel and a go-kart track. he could spend a million every time he went shopping and not care because he had a billion in the bank. He had a Limo so long that when the back was in Los Angeles the front was in Vegas and he lived so far removed from even the merest touch of reality that he thought it’s okay to do pretty much what he pleased.
He went on television and with a straight face — well, what’s left of it — and said he has never had plastic surgery. He dangled his own child off a balcony and shared a bedroom with everyone else’s without even the slightest inkling that social services might be slightly concerned.
Yet even with all these problems he still remains the ultimate celebrity superstar…………………..and as Jason Stratham sat unbothered at his table sipping a drink there would be no way Michael Jackson could have done the same……………especially in this heat…………his nose would have melted.
So, let’s try this. Who is the world’s greatest living celebrity……………..I say MJ………………who’s yours?…………………….I look forward to your comments.
More from Italy later tonight via the raspberry
Cheers
John and Heidi
John:
My vote for celebrity would be CHER
(and not just because I got to be her in the Legend’s Show).
She can sing and act. And every time someone told her she could not do something…she proved them wrong.
Even at her age, she still looks “smokin” !
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
I’m pretty sure everyone in the world knows who William Shatner is. “Dammit, Jim!”
John, or Big Ed (or anybody),
When I enter CPBL as the fare (or promo) code for the Blogger’s Cruise, it tells me it’s an invalid code. What’s up with that? Do I have to call to make the reservation since the online reservation site doesn’t want me to use that code? HELP!
Myra
MJ is a good one! And from actors it would have to be Nicholson or Al Pacino.
Have a great time in Capri!
John,
I think I would have to vote for Angelina Jolie once again. I don’t think anyone could ever miss her unless she was wearing a disguise and mask and well trench coat. Sounds like Italy is treating you well. Sorry to hear so many people have been calling you at such odd times of the night for you. Try to get some sleep maybe put a Do Not Disturb on the phone for late at night. And I thought I was Heidi’s most dreamed about chef. Oh well there I go back down a few notches on the list. Todd English isn’t a real chef as I was taught in school never trust a chef who is skinny, because they never eat anything. Ok he’s a real chef and a rather brilliant one at that. And he si also a great business man with all his books and cd’s and tv shows and books, and some more places for people to trade their Enzo Ferrari’s for a meal all over the world. Did you know that in order to buy a Enzo you must be a current owner of a Ferreri, and that you can only purchase it with a invitation from Ferreri. Hope you are enjoying Capri.
Kevin
Jesus!
Hi John,
To me the greatest living celebrities in the world are:
Tom Hanks
Angelina Jolie
Brad Pitt
Madonna
Oprah
Arnold Swarchaneggar (sp??)
Johnny Depp
Bono
Cher
plus too many more to list
-Marc G
Oops, Stephanie just answered my question in this blog, i.e., use code PBL. Thanks, Stephanie.
Myra
___________________________________
John,
Oh my gosh!?!?!?! You were sitting near Jason Statham???!!! (There’s no “r” in his name, dude.) Did you get his autograph (or did he get yours)? I luv him…he can drive my car anytime! You must insist Heidi watch the Transporter movies. Did you see The Bank Job? I wanted Jason as the new James Bond. He looks much sexier in a tuxedo than does Daniel Craig and he’s much cockier…no pun intended. Wow! I’m jealous. If you see him again, tell him I said hello.
Later,
Your Pal,
Myra
John,
You forgot Jacko’s monkey! Greatest living celebrity? I’ll have to think about that one. I think that answer depends a lot on where you live and what you think is important in life.
Ciao for now,
Carol
Hi John,
“In the West… Work would have been halted and people’s lives would have been put at further risk and Li Li would have been airlifted to safety in a specially converted Richard Branson Virgin plane.”
I can’t think of a single instance where civilians lives (please note I said LIVES, not jobs or property or fur coats – that is an entirely different matter) have been put intentionally at risk to save an endangered animal. Can you name one? I DO know that even though grizzly bears are officially endangered, the government will kill the ones that can’t learn to stay away from humans.
I know this blog is mostly supposed to be about fun, and I try to keep that sort of attitude. But there are a lot of myths that get passed around so much that many people come to think they are gospel truth, and I think it is important to point them out so people don’t end up making bad decisions based on false data (like the 2004 presidential election).
******
). Not that Britain is home solely to the overtalented and underappreciated. I certainly think that Simon Cowell and Gordon Ramsey get airtime that is wa-a-ay out of proportion to their skills. I think if they had only as much time on the telly as they deserved, we would see them, oh, zero minutes per year (just as a rough approximation, you understand).
Now on to celebrities.
Personally, I think fame is often a reverse indicator of talent. For example, if I were to choose a favorite actor I would probably choose one of your fellow countrymen like Ian McKellan or Judi Dench or David Tennant or Patricia Routledge – people who almost never get mentioned on Excess Hollywood (sorry, that’s “Access Hollywood”
As for musicians, most of my favorites are dead people, but I like Diana Krall. I also think Duffy could turn out to be more than a one-hit wonder.
Hmmm, that is a hard one. I would have to go with Madonna. She has a lot going for her, and seems to have her head on straight, whereas there are quite a few celebrities that keep falling down and never getting back up or just keep going weebly wobblies.
I agree on Monopoly. It just keeps going and going, and I never win becuase the dice are against me!
I wish I could have joined on the bloggers cruise, but we are going in January AND again in March. It would be great to go every month but I think that my pocket book would disagree with me.
Deanna
My opinion…the world greatest celebrity? That’s easy…John Heald!
I agree with Lauren in Oregon. Jesus is the ULTIMATE celebrity superstar!
I like Barbara Streisand, Robert Redford (in his younger days), Dustin Hoffman, and Tom Hanks. Michael Jackson is a HAS BEEN now! Linda
OK, I thought about it – Most recognized celebrity world-wide? Mickey Mouse.
C.
Guess that would have to be George Hamilton. He has been seen all over the world and it is said he follows the amazing John Heald!!! LOL!!!
Have a great weekend John and Heidi!
Lori
Hummm… celebrities… Wow… I’m having a hard time coming up with an answer. Perhaps one of those guys from ‘The Deadliest Catch’ or perhaps Paul Sr. or Paul Jr. from ‘American Chopper’?? Dunno…
John, now I’m distracted by this greatest celebrity thing… Just one more thing to ponder as wonder why I don’t know who Jason Stratham is…
For all those booked with the Bayou Bloggin’ Cruise through Cruise Critic I can assure you that you are properly booked. No need to fret.
Stephanie, thanks for all your help!!
Host Mach from Cruise Critic
aka GregB
John,
It’s Sophia Loren silly…you should drop in and say Caio baby!!
Hugs to you and Heidi, and Stephanie too!
I am on my way to Happy Hours with our Krewe on cruise critic…it’s not Capri :>(…but it’s a sanctuary of fun at the end of the work day!!
Eva
John:
DJ saw this blog about the ship being built in Italy and asked me to remind you that only the best is made in Italy.
Ferraris, cruise ships and him!!
(since we spent two weeks on our honeymoon in Italy and came home with our own personal SOUVENIER !!)
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Greetings John…
Hmmmmm…….. World celebrity status…. Well……. Ummmmm……. I know…. How about that suave, debonaire, classy, & never seems to grow old gent… Mr James Bond himself….. Sean Connery. Did i just say that….? The wife made me type this…. i wonder why…? *cough*
Cheers to you & Heidi……
Richard
Hi John,
I vote for Ron Howard who was in two of the longest lasting sit coms ever, that still show daily in reruns and then, went on to direct fabulous films. If I see Ron Howard is directing-I know that film will be great.
Hi John/Heidi:
Do you count as an answer? Sadly i’d say right now the answer is Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie (bleh).
I’d say its a matter of time before someone hunts down LiLi…Just my opinion.
Great hearing from you and looking forward to hearing about the new Aida ship.
I’m also excited for your Todd English interview. He had a wonderful program on television last year here in the states and i’m hoping that he continues it again (he was nominated for a James Beard award…look it up).
Thanks again,
David
BroMate – greatst living celeb? Gotta be Clint Eastwood, what with all his government duty. But, hey, after your visit to Hollywoood, IT COULD BE YOU!!!
I have to agree with the above poster….either good ole Jack Nicholson or Al Pacino…MJ would never get my vote…he is too much a freak and child molester!!
John, It has to be Barry Manilow (Nana made me say it)
Enjoy the rest of your vacation, best to Heidi.
Papanh
Paul McCartney!! I can only hope that MJ has to sell his Beatle songs back where they belong.
Jan
Hmmmmmmmmmm I think you would have to say Elvis is the most famous celebrity in rock and roll.
Dale Earnhart in Nascar racing
In movie’s I guess I would have to vote for Clark Gable, but then you can’t dismiss John Wayne
The most famous CD, that goes without saying…. John Heald
I can’t pick one person as the most famous when there so many famous people in their own right.
But I think the most famous person ever, I would have to agree with some others is Jesus.
Carolyn
Hello John,
Enjoy Capri and your friends. I’m thinking the Beatles were the first ultimate celebrities. No one today even comes close.
John… Thank you for the dinner news… I asked and I got an answer!! You do satisfy!!! And you make it all so simple!!!
As for the greatest living star… why John Heald, of course!!!
Regards to you and Heidi!! Special thanks to wonderful Stephanie!! And to all the other behind the scenes folks… God Bless you!!!
Lambie
Living? Elizabeth Taylor. Yes, her golden days are gone but she’s still the ultimate over a long life.
Dead? Elvis Presley. He’s almost a religion. I know. I live in Memphis. You should see the people who come to Graceland and how they react.
John,
I gotta go with Robin Williams as a single performer, Now if you went with a group of performers, the entire Monty Python flying circus.
Floatie we all love Sophia, she still turns heads even at 75. The only other one I know thats in that league is momma floatie.
Mac, I think the crews of the Deadliest Catch wouldn’t know how to react to CALM WATER, my opinion. But the guys from Orange County Chopper, think of the Carnival inspired cruiser bike they could build. Farcus finned sissy bar, slot machine lever shifter, drink holders that would fit the cool drink o the day…. and a side car for your own personal bar steward.
daytona dan
I agree with everyone that you are the greatest, John.
However, my vote would have to go to fellow Canadian, Shania Twain. She is so down-to-earth.
Cindy
Jason Statham!?! WOW! Yes, he’s definitely up there on the list of celebrities. Here’s a list for Heidi to sit and watch with you: Transporter; Transporter 2; Lock, Stock & 2 Smoking Barrels; Ghosts of Mars; Revolver; War; Chaos; The Italian Job; and, my all-time favorite; Snatch.
But as far as world-wide celebrity status, I have to go with the amazing Angelina Jolie… even if she’s with that sod, Pitt.
John
This among all the others I feel sure will not reach you because I have no idea how to set up a WEB SITE, fact is I don’t want to set one up, but I do want to share Capri. It has become my favorite place on earth and how secure they are there, that wonderful Island so far up there in the sky.
The most famous movie star is the one and only Elizabeth Taylor. So there!!!
Looking forward to sailing with you once again sometime.
Marlene
Hi John and Heidi
I am with Heidi. I would be at a loss on Jason Statham. Being that I work nights, I don’t watch a lot of TV nor go to movies.
My vote for the most recognizable celebrity would be Betty Boop. How could anyone mistake her. LOL
I am glad to know that all your travels have been safe and can hardly wait to see the both of you again soon!!
Gloria aka Sue
John—-Please reply if you can—-
John
I would like very much to know who the CD will be on the Victory on the week of June 23, 2008, and who the CD will be on the Imagination on September 4th. If you can help me out, I would most appreciate it.
Also, I was looking at some pictures of us on the Mardi Gras, April 1993. The pictures of the CD on that looks like Lenny Halliday. Is that possible? Please update me on Lenny. I did see him on at least one ship after that.
Thanks in advance. Stay safe and enjoy yourselves. My best to Heidi
Gloria Frey
Mickey is a good pick.
How about the “other” MJ.
Jordan.
Hi John,
I’m not much of a Monopoly fan either, but we have over 15 copies…mostly in different languages. The latest edition is from Croatia, bought while on the Liberty
)
TTFN,
Ayr