The President's Medals of Freedom ...

I am looking at the list of this year's recipients of the "Medal Of Freedom", given by President Barack Obama: I have met some of them, and it brings back some emotional or funny moments with them ...

The "Medal of Freedom" is the highest award bestowed by the US. It was established by John F. Kennedy in 1963.


Glancing over the list, one may become sarcastic, pointing at Obama's urgent needs, in order to get re-elected. Targeting the Jewish community is an urgent need for him. Although many American Jews have traditionally supported the Democratic party candidates, they have issues with Obama and his commitment to the state of Israel. What a better way to correct it then awarding Israeli President Shimon Peres with one? Add to that (Jewish) musician Bob Dylan (Robert Allen Zimmerman)? A  Polish man, Karski, who was among the first to document the Nazi genocide against the Jews in Europe (and sadly died a decade before being awarded ...) And even former Secretary Of State Madeline Allbright  - the woman who discovered her Jewish routes, in the latter part of her life??

The Spanish community is crucial as well during such tight elections.  There comes Dolores Huerta. She is not only Latino and ex partner of Cesar Chaves: She is a woman.  Cynics would say: Target two (communities) by giving one award ...

                                                                              ***

Making a point on the cynics, does not take away any of the achievements by these recipients.
Not at all!!


Here are personal moments with some of them.

Dolores Huerta:

She looks tiny, even fragile. But this woman co-founded the National; Farmworkers Association, with civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. Although she is 82 years old, her energy may challenge each one of us. She wanted to meet up with me. Okay, I was willing to visit her in Bakers Field, where she lives. In the next couple of days - Dolores came up with other options. She was in a meeting in one location, taking part of a conference in another one, lobbying in a third one ...I got tired only to listen to her travelling agenda. Then - she told me, she was travelling everywhere by a bus or a train.  A little woman, with a big mission.

At the end - we met up at my hotel in Beverly Hills. The hard working woman enjoyed good wine, many laughs, snapping fun photos ...She told me about her goals, needed to be achieved for Latino women. When we hugged late at night, I wanted to give her a limo, to take her back to Baker's Field. No, she insisted, she had a ride back.

Only the next morning, I learnt, that, "the ride" was a couple of hours of bus ride. 

Shimon Peres: 

I have known him since I was a little girl. His son and my brother went to the same boarding school. The politician who had to fight so hard to become popular during his long career, is the most popular Israeli President ever. His latest visit in Hollywood got everyone from Barbara Streisand to the owners of Google, Dreamwork and Facebook behaving like groupies next to him. He has already won the Nobel Peace Prize. Another prestigious award is anything a man can ask for. But ...

"Are you lonely at the top?" I asked him at the President's place. Peres took a moment to think, before answering slowly:  "Every man feels lonely sometimes ...Yes, I am ..." 

Bob Dylan:

I don't know how many of you watched a concert of the one and only Dylan ...I went to the one in Paris, where then President Nicolas Sarkozi and wife Carla Bruni attended. Dylan is a genius, no doubt. He just stood at the same spot during the whole show, singing his tunes. When the audience asked for an encore, after he finished, the stage was left empty. We thought, he would come back ...After five minutes, we got it: he wasn't.

But the funniest story (about how cool he is) came the next day. As I was having lunch with one of his inner circles, I learnt that: " President Sarkozi wanted to have a private meeting with Dylan ...You know how Dylan is ...It was difficult to arrange ...So after the show - Carla hurries Sarkozy to backstage. There - he (Sarkozy) was so excited to meet and greet Bob ...After an awkward moment Bob warmed up. He even gave Sarkozy his belt ...Then - he left."

Dolores Clara Fernandez Huerta (born April 10, 1930) is a noted American labor leader and civil rights activist who, along with César Chávez, co-founded the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW). Huerta has received numerous awards for her community service and advocacy for workers', immigrants', and womens' rights, including the Eugene V. Debs Foundation Outstanding American Award and the United States Presidential Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights.^[1] As a role model to many in the Latin community, Huerta is the subject of many corridos (ballads) and murals.

Mary J Blige: My Empowering Perfume ...

Charity - definition in the dictionary - is a generous aid or donation to the poor, ill or helpless.

Nowadays - there so many charities, that sometimes the true meaning or the spirit of it, is forgotten.

While many of us work hard and give to the needy, some public figures just feel, it is a part of their social duty: So long as they full fill the promise.

That is why I was saddened to read today, in the New York Post, a report about Mary J. Blige's foundation,  FFAWN (Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now). According this report, the foundation owes money  to several entities, and facing lawsuits. Mary  has, allegedly,  hardly made any payments towards the foundation, despite promoting her good deed in the media, and promising  to donate 1 dollar from each sale of her perfume 'My Life,' saying that "to Empower Women If I can do it, so can they ..."

                                                              ***

I have no idea how accurate this information is (even though the newspaper provided numbers to support the report).  But it reminded me, the fact that several months ago - I received urgent "HELP" messages from on of Mary's employees. This person, wanted to work for me, or one of my friends. The employee told us about crazy life style, total chaos, disrespectful attitude towards employees and others ...I didn't want to hear any of that, and argued that Mary J Blige IS a self made woman. She has created a music/acting (plus cottage industry like perfumes) career by being gifted and hard working.

In fact - I was very impressed by Mary's campaign: To donate one dollar from the sale of each perfume. I was ...

                                                               ***

I am supporting several charities. Every now and then - it occurs to me, that instead of spending so much fund and effort on glamorous black-tie dinners (and give proceeds to certain charities) .., why won't we just give donations to the causes we care about without organizing social events?? It can be proceeds from books, concerts, movies, art works and so on. 

So Mary's announcement, that she is giving proceeds from the sale of her perfume to her charity sat well with me. I am sure, many women who had looked up to her, were hoping to hear about how the women were empowered, to thank Mary and her perfume for this great deed. Some of us might have even chosen to buy Mary's perfume over others, saying:  "Well, it helps others ..."

I hope, Mary's PR team will advise her to do an urgent damage control and make a substantial donation to these women in need, she (or someone in her camp) disappointed.

                                                                *** 

Meanwhile - I set up a system to give some of the proceeds from my book "My Benazir" automatically to two charities, I support. One of them is "The Children of Peace" is headed by my close friend Lamia Khashoggi and her partner Debbie Mace.  It supports kids who are growing up in war zones.

The other is called: "Life Action Trust. It is the charity of my beloved friend Chrisanthy Lemos who supports young artists.  

I know how hard working  both Chrisanthy and Lamia are. They give not only funds but also their hearts to these causes. I witnessed Lamia running on her high heels, few hours before her big gala, or her partner Debbie doing last moment errands instead of pumppering themselves in the spas and preparing for the gala ...That tells you a lot. Attending Chrisanthy's charities, where everything from the flowers to the sitting arrangement is well thought off, is a delightful experience.

                                                                 *** 

So how can you donate to both worthy charities, while enjoying an original book? 

Go to: www.pipublic.com.

Then click on: "My page"

Then - click on your favorite charity.

Some of the proceeds from the sale of "My Benazir" will benefit the charity you clicked on.

Clinton, Porn Stars, and ...the M word again

Okay - I must agree - it is very funny. Actually - it is hilarious ...


TMZ (and many other media outlets) reported about former President Bill Clinton, posing happily with two porn stars in a charity event in Monaco.


The porn stars Brooklyn Lee and Tasha Reigh have claimed the Clinton wanted to meet with them. According to these two, the former President was well aware of who they were, when he posed smiling with them. Naturally - these photos are all over the social (and more traditional) media.


Our first reaction is: "Wow! What an embarrassment for the popular Clinton ..."


                                                                                       ***
Trusting Your Host ...
Let us examine it closer though ...


I have hosted private events for Hillary Clinton during her presidential bid.  I attended intimate receptions with Bill (campaigning for his wife) at friends' homes.  I have done the same at my London place. supporting a charity for children with cancer, with Cherie Blair. I hosted another event to my late friend Benazir Bhutto in New York (see "My Benazir" at www.amazon.com or at www.pipublic.com). In these cases and many others - the political candidates or celebrities trusted my word, regarding the guest list. I made it my business to know each person (and an approved ahead their partners or guests) before telling my trusting friends: "It is all clear ...Go out there, make your supporters happy, recruit new ones, have fun ..."


Hillary Clinton - whom I support and proud to say, she is my friend - had a problem with one of my guests: a high profile name. She didn't feel comfortable about taking a photo with him at that sensitive time. I couldn't blame her eventhough he flew to meet with her all the way to New York. ...I needed, to accommodate both Hillary and my famous guest, and dance around that they will both have amazing time at the intimate venue without coming face to face with each other.


Hillary was less lucky when she was attending less intimate events. At one of those - a crowded event of hundreds of people she shook hands of a "big supporter," who turned out  to be a criminal on the run ...And Hillary's ex photographer bragged, how he sold these photos to the media ...IMAGINE HOW SHE WAS DOUBLE BETRAY!


And ..How could Hillary know? She relied on the host or the organizers of this event ...


                                                             ***


....Trusting Albert Of Monaco ...


If I understood correctly, the host of this lavish event in the aging Monaco was its ruler Prince Albert. Now - I know, there have been many jokes about the Prince of this tiny principality: some had to do with stuttering, others - how he bedded the waitresses and fathered their babies. Of course, there have been additional rumours ...


I am not going THERE ...I know Albert. Stupid - he is not! And he has been trying to do many things right (after doing it wrong ...). I mean it!


His problem is his low self esteem: a consequence of having a strict father, intense relationship with his mother, and his impatient desire to put Monaco on the agenda of the rich and glamorous people, once again. This ambition got him into this bizarre investment to expand his small place into the sea (where else??) ..It went so wrong ...Then - mishandling his illegal kids ...By not recognizing them for a while - he managed to make a non-issue into a major one! Magazine covers.


And ...This three days extravaganza wedding, which reportedly cost  65? 70 million dollars? 


Why?? Because he believed that marring an unemployed, uneducated blonde - would bring millions of tourists and investments into his boring little place.


Instead - he got a media disaster. It would take 65? 70 million dollars to try  correcting it. But Albert is so driven to put Monaco on the international agenda, that he keeps making - how Julia Roberts would say? - "Big mistakes"  


Nobody would ever forget, how he went to every possible party during the Oscars ...A head of state, trying to be taken serious?!


Finally, he figured he really got a big trophy - Bill Clinton. But now that the photo of Bill Clinton is splashed all over the world with these porn stars under his arms, curtosy of Prince Albert, how many leaders do you think would trust Albert


                                                                     *** 


Hey, Porn Stars are not lesser human-beings ..


Saying all that above: here is another angle to look at it. You may find it too liberal?  Let me know!


But porn stars are not - I repeat - NOT! - criminals. They are no lesser people than you and I. They are people who chose to make this kind of living for variety of reasons ...Who are we to judge them??


I had recently chatted with Mary Oberlin  - a nice religious woman.  Her daughter Rachel had become world wide famous for being one of Charley Sheen's goddesses. Mary was so upset about her daughter's choice of career - a porn star. But - she was even more devastated about people questioning if Rachel could be with Charley's kids ...Mary believed that her daughter's paychecks had nothing to do with the way she was brought up and what kind of human being she was. Mary had a point!


                                                                     *** 


So what if Brooklyn and Tasha really admired Bill Clinton and wanted a photo with him? These two might have voted for him???


Do Barack Obama and Mitt Romney know what are the job descriptions of their voters? 
Yet Bill Clinton would find himself once again all over the Jay Leno, David Letterman and other let night shows. I have a feeling the M (Monica) word would surface again .. But this time it will be M for Monaco.




Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/bill-clinton-wanted-meet-porn-starlets-brooklyn-lee-tasha-reign-claim-article-1.1084340#ixzz1vvAvIRl1

When Do you "Tell All?"

I chatted with Billy Bob Thornton, about his new book "The Billy Bob Tapes." The book got some media attention, not because of Billy Bob's big acting talent or love for music ...No, it got publicity because of two words: Angelina Jolie.

The stormy marriage of Billy Bob and Angelina fed the media with colorful stories about bloody cuts, tattoos, bad girl Angelina, wild guy Billy Bob ...Neither of them responded to these reports while they were married. Even their later split and divorce wasn't accompanied by the usual "He says ...She says..."

Ever since - Angelina has transformed herself into a loving mother for her own biological and adapted children from around the world. She has won admiration for her charity work in different parts of the globe. In fact, Joe Simpson told me, that his role model for transforming the image of his famous  daughter Jessica,"is Angelina. The way she has changed ... Her image ..."

Add to all these good things a partner like Brad Pitt, and you get the full "Angelina Factor:" a boost for media sales, books and so on.

                                                               *** 

I was surprised a bit to hear that Billy Bob wrote about his ex wife. He didn't come across as the man, who would write, a "Tell All Book" ...But when I chatted with him, I learnt that he had refused many book proposals before (I bet ...). He wasn't interested in gossip or spilling the dirty laundry. And it took him a while to write this book: "You know, I wrote it, left it ...Came back ..."

Billy Bob made it clear that some publicity around the book is a bit misleading: No, it is not a "Tell All"...In fact - the book is opening by a fascinating intro by ...Angelina.  She writes such a personal essay about her ex husband, that it reads like HER Tell All about HIM ... 

                                                               ***

So where do we draw the line between in depth accounts which tell a lot (or "All") and other kinds of "Tell All?"

The answer has to do with the motivation behind the book: Does the book have a message? Does it have a historical value? An -  artistic value?

Billy Bob's book is starting with: "Why a book now?"

I start "My Benazir" the same way.

And Billy Bob's reply is the same as mine: "I wanted to put my two cents in...I wanted people to think ..."

*   You can find more info about "My Benazir" at www.daphnebarak.com or www.pipublic.com

Tipper Gore's Secret For Perfect Marriage ...

Reading this weekend, that former U.S. Vice President Al Gore has a new girlfriend, I reflected back to  my interview with his wife Tipper Gore ...

It was at the White House. Tipper was then "the Second Lady" of the U.S. Her husband Al was the Vice President to Bill Clinton. I had met Tipper before, when she was campaigning with husband Al, Bill and Hillary Clinton, for the Presidential bid on 1992. I was assigned to interview both Hillary and Tipper for Fox TV. I really got along with Tipper Gore ...In fact - while I was interviewing Hillary - Tipper took artistic photos of the the two of us ...Tipper was fun!

                                                                         ***

I met her again, after Bill Clinton won, and became the U.S. President. Tipper was then the wife of the Vice President.  I expected a usual interview with a Vice President's wife: A mixture of  political slogans, as well as some motivating stories about how, "We can help each other..." Yet Tipper responded to one of my questions in such a personal manner! She looked at my TV cameras, and said: "Daphne, how do I maintain my happy marriage? ... Let me tell you! I spice it up ... I light candles in our bathrooms, I chose special odors ... I work on my marriage ..."

For me - a young interviewer then - it sounded wonderful! The perfect way to maintain the strong passion, a couple might have had ... Some candles, some perfume, a fun bath ...

                                                                       

                                                                        *** 

I hosted Al Gore for a dinner in London, on the eve of his Nobel Price award. It was with Renu Mehta and a gal for her foundation "Fortune Forum." I had some private time with Al ahead  of this event in London.  It was the pic of his life achievements: An Oscar, and a Nobel Prize in one year, both awards  coming after  the devastating way, Gore lost (actually won) the elections against George W. Bush. There was no sign of Tipper. I was alone with Al, in the Gym of a London hotel.

Months later - it was reported that, "Al and Tipper Gore are separating ..."

                                                                    ***

So it is not about the sexy bath with candles, no...

If you are in love - these kind of accessories are helpful, sure.

If you fall out of love - I don't know of any candle which can fix "it."

* I brought candles to my friend, the late Benazir Bhutto. She was so in love ...Read more in "My Benazir" (www.pipublic.com)

What Is This Thing About Marilyn (Monroe)?

As we were flying into Palm Springs few days ago, we noticed big trucks on the road.

"They are carrying Marilyn ..." we were told.

???

"Marilyn Monroe ..."

Apparently  a big sculpture of the Hollywood legend - with her white dress flying in the wind, showing her famous legs -  had been placed in Chicago. A glamorous addition to the windy city of Barack Obama. It got so much attention, that it was becoming a distraction. So the city  decided to take apart the big statue, and send Marilyn to look for another home ...

A welcoming invitation came from Palm Springs, the desert home of many Hollywood legends on the past and present: From the late Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra to currently Al Pacino, Barry Manilow and many others.

As a matter of fact - Marilyn spent a secret weekend with JFK, at the home of the President's brother in law Peter Lowford, in Palm-Springs. Needless to point out - behind the back of then first lady, Jackie Kennedy.

So we wanted to welcome Marilyn in person ...We arrived at a spot, aside the shopping area of Palm Springs. There - with the mountains view in the back - is Marilyn's new home: A future tourism sensation. When we arrived, we had a full view of Marilyn legs, towering on high heels. Her white dress was lying nearby. Her face, dominated by big red lipstick smile, was resting on the floor. Builders were fussing around the heavy pieces of her body, planning how to put them together. Tourists were taking photos of her naked legs ...What a surreal scene ... It somehow reminded me, of Marilyn life falling into pieces before her tragic end.

The next day - before we flew out of Palm Springs, we stopped by again. The statue was already put together. Marilyn looked eternal, with her flying hair, white dress, against the desert's hills. Despite the huge size of the statue, she somehow looked vulnerable, needy, looking for love …

Like many powerful women.

*Another powerful woman who was searching for love, and died tragically was my friend, Pakistani leader, Benazir Bhutto.  Read more about her last unknown period in my book "My Benazir." You will get a rare signed photo of Benazir as a gift, if you purchase the book, before July 17^th on www.pipublic.com.

The Wicked Spouse ...

A new book, called "The Amateur" is getting publicity, because of the way it treats First Lady Michelle Obama. According to this book, Michelle is jealous about women surrounding her husband, President Barack Obama. She has allegedly distanced several women from her husband, including Oprah, who had helped the couple during the last elections.


Sooo ...What is new? We have heard the same about Hillary Clinton, when her husband Bill was the (popular) President.  There were stories flying around Cherie Blair when her husband Tony was the British Prime Minister.  Years ago - there were similar stories about Leah Rabin, the wife of the late Israeli Prime Minister Itzhak (Rabin).


I know a different Hillary Clinton. I like her. I also know a likable Cherie Blair. I got along with the late Mrs. Rabin ...So how come, they have faced such unflattering rumours?


Asif Ali Zardari, the President of Pakistan had an answer to this question.


When I asked him and his late wife Benazir Bhutto, in one of our interviews, about his bad reputation, he shot back: "It is always about the spouse. He or she is the soft belly of the leader ..."


Asif felt that the years he had spent in prison, and the negative media about him were caused by people who wanted to hurt the leader, his wife. You can read more about it in my book "My Benazir" (links on: www.daphnebarak.com).


Do you agree with him?

Forever "Mr. Wonderful" ...

Reading today about another rare interview by Dr. Hasnat Khan  - this time around about him being among the victims of the phone hacking scandal - it is becoming clear, he will always remain, the man, Princess Diana called: "Mr. Wonderful."


I met Hasnat on 2004 in London. He told me about the charity he and the late Princess created. One could not miss his devotion to his profession. We kept in touch on the phone, via emails  and face to face. Hasnat looked trapped. He was trying to move on with his life after the tragic death of Diana in a car accident. Yet - the media was chasing after him, for his story - a love affair between a glamorous Princess and a low key Pakistani doctor.  Hasnat told me, how he was trying to avoid attention. At one point - he introduced me to his uncle Omar and his wife Jane. The couple who hosted some of the meetings between Diana and Hasnat at their then London home, added more stories about the 24/7 media attention, they were forced to cope with.


Hasnat tried to leave London. He traveled in Singapore, Malaysia ... At one point - he sent me cheerful text messages, announcing that he got married!


Was it the Diana's shadow or his -  own demons?? The marriage hasn't last long.


Benazir Bhutto was fascinated with the love story between Hasnat and Diana. She grilled me over lunches and dinners in New York, for every little detail about it. She needed to know ... It made me wonder if she was talking about the late Diana, who had been searching for love, or - about herself ...


* More about it in my new book "My Benazir" See links at www.daphnebarak.com


Recently - I had Hasnat on my mind again. My friend Tim Haslam told me about his upcoming film: It is about Hasnat and Diana. He referred to my interview with Imran Khan which reveals some of the drama, the couple faced shortly before Diana died.


Feeling loyal to both sides, Tim and Hasnat, I chose to know as little as possible about the project. I was thinking, how it would effect the private Hasnat, to see his story (even if not accurate) on the screen, promoted on bill boards. On the other hand - Tim had a good story to tell, no doubt.


So 15 years after he saw Diana for the last time, Hasnat is still known as Diana's lover rather than  (a fine)  Dr. Khan.  He can save people's lives (actor Omar Sharif told me, he had done so), or build a new hospital in Pakistan ... Still he is called: "Mr. Wonderful."


Why? Perhaps - like my late friend Benazir - we are all longing to find a "Mr. Wonderful??"

About Cancer Stricken Kids & Inspiration

A video with cancer stricken kids, dancing with their doctors and nurses, has become viral.
More important - it has put this issue on the agenda!


I have come to know more about these brave kids and their families, thanks to Cherie Blair. The wife of former British prime minister (Tony) is the patron of Clic Sargent - a UK charity, dealing with the needs of kids battling cancer, and their families.  Cherie convinced me to host a cocktail reception in London, and make some of my friends open their hearts and pockets (5000 pounds can take care of the treatments and needs of one kid) to these young victims.


The evening - attended by business people, socialites and media editors - was a success. It was a mixture of good atmosphere, laughs, food&drinks, with lots of emotional moments ...


Three guests brought the best of everybody with their stories: These were young girls, who had been battling cancer, accompanied by their proud parents. Many operations and painful moments, they had gone through, did not take their hope and beauty away. On the contrary! One girl wanted to become a reporter and was so happy, to get invitations there from 
"The Sunday Times" and "The Mail On Sunday."


Towards the end of the evening, I noticed a tearful Suzi Uzikin ...Only few people in the cheerful room knew that the hard working Clic Sargent charity chief had a bad news that week. Yes, cancer.


Late that night, Cherie text messaged me, with full of superlatives about "The great evening!" The ensuing media coverage of the evening had the same emotional tone.


But we need to do more and more to help these children, and support their families. Singer Bret Michaels  told me, he donated  money for this cause. Eric Trump (Donald's son) told me about his own charity, supporting this cause. And Suzi Uzikin just sent me an invitation for her event next month.


* For photos and videos from the evening I hosted for "Clic Sargent" with Cherie Blair, visit my website:  www.daphnebarak.com

What Do Cameron Diaz And Hillary Clinton Have In Common?

I am sure some of you would answer: "Not much ..."


But  they do share  one thing I value - honesty.


I wrote about how tired I am to read all these articles, dealing with how tired Hillary Clinton looks these days, and how she appeared - god forbid - without hair and make up!


I am friends with Hillary. I have supported her bid for President. She would have made a great President!
Yesterday - Hillary stated: "I don't have time for make up ..."


No, she doesn't! Between falling from planes in different spots of the world, and climbing the stairs (of the planes) back ...


And make-up, hair, healthy regiment: It takes time.


Recently - I met Cameron Diaz in a spa. I was there only for the weekend. She had completed a whole week, by that time. We chatted about many things, including, how we kept fit. Cameron who has one of the best bodies in Hollywood (these never-ending legs) shared with me, that she liked sweating in the gym  or outside. She made no secret, that she took time and effort to stay in (such a good) shape. I found it refreshing, next to several actresses in Hollywood, who like you to think, they fall out of bed that (perfect) way ...


But I really saluted Cameron, when I watched one of the junket interviews, she gave last week, promoting her new movie: "What To Expect, When You Are Expecting?" Cameron who is turning 40 soon, admitted happily, on camera, that it takes time to maintain her looks. Yes!


Both women - Hillary and Cameron - gave a  straight answer to a question, other women would have danced around, and fuel more gossip ...


Their honesty was a win-win.

Hillary (Clinton) looks tired ...

I am tired of reading, "How Hillary Clinton looks tired ..."


Staring at her recent photos, comparing them to many photos I have with Hillary at my parties or other meetings - yes, she looked much better few years (and thousands of flights) ago.


I am a friend and a supporter of Hillary. It is known, that I supported her presidential bid, and hosted couple of events for her. I think, she learnt fast and became a good senator. I still think, she would have made a good president!


She lost to Barack Obama, and settled for the job of Secretary Of State. That means a grueling traveling schedule, sometimes having breakfast in one continent, and a (formal) dinner in another. Hillary is a veteran politician. She has campaigned with her husband Bill, when he was running for President. In fact - I met her then, for an exclusive interview for Fox TV, for the first time. Then - she has been travelling all over New York state, campaigning for the New York seat in the senate.


She told me later, that her best friends then - were a pair of old flat shoes ...Our mutual friend designer Craig Taylor made some special shirts for her, which looked nice even after a day, full of exhausting stops. It is tiring for any politician (or his spouse). Nothing new.


That is why she was so happy, when I introduced her to my friend Dr. Mark Hyman, who believes in preventive medical treatment. She called me  later to ask about his treatments. She was seeking for a healthy life style, renewed energy and as a result - looks.


It was summer of 2004 - we were at a Spa in Lennox, Massachussets. John Kerry was the Democrat nominee for president. Rumours about a Hillary's bid were circling around. But I knew, it was untrue.  Hillary said: "Daphne, since I am not running for President this year, I decided to do something for myself, my health ..." She was there with her mother Dorothy and her daughter Chelsea. They all liked going around with their robes, do check ups, treatments ...What I call: "ME time."


AND she looked damn good! When Hillary has the right make up person, her big blue eyes are so expressive. Her short hairdo gave her a young look, highlighting her nice oval face. Her pant suits gave her an efficient look and the comfort she needed. To her delight, she lost few pounds.


                                                                      *** 


But can anyone expect her to keep this regiment, during her almost 24/7 travelling schedule?? When I travel overseas - I land with horrible water retention, bad circulation, dry skin, and many times - a virus I inherited from one of the other passengers. When the flights exceed 12 hours - I make sure, I hit the gym before ANYTHING!  A  massage or a sauna is another solution to speed into a "business as usual" attitude in another part of the world.


Yet - Hillary  has camera on her (yes, tired) face the moment she lands in a foreign country. Facing HD  cameras, after a long flight ...Isn't it against the Geneva Convention?? ...


And these are the photos, distributed around the world!


So Hillary is right, not to bother too much with make-up and hair these days. Let her finish her demanding job, and go and take care of herself. Trust me, she will once again - become a good looking woman.


* Women in politics face these issues often. The late Benazir Bhutto asked for my advice, regarding her heath regiment. I introduced her to Dr Hyman. More about it in my new book "My Benazir" (www.daphnebarak.com)

Sarkozy's role model is ...Tony Blair. Yes!

"How did you know?" I was asked yesterday, when the results of the French elections were announced. "How come you were so sure, Nicolаs Sarkozy was going to lose??"

There is nothing sure in politics. I have met personally all recent players: From Nicolas Sarkozy to his ex wife Cecilia, their son Louis, Cecilia's current husband Richard, Nicolas' current wife Carla, her mother Marissa ...


Sounds confusing, no doubt.


I have also met Francois Hollande and his ex partner Segolene Royal.


Meeting all of them gave me a personal feeling. BUT - how did I really know? How did I dare publish it ahead, despite the tight elections? The answer includes two words: Richard Attias.


                                                                  *** 


He is the current husband of Cecilia Sarkozy, the step father of Louis Sarkozy. Richard and I have known each other, since I agreed to host a New York charity, benefiting Nelson Mandela. It was the kick off for another charity in Dubai. Attias was then the president of  the "Publicist events".  He was involved in these events as well. We have become friends.


Five years later - he would cause the biggest scandal in France, dating Cecilia Sarkozy, then - Nicolas' wife.  After couple of tough years - which Richard (and later Cecilia) involved me - love won! Cecilia divorced the sitting-president Nicolas, and married Richard. They relocated to New York. Nicholas replaced Cecilia with the younger (and wealthier) Carla. There was a lot of tension between the two couples. But they have become more receptive to each other recently.


So here is what Richard - an experienced French insider - told me  a couple of weeks ago:
"Daphne, there is no chance, Nicholas would win!"


Attias divided Sarkozy's reign into two parts: "The first two years, where he behaved arrogantly, and mingled with billionaires only ..Then - after he lost his popularity dramatically - he tried hard, to support Angela Merkel regarding the Euro ..It was all too late."


Attias hinted, that Nicholas was already in talks about his career, following May 6th: "He knows, he is going to lose ..He is going to make a lot of money. A lot!! His role model is Tony Blair ..Daphne, I know you know Tony and Cherie. But ..Do you really know how much money Tony has made since he left No 10??"
                                                                 

Congrats to Mira and Paul Sorvino!

She is an excellent actress. In fact - she won an Oscar for playing a prostitute in Woody Allen's film "Mighty Aphrodite." She is tall, blond, yet - the tabloids are not following her.


Why not? Simply because she is married happily, a mother to four kids. The youngest one, Lucia was just born yesterday. Mira Sorvino has also enjoyed warm relationship with her actor-dad Paul ("Good Fellows"). No scandals - means no cover stories in the media. So what if she won the Academy Award? Even Angelina - leaning on Brad (Pitt) - needed to expose her leg out in the last awards' ceremony.


Even the actress who occupies cover pages of the magazines around the world, needed a gimmick to steal more attention. Making peace with her actor-dad (Jon Voight) and smiling with Brad were not enough in the era of new-immediate-media.


I met Paul Sorvino for an interview, and remained friends with him. He is a down to earth guy, great cook, proud dad. His eyes were teary, when he told me, how, "Mira saved my life ..." She made her then over-weight dad, who suffered from Diabetes B, to change his eating habits, his health regiment.


My friend Dr. Mark Hyman just published a book about the danger of Diabetes B, called: "Sugar Blood Solution." Clinton - whom I introduced to Mark, endorsed the book happily. Mark and Paul say: It is SO important to educate Americans (and people around the world) about eating right, exercising and so on.


I joked with Paul, over the lunch, that his story, his family, is, "too positive ..." He started to sing in the middle of the restaurant in Beverly Hills. What an operatic voice! NOW - that got every one's "attention": The word most Hollywood players are starving for.


Still - Paul is filming a movie in New York these days. "Mira is working ... She has done great work against illegal trafficking," adds a proud father, Paul. And - she just had her forth baby.
There are many good actors, directors, producers in the film industry, one doesn't read about daily. But they are still working, and generating jobs for others.


Congrats to Mira and Paul.


* More about Dr. Mark Hayman meeting the Clintons, and his solutions against obesity, read "My Benazir":   http://www.amazon.com/My-Benazir-Leaders-ebook/dp/B007TGXAKA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334258164&sr=8-1  

Some Like It Hot ...

A documentary about Tony Curtis was selected to open a film festival.


I met Tony few years ago at his house in Henderson, near Las Vegas. It took me and my crew a while, to find the location.  When Tony opened the door,  we had the following exchange ...
I asked him: "Tony, why did you decide to live so far away? ..."


Tony shot back: "Daphne, far away from WHAT??"


I looked around me. Beautiful golf course surrounded us. There was something so peaceful about it. Tony gave me a tour, which included a sculpture of Marilyn Monroe. He stopped next to it, and told me juicy stories about Monroe, who starred with him in "Some Like It Hot". He continued with stories about Jack Lemon and other Hollywood icons.


"Do you miss, making movies?" I asked. He thought about it, and then said: "Look, if Hollywood wants me, I am one phone call away ..." That simple.


He had this confidence of someone who has been there, done that ...And "that" - was being a Hollywood legend. Someone who didn't need to reside in Hollywood, in order to be a part of it.
He introduced me to his wife Jill, and told me about the happiness he found with her.


After few hours, before we said good-bye, he showed me some of his paintings: "I love painting," he said, "It is relaxing ..." Actually, he was quite a good painter. I flattered him, adding that my mom who adored him, had a birthday. Perhaps I said, I should buy one of his paintings for her. Tony got excited! He offered to call her and wish her "Happy Bday" ...Then - he pointed at a small-tiny painting, and said: "And this is mom's gift ...Only 5000 USD!"

Congrats, Papa Joe (Simpson) ...

Joe Simpson was showing me his mobile: a photo of an adorable little boy was filling the screen. "Daphne, meet my grandson, Ashley's son ..." said a proud Joe. He looked so emotional, that I gave him a big hug, before leaving.


There is a big misconception about Joe, the father of Jessica and Ashley Simpson. While Hollywood and most of the media have described him as a control-freak, self-serving dad-manager, I know a different Joe.


We met at the worst time for his older daughter Jessica. The tabloids were featuring unflattering photos of her, screaming that her then boyfriend Tony Romo, "dumbed her!" The media suggested, that Jessica was OVER-weight. So was her singing career - OVER.


Joe was having breakfast with me. He needed to offload. It was 2 hours of almost a monologue. In the midst of the nightmeatish press about his daughter (and him!), he asked me about my opinion: "Daphne,  what do you think about building fashion accessories around Jessica?"


Apparently - the accessories, she had had on her names, were produced by others. She had just given her name, and that business dissolved for different reasons. My gut feeling told me that beautiful Jessica would engage women to wear her cloths and accessories, because she was so human: fighting her carvings to eat, falling in love with the wrong guys (the John Mayer nightmare) ...


A year later - Joe and I were sitting at my hotel in L.A. The fashion industry he had created, in 12 months, for his daughter and his wife Tina had become a mega success. It catered to every woman, every size, in affordable prices. I congratulated him for rumored half a billion dollars turn around.  Joe corrected me: "Daphne, three quarters of a billion ..." It had grown to one million ever since.


Joe was talking about his two daughters as a proud - sometimes painful - dad. I asked him about Ashley's career.  It was then, when he showed me the photo of his grandchild, and said tenderly: "Ashley prefers these days ...She just want to raise her child ...So we focus on Jessica's career now, and let Ashley be a mom .."


Despite his  image in the media as an ambitious manager, I could tell, he was thinking about Jessica. Telling me more about how her public divorce made him sad, protective: "I just want her to be happy ..."


And Papa Joe got what he wanted for his little girl: Money, success, even revenge ...
And happiness.

* Read about the joy of being a hands on mother, in my book  "My Benazir"  (www.daphnebarak.com)

Exploiting Bin Ladin's name ...

The seals - I read today  - are upset with Barack Obama, for exploiting their successful operation, killing Bin Ladin a year ago, in his campaign to be re-elected to president.


But is it the first time Bin -Ladin's name was used for wide range of goals?


In my book "My Benazir" - I bring extracts from my interview with then (2005) Pakistani president Pervez Musharaf who told me that he "almost," captured the terrorist, then. He was that close ...


In my  interview with Benazir Bhutto and her husband Asif Ali Zardari (Pakistani president today)  - parts of it are published in "My Benazir" - Benazir said that "NOT catching Bin Ladin ...Just keep saying that HE is searching for him ..." is the way Musharraf has secured the U.S. support and heavy funding: "Musharraf is using Bin-Ladin's name for his own political needs ..."


Ironically - Asif would make the same promises to the U.S., after her assassination, and him taking over the leadership of Pakistan. When I visited him on 2008 in Pakistan, it was clear, that pleasing the US.., was his safest card, to get crucial aid and support. And searching for Bin Ladin was part of the deal.


Finding Bin Ladin (and killing him) literally under Asif's nose, broke the remains of this shaky deal, let alone the trust. Each side used it to his own benefit.


Bin Ladin's name was even used for colorful tabloid stories. Yes, yes ...Couple of years ago, I was asked by my editors, to interview Zaina Bin Ladin and her husband Omar. She - is a British woman, who fell in love with a young man, half her age: Omar, Osama Bin Ladin's son. Omar's mother - one of the terrorist's ex wives - wrote a book. Zaina and Omar spoke with me, about their hardships, "Being Bin Ladin." Zaina wanted to have children with Omar using a surrogate mother. She told me, she had an agent, liaising with different media outlets. I ran their juicy story. So did others. Then - we ran follow-up stories ...


Would we have paid attention to this couple, unless HE was Bin Ladin's son??