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Simon News, Articles, Info - Part 1
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| Fran |
Date: Friday, 22-Jun-12, 10:47 AM | Message # 196 |
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Excerpt:
On Hamish and Andy’s Gap Year, we discovered that no-one wants to buy photos of The Mentalist’s Simon Baker.
The boys infiltrated the paparazzi in the hopes of getting Lee closer to Britain’s most eligible singleton, Pippa Middleton.
Andy Lee asked one of the famously cutthroat photographers how he overcame the ethical dilemma of making someone’s private moments public in order to make money.
“It’s a bit invasive but you’ve just got to do it,” was the snapper’s insightful words of wisdom on his internal struggle.
He then went on to say he’d once received $31,000 for a single photo of a B-grade Brit presenter. Yet he couldn’t offload snaps of Aussie actor, Baker, for love nor money. Blake took the pic off his hands for 10 pounds.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/enterta....4947732
Link only works from Google Search, but no other mention of Simon in the article
(I assume this was in the UK where Simon doesn't have a high profile. Although because he doesn't provide gossip stories for the sensationalist mags, his photos are no doubt less in demand than those who do.) |
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| Juney |
Date: Friday, 22-Jun-12, 1:52 PM | Message # 197 |
 Bee's Knees
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That looks a really lovely relaxiing place to be. Some of that sunshine wouldn't come amiss, though of course its winter down there isn't it. |
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| Tassie |
Date: Friday, 22-Jun-12, 6:10 PM | Message # 198 |
Bee's Knees
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Has Simon done something to annoy the British Press? I noticed that even in the Metro free paper there was a picture of the girl who won the best dressed competition but on her own-you would have thought they would have printed one with Simon alongside her. |
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| justlook3 |
Date: Friday, 22-Jun-12, 6:16 PM | Message # 199 |
 Bee's Knees
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Quote (I assume this was in the UK where Simon doesn't have a high profile. Although because he doesn't provide gossip stories for the sensationalist mags, his photos are no doubt less in demand than those who do.)
I suppose a happily married devoted dad whose main vices are beer and ice cream aren't really major tabloid fodder well anywhere. That's just as well, he doesn't need to be splashed across these things. Funny that much money's paid for a "celeb" who probably goes to an opening of an envelope! |
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| ruuger |
Date: Friday, 22-Jun-12, 6:44 PM | Message # 200 |
Cobber
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Quote (justlook3) I suppose a happily married devoted dad whose main vices are beer and ice cream aren't really major tabloid fodder well anywhere.
*nods* The Mentalist is one of the most popular foreign shows in Finland, but the only time I've seen Simon mentioned in any of the tabloids here was because of these pictures. And even with that article, the headline just called him "a handsome TV-star" which is a sign that the paper didn't think that he's an interesting enough celebrity for people to click the link with his name attached to it (=they hope that people will click just to know who the celebrity in question is).
Message edited by ruuger - Friday, 22-Jun-12, 10:19 PM |
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| bee |
Date: Friday, 22-Jun-12, 7:17 PM | Message # 201 |
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I'm afraid nowadays the British press only seem interested in these so called 'reality' stars who are dime a dozen and here one minute and gone the next! Sign of the times I suppose but such a shame talented people like Simon are ignored because they don't draw attention to themselves. As has been said the press are not interested in Simon because although he's a great actor, his priority is being a loving husband and father which unfortunately doesn't sell newspapers.
Message edited by bee - Friday, 22-Jun-12, 7:18 PM |
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| Fran |
Date: Friday, 22-Jun-12, 7:20 PM | Message # 202 |
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Quote (justlook3) Funny that much money's paid for a "celeb" who probably goes to an opening of an envelope!
ruuger - Interesting that in Finland its a similar situation to the UK, with Simon not getting much press coverage. |
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| AgentM |
Date: Friday, 22-Jun-12, 8:20 PM | Message # 203 |
 Bee's Knees
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To be honest, I'd much rather he didn't turn up in the UK tabloids - I'd much prefer to see him on some of our chat shows and in interviews. Still pictures are nice but they don't compare to seeing him animated in the flesh!
It's a sad reflection on society that he doesn't get coverage for actually being a respectable, responsible role model with the values much missing by much of today's society. They should be flying his face on flags for goodness sake!!!
Still, I don't think he'll be lying awake, losing sleep over the fact that the British print press don't find him sensational enough. Besides, if he did appear it would just give Robin Tunney more ammunition to tease him about! 
Tho' I do agree that it would be nice to hear about him occasionally. My local paper prints his picture in the TV guide section now and again but not as often as I'd like. |
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| lqnt |
Date: Friday, 22-Jun-12, 8:55 PM | Message # 204 |
Ankle Biter
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In Spain the situation is similar: while The Mentalist is the most viewed foreign show, Simon hardly gets any attention from the press. I've only seen a few pics of him in Hola magazine attending a Lakers game or an article at their website talking about his dressing style. The attention here (sadly) is too focused in reality 'stars' like people from Big Brother an the likes.
BTW, there is an interview by an Spanish journalist/blogger who attended the Longines events that I wanted to translate for you to post here Fran, but haven't had time. If you want you can post the google translation and I can try to correct/improve the translation during the weekend if you want.
http://www.elhedonista.es/2012/06/simon-baker-ficha-por-longines/
Edit by Fran: Thanks lqnt  . I've copied in a translation here. If you could improve it that would be great, and I'll then post it in the Articles section as well.
Simon Baker "signs" for Longines
Australian actor Simon Baker is the new image of the watchmaker brand, for representing perfectly their slogan "Elegance is an attitude." We were with him in Chantilly (France) at the Prix de Diane Longines, which brought over 44,000 people to the Aga Khan's racetrack. Quite an event.
Longines celebrates its 180th anniversary in a big way. It's their second time as official timekeeper and sponsor of the Prix de Diane Longines, an sports and social equestrian event of great significance, that last weekend reunited more than 44,000 spectators in an atmosphere of elegance, where etiquette (tie and suit for men, decorative hats for women) was required.
But the reason for our trip was to interview the new male ambassador of the brand, Aussie actor Simon Baker, who we had the opportunity to meet last night at a dinner we were invited to at the Castle of Chantilly, owned by the Aga Khan. An exquisite party culminating in a brilliant display of fireworks in the gardens.
The calm Man (relaxed was fine Fran, but I think calm is closer to the meaning of 'tranquilo', though it can be translated as quiet, relaxed, calm, easygoing or laid-back)
Facing reporters from 47 countries over a morning meal cannot be pleasurable, for Simon or for anyone else. Especially knowing that most of the questions and the answers have to be politically correct, because Simon Baker is on a mission to "communicate" as the new Longines Ambassador of Elegance. Nevertheless, we were greeted with a warm handshake, with great patience and exquisite amiability.
- Do you feel you are an elegant man?
I am very proud and honored to be associated with a brand that has been around for such a long period of time. Its values of quality and elegance are certainly the ones that I like the most.
- Are you good with new technology?
I'm not bad, but not very good. I have no facebook, and I have no twitter ... I love Email, because with so much to do its something that really helps. I have mixed feelings about it. I believe that new technologies are great, but I'm a little old-fashioned, for example, I feel lost without my phone, but at the same time I cannot wait to lose it. It is a strange relationship.
- Do you think they [new technologies] are a tool to join people or to isolate people? (The question is in terms of communication between people, so I’m not sure which verbs would be more appropriate, but I think you can get the idea with the answer)
I also believe that much of the common misunderstanding in which we live is due to new technologies. They have become a kind of drug. Today there’s not many people who smoke, yet people compulsively look at their mobiles: at a dinner in the middle of conversations ... and I disagree with that. I think it shows a lack of respect. I have two teenage sons, so I see many teenagers, and it is important for me to see how they relate to eachother. And I see that they can often be together in one room without speaking for a long time, simply because they are talking to others by phone.
- Do you consider yourself a "celebrity" who lives in Los Angeles? Do you have problems with the paparazzi or do you have a quiet life?
I work a lot, and that is one of the main reasons why I live in Los Angeles, because that's where the industry is. Also I travel a lot, I’ve just finished filming a movie in London, and in the past I’ve shot a film in New York ... so lots of travelling. The rest of the year is dedicated to "The Mentalist", living in Los Angeles for about nine months a year. Do I see myself as a "celebrity"? The truth is no. Sometimes I see someone eating in a restaurant and I say "Oh, look who's there". But the truth is that that's life in LA and nobody looks at anyone there twice. It's when I go away from there that I realize for example how successful "The Mentalist" is.
- And what is your relationship with fashion?
It's interesting because I can appreciate the aesthetics and certain things related to fashion. I appreciate the forms of beauty, especially in a woman, the way the shoes look, for example. But regarding my own style it's always simple. What I feel comfortable with. Many times, due to my work, I take refuge in certain characters, it is a way of protecting ourselves, our soul, but at other times I feel quite exposed. But that's who things are, always between two extremes. And I always try to feel comfortable in both sides.
- One of the last films you worked on was "Margin Call", where you played an ambitious broker, so I wanted to know your opinion about the current economic crisis, especially here in Europe ...
Obviously I made this film because it's a situation in which we are immersed right now, the global financial crisis. From many points of view its not as severe as the Great Depression, because we live in a different time. It is perceived differently. Until recently Australia was one of the "untouchables", but since three years ago it has started to suffer it. Like in the US, which is also experiencing some recession. And you see so many countries having problems ... What do I think of this? I think it's obviously a simple matter of "bad maths". And a problem of greed. And if you saw the movie I think it illustrates very well the way in which certain companies try to make easy money. It is a concept that we need to change. If you have 20 euros in your pocket, you have 20 euros in your pocket, and you know how you feel about that. I have always had the working class mentality. So the idea of having 20 euros but think that I can make them 40, and then spend those 40 without thinking it over ... that’s not me. And I think we should take this as a lesson to learn something.
- Do you have the same sense of humor in real life that in fiction, such as your character in "The Mentalist"?
Do you think so after my previous answer? (Laughs). The truth is yes. Definitely. I put a lot of my sense of humor in the character of "The Mentalist". And I've been portraying him for so long that I think it's difficult it could be otherwise.
- What do you think a watch adds to the appearance of a man?
It’s something that round the look. You know how people now usually look at the phone to check the time? Well, the watch is aesthetically nicer and it’s a symbol of style.
- Did you have a watch before becoming Longines Ambassador?
I have some old watches that my wife has bought me on different travels, very old and almost none of them work. But they look phenomenal.
Message edited by lqnt - Saturday, 23-Jun-12, 6:35 PM |
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| Wand612 |
Date: Friday, 22-Jun-12, 9:35 PM | Message # 205 |
Jillaroo
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Thanks very much lqnt. It's a very nice interview. Google translator did a decent job. |
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| justlook3 |
Date: Friday, 22-Jun-12, 10:41 PM | Message # 206 |
Bee's Knees
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Well those pics ruuger certainly answered the usual pressing question asked of men. 
Anyway, moving right along, basically as far as tabloids are concerned, he's boring. Which is great for us, because we know that the person we admire is worthy of admiration. I'd rather not see him appear in a tabloid. It might be nice to see him more in mainstream publications about his talent, but what can you do?
He doesn't get much play in American stuff either. It's fashionable for tv media to sneer at CBS shows (despite the high ratings) which is funny because same hipsters then fawn all over your Sharon Osbournes and your Kim Kardashians.
I guess you know having highly rated shows and being decent people just doesn't cut it anywhere. (Whatever media) |
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| Fran |
Date: Saturday, 23-Jun-12, 0:15 AM | Message # 207 |
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Excerpt:
ACROSS the Channel there was an Australian flavour at the Prix de Diane Longines (the French Oaks) meeting at the picturesque Chantilly racecourse last weekend. Former Australian soap star Simon Baker (below) was named as the new international ambassador for luxury watch company Longines.
The Mentalist star's first engagement in his new role was at the Prix de Diane where he was introduced to guests in Longines' stunning trackside marquee. Notables in the exclusive and very refined enclosure included Australian businessman and former politician Andrew Peacock. Also enjoying the stylish day was Inglis director Jonathan D'Arcy.
Baker presented the trophy after the running of the Prix de Diane.
Don't be surprised if Baker appears at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week as a guest of Longines.
(The Melbourne Cup race is on 6th November according to their website)
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/enterta....5556488
Link only works from Google Search, but no other mention of Simon in the article |
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| bee |
Date: Saturday, 23-Jun-12, 10:22 AM | Message # 208 |
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Thanks lqnt and Fran for translating....very interesting comments from Simon. I have to agree with him especially about people in general always being on their mobile phones which I have always thought very rude when in another's company. I also agree with him when he says teenagers seem to talk constantly to their friends on their phones, I have grandchildren who do it all the time! Love it that he dresses to feel comfortable, I agree with that also (but that's my age speaking!).
Also lqnt I find it surprising that Simon isn't given media coverage in Spain also....can't understand it when TM is such a successful show. Well I suppose no press is better than bad press! Thanks once again. |
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| Tina |
Date: Saturday, 23-Jun-12, 11:13 AM | Message # 209 |
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Thanks for the translation!
As in your countries, it's the same in Germany. I guess there are not many people who know Simon Baker by name even though TM is one of the more popular US shows in Germany with good ratings. But there is hardly ever anything in the press about Simon.
I was so happy when he was on the cover of a men's magazine some months ago, but that was pretty much it.
One article in our tv magazine a while ago ... other than that, not much.
Tina |
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| Juney |
Date: Saturday, 23-Jun-12, 12:30 PM | Message # 210 |
Bee's Knees
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It seems to be a worldwide thing with the press except France apparently. If you don't do 'reality' or cheat on someone you're not worth following. It would be nice to see something interesting of Simon but I'm glad he does neither of those things. |
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