La la la oh la la la!

Hi to one and all

I’ve seen and heard some of the flak Alesha Dixon has received over her role as a judge in Strictly Come Dancing.

I have to admit I wasn’t happy at the removal of 66 year-old Miss Arlene Phillips for 30 year-old Miss Alesha Dixon as age catches up with all of us.

I also thought it was refreshing to finally see a sexy, older woman with brains showing her experience and knowledge about the dance floor.

Former newsreader Angela Rippon and The Weakest Link presenter Anne Robinson shouldn’t be the only women over 60 on our screens!

But I do feel we should give Alesha a chance – at least until the end of this series.

I know what it’s like to be treated badly at work purely because others don’t like you replacing another person, so I’m glad Miss Dixon’s fellow judges are speaking up for her.

I can say from experience, it’s really awful to be stabbed in the back by your colleagues and so-called friends - sadly this does happen in any competitive industry, particularly now, in this recession.

It can take years to heal as self-doubt does creep in, so I wish the fellow judges and Miss Dixon well and hope she does improve.

I personally think there’s room for Alesha AND Arlene, so there wouldn’t have to be a tie-breaker vote by the senior judge Len Goodman - he's more than likely to support the couple he already voted to stay on.

Remember you're a survivour Alesha - you dealt with the break-up of your marriage to MC Harvey with dignity.

If she can survive that, well what else can't she deal with?

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As for the other film that has helped to change the world, it has to be Close Encounters of the Third Kind, released in 1977.

Until then, although unidentified flying objects and paranormal activity had been recorded in history, it wasn’t until this film was shown that society felt it was okay to publicly talk about it.

Likewise, I hope that everyone, myself included, realise that not everything in this world makes sense, such as suffering, pain and disease but these do exist and to behave as if they don't affect us, is to deny ourselves compassion and understanding.

Furthermore, as the film shows, you can learn something new if you’re willing to open your mind to it - that's what helps us to be human.

Now that I’m going to learn Portuguese, starting at the end of this month, I hope that by this time next year, I can say enough words to visit Angola, Brazil or Portugal and say I can speak the language – ha ha!

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As promised, here are a few more sport-themed books I'm happy to recommend:


SQUASH: Steps to Success, by Philip Yarrow
You'll learn the fundamentals thanks to this book, as Squash is a fast-paced tactical game.
My brother-in-law plays Squash on a regular basis and I'm sure that he too will recommend this book.

My Side by David Beckham
I admit this book was very predictable but did mention some interesting moments, including the love and support he received from his parents when starting out in football while attending primary and high school - so long as you get it from your local library!

Nick Faldo: Life Swings, the Autobiography
This was a man who led a chequered life both on and off the golf field - Mr Faldo is very honest about himself and others around him, including the break-up of his most recent marriage.

Soccer Skills and Tactics, by Tim Edward
Yes another football book but it does give some good illustrations on how to be a better footballer, whether you're a semi-pro or just starting out.

Teach yourself better Chess, by Bill Hartson
I prefer checkers, otherwise known as draughts here in Britain but if you want to impress the ladies/men this book will get you there.

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One issue of importance is the Not Another Drop peace march, starting at Roundwood Park in Harlesden, north-west London, on Saturday 26 September 2009, which begins at 12pm.

When I first wrote about the pain and effect of gun violence on four mums, one dad and the aftermath on the rest of their family, especially the brothers and sisters of the deceased, displayed in the July 2005 edition of Pride magazine, I never realised the legacy it would leave.

I’m very proud this article has since spawned numerous newspaper, magazine, radio and television news features/documentaries.

Please have a look at the following site:

http://www.brentbrain.org.uk/brain/brainzones.nsf/0/8974283F5E1A16F98025762A0031334B

If you can make it, please attend.

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I have to go now but I couldn’t help admiring this woman's courage and determination when she appeared on the X-factor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPj6WaiUh6o

Bye for now.

Andria

PS, don’t forget to visit my other site: www.andriagreaves.com