Happy January!

I hope all of you enjoyed seeing in the New Year.

I was going to visit the London Eye - where I'm sure I would of seen many friends and colleagues, past and present.

I decided it was simply too cold that New Year's Eve night for me to go anywhere far from where I live.

So I stayed at home. Yes that was boring and I saw in 2010 alone but I was warm - that's a priority for me!

For all of you who ventured out to central London, I hope it all went well and you saw in the new decade with style and happiness.

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I'm glad Coleen Rooney's disabled sister is on the mend, after spending most of last month at Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Her name is Rosie and she has the incurable Rett Syndrome - in this case, Mrs Rooney's sibling cannot speak or walk.

Rosie was admitted as she was suffering from Swine Flu, which could be fatal for this 11 year-old.

Despite recently becoming proud parents to a son called Kai, the Manchester United striker and his wife spent most of Christmas at Rosie's bedside - she was in intensive care.

Now she's out, Wayne can concentrate on the up and coming Manchester derby.

Looking at how City is doing under manager Roberto Mancini, it's not surprising that many don't want to say who will win.

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My heartfelt wishes goes to Annmarie, the wife of Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar.

This quiet and demure woman reportedly collapsed at home during the family’s Christmas celebration.

It's suspected she's had a Stroke.

Van Der Sar, the number one keeper for this club, has got official permission to stay in Holland at his wife's side until she makes a full recovery.

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I admire David Beckham sticking to his principles by insisting he will not play for mega-rich rivals Manchester City.

I read in his recent interview that he's also taking cookery classes - everyone needs a creative outlet.

Then again, that's what another former number seven at this club did to get him away from the stress and demands of football - Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Speaking of which, I saw his poses - which includes baring his impressive torso - to promote the latest Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans.

Either you admire or dislike the guy but lets face it, he has a lot of people who love him and Armani realises this too.

Even when Wayne Rooney married his wife in Italy in July 2008, the main issue of interest for many was whether Ronaldo would stay or leave Manchester United.

Now the Real Madrid winger is clearly showing he's got what it takes to succeed both on and off the pitch.

I would provide a link but I'm sure many of you have already found them - there's plenty to choose from!

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Well done Gareth Thomas on coming out as gay.

Rugby is a very male focused sport, so for this retired player to come out of the closet is very brave.

He's on the cover of Attitude magazine this month.

This is a good link, by the Pink News online.

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Another sports star on the cover of a magazine (which shows the crossover appeal of sport) is Tiger Woods, on the front cover of Vanity Fair U.S.A.

Looking at what's recently come out about him, particularly regarding his mistresses, well that too seems like it's going to be an interesting read.

The front cover picture of the shirtless golfer, taken by respected American portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz, certainly says a thousand words.

Here's a link to the Vanity Fair spread.

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp will appear at the City of Westminster Magistrates Court on February 11.

He's being charged with avoiding tax and national insurance contributions between 1 April 2002 and 28 November 2007.

If he's found guilty, he's facing an unlimited fine and jail term.

Redknapp's solicitor put the disputed sum at around £40,000.00.

The move comes after nearly three years of investigation by the police and customs officers.

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Here comes the inevitable: people calling for Liverpool FC to sack manager Rafa Benitez.

The recent FA Cup exit against Reading has rocked this once mighty club.

But looking at how many of his top players have been out this year due to injury, I wasn't surprised that Liverpool are struggling to remain in the top half.

Now former Liverpool star Ronnie Whelan (1979-1994) is also calling for him to go.

Click here to see what he has to say about the current state of the club and Benitez.

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A bitter-sweet tune is reaching my ears over West Ham FC.

On the sweet side, they've got new owners of media magnate David Sullivan and long-time business partner David Gold, who sold their stake in Birmingham City last year.

But the bitter news is that West Ham have a £100million debt and the club may leave Upton Park.

The Bolyen family, one of them helped produce one of England and Wales's finest queens - Elizabeth I - have a link with this club.

My cousins, brothers Colin and Mark Dash, are lifelong Hammers fans.

The same goes for many members of staff who live locally and work at the home of England 1966 World Cup captain Bobby Moore.

How will they pull it off? Only time will tell.

Read the latest on this link.

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Another sad situation is facing my local football team.

Queens Park Rangers (QPR) have sacked another boss.

Paul Hart was dismissed after just five games.

Yet he is the tenth boss under Rangers co-owner Flavio Briatore's two and a half year reign.

Considering this club also has some of the world's most richest men as co-owners, including steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal - I once saw his private room at QPR, which has pure crocodile skin wallpaper - it's really sad for me to see the state it's in.

Hopefully the next manager will at least provide some stability to this club until this season ends.

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I'm saddened to hear that legendary rugby union commentator Bill McLaren has died.

This great man, known as the voice of rugby, received an OBE, CBE and MBE for his services to sport.

Here's a good link, provided by the BBC.

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On a final note, it's good to hear that goalkeeper David James is in demand.

He's been going through a tortuous time at debt-ridden Portsmouth, so to see Spurs FC and Stoke FC wanting his services is a real break-through for the 39 year-old goalie.

I, like many, don't want to see Pompey go into administration but if I was in the same situation as Mr James, I would take whatever opportunities are available.

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Until next time

Light and Peace

Andria

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