I have been confirmed as having MS.

It was in October of this year that I had no choice but to accept my diagnosis, after my specialist, Dr Trip, wrote to my GP, Dr Anita Kapoor, that month.

He was kind enough to send me a copy of that letter too.

I had another attack of demylenation disease in September, with severe vertigo, which responded to steroids.

But this means, as Dr Trip had stated, the diagnosis of MS is secure. I really liked being an outdoors person and hoped I could go back to my hobby of jogging.

Personally I doubt I will ever truly know why I’ve been affected with this condition, which has prevented me from living the life I once had and thoroughly enjoyed.

I liked the challenge of working for days without sleep and being reliant on myself to get things done.

I was so proud at what I accomplished in my past, which included starting looking at the pain and misery left in the aftermath of gun and knife crime for the parents, siblings and friends of those who have been shot.

I was pleased that after attending the march for Anton Hyman (with no help, from start to finish, a massive thanks to MacDonalds for use of their toilets) other marches against gun and knife crime were organised and covered by other journalists from all aspects of the media.

I also wanted to have a present and future which included being able to enjoy full optimum health, so for this to happen knocked me sideways.

If I can learn one thing from my health problems, it’s that Multiple Sclerosis respects no one, regardless of status or whether they’re perceived as a role model or a bad girl.

It doesn’t matter how much you look the part, be it a secretary, a journalist or a successful bank manager, there is still one important need we all have.

Everyone wants to live. It’s a natural human instinct.

I still want to achieve things in my life, which includes seizing the day. I liked the challenge of being able to balance several things/issues at once.

Somehow, for a reason beyond my understanding, my brain has made the decided to override this.

Now if I don't write things down, I will forget them.

I don’t want to sit in a chair all day. I still want to do things and that will never change.

So I do hope out of my situation more people will begin to understand the complex issues of MS.

There isn’t anything attractive about MS. It is a horrible, debilitating illness.

In the early days, my parents neighbours used to tell them I was drunk until I started to use a walking stick.

If there is another thing I’ve learned from this is a few home truths. I thought by now I’d be married with kids.

But life isn’t black and white; it has shades of grey.

We Brits have always been able to keep a stiff upper lip, even when we’re clearly being bullied.

One former friend even had the nerve to tell another former close friend of mine that I allowed myself to be bullied at work and the other one immediately accepted this to be true.

It is this insensitive behaviour, along with people not wanting to believe their friends could be so horrible to other people for the heck of it, that kills.

My heart still goes out to Fiona Pilkington, the mother who committed suicide and the death of her disabled daughter Francecca Hardwick, 18, in 2007, who couldn’t take the bullying, harassment and being let down by people who were supposed to protect them but didn’t.

The only thing good to come of this tragedy is that we as people finally accepted others do need to be protected from the dark side of human nature.

Read details of this tragic case by clicking here.

I can assure you, suffers of MS who are not wheelchair bound are not lazy people who need to pull their socks up.

I say this as I get so much abuse, which has included physical, when I’m sitting down in a priority seat on a bus, tube or train.

I have fallen over on the pavements so many times, I now walk in the road as that is a smoother, flatter surface – I assure you, it really hurts when I do fall over.

I also walk in the park, even when it’s dark.

I know it’s dangerous, especially as there are no park wardens in my neck of the woods but again, for the same reason above, I feel I’ve got no choice as I’ve ended up with my face on the pavement far too many times.

What I now require is patience, understanding and time, even when walking.

If you can afford these things, I and many people who are disabled truly thank you.

If you are struggling with balance, co-ordination and concentration as I did in the early stages (and still do) please go and see your GP today.

Hopefully you won't be diagnosed with my condition.

But if you do, whatever happens, don’t forget, you still have the right to be here.

Please note, I'm not bitter. I've accepted I've got to deal with the cards life has sent me.

I still intend on enjoying life and accept I have to do it in a different way, which now includes cutting down on chocolate!

Don't let anything or anyone prevent you from enjoying life.

From the bottom of my heart, to one and all, happy holidays to you and everyone!

Andria

PS, don’t hesitate to view my other site by clicking here.

KICK HIM OUT!

That’s what I and many think of Mr Sepp Blater, over the remarks he made regarding racism in football.

The reason I believe he should go is simple – racism is alive in football and is another form of bullying.

There is no place for bullying and bullies in today’s society.

Bullies and bullying in any shape or form should never be tolerated.

Personally, I would of thought after the release of Tom Brown’s Schooldays, in the late 1800’s we all would have realised why bullies and bullying must be taken seriously.

We’ve all seen programmes of the churchman/woman who, it turns out, is secretly abusing their spouse or children in their care, while they have to deal with more pain being heaped on them by members of the public and people in their family disbelieving them.

My heart goes out to them, as anyone who has experienced bullying knows (as I have at my first university and at one workplace where I got the job the bully wanted for her friend) it does undermine your performance.

The pain of what I experienced at those places will remain with me forever.

So for Sepp to say such highly offensive remarks, which included him denying that racism is an issue in football, is sheer idiocy.

I really believe it’s time for him to go, but if there is any form of redemption for Blatter, then this link (here) is it!

*******

I’m glad a professional football player, such as Liverpool FC’s Luis S, has been charged with racism by the Football Association (FA).

Until something like this happens, racism in football will never be taken or dealt with seriously in the UK.

I don’t condone violence but I’m aware that until Mr Eric Cantona lashed out against a Crystal Palace supporter in the early 1990’s racism in football in England and Wales simply wasn’t taken seriously.

So whatever the outcome, again I give full credit for the FA for having the courage to take a stand against racism.

*******

On a sad note, I would like to say goodbye to cricketer Basil D’Oliveira who was a real gentleman who stood up for all sportsmen.

It was his attempted barring from representing England in the 1960s that led to the rest of the world blackballing South Africa from international sport until they got rid of Apartheid (state approved racism) by having a multi-racial election for all in 1994.

Ironically enough he would have been a member of the race group called Coloured, who were third class citizens after the whites, many believed themselves to be the master race.

The Asians were next – many of who did look down on the next two races.

The coloureds were the third class citizens, many of who then looked down on the Blacks - Nelson Mandela and bishop Desmond Tutu to mention a few.

The other racial groups, not just the Whites, called black people kaffir – which is a racist term for black people.

So rest in peace, Mr D’Oliveira, you sleep with the stars tonight.

*******

Don’t hesitate to view my other site by clicking here.

Light and Peace

Andria

X

I’m very happy!

That’s because England, in terms of football, has done so well – I’m proud of every single one of our players.

The one-nil victory against Spain on Saturday wasn’t brilliant.

On that match, Frank Lampard simply took the opportunity of the ball going his way.
Nevertheless it was a good result against the world champions and made me wish I had kept my white cowboy hat with the England flag.

So to see us win yesterday against Sweden, once again it was one-nil, against a team we haven’t won against in years, made me realise just how determined and focused our current team is.

As for the age factor, I believe it was a good mix of young and mature, ambition and determination to represent your country on an international stage.

Well done Fabio Capello, you’re a star for getting the strategy right which equalled the correct result.

Yes it was a boring match but I believe that was due to both teams being on an even par with each other.

Chelsea is playing at home this Sunday against Liverpool – now that’s a match that will be exciting.

Let’s face it, many Kop fans still haven’t forgiven Fernando for leaving them for the Londoners in blue.

Considering it hasn’t worked for him at Chelsea (yet) there will be no complaints from Chelsea’s fans if Mr Lampard did the same thing he did to the Spanish last weekend!

Light & Peace

Andria

PS don’t hesitate to visit my other site by clicking here.

A heartfelt message to all English students studying at an English university

While you exercise your democratic right to demonstrate today, I can assure you it is better being a student now than it was during the 1990s.

Bullying was rife in places of further/higher education and workplaces until the turn of the century, when the European Union Human Rights Act came into play.

Even then, it wasn’t until the change in employment rights in 2006 that all people got the protection they deserve, at both work and all education institutions.

The sad truth is many students and people at work committed suicide. It really was that bad.

Even when many appealed to the student advisor or others for help, if the advisor was close friends of the students/people you were complaining about, it was made clear they didn’t want to know, saying to one patronisingly: “You just need to make new friends.”

Sadly even when many graduated, many former students/employees still had their former tormentors causing trouble, such as sending poisonous letters or ensuring their references were spiteful, despite the clear fact their former employees were terrible to them and had a long list of people leaving beforehand after receiving one public humiliation too many.

This was also the case with many hairdressing apprentices and students who were dealing with fellow students who were happy to pay a contibution towards, say a sports class, when other students were operating those classes but found ways not to pay if they don't like the new student taking over.

In such cases, it was only when the police, the courts or other legal enforcers were involved, that such behavior was finally dealt with.

Some people were exposed in the newspapers as being unsuitable men/women who clearly did abuse their authority.

None of today’s protestors will go through an experience like Tom Brown’s Schooldays. For more information about this, which was clearly based on the author’s experience at an educational establishment, click here.

I’m so grateful this is no longer the case.

Such bullying destroyed good people and prevented others in achieving their true potential in life.

Again, many men and women, boys and girls, simply couldn’t cope with the added belief that you must have a ‘stiff upper lip’.

Now, quite rightfully, that’s seen as nonsense.

I’m so glad it’s finally recognised that bullying can have a dramatic effect on people, years after the incident.

So as you protest, please remember, there may not have been any tutorial fees in the 1990s but you certainly paid for it in another way.

Not everybody can be Mr/Ms Popular.

Light and Peace

Andria

PS please don’t hesitate to visit my other site by clicking here.

Rest in Peace Joe Frazier

He was a great boxer and we will not see the likes of him again.

One of my favourite fights is the knockout he had against George Foreman in Jamaica in 1973.

There’s nothing more I can say about this man, so please check out these links, which I feel show his greatness, here and here.

Light and Peace

Andria

Also, don't hesitate to check out my other site by clicking here.

Well, well, oh!

Whatever you may think of this, this former glamour model look extremely good for her age!

For more information, click here.

Light and Peace

Andria

PS, don't hesitate to visit my other site by clicking here.

In defence of Stan The Man

I never thought I would be championing Mr Collymore.

I remember his unhelpful remarks about Mr Drogba at Stamford Bridge, during the UEFA semi-final match against Barcelona.

But I do agree with what he has said The People newspaper yesterday about racism and football.

Regardless as to what John Terry and Anton Ferdinand claim, the Football Association must act in a decisive manner in dealing with this issue.

There was another incident a few weeks ago regarding Manchester United’s Patrice Evra and Liverpool FC forward Luis Suarez.

Mr Evra claimed he was racially taunted by the Liverpool ace.

Yet I have noticed in both incidents the Football Association have remained silent over the issue.

This, the silence, is what is unacceptable.

I will never condone violence of any sort in football but I’m aware it was only when a another (now retired) Manchester United player - Eric Cantona – did a kung-fu attack on a so-called Crystal Palace fan that racism in football was seen as the repulsive Cancer it is.

It’s not banter to insult someone because of their race or sexuality.

Perhaps we need Mr Cantona (now happily re-married and establishing himself as an actor) to speak publicly again to get something done about racism, sexism and anti-homophobic behaviour that’s still in this wonderful sport.

When I did some reporting at the demolition of the original Wembley Stadium, I was on the media bus and I can assure you, the racism I heard from the reporters, many of whom worked on national newspapers was horrible.

They said unprintable words about Jamaicans and Somalians, when after seven minutes of hearing this, I took off my glove (it was a cold day) and exaggeratedly lifted up my hand, revealing there was a black person on board.

All of a sudden, the room went silent. I then got off the bus, remembering I had to remove something off the table I had written on.

So I went back, removed the item of rubbish, looked at the reporters ( who were all male, middle-aged and British) who had said the remarks in their faces, turned back and left the media bus.

The reason? I had come to Wembley to do a job and that was to get the views and opinions of the residents of Wembley, which has a high proportion of people of many races.

In other words, I came to do a job and I left the area completing my job.

I could have just shrugged my shoulders at the incident and said oh well, I’m not a Jamaican or of Somalian origin, so those remarks don’t bother me.

But as a member of the human race, it does, as that is what it comes down to at the end of the day.

We have all got to live in this world together and whenever we all like it or not, unless you’re rich enough to buy the whole street, we will have interaction with people of different races and sexuality.

In other words, time must be called on unacceptable behaviour – meaning ALL OF THE ABOVE.

Not just racism, sexism and anti-homophobic behaviour but favouritism too.

As this also leads to the opposite of valuing people for their worth, on all aspects and sides.

Light and Peace

Andria

PS, don’t forget to visit my other site by clicking here.

So Brent Council thinks it has won

The High Court judge dealing with the Judicial Review to save six London Borough of Brent libraries has ruled in their favour.

Tokyngton library has been closed, along with five other libraries.

But the council fails to remember mistakes of the past.

I remember when this borough was dubbed “Looney Left” by national newspapers in the early 1980s.

The fact that one could read banned books in this borough’s libraries, such as Spycatcher by Peter Wright (which the Thatcher government tried to block which, not surpsingly, made this a best-seller) made this London borough great, as it refused to bend to central government rule.

I also remember the Government inspectors watching me and other pupils at Preston Manor High (now community) School.

But few publications stated their ruling - there was nothing wrong with this council so far as our education – Kenneth Baker (who commissioned this) eat your heart out.

When the council shut all school libraries in the late 1980s with the intention of selling them off, parents in this borough wouldn’t send their kids to be educated here.

They opted to educate them privately or in schools/colleges outside Brent.

Yet all of this is likely to happen again, thanks to the way they are shutting down (clearly with the intention of selling them off) six of this council’s libraries.

There has to be another way as this isn’t it.

Please don’t hesitate to visit my other site, by clicking here.

Light and Peace

Andria

You go girl, Venus Williams.

Like many, I was shocked when five-times Wimbledon champion Venus Williams pulled out of the US Open tournament earlier this year.

Whether we all like it or not, both Williams sisters have changed the way tennis is viewed and played for women.

The only other female, who did this, in my opinion, was Billie Jean King.

As the singer Phil Collins said, she took everything she saw.

But I give full credit to Venus for coming clean that she has Sjogren’s syndrome.

To know more about this illness, click here.

This is a horrible condition that saps the energy of the said person.

It’s also likely we’ll never see Ms Williams at the top level of playing tennis again.

I can appreciate the relief she must have felt about finally knowing why she just couldn’t move as fast or as powerful as she once did.

I also realise the dred which came over her next, when she realised the full extent of this illness and found out there is no cure.

I was, like Ms Williams, such an active person.

Although I wasn’t a professional athlete, I enjoyed training like one.

From my experience, it must have been awful for her, wondering why she had no energy, felt exhausted all the time and was achy and ill for no reason.

I genuinely like and still believe, in the Protestant Work Ethic.
To find out more about this concept, click here.

But I can also say such auto-immune diseases, MS is one of them, can only be held in check by steroids.

I can say no-one wants to be on such medication, which recently included me last week but faced with my health getting worse, I felt that I had no choice but to take them.

I simply couldn’t phantom this illness of Multiple Sclerosis would ever happen to me but it has.

The other day, I was riding on a bus and felt so sick seeing three people running, proudly displaying their Race For Life t-shirts, knowing a few years ago, that was me.

My advice to Ms Williams is simply to increase the humidity wherever she is.

Unfortunately such heating, if she's in a cold climate, will cost money.

On a personal note, here’s hoping Venus is able to get back to doing what she loves – which is playing tennis.

Light and Peace

Andria

On a lighter note, don’t forget to visit my other site by clicking here.

Here comes the girls!

This is good proof as to why they call it the beautiful game!

I’m so proud to see these pictures.

The crowd is composed entirely of women and children, who watched the Turkish football giants Fenerbahce play at home, against Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk.

The final result of this game was 1-1.

The attendance was around 41,000 and played in the open, despite authorities originally marking this match to be played behind doors, due to the the previous violence.

The club got around the ruling by convincing the authorities to ban men from being in the crowd.

I know this is a throw-back from the 1990s but GIRL POWER!

To see more, which I hope you do, please click here.

Don’t hesitate to visit my other site by clicking here.

Light and Peace

Andria

I wish Mrs Lineker the very best.

That’s what I think of Danielle’s decision to switch to a different agent.

As much as it was good of long-time agent Ms Becca Barr to get her work and fame for the past four years as a linguine model, I can see from her role in the stage version of Calendar Girls she wants to become a serious actress.

Inevitably we all age, as is displayed by the constant re-touching of glossy photos in certain magazines.

These photos display an image of beauty that simply cannot be attained at a certain age but I suspect the consumers who buy these magazines already know this, which is why I’m not prepared to stand on a milk-cart in Marble Arch condemning these periodicals.

Age catches up with all of us, so it’s not surprising Mrs Lineker wants to get out while she can to pursue what else life offers.

The words of her new agent, Jo Edwards, said it the best, saying: “We will be pursuing all avenues of acting work with Danielle.”

I’m also glad her former agent isn’t bitter, by saying: “I wish Danielle all the very best.”

£££££££

I’m so glad for Michael Owen to see him score for Manchester United against Leeds in the Carling Cup in their 3-0 win.

Owen has struggled for years after the 2006 World Cup with knee ligament problems but shows he’s still good to go.

It’s good to hear him say: "I'm still only 31 and I have a good few years left in me yet."

Along with Ryan Giggs, don’t write off the old forces at Old Trafford!

To see more of this, click here.

£££££££

I’ve become a fan of watching the Rugby World Cup.

It’s grown on me – especially after seeing England play against Georgia.

Although the team of Saint George won 41-10, it wasn’t a success that meant England could pat itself on the back.

I admire the honesty in saying they must improve, as it was clear there was a lack of discipline in the defence and attack – areas that need to be strengthened in order to compete with the big boys of South Africa and the All Blacks.

Come on England!

£££££££

Don’t forget to visit my other site by clicking here.

Light and Peace

Andria

Why I believe in education

Hi

I’ve been getting involved, I’m proud to say, in saving six Brent libraries from closure.

They are:

Barham Park

Cricklewood

Kensal Rise

Neasden

Preston

Tokyngton – this is the one I regularly visit.

We all know education is a good thing to have but there are people who don’t want to know in helping others have this right too.

I remember when I worked in Newcastle, for a brief period, in 1999 to 2000 for a now defunct national-regional newspaper.

One friend, called Karen, whose parents are from Jamaica, also realised this importance, when she said to me: “If it wasn’t for Boots [the chemist] I wouldn’t have a job.”

Karen also added: “People were okay in speaking to me over the phone but when we met, they would look straight through me. Then I’d get the phone call saying my application was unsuccessful.”

If it wasn’t for the job I had, as a sub-editor, I wouldn’t of been in this part of the UK either.

It was my education that gave me this opportunity.

But I’m very grateful for the experience of working in Newcastle, which is within England (the North), as it was during my time there I realised the importance of the English language, which also helps explain why I, like many, was very unhappy at David Starkey’s remarks during an interview on BBC2’s Newsnight.

There were times I couldn’t understand what someone from this region was saying to me but we eventually got the right result.

It was a different culture, much different than what I’d experienced in London. Again I’m glad my education gave me this opportunity.

Whether we like it or not, people do make assumptions based on our language and accent – if we ignore this fact, then we are responsible for our own downfall.

Who wants to remain a dishwasher for the rest of their life? I once did this for a living but I'm glad to say my education enabled me to move on.

As Britons we are blessed with a language that gives us such depth, understanding and meaning, for which I’m very grateful.

That also explains why I wasn’t surprised so many black comics were offended by the Ali G character, portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen, particularly with his tradition moan, ‘Is it because I is black?’

Such dumbing down of our society isn’t needed. The recent riots that happened in the UK showed this.

I like listening to rap music, which now covers many issues but I’m not interested in songs that talk about having lots of money, cars and b******.

I’m not interested in that kind of music anymore!

I say this because education gave me the chance and opportunity to change my views and opinions.

Education must never be a privilege of the few – but if the planned library closures in Brent go ahead, that’s exactly what you’ll have.

Barack Obama got to the highest office on the planet thanks in part to his education. We neglect language and education (which includes employment skills) at our risk.

This also helps explain why the Keep Britain White campaign of the 1950's got nowhere.

Despite my disability, I still hope one day to get in full-time employment again.

Nobody owes me a duty to employ me – regardless of my sex, race or abilities.

If people don’t want me around, they have the right to say no, regardless as to what I may suspect.

The fact remain that if you are going to live in Britain, you have to speak the language. The same applies if I was going to live in Portugal or Greece.

So be proud to speak English, take the opportunities to improve yours and please, whenever you can, visit the campaign to keep all of the libraries in Brent open, by clicking here.

Don’t forget to visit my other internet site by clicking here.

Light and Peace

Andria

How dare he say that!

That’s what I feel regarding the remark said by comic Russell Brand, calling the Paralympics a novelty.

I’m glad many Paralympics athletes have hit back, with the brilliant David Weir, 32, who won two gold medals, a silver and a bronze at the 2008 Bejing games, saying: “Calling the sport a novelty is offensive.”

Don’t take my word for it, check out this article on it by clicking here.

*******

Well done to Robbie Savage for joining Strictly Come Dancing.

I’m also glad to see pictures of him enjoying a kick about in Cuban heels, which show how versatile he is in transferring his skills from the football pitch to the ballroom.

This former Derby and Welsh international football player is certainly going to make things happen on this show.

To see more of this exciting line up, click here.

*******

It’s sad but predictable to see how Jennifer Thompson, who sold her story regarding her romps with Manchester United and England scorer Wayne Rooney, has squandered about half the money she received in talking about the affair.

I don’t condone Mr Rooney’s behaviour but I will say, looking at the past, regarding women who sell such stories, they don’t go far.

Shoes come and go out of fashion but reputation doesn’t – think before you speak and spend so much money.

Where else does she know that a cash influx like the one she once had, will come her way again?

*******

Talking about high heels, I’m sure most of you have seen the shoes Victoria Beckham was wearing with her newly-born daughter, Harper.

Most women couldn’t and/or wouldn’t even phantom wearing shoes that high but Ms Beckham has – so soon after becoming a mum again for the fourth time.

Long may she reign!

*******

Nicolas Anelka has been offered a contract rumoured to be worth millions if he ends his playing career in the Middle East.

Considering there are now at least five other strikers competing for a place in the starting line up and he’s now 32, perhaps it’s not a bad thing to suggest he should take it.

Gary Linekar did this, playing out the end of his career in Japan, then got involved in the Walkers Crisps ad and we still think of him with affection.

I couldn’t think of a better man to front Match Of The Day.

*******

It’s all very well Harry Redknapp wants to be England’s football boss.

But we still have one in Fabio Capello.

Furthermore, there are other issues Harry has to be concerned with, such as the British Inland Revenue.

I’ve always said Mr Redknapp is a brilliant motivator – all you’ve got to do is see what he did to Tottenham Hotspur, who was languishing at the bottom of the Premier league when he took over in 2008.

Many accept he was the real reason Spurs got into the UEFA Championship league – and in the next season!

But when it comes to strategy, well like many, I’m not surprised they haven’t got far in the UEFA league either, as the strategy has to be just as good as the motivation.

Nevertheless, just like Terry Venables, I think his troubles with the tax authorities mean he’ll probably be offered the role coach for the Euro 2012 Finals but not manager!

*******

I must admit I’ve never been a fan of Mr Stan Collymore.

I had my suspicions about him after the way Liverpool FC quickly off-loaded him to Aston Villa (at a £1.5m discount too) and let’s face it, things didn’t work between him and Dwight Yorke – they should of been an ideal goal making partnership.

The latter of the two did move onto Manchester United and the rest, abeit the Jordan saga, is history.

But I do agree with him 100 per cent when he says football managers should be appointed on merit.

But the reason The Rooney Rule is rightfully being debaited here is because there is a low representation of former footballers who are black or mixed race achieving management positions in professional football.

The Rooney Rule, established in 2003, requires American National Football League teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operation opportunities. It is often cited as an example of affirmative action.

When I first went to the University of Westminster to study journalism, it was especially for people from the ethnic minorities - admittedly, I was grateful for the opportunity.

I also remember the days when PE teachers would look down at their black pupils for being that – saying black kids just don’t have it in the thighs to make it professional.

Two wrongs just don’t make a right.

I also remember bananas being thrown on the pitch whenever a black footballer was playing in the 1980s.

I also agree with Mr Collymore in rubbishing a quota system and in him questioning how the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Viera, Andy Cole and Dion Dublin can be overlooked for managerial roles in football.

I also admire him saying: “They [retired black footballers] have so much experience and will have learned so much from Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Only once players of that calibre get a chance will we start to see bridges being built between black managers and the coaches and chairman and directors, who are predominantly white.”

*******

Sadly, on a sad note, I want to say rest in peace, Winston Panton.

He was a brilliant Tai Chi instructor who also became my friend.

He helped me out, in allowing me to do a piece on him when I worked at a magazine, when I quickly needed someone of his profession and calibre.

His advice was also of personal, strong importance to me and finally enabled me to put behind a lot of past wrongs I’ve experienced in life.

So goodbye Mr Panton, you now sleep with the stars tonight.

*******

PS, don’t forget to visit my other site by clicking here.

Light and Peace

Andria

X

I’m glad England won their recent match against Wales.

I admit I didn’t think the match at Wembley, during a Tuesday evening on the 6th of this month, was a great one but if we had drawn or lost to Wales, it would of been embarrising for England.

The Welsh defenders Darcey Blake and Ashley Williams did do a good job in keeping Wayne Rooney in check, which made sure he didn't contribute to England's success.

I also have to admit to being vain on this, as England were wearing my favourite colour – blue.

Well done Ashley Young, you did England proud :)

According to FIFA, we're ranked as the 4th best team in the world - where is Wales?

The irony here is, Mr Young was hired by his club team Manchester United to replace Ryan Giggs - the Welsh Wonder!

Now that I’ve said it, I hope I’m not proven wrong over the next qualifying matches.

To learn more about this wonderful colour, click here.

Don’t forget to visit my other site, by clicking here.

Light and peace

Andria

X.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis.

For starters, there is more than 300 types of MS - so my strand is just one of many.

I think it should be explained what this illness means for me.

I have no choice but to walk in the road to get from A to B.

The Freedom pass I have does help but I admit I do miss driving about in a car – I do have one, that’s declared off the road.

I was hoping to drive it again but I now accept that’s not going to happen again anytime soon – the guy who sold it to me some years ago clearly made a tidy profit!

The reason I walk on the road is because the pavements are uneven and I’m sick and tired of falling down on them.

I assure you it hurts my body and the pavements are not always clean!

The pavements don’t absorb my falls, like it did for Keanu Reeves in The Matrix.

Last time I fell was approximately six months ago, which resulted in deep cuts to my palms, cuts and grazes to my left leg (upper and lower) and my glasses scratched in both lenses – I couldn’t wear them again until this month, since I couldn’t afford to have them proffesionally cleaned. I also had whiplash.

Thankfully a kind neighbour saw me on the floor, picked me up from the pavement, popped in one lense back in it’s left socket and drove me free of charge to the main road, which is, for me, is 30 minutes away from my parent’s home.

The reason I moved back to live with my parents is because wherever I live, modifications will have to be made for my needs and as I found out to my dismay, about four years ago, private landlords are not prepared to allow such modications to their property.

I’ve also found I’ve got no choice but to walk in my local park to get from A to B or again, walk in the road.

Local authorities are getting rid of park wardens but not all sections of the park are full of people.

Please I’m not moaning but just saying these are a few of the daily battles I’ve got to go through since having near MS.

I miss being able to drive and yes I do also miss being taxed for it as my previous life gave me the freedom to come and go as I pleased, which included running (I can’t do that anymore and do miss this sport – I ran for Cancer Research and Race For Life) but now I realise I’ve got a new set of challenges ahead of me and I’m not bitter about my condition anymore.

Considering I’m now going swimming, although I do still kick myself in the pool, due to my lack of co-ordination, I do like the freedom the water gives to me and my soul.

So lets get swimming everyone!

Light and Love

Andria

X

PS, don’t forget to visit my other site by clicking here.

I still miss The News of the World newspaper.

It dealt with a wide range of subjects, including a book review that was very informative and influencial.

It introduced me to the pleasures of the Matt Rudd books about a guy called William Walker.

It’s like reading a male Bridget Jones.

Because I have demylenation disease, it takes me longer to read but the humour in them makes it worth it.

Check him out for yourself by clicking here.

That’s also one of the reasons why I feel libraries must be protected and I’m proud to be a supporter of them, which includes my local library Tokyngton.

Go libraries!

To see more of this worthwhile campaign, click here – although the campaign title doesn’t mention Tokyngton, they do cover it.

£££££££

So the Tevez move to Brazil’s Corinthians is off – or is it?

Either way, there’s no point in keeping on a player if they want to leave.

The asking price for this man maybe a factor – perhaps Manchester United were right in their refusal to pay the fee once demanded by Tevez’s reps two seasons ago as it’s clear Manchester City want a return on their investment on him.

I remember seeing Mr Tevez several months ago, training at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge with his personal trainer a good four hours before their match.

His energy and goal scoring make him a fantastic player – no wonder City won’t let him leave at any price – if the rumours are correct it seems that Corinthians are going to bid for Carlos again, with a new and improved bid.

I truly hope all goes well for him, wherever he plays.

£££££££

Also on this issue of wishing people well, Northampton, the runners up of the Heineken Cup, are going to need it when they face the Irish team Munster.

I admit I’m not much of a rugby fan but I’ve heard about this team – they are formidable.

Like the 1970’s female tennis player Billie Jean King, they take everything they see.

Don’t take my word for it, read their impressive track record for yourself by clicking here.
£££££££

Don’t forget to see my other site by clicking here.

Light and Peace

Andria

The corruption in FIFA

Like many football fans, I was well aware of FIFA’s duplicity regarding internal couruption before the BBC Panorama programe was aired earlier this year, which didn’t help England’s chances of hosting the 2018 World Cup.

But I feel it didn’t damage them either.

It’s a real shame the full extent of FIFA’s role of indifference over Jack Warner and Mohamed Bin Hammam has been laid bare by a leaked report.

The ethics committee inquiry over the scandal, ordered by FIFA, has left no stone unturned and it’s just as well Warner has quit all his international posts.

Mr Warner will still get a pension from FIFA that’s believed to be almost £23,000.00 a year for life.

Many of us don't even get a yearly salary, much less a pension of that amount!

Warner may be old but the rest of us will have to hope our numbers in the Euro Lottery come up to live off money like that!

Right now, I’m thinking of the ABBA song, Money Money Money - probably the best way for the rest of us to be a millionare is to marry one!

*******

I also want to say congrats to the Northern Ireland pro Roy McIlroy for his win in the 111th US Open Championship.

The reaction of his home town supporters was enthusiastic.

To see another angle of the main man, click here.

*******

Meanwhile please check my other site by clicking here.


Ta!

Andria

Go team GB.

I would love seeing a football team GB for the Olympics!

Imagine it, getting the cream of the crop, i.e. the best football players in the UK, playing for one nation.

I can also see the wish of the Welsh and Scottish FA to keep their identities but team GB will include Gareth Bale, the current PFA Footballer of the Year.

He’s rated by many footballers as one of the world’s best players and this could be his only chance at a global tournament.

So don’t look at this as a sceptical chance to sell more tickets but as a chance to show what the UK can do.

*******

I can understand, if I didn’t love football, why many people still dislike Argentina’s Diego Maradonna.

On the 25th anniversary of his infamous Hand of God incident that knocked England out of the World Cup quarter finals, the retired striker Chris Waddle, now 50, said: “The goal should never of stood.”

I believe the reason why it did stand is because the linesman responsible for watcjing the ball simply missed the incident before that goal was struck.

That was inexcusable – particularly so close after The Falklands War. Unfortunately politics and sport were linked on that match.A

But as a football fan, well I can’t help thinking of the Hand of Hod incident in the late 1990s, committed by Ian Wright.

Let’s face it, we didn’t complain about that incident – especially since it did help to forward England in it’s campaign to play international football.

Maradonna, like Pele and Best, is one of the greatest footballers of all time – England were always the under dogs in that match.

Nonetheless the incident did hurt me and many people from England and Diego’s ‘goal’ was at a crucial moment when the match was still 0-0.

I do hope Maradonna would just admit what he said after the match was nonsense - he saw an opportunity and took it!

*******

I wish Chris Hughton all the best as the new manager of Birmingham City boss.

Relegated Brum will no doubt want Hughton to do for their club what he did at Newcastle and get them back into the Premiership league at the first attempt.

I don’t blame them as Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest have shown, once you get relegated it’s hard to get back in with the big boys.

Go Hughton!

*******

I will avoid talking about Villas-Boas and Chelsea – I mean it!

*******

What the story with the typical English weather?

At this rate, with all the rain pouring down, then stopping, then starting again, Wimbledon will be opening on a Sunday - once again!

I’m glad to see Serena Williams back after those terrible life-threatening blood clots, which took her out of tennis for a year.

It was touching seeing her break down after wining her first match this year at Wimbledon.

She wore a nice outfit too.

You go girl!

*******

Don’t hesitate to visit my other site by clicking here.

Light and Peace

Andria

It’s a city of two halves!

I’m glad my local team QPR are back in the Premiership but sad to see another London team, West Ham, leave.

It was so cruel the way West Ham got kicked out and in overtime too, losing their two goal lead in the dying seconds – ouch!

It’s all too easy to say they should of put out all the stops in January to get Martin O’Neil – let’s face it, he’s one of the most respected and astute managers in England.

I personally wouldn’t hesitate to give him the chance of being the manager of England after Capello - who I do respect.

He’s tough, astute but approachable and doesn’t suffer fools gladly – he reminds me of Tommy Docherty in the seventies – now that was a manager.

Then again O’Neil must of felt there were too few games in January to save this club – he’s got his reputation to think about!

But the owners and directors at West Ham must of decided to remove Mr A Grant at the end of the season when it would have been cheaper to drop him, due to their expensive purchase of a particular building that Tottenham Hotspur FC still want.

Now West Ham will have to start next season in the Championship, well there’s an irony.

It was two season’s ago they guaranteed the northern club Middlesbrough their place in the First Division.

But I was so glad to hear QPR won’t have any points removed over an earlier altercation.

The last time I had this sadness was when Millwall fell out of top league football just before the start of the Premiership league in 1991.

*******

Congratulations to Manchester United and Manchester City for wining the league and the FA Cup!

United deserves it’s 19th win and City deserves to have some silverware after all the money its owners have spent, so well done to both.

Don’t hesitate to visit my blog, by clicking here.

Speak to you soon.

Andria

Full credit to Manchester United.

At first I thought Chelsea were going to win the league this year but looking at the success of the Manchester United team – I think it’s time for me and others to admit our mistakes.

I got it wrong and here’s wishing the best for Sir Alex Ferguson.

I believed he wouldn’t lift the cup this year as the current first team at Man U aren’t the best that he’s produced.

But they are just as determined as his previous teams.

I’ve noticed that Sir Alex always keeps four players at the back, come what may and this has proved crucial to his success.

The current level of achievement of Manchester United at both home and in Europe speaks for itself.

I remember watching the match a few months ago at West Ham – a team that now must accept life next season in the First Division.

As soon as he put on Berbatov, I knew Sir Alex meant business.

The match turned to their advantage there and then.

So all credit to Sir Alex as one can’t last as a manager in this industry for 20 years without doing something right!

*******

It’s a shame that as one London team goes down, another goes up.

But I’m so pleased to see Queens Park Rangers – better known simply as QPR – finally getting back in the Premier League next season.

It was a mistake selling Les Ferdinand to Newcastle all those years ago but I’m glad to see they’ve finally brought in top quality players.

It’s transformation speaks for itself – yeah!

I have to say that as QPR is very close to where I live but I have to admit, I'm pleased to say this remark too.

Go London!

Don't forget to view my other site by clicking here.

See ya.

Andria

X.

Please be kind.

I have to say this.

On Friday 15th April this year, I was in Harlesden, North West London.

One black man, of Afo-Caribbean origin, in his mid-thirties approach me, concerned in seeing me with a walking stick.

He was kind and polite but because I’m so used to some black people treating me badly because of this, I just smiled at him and made my way to the other side of the street.

Afterwards, I felt bad about this, so I did cross over again to see if I can find him and appologise for my earlier behaviour.

This wasn’t to be but I did see a black woman of Arfo-Caribbean origin, in her mid twenties who did ask me about my condition.

I didn’t want to repeat the same error, so I told her about my condition, even explaining what demylenation disease is and said I need a walking stick for my lack of balance and co-ordination - I do fall over for no reason.

This woman then proceeded to say hurtful things about me – like many (but thankfully not all in our ethnic group) it was made clear that I must offended God and praying to him (or her) will give me salvation from my illness.

I did my usual routine of smiling then walking away.

Please, I don’t know why I have demylenation disease or why it’s happened to me but don’t insult me because of it.

I’m determined to do things with my life, not sit at home and wallow in self-pity but these negative remarks and judgements don’t help anyone.

It was once said to me by a man, at the Belfast Benefit office, when I did ask (loudly) over the phone at the Wembley Job Centre, "why me?" He replied: "you’ve just got to deal with the cards life has sent you."

I now accept he’s right, so please don’t blame me for this disease.

Things do happen for which we just don’t know the reason why (I don't know why I have this disease) and this condition has dramatically affected me.

Before I was a person who leapt out of bed – now I can’t do that but I’m learning to adjust and still enjoy life.

Today’s a great day, we’re living in a great country, so let us all enjoy it!

Andria

X

Goodbye and good luck Fernando Torres!

Yes I believe he does deserve to benefit further from his own talents and skills.

As for the money that’s being spent on him and others during the British football transfer market – well I’m happy to say it’s not the public purse that’s paying for all of this.

Furthermore, Mr Torres is known as one of the good guys in football - Fernando is a family guy, devoted to his wife and their two kids.

After the success of Spain wining last year’s UEFA World Cup – he was a part of this team – Fernando was bound to wish for that same standard of success.

If it’s the ambition of Torres to leave, then like former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo, he shouldn’t be held back from achieving his destiny.

I call this; the Wright reason - after retired footballer Ian Wright, when he left Crystal Palace for Arsenal FC.

It was his manager at Crystal who bitterly called Ian a hothead who wouldn’t last at this prestigious club.

Well Mr Wright did outlast the Arsenal manager who purchased him, George Grahame and even played during the early reign of current long-serving present manager Arsene Wenger.

This was despite Ian having a colourful life off the football pitch – his extra marital affairs when he was a professional player are well-known.

The same can be said for his public spat with another former Arsenal manager Bruce Rioch.

But up to this day, he remains one of Britain’s best loved and well-known retired football players.

The bottom line is; Mr Wright wanted to win things and Arsenal was the football club in London which matched his ambitions and was willing to open new pastures for him.

That’s why he too asked for a transfer from CP to the reds of London, despite being offered the same pay at both clubs.

It’s very sad to look back on your life and say: “it might have been.”

So I wish all the best for Fernando on joining Chelsea FC.

At the same time, I think it’s fair to say everyone in the UK will be watching this Sunday’s match between Chelsea and Liverpool, at Stamford Bridge – that’s Chelsea’s home turf.

Extra security will clearly be needed for that match!

Don’t hesitate to visit my other site by clicking here.

Andria

X

I liked watching Aurelio Zen!

I think Rufus Sewell was brilliant as the sharp suited leading detective, brought to life thanks to BBC1.

Don't take my word for it. The Herald Scotland has a good review about it.

All the main actors and one sexy actress in this show are over 40 years of age (yes!).

I think it was about time we had a show like this on national TV.

Take care.

Andria.