I was going to talk of other matters regarding football but I’m very sad to hear that both Vinnie Jones and his wife Tanya have cancer.
I wasn’t a fan of Mr Jones as during his time as a professional footballer, as he appeared in a DVD titled Hard Men of Soccer. In this, I felt he was glorifying violence in and outside the football pitch.
But I was saddened when I heard this, as I remember Mr Jones as being part of the ‘crazy gang’ that made Wimbledon FC of the 1990s exciting – a team of men from various working-class backgrounds who wouldn’t have been in top flight football if it wasn’t for this club.
I still remember the picture of Mr Jones squeezing the male private parts of a then Newcastle FC player, called Paul Gascoigne.
To know he is fighting skin cancer makes me say to all footballers, whether you’re having a kick about in your local park, or playing against Manchester United – PLEASE WEAR A SUN BLOCK LOTION!
It must be a double blow to find out that his beautiful wife has also got the dreaded C.
In the case of Mrs Jones, it’s thought that her condition could be a side effect of the drugs she has been taking following a heart transplant 26 years ago.
My heart-felt wishes go to both of them in wishing them both a speedy recovery.
I can honestly say, from my own experience of having Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that it’s hard to find a reason why you have been affected.
Thanks to MS, I’ve lost my home, car and savings.
But as a guy at the Belfast benefit centre said to me: “you’ve just got to deal with the cards life has sent you.”
I genuinely relay those words of wisdom to both Vinnie and Tanya Jones and I truly hope that all goes well for them, their children and families.
Light and Peace
Andria
PS, don’t forget to look at my other site by clicking here.
Monday 25 November 2013
Monday 18 November 2013
WE NEED NEW TACTICS!
That was the overwhelming view I had when I saw England FC beaten by the Chile national team last week.
I do truly rate the present England manager as he has previously made the England team a strong force but Roy Hodgson must accept we were only beaten because of one reason: the manager and players of Chile had watched previous matches of England under Roy, knew how our national team played and worked out ways to beat us.
Credit where it’s due as Chile did deserve to win.
But it doesn’t change the fact that, if we have lost to Chile then I don’t rate our chances against the mighty Germany- I’ve lost count as to the many times they have held the UEFA World Cup!
Attitudes are changing in the UK – gone are the days when footballers, especially Liverpool FC, as was the case in the early and mid 1990s, will be mocked for their lifestyle outside of football.
I remember the days when members of that team were called spice boys – I think that remark, even then, was unfair.
That team had a lot of talent – and dare I say, men who have Barbadian ancestry - such as Stan Collymore, Paul Ince and Phil Babb, who although were also blessed with good looks, simply didn’t win trophies for this prestigious football club.
I remember the FA Cup final of 1996, when the members of Liverpool FC paraded the old Wembley Stadium football pitch, as if they owned the place, wearing beautiful Emporio Armani cream suits, before the kick-off – only to lose one-nil to the opposing team, Manchester United.
The suits they wore - black with white shirts, looked as if they were straight out of Primark and before anybody gets shirty with me, I'm happy to say I do buy my clothes from this company.
I was personally glad that Eric Cantona, who had made his own stand against racism in the game against a so-called Crystal Palace fan, had scored that goal, as he too was suffering from the consequences of his previous actions – but that’s another story.
Sticking with the present situation, I can only say that if we stick to the same tactics as last week, then we are done for on Tuesday 19th November, so please Mr Hodgson, let there be a new strategy for our lads.
Come on England!
PS, to see other copies of my work, click here.
I do truly rate the present England manager as he has previously made the England team a strong force but Roy Hodgson must accept we were only beaten because of one reason: the manager and players of Chile had watched previous matches of England under Roy, knew how our national team played and worked out ways to beat us.
Credit where it’s due as Chile did deserve to win.
But it doesn’t change the fact that, if we have lost to Chile then I don’t rate our chances against the mighty Germany- I’ve lost count as to the many times they have held the UEFA World Cup!
Attitudes are changing in the UK – gone are the days when footballers, especially Liverpool FC, as was the case in the early and mid 1990s, will be mocked for their lifestyle outside of football.
I remember the days when members of that team were called spice boys – I think that remark, even then, was unfair.
That team had a lot of talent – and dare I say, men who have Barbadian ancestry - such as Stan Collymore, Paul Ince and Phil Babb, who although were also blessed with good looks, simply didn’t win trophies for this prestigious football club.
I remember the FA Cup final of 1996, when the members of Liverpool FC paraded the old Wembley Stadium football pitch, as if they owned the place, wearing beautiful Emporio Armani cream suits, before the kick-off – only to lose one-nil to the opposing team, Manchester United.
The suits they wore - black with white shirts, looked as if they were straight out of Primark and before anybody gets shirty with me, I'm happy to say I do buy my clothes from this company.
I was personally glad that Eric Cantona, who had made his own stand against racism in the game against a so-called Crystal Palace fan, had scored that goal, as he too was suffering from the consequences of his previous actions – but that’s another story.
Sticking with the present situation, I can only say that if we stick to the same tactics as last week, then we are done for on Tuesday 19th November, so please Mr Hodgson, let there be a new strategy for our lads.
Come on England!
PS, to see other copies of my work, click here.
Tuesday 2 April 2013
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
This, which I’ll shorten to three capital letters, CFS, is part of the package for those with Multiple Sclerosis, like me.
The same goes for people with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, end stage renal disease and other similar conditions.
Men or women in any socio-economic group and ethnicity can get CFS.
Sadly women, more than men, get CFS – perhaps it’s because we work longer and harder than men and for less pay – that’s just a well-known fact!
I can assure you, it’s not an act to say that God has punished you, which I know from experience, is what many people still believe.
There is also abundant scientific evidence that CFS is a real physiological illness.
I for one have a problem in writing, which is why I’m so grateful for a computer and still use an electronic typewriter - not all of these are in museums!
In order to keep fit, I use weights and exercise in the mornings, as my CFS gets worse as the day progresses.
Even when 1pm approaches, I have visible problems with my balance and co-ordination.
The average family in the UK with a CFS member will lose at least one average wage, which is anything between £16,000 - £25,000 a year.
I love work. To me it justifies my existence on this earth and gives me the chance to contribute to this great country.
I believe in the Union Jack and show this at any given opportunity, which includes having this on my key ring, with the words KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.
One of the things I will suggest to anyone with CFS is this: STAY AWAY FROM CAFFINE!
I don’t know about the full facts about drinks with coffee, which are plentiful but I can say, also from experience, there is something about caffeine that makes all of us from the above groups, go from bad to worse.
I have to admit, I do love drinking D&G’s Jamaican Ginger Beer. Fizzy drinks, along with tea, also contain the dreaded C (but not as much as coffee) so go easy on these products too.
Also learn how to say no. There will always be someone you know that will try it on. Again: say no!
Also don’t under any circumstances, work for anyone who compromises the rules on health and safety.
You have the same rights as anyone else to be here but you do have a lower immune system than the next person, so if, in anyway, the building you’re expected to work in is compromised, that should set the alarm bells in your head ringing to say, what else are they flouncing?
There are good employers out there, but there are so many dodgy employers out there too, so be careful.
Light and love
Andria
X
PS, to see more copies of my work, click here.
Sunday 10 March 2013
What a result!
I admit, I'm not a follower of the Six Nations Ruby but I'm getting there!
I watched the match between Ireland and France on Saturday 9th March - no one who saw it can deny it was a brilliant match.
It ended 13 all, thanks to the heroic effects of the French team, especially during the last 20 minutes.
What a thrilling match - even now, I wish I was in Dublin!
*******
I had to display this picture of one of my best friends, Shirley Jumpp, on the left.
I hope this picture serves as a reminder, both to me and others, of the power of friendship and how important it is to value them.
As you can see for yourself, this beautiful, elegagant woman with good height, - about 5 foot 7 inches, is testimoney to the importance of having good stature.
The goofy one wearing white, standing next to her, is me!
Light and Love.
Andria
X
To see cuttings of other work I've done, click here.
I watched the match between Ireland and France on Saturday 9th March - no one who saw it can deny it was a brilliant match.
It ended 13 all, thanks to the heroic effects of the French team, especially during the last 20 minutes.
What a thrilling match - even now, I wish I was in Dublin!
*******
I had to display this picture of one of my best friends, Shirley Jumpp, on the left.
I hope this picture serves as a reminder, both to me and others, of the power of friendship and how important it is to value them.
As you can see for yourself, this beautiful, elegagant woman with good height, - about 5 foot 7 inches, is testimoney to the importance of having good stature.
The goofy one wearing white, standing next to her, is me!
Light and Love.
Andria
X
To see cuttings of other work I've done, click here.
Friday 8 February 2013
AN IDLE KING...
That’s what many of the people in Tokyngton (within the London Borough of Brent) feel regarding the six (soon to be seven, as Willesden will be ‘temporary’ shut down) empty buildings that were home to good libraries.
Selma James, widow of the historian and advocate of the Caribbean, CLR James, was highly critical of the decision to reduce the library facilities within the London Borough of Brent.
As was stated during the launch of her book at Kilburn library on Thursday 7 February, after 7.30pm – I also brought a signed copy – Mrs James was critical of the cuts and added: “...libraries will soon be available only to those going to Eton...”
As was noted by many who also attended the launch of her recent book, Sex, Race and Class, a library is one of the few places left where your sex, race and class dosen’t matter to anyone.
When I worked at the Tokyngton church branch of Cricklewood Homeless Concern, an organisation that operates throughout this borough to help homeless people, men and women who are over the age of 18 years of age, regardless of race or religion, many of its clients and staff would also attended this library, mainly after breakfast, about 9.30am.
For those who were Muslim, we respected their beliefs - as the Tokyngton church is the local parish church - and made sure the meat we used was Halal and prepared according to their beliefs.
When the head of Brent libraries turned up and said the Tokyngton library was going to be turned into a Mosque, this didn’t pacify the growing crowd, which consisted of more than 50 people.
Members of the crowd who were Muslim, pointed out they too used the now defunct Tokyngton library, which also had a well-used childrens, large-print and audio books section, which shows how popular it was.
Considering the nearby Central Middlesex hospital (many who were born in this hospital affectionately call it by its old name, Park Royal) is soon to have its accident and emergency department shut, the self-help books in the remaining libraries are now a matter of urgency.
Considering the nearby Central Middlesex hospital (many who were born in this hospital affectionately call it by its old name, Park Royal) is soon to have its accident and emergency department shut, the self-help books in the remaining libraries are now a matter of urgency.
Tokyngton library served the age needs of the middle-class people in this ward and the same goes for people in Stonebridge estate and Saint Raphael’s estate, which houses some of the most deprived people and children in the UK.
In other words, the closure of the six libraries in Brent, including Tokyngton - a multi-racial ward - is still an emotional issue that won’t go away.
This is issue that affects everyone in this London Borough, as the closures of Neaseden library and others, puts an unwanted strain on the remaining six libraries in Brent.
The Brent Conservatives and Brent Liberal Democrats have got involved in condeming the reduction of libraries in this borough.
Councillors from the above political party's attended the High Court on both readings last year, when many tried, without success, to get Brent Council's decision to close Tokyngton, Neasen, Cricklewood, Barham Park, Preston Park and Kensal Rise library's overturned.
People in this borough with political views near the left, right and in the center of this brilliant country are unhappy with the decision to have fewer libraries.
This is issue that affects everyone in this London Borough, as the closures of Neaseden library and others, puts an unwanted strain on the remaining six libraries in Brent.
The Brent Conservatives and Brent Liberal Democrats have got involved in condeming the reduction of libraries in this borough.
Councillors from the above political party's attended the High Court on both readings last year, when many tried, without success, to get Brent Council's decision to close Tokyngton, Neasen, Cricklewood, Barham Park, Preston Park and Kensal Rise library's overturned.
People in this borough with political views near the left, right and in the center of this brilliant country are unhappy with the decision to have fewer libraries.
Men, women and children of all faiths need a local library, for various reasons and stages in their lives.
Not all of us can buy wonderful novels like JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy.
Others haven’t got the funds to get books from the Fowler's range of Modern English Usage, which is so important to improve our CV’s and knowledge of the English language.
I thank Selma James for her support in condemning the reduction of library's in Brent and I'm thankful that both herself and her husband enjoyed attending Cricklewood library, which has also been closed.
I repeat what the poet, Lord Alfred Tennyson once said in his famous poem, Ulysess (which is now being featured on BBC2):
I repeat what the poet, Lord Alfred Tennyson once said in his famous poem, Ulysess (which is now being featured on BBC2):
...to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.
Light and Love
Andria
PS, to see previous copies of my work, click here.
Thursday 31 January 2013
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I realise I should of said this earlier and I genuinely hope I haven’t offended anyone by leaving the above remark as late as I have.
I hope for all of us, this year will be filled with joy, love, happiness and wealth: both financial and mental.
*******
I genuinely hope all goes well for former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.
It’s been announced today by top Italian football club AC Millian he’ll be joining them.
A move he decided to make, for £19 million.
I’m genuinely pleased that he helped the former minoans Manchester City become the giants who won the Premier League last year.
I also remember seeing the ugly scenes between himself and his former manager Roberto Mancini - none of us can forget those.
When I saw those pictures, first distributed on the 3rd day of this month, I felt that the two men had simply out-grown each other.
I’m so pleased he was able to end his time here on a positive note, by saying of his former manager: “I love Roberto, he has been very important for my career, and I will always thank him for having trust and faith in me.”
Old families need new blood in order to remain relevant and active. The Premier League is no different.
Not since Ian Wright, a football player of the 1990’s, have I seen a football player bring as much excitement as Balotelli, both on and off the pitch.
Mr Mario Barwuah Balotelli, I thank you for your time at Manchester City, for your skills and abilities as a striker brought flair and style to the Premier league.
I genuinely wish you well, as you make a new beginning at AC Millian.
*******
I’m glad to see Queens Park Rangers have purchased defender Chris Samba for £12.5m.
My local club needs strength in this area and Samba has this, along with pace and the needed experience in order to maintain their existence in the English and Welsh Premier League.
It seems they’ve learned from the mistake of the 1990's and realise in order to remain in this league, you need to get people of quality.
*******
I’m also glad for David Beckham to be at French football club Paris Saint Germain.
He’s had plenty of stick over the years for being both talented and good-looking.
The same can be said of his family, including his wife Victoria, whose dress designs are amazing.
But he’s made it, both before the transfer window and in life in general!
*******
Talking of new beginnings, I have taken the step of asking to be a volunteer for the Diamond jubilee coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Looking at the events of the original coronation, on 2nd June 1953, I will be very proud if I can play any part at the 60th anniversary events.
Queen Elizabeth was crowned on 2 June 1953 in front of more than 8,000 guests at Westminster Abbey.
Then aged only 25, The Queen had replaced her father, King George VI, as monarch after his death on 6 February 1952.
Her spectacular coronation - at a time of post-war austerity - was the culmination of months of planning.
The veteran BBC broadcaster Richard Dimbleby, describing the events omn this day, is one of the reasons I wanted to be a journalist, as his version of the coronation still rings in my ears.
Because of my illness, it would be better for me to be placed indoors – since having Multiple Sclerosis (MS) I really feel the cold, as with many suffers of this illness.
Another reason, I hope to be placed at Westminster Abbey, as the commentary at the original coronation, by is still unforgettable.
Last year’s river pageant on the River Thames, marking her 60 years on the throne; was spectacular by anyone’s standards.
No one can do a ceremony like the British Royal Family, here’s one!
*******
As for Mr Dimbley’s commentary, including others he’s done before and after the above ceremony,
I’m sure you can find a version you’ll prefer on YouTube.
*******
To see details of my work, click here.
Until the next time we speak, stay good.
Light and Peace
Andria
X
I hope for all of us, this year will be filled with joy, love, happiness and wealth: both financial and mental.
*******
I genuinely hope all goes well for former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.
It’s been announced today by top Italian football club AC Millian he’ll be joining them.
A move he decided to make, for £19 million.
I’m genuinely pleased that he helped the former minoans Manchester City become the giants who won the Premier League last year.
I also remember seeing the ugly scenes between himself and his former manager Roberto Mancini - none of us can forget those.
When I saw those pictures, first distributed on the 3rd day of this month, I felt that the two men had simply out-grown each other.
I’m so pleased he was able to end his time here on a positive note, by saying of his former manager: “I love Roberto, he has been very important for my career, and I will always thank him for having trust and faith in me.”
Old families need new blood in order to remain relevant and active. The Premier League is no different.
Not since Ian Wright, a football player of the 1990’s, have I seen a football player bring as much excitement as Balotelli, both on and off the pitch.
Mr Mario Barwuah Balotelli, I thank you for your time at Manchester City, for your skills and abilities as a striker brought flair and style to the Premier league.
I genuinely wish you well, as you make a new beginning at AC Millian.
*******
I’m glad to see Queens Park Rangers have purchased defender Chris Samba for £12.5m.
My local club needs strength in this area and Samba has this, along with pace and the needed experience in order to maintain their existence in the English and Welsh Premier League.
It seems they’ve learned from the mistake of the 1990's and realise in order to remain in this league, you need to get people of quality.
*******
I’m also glad for David Beckham to be at French football club Paris Saint Germain.
He’s had plenty of stick over the years for being both talented and good-looking.
The same can be said of his family, including his wife Victoria, whose dress designs are amazing.
But he’s made it, both before the transfer window and in life in general!
*******
Talking of new beginnings, I have taken the step of asking to be a volunteer for the Diamond jubilee coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Looking at the events of the original coronation, on 2nd June 1953, I will be very proud if I can play any part at the 60th anniversary events.
Queen Elizabeth was crowned on 2 June 1953 in front of more than 8,000 guests at Westminster Abbey.
Then aged only 25, The Queen had replaced her father, King George VI, as monarch after his death on 6 February 1952.
Her spectacular coronation - at a time of post-war austerity - was the culmination of months of planning.
The veteran BBC broadcaster Richard Dimbleby, describing the events omn this day, is one of the reasons I wanted to be a journalist, as his version of the coronation still rings in my ears.
Because of my illness, it would be better for me to be placed indoors – since having Multiple Sclerosis (MS) I really feel the cold, as with many suffers of this illness.
Another reason, I hope to be placed at Westminster Abbey, as the commentary at the original coronation, by is still unforgettable.
Last year’s river pageant on the River Thames, marking her 60 years on the throne; was spectacular by anyone’s standards.
No one can do a ceremony like the British Royal Family, here’s one!
*******
As for Mr Dimbley’s commentary, including others he’s done before and after the above ceremony,
I’m sure you can find a version you’ll prefer on YouTube.
*******
To see details of my work, click here.
Until the next time we speak, stay good.
Light and Peace
Andria
X
Monday 7 January 2013
Rest in peace, Mr Wyclife Bowen
I’m so saddened and sorry to announce the death of my mother’s brother.
Along with my dad, Joseph, my mum Eleanor Greaves (nee Gibbons) will be flying to Barbados this week Wednesday morning to help bury him.
I wasn't close to him but he was her brother, my uncle and I can imagine the pain she must be feeling, as I would be grief-stricken if it had been my brother who I was burying.
The news came to us on my dad’s birthday, the 22nd of December but my dad knew he could celebrate another day and broke the sad news to my mum as soon as she arrived home, which was roughly after 4pm GMT.
He leaves behind a wonderful son Biko, who I’m proud to say is my cousin – his parents, especially his mum, have done a great job in bringing him up.
Mr Bowen, you now sleep with the stars in the sky, now and forever.
Love
Andria
Along with my dad, Joseph, my mum Eleanor Greaves (nee Gibbons) will be flying to Barbados this week Wednesday morning to help bury him.
I wasn't close to him but he was her brother, my uncle and I can imagine the pain she must be feeling, as I would be grief-stricken if it had been my brother who I was burying.
The news came to us on my dad’s birthday, the 22nd of December but my dad knew he could celebrate another day and broke the sad news to my mum as soon as she arrived home, which was roughly after 4pm GMT.
He leaves behind a wonderful son Biko, who I’m proud to say is my cousin – his parents, especially his mum, have done a great job in bringing him up.
Mr Bowen, you now sleep with the stars in the sky, now and forever.
Love
Andria
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