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?
£££££££
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!
£££££££
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.
£££££££
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.
£££££££
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
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Friday, 4 September 2009
A BREAK FROM THE USUAL ROUTINE
I was asked recently what my favourite films are and why.
The answer for me was simple. In Collateral, two men who on the surface, have nothing in common with each other briefly provide real meaning to each other’s life, even when one ends up terminating the other.
In Be Kind Rewind, a community realises its facing extinction if the small video shop closes down. In this day and age, where it’s very tempting to keep to oneself, it reminds us that no man is an island and shouldn’t seek to be one too.
In Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, well this one is simply my favourite of all the Star War films. I believe it was the strongest - script wise - and the one with most meaning; who can forget the moment when Luke Skywalker finds out Darth Vader is his dad?
£££££££
But I have two other films I’ve watched several times, simply because they helped, believe it or not, to change the world.
Blazing Saddles
After standing up for himself and just before he’s about to be executed, Bart, played by Cleavon Little, is saved by the State Attorney General, called Heady Lamarr - brilliantly portrayed by Harvey Korman - who makes him a sheriff that’s requested by the townsfolk of Rock Ridge.
The AT’s intentions aren't noble; he wants to use Bart to drive the local people away – especially since Lamarr's responsible for the current woes of Rock Ridge - or even better, have the townsfolk kill Bart and wash his hands clean of the town's eventual destruction (after all, he has done his bit of sending a law enforcer, so why should he send another one?) i.e. smart move!
That’s because construction of the railroad has to be changed, due to discovering quicksand on the original route - that's why Bart was due to be hanged, after striking the supervisor over the head for leaving him and a friend to drown - this means it has to go through the town of Rock Ridge.
Rather than let the residents have a fair slice of the profits gained, the AT wants to buy the land at a cheap price and keep the future gains of the railroad for himself – i.e. greed.
Blazing Saddles not only had a black man as the lead character (and was first released in 1974) it also cleverly shows how defeat can be turned into victory without having to play the race card.
In the Wild West, racial and sexual equality didn’t exist yet seeing how Sherriff Bart overcomes the original hatred of the townsfolk and defends them, which includes sticking to the principles of his job and defeating his enemies through humour, cunning, sensibility, hard work, honour and being downright clever, is something I aim for, which I hope is passed onto everyone I meet.
I also learned if there is one act of kindness I can do, whether it’s sweeping the floor before the disabled supporters arrive or helping a student achieve a demo or press cutting, we should always strive to be helpful; we all need friends and interaction with others, as Gene Wilder showed, when co-starting in this film as the ‘Waco Kid’ (which included his long-time comedy partner Richard Pryor, as one of the writers of this film).
I have another one but I’ll have to mention it another time.
Until then, be good.
Light and Peace
Andria
PS don’t forget to visit my other internet site: www.andriagreaves.com
The answer for me was simple. In Collateral, two men who on the surface, have nothing in common with each other briefly provide real meaning to each other’s life, even when one ends up terminating the other.
In Be Kind Rewind, a community realises its facing extinction if the small video shop closes down. In this day and age, where it’s very tempting to keep to oneself, it reminds us that no man is an island and shouldn’t seek to be one too.
In Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, well this one is simply my favourite of all the Star War films. I believe it was the strongest - script wise - and the one with most meaning; who can forget the moment when Luke Skywalker finds out Darth Vader is his dad?
£££££££
But I have two other films I’ve watched several times, simply because they helped, believe it or not, to change the world.
Blazing Saddles
After standing up for himself and just before he’s about to be executed, Bart, played by Cleavon Little, is saved by the State Attorney General, called Heady Lamarr - brilliantly portrayed by Harvey Korman - who makes him a sheriff that’s requested by the townsfolk of Rock Ridge.
The AT’s intentions aren't noble; he wants to use Bart to drive the local people away – especially since Lamarr's responsible for the current woes of Rock Ridge - or even better, have the townsfolk kill Bart and wash his hands clean of the town's eventual destruction (after all, he has done his bit of sending a law enforcer, so why should he send another one?) i.e. smart move!
That’s because construction of the railroad has to be changed, due to discovering quicksand on the original route - that's why Bart was due to be hanged, after striking the supervisor over the head for leaving him and a friend to drown - this means it has to go through the town of Rock Ridge.
Rather than let the residents have a fair slice of the profits gained, the AT wants to buy the land at a cheap price and keep the future gains of the railroad for himself – i.e. greed.
Blazing Saddles not only had a black man as the lead character (and was first released in 1974) it also cleverly shows how defeat can be turned into victory without having to play the race card.
In the Wild West, racial and sexual equality didn’t exist yet seeing how Sherriff Bart overcomes the original hatred of the townsfolk and defends them, which includes sticking to the principles of his job and defeating his enemies through humour, cunning, sensibility, hard work, honour and being downright clever, is something I aim for, which I hope is passed onto everyone I meet.
I also learned if there is one act of kindness I can do, whether it’s sweeping the floor before the disabled supporters arrive or helping a student achieve a demo or press cutting, we should always strive to be helpful; we all need friends and interaction with others, as Gene Wilder showed, when co-starting in this film as the ‘Waco Kid’ (which included his long-time comedy partner Richard Pryor, as one of the writers of this film).
I have another one but I’ll have to mention it another time.
Until then, be good.
Light and Peace
Andria
PS don’t forget to visit my other internet site: www.andriagreaves.com
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Smoking Chimonga!
That’s an expression that’s always got my attention - I first got it from my mate Tajinder Gill, who works at the NUT central London office.
What’s also getting my attention is this: the Premier League, for the first time in its 17 year history, has gone through the £1billion sales barrier.
Worldwide TV deals have played its role for this figure, as clubs were paid a set fee, money each time they were shown on TV and payment based on which position they ended up last season.
The Premier League itself received £2.7billion by selling TV rights for three seasons, from 2007 to 2010.
Looking at the success soccer has in getting both men and women in their grounds and in visiting neighbouring pubs, it’s more than likely the Premier League will get more in the future.
Furthermore the Premier is clearly not showing signs of being affected by the recession. The League’s turnover is up at least 6 per cent from last year’s figure of £951.6million.
Rather than list the results alphabetically, here’s a breakdown of the broadcast payments the football clubs received, according to where they finished last season
- I assure you, I did format this so the lines wouldn't go wonky but for some reason, it never sticks when I publish work on a PC!
1 Manchester United...............£51.5million
2 Liverpool.......................£50.3m
3 Chelsea.........................£47.7m
The top three get automatic entry to the UEFA Champions League Group stage.
4 Arsenal.........................£46.5m
This fourth placed London team goes through to the UEFA Champions League Play-off round.
5 Everton.........................£44.8m
6 Aston Villa.....................£44.5m
These two central England teams go through to the UEFA Europa League Play-off round.
7 Fulham..........................£40.1m
This London club goes through to the UEFA Europa League Third qualifying round.
8 Tottenham Hotspur...............£42.5m
9 West Ham United.................£40.4m
10 Manchester City................£40.1m
11 Wigan Athletic.................£37m
12 Stoke City.....................£36.3m
13 Bolton Wanderers...............£35.5m
14 Portsmouth.....................£34.8m
15 Blackburn Rovers...............£34.4m
16 Sunderland.....................£33.2m
17 Hull City......................£32.5m
These 10 clubs have either:
a. Received the misfortune of missing out on playing in the UEFA Leagues
b. The privilege of remaining in the Premier League
c. Been fortunate not to be relegated to the less lucrative Division One
because - as QPR, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest show - once you’re
out, it’s hard to get back into top flight football since the formation of
the Premier League.
d. All of the above, particularly when looking at the fate of the following
three teams.
Here's the unfortunate ones who didn't make it:
18 Newcastle United................£36.3m
19 Middlesbrough...................£30.9m
20 West Bromwich Albion............£31.1m
These three were relegated to Football League Championship – i.e. Division One – but at least got a financial sweetener from the broadcast payments to comfort the blow.
£££££££
Congratulations to former professional footballer and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker and model Danielle Bux on their marriage in Ravello, Italy.
I wish both the bride and groom everlasting happiness.
To get more information, click onto this BBC link: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8235433.stm
£££££££
Further evidence of the success the Premier League provides can be found in Ashley Cole signing a new four-year deal at Chelsea, with increased wages.
Although many others weren’t happy at the way he engineered his move from Arsenal, like fellow teammate and former Arsenal player Nicolas Anelka – who was the highest scorer during last season, scoring 19 goals, not Cristiano Ronaldo – he’s clearly very happy at Stamford Bridge.
For more information, I found this link from The Guardian newspaper to be very effective, which also talks about current players in his former club signing contracts: www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/02/ashley-cole-chelsea-contract1
Don’t forget to visit my other internet site: www.andriagreaves.com
Until next time, peace.
Andria
X
What’s also getting my attention is this: the Premier League, for the first time in its 17 year history, has gone through the £1billion sales barrier.
Worldwide TV deals have played its role for this figure, as clubs were paid a set fee, money each time they were shown on TV and payment based on which position they ended up last season.
The Premier League itself received £2.7billion by selling TV rights for three seasons, from 2007 to 2010.
Looking at the success soccer has in getting both men and women in their grounds and in visiting neighbouring pubs, it’s more than likely the Premier League will get more in the future.
Furthermore the Premier is clearly not showing signs of being affected by the recession. The League’s turnover is up at least 6 per cent from last year’s figure of £951.6million.
Rather than list the results alphabetically, here’s a breakdown of the broadcast payments the football clubs received, according to where they finished last season
- I assure you, I did format this so the lines wouldn't go wonky but for some reason, it never sticks when I publish work on a PC!
1 Manchester United...............£51.5million
2 Liverpool.......................£50.3m
3 Chelsea.........................£47.7m
The top three get automatic entry to the UEFA Champions League Group stage.
4 Arsenal.........................£46.5m
This fourth placed London team goes through to the UEFA Champions League Play-off round.
5 Everton.........................£44.8m
6 Aston Villa.....................£44.5m
These two central England teams go through to the UEFA Europa League Play-off round.
7 Fulham..........................£40.1m
This London club goes through to the UEFA Europa League Third qualifying round.
8 Tottenham Hotspur...............£42.5m
9 West Ham United.................£40.4m
10 Manchester City................£40.1m
11 Wigan Athletic.................£37m
12 Stoke City.....................£36.3m
13 Bolton Wanderers...............£35.5m
14 Portsmouth.....................£34.8m
15 Blackburn Rovers...............£34.4m
16 Sunderland.....................£33.2m
17 Hull City......................£32.5m
These 10 clubs have either:
a. Received the misfortune of missing out on playing in the UEFA Leagues
b. The privilege of remaining in the Premier League
c. Been fortunate not to be relegated to the less lucrative Division One
because - as QPR, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest show - once you’re
out, it’s hard to get back into top flight football since the formation of
the Premier League.
d. All of the above, particularly when looking at the fate of the following
three teams.
Here's the unfortunate ones who didn't make it:
18 Newcastle United................£36.3m
19 Middlesbrough...................£30.9m
20 West Bromwich Albion............£31.1m
These three were relegated to Football League Championship – i.e. Division One – but at least got a financial sweetener from the broadcast payments to comfort the blow.
£££££££
Congratulations to former professional footballer and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker and model Danielle Bux on their marriage in Ravello, Italy.
I wish both the bride and groom everlasting happiness.
To get more information, click onto this BBC link: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8235433.stm
£££££££
Further evidence of the success the Premier League provides can be found in Ashley Cole signing a new four-year deal at Chelsea, with increased wages.
Although many others weren’t happy at the way he engineered his move from Arsenal, like fellow teammate and former Arsenal player Nicolas Anelka – who was the highest scorer during last season, scoring 19 goals, not Cristiano Ronaldo – he’s clearly very happy at Stamford Bridge.
For more information, I found this link from The Guardian newspaper to be very effective, which also talks about current players in his former club signing contracts: www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/02/ashley-cole-chelsea-contract1
Don’t forget to visit my other internet site: www.andriagreaves.com
Until next time, peace.
Andria
X
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Well done Wolves!
Although I’m not a Rugby fan, the two teams that attended Wembley Stadium today for the Challenge Cup Final, the other team being Huddersfield, were well behaved.
There was no segregation of fans, which has to be done regarding soccer.
In all, it was a carnival atmosphere, with some fans dressed as convicts, other men wearing flowery pink dresses.
When Wolves picked up the cup, many supporters of the losing team clapped their hands.
It’s the first time since 1974 that Warrington has won the Cup, so congratulations all round to them.
Some of their fans decided to stay in Wembley, visiting The Greyhound pub that’s approximately 100 yards away from the Stadium.
It was nice, seeing their fans - grown men, women and their children, sitting on the green opposite the pub, enjoying the rest of the warm, sunny weather, which was crowned by a fabulous result.
As I said to some of their fans leaving the Stadium, congratulations on the result and I hope to see some of you again next year.
£££££££
Chelsea is on top of the league!
The 3-0 result is sure to help show they are determined to break the lock Manchester United has on winning the Premiership league.
As for newly promoted Burnley, please learn from the mistakes of recently regulated out of top-flight football West Bromwich Albion (WBA); you can’t stay in the Premier league with First Division players.
I know that’s ruthless to say but that’s the way it is – this explains why Stoke City and Hull City, the other clubs who were promoted with WBA to the 2008-09 Premier League, are still in the Premiership League.
£££££££
Manchester United only just got victory today against Arsenal, thanks to Abou Diaby’s own goal.
United only just got their victory, which does bring forward the belief whether the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo has weakened this team.
Only time will tell.
£££££££
Speaking of Arsenal, it’s not surprising that UEFA has stepped in to the whole issue regarding Eduardo’s behaviour Wednesday evening.
The Euro football chiefs have charged the striker with deceiving the referee by diving to win a penalty against Celtic, in the Champions League qualifier.
Again, I think this is a case of where, as I stated regarding Drogba’s outburst during last season’s Chelsea UEFA match against Barcelona, of letting the linesman have as much say as the main referee when looking at such issues.
I must admit to being surprised by Eduardo’s actions on Wednesday, as I remember the nasty left ankle dislocation he received in February 2008 that threatened his career-playing future.
For most people, it’s a defining moment where you look at what’s important in life and it usually includes sportsmanship.
Hopefully, both Eduardo and his manager, Arséne Wenger, will come to realise this in the coming months.
£££££££
I watched Big Ron – as I still call him – doing Celebrity Wife Swap a few weeks ago with Olympic gold medal winner Tessa Sanderson.
I remember this man as the showy-with-clout manager of Manchester United, who put the glam into a club that was then synonymous with supporters wearing brown cloth caps and long matching coats – i.e., dowdy.
Along with a team that had a successful streak in the 1980’s, Ron Atkinson was a man who invented the word bling and made Manchester United a trendy team to follow, before he was removed to make way for a then unpeeraged unknown-to-mainstream-English-football manager, called Alex Ferguson.
Big Ron was responsible for introducing black football players on a mainstream scale to English football. This was particularly the case when he managed WBA, before becoming a match commentator.
So rather than ponder on the foolish remarks he said about Marcel Desailly in 2004, I hope he gets further involved in the academy in Newham, London, that Ms Sanderson is helping to run in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.
Mr Atkinson has an amazing talent, which clearly showed when he was being a manager of a local Newham football team during the swap.
He is a man you can believe in; that quality is needed in a football manager.
I also saw the home – well let’s face it, mansion – he lives in with his wife.
It just goes to show, like Kevin Keegan, there has always been some football professionals who had their financial heads screwed on before the arrival of the Premiership league in 1991.
I for one hope Celebrity Wife Swap is not the last we see or hear from Big Ron.
£££££££
That leads me to what I mentioned during my last blog about recommending books to read regarding sport.
For Father’s Day this year, I brought: Beyond A Boundary, by CLR James.
My mum isn’t a cricket lover but decided to take this book with her to the hairdressers, as she usually spends all day at the salon and found this book good to read and realised why certain cricket matches are called a Test.
I decided to read it and realised why this man was such an inspirational figure for independence and self-rule during his lifetime.
I wrote a biography piece about him for Pride magazine, featured in February 2006 – the feedback the office received about it was fantastic and was responsible for that edition being a sell-out.
The e-mails and phone calls to the then editor praising this article were daily and continued for the whole month.
My only regret was seeing the sub-editors take my name out. My thanks go to those who liked reading it – it took me a whole week to finally produce that article, such was the extent of work and essays that Cyril Lionel Robert James produced.
Another book I’d highly recommend is Paul Gascoigne’s autobiography, Gazza: My Story, with Hunter Davies, first published in 2004.
It’s a truly warming book that made me laugh, cry, get annoyed with Mr Gascoigne and generally feel his pain. It’s a warts and all revelation about him; a genius midfielder who sadly never achieved his full potential during his playing days.
I so wish that Sir Alex Ferguson had signed him from Lazio.
£££££££
I’m now being kicked off the computer I’m typing this on, so I’m signing off now!
Please don’t hesitate to visit my other internet site: www.andriagreaves.com
Until next time.
Light and Peace
Andria
X
There was no segregation of fans, which has to be done regarding soccer.
In all, it was a carnival atmosphere, with some fans dressed as convicts, other men wearing flowery pink dresses.
When Wolves picked up the cup, many supporters of the losing team clapped their hands.
It’s the first time since 1974 that Warrington has won the Cup, so congratulations all round to them.
Some of their fans decided to stay in Wembley, visiting The Greyhound pub that’s approximately 100 yards away from the Stadium.
It was nice, seeing their fans - grown men, women and their children, sitting on the green opposite the pub, enjoying the rest of the warm, sunny weather, which was crowned by a fabulous result.
As I said to some of their fans leaving the Stadium, congratulations on the result and I hope to see some of you again next year.
£££££££
Chelsea is on top of the league!
The 3-0 result is sure to help show they are determined to break the lock Manchester United has on winning the Premiership league.
As for newly promoted Burnley, please learn from the mistakes of recently regulated out of top-flight football West Bromwich Albion (WBA); you can’t stay in the Premier league with First Division players.
I know that’s ruthless to say but that’s the way it is – this explains why Stoke City and Hull City, the other clubs who were promoted with WBA to the 2008-09 Premier League, are still in the Premiership League.
£££££££
Manchester United only just got victory today against Arsenal, thanks to Abou Diaby’s own goal.
United only just got their victory, which does bring forward the belief whether the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo has weakened this team.
Only time will tell.
£££££££
Speaking of Arsenal, it’s not surprising that UEFA has stepped in to the whole issue regarding Eduardo’s behaviour Wednesday evening.
The Euro football chiefs have charged the striker with deceiving the referee by diving to win a penalty against Celtic, in the Champions League qualifier.
Again, I think this is a case of where, as I stated regarding Drogba’s outburst during last season’s Chelsea UEFA match against Barcelona, of letting the linesman have as much say as the main referee when looking at such issues.
I must admit to being surprised by Eduardo’s actions on Wednesday, as I remember the nasty left ankle dislocation he received in February 2008 that threatened his career-playing future.
For most people, it’s a defining moment where you look at what’s important in life and it usually includes sportsmanship.
Hopefully, both Eduardo and his manager, Arséne Wenger, will come to realise this in the coming months.
£££££££
I watched Big Ron – as I still call him – doing Celebrity Wife Swap a few weeks ago with Olympic gold medal winner Tessa Sanderson.
I remember this man as the showy-with-clout manager of Manchester United, who put the glam into a club that was then synonymous with supporters wearing brown cloth caps and long matching coats – i.e., dowdy.
Along with a team that had a successful streak in the 1980’s, Ron Atkinson was a man who invented the word bling and made Manchester United a trendy team to follow, before he was removed to make way for a then unpeeraged unknown-to-mainstream-English-football manager, called Alex Ferguson.
Big Ron was responsible for introducing black football players on a mainstream scale to English football. This was particularly the case when he managed WBA, before becoming a match commentator.
So rather than ponder on the foolish remarks he said about Marcel Desailly in 2004, I hope he gets further involved in the academy in Newham, London, that Ms Sanderson is helping to run in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.
Mr Atkinson has an amazing talent, which clearly showed when he was being a manager of a local Newham football team during the swap.
He is a man you can believe in; that quality is needed in a football manager.
I also saw the home – well let’s face it, mansion – he lives in with his wife.
It just goes to show, like Kevin Keegan, there has always been some football professionals who had their financial heads screwed on before the arrival of the Premiership league in 1991.
I for one hope Celebrity Wife Swap is not the last we see or hear from Big Ron.
£££££££
That leads me to what I mentioned during my last blog about recommending books to read regarding sport.
For Father’s Day this year, I brought: Beyond A Boundary, by CLR James.
My mum isn’t a cricket lover but decided to take this book with her to the hairdressers, as she usually spends all day at the salon and found this book good to read and realised why certain cricket matches are called a Test.
I decided to read it and realised why this man was such an inspirational figure for independence and self-rule during his lifetime.
I wrote a biography piece about him for Pride magazine, featured in February 2006 – the feedback the office received about it was fantastic and was responsible for that edition being a sell-out.
The e-mails and phone calls to the then editor praising this article were daily and continued for the whole month.
My only regret was seeing the sub-editors take my name out. My thanks go to those who liked reading it – it took me a whole week to finally produce that article, such was the extent of work and essays that Cyril Lionel Robert James produced.
Another book I’d highly recommend is Paul Gascoigne’s autobiography, Gazza: My Story, with Hunter Davies, first published in 2004.
It’s a truly warming book that made me laugh, cry, get annoyed with Mr Gascoigne and generally feel his pain. It’s a warts and all revelation about him; a genius midfielder who sadly never achieved his full potential during his playing days.
I so wish that Sir Alex Ferguson had signed him from Lazio.
£££££££
I’m now being kicked off the computer I’m typing this on, so I’m signing off now!
Please don’t hesitate to visit my other internet site: www.andriagreaves.com
Until next time.
Light and Peace
Andria
X
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
West Ham Vs Millwall: the truth
Hi to one and all
I realise I haven’t written for some time and I do accept full responsibility for this.
Nevertheless, I’m happy to inform you about my experiences, both yesterday as a football steward at West Ham vs Millwall and on other issues.
I can say the real West Ham fans wouldn’t of been involved in the hooliganism we’ve seen regarding Tuesday’s match – during the many times I’ve worked at this club, I’ve been treated very well by both fans and staff.
But since this was a Football Association - FA - Carling Cup match, it was decided that a certain amount of tickets had to be available to the public that otherwise wouldn’t attend Upton Park (home of West Ham football club).
Generally, this is a good thing as it gives everyone the opportunity to see a premiership team live and keeps the romance of what the FA means – Millwall and West Ham haven’t meet each other in years, since The Lions were demoted out of top flight football in 1990.
Furthermore, Millwall and West Ham are well known bitter rivals, which clearly didn’t help.
Unfortunately it also gives troublemakers the chance to take advantage of the good nature of the FA and that’s what happened yesterday evening.
It was truly a good match, with Millwall getting a well deserved in the first half. Many West Ham fans clapped when they scored. Then West Ham equalised in the dying minutes of the second half, which is when the first pitch invasion happened.
It was at a weak point of the pitch, where football fans and the camera people share the same part, near the left-hand corner of the Bobby Moore stand. The real West Ham fans were booing the invaders, who got the message and came off with little fuss within five minutes.
But when extra time was over – thank goodness it didn’t go to penalties – with West Ham winning the match 3-1, that’s when the central part of the Dr Martens Stand gave way to individuals running on the pitch.
It wasn’t easy to get them off and it’s a shame for West Ham they will be receiving fines for yesterday’s commotion, as the only thing they can do is ban the people who caused the trouble.
This isn’t going to be affective, as most of those individuals who behaved badly wouldn’t come to a West Ham match anyway, so again, the club suffers.
Millwall has an established reputation of having the most violent supporters in British football.
At the match, I must give credit to the Millwall supporters who – despite the strong police and steward attendance at the match, were well behaved during the game.
I can also empathise with the frustration of the disabled supporters at the end of the game. They couldn’t leave the building as the lifts had been suspended, a safety precaution at any venue when trouble emerges, which meant they had to stay in the building until the police said it was safe for the elevators to be re-enabled.
One disabled supporter had two of his sons waiting in the car park, which by now was being heavily monitored, for fear of any further acts of violence.
Indeed it was outside the match that further violence flared up – I can still vividly remember walking up to Upton Park underground station at night, seeing ambulance workers placing people inside their vehicles regarding head, chest and arm injuries.
Despite being past 11pm, violent blood shedding was clearly visible on the pavements, with police having to cauldron off open spaces.
I also remember having no choice but walking on broken glass for the last 100 metres in getting to the station, such was the aftermath of the violence.
English clubs have worked so hard in eradicating hooliganism and it’s clearly a battle the police and football stewards must win – families, disabled people and individuals of colour have as much right to attend these events. Hooliganism is the opposite of this.
Right now, I feel for the safety officer and deputy safety office, Mr Ron Pearce and Mr Leon Blackburn respectively, who will no doubt have to compile a report on what happened. These two men have a lot of responsibility heaped on their shoulders, which they can’t sort out by themselves, if certain people are hell bent on violence.
More security is definitely needed, from football stewards to police – both had increased the usual amount of people to attend this match but sadly the people they had on that day was not enough.
£££££££
I’m not surprised that Jose Mourinho is once again in hot water, over his remarks that Inter Milan player Sulley Muntari should not be fasting during Ramadan.
All Muslims abstain from eating or drinking during this period during the daytime, that’s something Mourinho would have known about when deciding to play Muntari on Sunday’s draw against Bari.
A person’s religion is a part of their identity in this world and helps to signify meaning to their life.
Furthermore, it’s only for one month – I’m sure Mr Muntari wants to win games like Mr Mourinho, so I can’t help but feel Jose, by criticising one of his own players in such a public way, is scoring an own goal.
Isn’t it for the opposition to be undermining his players?
£££££££
Not relating to football, but I’m saddened to hear about the recent death of Senator Edward Kennedy.
He was a force to contend with and clearly played a strong role in getting Barack Obama into the White House.
With the recent death of his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver, mother of top-rated journalist and first lady of Florida Maria Shriver – who happens to be married to Arnold Schwarzenegger, it’s only Jean Kennedy Smith that’s now alive of the original Kennedy clan who are forever enshrined as America’s Royal Family.
Although I understand some were unhappy in his involvement in the ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland, I’m relived for him that he no longer has to suffer from the brain cancer which robbed him of his life.
I’m also relieved the ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland are over – walking in Wembley yesterday, I went past the Army Careers office that was a target in 1994 – one man lost his life due to an IRA bomb, so again, I’m glad those days are a thing of the past.
£££££££
All of this means I don’t have the chance to talk about the sport books I’d highly recommend to read!
But the week is young, so I intend to update this log soon.
After yesterday’s commotion – I didn’t get home until minutes past one in the morning, I’ll be glad to watch (not attend) the Arsenal Vs Celtic match.
Until then, bye!
Light and Peace
Andria
PS, don’t forget to visit my other site (unfortunately, I can't put a link on it, for some unknown reason): www.andriagreaves.com
I realise I haven’t written for some time and I do accept full responsibility for this.
Nevertheless, I’m happy to inform you about my experiences, both yesterday as a football steward at West Ham vs Millwall and on other issues.
I can say the real West Ham fans wouldn’t of been involved in the hooliganism we’ve seen regarding Tuesday’s match – during the many times I’ve worked at this club, I’ve been treated very well by both fans and staff.
But since this was a Football Association - FA - Carling Cup match, it was decided that a certain amount of tickets had to be available to the public that otherwise wouldn’t attend Upton Park (home of West Ham football club).
Generally, this is a good thing as it gives everyone the opportunity to see a premiership team live and keeps the romance of what the FA means – Millwall and West Ham haven’t meet each other in years, since The Lions were demoted out of top flight football in 1990.
Furthermore, Millwall and West Ham are well known bitter rivals, which clearly didn’t help.
Unfortunately it also gives troublemakers the chance to take advantage of the good nature of the FA and that’s what happened yesterday evening.
It was truly a good match, with Millwall getting a well deserved in the first half. Many West Ham fans clapped when they scored. Then West Ham equalised in the dying minutes of the second half, which is when the first pitch invasion happened.
It was at a weak point of the pitch, where football fans and the camera people share the same part, near the left-hand corner of the Bobby Moore stand. The real West Ham fans were booing the invaders, who got the message and came off with little fuss within five minutes.
But when extra time was over – thank goodness it didn’t go to penalties – with West Ham winning the match 3-1, that’s when the central part of the Dr Martens Stand gave way to individuals running on the pitch.
It wasn’t easy to get them off and it’s a shame for West Ham they will be receiving fines for yesterday’s commotion, as the only thing they can do is ban the people who caused the trouble.
This isn’t going to be affective, as most of those individuals who behaved badly wouldn’t come to a West Ham match anyway, so again, the club suffers.
Millwall has an established reputation of having the most violent supporters in British football.
At the match, I must give credit to the Millwall supporters who – despite the strong police and steward attendance at the match, were well behaved during the game.
I can also empathise with the frustration of the disabled supporters at the end of the game. They couldn’t leave the building as the lifts had been suspended, a safety precaution at any venue when trouble emerges, which meant they had to stay in the building until the police said it was safe for the elevators to be re-enabled.
One disabled supporter had two of his sons waiting in the car park, which by now was being heavily monitored, for fear of any further acts of violence.
Indeed it was outside the match that further violence flared up – I can still vividly remember walking up to Upton Park underground station at night, seeing ambulance workers placing people inside their vehicles regarding head, chest and arm injuries.
Despite being past 11pm, violent blood shedding was clearly visible on the pavements, with police having to cauldron off open spaces.
I also remember having no choice but walking on broken glass for the last 100 metres in getting to the station, such was the aftermath of the violence.
English clubs have worked so hard in eradicating hooliganism and it’s clearly a battle the police and football stewards must win – families, disabled people and individuals of colour have as much right to attend these events. Hooliganism is the opposite of this.
Right now, I feel for the safety officer and deputy safety office, Mr Ron Pearce and Mr Leon Blackburn respectively, who will no doubt have to compile a report on what happened. These two men have a lot of responsibility heaped on their shoulders, which they can’t sort out by themselves, if certain people are hell bent on violence.
More security is definitely needed, from football stewards to police – both had increased the usual amount of people to attend this match but sadly the people they had on that day was not enough.
£££££££
I’m not surprised that Jose Mourinho is once again in hot water, over his remarks that Inter Milan player Sulley Muntari should not be fasting during Ramadan.
All Muslims abstain from eating or drinking during this period during the daytime, that’s something Mourinho would have known about when deciding to play Muntari on Sunday’s draw against Bari.
A person’s religion is a part of their identity in this world and helps to signify meaning to their life.
Furthermore, it’s only for one month – I’m sure Mr Muntari wants to win games like Mr Mourinho, so I can’t help but feel Jose, by criticising one of his own players in such a public way, is scoring an own goal.
Isn’t it for the opposition to be undermining his players?
£££££££
Not relating to football, but I’m saddened to hear about the recent death of Senator Edward Kennedy.
He was a force to contend with and clearly played a strong role in getting Barack Obama into the White House.
With the recent death of his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver, mother of top-rated journalist and first lady of Florida Maria Shriver – who happens to be married to Arnold Schwarzenegger, it’s only Jean Kennedy Smith that’s now alive of the original Kennedy clan who are forever enshrined as America’s Royal Family.
Although I understand some were unhappy in his involvement in the ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland, I’m relived for him that he no longer has to suffer from the brain cancer which robbed him of his life.
I’m also relieved the ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland are over – walking in Wembley yesterday, I went past the Army Careers office that was a target in 1994 – one man lost his life due to an IRA bomb, so again, I’m glad those days are a thing of the past.
£££££££
All of this means I don’t have the chance to talk about the sport books I’d highly recommend to read!
But the week is young, so I intend to update this log soon.
After yesterday’s commotion – I didn’t get home until minutes past one in the morning, I’ll be glad to watch (not attend) the Arsenal Vs Celtic match.
Until then, bye!
Light and Peace
Andria
PS, don’t forget to visit my other site (unfortunately, I can't put a link on it, for some unknown reason): www.andriagreaves.com
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Only the Welsh rain can save the England Cricket team
Australia’s batsmen got a mammoth 674 for six until rain cut short a day of misery for England yesterday.
One poster, by an Australian supporter, simply said: “Only cowards pray for rain.”
Either way, Australia’s batting display is sure to result in one change in England’s attack for the second test at Lord’s this Thursday.
£££££££
This leads me to the dismay I’m seeing of England’s Women cricketers.
Despite being double world champions, it seems they are in danger of following their male counterparts.
On the first day of their Ashes Test at New Road, Worcester, they were reduced to 28 for five.
What’s going on? Sort it out ladies!
£££££££
Liverpool FC have dug their heels in by rejecting an offer for Fernando Torres.
As they are still aiming to break the domination of Manchester United, Liverpool have turned down a rumoured £60m bid for the Spanish striker, by an English football club that’s NOT Manchester City.
Their manager Rafa Benitez stated: “It was a proper offer, a big one but we said no and he wanted to stay here.”
£££££££
Talking of which, I’m glad to see defender Glen Johnson has made a £17m move to join Mr Torres and Mr Benitez at Liverpool.
He had a tough time of it under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and had to join Portsmouth in 2007 to resurrect his career.
Since Fabio Capello brought him back into the England first team, Johnson’s been very effective at right back.
It’s a true test of his character and inner strength that despite having the opportunity to do so, he says he has no bitterness towards his former manager, saying: “I don’t see the point in bearing grudges.”
Welcome back to the big four Johnson and I hope all works out for you at the Kop.
£££££££
I watched the dawning of a new era for UK track and field as 23 year-old sprint star Simeon Williamson won the men’s 100m at the national championships yesterday at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham.
Dwayne Chambers, 32, huffed and puffed but was blown away by the elegance of Mr Williamson who, despite being slow off the blocks and wearing a necklace, was determined and comfortable with his win
Two other athletes who show promise for Britain in 2012 are Lawrence Clarke, 19, whose skill in the men’s 110m reminds me of Colin Jackson and Jodie Williams, 15, who is likely to win another medal in today’s 200m final.
In other words, we’re getting there!
£££££££
The Tour De France is still by far the most challenging as well as being the grand-daddy of all the cycling tournaments.
But the argument between Lance Armstrong, who bravely defeated cancer a few years ago, and Alberto Contador seems to be overshadowing this great event.
The power struggle between these two men – who are part of the same team – reminds me of the issues that Lewis Hamilton had with his former team-mate Fernando Alonso.
Looking at the various mountain climbs and sprints awaiting the cyclists at today’s Stage 9 in south-west France, their won’t me much opportunity for anyone to argue!
£££££££
I was looking at the sports magazine The Red Bulletin when I read the Me And My Body section, with Davin Hester.
I could symphonise with him about having a weakness for fast food and being a cookie monster.
I too have a craving for such products, despite having diabetes running in my family – I assure you, I haven’t got diabetes but I know if I don’t cut back, there’s a strong possibility I will, so no chocolate for me today!
Check out the full interview – for me it was a pleasure to read - which also explains how much dedication professional sports men and women have, which shows why they excell, at:
www.redbulletin.com/tags/meandmy/en
Also, don’t forget to check out my other internet address: www.andriagreaves.com
Until next time, peace.
Andria
X
One poster, by an Australian supporter, simply said: “Only cowards pray for rain.”
Either way, Australia’s batting display is sure to result in one change in England’s attack for the second test at Lord’s this Thursday.
£££££££
This leads me to the dismay I’m seeing of England’s Women cricketers.
Despite being double world champions, it seems they are in danger of following their male counterparts.
On the first day of their Ashes Test at New Road, Worcester, they were reduced to 28 for five.
What’s going on? Sort it out ladies!
£££££££
Liverpool FC have dug their heels in by rejecting an offer for Fernando Torres.
As they are still aiming to break the domination of Manchester United, Liverpool have turned down a rumoured £60m bid for the Spanish striker, by an English football club that’s NOT Manchester City.
Their manager Rafa Benitez stated: “It was a proper offer, a big one but we said no and he wanted to stay here.”
£££££££
Talking of which, I’m glad to see defender Glen Johnson has made a £17m move to join Mr Torres and Mr Benitez at Liverpool.
He had a tough time of it under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and had to join Portsmouth in 2007 to resurrect his career.
Since Fabio Capello brought him back into the England first team, Johnson’s been very effective at right back.
It’s a true test of his character and inner strength that despite having the opportunity to do so, he says he has no bitterness towards his former manager, saying: “I don’t see the point in bearing grudges.”
Welcome back to the big four Johnson and I hope all works out for you at the Kop.
£££££££
I watched the dawning of a new era for UK track and field as 23 year-old sprint star Simeon Williamson won the men’s 100m at the national championships yesterday at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham.
Dwayne Chambers, 32, huffed and puffed but was blown away by the elegance of Mr Williamson who, despite being slow off the blocks and wearing a necklace, was determined and comfortable with his win
Two other athletes who show promise for Britain in 2012 are Lawrence Clarke, 19, whose skill in the men’s 110m reminds me of Colin Jackson and Jodie Williams, 15, who is likely to win another medal in today’s 200m final.
In other words, we’re getting there!
£££££££
The Tour De France is still by far the most challenging as well as being the grand-daddy of all the cycling tournaments.
But the argument between Lance Armstrong, who bravely defeated cancer a few years ago, and Alberto Contador seems to be overshadowing this great event.
The power struggle between these two men – who are part of the same team – reminds me of the issues that Lewis Hamilton had with his former team-mate Fernando Alonso.
Looking at the various mountain climbs and sprints awaiting the cyclists at today’s Stage 9 in south-west France, their won’t me much opportunity for anyone to argue!
£££££££
I was looking at the sports magazine The Red Bulletin when I read the Me And My Body section, with Davin Hester.
I could symphonise with him about having a weakness for fast food and being a cookie monster.
I too have a craving for such products, despite having diabetes running in my family – I assure you, I haven’t got diabetes but I know if I don’t cut back, there’s a strong possibility I will, so no chocolate for me today!
Check out the full interview – for me it was a pleasure to read - which also explains how much dedication professional sports men and women have, which shows why they excell, at:
www.redbulletin.com/tags/meandmy/en
Also, don’t forget to check out my other internet address: www.andriagreaves.com
Until next time, peace.
Andria
X
Saturday, 11 July 2009
PLEASE SEE THE FILM BRÜNO
I saw it yesterday and feel it deserves the five out of five score by the film critics of the Daily Mirror newspaper.
As for the audience who was watching it at the same time as me - the Vue Cinema in Harrow was full – the one unsettling moment was seeing two Muslim men getting annoyed at Brüno’s interview with a Hamas leader.
They shouted obscenities at the character, a fictional gay Austrian fashion reporter portrayed by English comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, before storming off.
At first, I thought they were extras for the film!
I was warned about the talking penis scene, which is why I’m not surprised this film got an 18 certificate in the UK but it was still unexpected.
So long as you remember that Brüno (who claims to be 19) like Borat and Ali G isn’t real, you’re sure to have a good time watching this film.
The scene of seeing Brüno running away from orthodox Jews – he’s wearing a funky version of their traditional suit - is hilarious.
The same goes for him seeing an American preacher who claims to heal homosexuality.
As for the OJ baby pictures - displayed to a largly African American audience, his visit to a Swingers party and his interaction with some Deep South hunters, well I’m surprised that Brüno manages to leave America in one piece!
Just when you think Brüno can’t surprise you any further, something else comes along that’s just as funny and bemusing as the last act – watch out for the new man on the block, Straight Dave.
This is the official trailer for the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAGpmNb2xfQ
£££££££
The pictures below, feel free to look at them, the first two include my visit to the Animal Flower Cave in St Lucy, Barbados.
£££££££
Until tomorrow, Boa Noite – that’s goodnight in Portuguese, the language I'm now trying to learn.
Don’t forget to view my other internet address: www.andriagreaves.com
Light and Peace
Andria
X
As for the audience who was watching it at the same time as me - the Vue Cinema in Harrow was full – the one unsettling moment was seeing two Muslim men getting annoyed at Brüno’s interview with a Hamas leader.
They shouted obscenities at the character, a fictional gay Austrian fashion reporter portrayed by English comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, before storming off.
At first, I thought they were extras for the film!
I was warned about the talking penis scene, which is why I’m not surprised this film got an 18 certificate in the UK but it was still unexpected.
So long as you remember that Brüno (who claims to be 19) like Borat and Ali G isn’t real, you’re sure to have a good time watching this film.
The scene of seeing Brüno running away from orthodox Jews – he’s wearing a funky version of their traditional suit - is hilarious.
The same goes for him seeing an American preacher who claims to heal homosexuality.
As for the OJ baby pictures - displayed to a largly African American audience, his visit to a Swingers party and his interaction with some Deep South hunters, well I’m surprised that Brüno manages to leave America in one piece!
Just when you think Brüno can’t surprise you any further, something else comes along that’s just as funny and bemusing as the last act – watch out for the new man on the block, Straight Dave.
This is the official trailer for the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAGpmNb2xfQ
£££££££
The pictures below, feel free to look at them, the first two include my visit to the Animal Flower Cave in St Lucy, Barbados.
£££££££
Until tomorrow, Boa Noite – that’s goodnight in Portuguese, the language I'm now trying to learn.
Don’t forget to view my other internet address: www.andriagreaves.com
Light and Peace
Andria
X
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