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