ENGLAND'S HOPES FOR WORLD CUP WIN DASHED

The England team have returned home after their hopes of a World Cup win were dashed this weekend, when they lost to Portugal. The England team were devastated, many of them in tears, after a dramatic quarter final match that saw Rooney get sent off with a red card, Beckham leaving the pitch injured and three other players missing vital spot-kicks. England Captain David Beckham resigned in the aftermath of the defeat. Fighting back tears, he said: "I've lived the dream and am extremely proud to have worn the armband and been captain of England." Meanwhile departing England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson urged fans and the media not to savage Rooney and blame him for England’s defeat, describing him as “the golden boy of English football”. Singer Sir Elton John branded the England team, “a disgrace” after losing to Portugal, at one of his gigs. Let’s hope the team have better luck in their next World Cup bid in 4 years time!

RESPIRATORY DISEASES BRITAIN'S BIGGEST KILLER

According to a recent report this week, respiratory diseases kill as many as one in five people in Britain, costing the National Health Service more than 6 billion pounds a year in treatment. The illnesses include lung cancer, tuberculosis, asthma and pneumonia. More people die of lung cancer than breast cancer in Britain, with respiratory disease killing more people than heart disease.

ROYAL FAMILY EXPENDITURE REVEALED

The royal family’s expenditure has come under scrutiny this week, after Clarence House revealed that Prince Charles’ new wife Camilla comes cheap as she “lives in a house that’s already there, travels with the Prince and on three occasions she went on an aircraft on her own”. Apparently Charles and Camilla cost the British public the equivalent of 3.5p each for every person in Britain! Sounds like creative accountancy to me! It would be nice if it were true though! I have to say the fact that Charles pays only £3.3million in tax from £14million earned from his Duchy of Cornwall estate stunned me. It might be a good idea if he shared his tax-saving secrets with the rest of the nation!

It was also revealed this week that royal travel expenses cost the taxpayer £5.5 million last year. Apparently Prince Charles was the most expensive royal traveller, complaining how uncomfortable business class seats were compared to first class. I’m sure we all agree with him but unfortunately unlike Prince Charles, most of us can’t afford to be choosy! But Royal accountants insisted that the royal family were still good value for money, costing the nation the equivalent of 62p per person for their upkeep and expenses. I’m not sure about some of the other members of the royal family, but I personally think that the Queen is worth every penny. Long may she reign over us! The Queen has always been a hardworking and devoted monarch. It’s just unfortunate that some of the other members of the royal family can’t follow her example.

GOVERNMENT BID TO MAKE MATHS MORE INTERESTING

The government is launching a bid to make Maths more interesting for today’s youngsters. Education Minister Alan Johnson wants researchers to find ways to make Maths more fun. Mr Johnson believes that it is vital to stop youngsters from losing interest in Maths at school. He would like to see maths problems based on things that appeal to youngsters like football, fashion and the Olympics! It would certainly be a big change from the algebra and equations which I learnt in my schooldays!

FIRST DAY OF WIMBLEDON A WASHOUT!

The first day of Wimbledon was marred by heavy rain which stopped play yesterday. It was the tennis championship’s wettest start since 1991, with less than an hour of tennis playing taking place. The bad weather cost organisers nearly £1million in refunded ticket money! Fortunately the weather was much improved and stayed fine today!

THE QUEEN HOSTS CHILDREN'S TEA PARTY

The Queen hosted a mad hatter’s style tea party for 2,000 children at the palace this weekend, as part of her 80th birthday celebrations. The lucky children present were chosen by ballot to have a place at the event. They partied happily alongside many famous storybook characters including Harry Potter, Bob the Builder, Peter Rabbit and Winnie the Pooh. Harry Potter author JK Rowling was also present at the party. The best selling writer expressed her sadness that the current Harry Potter saga she was penning would be her last. JK Rowling also revealed that two characters would die in the next instalment but refused to reveal which two. As well as the tea party, an all-star show about the Queen losing her handbag was also broadcast on BBC1.

CADBURY SALMONELLA SCARE

Britain’s favourite chocolate company Cadburys was under fire this weekend for allowing Easter eggs to go on sale to children, despite knowing of a salmonella scare which took them 5 months to report to the health authorities. Cadburys have recalled over a million chocolate bars in the wake of the salmonella scare being brought to light. It has also suspended it’s famous advertisements at the beginning and end of Coronation Street for the time being. The bars affected included Cadbury’s Turkish Delight, Caramel and Freddo bars.

ASDA FACES MASS WALKOUT

Asda stores up and down the country could be faced with empty shelves as thousands of staff plan to stage a five day walkout later this month, in a dispute over pay and holidays.

INCREASED MEASURES TO KEEP SCHOOLCHILDREN SAFE

Britain's schools were ordered this week by the Education Secretary to ensure they keep adequate records of all the staff they employ and also perform rigorous checks to stop paedophiles working there. Increased security measures have now been put into place after a government watchdog revealed chaos in the system for logging criminal record checks and it was discovered that sex offenders were slipping through the net and gaining employment working with children.

TONY BLAIR TO JOIN JET SET

Tony Blair is joining the jet set after having given the go-ahead for the purchase two private jets at an annual cost of £12.3million a year. The planes (a large one seating up to 215 passengers and a smaller jet for short-haul trips), are expected to come into service at the end of 2007/early 2008 and their use will be shared with the Queen, who will always have first calling on the planes. The reasons given for the extravagant purchase of the jets nicknamed “Blair Force One”, are to reduce the costs of leasing aircraft (which is currently done) and to increase security measures. At least this is the official line given anyway!

BRITAIN'S JOBLESS TOTAL HITS ALL-TIME HIGH

Britain’s jobless total has now hit 1.61 million, the highest for nearly 4 years. Birmingham has been named the unemployment capital of Britain, with more people out of work there than anywhere else in the country. The news comes in a week when experts have discovered that losing a job when you’re over 50 doubles the risk of a heart attack or a stroke. The researchers findings are published in The British Medical Journal.

DEMISE OF TOP OF THE POPS

How times have changed! I couldn’t believe my ears this week when I heard on the radio about the demise of the BBC’s “Top of the Pops” show after 42 years. I used to love that programme and will be sorry to see it go. I used to particularly enjoy the Christmas Day edition when they played a roundup of the No. 1 Hits from throughout the year. Technology is a wonderful thing but unfortunately with youngsters downloading music tracks and watching pop videos on their mobiles, it has killed the show's popularity and led to the end of an era.

CUT-PRICE SCHOOL UNIFORM

Good news for British parents! The cost of a school uniform in Britain has drastically dropped in price in recent years and can now be bought for £5 or less. High street retailers like Tesco and Woolworths are leading the way by selling cut-price schoolwear.

LABOUR'S POPULARITY ON A DOWNWARD SLIDE

The continued slump in popularity of the Labour party has been confirmed this week in the results of a recent poll. The majority of Labour members want Tony Blair to stand down as Prime Minister before the end of September next year, when the party’s annual conference is due to be held. Many people believe that Labour will lose the next General Election unless they radically change some of their policies. Looks like Tony Blair’s days are numbered!

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY NAOMI!

I made the news myself this week as I celebrated my 40th birthday on Wednesday! I celebrated last night with a special birthday meal at an Italian restaurant with 16 friends. You can see me in the photo opposite blowing out the single candle on a piece of cake the waiter gave me. They were very kind and only put one candle on there, probably just as well really, as if they'd put the whole amount on it would have created a fire hazard! I would have been driven back by the flames! Ha ha! I honestly don’t know where the last 10 years went. They have just flown by. It only seems like yesterday I was celebrating my 30th birthday and now here I am at 40! Is it me or do the years go by faster as you get older? Oh well I still feel young inside which is the important thing. Hope I still look it on the outside too! Happy Birthday Naomi!

THE QUEEN CELEBRATES HER OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY

The Queen celebrated her official birthday yesterday with the traditional Trooping the Colour Ceremony. Her Majesty is now in her 80th year (having celebrated her birthday in April). The tradition of two birthdays goes back to the time when if monarchs were born in Winter, the weather was deemed unsuitable for outdoor events so a second “birthday” had to be created for them. At the start of her official birthday celebrations, the Queen quoted comedian Groucho Marx, stating that “anyone can grow old if they live long enough!” A service of thanksgiving for the Queen was also held at St Paul’s Cathedral earlier in the week. Long may Her Majesty reign over us all! Happy Birthday Ma’am

TONY BLAIR PROMISES NEW PAEDOPHILE LAWS & GOVERNMENT BILL TO HELP ASBESTOS VICTIMS

Well done to Tony Blair! At last he has done something right for a change. Mr Blair has promised new laws to stop paedophiles being released early, after pressure from a newspaper campaign. In addition, Mr Blair is also guaranteeing full compensation to victims of fatal asbestos diseases. He is due to announce a new Government Bill on Monday which will effectively overturn a previous legal ruling which cruelly cheated workers and their families from getting proper compensation. The new bill will ensure that affected workers are not short-changed by greedy insurance companies and will make the last few months of workers diagnosed with fatal lung conditions a lot easier.

BRITAIN IN GRIP OF MEASLES EPIDEMIC

Britain is currently in the grip of the biggest Measles epidemic since the MMR vaccine came into being. More than 400 people have been struck down with measles this year in England and Wales, the highest number since records began. Last year just 77 people were affected. Health experts are blaming parents being afraid to give their children the controversial MMR vaccine which helps to protect against the disease. I’ve never had measles but lived in the same house as my brother when he had the virus as a child and fortunately didn’t get it. Here’s hoping I can still avoid it!

COST OF FISH & CHIPS TO SOAR

Fish & Chip loving Britons could soon be forking out £5 for their favourite meal. The main reason is due to the scarcity of popular white fish like cod and rising potato prices. I still think fish and chips taste delicious. They were voted "The Nation's Top Treasure," in a recent poll. I'd certainly agree with that. Fish and chips are worth every penny!

BRITISH SCHOOL KIDS MAY GET OMEGA 3 BOOST

A government education minister is considering giving every British child either a capsule or dose of Omega 3 fish oil before class to help aid their concentration and encourage them to study hard and be well-behaved. The Food Standards Agency has launched a sturdy into the benefits of Omega 3. If the results prove positive, then the Omega 3 capsules or liquid will be given out to all kids.

BRITISH BABY BOY TO UNDERGO REVOLUTIONARY SURGERY TO RESTORE HIS SIGHT

A seven week old baby boy is the first British child to have pioneering new surgery to restore his sight. The baby is being flown to New York for an operation to transplant an artificial cornea into his right eye. Doctors in the U.K. refused to perform the operation saying the risks were too great, so his desperate parents tracked down a surgeon in the U.S. who agreed to perform the operation. The surgery has to be performed before the baby is three months old or there is a risk that his body may reject the new cornea. Good luck to him

WELCOME BACK KYLIE!

Kylie Minogue delighted millions of fans by appearing on stage this week for the first time since being diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Kylie was at the G-A-Y club in London to support her sister Danni who was promoting her “Greatest Hits” CD there that night. But to Danni’s surprise, Kylie went up on stage to join her and even sang the chorus to her favourite Danni song, “Jump to the Beat”, proving to her band of loyal fans around the world that it won’t be long before Kylie is back performing again. She is a very brave girl. We wish her well.

CAMILLA'S FATHER DIES

Prince Charles new wife, Camilla is tonight mourning the death of her father, Major Bruce Shand, who has died at age 89 after a long illness. The Duchess of Cornwall is said to be devastated and has cancelled all her engagements for the coming week. The family has asked the press to give them some space to grieve privately. It is always hard when you lose a parent and must be even more difficult when you are in the public eye. I lost my own father several years ago so I know what Camilla is going through. We send her our deepest sympathy.

NELLY HITS THE NO. 1 SPOT

Canadian singer/songwriter Nelly Furtado has just achieved her first British no. 1 hit in the pop singles chart tonight with her song, “Maneater”. Well done to her!

MADONNA - NEW FACE OF H & M

Madonna has been chosen as the latest face to promote high street fashion chain H & M, who will be providing an off-stage wardrobe for Madonna and her dancers during her current “Confessions” tour. Madonna will be appearing in an ad campaign alongside her dancers. She will also be designing a special “Madonna” tracksuit.

ANGER OVER TOO LENIENT SENTENCE FOR BABY RAPIST

A man who raped a baby had his sentence increased from 6 to 8 years, much to the anger and disgust of the child's family. What a farce! There must be something seriously wrong with our British justice system. A monster like that deserves a minimum of life imprisonment and even that's not enough!

JK ROWLING NAMED AS BRITAIN'S GREATEST LIVING WRITER

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has been named as "Britain's Greatest Living Writer". Well done to her!

BRITISH COUPLE STOP JET AFTER SEEING PET DOG ON RUNWAY!

I smiled this week as I read about the British couple on their way to a new life in Spain. They had boarded their plane at Manchester Airport and supposedly their two pet dogs were safe in their cages in the cargo hold. The couple couldn’t believe their eyes when they looked out of the window and saw one of their dogs bounding across the tarmac amidst various planes taking off and landing, with airport security staff in hot pursuit! They immediately asked the pilot to stop the plane and jumped off to help catch their pet. The couple then left with their dog on a later flight! Pet Transport firm, Animal Transport said it was the first time a dog had escaped in their 40 years of business! The dog is believed to have chewed its way out of the cage!

COFFEE STIRS UP PASSIONS!

According to recent research, scientists have discovered that a date is more likely to end in a night of passion if it ends with a cup of coffee! Apparently caffeine affects how “persuaded” a person is to suggestion and makes you more likely to say yes to a proposition! What next! Even more reason to invite your date back for a coffee!

BRITISH SURGEONS PERFORM U.K.'S FIRST BEATING HEART TRANSPLANT

British surgeons at Papworth Hospital carried out the U.K.’s first “beating heart” transplant this week, a procedure which they hope will revolutionise the way transplants are carried out in the future. The patient, a 58 year old man is said to be doing extremely well. The new procedure involves keeping a donated heart warm and beating, rather than packing it in ice for transport. It has been carried out twice in Germany with great success. In the past there has always been a mad rush to get donor organs to the recipient as soon as possible before the condition of the heart deteriorates. However this new method allows organs being used for transplant to “live” longer which means they can travel further without the worry of them deteriorating before they reach the intended recipient. This could double the number of transplants currently done. Sounds good to me!

WORLD CUP FEVER HITS SUNNY BRITAIN

As World Cup fever hits Britain, many fans are planning to take advantage of the good weather and watch England’s opening match outdoors at barbeque paties. As England basks in the hot sunshine, experts are warning fans to cover up and drink plenty of water so they don’t get dehydrated. Somehow I doubt very much water will be on the menu for most fans! Even Tony Blair is doing his bit by flying the flag of St John above No. 10 to show his support, or maybe he’s just trying to outdo David Cameron (leader of the opposition) who cycles to work with the England flag flying on his bike!

Meanwhile Radio One bosses have banned World Cup songs that mention, "England", being played, in case they upset listeners in Wales, Scotland or Ireland. I think they must've spent too much time out in the sun!

OASIS ALBUM VOTED GREATEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME

“Definely Maybe” the Oasis debut album, has been voted the greatest album of all time in a recent poll by more than 40,000 music lovers around the world. The band members who hail from Manchester, beat The Beatles to the coveted top spot. They came in at no. 2 with "Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band" and no. 3 with "Revolver". “Definitely Maybe” has sold seven million copies to date.

PATRICK SWAYZE MAKING STAGE DEBUT IN GUYS AND DOLLS

Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze is set to make his British stage debut in the West End musical, “Guys and Dolls”. He will take on the role of gambling man, “Nathan Detroit”, appearing at London’s Piccadilly Theatre from 10th July for an eight week run. If you’re visiting the capital, this show is definitely worth seeing. I’ve always liked Patrick Swayze. He’s a good actor and a really good dancer. Dirty Dancing is one of my favourite movies.

PRINCE WILLIAM WILL WATCH ENGLAND'S OPENING WORLD CUP MATCH

Prince William will be travelling to Germany to cheer on England in their opening World Cup match against Paraguay on 10th June. This is the first England game William has attended since becoming President of The Football Association.

HIGH TECH COMPUTER SYSTEM DRAINING VITAL NHS FUNDS

It was revealed this week that the National Health Service computer booking system is over £14billion over budget, with half of Britain's doctors admitting that they never use it. This high tech disaster is draining vital funds from already cash-strapped hospitals. Surely it would be more prudent to enable GP's to book appointments for patients at local hospitals, which is where most prefer to be treated anyway. The all singing all dancing computer system is supposed to offer patients a selection of hospitals where they can be treated. But it's an expensive mistake that in these difficult times we could well do without.

PAUL MCCARTNEY NAMED AS THE U.K.'S FAVOURITE CELEBRITY VEGETARIAN

Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney was last week thrilled to be named as the U.K.’s favourite celebrity vegetarian.

THE DA VINCI CODE

I saw the new Da Vinci Code movie over the Bank Holiday weekend. When I was in Paris, there were posters everywhere advertising the movie so I was really looking forward to seeing it. I’ve read The Da Vinci Code book. It’s excellent and very well written. Some of the scenes were filmed in Paris and London. There was even some filming done inside The Louvre. I wasn’t disappointed. It was a very good film and very interesting. One of the movie’s central characters, “Grail expert” and aristocrat, Sir Leigh Teabing is superbly played by Sir Ian McKellen, one of Britain’s finest actors.

Go and see “The Da Vinci Code” soon. You won’t be disappointed.

LIVERPOOL - HOME OF THE BEATLES!

I spent a very enjoyable day in Liverpool yesterday. As many of you know, Liverpool is home of the Beatles. It’s also home to some of the friendliest people in England. If you’re planning a visit to Liverpool, make sure you drop by the Cavern Club, (where the Beatles made their debut), whilst you are there. Apart from the Beatles connection, there are also museums and art galleries to explore on a rainy day or why not take a ferry ride across the Mersey or head to The Maritime Museum. This is apart from the wealth of shops and stores. A day really isn’t long enough to see everything! For more information on Liverpool, please follow the links below:-

http://www.visitbeatlesliverpool.com/

http://www.visitliverpool.com/

N.B. This was originally posted over at Diary From England in May 06

NATIONAL VEGETARIAN WEEK

This week is National Vegetarian Week, so what better time to ditch the meat and become vegetarian. Or if you’re not quite ready for that yet, just replacing some of your meals with the healthy recipes shown on the website (link below) is a good start. For more information go to:-

http://www.vegsoc.org/nvw/

WETTEST MAY FOR A DECADE!

Well it’s another big Bank Holiday weekend here in England. I’ve only just recently come back from my break in Paris and after a mad week at work, it just feels like I’ve never been away! That’s the way it goes. Sometimes I think it would just be easier to work 52 weeks of the year and not take any holidays!

It’s been the wettest May for a decade and over a million Brits are heading abroad for the Bank Holiday, in a bid to escape the bad weather. Apparently popular supermarket chain Asda has reported record sales of umbrellas. Waterproof coats and Wellington boots have also been selling well. Not surprising really!

HERCEPTIN GRANTED LICENCE

Good news for British women this week, the breast cancer drug Herceptin has been granted a licence, which means it could be available for use on the NHS within a few weeks’ time. Previously treatment with the drug was dependant upon which area of the country women lived in and if sufficient funding was available and how exceptional each individual case was. The news was welcomed by breast cancer sufferers who previously had to fight to be prescribed the drug.

MICHAEL JACKSON CONSIDERING MOVE TO ENGLAND

England may soon have a new famous resident. Michael Jackson (currently visiting London on business), has expressed his love of England and his desire to live here. He is currently looking at properties in London and also Ireland and Scotland in his bid to recreate a new “Neverland”.

BLUE PETER GOING GREEN

British cult children’s tv programme, “Blue Peter”, changed its name to “Green Peter” on Wednesday afternoon, to highlight the problems of climate change and global warming. This is the first time the programme has changed its name in 47 years of being broadcast. I loved that programme and grew up watching it in my childhood. Wednesday’s episode of the show was broadcast from the Blue Peter garden, focusing on how young viewers can help the environment. Fortunately the name change is only for one day. It’s probably just as well. I’m all for saving the planet but “Green Peter” just doesn’t have the same ring to it as “Blue Peter!”

PRINCE CHARLES PRAISES ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Prince Charles today praised and encouraged the use of alternative medicines and treatments like acupuncture and herbal medicines alongside conventional treatments to improve global health. Prince Charles stated that patients with serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke should seek the “best of both worlds”. Meanwhile, a group of eminent doctors have slammed the use of NHS cash on alternative therapies, dismissing them as “implausible treatments” which may not work. Instead they believe the cash should be spent on proven conventional medicine. Prince Charles stated the importance of doctors “striking a balance” between conventional and alternative treatments. I have to agree with him. As somebody who works in the alternative health industry myself, I would never recommend to anyone that they dismiss conventional medical treatment totally. Alternative treatments and remedies should be used alongside conventional medical treatments and not instead of them. The key is striking a balance.

HOME OFFICE SHAMBLES

Home Secretary John Reid today agreed that the Home Office needed a complete overhaul and was unfit to cope with immigration, one of the country's most sensitive political issues. After everything that has happened so far in this country I would say that this definitely needs to be done sooner rather than later. How can the British public ever feel safe again when it was revealed that more than 1,000 dangerous foreign criminals were released back into society rather than being deported due to a home office blunder. One Home Office chief caused uproar when he freely admitted he had no idea how many illegal immigrants were currently at large in Britain. Then to add insult to injury, we are then told that 1,500 innocent British citizens have wrongly been branded as “criminals” and had their lives ruined due to a Home Office computer identity records mix up. What an absolute shambles! One national newspaper branded the home office, “a Ministry of Mayhem!” and I have to agree. The system is clearly not working and heads should definitely roll for this. Mr Blair’s should be the first one.

SCHOOL KIDS WEIGH-IN

Under new government plans to fight childhood obesity, the Department of Health is considering school “weigh-ins” for children aged 4 and 10 years old, where parents will be warned if their kids are overweight. Apparently a similar pilot scheme is currently running in the U.S., where pupil’s weight is graded as being “within safe limits”, “out of shape” or “obese”. The kids are weighed before they start primary school and when they leave. Don’t get me wrong I’m all for healthy kids but I’m not sure if this is the right way to go about it. In a society where we are already bombarded with the media’s stereotype of “the perfect body size and shape”, there is every chance it could backfire. Kids should be allowed to enjoy their childhood and not become obsessed with their weight and what they can and can’t eat. This will only lead to the rise of eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. I’m sure nobody wants to see that happen.

PRINCE'S TRUST CONCERT HELD AT THE TOWER

A host of stars, including Ozzy Osbourne, Lionel Richie, Will Young, Annie Lennox and McFly, helped Prince Charles to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of The Prince’s Trust last night, with a special charity concert held at The Tower of London. The Prince’s Trust has helped thousands of needy youngsters to turn their lives around. You can help even more by making a donation at:-

http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/

The concert was excellent, a good evening’s entertainment. I watched it on tv. The highlight of the evening was Ant and Dec interviewing Prince Charles and his sons. It was nice to see them, father and sons relaxed and happy. Interviews like this remind us that even though Prince Charles, William and Harry are members of the royal family, they are still human at heart like the rest of us.

JUNK FOOD TO BE DITCHED FROM SCHOOL MENUS

The government has announced new plans this week to combat childhood obesity and get kids to eat healthier. From next term onwards junk food such as turkey twizzlers, sweets and fizzy drinks are to be dropped completely from school menus. Instead kids will be served at least two portions of fruit and vegetables with every meal. The real trick will be getting kids to eat them! I bet there will still be a lot of kids who’ll still sneak out to the local chippy!

PAUL & HEATHER TO SEPARATE

I was surprised to hear that Paul McCartney and Heather Mills are separating. I always thought they seemed like a very well-matched couple. It just goes to show how appearances can be deceptive. It’s difficult for any couple nowadays to keep a relationship going and it must be even harder when you’re in the public eye, with the world’s media tracking your every move through a camera lens. Apparently Heather found it difficult to live in Paul’s shadow. With the popularity of The Beatles, I’m sure it would be difficult for any woman. Also Linda was a very hard act to follow. According to media reports, Paul was set in his ways and didn’t like how Heather tried to “smarten” him up and preferred to go round in jeans and trainers. I’m sure there was fault on both sides but it’s just a shame that it’s come to this and the couple weren’t able to work out their differences. I hope the media gives them some space and privacy to work out an amicable divorce settlement, for the sake of their little daughter.

BRIGHTON VOTED BEST SEASIDE RESORT

Brighton has been voted the U.K.'s best seaside resort in a recent poll conducted by the BBC's Homes and Antiques Magazine. Hopefully this should help to improve Brighton's image, previously the butt of many jokes as a popular venue for a "dirty" weekend!

SCANDAL OF BRITAIN'S HARD-UP PENSIONERS

The majority of British pensioners are struggling to survive on a state pension that is one of the worst in developed countries. According to the results of a National Pensioners’ Convention survey, one in five British pensioners live in poverty, with one in ten so poor that they are malnourished. Others are dying of cold because they can no longer afford to heat their homes. As living costs, including fuel and council tax continue to rise, many pensioners are finding it more and more difficult to make ends meet.

WORKING MUMS ARE HEALTHIER!

According to new research, being a working mum is good for your health! A report in the British Medical Journal says that, “Combining work with family life is good for health. While it may be stressful at the time, their long term health is better when women have a combination of roles”. In contrast, stay at home women have poorer health and a good chance of being obese by the time they’re 50! So now we know! Women can have it all and still be healthy too!

GOVERNMENT TAKES MEASURES TO COMBAT UNDERAGE DRINKING

British pubs face heavy fines or closure if they are caught selling alcohol to underage drinkers under new government guidelines announced this week. The tough new measures are being introduced in an effort to stamp out underage youngsters going out and getting drunk. Any pub found selling alcohol to minors more than twice in a three month period will be forced to close. If they plead innocent and take the case to court, they risk closure for three months and a heavy fine.

TONY BLAIR BACKS ANIMAL TESTING

Tony Blair has angered animal rights groups this week by signing an online petition supporting drug testing on animals. Mr Blair is the patron saint of lost causes. Many people in this country (including myself) are against animal testing. You only have to look at the recent TGN1412 drug tests disaster, to realise just how unreliable animal testing can be. Animals have different physiology to humans and react differently to certain drugs than we do. What is safe and works effectively for animals doesn’t always have the same effect in a human, and in some cases can have devastating and often dangerous effects as happened in the TGN1412 drug trial. A classic example is the Thalidomide drug which caused birth defects in thousands of people, when used by humans, despite having been tested on several different species of animals with no ill effects.

What sort of example is this for a Prime Minister to set. Whilst Tony Blair backs animal testing, the large pharmaceutical companies will never bother to look for alternative methods of testing new drugs. At the end of the day it all comes down to money. All these companies are concerned about is how much money they can make from the discovery of new drugs. Some will stop at nothing to make a profit and that includes using innocent animals in torturous experiments. Mr Blair doesn’t seem to be able to separate the actions of a few animal rights extremists and the ethical concern behind them. Instead of signing the petition supporting animal testing, he should have been using his position as Prime Minister to protect the public at large and combat extremists in all sectors of our society (not just animal rights). He is completely out of touch with reality and totally unfit to govern the country.

ICE CREAM VANS FACING MELTDOWN

In the news this week, it seems that the humble ice cream van is about to disappear from our streets. I have fond memories of buying icecream from an icecream van in my childhood years, something that today’s youngsters will never get to experience if the government has its way. It seems that local authorities are being given the power to ban icecream vans from trading near schools to encourage children to eat more healthily. In that case maybe they should ban corner shops and sweet shops too, because if there is no icecream van handy, kids will just head there and buy something even more unhealthy instead! This comes in a week when the “Just One Cornetto” song was voted the nation’s favourite advertising jingle.

NAOMI'S BACK!

Hello Everybody!

I’m now back, batteries recharged and raring to go after my break in Paris. It was nice to see the Louvre Museum, one of the places featured in Dan Brown’s “Da Vinci Code”, the eagerly awaited movie, which has just been released this week. Everywhere I went in Paris, there were posters advertising the movie.

I also visited The Palace of Versailles, Monet’s Garden, Sacre Coeur, The Arc De Triumph, The Champs Elysees, Montmartre and Notre Dame. Paris is a beautiful city, one of the most romantic cities in the world and it was a wonderful experience to go there, especially walking underneath the Eiffel Tower. I have visited a lot of places including Paris but it is always nice to get home to England and have a nice cup of English tea! It never tastes the same anywhere else. The only thing I will miss is the French croissants - delicious! Bon Appetit!

NHS COST CUTTING ON ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY

The National Health Service is under fire again this week for starting a campaign to encourage people suffering from certain ailments like heart problems and breathing difficulties, not to go to Accident and Emergency Departments. This is part of yet another cost-cutting exercise but unfortunately it’s the British public who are the sufferers.

We pay taxes to fund a Health Service which will take care of us when we’re sick, yet the system is failing everyone yet again, treating them as a nuisance and an inconvenience. With their attitude it does make you wonder sometimes why we bother paying taxes in this country.

CHOCOLATE FINGERS IN THE NEWS

Burtons Foods have been fined £5,000 for short-changing shoppers over the length of their chocolate fingers! The biscuits described as “giant” chocolate fingers were considerably smaller than the large tin they were packaged in, misleading shoppers. They should’ve known better. Every inch of a chocolate finger is important to the nation’s chocoholics!

BLAIR & BROWN STRIKE AGREEMENT ON PENSIONS

First the good news, the link between state pensions and earnings is to be restored.

The bad news is that we’re all have to work longer to help fund this, with the retirement age being raised to 68 or 69 and the link won’t be restored until 2012.

Well at least Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have finally struck an agreement on this, after initially disagreeing on pension policy.

KIDNAPPED DOGS BACK HOME SAFE

I have been following the story of veteran comedian Bruce Forsyth’s daughter’s missing dogs. The two little Yorkshire Terriers, Gizmo and Widget, were “dog-napped” from a locked car and later discovered up for sale on a market stall. How anybody can do this to two innocent little dogs is beyond belief. Apparently “dog-napping” is on the rise in Britain, as criminals steal pedigree dogs to use as breeding stock. I used to have a Westie dog myself and would have gone mad if anything like this happened to him. He was like part of the family. I can understand how this family must have been feeling. As a nation of animal lovers, myself and everyone in Britain is glad to hear there is a happy ending to this story and that Bruce’s daughter, Debbie has now been reunited with her little dogs. We can only imagine Bruce’s reaction when he saw them again. I bet he used his famous catchphrase, “Nice to see you, to see you nice!”

EUTHANASIA BILL BLOCKED BY HOUSE OF LORDS

The House of Lords have blocked a controversial bill to allow doctors to prescribe drugs that would end the life of terminally ill patients. For as long as I can remember, people have been fighting for euthanasia to become law in this country. Some people are even travelling abroad to places like the controversial Digitas clinic, to end their lives with dignity.

The argument for euthanasia has always been that we don’t let animals suffer so why should a human have to endure suffering. Maybe if some of the people who voted had members of their own families who were suffering or terminally ill, they would feel differently. Sometimes the ability of medicine to prolong life in these situations can be a curse rather than a blessing. Everyone deserves the right to die with dignity.

On the other hand, if the “Assisted Dying” bill was passed, there would have to be measures put in place so that this was not abused. Every one of us has the right to life as well as death and this must never be taken away from us. The danger is that in the wrong hands, (particularly with the National Health Service being desperately short of money) that people will be encouraged to take the easy option and end their lives, rather than taking up a bed and costing the NHS money treating them. The argument against the bill is that it would put pressure on the elderly, infirm and disabled to end their lives. This must never be allowed to happen. Stringent safeguards would have to be introduced to protect the more vulnerable members of our society. Each individual case would have to be considered on its own merits and the absolute signed consent of the patient would have to be obtained, with no doubt whatsoever. Proper rules and regulations would have to be put in place.

In the meantime the argument goes on.

HP SAUCE UK FACTORY CLOSURE

HP Sauce, the nation’s favourite brown sauce has been in the news this week. It’s new American owners Heinz are planning to close the Birmingham based factory and transfer production of the sauce to Holland. To do that is almost unthinkable. HP sauce is a national institution in this country, like Marmite and Bisto gravy. The bottles currently feature the Houses of Parliament on the front of them but in the wake of the news, critics are arguing that this logo should be removed from the label and it should be replaced with a Dutch logo instead. Some people believe “HP” stands for the “Houses of Parliament” but in actually fact HP sauce is named after Harry Palmer who originally invented the secret recipe of fruit, vinegar and spices that makes up the sauce in 1899. The sauce is also known as “Wilson’s gravy” as former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson loved it and reportedly used to smother all his food in it!

SEAN CONNERY & HELEN MIRREN BRITAIN'S SEXIEST PENSIONERS

Former James Bond actor Sean Connery has been voted Britain’s sexiest male pensioner in a recent survey. Prime Suspect actress Helen Mirren was voted Britain’s sexiest female pensioner. Well done to both of them! I hope I look so good when I’m a pensioner!

NATIONAL BREAD WEEK

This week is Warburtons National Bread week in England! What better time to sit down and enjoy a delicious sandwich! I prefer mine toasted but however you enjoy them, sandwiches make for a quick and easy snack at any time of the day. For recipe ideas go to the link below:-

www.welovebread.co.uk

DOCTOR WHO TRIUMPHS AT THE BAFTAS

Popular British tv show, “Doctor Who”, swept the board at this years BAFTA Awards, winning a total of three awards for Best Drama Series and the Pioneer Audience Award for Best Programme of 2005, with the creator of the new series, Russell T Davies winning Dennis Potter Award for outstanding writing for television. The BAFTA Awards are the British equivalent of the Emmys. Doctor Who is the world’s longest running science fiction series. It began in the early sixties and is still as popular as it’s always been. The role of the Doctor has been played by many different actors during that time. The ones I remember best are Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker. I thought they were both great in the role. Nowadays the Doctor is superby played by David Tennant Well done to him and the rest of the Doctor Who cast for a great show!

PRUNES GROWING IN POPULARITY

Prunes once the butt of so many jokes are growing in popularity in Britain, as more people become aware of their health-giving benefits. Previously only known for their laxative properties, prunes are a high fibre fruit, rich in antioxidants and iron. Healthy and good for you! Try some today!

FLYING SAUCERS DISMISSED BY MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

A secret report by the Ministry of Defence has questioned the existence of alien spacecraft, dismissing U.F.O,’s as pockets of “glowing gas” in the atmosphere, caused by natural phenomena. Well that’s the official line anyway! It would be wonderful to think that there is life on other planets out there in the universe, apart from this one. Certainly Hollywood movies have been adding fuel to this theory for years. I always keep an open mind on these things. Maybe one day (hopefully in my lifetime!) we will have evidence of the existence of aliens from other worlds and prove all the sceptics wrong. Here’s hoping!

NANNY MCPHEE

I had the pleasure of watching British movie, “Nanny Mcphee” over the weekend. It was a very enjoyable film, good escapism and reminded me of a modern day version of Mary Poppins. British actress Emma Thompson was great in the role of Nanny, supported by Colin Farrell (as the children's father) and Angela Lansbury (as the strict aunt). The special effects are good too. You don’t get many good family films nowadays. But this is one of them. Highly recommended. Go and rent it now.

BRAVE CANCER MUM LOSES FIGHT FOR LIFE

I have been following the story of brave young cancer mum, Hayley Newbery who touched the nation’s heart after fighting for treatment with the wonder drug Avastin. Previously the drug (which has shown remarkable results in shrinking tumours), was unavailable on the National Health Service. Hayley was given just two months to live, after the large tumours on her liver and bowel were deemed inoperable. This young woman was desperate to give herself the best chance of life possible to be with her children. Unfortunately it was not to be. Despite Avastin shrinking the tumours sufficiently to allow their removal, Hayley died peacefully, after complications from the surgery. Hayley had everything to live for. What a terrible loss of such a young life. Our hearts go out to her family.

To make a donation to Cancer Research UK, please go to the link shown below. It may save someone’s life. Thank you.

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/donate/?version=2

62 YEAR OLD SET TO BECOME BRITAIN'S OLDEST MUM

A 62 year old woman (who travelled abroad for fertility treatment), is set to become Britain's oldest mum. I think it's wonderful that technology is so advanced that women who are desperate for a family are able to have one, no matter what age they are. There are advantages and disadvantages in this situation. As a child of older parents myself, I know for a fact that older parents have the experience that younger parents don't have and can provide a stable and loving environment for children, no matter what their age. Unfortunately the downside is that they may not live long enough to see their child or children grow up, although younger parents can die too. Mother nature has a good reason for making women infertile after a certain age. Maybe we should listen to her sometimes, before letting scientists play God.

BRITISH HOUSEHOLDERS PLAY THE WAITING GAME

According to the results of a recent study, British householders waste 30 million days a year waiting for goods or workmen to arrive! I think we all know how that goes! It's particularly frustrating when householders have taken a day off work specially to be there, when the offending goods or workmen fail to put in an appearance. Apparently gas and electicity companies are amongst the worst offenders.

POSSIBLE CURE FOR HAYFEVER

As a hayfever sufferer, I was smiling to myself this week. Apparently researchers have discovered that a possible cure could be a 30 minute passionate kiss! I'll have to give it a go! Apparently kissing relaxes the sufferer and dampens down the body's allergic reaction to the pollen! I think I'll stick with the hayfever tablets!

GREEN PARTY SUGGESTS BAN ON PETROL MOWERS

Apparently the experts say that the hole in the ozone layer is finally beginning to close due to a ban on "CFC's" (the harmful chlorine gases found in fridges and aerosols), although we still have a long way to go.

Earlier in the week, The Green Party recommended a ban on petrol powered lawnmowers as they apparently cause more pollution in the air than cars! Apparently one of the alternatives suggested was to let animals graze on the grass!

Where will it all end? In the earth's destruction for future generations if we don't take account of more important aspects of pollution like air travel.

SCHOOL HOURS TO CHANGE

Well done to the government for realising that working parents need schools to open earlier and stay open for longer. Plans are now being put in place for schools to open at 8.00am and remain open until 6.00pm. In a country where we have increasing numbers of “latch key” children, who have to go home and fend for themselves until their parents arrive home from work, this is great news. At last the government has got something right for a change. Let’s just hope that they put their money where their mouth is and allow schools enough funding to hire extra teaching staff to cope with the extended hours of opening.

WILL YOUNG VOTED MOST POPULAR UK ARTIST OF ALL TIME

Pop Idol winner Will Young has been voted the most popular U.K. artist of all time by a poll of radio listeners. I’ve always liked Will and thought he had a great voice. Well done to him!

CHARLOTTE CHURCH TO HOST NEW TALENT SHOW

Welsh “Voice of an Angel” singer Charlotte Church is set to host a new talent show. The show will be based on a similar format to Michael Barrymore’s “My Kind of People” with Charlotte touring shopping centres looking for fresh new talent. Charlotte’s own career as a child star began after being spotted on a talent show, hosted by Jonathon Ross. Now she is eager to give other youngsters a chance to shine. There will also be opportunities for older members of the public to showcase their talents too. Sounds good to me!

JOAN COLLINS TOURING BRITAIN WITH ONE-WOMAN SHOW

I had the great privilege of seeing British veteran actress Joan Collins in her one- woman show in Blackpool on Tuesday night. Joan is a remarkable and beautiful woman who never looks any older. It was very interesting listening to her recounting her life story and how she climbed the stairway to international stardom, from Rank starlet to Dynasty star. Joan is currently touring with her show throughout Britain. If you get a chance, go and see her. You’ll have an interesting night’s entertainment and won’t be disappointed.

LABOUR SUFFERS HUGE DEFEAT IN LOCAL ELECTIONS

It's been a bad week for Tony Blair and the Labour Government. No wonder Tony's wife Cherie was pictured having an audience with the Pope earlier in the week. Maybe she was seeking divine intervention on Tony's behalf! I doubt even that would be enough to save him now.

After Sept 11th and the London Underground bombings, surely the
government should have learned something. But apparently not. What
a farce releasing dangerous foreign criminals back into a country
where they don't even belong in the first place, rather than deporting them back to where they came from. The fact that this was hidden from the British public for 3 weeks just adds insult to injury! Home Secretary, Charles Clarke was sacked yesterday and quite rightly so. He failed abysmally in his duty to protect the safety and security of every citizen in Britain. Let’s hope John Reid does a better job.

As for John Prescot, after the revelations of his affair with his diary secretary (who revealed details of their relationship in graphic detail to a national newspaper), how can anybody in this country have any faith in a man like that after what he's done to his poor wife! The fact that he's no longer in charge of a department but that he's still remaining as Deputy Prime Minister, (with all the perks that go with it), and being paid a large government salary though is beyond belief. It just sends out the wrong signals to the British public that Mr Blair condones this sort of behaviour.

No wonder Labour suffered a huge defeat in the local elections. Everyone in Britain has had enough. After such an embarrasing performance at the polls, the question everyone in Britain is now asking is when Mr Blair will be leaving No. 10. This country desperately needs a new leader and a change of government to get it back on its feet again.

LLANDUDNO - WALES PREMIER SEASIDE RESORT

Hope you all had a good Bank Holiday weekend! This week just seemed to go by so fast! I spent a very pleasant day in Llandudno on Monday. Llandudno is Wales’ premier seaside resort, with a unique combination of Victorian charm and Edwardian elegance. There is something for everyone there. With a good selection of shops, entertainment and cultural activities, It’s a lovely place and well worth a visit. There is also a superb promenade flanked by the headlands of The Great Orme and Little Orme. You can ride a cable car to the top of the Great Orme (or if you’re feeling really fit go up on foot!) and get great views all over the bay. Llandudno is one of only three places in the world that still operate the cable hauled street tramways. The other places that use them are San Francisco in the USA and Lisbon in Portugal.

Monday was the final day of Llandudno’s annual three day Victorian Festival It was almost like going back in time, as visitors (like myself) had the pleasure of seeing men and women dressed in Victorian costumes and vintage vehicles and steam engines. There was even a competition for the best, most authentic costume. Adding to the atmosphere was a smartly dressed gentleman on a penny farthing bicycle. There was something for the children too with some fairground rides and stilt walkers. All in all it was a great day out. If you on a visit to England and are planning to include a trip to Wales, don’t forget to visit Llandudno. The people there are very friendly and welcoming. You’ll be glad you did. Famous people who originate from Wales include actress Catherine Zeta Jones, actor Anthony Hopkins, singer Tom Jones and the poet Dylan Thomas.

For more information on Llandudno go to the links shown below.

http://www.greatorme.org.uk/

http://www.visitllandudno.com/home.php

PRINCE HARRY LAUNCHES AIDS CHARITY

Prince Harry is in the news this week after launching an Aids charity in his mother’s name. The charity (which Harry launched in Lesotho with Prince Seeiso who also lost his mother) is called Sentebale which means, “Forget Me Not”. Prince Harry is definitely a chip off the old block. He is his mother’s son and we’ll never forget Diana, the people’s Princess, whilst Prince Harry follows in her footsteps and continues with the wonderful and charitable work that she started.

The press have given Princes William and Harry a difficult time in the past. We must never forget that these are two young boys who have lost their mother and are confined to growing up in the goldfish bowl that is royal life, in full glare of the world’s media. They are just like any other young men in this country, growing up and making mistakes but unfortunately their lives and any mistakes they make are played out in full view of the country’s media. Perhaps now finally the press will leave these two young men alone. Diana would have been so proud of both of them.

BRITONS CAST GADGETS ON ONE SIDE

A recent survey by internet price comparison site Price Runner reveal that Britons spend over £2billion every year on gadgets like ice cream makers and fondue sets that are quite often confined to the back of cupboards and rarely used.

Many of these gadgets are probably bought on Ebay which according to recent figures is Britain’s most visited e-commerce site, attracting even more visitors than Amazon (which is also very popular). Over 15 million Britons are now buying and selling on Ebay, a site many believe is the best place to find a bargain on the internet. So there we go!

GORDON BROWN "INSPIRATION" TO ANGELINA

Chancellor Gordon Brown has a new best friend and supporter in the shape of Tomb Raider star Angelina Jolie. In a phone call from Africa (where’s she’s currently staying with her family), in respect of The Global Education Fund, Angelina described Gordon Brown as an “inspiration” and somebody she liked very much. Angelina also said that she hoped Gordon Brown would become Prime Minister soon. Apparently Mr Brown was said to be “delighted” by Angelina’s comments and praised her work in drawing attention to global poverty.

GOVERNMENT ACKNOWLEDGES DANGER OF ELECTRICITY PYLONS

After many years of government denials, the Department of Health has finally acknowledged the possible link between electricity pylons and childhood cancers. In the past many children and adults living in homes situated near the pylons have developed cancer. Unfortunately it comes too late for some poor families who have lost their loved ones to cancer, innocent victims of a government cover-up. Even now government ministers are saying that they are “considering” issuing guidelines to protect public safety. It’s time the government and the electricity companies got their act together before any more innocent people lose their lives.

LONDON WELCOMES NEW DAD TOM CRUISE

New dad Tom Cruise was in London this week for the British premiere of his new film, “Mission Impossible 3”, shaking hands with delighted fans who crowded to catch a glimpse of him. Congratulations to Tom and fiancé Katie Holmes on the birth of their daughter Suri. Apparently Suri means “Red Rose” in Persian and “Princess” in Hebrew. As the owner of a Hebrew christian name myself, I think it’s a lovely name!

MILK - HEALTHY & GOOD FOR YOU!

In the news this week, researchers have discovered that expectant mums who drink milk every day throughout their pregnancy give birth to bigger and healthier babies. According to the results of a recent study, pregnant women who drink less than half a cup of milk a day run the risk of stunting the growth of their unborn babies. So there we go!

On another note according to Eric Schlosser, author of the best-selling book, “Fast Food Nation”, the average strawberry milkshake that British kids love to drink at fast food outlets are made up of over fifty nine different ingredients, none of them healthy ones! Most shakes contain a large quantity of E-number additives and chemicals and don’t contain a single strawberry. Whatever happened to healthy milkshakes that people can make at home? For a good healthy homemade strawberry milkshake recipe, follow the link below:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/strawberrymilkshake_13975.shtml

TAKE THAT BACK WITH A VENGEANCE

Take That are back together again, much to the delight of their fans! Thousands flocked to Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena to see the band's opening concert of their Reunion Tour. It was Take That’s first U.K. stage performance since 1995, but according to fans attending the gig, it was like they had never been away. Despite the absence of band member Robbie Williams, the concert tour has been a sellout success, with tickets quickly being snapped up by eager fans, as soon as they went on sale. Robbie appeared on stage as a hologram image instead, preferring to let his former bandmates take the limelight.

LABOUR PARTY SUPPORT SINKS TO ALL TIME LOW

With the local elections looming next week, public support for the Labour Party is now at its lowest for 20 years according to the results of a Guardian poll. More and more Britons are now backing the British National Party’s policies which could result in them making an electoral breakthrough.

Meanwhile Health Minister Patricia Hewitt received a hostile reception today from nursing staff in Eastbourne, as she defended the government’s managing of the National Health Service. Mis-managing is probably a better word for it. The National Health Service is a fiasco with job cuts and hospital closures right, left and centre. It’s hardly surprising voters have had enough. Tony Blair says he’s going to sort out the NHS amongst other things before he leaves No. 10. I sincerely hope he does and as soon as possible, for the sake of everyone in this country.