DIANA - A TRIBUTE TO ENGLAND'S ROSE

Today we remember Diana, Princess of Wales on the ninth anniversary of her tragic death in a Paris car crash. As hundreds of people flocked to Diana’s former home, Kensington Palace to leave flowers and tributes, it is clear that Diana, England’s Rose and our Queen of Hearts as she was affectionately known, is as popular now as she ever was. Indeed the Royal family underestimated just how popular Diana was with the British public.

Though the years pass none of us will ever forget her. With her tireless charity work and easy, carefree manner, Diana was a breath of fresh air compared to the other members of the Royal family, a true icon of our times. We will probably never know what happened the night of the tragic accident. The long awaited inquest into Diana and Dodi’s death suffered a major setback this summer when the coroner withdrew from the case. Some people believe a conspiracy was involved, others that it was the fault of the chauffeur who had been drinking heavily that night. Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed has been instrumental in trying to prove the conspiracy theory and the fact that he believes the couple were murdered. But whatever the cause we will never forget that tragic day when Diana’s life was so tragically cut short. Diana may no longer be here in body, but she is still alive in spirit in the hearts of everyone in the country. We will never forget her. May she rest in peace.

If you would like to light a candle in Diana’s memory or for any other loved one, go to the site listed below:-

http://www.memoryinheart.com/

Photo:- Courtesy of Associated Press Photographs and Yahoo

BLACKCURRANTS - NATURE'S SUPERFOOD

Still on the subject of hospitals, researchers in Dundee have discovered that blackcurrants can help to combat the deadly hospital superbug MRSA. Blackcurrants have always been regarded as a superfood, particularly good in the fight against Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart disease. Apparently the fruit also contains compounds which help stop the build up of bacteria including listeria, salmonella and MRSA. Goods news for all of us as MRSA can be fatal and is resistant to antibiotics. All the more reason to eat blackcurrants!

SCANDAL OF BRITAIN'S MALNOURISHED PATIENTS

Hospital food has always been the butt of many jokes. However it seems that many of Britain’s hospital patients are at serious risk from malnourishment. Nine out of ten nurses have admitted they don’t have time to ensure that patients eat properly. Elderly patients are particularly affected. The charity Age Concern stressed that, “Food and help with eating it should be recognised as an essential part of care.” The charity is launching a campaign, “Hungry to be Heard”, to raise awareness of the problem and wants hospitals to introduce a “red tray” system, whereby more vulnerable patients have their meals served on red trays so that staff can easily spot who needs help at mealtimes.

Malnourished patients are more prone to infection and take longer to recover from operations and hospital treatment. It is a scandal and a disgrace that patients, particularly the elderly in our community should be treated this way. The blame doesn’t lie with the nursing staff who do their best to work with the limited time and resources available. The real culprit is our cash-strapped healthcare system. Some of these patients, particularly the elderly and infirm have worked hard and paid taxes all their lives. Surely they deserve to get something back. Instead the system is failing them badly. A Department of Health spokesman stated that a summit to discuss how best to care for the needs of the elderly, is planned for the Autumn.

SGT PEPPER TOPS WITH UK LISTENERS

The Beatles are still as popular as ever in the UK. The fab four’s album Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band has been voted the nation’s favourite no. 1 album in the BBC’s Radio 2 Music Club Top 100 Album chart.

BULLYING IN SCHOOLS ON THE INCREASE

According to figures released by children’s charity helpline Childline, bullying in Britain’s schools has hit record levels with an increase of 12% of children being bullied in the last 12 months. Bullying is becoming an increasingly common problem in this country, despite all schools being required to have an anti-bullying policy in place. It is even thought that there is a link between childhood bullying and anti-social behaviour in later life. The figures have surprised many anti-bullying campaigners who believe that the anti-bullying message has been so effective, more and more children are seeking help. However others believe that levels of bullying are spiralling out of control due to flawed strategies in schools.

Bullying is the new debilitating disease of our society, whether it be in the playground or the workplace, chipping away at our self-confidence making us feel insecure, alone and in some cases suicidal. It is important that we stamp it out, before innocent victims end up being emotionally and mentally scarred for life. Many children are driven to suicide as they feel desperate and alone. Yet still bullying continues with some children receiving threatening texts and e-mails, as well as being verbally and physically bullied. Serious measures need to be put in place to tackle the problem sooner rather than later, before even more precious lives are lost.

BRITAIN TRIUMPHS AT THE EMMYS

It was a successful night for British talent at this year’s Emmy Awards. Helen Mirren scooped Best Actress for her role in Elizabeth I, whilst Jeremy Irons was named Best Supporting Actor at the awards ceremony, held in Los Angeles. Helen praised the show’s writers saying that without them she wouldn’t have won the award, her third Emmy. Meanwhile Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald took home the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in The Girl in The Café, whilst Ricky Gervais and his crew scooped the Best Comedy trophy for the U.S. version of The Office. Congratulations to all of them!

Photo:- Courtesy of BBC Website

DRINK CIDER FOR HEALTH

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, so the saying goes. However researchers believe that drinking a glass of cider every day could be even more effective. It is thought that English cider apples contain chemicals which can help to protect us against strokes, heart disease and cancer. Researchers are looking for some people who will each drink a pint of cider, to test their theories. I’m sure they’ll have no problem finding willing volunteers!

BRITAIN CELEBRATES LAST BANK HOLIDAY

As Britain celebrates the last Bank Holiday weekend before we head into Autumn, many people in the country will be using this as an opportunity to catch up on household jobs and DIY tasks. Others will be braving the airport security queues and jetting off to warmer climates. Meanwhile at least a million people are expected to attend the Notting Hill Carnival, an explosion of fun, food and culture. The annual carnival is one of London’s most popular attractions, bringing a colourful array of costumes and music to the streets. The carnival also provides a good chance for people of all religions and creeds to come together in harmony for this multi-cultural event, as the streets come alive with the sounds of steel drums and Caribbean music.

Photos:- Courtesy of World News and Yahoo

BLAIR PLANNING £4MILLION DEAL FOR MEMOIRS

It seems our esteemed Prime Minister, Tony Blair made a slight detour to the States on his way to Barbados to try and secure a book deal for his autobiography, although Downing Street have strenuously denied this. According to recent press reports, Mr Blair had a meeting with Rupert Murdoch’s publishing company in California. He is hoping that Harper Collins will publish his memoirs for a figure of £4million. Nice work if you can get it. He is also likely to make a tidy sum on the after dinner speaking circuit when he eventually quits as Prime Minister. Apparently Mr Blair intends to use the money to wipe out his massive mortgage debts. Somehow I can’t see the book hitting the bestseller lists, judging by Mr Blair’s popularity in this country. It will probably be a work of fiction, based on lies, like Tony Blair’s leadership, the greatest story ever told or probably the worst, judging by recent events. So does this mean that Mr Blair is planning to leave No. 10 sooner rather than later? We can only live in hope!

FOLLOW BILL'S EXAMPLE - EAT YOUR BRAN FLAKES!

I don’t usually take much notice of the advertisements on tv. Some of them are so boring, it takes a genius to work out what they are actually selling. However being health conscious, I really like the advert for the new Kelloggs Crunchy Oatbakes cereal, which features William Shatner entering them into the baking competition at the village fete. Of course they win first prize! I think William Shatner is really good in those Kelloggs Bran Flakes ads. Bill has come a long way from his days as a Starship Captain! I can’t believe he’s 75! He looks really healthy and youthful, a good role model for Kelloggs. All the more reason to eat your Bran Flakes! If you’d like to see more of Bill extolling the virtues of Bran Flakes, go to the link below and click on "Kelloggs All-Bran Challenge".

http://www.kelloggs.co.uk/all-bran/allbran_reg.asp

CHILDREN'S DEMAND FOR GADGETS PLACES FINANCIAL BURDEN ON PARENTS

Oh the joys of parenthood! Today’s demanding children are costing their parents more than £1,000 a year in must-have designer clothes and gadgets to impress their friends. Most popular gadgets include mobile phones, mp3 players and handheld games. How times have changed! When I was growing up, we never had any gadgets like these and managed very well without them. Apparently two thirds of Britain’s youngsters would be lost without their computers as they spend more time on them than watching tv. Could that combined with a diet of junkfood be the reason why so many British kids are obese? Maybe it’s me but when I was growing up, I never remember seeing as many overweight kids around as there are today. Computers were none existent in those days. Junkfood outlets were unheard of. Kids came home from school and went for a bike ride or played outside with their friends. They were a lot healthier than the kids of today. Whatever happened to enjoying the simple pleasures in life? Technology is a wonderful thing but not when it creates a society of demanding, unhealthy youngsters with no values.

TWO FERGIES TEAM UP FOR CHARITY

Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie is teaming up with Britain’s Fergie, The Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson) to help needy kids. The singer whose real name is Stacy Ferguson, is going to work with one of The Duchess’s charities. Sarah is currently the head of the Chances for Children and Children in Crisis charities, which help provide education and healthcare for third world children.

Photos:- Courtesy of World Entertainment News and Yahoo

TEA - BEST DRINK OF THE DAY!

Good news for Britain’s tea drinkers, including myself. Scientists are now telling us that drinking four or more cups of tea is more beneficial than drinking water. Tea is a natural source of flavanoids, a group of antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage and protect us against cancer and heart disease. Some studies also suggest that caffeine in tea can help improve mood and concentration. Sounds good to me! All the more reason to have a cup of tea! I’m a big tea drinker and drink gallons of the stuff, especially when I’m working. My favourite is Yorkshire tea. You can visit the website using the link below:-

http://www.yorkshiretea.co.uk

Happy surfing!

72% BLAME BLAIR FOREIGN POLICY FOR TERRORIST THREAT

Whilst Tony Blair relaxes on his Caribbean holiday, a massive 72% of Britons believe his foreign policy is responsible for the current terrorist threat Britain is facing, including the 7/7 attacks. Meanwhile whilst the people of Britain live in anxiety and fear of further terrorist attacks, Mr Blair was pictured on board a yacht, sipping from a bottle of beer without a care in the world.

SIZE MATTERS TO ROYAL MAIL AS NEW PRICING SYSTEM LAUNCHED

Posting a letter in this country has now become a military operation after Royal Mail’s introduction of the new weight and sizing price guidelines. Size it seems means everything under the new system, especially if it means Royal Mail can make a bit more money. Maybe it’s just me being cynical but a lot of items of post seem to be costing a lot more money on this new system, despite Royal Mail’s assurance that 80% of items would be the same price as before. I read the new pricing guide over and over but still couldn’t make any sense of it. I’m sure it’s not just me. I think there must be a lot more confused people out there. Why does everything in life have to be so difficult? Hopefully Royal Mail will see the error of its ways and revert back to the old system sooner rather than later. It was so much easier in the days when you could just stick a stamp on a letter and drop it into the postbox without having to think about it!

JOKES IN A BRUMMIE ACCENT ARE FUNNIEST

According to a recent survey by Satellite comedy channel Paramount, the majority of Britons prefer to hear jokes told in a Birmingham (Brummie) accent. They believe this accent spoken by British comedians, Lenny Henry, Jasper Carrot and Frank Skinner to be the funniest sounding!

EXPERT SAYS OVERWEIGHT KIDS CLOTHES SHOULD CARRY HEALTH WARNING

As the level of child obesity in Britain continues to grow, a British diet expert believes that clothing for overweight kids should come with a government health warning. He wants to see labels sewn inside large size clothing urging kids to seek help from their GP (doctor). The professor spoke out after British department store, Bhs launched a clothing range featuring more generous sizes for larger children and featured a chubby child in its ads for “back to school” wear. A spokesman for the department store said the new range had proved to be a big hit and helped larger children feel more confident because they could shop for their clothes at the same place as other kids.

It seems a lot of these kids are following in their parents' footsteps, as more and more British adults are also obese, with many making car journeys of less than one mile, rather than walking or cycling. Tony Blair has appointed a new Minister for Health, Caroline Flint, whose main job is to get overweight Brits off the sofa and encourage them to get down to the gym. Good luck to her! Maybe the key is to revert back to the lifestyles we had in years gone by, when gyms were non-existent but because people had healthier diets and took more exercise, they didn't need them. Today's convenience food diet and sedentary lifestyle has a lot to answer for.

MUSLIM LEADERS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER FLIGHT BAN PASSENGERS

Muslim leaders have condemned the actions of British passengers who staged a mutiny to get two Asian men removed from a plane. The men attracted attention because they looked and spoke differently to the rest of the passengers, who were mainly white people. The majority of the passengers were wearing holiday clothes and t-shirts whilst the two Asian men wore sweaters and leather jackets, despite being on a flight to Manchester from the warm region of Malaga in Spain. They also spoke in a foreign language, which everyone presumed to be Arabic. The passengers refused to let the plane take off until the men were removed. The frightening thing about this incident is that the airline didn’t even stop to consider that this might be a misunderstanding or that the passengers had misjudged the situation and overreacted. They automatically assumed the men must be terrorists and had them removed from the plane. Whatever happened to being innocent until proven guilty?

There was also another incident where a British born Muslim airline pilot was escorted off a flight for no apparent reason. Many people of all nationalities travel on aircraft nowadays and we can’t condemn them because of their accents or appearance. They have as much right to travel as everybody else, whatever their colour, race or creed. If we start removing Muslims from planes, are we going to start removing drunks and yobs as well? Where will it all end? The recent spate of terrorist threats has thrown the nation into panic with everyone’s feelings and emotions running high. The downside to this is that it has made everyone paranoid. I agree we need to be vigilant at all times but we also need to be level headed and calm too. Otherwise we risk living in a divided society where fear and paranoia reign supreme and where innocent people are judged and labelled for being different. We will just be playing into the hands of the terrorists. One of Britain’s most senior Muslim policemen has already warned of the danger of creating a new offence of “travelling whilst Asian”.

TOM CRUISE LOSES OUT IN BEST MATE STAKES

Poor Tom Cruise! It seems that nobody in England wants him as their best mate. Tom came bottom of the poll of stars that people would like for their best buddy. King Kong actor Jack Black was No. 1.

Photo:- Courtesy of BBC Website

NEW DRUG HELPS SMOKERS TO QUIT

Good news for smokers trying to give up the evil weed, a drug which mimics the effects of nicotine could be on sale in Britain within months. The new drug, Chantrix helped over 50% of smokers to quit in a recent study. Also side effects are minimal, (mainly nausea) and can be avoided by spacing out doses during the day.

On another note, children's satellite channel Boomerang have banned smoking scenes from Tom and Jerry cartoons after an annonymous complaint from a viewer to a tv watchdog. It was thought that the scenes "glamourized" smoking to impressionable young viewers.