Whitney Houston

I had no real intention of writing a blog about Whitney Houston. How could I have imagined that at 48 years of age, this once beautiful, healthy, vibrant, extraordinary woman would end up dead in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton hotel. Now this may sound a bit crass but never did I imagine that Whitney Houston, one of the most famous stars in the world and arguably the greatest voice of our time, would be gone so soon and so suddenly and in such a manner. I know she had problems over the years, don't we all? I heard of her drug use and marital problems, but Whitney Houston's death was never something I expected anytime soon. I am still very shocked and saddened over her death. She was one of our own. She was a sister, a black woman who made it! Although I wasn't impressed with her last album, and I haven't listened to her much over the last few years, there is no doubt that the woman could SAANG….and she deserved to be hailed as one of the greatest of all time.

My favourite Whitney song is 'My Love is Your Love,' I remember playing the reggae tinged song over and over again when I first got the CD. I also remember the huge success of 'The Bodyguard' and the soundtrack to match. I remember playing 'I will always love you,'over and over again and trying to sing like her, and of course I sounded nothing like her.

She should have been laughing at the world, didn't she have it all? She shouldn't be dead in 2012! She should be alive enjoying and celebrating her successes. Her death is a great example that no day is promised and life is extremely short for some of us. It just feels like the end of an era, first Michael Jackson's death now Whitney's, the two biggest black stars of the eighties and the decade in which I was born are no more.

I can't even begin to imagine what her daughter is going through. The pain and loss of your mother at eighteen must be excruciating. I think eighteen is one of the worst ages to loose a mother, especially a mother like Whitney Houston. She won't be able to mourn in peace. She'll hear her mother's songs on the radio, see her on the TV, and hear people discussing her mother incessantly. It's not as if her mother was an ordinary woman. She was a famous mega star.

The death of such an icon is a tragedy for those who were touched by her music but especially those who were closest to her. I even feel sorry for Bobby Brown's loss. I think he has gotten unfair criticism over the years. He cannot be blamed for her demise. They were together for at least ten years and I believe he loved her. Besides, Whitney was a grown woman who made her own choices. I'm sure he wasn't the greatest husband but not necessarily the worst. They were married, they share a child, Whitney was a significant person in his life and her death must have been a shocking blow to him. She will truly be missed and her legacy will no doubt, live on forever.

The Little Room

This is the little room that I spend many nights writing in. It's small, plain, simple and unfussy.

HELL!

I want to try and keep these blogs that I write less often-more about writing and books or general things that interest me. I've ended up deleting many of the personal blogs I wrote. I don't need to put my personal life and thoughts out there. The world doesn’t need to know when I'm going to get married, or have a baby, or what I'm doing or thinking every minute of the day. I'll leave that to the Lady Ga Ga's of the world and the Kardashians! It's wonderful how your mind changes in you late twenties-now I'm approaching 30. I used to cringe at the thought not anymore. I'm still young-ish. The wonderful thing about getting older is getting wiser. Less things seem important-other than the basics…food, shelter, sustenance. Having a passion is also important! Enjoying life as much as one can is also important, even when life gets you down. I have my ups and downs like everyone, and recently, I experienced a multitude of every type of emotion I can think of. I was euphoric when Man Utd beat Chelsea and cried tears of joy when we picked up the point that gave us our 19th title. Then to experience the painful defeat at the hands or rather the feet of the mighty Barcelona was extremely painful and I cried.

In the midst of that, I was finishing my first novel Destiny. It has taken me about two years and seven months to complete. I can't honestly say I've enjoyed every moment of writing it. I loved writing it sixty percent of the time but I hated editing it. HATED IT! I WENT THROUGH HELL! I could probably have spent in all honesty another two years working on it, but enough is enough. I am generally pleased with the outcome. It's not too long or too short. It has all and more than I could want in it. It's a whimsical twist of romance, crime, thriller and suspense. It has something for everyone. It's currently available on E-book platforms-Smashwords….it should be available on Amazon Kindle within the next seven days. Many people have mixed views about the E-book market. I personally still like to have a paperback or hardback copy of a book but I also see the many opportunities and benefits of the E-book. If you're going on a long journey and you want to have a choice of lots of different books you can download hundreds on your kindle or nook. It's light and easy to travel with. Also E-books are a lot cheaper when you minus paper and ink-such a waste at times! Added to the benefits of E-book, new authors like me are able to publish books without going through the rigmarole of finding a traditional publisher and agent or even if you have that, publishing through E-books allows you greater control of your work and less compromise-which is really why it appeals to me. Trying to format the book correctly to download was another Hellish nightmare that I've been through lately. I wouldn't wish that nightmare on my worst enemy!

Anyway. I'm working on my next book 'Heartless' which should be out early next year. Paperback and Hardback versions of Destiny should be out early next year also.

The Death Of A Legend And The End Of An Era

To me she was the most beautiful movie star of all time and possibly the most beautiful woman that ever lived. Words cannot express how sad I am that Elizabeth Taylor the last greatest legend has passed away. When I first heard a few weeks ago that she had been taken into hospital I knew the end was near, she has escaped death on numerous occasions throughout her life and battled with pain and illness, but a strong woman doesn’t break easily and she was able to live to the grand age of 79, not bad considering how many great stars die young and how many of her ex husbands, friends and co-stars met their fate way before their time. You just cannot beat death forever, and by the time you reach a certain age you become susceptible to your illnesses and complications of which she had many, in addition to that she lost her great friend Michael Jackson recently and I know that took an extra toll on her frail body, but I can’t help feeling deeply saddened and forlorn that the last great star of an unprecedented era is forever gone. She just seemed to out live so many people and I know she’d found happiness in the last few years of her life with someone who seemed to adore her.

A star like her as Michael Jackson will never come along again, not in my life time. She was truly one of a kind. Her unique beauty and violet eyes lit up the silver screen and her off screen romances with the likes of Eddie Fisher, Mike Todd and her great love Richard Burton gave birth to a tabloid frenzy and a popular celebrity culture that still lives on today, she was the first actress to command a million dollar pay cheque, one of the first women to take a huge stance and speak out about AIDS, she loved jewellery and perfume, she was a real woman, not perfect, but instead perfectly flawed. She was a movie star beyond movie stardom and a legend beyond legends.

Elizabeth Taylor I salute you, may your soul forever rest in peace, you are gone now but you will never be forgotten.

On a Mission

It's been a long time sine I wrote a blog. I used to write them more often, now I do it sparingly. Not interested in talking too much about anything and everything. Ask me something and I may say no comment on that I’d rather keep my thoughts or opinions to myself more often than not these days. I guess it’s part of getting older. Of course I’m Simone and Simone can’t help speaking her mind, it’s just the way I am. I had a lovely thanksgiving the other day, it’s an American tradition not a British one but I like it, and just because I’m not American doesn’t mean I can’t celebrate it. Anything that involves eating nice food and having a drink is a major attraction for me. And I like the idea of having one day in the year when I can feel thankful for something, even the smallest things. Hell I’m thankful to be alive!! That’s something to be thankful for.

I watched a phenomenal movie a few days ago and have watched it several times since. I go through phases where I become obsessed with one particular thing at a time. In the past it’s been Twilight, which is one of my most beloved movies. Ronaldo is a constant obsession, and for years I was obsessed with Miami. Still love the place but not as obsessed with it anymore but it will always be my favourite spot in the world. Right now I’m obsessed with all things Mexican. I don’t know why. I’ve been a fan of Frida Kahlo the Mexican painter for many years and I’m fascinated with all the horrific things that are going on in Mexico. My interest in Mexico is not about wanting to be there or go there. I am quite simply petrified of the place. I think it’s dangerous and highly corrupt and the thought of going there makes my toes curl. But in terms of history, culture, cuisine and art it’s a pretty fascinating place, a place of many styles and contrasts from the indigenous to the European and Spanish influences. The other day I was looking up Mexican American films to watch to give me an insight into a new idea I was exploring and randomly came across this movie called La Mission starring Benjamin Bratt. I read about it and viewed the trailer and decided I would watch it to see what it was about. I didn’t expect to enjoy it all that much, but from the moment the film started I was taken into a new world that I had not previously known about and it was quite simply a magical experience.

What I loved about the film first and foremost was that it wasn’t your ‘typical’ Hollywood movie blockbuster. To be frank it’s not a ‘Hollywood Movie’ there is only one main Caucasian character in the entire movie, the rest of the cast is Hispanic/Latino and black. It’s very unusual to see anything like that in movies nowadays. The racial makeup of the movie and the location of the movie in the Mission District of San Francisco was for me one of its biggest draws simply because it made it STAND OUT from the rest of the pack. It wasn’t an LA film, it wasn’t an all black film where the main character was a drug dealer or a gang banger. It was about a working class Hispanic man who drives a bus and his relationship with his son who he finds out is gay. On paper it looks like a very straight forward story but it’s not at all. The acting and performances were top draw-Oscar worthy in my opinion. Though I doubt based on its budget, the limited release of the movie and the fact that it has a mostly ethnic cast, all of those reasons make it an unlikely choice for or an Oscar nomination which is a shame because I’m sick and tired of seeing the same mainstream stuff and the occasional small budget films take the glory.

Benjamin Bratt apart from being as sexy as hell and majorly ‘eye candy’ was at his very best. The supporting cast were excellent, the music was off the charts and totally wonderful and absorbing. But there was a certain vibe and culture that the film portrayed that I found very appealing and it made reminisce about spending time in some of the working class ethnic neighbourhoods I did as a child. Added to the storyline was a romantic dimension to the movie that gave it passion, a soft touch, and a layer of authenticity as if the movie had been gently dipped into a succulent heap of chocolate. All in all I thought it was a superb movie that although left me wanting more at the end was able to surpass all the other amazing movies I’ve seen before and has ultimately become my new favourite.

Gosh so many things have taken place since I wrote my last blog. The X factor is getting on my nerves. I don’t dig it as much as I used to. Oh yes…Kate is finally going to marry Prince William. Although I have criticised her in the past for being a sad cow for waiting, it seems as if the wait has been worth it. At the end of the day she is going to inherit a kingdom and that’s a great thing and I also think they make a great couple and look fantastic together. I am so disappointed that Tony and Eva Longoria have split. They were one of my favourite couples. I am let down that he cheated on her. Then again all men cheat it’s in their DNA. The ones who seem to be faithful are just the ones who haven’t been caught yet.

Til next time….

Stay Brown x

My Favorite Books From Danielle Steel

They may not be to everyone's taste but she has sold millions of copies of her books and these are the books I've enjoyed the most. So if you're a female in a book store and you haven't read them, check these out.

New Books I want to read...

Can't wait to get through all of these books this year and more...

Vanity Fair Pays Tribute To The Greatest Super Star Ever!

Donald Trump "Think Like A Champion"

Everyone knows or, at least should know who Donald Trump is. I am a Trump fan. And I don't just like him or admire him because he has fame, success, power or money. I like him because I think he is a great guy. And like me he is a gemini.

I don't always agree with what he says, or does, but I think he means well and I think the world is a better place because of him. He creates a positive vision and a better lifestyle for people, he also presents a dream that we all aspire to have. These dreams include living well, financial prosperity, glamour and power.

Often people don't realise the hard work, diligence, patience, endurance, effort and focus it goes into becoming successful. They only look at what that successful person has and the lifestyle they live, what I am really saying here is that they look on the outside with envy, without thinking much about the blood, sweat and tears that goes on behind the scenes.

Donald Trump is a hard working businessman who has had to overcome obstacles in his life just like anybody else. There was a time, when he was broke, YES BROKE! And owed banks millions of dollars-I repeat millions of dollars that he didn't have. After rising high and setting the standard of what it is to live in luxury, he had to overcome bankruptcy and huge debts. Not an easy task considering he was in the public spotlight and owed more money than the average person could ever imagine.

Many people in his situation would crumble under that type of pressure, they feel so depleted emotionally and physically. Some people who have lost millions have resorted to suicide, others never make a comeback. You have to have will power and strength to tough it out and survive it. And that is exactly what he did. In 1997 Trump published his book " The Art Of The Comeback." This book was about how he came back from bankruptcy and into prosperity again.

He did indeed come back! He came back bigger and stronger and I think because of this he's a true champion. True champions don't settle for less than being the best. It also gives him more credibility and substance in my eyes, that he went through the worst and overcame it. It shows he's not fickle, that he has true grit and determination. And for me personally it gives him the credentials to write books to help empower and inspire a new generation of business. It's all good talking about how to be successful, but it's easier said than done when you have always been successful and never experienced failure.

I am not a business minded woman, at least I don't think so. I am not numerical at all so that perhaps rules me out altogether. I hate working in a team and in a formal setting. Put it this way, if I went on 'The Apprentice' I think I would be the first one to be fired. I have watched a few shows but I am not obsessed by The Apprentice, neither have I read that many of his books for the simple reason that I am not a business person. But 'Think Like A Champion' is a fantastic book, and possibly the best he's ever written. It deals with current issues, personal issues, politics, sports and I actually like his philosophy which is displayed beautifully in the book. It's a well written and well thought out book, it starts with his thoughts on Obama's election and covers varying interesting topics and how they pertain to business right until the end.

Here is Donald's thoughts on Michael Jackson's recent death.


Michael Jackson

Posted by Donald J. Trump on 6/30/2009 at 3:38 PM

There’s been a lot of coverage on Michael Jackson, and rightly so. He was the most amazing performer I have ever seen, and I have seen most of the greats. I knew him personally as well, as he lived at Trump Tower and stayed at my Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. He stayed there when he and Lisa Marie Presley were married, and they were obviously a romantic item. They had a great time and we loved having them as guests.

Michael Jackson was a shy person which made his gift as a performer even more astonishing. I remember thinking, “This quiet guy is going to bring the house down?” (The ‘house’ being Madison Square Garden). But bring the house down is what he did--consistently. His stage presence and talent were unsurpassed. He’s a performer who will never be forgotten and who most likely won’t be equaled for a very long time, if ever.

The Sexiest AND MOST Desirable Men Ever! My Top 10 Choice!

1.Cristiano Ronaldo



2.Will Demps




3.Marlon Brando



4.Tupac Shakur




5.Blair Underwood



6.Johnny Depp




7.Robert Deniro



8.Rodney Harvey



9.Robi Rosa


10.Andy Garcia

Adios Ronaldo....United accept a world record 80 million for him!

It is so surreal that I was talking about the possibility of Ronaldo leaving this summer,just yesterday and I spoke about how in a way it would be a positive thing.I also said that I would prefer him to stay,but while the deal has not gone through yet,I think it is almost certain that Ronaldo will be a Real Madrid player next season.

I have to say,I am not as upset about this as perhaps I should be.I am glad Ronaldo is now going to be the highest paid footballer in the world.He deserves it! Let me pause a second,and just say that this Real Madrid President is certainly not rampin,and I have heard he also plans to make a swoop for David Villa,and who knows how much he'll be prepared to spend...could be more.But,as i'm writing this blog Ronaldo is about to become the highest paid footballer in the world.To me that is a nod to his greatness,and proof that he is the best.Real Madrid would never pay this kind of money for Rooney or Gerrard,at least not at this time.The President of the Spanish club wants the best of the best and he knows Ronaldo is that player-THE BEST.


Some people are trying to invoke a NEGATIVE reaction out of me that Ronaldo is now going,but while i'm disappointed no doubt it is not the end of the bloody world.Great players have come and gone at United and we have survived,we have survived the demise of a whole team way back in the day,and we will survive this.When Beckham and Cantona left a lot of people thought it could be over for United but,we just kept on buying new players and kept on winning things.

Ronaldo is no doubt virtually irreplacable so we would need at least two fabulous players to replace him.Those players could be there at Old Trafford as I speak,so many of them sit on the bench.United have such a big squad,and there are players there that could only get better.Ronaldo started the season late last year and we won games without him,and went onto win the Premier League again,so although he is no doubt amazing,it is not the end of United's winning ways.It's the dawn of a new era,and maybe it was time.I must say I am very excited about next season to see what's going to happen here,and i'm also excited about what's going to happen in Spain.

Barcelona fans have been celebrating but they will be slightly miffed at all this spending and the prospect of Real Madrid BECOMING A GREAT TEAM AGAIN.Barcelona will still be the team i'd support in Spain,I will never support Real Madrid no matter who plays there.I will want Ronaldo to do well but just on the international stage now,he doesn't need to win la liga,though if he did i'd be happy for him-not for the club he'll be playing for.

I don't like Real Madrid as they have no respect for any other club,and they are bitter at Barcelona's success of late,but if they have the money to spend then good for them.I can understand why Ronaldo would relish the chance of playing in Spain,the weather is better,he is closer to his homeland and therefore his family,it was the club he supported as a child,and he will be earning more money.I don't think anyone can blame him for having the desire to play in Spain,I don't.He will go down in history,no matter what the journalists,pundits,writers and public say.He is an unforgettable player,and he is the whole package.It is a loss to Manchester United,but it is perhaps an even greater loss to the premier league as a whole.We once boasted of having the best players here,we can't say that now,all the best players are now in Spain...Ronaldo,Kaka,Messi...go figure.

This fact,in one way makes me happy,because I won't have to sit down and listen to crap about him anymore here,from opposing fans and the people who sit down in their tight designer suits and talk rubbish on Sky Sports.

Plus the speculation is now over,at least we can say we had him for a good number of years...about six or so.Other teams in this country have not had him once and never will.He is simply the greatest player ever in world club football....in my opinion.

Adios Ronaldo....But I'll be watching you to see how you do,thanks for the years,thanks for the tears,and thanks for the best...Man United til I die!

Yes,i'm still a Manchester United fan,that will never change.My love of the club comes first,Ronaldo like Beckham became as big as the club.Ronaldo is a merchandise and a commodity all in one man.Sometimes that happens....this story is perhaps not yet over!

Football-the end of the season,the next season,Kaka,Ronaldo and on and on….

REAL Madrid have snabbed Kaka from AC Milan and made him a record signing of fifty-plus million.As it stands he is the most expensive footballer in Europe,some say they don’t agree with the fee.They say it’s too much and that Kaka is not worth the price,especially in these harsh economic times.I beg to differ…for me Kaka is one of the best footballers in the world,I put him up there with Messi and Ronaldo,for me Ronaldo is the best,Kaka is second and then Messi.Overall Messi has been the best this year but only just,I can find many arguments to explain why Ronaldo has been better.But when I talk about a footballer being the best i'm not just talking about one season,or last season,I base my opinion on what I think overall-from everything i've watched.I don't buy Kaka's reason for going to Madrid,he went for the money pure and simple.He had considered going to Man City but that deal fell through,unlike Ronaldo I have never heard Kaka say anything but that he wants to stay at AC Milan,even promising to stay....Ronaldo has never promised anything so if he did leave,no-one can say he promised to stay as he didn't.




There is,and will be continuing speculation that Ronaldo will be off to Real Madrid this summer as there was last summer.I NEVER WANT ANY PLAYER TO LEAVE UNITED....if it was up to me all the greats like Cantona,Beckham,Nistelrooy,Best and the rest would all still be there playing well into their 40's and even 50's and older.So yes I would prefer Ronnie to stay,but you never know what can happen.Just like in a football match,it can go either way anything can happen.I was shocked to hear that Kaka had gone to Real,so I will not be shocked if Ronnie leaves us.I have mixed views about the matter.I hate Madrid for their persistence and what I consider to be lack of respect for Man United,Fergie and the club have said time and time again that he’s not for sale but the new President is still pushing.I think that is disrespectful…having said all this,I do see the plus side of him leaving...they include:





.I wont have to hear people saying so many negative things about him anymore in this country…i’m talking about the commentators,pundits and the public.I'm sick of hearing it!

.The referees who have been unfair to him won’t be allowed to disallow his goals anymore.Not in this country anyway.Or book him for diving.

.I feel lucky and blessed to have even had a player like him for six years in my team,my beloved Man United,whether he leaves now or later he will have to leave at some point as no-one can stay forever,I will get over it quicker the sooner he goes!

.I won't have to deal with the continuing speculation anymore which just drives me crazy.


.It will allow people to see how good he really was but,also how good United will still be without him...we were winning trophies before he came along and we will win trophies after.

.He wont be blamed every time United lose a match.

.It will allow other potential stars to shine...so many just sit on the bench.

Ronaldo has been the consummate hard worker,professional,performer,footballer perhaps the likes of that we will never see again in this country.You don't get to the top in football without hard work,determination and dedication,yes he was born with the skills but those skills had to be honed.People like to portray him as the pantomime villain in this country and it pisses me off,if he was British I am sure he would be the biggest star in the country,not just biggest football star as he is,but star in general,people would make excuses for him just like they do for every other underachieving British footballer.The reason why England fans and football journalists always seem so surprised that we never win anything internationally is because the majority of the footballers are overrated!

Yes that's right...i'm talking about The Rooney's (even though he's a Man United player) The Gerrard's-most overrated! Rooney is a good player and we have a higher rate of winning when he's in the team,but as a striker he falls short.England can beat crappy teams like Jamaica (not a footballing nation) and Trinidad,but when it comes to the great football nations they just aren't up to scratch.They have done well recently,but that means nothing.I'm not trying to bring doom to the team,i'm a Beckham fan and like Rooney also regardless of my comments,but for me Brazil and other big teams will nearly always be better.Let's see what happens next year,I am not predicting anything.Portugal are struggling right now,that's because there is only one really good player in the team and that's Ronaldo,but true say he has not performed well with them of late.But in the last world cup he was one of their biggest threats,and it was the first time I noticed how much better than Rooney he was.Ronaldo is two players in one,that's part of the reason why he is so amazing.

It is foreign players that make the Premier League the best league in the world.The Ronaldo's,the likes of Fernando Torres,the Drogba's,the Arshavin's.Take the foreign players out of every top four team and not only would you be struggling for numbers,but every team would be much weaker.

And I agree with one thing that you say 'Will'..you know I’m talking about you,if we lose our best foreign players to Real Madrid,the balance of the greatest league in the world will be greatly shifted to Spain.Real Madrid want to fork out big cash for Ronaldo,some 75 million and I think he's worth every single penny.To me he deserves to be the most expensive player in the world because he’s the best.



It just makes me laugh when people try to make out that United somehow had a bad season and that we are a team in dire need…I just think based on what? We won the Premier League,Carling Cup and world Club Cup and reached the Champions League final two years in a row,not to mention winning the Premier League three consecutive times.What did Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool win?....FUCK ALL THAT'S WHAT!

Oh! Ok Chelsea won the FA CUP....that is not nearly as good as winning the league-The Premier League which is what I wanted the most.It was disappointing to lose the final in Rome,but you can't have everything you want in life.And if you asked me what I want to win most next season,my answer will still be the Premier League.

One thing that has been a pleasant surprise to me is that Ronaldo is still considered the best by many reputable sources,regardless of the champions league defeat.I thought the fact we did not win,would give people the excuse to try and diminish his greatness but obviously people have seen sense and not judged him by that one game.Of course they are naysayers who never liked him in the first place who are saying he is a crap player.But,those people have no sense,they just don't like him.He is still most highly regarded that’s why Real Madrid want to pay an arm and a leg for him and that’s why they won’t give up on their pursuit of him.


I want him to stay a Man United player and become a legend like Giggs or Schloes.But,no matter what happens he’ll be a United legend forever! We can’t always have what we want in life and,it would be nice to see others United stars shine if he leaves,i’m looking forward to next season with or without him.But I will still watch out for him,and want him to do well in everything he does in the future.

Romance novels offer comfort in down economy

This is an article I just found interesting....




Romance novels offer comfort in down economy
Genre provides cheap way to escape, is a good coping mechanism, many say

Read juicy excerpts from these celebrities-turned-authors.
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NEW YORK - With an out-of-work husband and two children to support, Christine Mead needs a cheap — and uplifting — break from life.

So lately she’s been escaping into sweet and heartening stories of love and passion, where heroines overcome insurmountable obstacles to find their happiness.

“I am left with a satisfied feeling at the end of a good book, a feeling of hope that all can, and will, be OK,” said Mead, who lives in the small town of Festus, Mo., and suffers from fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.
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Mead, 41, rarely goes anywhere because of the price of gas, and the family has been relying on a food pantry. Romance novels, she said, are “a distraction from not knowing what’s going to happen next.”

Love may not conquer all in real life, but its power in relatively inexpensive books is quite a comfort in this economy. Publishers are seeing strong sales in the romance genre as other categories decline and consumers cut back on spending.

Harlequin Enterprises Ltd., a global giant in women’s fiction, reported fourth-quarter earnings up 32 percent over the same period a year earlier, with U.S. retail sales up 9 percent in 2008.

For the week of May 10, romance book sales overall were up nearly 2.4 percent compared with the same week last year, according to Nielsen BookScan, which covers 75 percent of retail sales. Travel book sales were down 16 percent, detective/mystery and self-help were each down 17 percent and adult fiction overall, of which romance is a subgenre, was up 1 percent.

Jennifer Enderlin, associate publisher for St. Martin’s Press, said romance is doing so well, the publisher is releasing 32 titles this year (more could be added), compared to 26 last year.

Books from notable authors, including Lora Leigh, Lisa Kleypas and Sherrilyn Kenyon, are experiencing healthy sales, she said.

No surprise
Enderlin and other publishers said they’re not surprised by the genre’s success.

“If you really think about it, there is a little romance in virtually every book,” said Laurie Parkin, vice president and publisher of Kensington Publishing Corp. Kensington has seen a 5 percent increase in sales for mass market paperback romances for its fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, she said.

“But especially when business is bad or business is down, people want to escape a little bit,” Parkin added. “I think romance offers that in a wonderful, wonderful way.”

When life is more stressful, people need that escape even more, said Nancy Molitor, a clinical psychologist in Wilmette, Ill. She said movie attendance and alcohol sales are also up. Romance novels are affordable and you can easily get them from the library or purchase them used.

“It’s a healthy and positive coping mechanism,” said Judith Orloff, a medical doctor and author of “Emotional Freedom.” She said the stories help people find an oasis of calm.

Saving grace
Christine Dionne, 38, of Cloverdale, Ore., said romance was the soothing balm after one of her two sons died playing an asphyxiation game in 2004 at age 10. Now, she’s reaching for more lighthearted fun romances as a distraction from financial and family troubles. Her husband, a truck driver, has had his hours cut and the farm where she works has taken a hit.

She said the books make her feel like she’s something bigger than her tiny town and the small house that she rarely leaves. With little money to go out (she doesn’t drive), she shops at Goodwill. Ramen has become a staple in the house.

“It’s my connection to the world and I can visit other places and be somebody else — for just a little while,” said Dionne, whose surviving son is 12.

Katherine Petersen, 43, of Menlo Park, Calif., said she feels more energized to resume her job search after she finishes a good romance. Petersen is blind and has been looking for work for about a year.

Before, reading was a hobby. Now, it’s her saving grace. She said it’s something she can do in braille or by listening without the company of others and without spending a lot of money.

“When I’m reading, I’m thinking about something else,” said Petersen, whose background is in public relations. “I’m certainly not worrying about that job letter I just sent out or who I have to call or how I am going to pay the electric bill. It’s kind of a freedom from that.”

Characters to identify with
But escapism is only part of the attraction, said best-selling author Janet Evanovich, who started out writing romance and then morphed into mystery. She likes romance because the characters are quirky, vibrant women who take charge, are tenacious and are able to overcome crises in their lives — characters women can identify with.

The books are a feel-good read, Enderlin said. The endings may be predictable, but there’s solace in knowing that things are going to turn out like they should.

For Diane Pershing, president of Romance Writers of America, the recession-proof romance is a no-brainer. Romance novels offer “rich, complex stories about good people overcoming obstacles to achieve intimacy and an eventual joining of their lives,” she said.

“Along the way, they have great sex,” she said. “What’s not to like?”

Barcelona take the glory!

Me and Thierry Henry (a very blurry picture)





I am sitting here after the champions league final in Rome and despite the result i'm feeling calm and more content than I was feeling a few days ago.The pressure is of,the season is over and I can breathe a sigh of relief.Congrats to Barcelona,on the night they were the better team...I would have preferred Man United to win,but you can't win or have everything in life.As far as I am concerned I got the premier league trophy that I wanted and that is enough for me..including the other two trophies that we've won this year...neither Liverpool,Chelsea or Arsenal can say they have had a succesful season like us.The fact is we have had a great season and Manchester United fans should be proud as I am.I am content about the season we've had,the better team won on the night which was Barcelona.I speak the truth from my perspective and i'm not biased in anyway,I tell it like it is and always have my own opinion.

I have people teasing me about this Ronaldo and Messi business,knowing that I love Ronaldo more,but nothing has changed and it is expected,football fans like to tease each other.My opinion is still that Ronaldo is the better player because he is more complete,diverse and versatile.Ronaldo also picked up an injury before the game and he still tried to score a lot,but I will not use his injury as an excuse and I actually think he played well.I still maintain that Messi is not as versatile and he has yet to score the rockets that Ronaldo does.ON a good day for both players,Ronaldo is far more breathtaking...even Kaka is more exciting to watch than Messi.But i'm not taking anything away from Messi he is fab,but I was more impressed with others tonight from Barcelona.

Barcelona were the better team and anything can happen in a single match,we were beaten by Fulham in the premier league and neither Ronaldo or any other players scored in that game,that does not mean to say that Fulham has better players.It just means that Fulham were better on the day like Barcelona was better on the day! Messi is still second best to me,but I will tip him for the year simply because he has scored more goals and he actually managed to do better against a British team this time around.However,I was honestly more impressed with Iniesta.I think he has been the best midfielder in the world this year,way better than Gerrard anyday! Messi on his day is the star of team though,as strikers and wingers tend to be.He was not however the star of this final.

Barcelona were my pick to win this trophy from ages ago,I even tipped them to win last year,but it was Man United that were victorious then,to my delight.I've said this in previous blogs that whoever wins the champions league will likely be hailed as the better out of Ronaldo and Messi by the media this year,and I am right.Before the game most neutrals were saying Ronaldo is better even in the newspapers,as soon as the match was over the media were saying something slightly different.It just proves my point at how fickle the media is and that is why I don't pay attention to them,I listen but I don't take everything they say as fact.

Winning the champions league means Messi is more likey to get the accolades Ronaldo got last year,and in a recent blog i've said it was even stevens between them this year as it came to the end.The fact Messi has won the champions league this year means he is more likely to be the successor to Ronaldo's accolades and that is fine with me as these awards are usually once in a lifetime and very few players will get these individual awards back to back,just like no team has ever won the champions league back to back,as the odds were stacked against us even then.Other teams,and supporters of other clubs are sick of seeing Man United winning trophies and Man United fans will get a lot of stick tonight,but it does not bother me,i'm proud of my team.No club can boast of players such as Cantona,Beckham,George Best,Dennis Law and Ronaldo.No club has our history and stadium or fan base.No club has come close to winning eleven premier league titles not to mention three back to back.I will be United til I die! For me I would rather win more premier league titles than champions league titles,because to play in the champions league in the first place you have to do well in the league whether that be the premier or la liga.That is why I wanted the premier league this year more than anything else,three is enough.To win it once is enough,some of the greatest teams have never won it,so I am grateful for the three that we have.That is more than enough.I would like more but it is not essential for me,that we win four,five or even nine.

It has been one hell of a season,but I need a break,though I know I will have withdrawal football symptoms,like many but i'll be watching replays of my fave matches during the summer.United I stand....and for all the haters who hope because he's soo good,and tell me Ronaldo is going this summer.I've already said he can go as i'm tired of the speculation and he has won it all at the club.Great players have left United and we've kept on winning trophies.I would always want him to stay but I won't lose any sleep if he goes,I don't bet against us having another great season next time because our club knows how to produce great,good looking,sexy,skillful and iconic players.My love for the club comes first,before any individual player because it is the club that produces the players and makes them great.No player is bigger than the club....last word and reiteration-Barcelona were the better team at the final but the midfielders of Barcelona were better than Messi,they were the driving force...I still think Ronaldo is the better player between him and Messi.It's just that Manchester United were not the better team on the night and that is a fact! I ain't too proud to tell it like it is and admit the truth.I'm happy for Barca it's three a piece we've both won three champions league trophies and we've both won three trophies this year...I can't ask for more.I am more than satisfied.

WELL DONE BARCELONA....HENRY YOU NOW HAVE THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE...YOU ARE A GREAT GUY AND ONE OF THE BEST PLAYERS EVER! LOVE ME!


I have just read that Vidic and Ferguson have won the Barclays Premier League manager and player of the year ....they'll be licking their wounds tonight but they should both be proud.....what a football season,I am proud to be a United fan!

Football and the Champions league final in Rome.

Some of the media are promoting the final like a boxing match head to head between the two of the best! That is so presumptuous as there are other great players in both teams,there is no doubt that the result could bestow on these two great players but it doesn't have to! I think Messi has more to prove than Ronaldo as Ronaldo has been it.... seen it...done it and won it,they have both won the champions league but whoever wins will likely be awarded the highest individual accolades....it's Messi's turn now.But Ronaldo will be hungry to win those accolades again.


Ronaldo receives ballon d'or ...only a few players will ever get one in their lifetime!


Pele gives Ronaldo the Fifa world player of the year award....the highest accolade which means a player is considered the best in the world.



Messi and Ronaldo....

I've already said that Messi thoroughly deserves the awards that Ronaldo achieved last season,however as the season comes to an end I think it's about even between these two fabulous players.Messi has scored more goals this season,but Ronaldo has scored the more spectacular goals.So it's quality for me over quantity.Ronaldo was out for the first two or so months due to injury and I think he scored more goals than Messi has this season-during last season's campaign.However,as I said Ronaldo has scored more spectacular goals in the champions league not least the winner against Porto it was almost forty yards out and it was an absolute masterpiece!

I don't think Messi is a better overall player than Ronaldo.And up to this point I have not been impressed with him against British opposition.That could all change who knows? But aside from that in my opinion Ronaldo is a more complete player than Messi.Certainly the best of the last fifteen years in the premier league and perhaps the best player that Manchester United has ever had.Pele is still the greatest of them all but,some of the things i've seen Ronaldo do on a football pitch are just out of this world,and I truly have not witnessed from any other player including Pele and Maradona.

Ronaldo is just special and unique that's what sets him apart,you can play him up front or as a winger,he's fast,he's good in the air,he can score from any distance and any part of his anatomy,he's good with both feet right and left,he's the best free kick taker ever,his fancy step overs and his passing of the ball...including the little back flick he does from time to time is just amazing.I don't listen to commentators and pundits as I said before,sometimes I agree with them and sometimes I don't.Whoever shines between Ronaldo and Messi will likely be hailed as the better out of the two,but that is just one game! My opinion is based on what i've seen over a whole season and their performances within a team and as well as individually.My opinion will not change regardless of the outcome of the final in Rome.The Premier league is the trophy I wanted anyway and that is what I got.But,of course I want Manchester United to win again.I think Barcelona are a fantastic team,and have on the whole,been the best team in Europe this year so I won't be devastated if they win as I like the team and the players.

Make no mistake about it though,Messi is a stunning player,a phenomenal talent and Man Utd will have to watch out for him,he's super quick and hard to catch,he's dangerous and that is why he is one of my favourite players in the world.I also think he has a better chance of winning the world cup as Argentinia have a better team than Portugal.

Ronaldo is better looking though...wink wink.I think men prefer Messi generally speaking because of that reason.Ronaldo is a pretty boy and well groomed,men hate that.Messi is just an ok looking guy who doesn't look fussed about his appearance.

It must be said,which is something I have acknowledged,and that is there are other players in both teams that are fantastic.It may not even come down to a battle between Messi or Ronaldo,we have Tevez,Park,Berbatov,Carrick and Oshea,somtimes the lesser players perform and do the job for a team.In Barcelona you have Iniesta,Henry,Eto and Xavi.They could play a big part in the outcome.Either teams can get lucky and slaughter the other,you never know,it may also be even,or it may come down to extra time.There are just so many possible outcomes,an important player from each team could get sent off...there could be so many twists and turns and then again there may not be.That's why these games are always so enticing.

Steven Gerrard does not even come close to being the best player in the world! How he won football writer's player of the year is beyond me.Anyway Ronaldo has already wiped the floor with that award winning it twice....Gerrard can't even hold a candle to Ronaldo or Messi,if Gerrard tried some of the things that Ronaldo does on a pitch he would break his back! Yes,he's a good player no doubt.He would not be the captain of a top 4 club if he wasn't,but the top players including Torres,Kaka and even Drogba are far better than Gerrard.Gerrard still has time however,and one day he may get into top gear but when it comes to the cream of the crop he is currently and, perhaps will always be be second best in my opinion,even if he wins the world cup.In my opinion the premier league is the best trophy to win out of them all,because there is no league like it in the world,and it's the hardest trophy to win.That is perhaps one thing I agree with regarding the football pundits...the premier league is the trophy to win.As for United we've already won practically everything going this year including the world cup club.....who knows what can happen next? Anything can happen that's why i'm not making any predictions.

Champions Manchester United win 18th Title and 11th Premier League!

I hope this is not goodbye from Tevez....such a vital goal scorer for United










Usain gives Ronaldo some tips in training



United fan Usain Bolt in the crowd








Hooray! They did it!!!! What I wanted most and what I feared may not happen,as Liverpool pushed us to the end.I am so proud of my team,and the manager who has done an amazing job over all these years,that is really an understatement,as Fergie is simply the best in the history of english football.I want more,more,more.... What can I say,I woke up early on saturday morning knowing that only a point was needed to clinch the title.Just one point sounds easy but it's not.I was soooooo nervous and I had this nagging fear that we might lose it in the very end.Liverpool have scored more goals and beat us twice in the league this year,having not done so for such a long time.They also did the double over Chelsea and they pushed us right to the end.It would have made me sick to see this precious trophy lifted by the Kop-our biggest rivals.Now we have equalled their domestic titles,not only that,but we are the only team to win this trophy for three consecutive years and United remain the most succesful team in Premier League history having won it eleven times,no team has come close and Liverpool have not won the trophy even once! This is the one I really wanted for United and we got it,but I want more trophies to add to the collection.I'm never satisfied but,I don't take it for granted.I am so happy that my team won.YEAH!!!!! I can't wait for the champions league final in Rome against Barcelona. More blogs will be written about football in the coming weeks as the season comes to an end,in which I will be discussing highlights of the season,players of the year,games of the season and so on.Until then....see you in Rome!