SIMONE RAEL

The Little Room

2011-06-15T05:05:00.001-07:00

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

HELL!

2011-05-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-11-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-21T05:09:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-03-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

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

Vanity Fair Pays Tribute To The Greatest Super Star Ever!

2009-08-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

Donald Trump "Think Like A Champion"

2009-07-11T01:21:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

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….

2009-06-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

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.
Russell Brand: Why I’m a sex addict
Baseball fan Alyssa Milano is ‘Safe at Home’
Jaime Pressly: ‘Not Necessarily Not the Truth’
TV legend Bob Barker has ‘Priceless Memories’
Kathie Lee Gifford: ‘I’m Fertile Myrtle now’
Dara Torres: There’s no age limit on dreams
Ricki Lake on giving birth without meds

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.
Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

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!

2009-05-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-23T06:28:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

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!

ZANE!

2009-05-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

I am just want to give a shout out to Zane,one of the most successful black novelists in the industry today.I am sure many people know about her by now.It feels good to know that there are successful black female fiction writers out there,and that it's not all about Danielle Steel,Jackie Collins or Candace Bushnell.Her books are sensual and erotic,geared to black and hispanic audiences.Here are some of Zane's credentials and pursuits to date:

Zane is the New York Times Bestselling Author of several titles: Addicted, The Sex Chronicles: Shattering the Myth, Skyscraper, Nervous, Gettin’ Buck Wild: The Sex Chronicles 2, The Sisters of APF, Shame on it All, and The Heat Seekers. She has been published in several different languages including Japanese, Swedish, and Greek. She originally self-published three titles in 2000 and went on to sell more than 250,000 copies; virtually by word of mouth alone. After almost four years, she is embarking on her first tour this summer aboard “The Zane Love Bus.”

Having first signed with Simon and Schuster in June 2001, Zane has contracted fifteen books to a single publisher in less than three years with all of them due to be published by Spring 2005. She has been on the Essence Magazine bestsellers list consistently since she began her published career and currently holds the number one and number two positions in the hardcover fiction section. She is the only author to ever have three out of five of the top fiction sellers in one month and she accomplished the feat for several months in a row. Recently, Zane held down seven of the top fifteen African American fiction titles at Waldenbooks Nationwide including the first, second and third positions. She has sold more than two million books since April 2000.

She is also the editor of Chocolate Flava, which sold nearly 100,000 copies during its first month of publication (January 2004) and it recently went into its ninth printing. This is highly unusual for erotic fiction collections and Caramel Flava is already in the works.

In addition to being an author, Zane is the Publisher of Strebor Books International LLC (www.streborbooks.com). She has twenty-eight authors signed to her house and the titles are distributed through Simon and Schuster. Zane is also the executive producer of “Sock it to Me”: a DVD based on one of the stories in The Sex Chronicles: Shattering the Myth.

Zane’s Endeavors Books and Gifts, her newest venture, will open its doors for business in April 2004. Located in the historic Fell’s Point area of Baltimore at 1622 Thames Street, Zane is truly excited about the possibilities that owning a bookstore will bring.

In the near future she plans to direct her first movie and is in serious talks for several major motion pictures and numerous plays.She is sponsoring her first cruise in October of this year.

Editing Urgh!

Flying Away From Rome

I am having nightmare times trying to edit my book 'Flying Away From Rome,'every time I think it's done I go over it only to find that i'm not done.I must say that this part of the writing process is the part I really hate.My favourite part of actually writing the novel is the beginning,the brainstorming,the characters,the locations,the story lines.I love that part it gives me such a huge buzz.It's like envisioning a blockbuster movie in my mind that I have created,I get a thrill knowing I am in total control of what happens to each and every character and the motives for everything that transpires between them.

I have had an incredible life,filled with tremendous highs and lows,i've been through terrible and frightening situations but i've also had great experiences,so when I say I have had an incredible life I don't mean it's been all good or bad,it's been a mixture of both,and it's been a pretty full life.When i'm writing I feel like the charcaters and the journey that they take are all an extension of me and my experiences personally and vicariously.The worst could be yet to come and so could the best,you never know sometimes and that's what makes life so exciting but scary and brutal as well.I think in explaining my life I have summed up my novels at least partly.

I Just have a little bit more time to go and then i'm done editing,I am sick of saying this to myself.Ba Humbug!

Football,Football....And.... Er,More Football!

2009-05-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

Ok you know I could not keep my mouth shout for too long.I am a writer,I always feel the need to let things out,even if i'm talking to myself.I actually have conversations with myself-it's true and I don't care who thinks that's wack.I believe everyone talks to their inner self,as Bob Marley once said there is a voice inside of all of us.

Where do I start? I will start from where I left off,I was talking about the champion's league semi-finals on my last blog about football,and I did not predict an outcome.I was saying it was virtually impossible to beat my team,Manchester United when they are playing at their best.But I also said that Arsenal can beat 'almost' anyone on a good day and that their reasons for not winning the league,or in fact anything,in the recent years was their lack of consistency.When I said Arsenal can beat almost anyone on a good day,I was putting an emphasis on 'almost' certainly not all,and when I said that IT WAS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANY TEAM TO BEAT MANCHESTER UNITED WHEN THEY ARE PLAYING AT THEIR BEST I SAID SO,AS IN MY OPINION NO TEAM IN THE WORLD IS BETTER THAN MANCHESTER UNITED when they are playing at their best.NO TEAM! And this is why i'm a Manchester United fan!!!!!!

I have my own voice my own opinion and for the most part I am right! I can't always be right of course not,but I don't allow the opinions of pundits and commentators,or the press and media for that matter,to influence my opinion.Not that long ago the press were saying that Fergie's empire was falling,that Cristiano Ronaldo had a bad attitude,that he was not playing well,that we had no midfield,that we had no this or that bla bla...and on and on.I knew it was rubbish and I know how fleeting and fickle the media can be,one minute they put you on a pedastle then the minute you slip up,it's all doom and gloom,and they start to write bad things about you.Whether we win any more silverware this season or not.Manchester United remain,and perhaps will for many years to come-the most popular,loved,awe inspiring,powerful,talented,mesmerising team in the world.And in the semi-finals against Arsenal,unfortunately for the "gooners" Manchester United were at their very best!

Yes,that is right,Manchester United were at their best and Arsenal had lost the minute they walked onto the pitch at Old Trafford.Manchester United did almost everything right in the first leg except score more goals,the tie should have been put to bed in the first leg,had it not been for the heroic saves of the Arsenal goal keeper,Arsenal would not have stood a chance in the second leg.Arsenal looked out of place,disorganised,disorientated,intimidated by the style and power of the United defence and star forwards,they could not deal with us.They had good posession particularly in the second half,but nothing became of it,and nothing became of them!

The "gooners" looked dismall,deflated and totally out of their depth.The second leg was quite frankly humiliating for Arsenal! I watched the match with my mum who has recently become somewhat of a Manchester United fan,like me she has a crush on Ronaldo and thinks he should be awarded just for being fine.She knows he is a good player because i'm always gushing about him,and she has seen him play a few times and knows about his awards and accolades,but nothing could have prepared her for what she saw was a master at play against Arsenal.Arsenal had a chance to make Manchester United pay for their missed chances and goals in the first leg,they were at home where I understand they have not been beaten for quite some time,their fans were right behind them.The emirates stadium was roaring,fans waved their flags almost as if they knew victory was going to come.Some of the Arsenal players had said before the match that they were going to win,and that Manchester United would see a different Arsenal.Arsene Wenger had almost promised that Arsenal would reach the final and bring the fans a trophy at long last.

Bless him,I like Arsene Wenger one of the longest servants of football ever,but for the past few years I have thought that he looks weary and tired and is most certainly delusional.Lights,camera,action the whistle went,all Manchester United really needed was one goal,and they would have a huge chance of contesting the final in Rome.Arsenal made a perky start but within eleven minutes or so the game was over!
Arsenal were Ricky Hatton and Manchester United were Manny Pacquiao.The first blunder for Arsenal came just after the opening minutes (I don't have to be entirely accurate on timing or anything)the young Arsenal defender Gibbs slipped,Manchester United came powering down on the flanks the south korean player from United made them pay with just one kick of the ball that went into the back of the net.United got their vital away goal and Arsenal fans fell silent.Then minutes later Ronaldo was controversially fouled and got a free kick.Most football fans know that Ronaldo is the "King" of free kicks,he did not become world player of the year for nothing.But no-one perhaps even genius himself thought he would score from over forty yards out,yet again.They have called it rocket in the past,this time they called it the tumble dryer as Ronaldo's free kick sent the ball tumbling to the back of the Arsenal net,there was no chance in hell that the goal keeper was going to save that! My mum was shocked,she looked at me stunned. 'Simone' she said,'I knew he was good but I never knew he was that good.No wonder real Madrid were prepared to pay 75 million for him and no wonder Alex Ferguson does not want to let him go,who would want to let go of that!'

I smiled and watched with pride as Ronaldo puffed out his chest looking at the crowd as if to say 'Yes and that's why i'm called the Best,'Ronaldo is a show off no doubt,and he gets criticised for it,but there are many guys 'out there' who show off these days,you see them at bars,clubs,street corners,they stand there as if they are something special when they are not,and usually have nothing to show off about.Back in the day if I was seeking a bit of fun I would have given some of these guys the time of day,not anymore! A lot of them are drug dealers-been there done that! Some of them want to be musicians,most never get anywhere,they're more likely to end up in prison instead.I don't want no prison bud.Some of them play out-DJ I mean,can't stand those "types" of attention seeking men.They have got nothing for me!!!!!!

Back to the game.Arsenal were shell-shocked,heads were bowed.Ronaldo had everything to show off about and more,after his wondrous free kick of a goal,Arsenal had to score at least three goals to go through.Arsene Wenger bowed his head,United fans cheered and the majority that was the Arsenal fans knew the game was over,they booed and jeered Ronaldo,which I see as a compliment.When opposing fans boo a player that usually means the player is great and they are scared.Arsenal players tried everything they could to kick Ronaldo out of the game it didn't work.I remember my mum saying to me before half time 'Simone I am going to make a cup of tea as this game is over!' I saw David Beckham smiling in the stands,he is the first player I ever took notice of and was happy to see him there cheering for MAN UNITED.IT IS GOOD TO KNOW HE IS STILL A UNITED FAN DESPITE EVERYTHING! I admire David Beckham and sing his praises.He's a great man,his money and fame have not changed his spirit,he is the consummate professional and a true icon.

In about the sixty plus minutes of the game Arsenal made a promising break that did not materialise,United came right back at them.It was Rooney It was Ronaldo,Ronaldo sprinted to the other end and then made a superb shot that went into the back of the net.It was certainly over now!!!! Of course Ronaldo was showing off again after that goal,by then Arsenal fans were streaming out of the stadium,all possibilities of Arsenal making a come back were over.Arsenal were definitely finished,they knew it would be another season without a trophy.They were beaten by a side who are considered one of the best in the world,if not the best,with world class players and,experienced senior players who can influence and change a game.Arsenal don't have that.Arsenal might as well have not even turned up as both legs were all about United,United swept the floor with them,Arsenal were merely spectators!

Now onto the Chelsea V Barcelona semi finals.I won't recount the events as everyone knows by now what happend with that,even if you're not interested in football the so called conspiracy against Chelsea and terrible refereeing has made the headlines.I must say I feel for Chelsea fans to have such a great victory snatched away from their grasp like that.Over the two legs I think Chelsea deserved to go through,they managed to contain Barcelona in the first leg which many teams have failed to do,and they were also good in the second leg.But Barcelona play the more attractive football,and have been better over the majority of the competition.It is hard to contain Barcelona for very long,there isn't a better example of this than the killer blow delivered by Iniesta in the dying seconds that sensationally and brutally dumped Chelsea out of the competition.I screamed with shock when that happened and all hell broke lose,as penalty protestations were ignored time and time again at Chelsea's expense,they were seconds away from victory then it was suddenly taken away from them.

I'm ultimately glad that it will be Manchester United v Barcelona in the final as Barcelona are my second favourite team after United,and I think it is more of an appealing final now that Chelsea are out.However,I understand the anger of the Chelsea players who feel they were robbed of victory.When it comes down to it,I think the two best teams in the world made it to the final.I have already sang Messi's praises though i've been unimpressed with his performances against British teams so far,who knows if that will change.I've always been an Henry fan,he's one of the greatest most talented players of the modern game.He is a great loss to Arsenal who may never get a player of his caliber ever again.He is also a great guy,I have met him and he is really laid back and genuine,with a sexy french accent and a shy smile.If Chelsea were to have lifted the European cup in getting revenge on United in the final,it would have been too much for me to bare.If Barcelona were to win over Manchester United I would be satisfied with that,not happy,but satisfied.However,my passion,heart,loyalty and soul belongs to United first and foremost.

The Football Season May Be Winding Down But...

2009-04-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

(Rooney hugs Ronaldo after he scores forty yard goal stunner)

It's actually just hotting up! What a beautiful game football is.Where do I start?! I always seem to say that because I have not got a clue where to.I will chose to start with my team,and the Man U v Porto match.I have got two words for that "Ronaldo Rocket." I sat there stunned,when Ronaldo scored that magical goal.The goal was almost forty yards out and happened so fast that I ALMOST MISSED IT,BUT COULD NOT WHEN IT MIRACULOUSLY WENT INTO THE BACK OF THE NET WITH SUCH POWER AND FORCE.People just don't score goals from there and,if they try they usually fail.I am a fan and,I know how great he is but,he even surprises me sometimes,and i'm sure he does the same with many others.The stadium as well as the players on both teams were shocked.Manchester United made history that amazing night becoming the first English team to ever win in Porto.I can tell you I was very anxious and nervous throughout the whole game.I'm sure all Manchester United supporters were,but in the end the team held their nerve played well and deserved to win.YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now we are ready for Arsenal who are in very fine form right now,and I cannot predict the outcome of that game,just as I could not predict Chelsea v Liverpool.When Manchester United are playing at their best it is near impossible to beat them,but Arsenal can beat "almost" anyone on a good day.What has harmed Arsenal's chances of success particularly in the league,is their lack of consistency,but a knock out game is different.These are two great teams who play the most beautiful football in the premier league,anything can happen.That is why it is a mouth watering prospect,the rivalry between these two giant clubs is fierce.

Back to the second leg of the Liverpool v Chelsea game.In the second leg,Liverpool were better than Chelsea.However,in the second half of the game Chelsea eventually turned up and showed what they are capable of,especially with that man Drogba who scored the first goal,to get the party started.Liverpool amazingly scored four goals away,something that a lot of the commentators and football pundits said they could not do.But,at the end of the day it still was not good enough,as Chelsea had already done enough damage to Liverpool's chances in the first leg.I thought it was an amazing game,at one point I thought Liverpool were going to go through,but Chelsea prevailed.Chelsea v Barcelona is going to be some game.Barcelona are the favourites and I lean towards them,but it is anyone's game now.There are no easy teams,and like I said anything can happen,each team has not only got to play well,but have the fight in them,as that is what wins games! I said it would be an injustice if Arsenal were to win,but now I realise with just four teams left it's anyone's game.I know who I want in final.I say that with a wink,no prizes for guessing!

Catching Up....with TV SHOWS

2009-04-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

Over the easter holiday,I have been editing my book which,is my least favourite part of the writing process.I have also been trying to catch up with my favourite tv shows.For some reason I have not been watching them.I have always had something else more important to do,or chosen another way to consume my time.Damages and Desperate Housewives are the main priorities...I am so behind but have managed to catch up quite a bit.

Manchester United Again Tops Forbes' Valuation Of Soccer Clubs

2009-04-11T02:59:00.001-07:00

Manchester United's Club Value Totals US$1.9B, Up 4% From Last Year EPL club Manchester United for the sixth consecutive year tops FORBES'

The Top 10 Most Valuable football clubs List

1 Manchester United England
2 Real Madrid Spain
3 Arsenal England
4 Bayern Munich Germany
5 Liverpool England
6 AC Milan Italy
7 Barcelona Spain
8 Chelsea England
9 Juventus Italy
10 Schalke 04 Germany

The Football Season Coming To A Close...

2009-04-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Ballon D'or Winner and Fifa World Player Of The Year xxx

If you are sick of hearing me talk about football and footballers then don't read this.Where do I start?! There is so much ground to cover and there is not long to go.I need a break from it all! phew!

I thought last year had a lot of twists and turns but,it seems like this year is proving even more unpredictable with more twists and turns than in your average soap opera.What makes football so great? Well let me see....the money,the celebrity status not just of the footballers but the managers,the wags (wives and girlfriends),their private lives,the competitiveness,the beautiful game and the most important part-winning!

I think it's safe to start with yesterday's game between Liverpool and Chelsea.A lot had been spoken about Liverpool's form and how great it has been of late,and how unbeatable they are.I don't believe everything the papers say or what the commentators say.Many times I disagree.Not least about Gerrard being called the best player in the world.That is bull! Even if Liverpool go onto lift any trophy this season I still will maintain that he is not.My favourite footballer has the ballon d'or and the fifa world player of the year award and that is- Ronaldo,he knocks spots of Gerrard even when he is not playing at his best.

Lionnel Messi has been by far the best player in the world this season.The kid is phenomenal and it will be an absolute miscarriage of justice,if he doesn't get the awards that Ronaldo won last year,for his spectacular form this season.To put it bluntly he is way better than Gerrard,and almost as good as Ronaldo was last season.If i'm being honest I also think Barcelona deserve to win the champions league final in Rome.I think they have been the best team in Europe this year.I would like a Man U and Barca final in Rome ideally,and if Barca won I would cheer for them as I think they have been amazing.Alongside Manchester United I look out for other teams in Europe,in Spain it's Barcelona,in France it's Lyon and in Italy it's AC Milan.But the team I love most with a passion is the one who plays home games at Old Trafford-Man U!

Back to the game against Liverpool and Chelsea,for me this one was going to be too close to call.But I thought it might come down to two of some of the greatest strikers in the world Torres and Drogba,to me on his day there is no striker to be feared more than Drogba.He is big,strong and extremely powerful.He needs to cut out his antics and sort out his attitude though,when he does that he is very very potent.For me slightly more potent than Torres who is also an exceptional striker.When Torres scored his first goal I thought Liverpool might go on to imprint more damage on Chelsea.They started off better than Chelsea who were playing well but I felt that Drogba had missed a lot of great chances in the beginning.Then came a goal from an unlikely source and Chelsea went at Liverpool full throttle,scoring a second and later a third by an increasingly confident and bullyish Drogba.

I will not reveal who I want to win this tie,I will keep that to myself.Both teams played well but,in the end Chelsea had more conviction and confidence in their game and won it.They could have won it by 5 or 6 goals they were so good.Gerrard did nothing in the game,if that had been Ronaldo you would not have heard the end of it.I just watched with no surprise at how Gullit and Redknapp made excuses for Gerrard.He did not turn up and that's the end of story.Yes Essien was very good,but it never ceases to amaze me how when an English player does not play well he gets of lightly.But when the best player of last season does not play at his best he gets completely vilified.I read something other day,I will insert it here:

A small blog on Cristiano Ronaldo from sky sports...

"The burden of greatness is great expectations.Even a haul of 19 goals since his belated start to the season in September isn't enough;nor,it seems,is four goals in his past three games.It is true that,by his standards,Ronaldo has been poor of late, but his poverty is an over-rated player's richness (referring to Steven Gerrard) The player we're discussing,incidentally,also happens to be the joint top scorer in the league at the moment.

Still, there's no arguing with fashion.And it has suddenly become fashionable to disparage Ronaldo,ensuring that the forward was signalled out for special criticism during the game against Villa despite being United's most potent threat throughout."

In fact Ronaldo,who is currently sitting at the top of the league with Manchester United as I write this,who started the season two months late,has scored 15 premier league goals,with a game in hand.That makes him joint top scorer with Anelka.Yet,Gerrard who did not start the season late has scored 13 goals,and his team is in second place.But,apparently according to many sources he's been better than Ronaldo up to this point?! I just think based upon what?! It just makes no sense to me.Yes Liverpool has beaten United twice this season and thrashed them recently at home,but how long did it take for Liverpool to do that? A looooooong bloody time! It's been so long I couldn't even say an accurate time.At just twenty-three Ronaldo has won the premier league twice and the champions league,scored a record amount of goals two seasons running,and has the honours to cement his brilliance,at just twenty-three!

Gerrard who is about twenty-eight has not even won the league once yet-he could this year,no-one knows,but it has taken him longer to achieve this,with less games to concentrate on than it has for Ronaldo.My judgement of a footballer is based upon their individual skills as well as how they play on a regular basis within their team.On skill alone as well as looks,Ronaldo outshines everyone in my opinion.Gerrard is a good leader,he has good pace and timing but,to me,he is of average skill.What he has is determination,bravery and belief over talent and that can get you far in many competitions.That's exactly how Liverpool went onto lift the champions league against AC Milan in 2005,and that's how they won at Old Trafford this season.Gerrard is a great leader a good captain that much is true! But, comparing him to the likes of Ronaldo,Kaka or Messi is almost like comparing chalk to cheese.

The media is so biased,especially the british media towards their own players.I don't dislike Gerrard,I think he is a good footballer and a pretty descent bloke but,I do think he is definitely overrated.I also think it is very disrespectful for football pundits and hosts to say that without Gerrard and Torres Liverpool is nothing.Liverpool is a good team with good players and in my opinion,one too many unsung heroes.

Who knows if Liverpool will be able to go to Stamford Bridge and beat Chelsea,and therefore progress in the competition?! I don't think it is impossible,but I think mentally it will be a hard task.Who knows what will happen when the match starts?! I think that Liverpool will try to do what Chelsea did and that is attack.The score line strongly suggests they will have no choice but,to do so.

Back to my team Manchester United,who have won all the competitions thay have played in so far,and are sitting at the top as I write,with a game in hand.Things can always change of course but as I speak that is the case.Of course they are not playing at their best at the moment.We have had injuries and suspensions,and our defence has been altered and changed too much.But when the papers say things like .....

So,is this why it’s all falling apart at Manchester United, Fergie?

United to solve dodgy defence as quintuple quest crumbles

Is this the fall of the Fergie Empire?

I just think get real!!! We are not facing a relegation battle here,and unlike Liverpool and Arsenal we have not gone three or four years without winning anything.We already have back to back premier leagues,we are the current holders of the champion's league.We are club world cup champions and,we have already lifted the first prize.If it so happens that we don't go onto win anything else this season I don't think it will be the end of the world.We are the biggest and most successful club in the world,not to mention the most successful club in premier league history.Just because we are great does not mean we are perfect,you can't win all the time you just can't.

The players in our team are not machines,they are human beings who make mistakes.The disappointing two all draw against Porto at home means that we are in a fight to progress further in the champions league this year.And it is going to be very difficult to do so,but I will not be surprised if we prevail or we don't.Anything can happen that is the beauty of football.

As for the Premier League,i've put my heart on the line and have confessed that it is the trophy I want the most this year...but I never said that it was in the bag and never did I once say we were invincible-the papers did.The British media is so fickle!

The Hotter the battle,A the sweeter Jah Victory...

2009-04-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

Yes,Bob Marley said it and it is sooo true! I sat and flicked on and off through an anxious and nervy Manchester United game against Aston Villa today.And was it something?! First of all,I think I along with all other passionate Manchester United fans knew full well that we could not afford to lose this game.We had a lot of our big players absent.And we only had mostly young players as substitutes.

After genious (Cristiano Ronaldo) scored his first goal,Aston Villa got themselves right back into the game with a fabulous header from Carew.I thought oh shit!!! I can't take this.I was burying myself into my bed thinking oh no,if Aston Villa-who were playing better for the vast majority of the game scored again,the game could end up like the 4-1 thrashing from Liverpool.United and Villa were level 1-1 at half time and I was peeved.But I did appreciate that it could have been worse.

Then Aston villa did score again after half time and I was getting really depressed,I know that sounds extreme but that's how I felt.And then my boy Ronaldo stepped up and scored again levelling the game.I would have taken the draw at this point cos I seriously thought we had a strong chance of losing.The old trafford audience who had looked dejected just a few minutes prior were starting to cheer.

Then on comes this 17 year old Italian substitute and time was ticking,by this time I was just hoping we could hold on and sneak a draw.I switched channels as I could not bare to watch and then just a few minutes before the end I switched back.It was almost like an out of body experience.It replays in slow motion in my head but it happened as quick as lightning.What I saw was a last gasp amazing goal that stunned everyone,including the commentators,the old trafford audience and little old me.I just got up and jumped around the place screaming,I nearly lost my voice I screamed so much.I even banged my hand on my dressing table.I thought the most we could hope for was a draw and then we won just minutes before the end.The Manchester United players went wild,and this relatively unknown Italian has become a hero.I can't describe the goal it was so incredible I could not do it justice in my description.One would have to see it for themselves.Watch match of the day on BBC 2 at 10:25,if you have not seen the game and want to.I will be taping it.Happy Easter to me.WOW!

The title race is not over yet,of course not.But,we are back on top at least for now with a game in hand,and that feels really good.Edwin Van Der Sar,needs to always wear his yellow shirt from now on.Statistics show that we win more games when he wears yellow!

Eastenders Is Back!

2009-04-03T02:26:00.000-07:00

I have not been watching Eastenders much over the past year and three months or so.The story lines have not been great of late-at least not in my opinion.The greatest storyline in recent years has been the Max and Stacey affair! I was totally fascinated and excited by it.There have been many great story lines over the years since the soap started and many of them involve legendary romances and affairs.Some of which were just out of this world,and captivating.Out of all the Eastenders affairs however,I have to say the Max and Stacey affair has been my favourite of all time.When the affair died down I just lost interest in Eastenders as,for me there weren't enough exciting characters and plots to hold my attention.

I hope that is changing now because last night's wedding episode between Archie and Peggy Mitchell was totally thrilling and I can't wait see what will unfold next.As I said,I have not been watching so I don't know what's been happening so I will have to get updated on everything that lead to what transpired last night.I also got to see Max and Stacey get close again which is something I have been dying to see for ages.There is so much chemistry between between them,and they are both great actors.Max ended up rebuffing her advances but I still keep my fingers crossed that they will get it on again.I think the other story lines with Ronnie Mitchell and her long lost daughter as well as that father of hers- Archie Mitchell,who is nothing but trouble,make great television! I will be watching over the next few weeks to see what happens next.

Danielle Steel

2009-03-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

Danielle Steel is the world's most renowned and celebrated author,not to mention extremely successful with an estimated fortune of six hundred million.Of course she has her critics and though i'm one of her avid readers I do find many of her books to be predictable and monotonous.That said her books are very relaxing,comforting,absorbing and interesting.She is a great story teller,her books are easy to read and understand.She writes as if the words flow easily from her pen.When you write a lot like I do,you notice these things.I must add that I do know that she uses a typewriter!

Every single book she has written has become a best seller and she has sold more than half a million copies of her books.Is anyone jealous?! I know I am.

Yet Miss Steel is not completely satisfied with her life because most of her children have left home and she is no longer married.Her own life story is as exciting as her novels.And I say to hell with marriage in her case-especially in her case! She can come and go as she pleases,she has no man tying her down,she can spend all the money she makes on herself and her own interests and she gets to live in the biggest mansion in San Francisco all by herself.She does not have to answer to anyone! She doesn't have to worry about paying the bills and where her next meal is going to come from like the average person.She also lives partly in Paris and if her house in San Francisco is anything to go by I delight in thinking how fabulous her Parisian abode must be.

I mean some people just aren't satisfied.Now don't get me wrong,i'm not saying money is the be all and end all of happiness but it sure as hell helps! Anyway she has done the marriage thing and it obviously does not work for her,she has been married four or five times,two of them were long and enduring ,the others were a disaster.If you can have one great marriage in your life to me that is someting to be grateful for and, if it does not last you hold onto the memories and move on.Or just take whatever money you can get and run! There is nothing wrong with just casual dating and having sex,as long as one uses protection when necessary.Miss Steel has nine children which I find amazing and I wonder how she wrote so many books being a full time,hands on mother.She also had a son who was more than a handful because of his mental illness,he died when he was nineteen years old and it hit her hard like a rock.The book she wrote dedicated to her son is heartwarming and touching,and one of my favourite books.Her latest book 'One Day At A Time' is really good and I read it in just two days.But I am eagerly awaiting her upcoming novel 'Matters Of The Heart.'I have read the sypnosis and it just sounds fantastic.I have no doubt it will be another best seller.She is such a lucky woman!

Manchester United And The Race For The Title!

2009-03-15T05:11:00.001-07:00

Ok I think everyone knows this already,I am a massive Manchester United fan.Years ago,I was not interested in football I was interested in David Beckham.If there was any team I was going to support it would have been Manchester United because of him.He was the first footballer I really fancied.Then I laid eyes on Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham steadily became yesterdays news.But now I am just a fan of the whole team,and I am passionate and obsessed.I used to look at football holigans as stupid,and I just did not get why a grown man would cry to see their team lose.Now I understand because I am a fan.I know how great it feels to see your team win,I have experienced the euphoric heights of seeing my team lift major trophies and also seen my team's brightest stars win individual awards.I am hungry for more success and this season is no different.After seeing Manchester United win the two biggest trophies in football last season I thought that I would be more relaxed this season.I figured that we had won a lot in recent years and that if we didn't win anything this year it would be alright by me.

But it is by no means alright! I am as a nervous and worried about matches this years as I was last,I crave seeing the score line go up and up in favour of Manchester United.I love reading the papers to see my team being glorified.The possibilty of a quintuple though unlikely,is something that I,and most Manchester United fans crave.As time goes on and the season reaches the final stretch we hope and dream that it will be the best season ever!

Though I would be happy with winning the Premiership on it's own.Liverpool can have the champion's league! I would prefer we win everything,but I want the eighteenth title! I am not satisfied alone with Manchester United being the biggest club in the world,or the most succesful club in premier league history.We are the biggest club! It is not Real Madrid.I have travelled the world and I am on myspace and facebook and most football fans are Manchester United fans! I can't think of one footballer in the Real Madrid team that is bigger than Ronaldo,Rooney or Rio....I could go on and on.Our football team has the biggest stars not to mention legends like Ryann Giggs and Paul Scholes.

I am just feeling the side effects of yesterdays massive defeat against our biggest rivals in football history! And to be quite honest it leaves a foul taste in my mouth.I am not ashamed to admit it! Liverpool have not been given a chance by anyone's standard to win the league,but with the hunger and determination that I saw them play with yesterday they now have a hope.It was the biggest defeat that Manchester United have experienced for decades.The fact is Liverpool's brightest stars shined,and ours did not.We simply did not have the same hunger or drive! Liverpool has not won the title in about nineteen years.You can see the pain on Gerrard's face when he talks about it.It hurts! That's how much it hurt me to see my team lose,to players I know they are more than capable of beating! This match was watched by millions of people worldwide from Jamaica and Brazil,and all the way through Europe and Asia.Had we won,Liverpool and Chelsea would have had no chance.I'm sure of that.Now we have to watch our backs.It is not a good feeling.Sir Bobby Robson and many football pundits,managers and commentators says the trophy is returning to old trafford,that Manchester United have it in their hands.But,I knew we did not have it in the bag yet.Let's see what happens.I know i'm scared! Terrified.I want Manchester United to win the Premier League badly!

MICHAEL JACKSON IS BACK!!!!!!

2009-03-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

Yes! That's right if you haven't heard so already.....it's true Michael Jackson is back and is going to be performing at the fantastic o2 centre in London.What great news,I would be very very surprised if the tickets don't sell out!!!! He is the King of Pop and in my opinion the greatest live entertainer that ever lived.And I mean that.No-one even comes close! It is also amazing how much he is still worshipped like a God by his fans,I have never seen anyone get the adulation of their fans like Michael Jackson and i'm talking about some of the biggest stars like Mariah,Madonna,Elvis and Sinatra.Only Michael Jackson could be publicly accused of child molestation twice and still be so adored like no other.

I personally have never believed any of the lies and stories that people have to sell on Michael Jackson.Not because i'm a fan but because I know the motives of so many people and it's so easy to see how he can be manipulated.As soon as he lets ordinary people into his life,even unordinary people into his life they start to see dollar signs and they take his genorosity and kindness for weakness which leaves him vulnerable.

Martin Bashir is a full of shit and like many people in the media he is just out to make money.When I watched the interview he did on Michael Jackson he was saying one thing to Michael Jackson's face and another thing as the narrator.One minute he was saying to Michael's face "i've seen you with your children and it's really touching what a great father you are," and as a narrator he was saying he was disturbed by Michael's fondness of children.Piece of shit Bashir is,I have no good words for him.Even a friend of Princess Diana's who is not a fan of Michael Jackson in any way said that Bashir is nothing but a manipulative snake!

Not to mention that sexual molestation case was a load of bull!!!! There was absolutely no solid proof that Michael Jackson did anything wrong but try to bring some happiness into a child's life.Not to mention that the accusers kept on changing their story and the mother had been found trying to con and get money out of celebrities all her life,even commiting fraud! That bitch! I knew she was lying from the minute I saw her opening her mouth.She is nothing but a money grabbing cheat!

There is no doubt that Michael Jackson is weird.But the fact he is weird does not make him a child molester.There are a lot of weird celebrities.The whole of tinsel town is wack,but the press single out Michael Jackson because he has vitiligo and people are obsessed by it because they want to say and make people believe,that he has really made himself white which is complete bull! People concentrate more on that then they talk about how many white people hate being pale,the severe dangers of tanning beds,and how many caucasian women feel ugly or unnattractive if they don't have a tan.

Anyway enough ranting the fact is MJ is back and he's BAD in a good way.He says this will be his last concert in the UK,I should be going but have not booked a ticket because I don't know exactly what I will be doing in July and may not even be in the UK.

MY TOP TEN SONGS OF THE MOMENT...

2009-02-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

I don't know how I would live without music,music is the healing of my soul.So many songs have gotten me through the toughest of situations and other songs I just love because they remind of certain times in my life-nostalgia! Or,they get me in the mood.I have a variety of tastes which i'm bloody proud of i'm no music snob! Here are my top 10 songs of the moment.

1.Closer-Kings of Leon

This a top tune,so haunting and beautifully sang and very very deep.This song is top draw.

2.Stepping Stone-Duffy

This is a very close second,it's a perfect soul ballad sang with a lot of emotion it's gets me,I can totally relate!

3.Lucifer-Jay Z

This is some archive song from Jay Z that I don't think ever got released-but it is a bad tune!!!!!

4.One More Chance-Notorious Big

After all these years this song still gets me bopping my head,this to me is the best hip hop tune ever made!

5.Gully Creepa-Elephant Man

I just love the energy God elephant man.He makes hit dancehall songs time after time,this one is no exception with a wicked baseline a catchy hook and one of the best dances ever to come out of Jamaica to go with it.This is kinda OLD NOW BUT STILL LOVE IT!

6.Lollipop-Lil Wayne

I'm still LURVIN this tune! it's hot from top to bottom.

7.Nuh Linga-Elephant Man

Another hot tune,ANOTHER COOL DANCE...can't get enough of the energy god.

8.Que Lio-Marc Anthony

I love me some latin music...maybe it's my Panamanian roots on my mum's side of the family that makes this inevitable.This song is so beautiful,Marc Anthony has a gorgeous voice.

9.My Life-The Game feat Lil Wayne

I'm actually getting kinda tired of this song now,but it's a really good song any how.A good duet!

10.Before He Cheats-Carrie Underwood

I'm kinda digging this song for some reason,maybe it's the frame of mind I have been in-in the not so distance past.It's a good pop/country track.

Any of these songs can be found on imeem and if not you tube or other sites that are music related just type in the song title and/or artist and you'll find them.

Ronaldo the World Number 1 Footballer-The Best On The Planet!

2009-01-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

I knew that anyway! Last night I watched live as my boy Ronaldo scooped the biggest prize in football,cementing the fact that he is now the best footballer in the world.What an end to a great year-last year.I am so proud of him and so proud to be a Man United fan.

I have not had the best start to the year but the fact that Man U demolished Chelsea on the weekend and Ronaldo got the prize that I soooo wanted for him has made up for that.HOOOOOORAY!

I must add that Ronaldo is the only Premier League player in history to scoop this prize,and at twenty-three he is one of the youngest.Highly regarded English footballers such as Steven Gerrard,Frank Lampard and John Terry who are all in their late twenties/early thirties have yet to receive such an accolade and may never quite frankly.Ronaldo is also one of few Portugese players to gain such an award,and the only player from the Island of Madeira to earn this level achievement.

Simone's choices for this year 2008

2008-12-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

This year has gone by so fast too quickly,but then again I say that every year.I am not going to get into anything too personal here of course there has been some highlights and some low points but as I always say I can't give too much away.These are my choices of things that have taken place mostly to do within the media,ie tv,radio,television and music.

Movies

Quantum of Solace

Quantum of Solace has so far received mixed reviews and most critics think Casino Royale was better.I thought Casino Royale was very good but I liked Quantum of Solace even more and to date it's my favourite Bond film of them all.I am not really a bond fan but I have seen quite a few in my lifetime,just to be nosey and see what outfits the 'women' are going to wear.I liked 'Die Another Day' a lot,perhaps more than Casino Royale but for me the recent bond film reigns supreme.I just love the settings,the locations,the action,the suspense basically all of it.So far it has broken the largest ever friday opening in the UK,and it also broke the UK's opening weekend record taking in a whopping 15.5 million so I don't think i'm too off the mark by liking it so much.I could watch it over and over again.

Sex and the City

Unlike a lot of people who went to see this movie i'm not really a fan of the highly rated and popular tv show.Give me Will and Grace over Sex and the City any day.Surprisingly though I liked the movie.I thought it was sentimental,entertaining,fun loving and generally speaking a good romantic comedy.Kim Cattrall looks hot in it especially for a woman over fifty! all in all it had all the things a good romantic comedy is supposed to have,humour,fun and laughter.

Music

Mariah Carey-E=Mc2

I loved this album and it's defo my fave of the year.Notable tracks at least for me are Migrate,I stay in love,O.O.C,Side Effects,For the record and I wish you well.But overall it was just a good album.She needs to stop singing live though,she just can't do it well anymore!

Song of the year

'Lollipop'by Lil Wayne there is just no competition.I'm still loving this tune! can't believe he's been nominated for 8 grammys though.

Big Highlights of the Year

1.Rediscovering facebook and reconnecting with old friends on facebook.I can't put a price on that because that opportunity was priceless!

2.Barack Obama's election as President-wow!!!!!

3.Manchester United winning the premiership and champion's league! wow!

4.Usain Bolt! Need I say more!

5.Oh how could I forget Ronaldo scooping the Ballon d'Or prize stating him as the best footballer on planet earth!

A Note on My Book Recommendations this Christmas

2008-12-09T01:23:00.001-08:00

Everyone has different tastes in books and I understand that what I like is not necessarily what everyone will like but I will just make a note on each of my choices without telling the stories which the Authors have already done!

'A Good Woman' by Danielle Steel is about a young woman who becomes an outcast because of the way in which society views her without knowing the real facts and the secrets in which she's had to endure.The first four chapters I found rather boring but by the fourth chapter I was completely enthralled and couldn't put the book down.I haven't quite finished the book yet but it has been a great read and very thought provoking.

'The Quickie' by James Patterson is another one of his classic thrillers.I am really getting to like James Patterson,I think his books are exciting and consuming.I think he's almost as good as John Grisham and most book shops I go into always seems to have a whole shelf load of his books.This writer could have his own library of novels! 'The Quickie' is about a woman who catches her husband cheating and retaliates by doing the same thing-it leads to a grissly murder that she witnesses but tries to keep secret following some shocking twists and turns that keeps the reader on edge.

'Drop Dead Beautiful' is probably my favourite book on this list where Jackie Collins returns with her character Lucky Santagelo.I read this book over a year ago in one day! This book is a lot of fun with some very steamy and funny sex scenes,and shocking murders set in great locations like LA and Las Vegas.Lucky however for me is not the star of this book,the real highlight of this book is Anthony Bonar who Jackie Collins considers to be her most sinister character ever!

'Rogue' another Danielle Steel novel, is about a serious hardworking divorced woman with three children who hasn't been in a serious relationship since she split form her ex husband.She falls in love unexpectedly with another man.However,her ex husband (the rogue) is constantly in the frame,and there is something utterly irresistable about him and she just can't seem to shake him off.It's an easy read and it flows very well,it's a light novel not too deep but it's also very pleasant and charming.I liked it a lot and it's a book I could read over and over again.

Simone Recommends....My Novel choices for Christmas gifts or personal reading

2008-12-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

Ronaldo....Officially Crowned the greatest footballer in the world!

2008-12-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

The boy who has it all,much ridiculed,much envied,the best player in the world officially crowned and in my opinion the sexiest most desirable man alive! What a nice Christmas present he would make,I would like him wrapped up in a bow under my Christmas tree!

My Top Ten Christmas Songs

2008-12-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

1.The Christmas Song-Nat King Cole/Catch Me If You Catch Can Soundtrack
2.God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman-Mariah Carey
3.O Holy Night-Mariah Carey
4.A Merry Little Christmas-Kenny G
5.Joy to the World-Kenny G
6.Carol of the Bells-Destiny's Child
7.White Christmas-Bing Crosby
8.Rocking Around The Christmas Tree-Brenda Lee
9.Silent Night-Mariah Carey
10.The First Noel-Whitney Houston

Simone's Favourites...My Addictions

2008-12-02T03:30:00.000-08:00

Don't even get me started on this Strawberry and Cream Frapuccino,I could live at Starbucks

I have only been hooked on this tea for about three months it's one of my new favourite things

Been an avid drinker of the Doctor since I was 17 and been hooked ever since

This Spiced Chai keeps me alive! I love it!

This is my favourite Desert in the world! I can't live without it

Vitiligo the awful truth...Get Yourself Educated it can happen to anyone!

2008-11-29T03:06:00.000-08:00

Vitiligo on White Skin

I think some people really believe that Michael Jackson has used skin lightening creams to make himself white,but that is not the case and it would be medically impossible for someone to lighten their skin to that extent and still be alive! Michael Jackson has Vitiligo the awful skin disease! it's real,it's disgusting and it's no joke! It's a whitening skin disease where the skin becomes pitchy patchy and the white part is a ghost like putrid colour.

I have a very mild case of it! and people who have it can have it in varying degrees.Some people have it severely it's awful I remember seeing people with this terrible disease when I was younger and being afraid of them.It's one of the most awful diseases and it can happen to anyone of colour.As I write this i'm shaking because it is just such a worrying thing and I know people or some sections of the media who don't like Michael Jackson would love to think he whitened his skin perhaps it makes them feel better about themselves that the most famous black man in history wants to be white.It's not the case and i'm not saying this because I am a fan.I can just look at his skin and tell that he has vitiligo and I can see he's done everything he possibly can by using powder and make up to even out the colour of his skin so it's all one shade.To add to that Michael Jackson is actually diagnosed with Vitiligo and Lupus which is potentially life threatening.It really angers me when people say things and talk about Michael Jackson in a derogative way when they don't really know the facts and it's just ignorance as far as i'm concerned.There are many black people who believe he's lightened his skin to be 'white' but it's obvious to me Michael Jackson is very proud of being black.Nearly every woman of desire in his music videos have been black,he has been married to white women,if you can call those relationships marriages and he has welcomed children in his home of all races,he is a 'people' person and associates himself with people of all races.He's told a few fibs here and there but which super star hasn't,one thing he's not is a child molester and he has Vitiligo it's as simple as that!

There is no doubt that MJ has had plastic surgery but it's not the amount that people think he's had if you look at Michael and his two sisters Janet and Letoya you will see they all look alike! he does not look so unrecognisbaly different to his family despite his skin disease,it's because of his skin disease and nose job that people think he's had a lot of surgery when he really hasn't had that much,maybe too much but not as much as people think.

Vitiligo terrifies me and the sad thing is there is no cure and no-one knows what exatly causes it....I don't think I will ever get it severely but the thought of it makes me want to scream because I am very proud of my blackness and love the colour I am.

I just want to say that Vitiligo can also affect white skin-though the disease won't be as evident on white skin as on black skin.The more tanned you are however the more it will show.Can I just say that the tanning industry is multi-million dollar industry,there a lot of white people who hate being pale.They sit out in the sun and use sun beds even though they know the danger but hardly anyone ever wants to talk about that.The media like to attack Michael Jackson for his appearance and use him as a scapegoat, they say things about him without investigating the facts.Vitiligo is an awful fact of life and there is a character in one of my Novels that has it.

Dogs,Dogs,Dogs.....Only Little Dogs!

2008-11-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

I am totally dog-biased a word I made up myself,I only like small,cute manageable dogs like Pomeranians,Poodles,Chis,Maltese and Havanese dogs-basically anything small,cute and friendly.I totally despise Pitbulls,Rottweilers,Mastifs and all those ugly dangerous dogs that I think and will try and do everything in my power later in life to have them made illegal.I don't even like dogs that past a certain size and i'm horrifed when people let their children go near the types of dogs i've mentioned above.

Anyway what really inspired me to write this blog was Obama's decision to get a family dog,I am happy to see they've made a good decision by getting a Havanese.Not that I would hate him if he got a Pitbull though I can automatically dislike someone just by the type of dog they have,people should be free to do what they want yes,but to me getting a dog like that is putting other people's lives in danger so I am against anyone getting these type of dogs.I have been chatted up by guys who have these type of dogs and i've literally wanted to take a gun and shoot one of these dogs and the guy himself just to keep him and his dog away from me...yes that sounds violent,I don't have a gun but if I did and one of these dogs came anywhere near me or tried to bite me I would not hesitate to shoot it.I am offended when people have these dogs of a leash,and walk around with these dogs without a muzzle.And i'm constantly horrified when I hear stories of dog attacks and I blame partly the government and the police who seem to do absolutely fuck all about this matter! I also hate people who engage in dog fighting they make me sick,and it's a sick sport!

I repeat I hate hate hate dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs! Small dogs suit me cos i'm small myself.it would be so uncool for me to walk around with a big uncontrollable dog that barks and pulls me every time they see another dog coming their way.That is just not my style,I like dogs that are easy to pick up and easy to handle.

Yeah I love dogs but only small ones!

Basic Instinct!

2008-11-24T01:51:00.000-08:00

Ok this is long overdue and I will fill in about Jamaican men which is another overdue blog 2morrow.The other day I was thinking about something and that lead me to think about something else which is the movie Basic Instinct! Yes it's old but I think it's a fabulous and daring thriller.

Lets start of by saying the obvious....Sharon Stone is hot hot hot! in the movie.And surprise surprise she is a Novelist with an insatiable sexual appetite and she's bisexual! ...won't say what I could say on that but I think this role suited her to the maximum.She's been pretty much type-caste ever since then but her character Catherine Tramell is so bloody lucky,she has a great sex life,is rich,lives in the gorgeous City of San Francisco (which is a place that has been a lot on my mind lately) has a stunning beach house in Stinson and she gets away with murder! Not that this is something to be envious off but she's lucky to be able to get away with murder and continue to live the good life.

She would be a great character for any Novel because she's sexy,smart,instinctive,evil,manipulative,beautiful and rich and can have the best of both worlds.She seems to be a woman who can get what she wants whenever she wants and she's unpredictable.This movie and her character will continue to be a source of inspiration for my Novels...and like my Novels this movie is filled with great sex.I think it's a classic!

Not so Keen on Basic Instinct 2 though!!!!

Reading Novels by successful Authors helps...

2008-11-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

Authors,Writers and Novelists that have inspired me the most so far...

2008-11-05T04:50:00.000-08:00

John Grisham

Terry Mcmillan

Jackie Collins

Danielle Steel

J.D Mason another author i've stumbled upon

2008-11-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Mary Monroe...A author I have just stumbled upon...

2008-11-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

Travel and my favourite places inspires my books....

2008-11-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Just a few of my favourite places...

St Tropez

San Francisco

Miami

Los Angeles

Jamaica

New York

Portofino

Las Vegas

Marrakech