My country music playlist

Howdy my readers. 

This is going to be a very interesting blog post because it will be my first time of including a music playlist on my blog. 

I am sure many of you do listen to different music genres so I thought I can create music playlist based on the music that I do enjoy listening to. 

Today’s playlist is country music. 😀🙂🤠🎵🎶

Oh yes. Country and western songs. I have selected tunes that are my favourites & the ones that I know. So let’s get to it. Yee haw!!! 

1. Kenny Rogers - Coward of the County

Howdy partner. We begin with this song.🤠

This song is one of the best country song. Coward of the County. It is quite storytelling. Young man named Tommy being advised by the father who passed away to turn the other cheek, saying he doesn’t have to fight to be a man. 

Kenny Roger’s narrating the lyrics is awesome. It is like a spoken rap except it is not spoken rap. So yeah, I know this song for very long time & I like Kenny Roger’s songs including this one. 

2. Glen Campbell - Rhinestone Cowboy 

“Like a Rhinestone Cowboy”. 

Another country song that I do know of. Even my mother & my siblings likes the tune of the classic hit song from the 70s. This song is both country and pop. So yeah, country pop song. It is very catching melody & it does feel that you are in America (particularly in Texas), listening to country songs like Rhinestone Cowboy. 

I recommend Glenn Campbell’s song to anyone who have not yet listen to one of the awesome country song. Believe me, it is so catchy. Rhinestone Cowboy. 

3. Jolly Parton - Jolene 

I bet you know this country melody. Jolene by Dolly Parton. I know this song very well.

“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene”. Please do listen to it. Especially if you have not heard of this song before. 

Dolly Parton is brilliant country singer & legend. 

4. Nelly featuring Tim McGraw - Over and Over 

Country and rap. Combined into together. 

Nelly (rapper) and Tim McGraw (country singer). Over and over. The name of country rap song. I know this tune especially that it was released in the mid 2000s. Released in 2004 & became popular hit song in 2005. I really love the song. 

5. Johnny Cash - I Walk The Line

Ahh yes. Johnny Cash. I Walk The Line. What a tune. 🤠🎶🎵

6. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

Sweet Home Alabama. Another awesome country song. Although it has the content of dark history about America regarding slavery and civil war. It sounds controversial while at the same time, it sounds quite catchy. Especially with the chorus “Sweet Home Alabama”.

So yeah, elements of country and rock. Country rock track. 

7. John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Road 

John Denver. Take Me Home, Country Road. 

Another awesome country song. This song is quite relaxing one. 

8. Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus - Old Town Road 

Another country rap song. This one was a big hit song in 2019 in the last few years. Old Town Road & this guy became popular because of the song. 

9. Taylor Swift - Love Story 

This was before Taylor Swift made a switch to pop music and returning to her music roots with last year’s folk album. 

So yeah, this is one of Taylor Swift’s earlier songs & it is her 2008 hit song Love Story. Good song though. 

10. Willie Nelson - On The Road Again

On the road again. 🎶🎵🤠

This tune sounds like a journey song where you can listen to Willie Nelson song on the go by car or any vehicle. 

11. Kenny Roger - The Gambler 

“ You\"ve got to know when to hold \"em

Know when to fold \"em
Know when to walk away

And know when to run “

Another awesome Kenny Rogers song that I do enjoy listening to. 🤠🎶🎵

12. John Michael Montgomery - I Swear 

Did you know this song “I Swear” is the original version sung by John Michael Montgomery before the well known version by All 4 One? If you don’t know, now you know. I like the original version and I do prefer All 4 One version (R&B version) too. The original version is country and lesser known hit song which it only charted in North America (US & Canada) country charts. Other than that, it is still a great song. 

13. Dolly Parton - 9 to 5 

“Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living”. 

The song about working on 9 to 5. Especially in this day and age (during the pandemic), it is not easy. Having a job like office job that is typically a 9 to 5 work. 

So yeah. Another one of amazing song sang by Dolly Parton. 

14. Toby Keith - Red Solo Cup 

Seriously!!! The song about red plastic cup. Red solo cup. The song about object. 

Not fan of this song but it can be catchy if you sing the chorus as if the cup itself is your friend. 😂😀

15. Jason Alden - Dirt Road Anthem 

I remember listening to this song. Dating back to 2011. Even it wasn’t being released in the UK, at least this song is definitely a tune. Country tune. Dirt Road Anthem by Jason Alden. 

And finally. 

16. Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers - Islands in the Stream

This is definitely the classic country hit song. Sang by country music legends: Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. I really love the song Islands In The Stream. Song written by the Bee Gees. 

“Islands in the stream

That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah ha
From one lover to another, ah ha”

So that would be all. My first music playlist being included on my blog. Starting with Country music. There will be more of music playlist coming very soon. For now. It is a goodbye from me. Tune in next time for another song playlist on my blog. 🎵🎶🤠

We all stutter regardless whether you have speech/language disorder or not

What is language disorder? 

Here is the meaning of it. 

Language disorders or language impairments are disorders that involve the processing of linguistic information. Problems that may be experienced can involve grammar (syntax and/or morphology), semantics (meaning), or other aspects of language.

People with language disorder have difficulty expressing themselves and understanding what others are saying. This is unrelated to hearing problems. Language disorder, formerly known as receptive-expressive language disorder, is common in young children.

Now this is not really related to having difficulty of learning foreign language. It is all about expressing and understanding what others are saying in terms of interpretation. 

Now what is speech disorder? 

A speech disorder is a condition in which a person has problems creating or forming the speech sounds needed to communicate with others. 

Example: Joe Biden (former US Senator for Delaware, former Vice President & now the US President) have problems with stuttering his life. He doesn’t allow it to define him. Especially with the advice  from his mother. 

It is not easy of dealing with stammering even if you are trying to speak by forming a sentence verbally. 

google.co.uk 

stutteringhelp.org 

m.youtube.com 

m.youtube.com 

m.youtube.com 

Even movie actor Samuel L. Jackson. He would overcome his problems of stammer by using swear words (profanity) which I will not mention it. stutteringhelp.org 

Here are the link for other celebrities, famous people & public figures.

google.co.uk 

Now why I am talking about stuttering? 

Well remember when I talked about making music on my January blog post earlier this year & that I enjoyed making music, singing & playing the guitar? mrlimitless95.blogspot.com 

Well on my GP medical information, it stated that I have “speech or language developmental disorder”. As much I do not admitting that I have problems with stuttering as part of my diagnosis, I can say from my personal experience that even if that was the case, I never had a fear when talking to someone verbally & making a sentence. This is very personal for me so that you can understand what I am coming from. 

It is true that when I was young, I had a help & input from speech and language therapists when I was at primary and secondary schools. The speech and language therapy helped me a lot even at the time, I didn’t really wanted to go there & that I felt I shouldn’t need to. It was part of the main fact that I have autism (high functioning) and learning difficulty (mild) under the SEN (special educational needs) category  label. That would be the reason why I am able to use freedoms pass (disabled one) to travel freely on London buses, the Tube (London Underground) and National Rail services (as long it is in London & it is not outside London). mrlimitless95.blogspot.com 

The therapy (speech and language) taught me plenty of things including how to manage it & overcome it. One of the things that are the causes of stammering are being frustrated/angry, trauma, having worries (fear), etc. Even being drunk is also the cause of stammering. At the end of the day, it is neurogenic, psychogenic and pharmacogenetic. The speed of speaking which anyone should be able to speak clearly so that any person can understand him/her what he/she has got something to say. The speed of talking & being able to say confidently without fear or barrier that could potentially impair his/her speech while forming a sentence verbally by saying something. 

This is one thing that I never let it define me is stuttering part or anything that is mentioned on my medical information (including autism). Why be defined by medical condition? It would be as if you never be able to prosper in life & allowing it to be issue with any diagnosis. For me I do recognise & acknowledge it but I do not let define me. It would be easier if I never had “speech or language disorder” & that I would be completely normal. 

In life, we all have challenges. My challenges is different than yours. I don’t deny that I have challenges in all walks of life. But to overcome it, that is where help comes in. In any form of help. If I didn’t had speech and language therapy when I was a young boy, my life would had been different & that I wouldn’t be confident as I am today. I am confident because of my strengths & what I am really good are. Making & writing music, presentation & being able to read, speak and write (which I have progressed well in English lessons when I was in primary and secondary schools & the college). That is what I am on basis of being who I am & being stronger. 

There is nothing wrong of being weak. However portraying someone who deals with challenges to overcome it & still being seen incompetently weak is demeaning & unacceptable. Making a mockery (fun) of someone who have medical problems or any kind is also not acceptable. That can make the person to feel insecure emotionally & not being good & strong about himself or herself. 

You won’t try to fix any person who happened to have his/her condition which is not curable. Whether is eating disorder despite the fact that the person (he/she) have challenges or someone who is non verbal (not being able to speak), being deaf or being dyslexic. That is what the person is. He/she is what him or her are. I know who I am. 

Being judgmental and ignorant will not work. Having understanding is what keeps the person being able to be positive about themselves with encouragement, advice, empathy, guidance, confidence and emotional support. 

At the end of the day, we all have our own challenges in life & that is why I do not let things to bother me. Even if I do accept that I have problems of my own & how to solve it. 

So when people do stutter, it is not because whether the person have problems when doing an presentation or speaking. It is because we are humans. We all stutter regardless whether you have speech/language disorder or not and whether the person has it or not. 

It is all about understanding & giving someone support and guidance without having to be judgmental or pointing fingers. 

I end this interesting blog post with quote from Joe Biden (US President).

"It has nothing to do with your intelligence quotient. It has nothing to do with your intellectual makeup," Biden said. "You know, stuttering, when you think about it, is the only handicap that people still laugh about. That still humiliate people about. And they don\"t even mean to."

“The President credited his mother when it came to not letting his stutter define him. He said his mother would tell him, "Joey, don\"t let this define you. Joey, remember who you are. Joey, you can do it. So every time I would walk out, she would reinforce me. I know that sounds silly, but it really matters."

Are Jamaicans & Caribbean nationals Africans?

One day, I was watching on YouTube. Then I come across this short video clip. 

The name of the short video is called “When you tell a Jamaican they’re African”. It is a 25 seconds video. 

My reaction: Hilarious!!! 

😀🙂😂🇯🇲Hilarious video. Although it is true that Jamaicans & other Caribbean nationals are all African by ancestry. It is that some do not want to admit because it is true that Jamaicans are African by ancestry.

However I really do have to say that the guy in the video thinks that he is just Jamaican. Jamaican only as if he is not African descendant. 

Well the vast majority of Jamaicans are African descendants so to say that he is “not African” is not accurately correct. If the guy really thinks that he is not African, then he is in denial & that he may been having a identity crisis. 

He should learn history. Either by watching history documentary, reading history book or both about how blacks were brought to the Caribbean as slaves. Instead of denying his roots. Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals are Africans by ancestry. If he really believes that his roots are from Caribbean & not African then perhaps, he should think of taking an ancestry DNA test to confirm that (I doubt cos it will likely show that his roots are definitely from Africa) After all, it is just a suggestion. 

Now since I am a blogger & writer who was born in the UK to two African parents (mum = South African & dad = Nigerian), I do not deny my roots because I know for the fact that I am African. British person of African descent. 🇬🇧🇿🇦🇳🇬

In fact, I have the shirt that have been designed for me by the friend of my mother. Just to show that I am proud of my roots & that I am black and proud. 

I understand some of Caribbean nationals (particularly Jamaicans) does not want to be reminded of slavery & colonialism. But to not identify themselves as “Africans” & that some Blacks in Caribbean would behave as if they only come from Caribbean, it is not right. It is not right of living in denial even if you are not really from Africa of any African nationality. Between 60% & 100% of people who are Afro Caribbeans have African ancestry.  

It’s like saying that British is not European (all because of Brexit obviously except we know Britain is in Europe geographically despite not being an member of the European Union). 

All I can say is everyone can say & think whatever he/she likes regarding the identity that he/she belongs to. But to deny & not wanting to acknowledge the ancestral roots of what really originate from, it is absurd. 

So yeah, be proud of your roots people. Regardless what country where you born in. That is my message. My advice to anyone who is denial, please just acknowledge & be proud instead of denying & not identifying what your roots really come from. This can be applied to anyone including some of Caribbean nationals (Jamaicans included) who doesn’t identify themselves as Africans. They are Africans by ancestry whether they like it or not. That’s all. End of story.

Now I will enjoy myself by listening to Peter Tosh song. 

“Don’t care where you come from

As long as you’re a black man, you’re an African

No mind your nationality

You have got the identity of an African” - Peter Tosh 🎶🎵

Britcoin: Digital Pound & gateway to the cashless society

I previously written a blog post in February this year about my opinion on the cashless society & that I am strongly oppose the idea of it. mrlimitless95.blogspot.com 

Well yesterday, the government in the UK wants to join the likes of China, the European Union & the United States of having digital versions of currencies. Although it can be good (alternative opinion than cryptocurrencies) but if that does mean cashless society then no. google.co.uk 

google.co.uk 

Today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak assures everyone in the UK that Britcoin (Digital pound) won’t replace the physical cash note and that it will be regulated by the Bank of England.

Well I am not convinced despite that it won’t really happen in the UK. Going cashless to become the cashless society by ending the use of banknotes. 

I said before that it is a ludicrous idea. Cashless society. Especially where it could be disadvantage for old people, those who are disabled & those who does not live in metropolitan cities like London & lives in rural areas & countryside. 

As for stealing, hackers, scammers and cyber criminals will still find a way to nick your money online if the society in the UK or indeed, anywhere in the world goes cashless. As someone who have been victim of scams & fraud 5 times, it will be a nightmare. 

Just look up at El Salvador. bbc.co.uk Foolish decision to adopt the cryptocurrency Bitcoin as an legal tender. The first ever country in the world to adopt cryptocurrency. 

So let’s see what “Britcoin” can do & whether the government is right or wrong to introduce the digital version of Pound Sterling. 

For me, it makes no difference whether is digital version of any country currency. Pound, Dollar, Euro, Yen, Yuan, etc or cryptocurrency like the likes of Dogecoin & Bitcoin. Either way, I do not want to see the cashless society in reality ever. Not in the UK or anywhere in the world. 

Britcoin could potentially be the gateway to the cashless society. Only time will tell. 

GB News: What a mess

A month ago on Sunday 13rd June 2021. GB News was launched. Launched as News Channel by Andrew Neil. All I have been hearing is not the success of the newly news channel GB News. 

That was where the news impartiality had died in the UK. GB News: Right Wing Opinionated News Network. UK version of Fox News. No wonder newspapers are mostly Tory supporting newspaper. The Sun, The Telegraph, Daily Express, Daily Mail. 

At least there is no UKTV (Rupert Murdoch proposed news channel). Given GB News is not Murdoch owned. But still, having a opinionated news channel in the UK is awkwardly new for us the British. Look, we have variety of news channels (particularly UK news channels: Sky News, BBC News. Even ITV News & Channel 4 News which two are not 24 hours News channels & international news channels like CNN, Al Jazzera, France 24, Bloomberg, Euronews, CNBC, etc). Yet having a opinionated news channel like GB News is something that it will be controversial. Not long ago, Fox News used to be broadcasted here in the UK until it was pulled off in 2017. Due to low viewership & after the 2016 US election victory of Donald Trump. inews.co.uk 

To be honest, I was relieved. Fox News (Murdoch owned news channel) no longer being broadcasted in the UK. That’s where the format of US Conservative opinionated News Channel is nothing like other news channels that doesn’t give opinions. Other than to present the news & the facts. Fox News is not “fair” and “balanced”. Don’t even believe that. It is the same news channel that Donald Trump (ex US President) watches & plenty of guests like Nigel Farage gets to be on it. 

Back to GB News. We the UK now already have Fox News style Conservative opinionated news.

After the launch, so many controversies have happened. Everything from many advertisers boycotting to GB News presenter (Dan Wootton) inciting violence and intimidation. Which it received nearly 400 complaints and Ofcom won’t investigate unfortunately. google.co.uk google.co.uk 

Also the recent controversy of sacking GB News presenter for taking a knee against racism for “breaching standards”. google.co.uk Man, I thought they (GB News) claim that they are anti woke & against cancel culture. I see lies, hypocrisy and double standards of GB News. Now Farage is the new news presenter of the news channel that is losing TV viewers. independent.co.uk 

The way this is going, they’ll be out of business if they (the news channel) continue to struggle. Knowing that they won’t be the popular news channels like the likes of BBC, ITV, Channel 4 & Sky. Even if there are appeared to more guests who is pro Tory & appears on Sky & BBC, you’ll never find any news presenter who is opinionated or to have a political bias. With GB News, it is a political bias. Example: they are against lockdown, they are pro Brexit & pro Tory (& other rightwing parties). Which I am not very surprised about it. Last thing the country the United Kingdom needs is polarisation & division which nobody wants. Especially after the 5 years of division on Brexit. 

So I am glad that I have not watched GB News. Even if I had seen it, I would never liked it. 

Watch the TLDR News’s video on YouTube for more information of the failure of GB News. 

Not a good start for the new British news channel. Crappy news channel. Right from the start. Not so much popular now. Like I said, If they continue to struggle, they will be out of business & having it to be turned off broadcasting in the UK like Fox News 4 years ago. No wonder they (GB News) don’t want to be compared to Fox News.

GB News: What a mess 

Travel Unravel update blog

More update blog on my legal challenge.

If you have been reading my blog for last couple of months, you’ll be aware of my situation with Barclays & Travel Unravel. If you are not aware of it, you can read my previous blog posts. Links in description. 

mrlimitless95.blogspot.com 

mrlimitless95.blogspot.com 

mrlimitless95.blogspot.com 

mrlimitless95.blogspot.com 

mrlimitless95.blogspot.com 

So friend of me shared to me a month ago on Facebook messenger (which I found out).  Regarding my legal challenge against Travel Unravel. 

I am not surprised. Given that I knew it is not based here in the UK. It really proves to my point that Travel Unravel is really unreliable & fraudulent travel agency. 

Company registered in India. I knew it all the long especially when the fraudulent caller & scammer (Robert) who called me with Indian accent just to bother me and my dad in January this year (which my dad almost had a heart attack cos of those despicable lowlife people from Travel Unravel).

Registrant Organization: Travel Unravel Holidays Private Limited

Registrant State/Province: Delhi

Registrant Country: IN

uk.godaddy.com 

In case if I have not win my legal challenge then I might think of exploring options such as reporting them (Travel Unravel) to Action Fraud. actionfraud.police.uk 

Also last month, I received a email from Travel Unravel. All I can say is this. F*** Travel Unravel. 

Travel Unravel is so unbelievable. I received an email from them. Not to my legal challenge against them & my bank Barclays but to the email that I received earlier this year. 

When my dad forwarded my bank account details in February this year to Travel Unravel after I found myself in a awful financial situation (overdraft) when Barclays taken £522 (the same exact that they refunded my money back in January this year after finding out that I was victimised of fraud & scam. Especially for the fact that flight ticket was never issued). They (Travel Unravel) done nothing to return my money via chargeback refund & now, they lied, claiming that they never had my bank account details & that they want mine. Well it’s too late.

Travel Unravel. Fraudulent scammer. Behaving as if they haven’t received it. It really proves they are really unreliable. Fake travel agency company. At least I didn’t want to waste my time and energy on them.

At least I have no time for them (Travel Unravel). Emailing me as if they didn’t received a email from my dad in February this year when they already got my bank account details (which they were reluctant to refund me money with chargeback by just simply didn’t bother to email me back or my dad). Not responding to my legal challenge. 

It’s too late for Travel Unravel cos they should be aware that I started my legal challenge against Travel Unravel & I am not even going to response to them. No wonder they don’t even bother to give responses in writing & email like Barclays does (TLP acting on behalf of Barclays). So I have no time for them. They are selfishly pathetic.

And finally on positive note,It has been transferred to local court in Barnet (Finchley Central). So that means the judge have sent a case files to local county court. Although it has been month since I received a letter, I have not heard anything from the court. I am currently thinking of writing a letter to the court to at least speed up the length of time for the decision of the verdict. It is quite shame that TLP (Barclays’s lawyers) ticked no to the court hearing.

I hope that I will get justice with the help of my dad so I can win my case against Travel Unravel (who still failed to respond) & my bank Barclays.

Don’t believe Freedom Day hype

How are we doing everyone? I bet that some of you might had enjoyed on the so called “Freedom Day” & believed the hype. The day when lockdown (stage 4) was completely lifted fully. The end of social distancing and mask wearing (no longer compulsory as of yesterday and that it is now a personal choice).

Let me start with Nelson Mandela quote so that we can really understand it better & properly. 

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”. - Nelson Mandela. Yet yesterday was called “Freedom Day”. Well this does not respects or enhances the freedom of others. 

We are not out of the woods. We are still in the pandemic. Don’t tell me that Covid is gone completely just because lockdown in England is fully lifted already as of yesterday without measures (without social distancing & mask wearing now it’s a personal choice not mandatory).

It will be just a matter of time before the UK is back in lockdown for 4th time around in autumn. So let’s all stay safe & make a right choice of continuing to wear a face mask & social distancing despite of the govt’s selfish mismanagement of the Covid situation in England.

Furthermore, yesterday’s so called freedom day, I was not very happy. I was not happy at all. 

In the late morning, I was about to go to have a wash in the bathroom & to think which topics should I write a blog post next, my mother called me on the phone to say that one of my brother’s classmates have Covid & that I have to pick up my younger brother (aged 11 soon to be 12 years in September as this is his final week at primary school before being transitioning himself to go to secondary school in September) at the school despite that he is an independent traveller. 

My brother to self isolate despite it is his final week at primary school as he is currently in year 6. Soon to be in year 7 at Secondary School. And yet those who celebrated the so called freedom day yesterday as England is not in lockdown anymore (no social distancing & mask not being compulsory), it shows they really have no regards for any person’s life and health. 

My brother have no symptoms of Covid despite one of his school classmates have Covid. That\"s when the school reception contacted my mum about it & me picking up my brother at school. Given it was not possible for mum because she was at work. 

My brother is more careful & that he always behave sensibly when to wear mask & social distancing. 

The govt can go to hell. Ditching social distancing & mask wearing. That is why yesterday I am not happy about this. The so called Freedom day which many people were duped into believing the hype that Covid is gone despite the infection rate is going up. All because of the govt\"s selfishness of handling Covid situation.

No wonder I also observed the bus & the Tube not having to wear masks despite TFL maintains the policy that is mandatory. Perhaps it should be enforced on public transport in London & making it enforceable so that who do wear a mask & continuing to wear it, maintains his/her safety despite the choice of what the person does is not wise. 

I even went to Waitrose (UK supermarket shop) & some of them chose not to wear it. As for GP, it remains shut (given nowadays it is appointment based & that it is no longer walk in building as of March 2020 so only person who is registered can only enter GP for appointment. Not to book appointment. Just to go for appointment only). So for the govt & idiotic imbeciles to say that yesterday’s freedom day was nothing but meaningless.

Plus Boris Johnson (Prime Minister) doing a coronavirus press conference while self isolating at the Chequers after that he had a contact with the Health Secretary (Sajid Javid) who is currently self isolating after being tested for coronavirus despite being double jabbed. Which him (Boris Johnson) & Rishi Sunak (the Chancellor) behaved irresponsibly at the weekend (not originally wanting to self isolate) while being contacted by NHS Test & Trace until sudden U turn. 

And as for those who want to visit the UK now it is not in lockdown anymore? Well US CDC advises American visitors to avoid visiting the UK. wwwnc.cdc.gov bloomberg.com 

Good for US CDC. Americans advised not to come to the UK (particularly England). The UK is the laughing stock in the world with dangerous herd immunity approach (mass infections instead of vaccinations without any of preventative measures: social distancing & mask wearing). Thanks to the idiotic PM Boris Johnson & the govt. The world sees England with a shock gasp.  

So guys, do whatever you like. Wear a mask or not, get the vaccine or not. After all, it is your choice and freedom. However do not ever think that Covid is gone completely. Don’t believe the freedom day hype. That was just to trick everyone into believing by right wing media outlets in the UK.

Freedom day? Freedom from what exactly? Covid is still around worldwide and yet some of people were believing that including going to nightclubs. Although I do sympathise with nightclubs & other businesses who had been shut for last 16 months since March last year, that was not the right time to do so while the infection rate is going up & up. It really makes no sense logically when the lockdown measures are being lifted while the infection of Covid cases are still going up. Like I said, we are not of the woods & that it will be just matter of time before England is back in national lockdown again around in autumn (September/October/November). Many scientists including the government’s sage scientists were stunned when the govt behaved dangerously reckless to allow Covid 19 to be rampant. Therefore many people including those who are not vaccinated will eventually catch Covid & then developing a long time Covid complications (long Covid). 

Even tonight, Dominic Cummings had spit the beans again about the incompetence of the govt’s handling of the Covid situation with more shocking revelations while being interviewed by BBC. google.co.uk 

So let’s all act responsibly by continuing to play our part to defeat the virus via mask wearing & social distancing even now it is not compulsory in England. No wonder Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland are keeping policies including mask wearing, being sensibly & not following England’s dangerous Covid approach of letting Covid to be rampant without mask wearing in the name of “living with Covid”. 

I am done talking about this. This will be the last time that I talked about it. The so called Freedom Day. We all want the same thing. The end of the pandemic & moving forward with our normal lives but due to yesterday’s so called “Freedom Day”. That was not the way to do so & the govt should really be ashamed for being selfish to lift lockdown while the infection rate is not down. It is up. 

Here are my three previous blog posts.

mrlimitless95.blogspot.com 

mrlimitless95.blogspot.com 

mrlimitless95.blogspot.com 

Mandela Day & Nelson Mandela quotes

This is going to be a short blog post. 

Today is Nelson Mandela international day (Mandela Day).

What can I say about Nelson Mandela? 

Nelson Mandela is my hero. 🇿🇦

He was a hero. He fought for democracy, racial equality & freedom. He fought against apartheid and racism as he was anti apartheid activist and freedom fighter. 

He spent 27 years in prison for his belief of wanting equality & freedom for black South Africans. 

He fought against the racist apartheid regime who were ruled by the ruling party (ultra white conservatives who were pro segregation & nationalistic far right). NP (National Party). Because of his sacrifice, that’s how he become first Democratic black president of South Africa in 1994. Marking the end of 46 years of apartheid. 

Here are 8 interesting quotes from Madiba that I liked the most. 

1. "Our deepest fear is not that we are weak. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world ... As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." 

2. “Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement.” 

3. “It always seems impossible until it’s done”.

4. “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”.

5. “Honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, pure generosity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve others-qualities which are within easy reach of every soul-are the foundation of one's spiritual life”

6. “We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”

7. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

8. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” 

So that is 8 interesting Nelson Mandela quotes that I like the most. These quotes really do apply to our everyday life in the world. 😀🙂🇿🇦

19th of July: danger incoming

I have written two previous blog posts, showing how incompetent & irresponsible are the government in the UK by their handling of the Covid situation. 

mrlimitless95.blogspot.com

mrlimitless95.blogspot.com 

Today is the final day before fully lifting lockdown (stage 4) completely tomorrow on 19th of July & I read the news that Boris Johnson & Rishi Sunak were behaving selfish. Not wanting to self isolate while being told by NHS Test & Trace. Now as of few hours, they’ll do self isolate as the result of being in contact with the Health Secretary Sajid Javid. Basically one rule for the government ministers. 

What a load of contradictions from Rishi Sunak & Boris Johnson. They (chancellor & prime minister) think that they can behave such a manner like that. Not originally wanting to self isolate while being told by NHS Test & Trace before doing a U-Turn.

As for the so called “Freedom Day”. Well there is nothing positive about it. There isn’t. Social distancing ditched & mask wearing not longer compulsory (except in settings like Public Transport/TFL/Uber, book shops & supermarkets). The govt are really irresponsible.

Recently, scientists said that Boris Johnson’s approach of allowing Covid to be rampant while lifting lockdown is “a danger to the world”. Yet, this is the government who always claimed that they followed the science. Since day 1, despite of getting Covid, Boris Johnson always mishandled Covid situation all the way to today. Two health secretaries & third lockdowns. Just wait for the fourth one cos scientists worldwide sees this as danger & Chris Whitty mentioned the possibility of the UK being in lockdown again and again. Despite the success of the vaccine rollout. The UK could possibly be in lockdown again in autumn (September/October/November). Mark my words. I am really tired of all the bulls**t. 

independent.co.uk 

At least I know as I said it before that I will continue wearing face mask. I hope you guys that you should continue wearing mask wearing & social distancing (if that is your choice). Good for TFL (Transport For London), Uber, book shops & all UK supermarkets for having a common sense & being sensible so that mask wearing in settings that I have mentioned will continue to be mandatory. 

At the end of the day, we all want the same thing. Return of the normality & ending the coronavirus pandemic (regardless if we do live with Covid or not). If living with Covid means herd immunity by mass infections (people getting the virus & ending up in hospitals especially if the person is not vaccinated) then the government & Boris Johnson are really reckless. Next thing, many people would get long Covid & impairing his/her mobility. 

Is it that they want? Herd immunity by infections not vaccinations & having long Covid. They (the govt) can be ashamed of themselves. 

Life is not easy in South Africa

27 years ago since the end of apartheid (racist segregation system that lasted 46 years from 1948) in South Africa & the birth of democracy on 27th April 1994 with freedom fighter Nelson Mandela who spent 27 years of his life in prison (1963 to 1990) who fought against apartheid, becoming first elected black president of the country. 😀🙂🇿🇦

It must be a lucky & interesting number. 27.  My mum’s country (which I visited three times in my life). 

Fast forward to today, unfortunately the challenges facing South Africa still remains very problematic. 😔

Now with South Africans (black, white, coloured & other races) living together (although racism still exists & that most South Africans know that racism played a role during the apartheid era), the issues facing SA is really unbearable economically, socially and even politically. It is the third world country & when the country is a third world country, that’s where crime, poverty, inequality and corruption arises & being normalised. Even the coronavirus pandemic & the Delta Variant that have already severely impacted South Africa & gone into lockdown. I am saying this because I am half South African. South African descendant. 

So here are the highlights of the problems in South Africa since life there is not easy.🇿🇦

Crime 

We already know for the fact that crime rate in South Africa is high. Dangerously high & high crime rates have not really gone down as it is still problematic. All type of crime: violent and non violent alike. en.wikipedia.org 

Plus I was not surprised when my uncle shared to me on WhatsApp with the news source about six South African cities being ranked one of the top 20 dangerous cities in the world: Durban, Pretoria, Pietermaritzburg, Port Elizabeth (now renamed as Gqerberha), Johannesburg and Cape Town. 

iol.co.za 

Even my own relatives told me that I have to be very careful because of crime level in South Africa & that anything can happen. Like theft or any of criminal behaviour. It is not even like being free to roam around. It’s like everywhere is danger despite it is not really in war zone or conflict zone. Broadly speaking, crime level is enormous in South Africa & it is not controllable. Authorities should really step up & put a stop to it. No wonder some of South Africans moved out of the country. Relocating to different country including here in the United Kingdom. 

Corruption

Corruption is a big issue for the country. en.wikipedia.org 

This highlights the corruption of the former president of South Africa Jacob Zuma (2009 to 2018) & his wealthy buddies. Indian businessmen the Guptas. Nepotism. It was a big political scandal in South Africa. Including spending taxpayer’s money at his own home in Nkandla. All for selfishness and greediness. 

There were several vote of no confidence motions when Zuma was the president. All attempts at the South African Parliament were unsuccessful. At least he had finally stepped down as the SA President in February 2018 (three years ago. A disgrace to the country. 

No wonder now as of the recent developments that the former President had gone to jail for 15 months due to contempt of court. The result of it? 

amp.theguardian.com 

bbc.co.uk 

Violence, riots and looting which it have happened across South Africa. From Durban to Johannesburg. Destroying businesses & causing mayhem. 

It is very heartbreakingly shocking but not surprising. 

Furthermore, the credit rating under Jacob Zuma was downgraded to junk status in 2017 & sacked the finance minister. google.co.uk 

Which brings me to the next paragraph. 

Economy, wealth, poverty and inequality. 

Unemployment level in South Africa is shockingly at 32.6% tradingeconomics.com 

It is the most unequal country in the world & the South African economy doesn’t benefit to all its citizens (including my mum’s family side). Plus during my time in South Africa, I even saw that some of black South African who happened to have poor wealth or being jobless, lives in suburbs. In South Africa, they called it Townships.

Plus with unemployment already high there, some of South Africans who seem to be bitter filled with hatred, targeted Foreign nationals (mainly African nationals who are from the same continent in different African countries). It really really makes no sense at all logically. Targeting fellow Africans from the African continent (same continent). As if it is not from the continent of Africa. For me, my opinion is that some of ordinary South Africans including those who don’t have a job doesn’t seem to realise & acknowledge that the ones that they are targeting innocent African nationals who are from different parts of Africa are the ones who liberated South Africa from the racist apartheid regime. And that’s how they get payback? Migrants (African immigrants) being wrongly blamed for the problems & ills of the society in the Republic of South Africa. It is very appalling. Xenophobia is something that shouldn’t be tolerated. Even if the country is not in good stability economically. Even non African nationals are being targeted too in SA. Like Indians for example. Mostly, it is other African nationals who are the main ones of being targeted. Which it should never be so. 

hrw.org 

hrw.org 

en.m.wikipedia.org 

Lastly, politics in South Africa. 

Politics 

South African politics is tribalised. It is not well civilised. 

Apart from Jacob Zuma which I strongly disliked, the ANC (African National Congress. The party of Mandela) under Cyril Ramaphosa is way different than ANC under Zuma. The reputation of the ANC party was really undermined. All because of political corruption in South Africa & Zuma. Given there are still loyalist politicians who do support the former President who is corrupt. 

Although I am not realty interested in South African politics, what I see in Cyril Ramaphosa is the big improvement politically & that he is doing way better than Zuma (even he did served as deputy President & I understand that he couldn’t stand the leadership of Zuma which led him to run for the ANC party leadership election which he won in 2017 & became the President of South Africa). So yeah, SA politics is so messy. 

As for EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters) & Julius Malema? Give me a break. That guy (Malema) is very polarising political figure in South Africa. He likes to be at the centre of attention (attention seeking) & causing controversies after controversies & simply being a trouble maker. Example: Openly threatening an African politician in the Pan African Parliament (maybe AU Parliament). That tells me that he (Julius Malema) is not really serious & that there is no chance in hell for him to possibly the president of South Africa in the future. news24.com  Otherwise, it could become miserable & ending up, becoming like neighbouring country. Zimbabwe. 

Here in the West, I see polarising political figures who are mostly far right and right wing). From Nigel Farage to Marine Le Pen, Geert Wilders to Donald Trump. Well in South Africa, it’s Julius Malema who is politically on the left (far left. Not normal socialist left or centre left). So I have no time for him (Malema). 

Conclusion: South Africa is the beautiful and awesome country. The country that won Rugby World Cups three times in 1995, 2007 & recently in 2019. It is unfortunately being plagued by it’s own challenges and it is big one. I hope and pray that the rainbow nation do find ways to really overcome the challenges & hopeful remain being attractive place to live, work and study. It is start by improving the economy of South Africa and to put the nation in stable leadership. Last thing everyone needs is to see the country becoming another Zimbabwe which I hope and pray that it is not the case & it better not be so. 

Plus, this is not what Nelson Mandela had visioned. What he (Madiba) vision is the country having prosperity. Not just from years of apartheid. Also addressing the challenges & finding ways to deal with it & overcome it. Unfortunately, Nelson Mandela’s successors (including Jacob Zuma) didn’t do enough work to solve problems economically, politically, financially and socially in Mzansi (Xhosa name for South Africa).

I hope and pray for the next 10 or 20 years, South Africa will be in better position than at the present time at this moment. At least South Africa is really in better place than under apartheid. I hope for the best for the Rainbow Nation. I really do. It is that I cannot bear to see all of bad things that have happened & keeping on happening to South Africa. That’s how I am lucky & grateful  that I live in the UK (as you know that I am British by birth)!& that I didn’t spend my life in SA. 

And that is why life is not easy in South Africa. It is hard. Hard life. 

“It’s the hard knock life”. 🇿🇦

My first Bastille Day blog 🇫🇷

Short blog post

I want to say Happy Bastille Day to the French people in France & around the world. 🙂😀🇫🇷 

I have visited the country one time on my short 3 day holiday. The highlight of my time in Paris, France. Summer of 2019 (late August). French food (breakfast), the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum & Arc de Triomphe. 🇫🇷🙂😀 Four photos were taken by me. 

I hope one day that I would love to visit the country again. 

French translation

Court article de blog

Je tiens à souhaiter une bonne fête nationale aux Français de France et du monde entier. 🙂😀🇫🇷

J'ai visité le pays une fois lors de mes courtes vacances de 3 jours. Le point culminant de mon séjour à Paris, en France. Eté 2019 (fin août). Cuisine française (petit-déjeuner), Tour Eiffel, Musée du Louvre & Arc de Triomphe. 🇫🇷🙂😀 Quatre photos ont été prises par moi.

J'espère qu'un jour j'aimerais visiter à nouveau le pays.

My take on Euros, racism and football hooliganism

So last night, England was not victorious in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

So I want to tell you my readers with my opinions on Euro 2020 & racism & football hooliganism which have unfortunately overshadowed England’s success in the football tournament. ⚽️🇪🇺

My take

Italy: The winner of Euro 2020

That means Italy have both won Eurovision & the Euros. So basically, congratulations to Italy. ⚽️🇮🇹

I am sad that England didn’t win as I watched it live on TV. However I am not too sad because I am proud with the fact that England have been progressing well in the Euros due to their momentum. It was a long time coming for England to be in major football tournament since 1966. It really took them a very very long time when England won FIFA World Cup against Germany which was then called West Germany. 

Seeing England won the match against Germany few weeks ago for first time since 1966, despite in the past, they always loses to Germany in any football matches. It was a long time coming. 

Then English football players would went on to advance in the quarterfinal & semi final against Ukraine and Denmark. 

Whatever the result (win or lose), I know the English football players have done well. 

It’s best to be positive while being disappointed at the same time. I am proud for England. So yeah, unfortunately Football is not coming home. It is coming home to Rome. Football is coming Rome.

However we shouldn’t lose sight of the controversies and negativity regarding the despicable behaviour of some small minded English fans. Especially with today’s big headlines of racism and football hooliganism. 

Between last night and today after England’s devastating loss to Italy, racial abuse have targeted three English football players who are of ethnic minority background. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka. 

Three lions. Being subjected to racism just because they equally missed a penalty by scoring a goal. It is very disgusting. As someone who is black & once experienced racism, my heart goes out to them. Rashford, Sancho and Saka. They didn’t deserve this. Being treated awful by those who called themselves “football fans”. 

Racism and Football hooliganism. Unbelievable!!! 

These two are absolutely vile and unacceptable. It is sad unfortunately that all of negativity & controversies have overshadowed England’s success in the Euro tournament. That is why I am not football fan. Despite supporting England football team in the Euros due to their progression as they had the momentum. 

I even detailed in my previous blog post that I didn’t wanted all of negativity to overshadow England’s progression in the Euro tournament. mrlimitless95.blogspot.com Given it really saddened me with recent controversies & that really gave Gareth Southgate (England’s football manager) & the whole England team a bad name. Trying to give them a awful reputation due to their despicable behaviour (some small minded football hooligan who claims to be fans of England or any football team. Mostly just fans if England). 

Booing small German girl. Using laser aimed at the Danish goalkeeper & booing national anthems (& booing their own football players = England for taking a knee against racism and racial injustice since the whole team itself is diverse) & 9 years old Danish boy being verbally abused. That resulted England being fined for €30,000 (£25,500) by UEFA due to appalling behaviour of some of “English fans”. Even some of them have stormed Wembley who doesn’t have a ticket & attacking Italian fans after Italy won the Euros against England. Sadly, regardless of whether England wins or not, domestic violence occurs, targeting women (which is very awful). Domestic violence is never acceptable in the world of football or in the society. Same with racism and football hooliganism. 

Even Raheem Sterling (football player who is originally from Jamaica) receives a racial abuse as well from racist & ignorant hooligans which they call themselves “football fans” & having no shame. 

And as for politicians, although Boris Johnson & Priti Patel condemned racial abuse that directly affected three black football players (Rashford, Sancho & Saka), I do not need hypocrisy from them. Why? Because of two reasons. 

google.co.uk 

Number 1: PM Boris Johnson had previously said racist outrageous so I do not think that he can speak for me as a person who is ethnic minority. 

Number 2: Prit Patel (Home Secretary) have issues with English football players taking a knee against racism of all sorts & that reportedly said fans have the right to “boo at them”. google.co.uk 

No wonder for the last five years, Brexit have really divided the country so bad. Even in previous Euro 2016, England was eliminated by Iceland. google.co.uk Just few days after the divisive referendum. 

Whatever when politicians like the likes of Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage & others say things that are outrageous regarding on immigration and multiculturalism, knowing for the fact that the UK is home to many people from all parts of the world.

So because of that, I have no time for either bigotry or politician being hypercritical just because he/she claims that racism is unacceptable this and that (all by pretending). Yet being the part of the problem. 

This news article is the prime example of it. google.co.uk 

So at the end of the day, racism and football hooliganism is not tolerated & that should never ever be tolerated at any football events including the Euros and FIFA World Cup. No wonder the UK wants to host FIFA World Cup in 2030 jointly with Ireland. Given Football is indeed the birthplace in Britain, it could possibly affect the country’s chances to potentially host the World Cup in 2030. 

Anyways I think I have said enough about this. 

Finally, those who do either of football hooliganism, racism or both should be ashamed of themselves & not being worthy to be called “football fans”. After all, Football is a great sport. 

Regardless whether you are football fan or not. 

Hate won’t win and will never win. 

That is my take on Euros, racism and football hooliganism. 

England’s momentum in the Euros

England’s momentum in the Euros. 

As someone who doesn’t watch football & aren’t really interested, I was amazed by England’s performance in the Euros. Euro 2020. ⚽️🇪🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

In Group D, England won easily against Croatia and Czech Republic. As for Scotland, well it was not a draw. Not really an great performance. At least both teams tried their best to score a penalty. 🥅⚽️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇭🇷🇨🇿

Then Round of 16, England defeated Germany. 2 nil. 

I didn’t think England would be able to pull it off by winning a match against Germany. Especially with past matches, it’s always England loses to Germany. At least it’s first time for long time since winning FIFA World Cup 1966 that English finally won against Germans. ⚽️🇩🇪🙂

Then England would went to defeat Ukraine in Quarter Final and Denmark in Semi Final. 🇺🇦🇩🇰

Now that is a good strength for England. Football is definitely coming home. Only if football doesn’t come home to Rome as England is prepared to face Italy in the final tomorrow on Sunday 11th July 2021. 🇮🇹

Although I was recently stunned by football hooliganism. Number of controversies regarding football hooligans (particularly England fans) From booing small German girl to using laser aimed at the Danish goalkeeper & booing national anthems (& booing their own football players for taking a knee against racism and racial injustice), England is fined £25,500 (€30,000) by UEFA. That’s why I don’t pay much attention to football. Only in some events like Euros & FIFA World Cup. I even shared it on social media platforms that some of England fans were on top of the buses in Central London (as far Covid is concerned). When it to football, booing is only done in matches (which I have no issues) but at national anthems (German, Danish), it is not right.

I do not want that to overshadow England’s success in the Euro championship. We the football fans and non football fans (like myself) really do need to be better than this. Being better than despicable behaviour. All I want to see for the Euros final is all positive. Not negative. 

I see greatness in England. Because of that, I am on team England so I hope and pray that England can finally win the Euros for first time ever. 😀

It is first time for very very long time for England since 1966 World Cup final. I hope the English football players (Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane & others) can pull it off successfully by scoring many penalties as possible so that we can party like 1966 (in a responsible and sensible way since we are still in the Covid pandemic). Now many people wants the day to be public holiday in case if England does win the Euros against the Italians as I read about the petition & all that. Plus everywhere I go, I’ll see the English flags as a support for England doing very well in the Euros. 

Gareth Southgate (England’s football manager) will definitely be satisfied at last. 25 years since Euro 1996 semi final (when England hosted the Euros) when he was a footballer. Good to know that there is greatness in him & the team (England) that he is managing. 

So very best of luck to England. 🤞

It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming. Football’s coming home. 🎶🎵🎤

The song Three Lions was released in 1996. Very popular song that have been used in Euros and FIFA World Cups. There is two versions of it. Original version and 1998 version (1998 World Cup).