London Through The Eyes Of An Outsider

Downtown London

Whenever I mentioned to my friends that I was going to Canada for college there were mixed emotions that came through: some happy, some sad, some couldn’t care less. When I replied “London” when asked which part of Canada, 99% were stumped. “London? In Canada? You’re joking right?” was the usual monotonous reply. Things said and done, it’s almost a month since I left home. It’s almost a month that I have been living on my own, independent. And I must say it’s been one heck of an experience.

                London, Ontario is unlike London, England. Why you ask? It’s a simple answer but one that needs to be experienced properly. London, Ontario is a small little city with a population of a little under half a million, situated midway between Detroit (in the American state of Michigan) and the city of Toronto. Yet, this city is home to two major educational institutions in Ontario: Fanshawe College and the University of Western Ontario. Now, as I’ve already mentioned, I’ve been here just about a month and yet I’ve already set foot on places like Covent Garden, Highbury and Oxford Avenue, Trafalgar Street and so on. The early settlers here sure did love their old dainty city of London. Interestingly enough, I read somewhere that it was intended that London, Ontario be made the capital of Canada but the Queen thought otherwise. Probably it was a wise decision, for if it were the capital, it’d be a lot noisier.

                It’s been homely, to say the least. The place I’m staying, the college and the new people I’m meeting on a regular basis. They all make the extra effort that the only International student in the Broadcast Journalism program feels at home. It’s quite flattering I tell you. (If you’re one of these people reading this, it’s the only reason why I haven’t mentioned the possibility of me taking advantage of it someday!) Interestingly enough, this small city plays gracious host to some of the biggest events in Canada – a WWE show (which interests me not), a TIESTO concert, a Kings of Leon concert, Avril Lavigne, Colbie Calliat and more hockey than I ever could have imagined. I can see some of you preparing to wring my neck and that is the risk I am willing to take. It’s a beautiful place, London, and it’s where I am for at least the next two years.

Photo Credits: http://beloveserve.com/?category_name=uncategorized&paged=2

From The Heart Of A United Fan...

Sir Alex Ferguson with the great Sir Matt Busby

I've been a Manchester United fan all my life and believe me when I say it; no feeling comes close to matching the United way of life. A club seen by rival fans (and even some so-called 'fans') as a bully, I've seen more fake United fans, who support the club only because they're successful, than true ones. Jealously, that's all I can say. Manchester United are a club with as humble a background as any (not one with dogs biting people in a pub). In the early and middle 19th century, North Road in Manchester was off everybody's compasses, but in 1878 it was at the very epicenter of change. A mere thirty years previously this part of Manchester was nothing but open heathlands stretching to the Pennines. It was in these grim surroundings that Newton Heath LYR FC (renamed Manchester United in 1902) was born - The club of Taylor, Edwards and Colman, of Best, Law and Charlton, of Cantona, Beckham and Giggs. Newton Heath initially comprised of railway men from all over Britain and was soon Manchester's most successful club. All ties with the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway officials, who refused to fund the clubs developmental projects, were soon severed. What's more when the Football League decided to split into two divisions, Newton Heath were placed in the first division with Ardwick Association FC (later renamed Manchester City, who last won a trophy in 1976) placed in Division Two. Today even though North Road in Manchester is a bustling district, there is not a sign anywhere which indicates that the world's greatest sporting franchise had its roots there.

From the humble beginnings in 1878 to the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, From financial trouble in the early 1900's to European Glory in 1968. From relegation to Division Two in 1974, to becoming World Champions in 2008, we've witnessed both sweet and bittersweet memories. We've seen both glory and relegation albeit the former was more abundant.

The story of Manchester United is largely the story of three men and their title winning teams - the late Ernest Magnall, the late, great Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, United manager since November 1986. These three men led United to their Eighteen (now Nineteen) League Titles and eight of their eleven FA Cups. (Both of which are records; United used to share the League record with Liverpool, but have now surpassed them)

Manchester United was right up there with the best in the world the most famous team being the title winning side of 1955/56 and 1956/57. The Busby Babes as they were called were like the Arsenal of today only much better. Fortune seemed to favour the youthful side until that ill-fated day, the 6th of February 1958, when eight players were killed after the team aeroplane failed to take off and crashed at Munich Airport. "Manchester United had become more than just a football team." so said the Manchester News Chronicle. For the players who died, their reputation was forever secured. They died young and carefree, about to conquer the world. The tragedy at Munich was the reason why several people began to follow the club out of sympathy. What added to the poignancy of the loss was the comeback. Manchester United didn't die in the slush of Munich. They were resurrected like a phoenix. With upper lips stiffened, chins raised and backs braced they rebuilt and recovered. Manchester United did not concede defeat. A heavily patched up team made it to the FA Cup final that year only to lose to a Nat Lofthouse inspired Bolton.

A decade after Munich, having reassembled the team, Sir Matt Busby won the Holy Grail - the European Cup. Sir Matt, together with Munich survivors Bill Foulkes and one (Sir) Bobby Charlton, united in bittersweet triumph in memory of fallen friends and colleagues. United were kings of Europe at last, the first team from England and the second from Britain. It was during this renaissance that the world was introduced to the King Of Old Trafford, Denis Law who racked up 237 goals in 404 games. Charlton, Law and Belfast boy wonder, George Best formed the famous United Trinity that entertained fans for years.

Manchester United are the Premier League era's most successful team and are amongst the seven teams that have never been relegated during the same period. Twelve Premier Leagues, Four FA Cups, Three League Cups, Two European Cups, A Club World Cup, An Intercontinental Cup and Eight Community Shields all made their way to Old Trafford during this short time.

The dawn of the Premier League saw the arrival of Eric Cantona for a princely sum of £1.2million. The second King of the Old Trafford led his army of youngsters amongst them David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, the 'Ginger Prince' Paul Scholes and brothers Gary and Phil Neville. Quoth Liverpool legend Alan Hansen, "You'll never win anything with kids." I bet he  eats his own words year after year.

Nothing can or will ever come close to 1998/99 season, the treble year. United were champions of England and Europe as well as winners of the FA Cup and no one will ever win the European Cup in such dramatic fashion again! United had ended the millennium as World Champions after lifting the Intercontinental Cup, truly those were happy times.

The last couple of years have been fabulous. From recapturing the Premier League in 2006/07 after three years of near misses to John Terry's famous slip in Moscow in 2008 which handed us our third European Cup, from the departure of Ronaldo to the arrival of Chicharito, who at the time of writing had scored sixteen in his debut season.

There is a buzz in the hearts of United fans like me. The feeling that something big is on the cards, something quite similar to 1998/99. Needless to say the Glazers must go and take all their debts with them. There is no room in United's heritage for people like them. Instead of helping the club, the Glazer family is slowly ruining the club, propelling us to a debt close to £1billion; something that has to be done away with. Change is required; it's high time we fans protest. With a talented crop of youngsters coming through the ranks along with the charisma and presence of players: Rooney, Nani, Valencia, Vidic to name a few, the future of the club looks bright as ever. It's an exciting time to be a United Fan and I for one can't wait to see what the future has in store.

All together now: "Glory Glory Man United

                                  And the Reds go marching on and on....."

Photo Credits: http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_sow_experts__10/ept_sports_sow_experts-847369891-1279229903.jpg?ymPPRdDDj4l_PeSQ

Anthem For The Soldiers

Why should we men fight in battle?

When we have our own daughters and sons.

Without our families and their everlasting cackle,

At our last good meal before we run.

No fun and games, no cowries or bells,

No women to hold, No wedding choir

Only guns and armour, knives and shells

No call from mother from gay Shropshire.

Upon taking a bullet we tend to fall,

Not with loved ones but all alone.

Left alone to rot down to the bone

O, If only we hadn’t answered the call.

Why O Why did we choose to fight?

When we knew we wouldn’t see dawn’s new light!

Remembering every man, woman and child who laid down his/her life for his country. 

Photo Credit: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDRoH7d21Ec/TePLymzRM7I/AAAAAAAAEQU/zfqbEjGZ1eQ/s1600/soldiers_funeral_rumb_2.jpg