Wednesday, 7 May 2008

Charity bombers unleashed at Ponds Forge

Pie-derman, Su-pie Mario,Su-pie-man and the Inedible Bulk were just a few of the characters names that threw themselves off a 3metre diving board last week.

The 4th Annual World Water Bombing Championships took place at Ponds Forge swimming centre in the aim to raise money for the Macmillan charity.

Thirty-six bombers from 9 teams performed their bombing techniques in front of two Macmillan nurses Helen Lee and Sarah Teale, a professional boxer Avon Outlaw Kelly and a Ponds Forge representative Caron Isso.

Helen sales Manager at Pond Forge said:"There is a safe bombing technique but gravity will do most of the work for you."

Coming out on top were the King Bombastic and the Mermaids Fantastic even after Dale White suffered a nose bleed after smashing his knee into his face.

Thomas Martin (19) the overall winner said:" I am the champion of the world and I would like challenge Peter Kay to a bomb off."

The England Band accompanied each splash bringing a feeling of drama. Teams included broken pelvis dressed as Elvis, The Munch Bunch who were covered in balloons and the Undertakers who performed stripteases.
Paul Hudson, sales manager at Sheffield International Venues said: “We are always looking at unusual ways of putting Sheffield on the map in terms of international sport and this could be the most bizarre yet."

Varsity

Hundreds of Students are going to flock to Abbeydale road this Wednesday to watch the much acclaimed Varsity Rugby match. This year is the 12th varsity challenge in the history of Sheffield. Over 12 days, Sheffield Varsity will see over 70 fixtures competed in 30 sports at venues across the city. In total over 1000 students will compete with the aim of winning the trophy for their University.The varsity cup has been run since 1997 and Sheffield Hallm University currently hold a 7 to 4.

Mysterious Deaths at Barnsley

Two men were found dead at the Barnsley interchange
on Friday. Gareth David Owen a 26
year old and David owen a 36 yeard old were
found in the early hours of the morning sitting
on the floor of the main entrance by a passerby
who informed the police. Police are appealing
for anyone to come forward to come forward
who saw the deceased at on the night.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said:
"The deaths are not being treated as
suspicious at this stage.”
The two men were known to be from the Barnsley
area. Police believe that a man may have
spoken to the two men and given them a cigarette
at about 2.10am that day.The results of the
post-mortem examination of the deceased were
inconclusive.The Police said that they had established
that the two men had been sitting together
for some time on the ground outside the
Midland Street entrance to the interchange.

NIB

From Russia with love, the world's finest Great Moscow State Circus is coming to Sheffield Featuring the spectacular eleven-strong acrobatic troupe, the foot-juggling Panov family and the world famous Averiouchkine clowns.The thirty-five strong cast of Russia’s greatest and most flexible circus performers that have never before been seen in the UK. Many of the award-winning acts are pushing the boundary of human physical ingenuity to its limits. The perfomance will be held from the 7th -16th February at Meadowhall.

Monday, 5 May 2008

Two maximums they must be like Buses

Maximum Glory creates snooker history

Crucible History Created
ByDavid John Stevenson

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Cliff Thorburn’s epic 147 at the Crucible theatre. Since then there have been eight maximums made at the world snooker championships but one man is Sheffield’s maximum king although Ali Carter rained on Ronnie’s parade.

Steve Davis may have dominated the event in the 1980s and Stephen Hendry in the 1990s but it is the 2001-2004 World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan who has dominated the stage with the magic of the maximums although this year someone else got in on the action.

In 1997 as a raw talent against Mick Price he compiled the first of his maximum hat trick at the theatre of dreams. To this day it is the fastest recorded televised 147 compiled in 5 minutes 30 seconds.

Then in 2003 in his first round match against Marco Fu he made the second of his triplets, the surprise was that he walked away with £157,000 for the highest break and a maximum but he was knocked out by Fu in the last 32.

Now in 2008 he did it again this time in the last 16 against former World Champion Mark Williams in the frame to give him the match.Also by adding this new jewel to his maximum crown it brought the ninth game of perfection to his professional career surpassing seven time world champion Stephen Hendry who is now second in the list with a respective 8.

However O’Sullivan’s joy was to be short lived as Ali Carter also made his first professional 147 to equal Ronnie’s attempt and halve the high break prize on offer. It was also the first time that two perfect frames have been played at a world ranking snooker event.

As well as the honour of making history both players pocketed £78,500, but it was O’Sullivan who created more history by being the first man to make three maximums in a season. The first being against the other maximum man Ali Carter in the Welsh Open, the deciding frame against Mark Selby in the Semi-Finals of the UK Championship and finally topped off with his maximum glory against Williams at the world championship.

In his post match interview O’Sullivan played the praise down saying: “It’s a great feeling and I’m very happy but to get one at Sheffield is fantastic.”

Carter in his post match conference after beating Peter Ebdon to reach the last four said: “I didn’t believe that if I got the chance to make a 147 at the Crucible I could do it, but it’s nice to prove yourself wrong. It is a great feeling making one here at Sheffield.”

One other historical moment O’Sullivan has put in the record books is that he is the first man in ranking tournaments to knock in the magic number twice in a season to clinch the match winning frame. The first time was against Mark Selby to win 9-8 to reach the UK Final which he won but also at the Crucible to defeat Mark Williams 13-7.

Also this year Cliff Thorburn has come across from his native Canada to Sheffield to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of his maiden 147 at the crucible. It seems rather fitting twenty five years on that the magic maximum has come around rather like a Sheffield bus as you wait for one and then two come at the same time.

Maximums at the Crucible
Cliff Thorburn (1983)
Jimmy White ( 1992)
Stephen Hendry ( 1995)
Ronnie O’Sullivan (1997)
Ronnie O’ Sullivan (2003)
Mark Williams (2005)
Ronnie O’Sullivan & Ali Carter (2008)

Scientology in Sheffield

Scientology rolls into Sheffield but not as you know it

Hearing that the mysterious church of scientology was in town I popped along expecting to see Tom Cruise. Instead I found a congregation of grannies dancing and jiving outside the town hall.

Whilst walking up the main artery of Sheffield city centre hearing the tones of songs such as Mac the knife and when the river rhythm starts to play. A sense of being in a fifties jazz club gripped me and many passers by. Then I saw it!

Standing on stage was a jive band like something out of the blues brothers. They were all wearing identical blue suits and a crowd had gathered watching the five man band perform their set.

What was amazing was the diversity of the audience which encapsulated every kind of person watching the now visible Jive Aces. Personally I had never heard of them before but apparently as there banner and website says they are the number one jive band in Britain? This has to be questioned but they were very good.

Above the group was a banner which matched their suits being big bold and blue with the slogan "Say no to drugs, say yes to life". Then a young child about ten handed me an anti drugs leaflet and a promotional flyer for the band.

So whilst listening to another song I think it was Sinatra's "I won't dance" it caught my attention the stage and banner both said sponsored by the church of Scientology which of course instantly made me curious.

An American religion created by the writer L. Ron Hubbard based on his book dianetics which focuses on helping readers lead happier lives understanding the human spirit and their relationship with the universe and creator? Although what makes the church increasingly interesting is the Hollywood A list actors who have joined the mysterious cult church such as John Travolta, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Jason Lee.

Also after looking at the Scientologist official website it is visible to see that the religion is growing internationally so why are events being put on in towns such as Sheffield. Is it part of a Scientology indoctrination plan I thought I best check it out?

So after another twenty minutes of listening to swing I grabbed the 6ft 5 saxophonist John Fordham and questioned him. He was very polite and said in his London accent: 'The Campaign son! is totally focussed on just trying to stop kids getting into drugs, I recently went to a couple of rehab centres and its not just the effect it has on the addicts but their families so anything we can do to help we will do, come and talk to Clarky.'

I soon found out this was the lead singer Ian Clarkson who at the age of 43 had been bouncing about on stage like a twenty year old and was very welcoming. Again in that cockney accent I was greeted with "Alwight Son what can we do for ya!" So we started talking and he openly said we are all scientologists but we aren't trying to gain new members. 'Our campaign is solely based on what we've seen in rehab centres and other musicians who have thrown their careers away through alcohol and drug use.' He then started to talk about the drugs culture of Britain and how he found it detestable that stars like Amy Winehouse promote drugs to a young audience through their music and their lifestyles. In the end he said: 'We try and show young people that you can get up be mad and enjoy yourself but you can do this without taking drugs.'
To this extent I admired the band and their aims but then things went a little sour when they started talking about dianetics and attempting to sell me effectively the scientology bible. At this point it seemed right to finish the interviews and split before I began believing in supernatural life forms.

However the campaign message which is of fore most importance "Say no to drugs. Say yes to life" is a great initiative in the fight against the British drug culture especially with an increase in drug use within adolescents. In fact Chris Bond of the Yorkshire Post wrote an article in which the UN's drug control agency condemned the actions of stars and their actions with the effects they have on impressionable youngsters. It also expanded on the reality TV shows like Big Brother which make no bodies into somebody's without having to be talented to become famous.

Although the movements and actions may be slow and small in attempting to break this culture it is great to see artists such as the Jive Aces performing in an attempt to inform youngsters and entertain so long as indoctrination of alienation is not in their plans.

As for myself I have not yet turned my head to the thought of the creator, alien life forms and cult churches but like many of the other people in Sheffield’s city centre I do like jive, but if you have to become a scientologist to appreciate Sinatra’s smooth tones it looks like I’ll be turning to Indie rock music.

Tuesday, 29 April 2008

Maximum Glory creates snooker history

Crucible History Created
By
David John Stevenson

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Cliff Thorburn’s epic 147 at the Crucible theatre. Since then there have been seven maximums made at the world snooker championships but one man has become Sheffield’s maximum king.

Steve Davis may have dominated the event in the 1980s and Stephen Hendry in the 1990s but it is the 2001-2004 World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan who has dominated the stage with the magic of the maximums.

In 1997 as a raw talent against Mick Price he compiled the first of his maximum hat trick at the theatre of dreams. To this day it is the fastest recorded televised 147 compiled in 5 minutes 30 seconds.

Then in 2003 in his first round match against Marco Fu he made the second of his triplets, the surprise was that he walked away with £157,000 for the highest break and a maximum but he was knocked out by Fu in the last 32.

Now in 2008 he did it again this time in the last 16 against former World Champion Mark Williams in the frame to give him the match.

Also by adding this new jewel to his maximum crown it brought the ninth game of perfection to his professional career surpassing seven time world champion Stephen Hendry who is now second in the list with a respective 8.

As well as this he pocketed £157,000, but created history again by being the first man to make three maximums in a season. The first being against Ali Carter in the Welsh Open, the deciding frame against Mark Selby in the Semi-Finals of the UK Championship and finally topped off with his maximum glory against Williams at the world championship.

In his post match interview O’Sullivan played the praise down saying: “It’s a great feeling and I’m very happy but to get one at Sheffield is fantastic.”

One other historical moment O’Sullivan has put in the record books is that he is the first man in ranking tournaments to knock in the magic number twice in a season to clinch the match winning frame. The first time was against Mark Selby to win 9-8 to reach the UK Final which he won but also at the Crucible to defeat Mark Williams 13-7.

Also this year Cliff Thorburn has come across from his native Canada to Sheffield to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of his maiden 147 at the crucible. It seems rather fitting that twenty five years on that the magic 147 has come around yet again.


Maximums at the Crucible
Cliff Thorburn (1983)
Jimmy White ( 1992)
Stephen Hendry ( 1995)
Ronnie O’Sullivan (1997)
Ronnie O’ Sullivan (2003)
Mark Williams (2005)
Ronnie O’Sullivan (2008)

Restaurant Guide

Restaurant Guide

Studying in Sheffield? Not much money? David Stevenson discovered you can still eat well and not break the bank.

Here is just a small taster of what you can find. Let’s start at the heart of the student community Ecclesall Road, which runs parallel to Collegiate Crescent campus. You will find numerous bars, restaurants, delis, cafes and takeaways within a short walking distance. This is my guide to some of the best places where you can have a wide variety of choice without breaking your budget.

Italian

Firstly Nonnas is a high quality authentic Italian restaurant situated on the left hand side of Ecclesall Road. The restaurant is pricey and rarely has student offers but it is still one of the best places to eat authentic fine Italian cuisine in Sheffield.This month they have extended a special offer for April. Between Sunday and Friday you can eat freshly cooked pasta for £5 in between 5-7pm. This will give you time to digest your meal before an evening of debauchery or at least fill you up with your daily dose of carbohydrates.

Also to accompany this offer their bar is offering 'buy one get one free' on cocktails and large glasses of house wine.Although, Nonnas isn’t the cheapest restaurant to visit its high quality food, clean and has a vibrant environment, making it a meal to remember.

Indian

If spicy Indian cuisine is more your style there is a little diamond in the rough. Ashokas is a small restaurant at the city centre end of Ecclesall Road. The average price of a meal including drinks is just £12. It is an offer few students can resist.

Even better, when you spend over £10 you get10% discount. Added to the good quality food, this deal allows students to have a good night out as well as a great meal in one of Britain’s top 50 ranked Indian restaurants.

Spanish

If your pallet is craving something European then why not try the Spanish restaurant La Tasca near the city end of Eccy Road. At first this rustic restaurant creates the atmosphere of being in a small Spanish tapas bar where you can sit, relax lay back and perhaps take a siesta. The food is tremendous and well within the student budget.If you feel peckish after your morning lecture the restaurant currently has an offer students can’t refuse.

At lunchtime they serve three tapas for £6.95. This will give you all the energy you need for the rest of a hard day in the lecture room and will get your taste buds sizzling. La Vina also offer students a 20% discount providing you have a valid NUS card.

French

One other alternative is the French café/restaurant directly across the road from Collegiate Crescent, Café Rouge. Again it offers little in way of offers to students, but if you get a First and want to treat yourself there is nothing better than a taste of a French delicacy. A favourite treat for me is their traditional crème brûlée, definitely a recommended and must try if you visit the cafe.

More restaurant reviews and suggestions next month.

O’Sullivan Maximum marches him into the quarter finals

Ronnie O’Sullivan maximised his way into the last eight of the 888.com World Snooker championship with a 13-7 win over former world champion Mark Williams.

The afternoon session at the crucible had started with O’Sullivan leading 9-7 over night. However the fight back that was anticipated did not occur but that was mainly down to O’Sullivans magic on the baize.

In the first frame of the afternoon he notched up 71, followed by 60 in the next and then a century to lead 12-7. Then one long straight red to corner. Followed by the remaining 14 reds and 15 blacks with all the colours and O’Sullivan was £157,000 richer. The maximum marked O’Sullivans hat trick of 147’s at the World Championships and nine maximums in his career - one more than Stephen Hendry.

After the match O’Sullivan said: “It felt great, especially to get one at Sheffield it’s fantastic. Also it’s great to break one of Stephens (Hendry) records”

He did admit that after knocking the first red in he was going for the maximum saying “Sometimes you have to make things happen, I’d made my mind up” But when questioned about how he would spend his new earnings he replied: “I don’t know I don’t spend that much, I might think about it when I’m running.”

Although after making the 147, 888sport.com made O’Sullivan the bookies favourite to take the 2008 title cutting his odds to win the championship down to 6/4 ahead of Stephen Maguire who was the tournament favourite on Sunday Afternoon.

It does seem that the Rockets mindset may make him a good bet for his third world title, especially with him saying: “I just enjoy playing the game and my heart is massively in it.”

He also said: “Where ever I go around the world I get great support and I try to give them value for money, but it means everything to make another 147 at the crucible.

After the match Williams said: “If he plays like the last four frames for the rest of the tournament he will be difficult to beat.” Although he added “I lost about five frames on the black and Ronnie had struggled but there is only Ronnie who could make the 147 look that easy.”

The Rocket is now due to play Liang Wenbo the new Chinese star who on his first visit to the theatre of dreams has taken the scalps of the 1997 world champion Ken Doherty and Belfast's Joe Swail to reach the quarter finals.
By
David John Stevenson

Tuesday, 8 April 2008

Snooker Stars at Sheffield Station

As Sheffield prepares to host the 2008 World snooker championships former world champions John Parrott and Shaun Murphy were on hand at Sheffield station handing out top tips and coaching sessions.

John Parrott the 1991 champion and Shaun Murphy the last Embassy champion in 2005 were on hand at Sheffield train station on Tuesday April 5th, to give commuters and passers by tips to improve their game and entertain the public before the championship starts.

The coaching session which took place from 9am-11am was a chance for the BBC to record footage which will be used in between matches at the crucible and before play starts. But the event didn't finish in the morning.

On hand in the afternoon from 4pm was crucible hot shot Mark Selby, playing members of the public in the crowded station. Also John Parrott had stayed round from the morning and was still coaching under the expert eye of the BBC camera crew.

After a few quick tips and a frame with Selby his first opponent Christopher Lucas, 18 a first year accounts student at Sheffield Hallam University said:' I live in Beighton and play at club baize alot, so the advice Mark and John gave me about playing off the side rails is very useful.'

He demonstrated the useful tip by potting a long red from off the top cushion into the opposite corner twelve feet away, although he added 'I still hit it too hard and was a little lucky but I will practice what Mark has told me'.

After this Selby played more passers by and also showed Joanna Ragsdell, 16 a student from Derby who had been shopping in Sheffield, how to line up and pot a snooker ball.

After she had managed this task with a black off the spot she said:' I think I'll scream if I see myself on the BBC during the world championships I didn't realise that's what the cameras were here for.'

So far this season Selby is the only man to have won two events back to back and has become a hot pick out of the 32 man field this year.

All his success this year has stemmed from his run to the World final last season where he lost 18-13 to John Higgins, but since then he has captured the Masters and Welsh Open.

The World Snooker Championships are Sheffield bound from April 19th to May 5th and full coverage is available on BBCi and British Eurosport.

Tuesday, 1 April 2008

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