Katie and Micah discover they are not alone in their new home

What happens when you sleep? Watch Paranormal Activity and you’ll find out as you will soon nod off due to its conscious alleviating boredom.

Suspiciously loaded young couple Katie and Micah move into their new home, extremely extravagant new home for a couple of students. An ‘entity’ has haunted the girl all her life and her arrogant boyfriend attempts to capture video footage of the haunting.

Director Oren Deli hitchhikes a lift on the band wagon with an unoriginal home footage style (á la Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield). Playing on our primal fears, Deli is even less innovative with his scare tactics – rehashing content from other horrors such as The Exorcist and The Poltergeist. Thankfully for Deli, the budget for the film was a minute $11000, filmed in his own house and preying upon clever use of guerilla marketing.

Unfortunately the lack of investment shows, resulting in a first 60 minutes of an eventless ‘dramatization’ of a reality show. The cringeworthy insight into the life of a young couple in love through the day gives way to the supposedly petrifying scenes of the night. The lovers sound asleep, the camera’s clock fast forwards through to approximately 3:00am and flicks back into real time. A door ever so slightly moves. The clock fast forwards again until light penetrates the room, leading to the true discomforts of their pathetic puppy love relationship.

This is the height of the bowel shuddering fears in a series of dismal attempts at scaring the audience.

The discovery of a burnt photograph of Katie as a child and a strange Ouija board scene do intrigue a little, which only amplifies the ultimate disappointment.

By the time any legitimate sinister happenings begin, it’s hard to care as both of the characters are unable to gain any sympathy through their lack of appreciative attributes. Nevertheless it is nice to finally see a break from the incessant monotony.

Then again, at best, the scenarios merely cook up a few creepy instances with a distinct lack of visceral shocks. The final crescendo is simply nothing but weird. At least Deli is consistent, throwing in a predictable ultimatum to maintain the consistencies of this clichéd movie.

If your scare threshold is lower than the depth of character in these protagonists then I would possibly suggest that you wait until the DVD is tremendously reduced in the bargain bucket in a petrol station. There’s no need in splashing out; the director didn’t.

Be Quiet. Shout Loud!

BE QUIET. SHOUT LOUD! are set to play the headline slot at the Middlesbrough Music Live 2010.

The Middlesbrough band was asked to play Middlesbrough Music Live as early as in 2008, only three months after they had formed.

Now, just two years later they are back to play the headline slot on the Homegrown Stage, Middlesbrough.

Keyboard player Chris Burton is enthusiastic about the coming gig which he hopes will be one to remember.

Chris, who is a Teesside University Multimedia Journalism student, said: “We’re most commonly described as Middlesbrough’s answer to The Rapture, The Music and Infadels.

“The strange thing about our band is that we all have different musical influences, and so our music tends to reflect a variety of sounds.”

The band released their first single “Disco Beat” last year.

“We had our first single released last year – that was a great moment,” Chris added.

“Just being able to type your band name into iTunes and seeing something that you’ve made appear was very exciting!”

Middlesbrough Music Live is an annual festival held across multiple stages in Middlesbrough town.

Organised by local promotions company Ten Feet Tall with the local council is a free festival running for its eleventh year. This year it will kick off on the 6^th of June.

The Big Issue magazine

FOR fifteen years homeless people across the UK have been selling The Big Issue on our streets. Reporter SERENA HOLLAND spent a day with a Big Issue vendor to see what his life is really like.

Paul Harris, 38, lives in Middlesbrough and has sold The Big Issue for around four years.

He arrives at his spot on Linthorpe Road every morning at 9am and spends the day trying to shift as many magazines as possible.

But selling magazines to the public does not always go well. Yesterday, within the first hour he had not sold anything at all, and for Paul – who lives hand to mouth – meant he had no money for his essentials.

Paul said: “When you spend hours and don’t sell anything it can be disheartening. But you just have to keep going because it is how I make a bit of extra cash which really helps me.”

By 10.30am most people would have had enough of rejection. But Paul did not give up. He kept plodding up and down Linthorpe Road repeating his ‘Big Issue’ cry.

Paul said: “When I first stared selling the Big Issue, it was gutting when I didn’t sell any and the comments I got from some people in the street just for trying. The public still believe that it is only homeless people and people with drug issues that sell this, but it isn’t true.”

A large amount of people selling The Big Issue are not homeless or have drug problems at all. Paul has been off the streets and in his own home for two years. But he enjoys selling the magazine, and the link that gives him to his former life.

“The magazine is on a commission basis. We buy the magazine for 85p and then sell it on for £1.70 now, the 85p is what goes to the charities that the Big Issue supports,” he said.

“I like the fact that I am still helping charities, and to be honest the money really helps me and my family.”

Some people pretended not to hear Paul or said ‘I have no money’. It was shocking and to be honest It was obvious that not many people understood how hard the distributor was working.  Are people believeing that the money they give would go directly on drugs or alcohol? This may happen with some, but as Paul said: ‘not everyone is the same’.

One in three Big Issue vendors are mugged for their takings and end up with no money at the end of a long, hard day of selling. This means that the money that spent on the magazine has also been lost, thrown away to the wind.

Some people who walked past were generous, most didn’t expect a magazine in return for the money they gave him. This made a ‘huge difference’ and meant that he didn’t lose a magazine, and that he could sell it on later to make an extra profit.

The clock struck 12:30pm and Paul had been there over three hours. He was was tired, hungry and needed a break, but unless he got his sales in, he couldn’t relax, eat, or sit down. It was very hard work and the reality of the matter was, that he needed this extra cash in his pocket. Within the last three hours Paul had sold four magazines, which might sound like a lot but for the work put in, it really isn’t.

“I don’t only do this just for the money, although that is the main reason, I do it because I enjoy it. I love standing in the street, meeting a few people and selling the magazine. I also do it for the charities that The Big Issue support which a lot of people don’t even know about. Yes, the money does help the homeless and people with problems, but it is to get them off the street and back into work which is what most people want”

On average Paul sells between 15 and 20 magazines a day which is a maximum profit of £17 a day (excluding extra money he receives as a good will). Anything from 10p is a profit to these people, and the look on Pauls face whenever a contribution was made, was priceless.

At the end of the day, Paul is not homeless or uses drugs but he doesn’t choose to sit around all day doing nothing. Instead he gets out of bed at 8am and starts selling The Big Issue at 9am.

For a profit of £17, The Big Issue are lucky to have him and other vendors on the streets. Remember, ‘never judge a book by it’s cover’ .

Image By Ikuko Tsuchiya

Creative Writing students have showcased their work as part of Teesside University’s Creative Arts Week.

‘Caberet of the spoken word’ saw past and present students taking to the stage with extracts of poetry and drama they have written throughout their course.

Poetry, verse and script readings were interspersed with folk music from Irish singer Andy Broderick, and recent work by Teesside University’s writer-in-residence Andy Whilloughby.

The event gave students an opportunity to experience presenting their work to an audience of literary fans, and also to celebrate what they had achieved at Teesside. Creative Writing tutor Bob Beagrie said: “It is a really good opportunity for my poetry students to read to a live audience. There are not enough courses with performance aspects and its great to see a thriving literary culture at Teesside”.

As well as current students, a handful of last years MA Creative Writing students had returned to present some of their favourite work to the 2010 cohort. This included a comical poem by Jenna Hobson on the trials and tribulations of road rage, and a spiritual piece by George Krezner. George, aged 60, said: “My poem was based on my baptism and experiences before and after that. I did this piece for my MA and thought it was a good performance piece for tonight”

Creative Writing student Rebecca Crossan (Image by Ikuko Tsuchiya)

He had started writing the piece last year whilst studying for his MA, saying:  “My time at Teesside was a brilliant experience”.

For current student Rebecca Crossan, this was the first time she had presented her poetry. She said: “The course has been very interesting and has opened my eyes to poetry and how it can be made into performance”.

Before studying for the MA Rebecca completed an English degree hopes that the skills she has gained from the course and event will be useful when she trains to be a teacher. The course highlighted the importance of having faith in your writing and she advised fellow students to “just keep writing and don’t throw anything away”.

Writer-in-Resident Andy Whilloughby hailed this year’s showcase as a great success saying: “The quality of this year’s work has been excellent”.

Khans Restaurant

I don’t know about you but when im feeling down, or feeling bored I love to get dressed up and have an enjoyable evening with my partner. Trying out new restaurants is something we do but sometimes we get let down with the food, service they offer and/or the price.

This weekend we really fancied an Indian and in Middlesbrough there are a few to choose from but we chose Khans on Borough Road. It looked nice from the outside but we couldn’t see much of the inside. We popped in to have a look and it looked nice and calm.

When I stepped into Khans Restaurant I couldn’t believe how much my stomach was alerted by the smell of mixed spices that were coming out of the kitchen. It smelt fantastic and I couldn’t wait to start.

We were taken to our table and offered drinks. Now this put me off a bit as I usually like to look at the drinks menu first so I can see what they have and how much it costs. We ordered a bottle of wine anyway and all of the extra plates and cutlery were taken off the table.

Part of the restaurant

We were put on a four seated table which was ok but I have always preferred to sit on a  two seat table especially when I go with my partner.

The Waiter brought over the drinks and food menus quickly which pleased us and gave us long enough to choose what we wanted to eat.

It was 7pm and to be honest the restaurant felt more like we were on Big Brother. There was only us and another couple in there and we felt like we had to speak quietly and not make too much noise! They did have music in the background but I don’t think it was loud enough. There was more staff in there than customers!

Our starter came out after about ten minutes which we were happy with, we really enjoyed it. We had onion bhajjis, and a pickle tray including mango chutney and yoghurt. I couldn’t stop eating the chutney!

When we had finished the starter they left us for a few minutes before coming a clearing the table. Another ten minutes passed and finally another customer came in just as they brought out our main courses. We ordered a korma and a tikka and both were amazing. The korma was thick and creamy with plenty of coconut and the tikka had rich spices, there was plenty of meat to accompany them.

The friendly staff make you feel welcome

They shortly brought over the poppadoms and garlic naan we had ordered. These were both nice but the naan bread didn’t have enough garlic on it for our taste. The wine wasn’t the best for the price of it but to be honest we didn’t expect an expensive one to come out.

The atmosphere in the restaurant picked up at around quarter to 8 and this is definitely when we would have chosen to come if we would have known.

We never really leave tips and I hate it when we get watched the minute they put the bill on the table. We didn’t leave a tip as usual, but a lot of people would have just because of the way the restaurant felt. This is another reason why we would go when it is busier as we can pay the bill and get out!

Overall the food was fantastic and the service was great. There were some bad points but I think it was well worth the money and I would advise anyone to try this restaurant.

Annmarie Garbutt

A Teesside woman whose brother was seriously injured serving in Afghanistan is taking part in a marathon sponsored walk to  raise money for those who have helped her family.

Annmarie Garbutt is leading an eight-woman team attempting the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in August.  The gruelling 24-mile trek takes in the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.  They are the three highest peaks in Yorkshire and have a combined height of 5,000 feet.

Annmarie’s brother Simon, suffered serious leg injuries in an explosion while serving with his regiment, the Light Dragoons in Afghanistan in September last year.  After being flown back to the UK, he spent three months at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham and is currently at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court in Surrey.

The group are doing the walk in aid of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help.  The organisation helps current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.

SSAFA has two Norton Homes close to Selly Oak and Headley Court, which allow families to stay close to loved ones who are receiving treatment and rehabilitation.  The homes are available 365 days a year and are run by dedicated on-site teams who are there to offer support, comfort and advice to those who stay.  In little more than a year, more than 600 people have stayed at the homes, including 150 servicemen and women.  Those numbers include Annmarie and her family, which is why she wants to do as much as she can to help the charity.

She is aiming to raise more than £2000 and is already more than halfway towards her target.

Donations can be made at:  www.justgiving.com/4321

view from one of the three peaks

Catching the public interest

The biggest night of the year arrived for the fine art and design students as they showcased their work on the opening night of the Creative Arts week.

The exhibition opened in a night of celebration as the students took their first opportunity to show their work to potential employers, as well as members of the public.

Michelle Blackett, 21, from Hartlepool, won an award for project of the year in the field of Product Design. She said: “This is an important evening, its exciting. I’m looking forward to meeting people and potential employers. It’s just nice to show people your work.”

Spread out around the Athena, Cook and Constantine buildings, the exhibition was opened by Helen Hughes, a Teesside graduate of 1999, who is now working for Design Bridge, an international branding agency.

Helen said: “I look back fondly and see how the University has developed, I still draw a lot from what I learned at university.”

Alongside Michelle, other awards were given out in the separate fields of design.

Hassan Mehdi won the project of the year award for Graphic design and Elise Lee Siew Han won the award for Interior design.

There was also recognition of the achievements of Sophie Karaer, 20 from Lincoln, who earned a membership into the

Sophie Karaer

International Society of Type Designers (ISTD).

ISTD is a highly sought after, prestigious award, Sophie said: “It a good thing to get into, they only let a few people in each year.”

Fine art student Bushra Kahn is from Pakistan. She is the only international student on the fine art course, and she believes this gives her a unique viewpoint which she aims to bring out in her artwork.

She said: “I want to introduce my culture to my paintings. I wanted to show people what Pakistan actually is because the media shows the wrong image of it so I wanted to tell the audience its a colourful thing and you really should visit there.”

The importance of the event, in terms of the potential for future work is matched by the feel of celebration and achievement.

Louis Robinson, Fine art tutor specialising in sculpture, said: “One of the most satisfying things is seeing the journey the students make from when they come into the course, to when they graduate. It’s tremendous!

“It’s an accumulation of three years hard work so it is important for the students and their families and it is good to see a conclusion to what they have done.”

Here are some interviews with the students and public reaction to the exhibition.

The exhibition runs from 10am till 4pm every day until Friday.

It is free and open to the public.

The design work is located on the first floor of the Athena building, and the first and second floors of the cook building. Fine art work is on the second and third floors of Athena and the second floor of the Constantine building.

Art

Performing arts students

It’s the end of the academic year and students from Teesside University are celebrating with the annual Creative Arts week.

The upcoming event, this year titled ‘Bespoke’, runs from today until Friday.

It showcases the work created by final year Arts and media students.

The variety on offer ranges from Design and Fine Art exhibitions, creative writing, performing arts and short films from the media students.

17th- 21st

Assistant Dean Martin Pout, said: “Alongside graduation, this is my favourite time of year. Bespoke is a culmination of all the hard work that the students have done during their studies.

“Year upon year the quality of the design, artwork and films just get better and better.”

It is split up into categories, hosted separately each day of the week.

The Design and Fine Art exhibition opens on Monday, at 4pm in the Athena, Cook and Constantine buildings. It runs from 10am- 4pm every day following until Friday.

‘Cabaret of the Spoken Word’, features creative writing, poetry and fantastic local music. It is taking place in The Hub, in the Students Union on Wednesday from 6pm.

Middlesbrough colleges’ Hazel Pearson Theatre hosts two shows from students from the performance and arts programmes. There are three showings beginning at 3 and 7pm Thursday 20th and 7pm Friday 21st May.

Finally, on Friday there will be a showcase of short films from the media production students, screening from 3pm in the Athena building.

Last year’s event was met with praise from the students and visitors, which this year they hope to top.

Come along and treat yourself to a feast of visual and audio work from the talented students at Teesside University.

All events are free and open to the public.

Go to www.tees.ac.uk/bespoke for more information.

Manchesters own (not London!) Davey Boy Smith

Every week I will be bringing you lucky readers my top ten thoughts on WWE Smackdown – all the good points and more then likely all the bad ones too.

1. Why does Edge get to have a chance at the World Heavyweight Championship? He lost it once and hasn’t done anything else to get another chance. Go away please and come back when you have a reason to.

2. It never ceases to amaze me how WWE doesn’t give a dam about a tag team but all of a sudden expects us to care when they split up and feud. Why would we care? We have never been given a reason to care.

3. I wish Drew McIntyre would change his titantron, the part where he turns round makes him look like a creepy old man. Bad photoshopping on WWE’s part.

4. The hanging suplex/springboard spot with the Hart Dynasty and Rey Mysterio spot during the 3 man tag team was one of the best moves I have seen this year.. WOW.

5. I loved how The Miz was wearing his Blue Peter badge when he was doing commentary this week. Props for mentioning it gets you free into museums and amusement parks, I wish I could have one but I’m not nice enough.
6. However, I died a little inside when he said Davey Boy Smith was from London when he is actually from Manchester – 200 miles away!

7. Honestly JTG, what is with the hair?

8. Darren Young’s likeness to John Cena scares me. I would love to see the NXT rookie complete with bald head bump into Cena and be like “omg we look the exact same, and the crowd both don’t give a damn about us – lets swap places.”

9. Now Big Zeke is out for up to six months – are they going to try and get Shad to take his place as a big domineering force? He even makes the same Ahmed Johnson style battle cries Ezekiel did.

10. CM PUNK BEARD WATCH – looks like he gave it a good deep conditioning and a trim this week.

My beautiful, sexy and powerful Beth is no longer

Every week I will be bringing you lucky readers my top ten thoughts on WWE Smackdown – all the good points and more then likely all the bad ones too.

1. Why did WWE give away a PPV match for free on Smackdown this week? Silly wrestling company. You’ll end up like WCW if you keep doing this.

2. Christian looks awesome in his tights. More wrestlers really need to start wearing tights instead of the sea of trunks we see before us every week.

3. Kofi Kingston vs. Christian was a breath taking match this week. The mix between classic grappling, high flying action and endless pin attempts surely makes it a contender for match of the year.

4. OI KOFI! That pendulum kick is Christians move! – The bloody cheek of some people *tut.*

5. Woop, Drew is back on Smackdown with the Intercontinental belt around his sexy hips.

6. MVP and JTG – a combined weight of 470 lbs, surely 469 lbs of the combined weight belongs to MVP?

7. WOW, Jack Swagger is a national scrabble champion. That award amazes me the most out of all the other ones he had – even the yummy sandwich. I’m such a board game geek – it was Big Show with the ballroom dancing trophy in the wrestling ring.

8. Last week I was thinking of giving up on watching wrestling when Drew was fired but then he came back this week and everything was okay again. BUT NOW! My Beth, the wonderful, amazing, beautiful Beth Phoenix lost the Woman’s Championship and will be out for six months due to a torn ACL, there is actually no reason for me to watch wrestling any more at all! – I will though, but I will be upset ALL the time .

9. Oh Teddy Long, surely Drew’s biggest match was when he went against The Undertaker? Not his match against Big Show next week. Check your facts.

10. BEARD WATCH: Gosh, Punks hairy chum has all of a sudden got very pointy. He might stab somebody’s eye out with it if his not careful.

Who was hot and who was not this week in wrestling? However, this isn’t your usual “who did good and who did bad” style column. No, this is the literal look at who actually looked sexy this week and who, well, didn’t. Also in a new addition I will be adding a vintage pick in my hotties and notties list. So if you want to see one of your old crushes or somebody who made you feel a bit sick in the mouth, please just leave a comment saying who you would like to appear in the list.

A flaming hot trio are my numuro uno hotties this week.

Gail Kim, Zack Ryder and Alicia Fox appear at the top of my list this week for their effortless cool. Miss. Fox brings all this seasons trends into one sexy but cute package with her playsuit, ballet flats and tousled hair. Gail Kim with her sexy silver sequins and sleek hair and of course Zack Ryder with his awesome AWESOME attire makes this threesome somebody who I would like to woo, woo, woo you know it with . Second placed hotties of the week go to Kelly Kelly and Tiffany.

The divalicious terrific tag team are perhaps one of the cutest things I have seen this week (this otter only justs takes the top spot.) The pair of blondes with their little dance makes me want to just take them away, go on a mega shopathon then chill out at night watching musicals while painting each other’s toe nails. Kelly Kelly in her classic pink and Tiffany in her ice skating turned wrestling attire are certainly the epitome for the sexy part of the Diva catchphrase (maybe not so much when it comes to smart and powerful.) The inbetweener choice this week is my vintage pick and the infamous award goes to The Rockers.

Now The Rockers are my favourite ever tag team but come on Shawn and Marty what is with bouffant hair. I know it was the 80’s but still I don’t ever think this was a good look. Those earings are also a bit wtf?! Why only one ear? – it’s not cool guys, it just makes you look forgetful. However, the former AWA tag team champs have inspired my look to what it is today. All those bright colours, accessories and of course most importantly the tassles put this twosome up at the top of the wrestling fashionista league. (the less said about Martys 19993 Royal Rumble attire the better) First nottie of the week goes to Carlito.

The colon brother is a sad shadow of his former self. Nobody could of had a better start in WWE then Carlito, who won the US champsionship in his debut on Smackdown then when he got drafted to RAW he went on to win the Intercontinental title on his first night and now the former unified tag team champ struggles to get on TV. Perhaps this is down to his entire look! Gone are the days of his Carlito Caribbean Cool shorts and all of a sudden these low rent highspots.com pre-made pleather pants have taken over. He is a pro-wrestler who works for the biggest sports entertainment company not a worker getting paid just his travel expenses on an indie show. Come on Carlitio; it looks like your getting a mini push, get it sorted asap.

In last place this week as my most not hot person goes to Flavour Flav.

The guest host of RAW this week was one hot green mess this week. Judging by his crazy outfit he seems to think his in the Emerald City hanging out with the Wizard of Oz (the real one – not Kevin Nash) rather than in Pittsburgh. I wish he would just click those horrible clunky black shoes together and wish himself home so I no longer have to look at this embarrassment of a man. His whole get-up may perhaps be even more embarrassing than Jerry Blackwell (r.i.p) in the wrestlerock rumble video (go to 0.45 – look out for an amazing appearance by my inbetweeners as well )

You wouldn't think this happy little guy could be so darn agressive!

Every week I will be bringing you lucky readers my top ten thoughts on WWE Smackdown – all the good points and more then likely all the bad ones too.

1.Ergh Cena even manages to get on the Smackdown opening – albeit he is getting knocked out which is a great thing but still I don’t want to see him any more then I have to.

2. No! Don’t fire my beautiful Drew! – What is the point of watching wrestling now my precious eye candy has gone!

3. Eeeesh, whoever thought that wonder ref Charles Robinson could be so darn aggressive – chill out mate, his still my favourite member of staff though (well after Josh Matthews.)

4. Luke Gallows should team up with Cody Rhodes and they could be called the generic theme tag team – come on WWE give them both a decent entrance song.

5. Come on Punk be sensible, Rey wouldn’t dare put any hallucinogenic drugs in his one of a kind Gucci mask.

6. Finally both Punk and Rey have a stipulation at their match at over the limit – something will definitely go down time! I wonder who will win? I’m excited

7. AWWW Kelly Kelly and Tiffany as a tag team! they are too cute and happy together. I just want to hang with them so we can paint each other’s toenails, watch Disney films and eat sweets (although looking at their bodies I would be the only one munching on a pack of Haribo.)

8. Todd Grisham said that the match between Christian and Cody Rhodes was a battle between two young superstars. Christian isn’t young his 36! – However, I hope he does win the Intercontinental belt next week, he really deserves it, hell he deserves the WHC but I don’t think that will be happening any time in the near future.

9. If there is one thing that I’ve learnt from wrestling (other than don’t try and preach straightedge on people as they will go complain to a teacher and you will get in mega trouble) it’s that you should never ever have your back turned against Big Show.

10. BEARD WATCH: Matt Hardy’s line of hair between his first and second chin is a piss poor attempt at a beard – look to our straight edge saviour for some advice please.

However, this isn’t your usual “who did good and who did bad” style column. No, this is the literal look at who actually looked sexy this week and who, well, didn’t.

Also in a new addition I will be adding a vintage pick in my hotties and notties list. So if you want to see one of your old crushes or somebody who made you feel a bit sick in the mouth, please just leave a comment saying who you would like to appear in the list.Batista is my numero uno hottie this week.

So I was just absentmindedly watching RAW this week when Batista’s music hit and my mother looked up from her book watched big Dave for about five seconds turned to me and told me that I HAD to put this fine specimen of a man at the top of my hotties list this week. In a vintage Arnold Schwarzenegger pose showing off his to die for muscle mass and perfect definition make this former WWE champion a hottie both my mother and I can’t seem to take our eyes away from. Plus his teeny tiny trunks are all the better for my wild imagination.

My second placed hottie of the week goes to Miss. Melina Perez.

Coral scarf? – check
Maxi skirt? – check
Trophy jacket? – check
Studded details? – check
This season’s hottest shade of ivory? – check!

Oh Melina you high fashion minx you. In this Cinco de Mayo photoshoot Melina pulls of all this season’s hottest trends in this traditional haute couture outfit. Now to be honest with you I’m not Melina’s biggest fan but she does look stunningly beautiful here and I can’t wait for her to come back so the divas on RAW may actually produce a decent match.

The inbetweener this week is my vintage pick and it goes to Sean Waltman/The 1-2-3 Kid/X-Pac/Syxx-Pac, or whatever he wants to be known as these days.

Aw, look at the fresh baby faced 1-2-3 kid here in his early 20’s – who knew that growing a beard would make him look so much cooler. However, this is the first time I’ve noticed that he has one hell of a chiselled chin (and boy do I like my chins chiselled á la Drew McIntyre, Brian Kendrick, Beth Pheonix and erm myself.) Then all of a sudden X-Pac turns into one hot hell of a mess (I will ignore the boobalicious beautiful Chyna here – save her for another week.) Somehow he thinks two different shades of suede make a good outfit and the ol’ sunglasses at night make him look cool – it doesn’t. But now in TNA Sean Waltman has come back looking hotter than ever. In his pleather, glasses and leather jacket, the former X-Division champ will always remain awesome in my book – because well, whoever is good enough for Chyna is good enough for me.

First notties of the week go to Ink Inc.

This eerie similar tag team of Shannon Moore (*sigh* will he ever learn this ain’t a good look for him) and Jesse Neal really grinds my gears. Jesse just strikes me as somebody who has tried far too hard to become a wrestler and with his Mohawk and tattoos, just makes me think why couldn’t you come up with your own thing rather than being like everybody else. No idea if this is anywhere near the truth but it still makes me irate. On another note he really shouldn’t wear that style of trunks.

In last place this week as my most not hot person yet again goes to Orlando Jordan.

The former US Champ really needs to stop doing this! This week it is a mixture of Bastion Booger and glamour girl Jodie Marsh (look her up – she is frightful.) Those pants are scarily tight and leave almost nothing to the imagination – this time it’s bad though, really bad. However, you can definitely see where is he going with this controversial-ish gimmick and its going great for him, those boo’s he received were deafening.

Cody Rhodes - one to look out for

Every week I will be bringing you lucky readers my top ten thoughts on WWE Smackdown – all the good points and more then likely all the bad ones too.

1. Teddy Long = the original Snoop Doggy Dogg, hizzle fo’ sizzle.

2. Oh thank heavens they managed to get the World Heavyweight Championship belt back. I don’t think my eyes could take that shiny mess for a third time.

3. Chavo will you be joining simply flawless? Will you be their version of Cute Kip? and go on to rip The Beautiful People off even more so?

4. I have a soft spot for Cody Rhodes when he walks out backwards in his entrance. However, he does need his own theme rather than a generic track number 5 from Basketball Highlights #12.

5. WOW, that moonsault by the second-generation superstar was absolutely beautiful and very Kurt Angle-esque, he is definitely one to look out for.

6. Has Edge all of a sudden turned into Fagin from the musical Oliver! – “all the trials and tribulations” – he better settle down and get himself a wife (for the third time)

7. Okay MVP, please stop with your whole “cornrow wearing, jaw dropping” thing. Ric Flair is the only person ever who can pull this off and you’re not even worth 1/1000000th of him.

8. Somebody, anybody PLEASE tell Jack Swagger that nobody cares for his little facts about his life. Thanks.

9. How come Big Show all of a sudden gets a title shot for well no reason at all! At least earn it please and I don’t think going around backstage punching people for well, nothing, is a good enough reason to earn a title shot.

10. BEARD WATCH: as the marvel that is Matt Striker said “in all his glory, with all of his hair” – Punks hairy chum is growing into a well defined good ol’ classic beard this week, keep on growing oh marvellous one.

However, this isn’t your usual “who did good and who did bad” style column. No, this is the literal look at who actually looked sexy this week and who, well, didn’t.

Velvet Sky is my numero uno hottie this week.

The Beautiful Person is straight in at top of my list this week, well how could she not be with that unbelievable toned yet curvylicious body – those legs are to die for. Her diamond plated bra, barely there pants and pair of wrestling gloves to top the look off make this one knockout that you can’t take your eyes away from.

My second placed hotties of the week are the Straight Edge Society.

Aww, look how happy the threesome is after their leader CM Punk beat Rey Mysterio at Extreme Rules this week. Punk and his general creepy hotness was taken up to a whole new level this past Sunday with his cute, and charming smile (can he please be my prince?) Whilst Serena is of course her usual beautiful and radiant self (although I have no idea why she thought white 3/4s and black leather jacket go together.) And Luke Gallows, well it’s nice to see him crack a smile out every once in a while.

The inbetweener this week goes to Ric Flair.

Yes, I know it might be mean to say a 61-year-old legend hall of famer is not hot, but come on its the truth (kinda.) I know his always worn trunks throughout his 38 year career and its part of who he is. But come on, really Flair REALLY? There is no need for us to see your saggy bum and cellulited thighs. However, his robe is all kinds of amazing and makes him the absolute best out there.  I wish so much that I had one (goes to ebay to search for one, found it! – http://tinyurl.com/3869epv – I think I will ask for this for my 21^st.)

The first nottie of the week goes to Triple H’s baldingness.

Just because your best friend has gone there is no need to replicate him and his hair loss. Take some tips and advice from Chavo and get some hair plugs stuck in the back there, perhaps I am just being mean and maybe it’s down to pre-baby stress but come on HHH your one of the best out there and I’m just looking out for you!

In last place as the most not hot person of the week goes to Orlando Jordan.

Yes, his back (back again) and yes he is still corrupting my mind. This time OJ seems to think it’s appropriate to bundle some multicoloured feathers together and make a micro mini skirt out of them. Then in addition to that make some sort of high fashion cuff, and don’t forget that he had some crazy craft-store feathers on his boot as well. However, I do like the fact that his going for something a bit different but still there is no need to go around looking like a pornographic version of big bird. This certainly ain’t ‘delicious.’

Drew McIntyre - ain't he beautiful?

Every week I will be bringing you lucky readers my top ten thoughts on WWE Smackdown – all the good points and more then likely all the bad ones too.

1. Couldn’t WWE get a decent-looking replica World Heavyweight Championship belt for Swagger this week? Come on, it’s obvious that this shiny, robust version should belong to a child and not a champion. I know it was short notice but they could have at least tried.

2. Are WWE finally going to abide to their own rules and give John Morrison a World Heavyweight Championship match for beating Swagger?

3. Bless CM Punk and his little tuft of hair – I hope he has a nice shaped head just in case he does have to get all his hair shaved off.

4. I actually really like R-Truth (who I thought was dead) and Matt Hardy as a tag team because they actually have some chemistry together being BFFs n all that. They should have teamed up against Showmiz at Wrestlemania instead of the hot mess that was ‘black magic and the white shadow.’

5. Ooouf that kick to the head to Matt Hardy by Drew McIntyre on the steel steps was sick! – got to agree with Matt Striker though – I loved it.

6. So what will the ‘extreme makeover’ divas match entail of? Will the looser have to get her hair cut? Get made to wear some butt-ugly clothes? Or will they get attacked by ironing boards and 5-inch spiked heels? I actually have no idea but nonetheless I am excited for this match.

7. Smackdown should get some tips from TNA on how to make a steel cage look good. I even think the blue monstrosity from the 80’s is better then what WWE are currently using.

8. Seriously Edge, are you injured or not? You came out with a dicky leg on RAW then it magically healed halfway during the tag match. But now all of a sudden it’s giving you jip again. Make up your mind!

9. On a slightly different Smackdown note – did everybody read Matt Hardy’s tweets about Drew McIntyre? – Bitter much? I can see where Matt is coming from but still no need to go OTT.

10. BEARD WATCH: oh well now that Mike Knox has gone I guess we will never see an all-out battle of the beards between CM Punk and Knox. Although, Vance Archer is growing quite a momentous one atm so you never know.

Newcastle: Just one of the many queues around the country

The electoral commission has launched an urgent investigation into why tens of thousands of people were unable to vote after polling stations were unable to cope.

Now we can’t even organise an eletion.  What is this country coming to?  I mean, surely they would have know that a vast number of people would be coming to vote.  Everyone votes at different times of the day and some people will have been unable to do so until they finished work which would have still given them plenty of time to cast their vote.

There were chaotic scenes in Cities including London, Sheffield and Newcastle as polling stations failed to cope with the huge turnout.  Senior Politicians have described this as a fiasco saying “It made Britain seem like a Third World Country.”

Some polling station staff closed the doors in the faces of people who had been queuing for hours while others let voters in past the 10pm deadline.  How is this fair?  I cannot believe that this country today cannot organise a successful election.  Instead, thousands of people were unable to vote and in some cases, first time voters were left out.  This is not explainable.  Everyone has the right to vote and the endles queues outside buildings shows just how much people wanted to make their mark in the election.

Thats not the only thing that happened.  This is possibly the most surreal thing I have heard which is that some polling stations ran out of ballot papers.  They actually didn’t have enough papers for the people who wished to vote!

Voting in scores of marginal constituencies may have been affected and the Electoral Commission warned that results could now be challenged in the courts.  Rightly so I mean who knows what could have happened if the thousands of people were actually allowed to vote.

Leading human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson QC said that people denied the right to vote could take legal action.

“These people have a right to sue,” he said.  “They will get at least £750 in my view. Under the European Convention you have a right to vote.”

Areas affected by long queues

Yesterday, virtually every city in England was affected by the queue chaos, with police called in to deal with unprecedented scenes in London, Manchester and Sheffield.

Reports flooded in from dozens of polling stations of problems throughout the day with some distributing the wrong papers, hundreds missing from the electoral role and in one case, 600 postal votes lost.  Who is in charge of all this?  Whoever it is then they clearly should not be in charge.  I would definitely have something to say if they lost my postal vote.

In the marginal seat of Chester, where Toby Perkins got in for Labour with a majority of just 549, Labour party officials claimed that more than 600 people were turned away because polling lists had not been updated.

As he was re-elected in Witney, David Cameron said one of the first tasks of the new government would be “to get to the bottom of what has happened and make sure that never ever happens again.”

In a statement, the Electoral Commission said: “By law, polls must close at 10pm and any voter issued with a ballot paper by 10pm should be allowed time to cast it, but no ballot paper should be issued after 10pm.  There should have been sufficient resources allocated to ensure that everyone who wished to vote was able to do so.”

There was outcry among politicians and party members as people were turned away.  Nick Clegg went to apologise personally to voters in his Sheffield Hallam constituency who had doors shut in their face.

In Sheffield Hallam, Mr. Clegg’s constituency, where queues of up to three hours had formed, disenfranchised voters were reported to have tried to block roads to stop ballot boxes leaving polling stations.  Rightly so!  I think I would do the same thing.  Queuing for up to three hours and being told you cannot vote is not acceptable in any case.  Even waiting for an hour and being told you cannot vote is beyond belief.

In Newcastle, hundreds of queuing voters were ushered into two polling stations before the 10pm deadline and they were allowed to vote after the cut-off point because they were safely inside, a city council spokesman said.

There were 150 people waiting outside a polling station in Jesmond who were still able to vote because of the move.

One characteristic blunder occurred in Sheffield, where council officers decided to divide the electorate into two sections: long-term residents and students. The result was utter disaster: the 10pm deadline was reached with a long line of students still waiting outside the station. 

The 2010 General Election will be forever tainted by this farce. With the eyes of the world upon us, we have been turned into an international laughing stock.  Yet again, this country has showed just how messed up we are and as for those who blame the high turnouts, they should cast their minds back to the 1950s and 1960s where the voting turnout was about 85%.  This election turnout is estimated to be only 70% so come on Britain, get it sorted!

However, this isn’t your usual “who did good and who did bad” style column. No, this is the literal look at who actually looked sexy this week and who, well, didn’t. Straight in at Number One this week with no hesitation are TNA tag team The Motorcity Machineguns.

The former Tag Team of the Year looked so ‘effin hot this week in the Xscape match at Lockdown. With their bang-on-trend spiked leather jackets, sexual hair and the mild arrogance that sweats out of every pore makes this a tag team I would like to have a 3-way with (a match of course!)

My second placed hottie of the week goes to TNA Knockout Daffney.

The zombie-hot scream Queen takes the crown when it comes to diva/knockout photoshoots. The former WCW Cruiserweight Champion looks spec-‘tac’-ular here showing off her hot body to the extreme. The sexy sideways glance and parted mouth captures the audience immediately. Also, the Shark Boy tattoo on her hip is pretty darn awesome.

The inbetweeners of this week are ALL of the rookies on NXT.

Why the heck do they all have to wear trunks?! (Otunga does wear them when he wrestles.) But really, what is the fascination with them all in that they have to wear the tiny trunks. None of them look horrible (Wade Barret actually looks beautiful) but come on, attire can make the man and some of these Rookies do need a personality transplant asap. A fetching pair of tasselled tights ala Macho Man could up Heath Slater’s non-personality immediately.

The first nottie of the week goes to Shannon Moore.

Oh, what is it with you OMEGA boys appearing in my not hot list (you better watch out Jeff.) Prince of Punk? More like the Prince of Junk with that crap you’ve got on around your neck. To be honest Shannon, you look like a mixture of a cabbage patch doll with that hair and an extremely low rent version of Gene Simmons with that make-up. This ‘wonderful’ book of DILLIGAF surely must be a book on how to look terrible instead.

In last place as the most not hot person of the week goes to Mickie James

The newly released diva appears at the bottom of my list this week because of her awful ‘attire’. Well to be honest I can’t even call it wrestling attire. I could easily wear her whole get-up (albeit a bit more covered – its cold in the North of England) and nobody would bat an eye lid. So Mickie, what is with the normal clothes – why didn’t you try something a bit more special and well wrestling-like. Miss. James is also going a bit Mae Young in the face, so try some botox out before joining TNA.

However, this isn’t your usual “who did good and who did bad” style column. No, this is the literal look at who actually looked sexy this week and who, well, didn’t.

Straight in at Number One – the hottest person of the week goes to Lacey Von Erich.

Oh, isn’t she just amazingly beautiful. Now I’m not no lesbian but even I got a slight twinge when she started to perform her strip tease on TNA. Lacey is literally an angel sent down from heaven – albeit perhaps a naughty angel but she is heaven on earth. With her perfect hair, beyond perfect body and her hot little lacey lingerie and stocking get-up she is truly a knockout.

My second placed hotties of the week go to The Hart Dynasty.

The inbetweener award this week goes to CM Punk.

Oh My God, I thought I would never see the day when I thought CM Punk would look a bit well ugly. But unfortunately here is that dreaded day. When Punk first started growing out this crazy beard I thought “mmm I see where you’re going and it looks good” but now this monstrosity of a thing on his face just looks disgusting and it needs a good conditioning. Also perhaps use a bit of concealer on those eye-bags, it works a treat. Also Punk one more thing, you claim you don’t put chemicals in your hair – which describes that grease bomb – but you used to have bleach blonde hair, so stop lying. But I still love you and hopefully you will turn back sexy asap.

The first nottie (not hot) of the week goes to Fat Hardy sorry I mean Matt Hardy.

Oh, Matthew Moore Hardy where did it all go wrong? (don’t blame your intestine blowing up!) The caption for this picture was ‘McIntyre goes for Hardy’s mid section – well it’s not easy to miss that big bloated belly is it?! You used to be such a good looking young lad, but now you’ve just simply let yourself go. Also the transformation from tights back to your god awful pants has just made you look even worse. Get back in shape, go back to your tights and t-shirt combo and perhaps, one day you may appear in the upper half of the hottie or nottie list.

In last place as the most not hot person of the week goes too… Orlando Jordan.

Oh My ‘effin God, what the hell is this? The whole scene on TNA actually corrupted my mind. Who thought this whole bisexual gimmick would be a good idea?! (I’m pointing at you Vince Russo.) Anyway, this porno version of Booker T is just hell in a picture. The white substance which represents -well as a good little catholic girl I shan’t say-is just plain horrific and shouldn’t those lycra chaps belong on one of the beautiful people, not a 38-year-old man. Perhaps he should take a leaf out of his initials namesake OJ and be sent to jail for crimes against fashion.

Tonight’s, the night. The night I’ve been waiting for all year WRESTLEMANIA 26.

Who will win? who will lose? and what match will be unbelivebly boring? Read on for my predictions.

Team Phoenix (Beth Phoenix,Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres and Gail Kim) vs. Team Guerrero (Vickie Guerrero, Michelle McCool, Layla, Maryse and Alicia Fox)

Of course I am predicting that my beautiful wife-to-be Miss.Beth Phoenix wins, with a glam slam to the bitch that is Layla. But I am worried that this match will be another Divas ‘extravangaza ‘with not much wrestling (due to the models) and the rushed feel that WWE have cursed upon this match. One thing that I hope to see in this match is Vickie Guerrero’s attempt to do a frog splash within this match but hopefully she can pull it off. I also hope that this match will actually be on the actual show as I want to see what the Divas wear and not have to wait till tomorrow morning.

Winner – Team Phoenix

Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk

I’ve really enjoyed the build-up to this match. We’ve seen a very creepy yet sexy CM Punk try and break down family man Rey Mysterio. If Rey loses he has to join the Straight Edge Society and if Punk looses well nothing happens to him (he should of had to shave off his beard and hair.) I think CM Punk will win in an unclean finish making Rey have to join the SES, unless the knee surgery Rey’s due to have means he needs to go off TV for a while. On another note I’m also overly eager to see what Rey will be wearing in this match.

Winner: CM Punk

Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase

In the words of DX “I’ve got two words for you: TOILET BREAK.” Ergh I so cannot be bothered with this match AT ALL. But what the hell, I predict Randy Orton to win as the other two have no charisma at all in order to win a match at Wrestlemania.

Winner: Randy Orton

Triple H vs. Sheamus

I am probably one of ten people who actually like Sheamus. I remember looking at the FCW page and thinking whoa he looks cool with his gingerness. Then when he turned up on ECW and was a big monster I was like WHEY. Then of course he beat up Cena and that made him God in my book. Sheamus should win this match as his opponent Triple H has nothing to prove or loose so he miseawell let his gym buddy win this match and let Sheamus prove to the fans that he is somebody to look out for.

Winner: Sheamus

ShoMiz vs. John Morrison & R-Truth for the Unified Tag Team Championship

I do like ShoMiz as a tag team but for some reason I can never be bothered to watch their matches and I hate the whole Morrison and Truth tag team have been chucked together for no reason at all. The legacy match is my toilet break so this one shall have to be my food break.

Winners: Showmiz

Bret “The Hitman” Hart vs. Vince McMahon

The match that has been 12 years in the making since the night of the Montreal Screwjob finally gets sorted tonight in a no holds barred match. It’s taken three months to get to the most anticpated-match for years and boy has it been a roller coaster ride getting here – fake injuries, Cena’s horrible overacting and Brets genrel coolness have all came together to bring us this once in a lifetime match. However, we all know there is only one outcome for this match: Bret wins by getting Vince in the sharpshooter.

Winner: Bret “The Hitman” Hart

“Money In The Bank” Ladder Match Christian vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Jack Swagger vs. MVP vs. Matt Hardy vs. Evan Bourne vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston

The Money In The Bank match is usually one of the highlights of Wrestlemania, and this year should be no exception. I am going to let you all in on my secret, azmzing way to decide who will win this match! It basically is “who could actually be world champ.” With that awesome mind thinking let’s get out the way the people who definitely won’t be world champ within the following year. So i’ve cut out Dolph because his no more than an intercontinal champ if that. Kane because his boring. Shelton because his terrible. Jack Swagger because WWE hate him for some reason even though he is an awesome wrestler., Evan Bourne because he is under 6ft. MVP because of his dicky heart and Matt Hardy because his fat and nobody wants an obese champion.

That leaves it between Christian, Drew Mcintyre and Kofi Kingston and to be honest I could see all three potentially grabbing the case of the 20ft ladder. But hopefully in the end it will be Drew Mcintyre because well his sexy and we need a good looking champ for once rather than ugly Cena. Or maybe Christian will win money in the bank and cash it in later on in the night. Hopefully there will be some sort of sick yet amazing spot in this match. And I would bet that it will be courtesy of my best friend Evan Bourne (he messeged me on twitter once) will do an amazing shooting star press of the top of the ladder.

Winner: Drew McIntyre or Christian

Batista vs Cena for the WWE Championship

If I got about this match at the start of the year I would of groaned and sighed in anger at the thought of two very boring men have a what would of been a very boring match. But ever since Batista turned bad ass, I have started too really like him. I don’t really have much to say about this match but hopefully Batista will win so Cena can get lost and stop going for the belt because what is the point if you have lost it twice already to go for it again!

Winner: Batista

Chris Jericho vs. Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship.

This match could of been really awesome, but the build-up has been really crap. I’m so disappointed in that, as Jericho is surely the best in the world at what he does and Edge is nice to look at. Although I want Jericho to win as I love him. I would like to see Edge win after a gruelling battle only for his ‘brother’ Christian to come out and cash his money in the bank on Edge and win! God that would be good, but very similar to what happened with the last money in the bank so let’s forget it. My bet is on Jericho so he can have that Wrestlemania moment that he so rightly deserves.

Winner: Chris Jericho

The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels
Undertaker’s Wrestlemania winning streak vs. Shawn’s career.

I am too excited and upset about this match. It’s hard for me to talk about this match without getting teary-eyed since I don’t want my favourite wrestler of all time to retire. So all I shall say is this: Undertaker will lose and his Wrestlemania streak will be a mere 17-1 and Shawn will win and will be awesome for years to come.

Winner – HBK

Hey, spur of the moment hear but I thought I would try to do a live blog whilst watching Wrestlemania. Hope you enjoy it and don’t get too confused by some of my random comments. x

I tuned in late and missed the tag match, but Showmiz won as i predicted, but it must of only lasted a minute or so but hey I dont care im glad Showmiz won.

LEGACY MATCH

Ted is boring as per

Cody didn’t come out backwards OH BOO, thats the only reason I like him.

Gosh that cheer for Randy was massive, now his a ‘good-guy’ can he please add some good moves to his set.

Oh, my toilet break and food break matches were straight after each other. Guess I will have to be hungry for the rest of the night.

This match is sooo boring. Something juicy better happen.

On other notes, the white ropes look really nice.

EEEE Rhodes is going offit at Ted, Go on Cody!!

Cody looks uber naked with his matching trunks, it just looks like he has some boots on… I love white boots.

RKO RKO RKO RKO RKO

Remember last year when Orton was in the Main Event against HHH for the belt and now his stuck in the second match against nobodys.

ORTON WINS!! well duh

gosh his sexy ha

Cena if you train everyday how come your still shit and can’t wrestle at all! Gosh I can do more moves then you.

WHEY ITS JOSH MATTHEWS! I LOVE YOU!

LMAO MEAN GENE

ergh Melina, I hate her so much… I hope she stays injured forever.

MONEY IN THE BANK

Whey Swagger looks awesome, I love glittery robes, every wrestler should have one!

I can’t believe money in the bank is on this early, should be on later as everybody likes it.

mmmmmm Drew! GO ON DREW!!!

I wish Kane was interesting, ooooo nasty black eye.

GO! aww I don’t know why, but i have a soft spot for Christian.

Can Fat Hardy even climb up a ladder without it breaking?

Kofi looks daft in white and he has BAD hair.

Shelton deserves his own botchamania.

A ladder sandwich?! ouchies

OoHHH GO ON EVAN! we are BFF’s after all.

Matthew Moore Hardy, I thought i told you to wear tights again.

SICK.

Aww poor Drew, I will look after you my sexy boy.

Kane, Matt Hardy and Christian are we back in the 90s?

Haha, that was a mint move by Swagger.

Oway, somebody get up and stop this, his obviously dawdiling.

OMGWTF?!

ASIF SWAGGER WON!!! not that i’m disappointed, his like my 2nd favorite on RAW but i thought WWE hated him, GO SWAGGER, a nice all american-american champ.

I like Inoki, we have the same chin.

WHEY THE FINK, his so cute.

Whey Keith Hart, his my favorite.

EVERYBODY HAS A PRICE.

Hopefully, Rick Rude will be in the class of 2011. Oh and Jake please.

Triple H vs. Sheamus

FACT: Sheamus isn’t as pale in real life, I think they must put a big white light on him when his on TV.

HERE HE IS! oh I wanted some sort of an amazing entrance off Trips.

Tell ‘em Sheamus… OOOO bitch slap ha.

ha this was funny courtesy of @pulsewrestling “Roof is open in Arizona. HHH’s strategy is to wait for sunburn to set in and win via open handed back-slap.”

I am going for some food, I doubt I will miss anything amazing in this match.

OMG I keep forgetting about Vince/Bret and then I remember and then I get over-excited a bit too much ha.

HHH wins with a pedigree out of no-where. Nice for him to help the younger guys look good, eh?

Hmmm I wonder what is next for HHH actually? Although he will be getting fat with Steph as she is pregnant so maybe he will just go away for a while.

CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio

Yeyy CM Punk, ooouf you are creepily sexy. We have so much in common, we are both straight-edge and erm hairy ha.

Cor, I wish i could just shoot promos like CM Punk.

I choose to be drug free, I choose to be better then every single one of you.

PEOPLE WHO DRINK, SMOKE OR TAKE ANY KIND OF DRUGS DISGUST ME!

Awww Rey isn’t dressed up in anything special his still awesome though. Oh yes i see, Avatar type attire… oh it is cool now actually.

CM Punks trunks are cool as. Military-style is bang on trend

Nearly a 619 into nearly a GTS… awesome.

AAWW MAN THAT WAS A SHORT MATCH

Awesome finish mind.

BRET vs. VINCE

aahhh excited much?

Oh Booo Bret doesn’t have attire on.

OH NO Vince has a mic! i bet something bad happens

AWWW MAN NATALYA YOU NASTY GIRL!!! AND KIETH! HOW DARE YOU.

YEY A DOUBLE CROSS! PHEW haha.

Slap him Nattie.

*puts on Natalya voice* Go on Tyson!

SHARPSHOOTER!!!

or maybe not, I’m glad Bret has finally recognized that he has a niece and nephew in WWE, now make them tag champs!

SHARPSHOOTER!!!! nah just a kick in the privates.

Oh, a chair. He needs a chilax as he is an old man who has suffered a stroke.

I thought chair shots weren’t allowed anymore?

All right Bret, STOP NOW his an old man! Proper revenge there, although Vince did kill his brother so he does deserve it.

SHARPSHOOTER????!!! yeeessss

YEEYY BRET WINS!!!

I wish Teesside Uni had a big massive stadium like that, rather then some astro turf.

Jericho vs Edge

Oh, Jericho is like one of my absolute favorites.. everybody should definitely go out and get his book, its amazing. You can borrow mine if your lucky and swap it for something good like a chocolate cake.

SHUT-UP EDGE SAYING SPEAR! your still sexy though, and you don’t look like Gareth from the office!!

Here he is, awesomeness personified.

YEY EDGE HAS HIS COAT ON! I always complain that he doesn’t ha.

Oh look, the Spanish announce table – I bet somebody goes through it.

AWESOME reversal by Jericho!

TAP OUT EDGE.

pondering notes: I bet Swagger will cash in money in the bank and lose and I hope Charles Robinson refs the hbk/taker match

Jericho is the man, he should be champ FOREVER.

I remember when my boyfriend and I started a ‘lets go Edge’ chant against all the mothers and children that love Cena.. it was awesome ha.

awww man he reached the ropes boo.

YEY JERICHO RETAINS!! I hope he goes and enjoys Paul Mcartney to celebrate his win

Soo the royal rumble winner doesn’t go on to win at Wrestlemania again.

HA at the announcers standing up. Matt better not have his doo-dah out!

I didn’t even relise there were 26 more men on the card. Finlay is still alive!!

YEY Yoshi! I have the best ever hand dance for his song, if you ever see me, ask me and I shall perform it for you.

DIVAS MATCH

PHROW BETH LOOKS MINT IN WHITE

I hate Piggy James, why doesn’t she wear proper attire grr.

oh beth, your so amazing, marry me please?

lmao Vickies screaming is scaring my dog.

haha I liked it when Matt took the piss out of Laylas non accent.. daft NASTY woman. Go away please.

FROG SPLASH?! Hog splash more like hahahah.

awww bless her, Eddie should of taught her more. He would be proud of her winning a match at Mania by doing it though.

R.I.P Eddie.

AWWWW NOOOO VICKIE WON

My poor Beth she will need consoling now

Batista vs Cena

I have just noticed but WOW this stage wall entrance thing is rather awesome.

Here is Batista, so much better as a bad ass then a good guy.

Oh I was waiting till the match started so I could take my doggy downstairs but she opened up the door herself awww.

Here is another one of Cenas crazy entrances. Thankfully, its just not loads of clones again, that made me physically sick last time.

I did not understand that, it was probs something American.

CENA SUCKS chant.. yes he does, very much indeed.

DDT DDT DDT, Jake defo has to be inducted in next years HOF or I will riot!

‘You can’t see me’.. I don’t want to see your ugly face Cena so please take these words to the literal and get lost.

Oh there he goes to top rope, and you can actually see how terrified he is, poor wittle bwaby.

Of course he isn’t gonna get pinned, he can’t get pinned after getting 7 finishers put on him let alone one.

OMG BATISTA TAPPED OUT!!!

GGGGRRRR WHAT IS THE POINT!

Micheal Cole call its emotion on his face, I call it ugly mong face.

Oh seen those fans who hate cena but are still excited about him, I would of hit him.

:O HERE IT IS!

HBK vs Undertaker

I think I’m cute, I know i’m sexy

Oh Shawn, that was your usual entrance, I wanted something spectacular especially seeing as it could be your last.

This circle thing confuses me.

Yeah, now this is a good entrance by ‘Taker (it lasted a WHOLE four minutes!)

ooooo Shawn you daring boy by doing the throat cut.

Oh, his angry now.

WOOOO

Whoah that was a major big boot

YEY Charles Robinson

Old School

Sweet Chin Music!!! or perhaps not

Poor ‘Takers knee.. I still can’t stand him though

Think of some of the greatest streaks… I’m going to start my own awesome streak, no idea what it may be though.

aww man i wanted to see a suicide dive boo

*Sarcasticly* Did you know that ‘Takers knee is injured, I would never of guessed that Michael Cole SHUT-UP

Shawn has nice attire on, but it still makes me laugh when JoMo/The Miz called him Captain Highpants ha.

OUCH

Vintage and Vicious legdrop

FIGURE 4 WWOOOO, i wonder if Vince gets angry with all the WOOOs seeing as he probs despises Flair now

‘Takers face scares me

Oh his determined now! get off him!

KIP-UP!

major choke-slam!

nooo don’t get the 3-count!

PHEW

haha Taker you mong, now your in the ankle lock, did HBK do this before Kurt Angle came about?

Whoah, that reversal into a tombstone from HBK’s moonsault was pretty awesome, not as good as last years mind, but they are a year-older

Is that like his second tombstone?

Can you pin people outside the ring in this type of match?

Oh that medical staff is feeling up HBK too much for my liking ha

Oh a pin! oh go on Shawn *phew*

(on another note: matt striker is my absolute favorite commentator)

Oh that was a counter? i thought they just did shit, oh i see now, it looked good actually once you knew what had happened.

Elbow! seen how much the crowd loves this.. awesome

Hells Gate! AWESOME COUNTER!

uh-oh bleeding

yeeyy Sweet Chin Music!

NOOOOO, a kick out at 2 1/2

Yep Jerry, nobody did see that coming because that is the point of the sweet chin, it can come out of nowhere.

Oh, now that was a proper last ride

1 – 2 PHEW (ha, that rhymes)

Oh, watch it Matt MOVE from the table ha

yesss Sweet Chin Music onto the announcers table, that looked good.

Oh, you can’t pin outside the ring, Thanks Jerry for clearing that up.

TOP ROPE!

Move Cole you mong

WWHOOAHHH THAT WAS AWESOME, MOONSAULT ON TO THE TABLE

I doubt ‘Takers leg is broken, i think he would be screaming in pain if that was the point.

PIN HIM SHAWN!

I wish Taker would of dyed his ginger roots black before WM.

GGGRRRRRR, that was a beautiful sweet chin too

GET UP SHAWN! YESS HE KICKED OUT, gosh i really thought that would be the end

Shush Cole, I want the streak to end

Uh-Oh his taking off his unitard thing (the top half, not the bottom, that would be disturbing)

:O the throat cut, does this symbolize the end?

uh-oh HBK did the throat cut the slapped him! GO ON SHAWN

:O whoaahh quick into the tombstone

A jumping tombstone?! wtf, that looked awesome

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

SHAWN LOST!!!

what is the point of living anymore? i miseawell just kill myself (don’t get too excited girls who hate me)

bboooooo now this is even more of a reason for me to strongly dislike ‘Taker

I hate Undertakers tongue, i’m going to cut it off

Oh his just picking him up, I thought he might bury him or something like that.

I LOVE YOU SHAWN MICHAELS

Aw man i am actually crying my eyes out.. this is far too upsetting

At least I have to got to see HBK in the flesh, and he seen the poster I made for him because HHH pointed it out and probs said “they still find you sexy over here” haha

THANK YOU SHAWN

I hope you enjoy it and leave some comments on what you thought.

Peace, Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll…

Chantal ☮♥♫

Who would have thought that a simple cup of tea would transform your life and inevitably, your career?  Certainly not 23 year old Carli Jayne Mcnaught.  

Having studied a Fashion Enterprise course at Cleveland College of Art and Design, she moved to London in August to work on the famous Savile Row  as a Tailor. 

However, after finding this role to be slightly more boring than she expected, she longed for more responsibility and then it happened.  Walking around the City she discovered a small inconspicuous teahouse that was hidden away from the public eye.  That is where her dream began and “The Olde Young Teahouse” was finally born…in Middlesbrough. 

“If you work for yourself then you drive yourself and this is what I needed”.  “I have always loved the concept of tea and everything that goes with it from clotted cream and scones to a simple slice of cake.”

So keep your eyes peeled for the most exciting new business venture in Middlesbrough to open and become a reali-tea.  Sit back relax and enjoy the flavours of the hand-picked loose tea leaves – we guaran-tea there will be something for you!

Is this Britain's youngest voter?

A 12 year-old schoolboy who stands at over 6ft tall was able to cast his vote in General Election while still being in his school uniform.

Brandon Thorne from Thetford, Norfolk, walked into his local polling station, The Abbey Neighbourhood Centre where officials did not question his age or ask for any ID even though he was wearing his school uniform.  If he was clearly in a uniform then he should have been asked for ID I mean come on, 12 year old lads can’t look 18.  They should have asked him just to be on the safe side but no, as usual they don’t really care.

He was given a ballot paper and voted for his Conservative candidate Elizabeth Truss who won the South West Norfolk seat with a majority of 13,140 votes. 

Brandon towers over his classmates at a height of 6ft 3in.  A Year Eight pupil at Charles Burrell Humanities School, Brandon said: “I have always been big for my age and some people think I look older than I am.”

He is thought to be the youngest person ever to vote in a UK election.  Apparently, the boy was issues with a polling card after his dad ‘accidentally’ put his name on the electoral register last year.  How can anyone accidentally put a 12 year old boy on the register?  His father must be a fool.

Breckland Council has now begun an investigation into how Brandon was able to vote and the police have been informed as voting under the age of 18 is a criminal offence.  More fool him for even voting!  His dad should have told him he couldn’t vote or he should have phoned up and explained that his son was only 12 and therefore needed to be taken off the register.  It’s not rocket science.

If charged, he could face a fine of up to £5,000 or six months in prison, but sources said he was more likely to receive a simple “ticking off”.  In other words nothing is going to happen to him.  As usual, he has got off the hook and has o punishment.  This is an utter joke it’s just not right.  His father should have stopped him and he should have actually had the common sense not to vote.

Alfie is not being prosecuted for breaking the law and voting Lib Dem

This just gets better and better.  Last week, it was revealed that another schoolboy, 14-year-old Alfie McKenzie, had voted at a polling station in Preesall, Lancashire “by dressing as much like a Tory as he could.”  Alfie managed to vote Lib Dem as his name had also been included by mistake on the register.

How can this happen?  The officials are clearly not doing their jobs properly and effectively.  When I went to vote at my local polling station the officials were engrossed in a conversation and they simply crossed my name off the list and off I went.  This must have been what it was like for Brandon and Alfie.

Brandon, who is not 13 until July, said he decided to vote out of curiosity after being sent a polling card.  He took the card along when he accompanied parents Ramon and Naomi to the polling booth after school on May 6.  This is utter failure on his parent’s behalf.  What kind of parents actually let their children do this?  Clearly parents who don’t have any idea about anything.  They have failed in their legal duty and I blame them more than the officials even though he should have been questioned.

Brandon explained the experience and said: “I got the polling card about a month ago and just decided to see if I could use it. I handed it in and the man ticked me off the list.  I didn’t know I could get away with it – but the man didn’t question me even though he knew me from a boxing club that I go to.  I still had my school tie and shirt on – but I had taken off my jacket.” 

This story is totally unbelievable, to think that the man actually knew Brandon is beyond belief.

He then went on to say “It’s a bit weird that I was allowed to vote and I think there should be more restrictions.  I’m not that interested in politics.”  Yes, more restrictions on your parents and you!  You have broken the law and something must be done.  If you’re not interested in politics then you shouldn’t have voted.  You can’t just vote because at the age of 12 you are “curious”.

His father Rmon Thorne, 75, a former Liberal town councillor in Thetford, and wife Naomi, 44, were shocked to find Brandon had also voted when they emerged from their polling booths.  How can they not know if he walked in with them and handed his card in?!

He said: “I can’t understand how they allowed him to do it. He’s a very big lad for his age as he is 6ft 3in, but you can tell by his facial appearance that he’s only a child.  If you took away his height, he looks his age.”

Mr. Thorne, a retired lorry driver and security guard, put Brandon’s name on the electoral registration form because he assumed he had to list everyone in the household.  He insisted that he stated Brando was 12 and his other son Ashley, 16, was also issues with a card.  But unlike his younger brother, Ashley wasn’t stupid enough to vote.

A Breckland Council spokesman said: “Poll cards are issued to eligible voters listed on the register of electors.  The register of electors is created using the information provided on voter registration forms.   The responsibility for accurately completing these forms lies with the person completing the form. Providing false information on the voter registration form is a criminal offence.”

The council also stressed that the actions of Brandon would not have had any effect on the outcome of the poll results.  This is simply not the point.  They also said that it is unlikely that the juvenile will be charged with the offence.  All I can say is something needs to be done about it but as usual Britain won’t do anything and he will get away with it.  This country is a joke – come on Cameron now’s your time to shine and sort it out.

The more the merrier I say!

Although we have only been running for a few weeks, we seem to have already made rivals, now it’s not exactly England vs Argentina stuff, more of a pub rivalry as the Red Rose, who are our next opponents used to be owned by our current pub owner.

Sounds complicated, but the message from the pub was clear. ” Give them a good stuffin’ boys .”

Camp copper

We didn’t have training this week because there was nowhere outdoors for us to do it, so we participated in a different type of indoor training – fancy dress in the pub!

One thing led to another, and the next thing we know, the karaoke is out. great pre-match preparation for tomorrow’s game.

We wanted to make our home ground a fortress but unlike Old Trafford, we didn’t have seventy-five thousand people behind us. probably more like seven, and even those would be the WAG’s of some of our players, who didn’t even know what was going on.

All seven of them had their part to play supporting the team in a derby match that opened with a couple of tasty tackles just to wet the appetite.

we seem to have a trend going at the minute were we always concede the first goal and then go on to win the game. So after we conceded the first goal, we hoped that this trend would continue.

Half time came along, and the manager was overshadowed by his dad screaming quotes at us from Mike Bassett England manager trying to get us going for the second half.

ten minutes into the second half, and we’d pulled a goal back, but still found us down two – one. It was time for me to turn on the style, just like ‘ Tonka’.

Id equalized to make it two – two, and then when a volley dropped to me at the edge of the box, I absolutely smashed it into the top corner, and wheeled away in celebration like I’d scored in the world cup final, shame none of the other players on my team joined in.

final whistle had gone, and another three points.

Apart from the first game, it looks as though we could do well in this league, but there is always a danger of us not turning up to matches, as the temptation of the empire on a Saturday night is too strong.

This is the globally known Teesbrough Cup.

The trials and tribulations of a Sunday league footballer are all brought down to days like this.

On this occassion, we are the second division minnows looking for a giant killing at the home of the previous years treble winning team, The fountain.

These guys are like the Notts County of the Teesborough league, the’ve been in the league pretty much since the league first started. they’ll be looking to eclipse what they did last year, and try and win all four trophies that are available, but they’ve got to get past us first.

Some of our boys know players who play for the fountain, and theres the usual aggressive banter kicking around, but alot of teams do this, are they going to back it up for once?

We turned up at their ground, and to be fair, they had backed up there pre match banter, just judging by the size of some of them. It looks as though I would need a step ladder just to win a header against some of them.

I think it is fair to say, that I am not looking forward to this one!

Giz'a kick

The first half was almost like a practice session for them, Keeping the ball for the majority of the half, tallying up forty to fifty passes at a time before we would touch the ball. It didn’t help that it was also absolutely boiling outside so we were sweating like pigs chasing that ball about for forty-five minutes, but we went into half time at nil – nil.

The second half got going, and so did the passing rhythm, and surprisingly it was them again.

They finally managed to break us down on the hour mark, with the help of a massive deflection from our defender to make it one nil, and from then, the flood gates opened.

With three more goals in the final twenty minutes, The fountain managed to win four -nil and book their place in the next round of the cup.

On the way home, we weren’t too downhearted because they were a premier division team after all, an we didn’t do too badly.

On the positive side, we did enjoy absolutely tearing our center back Hish to pieces for his horrible own goal, which was also the topic of conversation whilst sinking a few cold ones to drown our sorrows.

Few too many

I Think it’s fair to say that someone had more sorrow’s to drown than others

Roll on next week, as we look to get back into the swing of things in the league.

New badge

We’ve just been renamed the Red Lion, but we weren’t the biggest cats in the jungle after having just witnessed myself and ten other lads pull the pants up from around our ankles after our first game of the season spanking, there was plenty of optimism for the rest of the season.

The mood around our next training session was one of disappointment, although we knew that we would not play a better team then that this season.

The banter around the team soon returned as soon as we found out who we were playing next. A team who are ‘professionally’ named, ‘Scruffy’s’. We know a bit about this team having already beat them in pre-season, so we are hopeful of picking up our first 3 points of the season.

Being a team full of students and shop assistants, were not exactly flush when it comes to our financial situation, so when the prospect of being sponsored by a local pub, im sure i can speak for all the lads when i say, we were more than happy. Cheap beer, free food and new kits, happy days!

Jimmy Bullard style

Although the kits took a little longer than expected to arrive, they were ready for the match, and judging by the way that we started the match, they arrived before us!

Scruffy’s took the lead within the first few minutes, and our heads went down quicker than a wet gazette, but our screaming goalkeeper did’nt exactly help the matter.

We were starting to think that we had been given a poisoned chalice when we pulled on the new kit and went a goal behind early on, but finally a bit of possesion turned into a few chances which was a confidence builder, and also an energy booster, since we all were still half-cut from the night before.

Half-time came around and we were sweating like a fat man chacing the ice-cream van down the street. It was time for the captain to rally the troops!

Fed and watered with sliced oranges and council pop, we were ready to rumble in the second half, and judging by the performance, we should stuff our faces at half time every week.

1 -0 down quickly changed to 2-1 up as we scored twice within 5 minutes, which was a confidence builder, and before we knew it, we were 5-2 up and the final whistle went, which meant our first three points of the season.

The post match lager certainly went down smoother than last week, and with a few more results like that over the season, there’s no reason why we can’t finish in the top three at the end of the season, and we all know what that means.

A good piss up!

Ever had a dream? For any kid who grew up watching superhero’s and reading comic books, then this is the film for you.

If the Dark Knight had a baby with Superbad, this would be the outcome. Director Matthew Vaughn, with a little help from Hollywood movie star Brad Pitt has put together an all action blockbuster based on the comic book by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.

Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) is an un-noticed high school student and comic book fan who decides to become a superhero, even though he has no super powers, training or meaningful reason to do so.

This film addresses some  hard-hitting  issues, such as crime, confused teenagers and romance, which gives the film a good balance in terms of entertainment and seriousness.

Now I’m a big fan of action, with some blood and guts involved, but to be honest, when Lizewski gets stabbed and then ran over, I found that rather distressing, as it doesn’t hold any punches when it shows that bit, so you’ve been warned!

Johnson plays a typical geeky American high school student down to a tee, and when his love interest Katie ( Lyndsy Fonseca) enters the film for the first time and he thinks she’s interested ( not knowing she thinks he’s gay of course) I love how the character changes, almost to a Seth from Superbad character, trying to show off when he can and do things he wouldn’t normally do.

The introduction of Hit-Girl and Big Daddy ( Chloe Moretz and Nicholas Cage) really bring the film to life for me as they bring the action. I’m not a fan of Nicholas Cage at all, and would go as far as saying I physically hate the man, but in this he plays a decent role as a father and combat mentor to Hit-Girl, who I love because of her absolutely foul mouth, and no bull approach to killing bad guys.

The character of Red Mist, who will be more commonly known as Mclovin’ from Superbad has struggled to do anything decent since playing that role, and I’m again he didn’t really produce much comedy. I think its safe to say that if he retired from acting this very second, he’d still be known for playing one of the best character in modern American comedy.

Kick Ass is one of the first films that I have seen at the cinema, where I can honestly say that I have come out smiling. There’s just something about it that’s addictive, and I didn’t want it to finish.

Apparently a sequel has already been announced, and in a way I’m both disappointed and excited at the same time, because I loved the film and can’t wait for it to be out on DVD, but it seems that when they try to make sequels of successful comedy’s, the results aren’t to great.

I hope if they make another one, they can prove me wrong.

TSide Rating: TTTT

The seven-mile women only walk started at Redcar and Cleveland College, and saw over 1,400 women walk along the sea-front to Marske and back again.

Teesside Hospice are currently counting up the money, but they hope to raise £120′000 after this years event.

A Group of Walkers

Jane O’Byrne, Fundraising Manager, from Teesside Hospice said: “The Event was an overwhelming success. Every walker I have spoken to had a great night, and we are already signing people up for next years event.”

She later added: “To raise an estimated £120′000 through one event is fantastic, and I would like to thank every walker and all the volunteers who helped during the run up and on the evening.”

The fun-filled event kicked off at 8pm when walkers registered at the College, after being greeted by entertainment from local drumming group ‘Ee by Drum’ and fire eaters.

The walk started at 10pm after a one-minute silence dedicated to the  memory of loved ones.

Teesside Hospice is a charity which helps the lives of people and their families who are suffering from life limiting illnesses such as, advanced Cancer, Motor Neurone Disease and Heart Disease.

Each year since 2008 Teesside Hospice has organised the Starlight Stroll walk in order to raise money and awareness for Teesside Hospice.

Starlight Stroll 2008 saw around 650 participants take part, in just two years that number has already doubled.

Women Walking on the Starlight Stroll 2010

Walkers are asked to pay a £10 entry fee, which entitles them to a walking pack, a limited edition Starlight Stroll t-shirt and a medal for completing the walk.

Jennie Buddy, Marketing Coordinator and Fundraiser, from Teesside Hospice said: “Each year we are surprised by how quickly walkers complete the route. This year was no exception with Ann Fox and Sharon Neasham being the first walkers to return at 11.43pm, closely followed by Cousins Rachel, Melanie, and Stephanie Kirwan who were walking in memory of their Grandmother Margaret Kirwan.”

All of the walkers returned to Redcar and Cleveland College safely by 1.15am to sign off their names.

This years Starlight Stroll provided a Memory Wall for walkers to write onto to remember their loved ones, thanks to Symbol Signs.

The Memory Wall

 A dress worn by Coronation Street actress Katherine Kelly at the National Television Awards, was kindly donated by Irene Raine, which went on to be raffled raising £118.

The Starlight Stroll is just one event that Teesside Hospice does, a few others include: Ladies Golf Day, Ascot Ladies Day and the Middlesbrough 5K Run

 Jennie Buddy said: “We would like to thank our wonderful volunteers who gave their time freely to support the event. A big thank you must go to our kind sponsor NHS Redcar and Cleveland and our supporters Tesco, and Redcar and Cleveland College, especially Christine, David and their team.”

 If you took part in the event this year pictures from the night are available at www.eventsuk.net

Check out Teesside Hospice’s Facebook group for information on news and events, and ways to get involved in fundraising at www.facebook.com/TeessideHospice  

If you would like to take part in the 2011 Starlight Stroll which will take place on Saturday 7th May 2011, or to find out more about Teesside Hospice, visit www.teessidehospice.org

The annual event which was held as Hardwick Hall, celebrated some of Teesside Universities  finest achievements over the past year, with a plethora of awards given to various clubs, societies and school representatives.

Middlesbrough footballer David Wheater who turned up to the  ceremony as the special guest, ready to hand over some of the most coveted awards of the night, but unfortunately had to leave due to unforeseen circumstances before the awards took place.

After all who attended were fed and watered by the fantastic three course meal and wine, it was time for the awards ceremony to get underway.

The first awards of the night were awarded to the best new sports club which was won by Boxing, and the best new society award, which was won by the DJ & Electronic Music society.

Many individual awards were handed out for volunteer work which saw the university donate money to charity through different activities, such as the RAG society who collected money by auctioning volunteers as slaves to the highest bidders.

Women's Netball

Special mentions were also given to sports which excelled their expectations and achieved some outstanding goals, including the treble winning Women’s Football team and league winning Women’s Rugby and Netball teams.

The final set of awards on the night were arguably the most eagerly anticipated of the night, the crowning of the male and female sports personalities of the year, along with team and club of the year.

The criteria for these awards that had to be met included the winner being highly involved in volunteering work and an overall asset to their sport.

The female sports personality of the year winner was Jo Wilson who represented the university in Netball, with Matt Warman collecting the male sports personality of the year for his services to American Football.

Team of the year

The Women’s Football team were the overall winners on the night after collecting the Team of the year to round of an incredible year for the women and their coach Jamie Rice.

With the night almost over it was finally left to the newly crowned student union president Lori Wheatman and sports activities officer Tony Clapham to take over from current members Tommy Cawkwell and Nat Broom and to encourage the same level of commitment and performance for next year.

Music Live festival in Middlesbrough is a great opportunity for many singers and bands to showcase their talents to  larger audiences then they have before.

With many of the country’s biggest current acts having played at Music Live in the past, such as Paolo Nutini, Keane and Kasabian, crowds are expected to break the 50,000 record that was set last year.

Local band Cattle and Cane who have been around since 2009, and have been playing small gigs around the north east for the past year, but drummer Paul Wilson knows how important playing at this summers Music Live will be for the band.

” We really can’t wait for Music Live to roll around because it definately has the potential to be the best gig we’ve done yet,” he said.

” We played a sold-out gig at the Georgian Theatre in Stockton back in April and that was a pretty special night, but were looking to build on that, and Music Live is an event that certainly has the capacity to be the best show yet for us.”

It’s never been more important for local acts to get involved with Music Live, and it is something that Cattle & Cane hope to use as experience on the road to bigger and better things.

Paul added: “It really means a lot to be playing Music Live. It’s pretty much the pinnacle as far as the Teesside music scene is concerned, and to be involved alongside so many other great bands is an honour.

” For local bands such as ourselves to be given a platform like this to reach such a large number of people is fantastic and not something that should be taken lightly.

” They’ll be plenty of burgeoning bands around the country who don’t have anything like Music Live to use as a springboard, all the bands in this area that get to play are lucky in that regard.”

Music Live is not only important  for the various acts that will be performing on the numerous stages scattered around the town centre, it also equally valuable to the people of Middlesbrough who will flock in their thousands to witness some of the country’s potential gems for free

” Personally, I think its a superb events for the people of the area more generally, all of the talent, and hopefully a great atmosphere for free.

” You look up the road and they have the Evolution Festival in Newcastle, which is like Music Live, but you’ve got to pay about thirty pounds to get in, and that’s why at Music Live, people will be out in force to support the bands.”

As well as Music Live, all of Cattle & Cane’s dates are listed at www.myspace.com/cattleandcanemusic

Rhys Williams in action

For many professional footballers, the domestic season is finished and the summer is a time to relax before pre-season training starts again. This however is not the case for a select few who get to spendthe summer playing football at the greatest show on earth, The Fifa World Cup.

Recently relegated Middlesbrough may not have as many well known international stars as they once did back in the Premiership, but they do still have a few players who will be spending their summer in South Africa, hoping to get their hands on the illustrious trophy.

Most of the Middlesbrough players featuring in this years World Cup are representing Australia, with three players fighting it out to pull on the shirt of the Socceroos.

Goalkeeper Brad Jones will be joined by recent signing Scott McDonald and Middlesbrough’s young player of the year Rhys Williams in manager Pim Verbeek’s preliminary thirty man squad.

Former Aussie Boro players Mark Schwarzer, and Luke Wilkshire will also be  heading out to participate in the first World Cup finals to be held on African soil.

New Zealand qualified for only their second World Cup finals, and coach Ricki Herbert has guaranteed striker Chris Killen a place in a squad of twenty-three, who will be many people’s favourites to exit the competition in the group stages.

England hopeful Johnson

Sunderland born, former Middlesbrough academy player Adam Johnson, who was sold to Manchester City during the January transfer window, will be hoping to win a place in Fabio Capello’s final squad.

The talented winger who has impressed Capello since his move from Boro, has made the preliminary thirty man squad, which will be whittled down to just twenty-three a week before the tournament starts in Johannesburg on June 11th.

Pete Noble would, and he plans to do just that  in honor of his mum Pamela, whose dying wish was for her son to use his  talent for technology to set up his own business and have a successful and happy life.

After taking his mums advice he plundered his savings and charmed the services of friends and family to set up tech business Innovii which develops inventive new products for use in mobile phones and computers.

He then pledged to use his profits to develop a new therapy unit at Hartlepool Hospice, where Pamela, 57, spent her final days and whose staff were extremely supportive to Pete, his sister Terressa and his brother Darren as they dealt with their mums condition.

Terressa, Pamela, Darren and Pete at Christmas

Funded entirely by charitable donations, the under pressure hospice tries to maintain a holistic therapy service which is extremely beneficial for people with terminal illness, however with ever tightening budgets the service is only available intermittently with a large number of patients hoping to be offered an appointment.

This looks set to change after the new business which clinched Pete a “Shell Live Wire” award is right on target to make the dream of full time holistic therapy services being available for all patients a  reality in by 2011.

Pete said;

“Mum really got something from the sessions, but she could only go about once every two weeks and quite often she was too poorly to attend when her turn came around. When she did get to go though, she loved it”

The new unit will cost some where in the region of 1.2 million pounds to develop, build, staff and maintain, and the Pete’s calm determination to achieve this goal is testament to his keen business sense and a promise made from a loyal son to his dying mum.

Christina Pounder, communications manager at the Hospice said,

“This is a really ambitious project, we are all really excited about the prospect of the new unit and it would benefit so many people with terminal illness, Peter is determined to fulfil his mums wishes but we all realise that it will take time, and wish him the best of luck”

A proud grandmother of six, Pamela passed away in August 2007 after fighting cancer for a number of years, seeing it eventually spread from her hip to the rest of her body.

Hartlepool and District hospice’s services improve the quality of life for people affected by life limiting illness or the death of a loved one.

Further information can be found at  www.hartlepoolhospice.co.uk

Pete gives details of his new business venture.

Food: TTTTT

Presentation: TTTT

Atmosphere: TTTTT

Service: TTTT

Price: TTT

T-side Rating: TTTT

I visited Chiquitos at Teesside Park, walking into the restaurant it’s easy to forget the cold, grey surroundings outside. With a relaxed, Latin music filled room Chiquitos takes your mind somewhere more exotic.

Nachos

The staff were inviting and friendly, before we even had chance to think about our order, we were given a bowl of Nachos with a tangy Salsa dip, on the house.

The terracotta walls, pinatas and other Mexican memorabilia, such as large pot-lizards and over sized wicker baskets kept catching my eye as we waited for our starters. I had sweet potato skins filled with cheese and a tomato salsa, with a sour-cream dip. My friend, whose food I couldn’t resist trying for myself had bacon, avocado and chicken salad, with citrus salsa and tortilla strips, doused with a honey and mustard dressing. At £4.45 each, the starters were a little on the pricey side, but worth every penny.

Chiquitos

Chiquitos Burger

I visited Chiquitos on a busy Saturday lunch time, when unfortunately no offers were available. Chiquitos do have some great midweek offers, such as their Monday until Wednesday after 5pm offer, when you can buy two courses for £9.95. If you fancy a mid-week Mexican lunch, Chiquitos offers a special menu starting with two courses for £7.25 or three courses for £8.45 , this offer is only from Monday until Friday though.

If you fancy something sweet for afters, Chiquitos offers a wide range of desserts. Why not taste something tropical? I had the Torte Paradisa it’s full of exotic fruits and cream, Fruit Enchilada, Banana Taquito, Churros and Sorbet Margarita, to name just a few other options available. If these don’t grab your attention, you could always opt for a traditional bowl of ice-cream!

To get you in the Mexican mood there’s a broad choice of Cocktails, such as the world-famous Mexican Margarita. I had a non-alcoholic Playa-Del-Paradise, a soft mixture of Cranberry, Passionfruit and Pineapple. If you wanted something with more of a twist, there’s plenty of ‘Latin Flavour’ cocktails to choose from priced from £3.55, at these prices Chiquitos Cocktails wont break the bank.

Chiquitos serves the finest food in an authentic Mexican styled atmosphere, the prices aren’t too bad either! I know I’ll be heading back, so if you fancy something slightly on the spicy side, why not give it a try?

The match will take place at Riverside Stadium on Tuesday 18^th May 2010.

Tony Clapham, 21, studies sport and exercise coaching at the University and has been chosen to be the team manager for the graduates. Richard Bowden who works in the sport and wellbeing department will be the Team Manager for the staff team. Neither of them will be playing in the match.

Tony said: ‘Although I haven’t met any of the team members yet, I have every faith in their ability and know that they will do well.

Graduates, aged 23 – 54 had to submit their application listing their strengths in Football and then Tony arranged them into a team.

Unfortunately this game is not open to everyone, as only people invited are allowed in. The Vice Chancellor is one of the invited people and the team will meet him at the end of the match.

However, the game will be commentated live by CLICK radio between 2pm and 6pm. They will also be providing footage at a later date.

Tony later added: ‘This is a great opportunity to manage a football team, and without a shadow of doubt we will all try our hardest to win.’ 

Both teams have bought their personalised kit and paid to use the football pitch. The graduates have the Middlesbrough away kit, and the staff have the home kit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Every

All Players will be given a medal, and the winning team will be presented with a trophy.

Claire outside Bourka Primary School

A MIDDLESBROUGH student who taught English in Tazania has urged young people to consider taking a gap year.

Claire Lancefield, 20, took a welcome break from education, choosing to take a year out between college and university and used that time to work as an English teacher in Tanzania.

She first visited the country in 2007 on a school trip where she fell in love with the it and decided to return.

Claire said: “Meeting the children was something I was really looking forward to doing again and that is why I volunteered in a school.

“It was a fantastic experience.  I really missed home, but it was worth doing it for. I would say to anyone to go and volunteer abroad.”

Claire arrived in Tanzania for her gap year in January 2009, and was stationed at the Bourka Primary School in Arusha where she lived with four other girls from the UK. Luckily they became firm friends.

She said: “I arrived there after my first flight on my own and setting foot on African soil brought all the memories of my first trip flooding back.”

Claire and the rest of her group spent a week at a hotel for orientation which involved learning the local language and visiting the schools where they were teaching.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though, Claire was put in a house with girls she didn’t get on with and decided, having waited so long for the trip that she was determined to enjoy it and asked to move houses.

She moved to new accommodation and got on well with her new roommates, their accommodation was basic but much better than Claire expected, they had running water and electricity.

However, she did come back with a few horror stories, the girls found plenty of cockroaches and even a black rat in their kitchen.

Claire taught Class 6C, aged 10-11, and was thrown in the deep end straight away.

In her first week she found herself marking books and teaching a class of 50 on her own.

Luckily despite their limited knowledge of English her pupils were keen learners but Claire found teaching very frustrating at times.

Claire with her class

She said: “I’ll spend ages explaining something and they’ll smile sweetly and say yes teacher but then have not understood a word I’ve said.”

Claire tried to make her lessons as interactive as possible as she noticed that the children we often asked to simply copy things down from the board. She used posters, games and stories in her lessons and hoped that even if the children didn’t understand everything they would still be able to experience a new way of learning.

She said: “I read them a story and asked them to repeat the difficult words and they did so in a Northern accent! It was really funny!

“What shocked me most about the African way of life is that they still use the cane. I hoped that having a Western influence in the classroom the teachers would see that there are other ways to control a class.”

During her time at the school Claire started a number of clubs including a volleyball club, a dance club and a creative club where the children could draw pictures, finger knit or make things out of salt dough. She said: “it’s lovely to see how joyful they are when they’re doing something other than writing.”

Homesickness started to catch up with Claire in her final weeks away.  She missed her boyfriend Mark so much that in her English lessons she used her him as an example to teach the children the difference between ‘and’ and ‘but,’ using sentences such as ‘Mark is tired but he is also happy’ to demonstrate the difference.

Missing home got the better of her in the end and she travelled back a month early. She said the trip was worth missing home for though.

Claire kept a blog about her trip, read it here.

Maybe Adidas should have thought about this as they released the new Adidas Predator X.

Adidas has become one of the dominant boot maker brands over the last couple of decades and has rarely disappointed but this year there have been a few raised eyebrows.

Adidas Predator X

The new Adidas Predator X which was dubbed as ‘The most powerful football boot in the World!’ has left me scratching my head!

The previous release from Adidas was the Adidas Predator Powerswerve which incorporated everything you come to expect from a Predator boot.

Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard said when commenting on the Powerswerve: “I can feel a lot more bang in my boot!”  A statement which I completely agree with.

Although testing shows that the new Predator X has on average 7% more kicking power than the Powerswerve I completely disagree.

Don’t get me wrong the Predator X is still one of the best boots on the market it just seems that the persons in charge of creating the new Predator X couldn’t improve on the highly acclaimed Powerswerve.

So how much can you expect to pay to wear the most powerful football boot in the world?  £95 at Pro-Direct Soccer.

£95 seems like a lot but you pay for the quality and tradition and that what you get with the words Adidas and Predator

The Predator X is a slow starter and does begin to live up to its credentials after three or four games.

After my first game I was left disappointed by the Predator X however by game three or four I was beginning to love them.

Strike!

This is because the boot is a completely new design to the Powerswerve and takes time for you to adjust to new shape.

The Predator X has no tongue on the boot which likens it to the successful AdiPure III boot released earlier in the year, however to me not having a tongue on my Predators is like not having butter on my toast in the morning.

The comfort and fit of the Predator X has never ever been an issue the boot fits like a glove and wraps round your feet in typical Adidas fashion.

Adidas have used taurus calf leather for the Predator X which is very soft as well as boasting amazing durability qualities.

The Adidas Predator X is a dream boot for players who like to get the ball down and pass it about the pitch.

Steven Gerrard, Karim Benzema and David Beckham all wear the Predator X and there have been no complaints from any of them!

Hull and Scarborough University needs to win this game to win the league but if we win the game we will be safe from the drop!

Johnny Haley and Andy Horan are both again not available so it’s left to stand in skipper Chris Tingate to lead the team.

The team is fully aware of what is at stake and on the bus trip down we look focussed and ready to go.

The team picks itself after the last result which means that we keep the same formation with me in the centre of midfield and Michael Mett playing behind the striker in the Kevin Nolan role.

As I stand up before my team for the last time I must admit that it’s emotional I look around the room and can see players who have developed over the time we have had together.

The likes of John Tucker and Jordan Brownlie players who at the start of the year were a shadow of the players they are now.

This game is not just emotional for me as my last game in charge of the team but my goalkeeper Craig Storey is playing his last game for the University, Craig is not only a big character in my team he has been a big character in the whole club.

Craig Storey Teesside's answer to Brad Jones

Back to the game in hand let’s forget about the emotional ties with this game let’s go out there and give a good performance.

The game starts and its end to end stuff but its Hull/Scarborough who take the lead after 20 minutes.

So many times this season the team has folded in this type of situation but not today in a frantic five minutes we go from 1-0 down to 2-1 up.

First of all I grab my 13^th goal of the season with a 30-yard strike which makes it 1-1, then a moment of sheer individual brilliance as Michael Mett smashes home a volley with the inside of the boot.

The game then turns into a 22 man brawl!  After a late challenge by Si Taylor the Hull/Scarborough players react angrily and decide to act with their fists, although I don’t condone it I was glad to see my players pull together and hold their own

The referee in my opinion bottled this one as he only books two players a decision which changes the game, if the referee takes the appropriate action and sends a couple of players off we would then have the numerical advantage.

Hull/Scarborough grabs another goal before the half-time break to level the game up at 2-2.

The second half is rather flat and no team really deserves to take all three points but inevitably Hull/Scarborough score the third goal which wins the game for them 3-2.

At the end of the game the players heads are down but I make the players aware of the score the last time we played Hull/Scarborough 7-2.  We have come along way since that game and I am really proud of the performance we put in today.

The result leaves us just outside of the relegation zone and Sunderland still have a game in hand so fingers crossed they will lose and Teesside will stay up.

Keep reading for news on the Sunderland game and exclusive interviews with this years player and managers player of the year.

The England manager has announced his provisional squad a head of the World Cup which begins in South Africa next month.Capello will have to drop seven players before naming his final World Cup squad of 23 on the 1st June.

Adam Johnson in action for the under 21's

Their has been a few shock inclusion; Jamie Carragher, Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker and Adam Johnson have all made it to the provisional squad while the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and Michael Owen all miss out.

Capello will now assess his playing squad before the team sets off for South Africa.

The full thirty man provisional squad:

Goalkeepers – Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green.

Defenders – Jamie Carragher, Michael Dawson, Leighton Baines, Stephen Warnock, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, Matthew Upson.

Midfielders – Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Strikers – Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney.

Who do you think should make the final 23 man squad?  Leave Tside your thoughts below.

Chantal - our Make your Mark poster girl.

MAKE Your Mark would like to thank the extra people who went out and voted in last weeks General Election.

Thanks to Make Your Mark, nearly 4,000 extra people voted across Middlesbrough in this years General Election compared to the one held five years ago.

More people voted in Middlesbrough this year than at any other point this century with nearly 80,000 people determined to Make Their Mark and have their say.

Five years ago, under half of the people registered to vote in the Middlesbrough constituency used their vote at the General Election. This year we saw a 2.7% increase meaning that over half of the registered voters made their mark on May 6.

The same percentage increase also occurred in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland where the turnout percentage hit 63.6%

Both Middlesbrough constituencies remained Labour seats, with Stuart Bell remaining MP for Middlesbrough and Tom Blenkinsop becoming MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, replacing Dr. Ashok Kumar, who died earlier this year.

Nearly thirty million people voted nationally in this years General Election making it the most hotly contested election since Labour swept to power in 1997.

The Conservative party gained the highest number of seats in this years General Election, but fell short of an overall majority. Both Labour and the Conservatives are currently in discussions with the Liberal Democrats to try to form a majority Government in a hung parliament.

Despite announcing his resignation yesterday, Gordon Brown is still the Prime Minister. He will remain in place until a party can show that they have the most support in the new parliament.

A decision on the future of the Government is expected by the end of the day.

Sir Stuart Bell - re-elected for Middlesbrough

Labour MP Sir Stuart Bell has held on to his seat in Middlesbrough after 18 years as the towns MP.

Sir Stuart claimed only 45% of the vote, but still gained a 26% majority over Liberal Democrat Chris Foote-Wood who came second. There were just 379 votes between the Liberal Democrat and Conservative candidate John Walsh.

Tonight it is believed there was a turnout of just 51% in the town, which has been a stable Labour seat since 1962.

In 2005, the seat was secured by Sir Stuart Bell with a majority 58% of the vote. A total of 18,562 locals voted Sir Stuart back into the seat he has held since 1983. He preceded fellow Labour MP Arthur Bottomley who had held the seat since the 1962 by-election.

The Liberal Democrat Joe Michna came second in 2005 with only 19% of the vote, followed closely by Tory Caroline Flynn-Macleod with 16%. While both the Lib Dems and Tories have closed the margin with Labour, it still wasn’t enough to beat Sir Stuart.

Present Tory candidate John Walsh took up his role only six months ago, but was keen to take up the battle against Sir Stuart Bell. He often criticised Sir Stuart for his conduct as an MP, pointing out that he has not held a ward surgery in the town for 10 years. John hoped that in winning it for the Conservatives he could turn the representation of the town around.

John said: “I’m dissappointed but not downhearted, and the people of Middlesbrough will hopefully see me again in the future”.

The first constituency to declare was again Sunderland South and Haughton. Labour MP Bridget Phillipson won with 50.3% of the votes, totalling 19,137.

The day starts with an early morning text from skipper Johnny Hayley telling me he had a stomach bug and wouldn’t be able to play today.  Disaster!

Just what you need as you head into the biggest game of the season!

Then my phone rings again its Chris Hall first team manager whose centre midfielder can’t play today and he is asking me for Andy Horan for the day, although my game is massive I reluctantly have to let him go as those are the club rules.

So for my biggest game of the season I am missing my captain and vice-captain the odds are really stacking up against me here.

Don't concede at this stage lads!

We head down to Saltersgill and I have to practically choose my starting eleven again after losing two key players.

I have brought in Si Taylor from the fifth team and I am hopeful he can do a job at centre half for me.

So in a total reshuffle I have pushed myself back into centre midfield and brought in Paul Clarke up top, Paul is a big strong centre forward and holds the ball up well a bit like Emile Heskey does.

I am not a player who gets nervous but my stomach was doing somersaults if we want to stay up we need to win this game, if you can’t get yourself motivated for games like this you shouldn’t be playing football and I make my players aware of that.

The conditions are perfect the sun is shining and we are ready to go!

The game kicks off and it’s all us we have them on the back foot and need to get the first goal but that goal is just not coming for us, Paul Clarke strikes a cross bar with a thunderous header but that is as close as we come in the first half.

Half-time and its 0-0 and we have been all over them but Sunderland are a big strong side and look dangerous from set pieces and in my head I know that it whoever gets the first goal will go on to win this game.

We start the second half and it’s more of the same we are in full control.

ROBERT MCILROY 1-0 TEESSIDE!

After a beautifully worked corner Robert McIlroy is there to nod in the opening goal and I am delighted what a massive goal in our hopes for survival.

The game from here on in was like a boxing match we have got them on the ropes we just need to hit them with that final knockout blow!

With 5 minutes left to go Robert McIlroy is brought down in the box and we have a penalty and a chance to finish this game off.

The responsibility falls on my shoulders…

2-0 TEESSIDE!

I smash the penalty home and that’s it the final whistle blows and we have won the game.

TEESSIDE 2-0 SUNDERLAND

The biggest three points of the season!

I am delighted for the boys and this result has moved us out of the relegation zone!

With one more game left to go against the champions elect let’s hope that this result is good enough to keep us up.

Two crushing defeats has seen my team slip to the bottom of the league and after Phil Brown got the chop surely I am next up!

As a player and as a manager I have never been relegated but this year I have to seriously look at the situation.

With two games left the pressure is really on, can my players handle it and more importantly can I handle it!

Ladbrokes have me at 2/1 for the chop!

The question I am left stewing over is why did my team fall to pieces in these two winnable games?

First up we played York St John a team who we have beaten twice already this season however on this occasion we were beaten 3-2 in a close game which was still devastating for the lads none the less.

We played with real quality but I think the teams lacks that little bit of bottle which separates good teams and brilliant teams.

Les Webb was taken off after a shocking two footed challenge which went un-punished by the ref much to my anger.  Les and Mett were bossing the midfield up until that point, so for me that was the changing point.

It is never easy to take defeat well but at the end of that game I had to hold my hands up and say that we gave it our all and just did not have it in us to see that game out.

Secondly we entertained the champions elect at Saltersgill York 3rd team… What a team.

The less said about our performance the better!

The York lads were controlled, intelligent, quality footballers and if truth be told we made them look even better than they are.

Too many players didn’t turn up for this game my usual reliable spine of the team was none existent and York deservedly won 5-0.

Thoroughly dejected front man Paul Clarke

I hope they go on to win the league because they are a total footballing side that deserve the league title in my opinion.

So with two must win games left where do I go from here?  My captain Johnny Hayley can’t play again this season as he has torn his hamstring, midfield maestro Andy Horan has moved to the first team and Robert McIlroy could also be heading in the same direction.

This is the toughest point in my short managerial career and hopefully as a team we will come out the other side with the results we need to stay in this league.

It is time for characters, its time for belief, its time to get some points on the board.

Sunderland at home is our next fixture we need to be UNITED if we are to win this relegation six pointer.

I am just hoping to avoid the dreaded vote of confidence from the Chairman!

It is thought that hundreds of students were turned away as polling stations struggled to cope with the upsurge in young and first-time voters. Some stationed even accussed students of causing the chaos because many arrived to vote without their polling cards.

Particularly affected were students in Nick Clegg’s Sheffield Hallam constituency, who are accusing the Electoral Commission of discrimination after students were segregated from other voters.

One outraged student tweeted that: “in Sheffield Hallam students have been discriminated against and we have been refused a vote, why do our votes  not count as much?”

The NUS has already come out with its support for students who have been denied their votes. It said “Where students and other voters have been disenfranchised, local authorities should hang their heads in shame. It is outrageous that citizens should be denied their basic right to vote and we demand inquiry into how this situation occurred”.

Already disgruntabled voters have posted YouTube videos detailing the polling drama. Shameful scenes from Fallowfield, Manchester shows the polling station heaving with people trying to cast their votes, with queues leading out of the building.

One person commented, ‘this is a real shame for democracy’. 

Denied the vote in Manchester

Adam Peel, 20, of Crestwood, Redcar is due to take part in a sponsored bungee jump from Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge on Sunday in a bid to raise money for Victoria’s Wish.

Victoria Lawrence

Adam set up the Victoria’s Wish charity set up in memory of his best friend, Victoria Lawrence, a popular nursing student from Redcar who sadly passed away in December 2008.

He said: “I was so devastated and crushed when Victoria died and wanted at least some good to come from such a terrible situation. That’s why I set up the charity in January with help from Victoria’s parents and a few friends. Victoria was a very caring person and we want to raise money to help people like she wanted to.

“Victoria died from Sepsis, Bronchopneumonia and Emphysema in the arms of her Mum, Lynne Lawrence, just before Christmas 2008 and left a whole in our lives and hearts that I don’t think will ever heal. She had just started a nursing course at Teesside University because she loved helping people more than anything, I just wish someone could have helped her.”

Adam added: “The aim of the charity is to raise sufficient funds to make a difference to sick and disabled children and their families, living in the Tees Valley area.

“We aim to achieve this by arranging things like trips, parties, and pantomime visits to create smiles and happy memories just like the ones Victoria gave us.

“We have raised nearly £1,000 since January and are working our way towards a target of £5,000 in order to become a registered charity as soon as possible. Hopefully this bungee jump will bring us a lot closer to our goal.”

Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge is the only bridge in the UK that people are able to bungee jump off and is therefore popular with adrenalin junkies from all over the world.

When asked how he feels about the jump, Adam said: “I’m looking forward to the bungee jump but I’m a bit scared of heights so it will be a challenge as well as fun!”

You can sponsor Adam by contacting Lynne Lawrence on 01642 475312 and help grant Victoria’s Wish.

Teesside students get in to the party atmosphere.

With the election campaigns in full force Tside provides a guide to throwing a booming election bash that will keep the guests partying until the results roll in.

Let’s face it, watching the election all night can get a bit boring. Even the fantastic graphics of Peter Snow are not enough to make watching the results for Dulwich and West Norwood interesting.

So instead of just watching the telly, why not host a fantabulous election party? Here at Tside we want you to see that election night can be fun. So pull out your party clothes and let’s get this (political) party started.

Food

Take inspiration from the American election campaigns and bake cupcakes iced with your party’s colour. Blue -icing for Conservatives, red for Labour, yellow for Liberal Democrats and green for the Green Party.

Scour the supermarket for any other political coloured food, head to the crisps aisle and take a look at the choice of different tastes. Pick your flavour according to the to the colour of the crisp packets and which parties they could represent.

To drink, mix up your own fruitilicious cocktails for the political party of your choice.

If you’re voting Labour go for a Lady Red, a combination of Absolut Mandarin, Lemonade and Cranberry juice. If the Tories are your choice a Blue Lagoon may be right up your street. Mix Vodka. Blue Curaçao and Lemonade. If you’re a Lib Dem supporter then your cocktail of choice should be a Yellow Bird. Throw Bacardi, Galliano, Creme de bananes,  orange juice and pineapple juice into a blender and mix until smooth. For a Green Party themed drinks go for a Greenitini.  Vodka and Melon liqueur make a delicious combination.

Fashion

To show your support for particular political party, dress head to toe in your party’s colour or if you don’t know who to back dress in a rainbow of different shades.

How about throwing a fancy dress party where guests have to come as icons from the political world? Go all out and dress up as Winston Churchill: stick a pillow up your jumper, smoke on an imaginary cigar and give a V sign. Go for a Maggie Thatcher look in a smart skirt and blazer, a string of pearls, a carefully coiffed perm and if you’re daring enough take some milk cartons with you. Alistair Darling is simple but effective, stick on some two-inch thick black eyebrows and you’re good to go. If you haven’t got a particular political icon just draw a big X on your forehead and claim you’re a ballot paper.

And remember, a political rosette in your party’s colour makes a great accessory. Stick it in your hair as a different kind of clip. Or if you are feeling daring, two rosette’s strategically placed on your chest could really get the party started!

Games

To keep the party lively, games are definitely in order. Twister is perfect.  The colours fit the political hues so you can show off your flexibility while also demonstrating your political allegiance. Cynics could replace Pin the Tail on the Donkey with Pin the Blame on the Politician. Or swap Cluedo characters for politicians. ‘It was the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House of Commons with the Black Rod.’

Test your guest’s knowledge of political trivia with a pub style quiz. With questions such as: ‘How many MPs are there in the House of Commons?’ and ‘Name the last five Prime Ministers.’

And you could always play a round of match the MP with their expense record!

Music

A party wouldn’t be a party without music. Essentials for your election playlist should be 99 Red Balloons, Ghost Town; Everybody Wants to Rule the World, The Times They are A-Changin’ and I Fought the Law.

Karaoke is always a hit. Modify classics for an unexpected twist. How about a rendition of ‘It’s my party and I’ll vote if I want to’? ‘The Winner takes it all’ or Gordon Brown (Texture Like Sun).

So this year make your election night one to remember.

John Walsh (centre) and his team outside Teesside University today

Mr Walsh, a filmaker who has had his films shown on BBC and Channel 5, is from a working class background in London and hopes to dispel the myth of ‘Rich Tory Boy’ that dogs the Conservative party in a bid to get voters to vote for change saying: “I was expecting a lot of difficulty and hostility when I came to the area but we’ve had none of that, I think once people meet me they realise we have quite a lot in common.”

The would-be MP has been hosting weekly surgeries  for constituents for the past six months, something he says the current regime haven’t done for 15 years and has launched a campaign to try to oust Sir Stuart from his seat, The ‘Bell-End’ campagin has had its videos published on the political blog Guido Fawkes amongst others.

When asked about the campaign John said: “It’s been well received, people have been thanking us for bringing a bit of humour into politics.”

With decision day looming, John was relaxed. But there would be no time for an election party, as he will be at the vote count until the early hours.

If successful a meeting with new PM David Cameron would await Middlesbrough’s freshly elected representative on Friday.

But even if he is not the one chosen in tomorrow’s polls Mr Walsh has vowed to keep his promise of  building on the success of Animex and bringing a new animation festival to Teesside and would return to contest the seat if required.

When asked about why people should make their mark next to his name he said:

“We have had a great six months here and we will continue to help people,Middlesbrough has been ignored for too long and we need to change that.”

More information about John Walsh, The Conservative Party and The ‘Bell-end’ campaign can be found on John’s website HERE

TEESSIDE is one of the safest places in the country, according to Home Office figures on crime.

People in Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar can walk the streets in confidence as Cleveland Police have came second in the government list.

The results, released on Monday, show that over the period of a year, the Teesside area has seen a 13% reduction in total crime, this compares with just a 7% average crime reduction across the country.

These figures mean that there have been 6,000 less victims of crime in the area than before.

Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Sean Price said: “We know that crime is currently the lowest it has been in Cleveland and the good news is that there continue to be reductions.

The Home Office figures released confirm that we are performing very well in comparison with other Forces, and we are particularly delighted to have achieved such significant reductions in our priority areas of robbery, violence and house burglary.

“But we will never be complacent about crime figures and we will continue to build on this success by working with our communities and other partners to address the issues that really matter to the people of Cleveland.”

The crime statistics also revealed that Cleveland have shown reductions in robberies, down by 30%, violent crimes, down 14%, house burglary, down 17%, and fraud and forgery are down 30%.

Tside hit the streets of Middlesbrough to find out whether they thought Teesside is the safe haven that these figures suggest.

Paul McCullugh, 27, from Middlesbrough, whose house was broken into last month said: “I was really impressed. We phoned the police and they were round within half an hour and the scene of the crime officer was round an hour after that, so it was all dealt with pretty much, for what they could do, within 2 or 3 hours of us reporting the crime.”

Chris Burton, 26, from Nunthorpe commented: “I think it is as safe as anywhere else in the world, but obviously everywhere has their problems but I don’t feel threatened when I walk the streets.”

Robert Cook, 21, from Ingleby Barwick said: “Yes I do think it is a safe place to live. I think it has quite a lot of bad press over the past few years, and maybe forever, but I have lived here my whole life and I don’t really see any problems with it.”

Yet not everyone believes that Middlesbrough is as safe as the statistics say.

Lee Maddison, 31, from Darlington said: “I don’t really feel that safe coming round Boro, I don’t know why its just that a lot of people from Darlington have the preconception that it is a bad place to live.”

To listen to everyone’s opinion click this link  Do you feel safe?

In order to keep your house safe from burglary, have a look at this helpful crime prevention video. Burglary

to find out more about the work that Cleveland Police go to their website. www.cleveland.police.uk/about-us/index.aspx

Middlesbrough born rock legend Chris Rea has offered his support to the Corus steel workers by allowing one of his tracks to be used to highlight their plight.

Chris Rea

The song steel river which for many Teessiders is their unofficial anthem has been made into a short documentary music video to keep Corus in the spotlight.

The video was masterminded and shot by Conservative party candidate John Walsh who himself is a documentary film maker.
Since becoming the candidate for Middlesbrough John has taken his role seriously, has been pro active on the Corus issue and said:

“Anything that keeps Corus in the news is a good thing and I was delighted when Chris agreed to support my campaign.”
John is an ex Labour voter turned potential Tory MP but is aware that the Conservative party still struggle to shrug off the ghost of Margaret Thatcher and says: “I come from a working class Irish family and relate to Middlesbrough and its people, I’m not the typical Tory boy and I’ve made Middlesbrough my home these last six months”

Nearly everyone over the age of 30 in Middlesbrough has their own Chris Rea story to tell. Talking to people it’s easy to see the affection the town has for this son of an Italian ice cream seller.

Andrew Ward of Middlesbrough told me that: “My mother used to live next door to the Rea’s and Chris was always a worry for his dad with his guitar obsession.” When asked what he thought of local boy Rea supported a Conservative campaign Andrew said “it’s a tough one to call, It’s for Corus so that’s kinda good but the Tories are a dirty round here.”

John Walsh

Justine McCabe is a mother of two from Middlesbrough and she says of the campaign: “it’s a good idea and anything that helps the workers from corus is a good thing, I’m not voting this time but he’s done a good thing for the town.”

Support worker Jon Cowen was more enthusiastic about the song and the campaign when he said: “Look, people change and times move on, the Conservative bloke has done something for the town that Stuart Bell could only dream of, fair play to him and Boro lad Chris.”

The Tside exclusive of Steel River is available to view on John Walsh’s website and below.

Nick Clegg at Redcar Coatham Hall.

LIBERAL Democrat leader Nick Clegg appeared in Redcar last night telling Teesside voters to turn their backs on the Labour party.

Mr Clegg, who was speaking to over 300 people at the Coatham Memorial Hall in Redcar, told the excited crowd that Labour had become complacent in the North East adding: “No party owns you or your community – vote with your heart, go with your instinct.”

And he said that a Liberal Democrat government would have supported Corus workers in their time of need, to keep the industry in the region – unlike the Labour party.

He  added: “The  First Secretary of State Peter Mandelson  turned up the day before it was mothballed, then left the next day, forgetting all about it. He got on the train and went back to live his champagne socialism lifestyle in London.

“You would not get that with a Lib Dem government. A vote for the Liberal Democrats will ensure that you’d have the Government right in there, right at the beginning, trying to sort it out. While we can’t reinvent the past, we can create opportunities for the future.”

Mr Clegg then opened the floor for questions which ranged from the NHS to immigration to not using a Liberal Democrat vote as a protest vote.

Student Union President Tommy Cawkwell brought up one of the Liberal Democrats leading policies about abolishing university tuition fees.

Nick Clegg answered the question first by telling the 300 strong hold potential voters that Teesside University was awarded University of the year which lead to a lot of clapping and whooping by the crowd.

He then stated that he believed tuition fees are immoral, and that it is sickening that young people are leaving university with over £15,000 of debt.

Clegg rallies the crowd.

The Liberal Democrat leader believes that the best thing about this election campaign is the amount of young people who are interested.

He said: “It is great to see so many young people here tonight. I say to them, we want fairer taxes, so you don’t pay any tax on the first £10,000 you earn, smaller class sizes and more one-to-one tuition for future young people like you.

“It is also an outrage that the banks that we own – we bailed them out to the tune of £1bn – are hoarding that money rather than lending to businesses so that businesses can create jobs.

“And of course sorting out the desperate state of our politics in Westminster after the expenses scandals to create decent open politics which people can believe in again.”

Nick Clegg then finished the meeting pledging the electorate to vote for Liberal Democrat MP Ian Swales into the Redcar constituency.

The Liberal Democrat leader left to a standing ovation and an overall joyous and proud crowd.

Speaking after the event, Liz Swan, 32, a stay at home mother, from Redcar, said: “I thought he did an excellent job and I was very happy that a leader of one of the three main parties would come to such a small town like this, I will be definitely voting for the Llib Dems on Thursday.”

Mark McGahern , 20, a business studies student at Teesside University and first time voter added: “After seeing him in the flesh, I think his brilliant – he might even be my hero.”