3am girls

Car hire in Sheffield on the increase due to credit crunch

2009-05-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

A pay-as-you-go car hire company has seen a boost in rental numbers since the world's economy took a turn for the worst.

WhizzGo car hire operates in Sheffield and has seen a rise in business due to a public bid to save money and the environment.

Liz Gray, Area manager of the company said: "The credit crunch has made more people, businesses and residents, aware of their outgoings, and look for places that they could save money. The increased oil prices, especially before Christmas, added to this affect.

"We are therefore seeing an increase, month on month, in the number of people joining WhizzGo, as they like the service for the cost saving it can offer."

The company operates a non contact system where customers pay for a low emission vehicle by the hour. The card style key and pin number used to start the car, is purchased via telephone or the web.

In total there are eight designated hire spaces in the city and customers simply return their vehicle to the parking bay when their time is up. Hourly rates start from £5.99 depending on the model of the vehicle.

Firstly, customers have to register to become a member, and then they can choose the cars location and the time duration. Although a lot of private members use the service, 50% of WhizzGo's custom comes from businesses.

Yet the firm believes that its increase in members is down to environmental awareness, as congestion and pollution are increasing across city centres and the average car is used for just 7% of the time.

"The increase has been aided by the financial situation, but recognition of car clubs, and their growth, would have happened organically regardless.

"Using WhizzGo gives all the freedom associated with a private car, but with far fewer costs, much more convenience and far less damage to the environment."

Alternatively fuelled vehicles are also something that the company want to introduce to the fleet as well as integrating their transport with the councils public transport services.

The council offer a car sharing regime where the public can register online to find others that they may be able to car share with.

Duncan McIntyre, Workplace Travel Plan Officer for the council thinks that it is a more realistic option for commuters who live in rural areas. He said: "Car sharing saves money while allowing the flexibility of the car journey. One more car off the road is good for congestion and the environment and is a foot in the door in terms of travel behaviour change.

In response to teaming up with WhizzGo to provide integrated public transport, McIntyre said: "That's very much a 'depends'. That kind of thing is something we would consider but it wouldn't necessarily be WhizzGo that we would do it with."

Image aquired from: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Money/Pix/pictures/2007/11/08/WhizzGoC.jpg

Council announce £21 million will be spent on the environment

2009-05-05T05:06:00.000-07:00

This week Sheffield City Council announced £25 million of tax payers' money will be spent on cleaning up the environment.

The new Liberal Democrat manifesto aims to increase recycling opportunities in Sheffield this year to make it ‘A City of Opportunity’.

Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Local Environment said:

“The waste management team are currently writing a new waste strategy for the City and this will include delivering our commitment of more recycling. We anticipate a new kerbside recycling service will be introduced to most households in the by the end of next year.”

Currently Sheffield City Council provide blue bins for paper and card recycling for every household, which are collected once a month. But there are still a number of households that are not in blue bin collection places, such as difficult to reach rural areas and some of the city centre, including student accommodation.

Councillor Mohammed said that the council’s budget of £25 million will not stretch to providing the recycling services in these areas.

“There are currently no plans to make this service 100% coverage as the costs of doing this are disproportionate. The guidance from government is that where it is difficult to provide separate recycling services, including on the basis of cost the local authority may opt not to provide a service.”

Christine Bell, a final year Sports Science student at Sheffield Hallam University thinks that the recycling bins in student areas would benefit the environment greatly. She said:
“We should definitely have it. If you think about it, students’ halls of residents throw out dozens of glass bottles and waste paper from assignments.

"I remember in my first year at my halls of residents we took out three or four black bin bags full of bottles. We didn’t think to recycle them because we didn’t know where to take them.

“I don't have a car so it makes it difficult to get to a recycling centre so if we did have those blue bins we'd be throwing out a lot less rubbish as you can only fit a limited amount of stuff in those black bins. We'd be able to fit twice the amount of rubbish in there whilst recycling half of it."

The council do provide free green sacks for garden waste that they collect, which have been a success, with over 200,000 collected. Yet this is still only a third of them used, but councillor Mohammed remains optimistic. He said: "Perhaps the spring weather will see this change. "

Image aquired from: http://www.aepsolutions.net/images/products/detail/32%20Gallon%20Blue%20Recycling%20Bin.jpg

A man arrested for car theft

2009-05-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

A young Sheffield man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a man when trying to break into his car.

The court was told how Norman Mused, 19, of Darnall Sheffield, appeared at Magistrates Court when he pleaded guilty to robbery on 23 January after breaking into a man's car.

He tried to remove the CD player before reaching to the dashboard and taking £25. The man whose car it was rushed over to stop him, the claimant who preferred not to be named told police how Mused started to punch him in the head and pulled out a hammer and thrust it towards him.

The robbery took place near Kirby Close junction. Mused was arrested on 13th March after a complaint was made by the claimant.

Defending solicitor Mr Swaybe said: "He does have the right to bail."
Mused will be remanded in custody until his next hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on 8th July.

The trial continues.

Diana Wallis- Yorkshire and Humberside MEP

2009-05-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Diana Wallis is the only Liberal Democrat to represent Yorkshire and Humberside in the European Parliament. She is also the first Liberal Democrat and the first female to be elected as a vice president of the European Parliament in twenty years.
Diana is taking part in the London Marathon in April to raise money for a charity for Endometriosis. Since Diana has suffered from the disease in the past, her aim is to raise more money for research. She has taken time out of training to talk to me about the race and her battle against endometriosis.

You have been training for the London Marathon, how have you found time to train since you are based in Brussels?

It is very difficult. In fact, it is virtually impossible given the lifestyle that we lead. The parliament works on a four week cycle, which means two weeks of committee meetings in Brussels and then one week of political group week and then the Strasbourg week. So that means we are travelling every week and in between that, there is all sorts of other little journeys for talks and conferences. So training is not easy, I try doing it when I’m at home. You have to do long runs at weekends, which is part of my way of relaxing. I don’t do as much as I probably need though, I shall get round but it’s a question of how long it takes me!

How important is doing the London Marathon to you?

I am running it for a charity to do with an illness that I feel very strongly about called Endometriosis. It affects around 1 in 10 women and I was unfortunate to suffer from it in my thirties. It is extremely painful. For me, it was brought to an end in my early thirties when I had a full hysterectomy which meant that I couldn’t have a family. As a consequence, I could say that politics has become my baby. It is a horrible disease.. Gradually, as I felt more comfortable in talking about my own personal experience, I have tried to do something on a European level to try and raise more awareness about it.

Have you run the marathon before?

I have, I ran it once before about 3 years ago, and I did it in 5 hours 26 minutes. I want to try and do it in less than 5 hours this time. This time, I am doing it during an election year, which isn’t ideal but there we go!

Do you think there is more awareness about Endometriosis now, compared to when you suffered from it?

It’s a lot better than when I had it. I can remember going to a series of probably 4 consultants over a period of six years, who told me variously that I had other conditions, one even told me I was pregnant, which I knew I couldn’t be. Lots of women have been through this process, it is now easier to diagnose and there is more written about it in women’s magazines. I read an article in Cosmopolitan, and I remember going hot and cold and thinking “this is what I’ve got!” and then I found a female GP who was far more sympathetic. This was such a relief because very often, you are turned away and told that you just have bad period pains.

What advice would you have for women who may be suffering from Endometriosis?

Make sure you kick up a fuss! Don’t be frightened to keep asking questions if you don’t get answered straight away. It is a very difficult thing to talk about but the more we talk about things like this, the more aware we become. I think the problem is that it is very difficult to convey just how horrible this disease is. I read an article in a local newspaper about a young woman who had suffered from it and in the picture of her she looking very smiley and happy, there was nothing that showed there was something obviously wrong with her. It is so easy to down play it and say “oh, it’s just period pains!”, but it’s a lot worse than that.

Fact Box

Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful condition which occurs when the cells that usually line a woman’s womb develop in other parts of her body, such as the vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, bowel and the rectum
Endometriosis cells work in the same way as those that line the womb. Each month during the menstrual cycle, the womb lining break down and bleeds if pregnancy hasn’t occurred. Endometriosis cells go through the same process but it cannot leave the body. This causes swelling and extreme pain wherever the cells are in the body.

Laura Newton

The UK, A Nation of Teenage Pregnancies

2009-05-04T04:24:00.001-07:00

Teenage pregnancies have been a hot topic in the past few months. The nation was shocked to hear that once again, teenage pregnancies are on the increase. So it begs the question, where are we going wrong?

Statistics show that the UK had the highest number of teenage pregnancies in Western Europe and is only second to The United States, according to figures from the World Health Organisation.

It was reported that The Committee of Advertising Practise is about to start a three month consultation into whether advertisements for condoms and abortion clinics should be shown before watershed on television and radio.

The plans have come about after the shocking statistics were announced, in a bid to help the situation. Efforts are even more essential after it was reported that teenagers are turning to internet pornography in order to answer their queries about sex. As a result, more children are having unprotected sex at an earlier age.

It has been argued that the main cause of teenage pregnancies in the UK is down to the lack of sex education provided in schools.

A secondary school teacher from Nottingham said: “I think the primary responsibility for sex and relationship education lies with parents, but as with all things this has to be a partnership between home, school, and the health and welfare agencies.”

“Part of the reason why some teenagers are missing out on key education and information could be because these parties don’t communicate as effectively as they could – schools and parents don’t discuss sex education, and healthcare and social care professionals don’t talk to schools (and vice versa) as much as they should.”

Hayley Wells 21, from Nottingham had her first child at the age of 16, she said: “I was in a relationship at the time and had been sexually active for a while, my daughter wasn’t planned and when I found out it all seemed a bit surreal.”

“You never think it is going to happen to you, and I admit, we were careless about using protection. Sex education was not widely taught in school. The majority of what you learn is in biology, rather than lessons specifically on sex education.”

Government plant to make sex education a compulsory part of the national curriculum in primary and secondary schools by 2010, meaning children will learn more about relationships, contraception and the meaning of sex.

It will be also being made compulsory in Faith schools, allowing teachers to adapt their teaching to their own beliefs. Parents will also get the legal right to withdraw children from the classes if they wish to do so.

Hayley said: “I definitely think sex education should be taught more in schools. I think kids are completely oblivious to how much having a baby changes your life. I was only 16 and I suddenly had to grow up and become responsible. I missed out on the things that normal teenagers get up to, because I had a baby to look after. I wouldn’t change my daughter for the world, but if I could turn back time, I would have had her later on in life.”

Picture taken from Google Image

Laura Newton

'Two Lipsticks and a Lover' By Helena Frith Powell

2009-04-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

“Unlock your inner French woman. A witty investigation into the styles, lusts and secrets of French women.” Two Lipsticks and a Lover.

One woman who reveals the hidden secrets about European women and their indispensable wardrobe and beauty tips.

Helena Frith Powell unleashes the essence of France and the lustrous women in the novel ‘Two Lipsticks and a Lover’.

Helena Frith Powell 44, is a travel and lifestyle journalist who has her own French Mistress column in The Sunday Times, The Guardian and Daily Mail. Her first book Two Lipsticks and a Lover, was published in October 2005. Poonam Vadher talks to Helena to find out about the inner essence of becoming a successful writer.

Where do you get your inspirations from to write these classy novels?
I’m not sure you can call them classy! But my inspiration for them has come from my surroundings and my past. Living in France was hugely inspirational and my unusual childhood gave me a lot of material for my memoir Ciao Bella. At the moment I am working on my first novel, which is set in France.

Did you always want to be a writer?
Pretty much from the age of about nine, before that I wanted to be a vet for wild animals because they have no one to look after them. Also an actress (or rather a film star) and a writer.

I am currently reading ‘Two Lipsticks and a Lover’, do you think that British women are more carefree about their appearances then French women?
I think British women are more carefree because there is not such a heavy emphasis on looking good in England.

You travel a lot, name one place you visited and what did you like about it?
Oh help! I think one of my most favourite trips was to Port Cros just off the French coast near Toulon. It is like a little paradise on earth with no cars, the children played on the beach while my husband and I drank rose and ate grilled fish.

What made you move to Abu Dhabi?
It was a dream job, staff writer for a magazine and also the idea of an adventure.

Are you planning on writing any more books? If so what is it about?
I am working on a novel at the moment, but have just finished a diet book which will be published in May. One day I will write a book about my experiences here.

How did you gain the information?
I write mainly about what I live through and also the experiences of my friends.

Who is your idol and why?
Aung San Suu Kyi, the opposition leader in Burma. She is beautiful and has dedicated her life to a cause. She is the most selfless woman I can think of, as well as intelligent, elegant and brave. And throughout it all she wears a flower in her hair – a very French attitude!

What type of genres interest you?
All kinds really, I just interviewed the Swedish crime writer Henning Mankell and so read some thrillers for the first time ever. I like anything that is well written but have to say my favourite book always was and remains Wuthering Heights.

You have written a lot about different women in different countries and their culture, if you could choose one of these cultures to live in which one would you choose e.g. France, Italy …?
France I think, much as I love Italy and England and all sorts of other places. The French know how to live and I admire their passion for fashion, human rights and beauty. I also think France is the most beautiful country in the world and it has just about everything you could ever want from life; mountains, sea, Paris, champagne and culture.

You focus on women in your books. What interests you about the female gender and why?
I find women endlessly fascinating; and I think I enjoy writing about them partly in an effort to better understand myself. I love the fact that as a woman you have so many roles in life; mother, lover, friend, mistress (not everyone obviously!), wife, sister, career woman – all these roles we somehow manage to juggle and fill. Women’s capacity to achieve things never ceases to amaze me.

To find out more information on Helena Frith Powell and her novels, log onto her very own website: http://helenafrithpowell.com/

Journalism lecturer gets a taste of India for prospective students

2009-03-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

Sue Featherstone, Principle lecturer in Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University, tells us all about her first trip to Mumbai, India and did it really spice up her.

P. What was the purpose of your trip?
S. Well the main reason for my trip was to meet some prospective students in Delhi.

P. Why did you go and meet the students?
S. I didn’t realise this until I went but Sheffield Hallam University attracts more students from the Indian subcontinent than any other university. They have about 500 students which is an awful lot of people, and one of the ways in which students apply to come to Hallam is through an agency in India. So regularly people from he university go out there and interview the students to make sure if there suitable, because there’s a discrepancy between the students and their understanding of what were looking for. For instance we had a student who wanted to do a marketing course but he didn’t have the two year management work experience, which you really need to have. So therefore we were able to counsel him and suggested that he followed an alternative course.

P. what can you tell us about India as it was your first trip there?
S. It’s amazing and interesting as I was listening to a piece on the radio this morning about Disraeli who was the British prime minister in the 19th Century and he wrote a novel in which he talks about England being split into two nations and that neither of the nations ever meet or know anything about each other. The nations he talks about are poor and wealthy and this struck me as it’s so true of India. As there are two different worlds, where I would describe a normal everyday doings and then you see the poor poverty areas and this is a binding memory of that culture.
The people are so nice and such good fun. I did a lecture with some students at an all female University in Delhi, and the students were so lovely and bubbly. They knew awful lot about the subject and contributed well as it was the first time they had met me, it felt like I built a relationship with them just as I do with all my students back here. I found these women to be confident and it was such fun working with them.

P. What would you have done differently if you had the chance to it all over again? S. Well as it was a heavy working trip and I only got one afternoon off for a few hours that’s when I was able to do any shopping. So this woman called Sudha who works for the Delhi office, she took me to this outside market. I saw the traditional Indian suits called salwar kameez, I was really tempted to buy one but I didn’t have enough money on me to buy the suit or some earrings for my daughters. At the end I brought some earrings for them but the eldest doesn’t like the pair I chose for her so now I have a pair of earrings. But I really regret the fact I didn’t buy the Indian suit, so the next time I do go if I get the chance I will definitely buy at least two or three suits.

P. How did the Indian culture differ from the British culture?
S. I think the biggest cultural difference is the driving, the roads are absolutely chaotic. It reminds me of that big square in France where the drivers would just hurdle in there, and that’s what it's exactly like in India. The drivers don’t even look in their wing mirrors they just use their horns all the time. Where we have three lanes for traffic they have six lanes, it's crazy.
Over there everyone uses scooters to get around and it was fascinating to see because you would see a woman sitting behind but like side ways and she would have one hand on the mans shoulder and a bag shopping and sometimes you would see a child sitting on her lap.

P. Did you enjoy the taste of the Indian curries?
S. I have to confess to only having one Indian curry the whole time I was there, the reason being because the very first day I was there and when I got to the Delhi office they insisted on buying me lunch. So they got some food from a take out and it looked really nice and tasty, but the first thing I saw was a long black strand of hair and I said to myself “come on this is India just get on with it”. The rest of the time I was eating something from the buffet and the hotel makes UK and American style breakfast. I didn’t experiment at all which is sad really but then again I am not really into curries as I find them too spicy so wasn’t missing much on the food side.

P. Are the tuition fees for post graduates more expensive for international students than the UK students?
S. Yes there very expensive I think it's double the price of what post graduates pay here. But I was talking to this man who was on the plane with me to Delhi, he said that the competition in India because the size of the population is just immense. That you have to fight for everything which proberly reflects on the way they drive, fighting for a space to get their car in. He mentioned that’s why students go abroad to study for better education as it is difficult to get into good schools and it’s all because of the size of the population. However I would love to go back.

P. Did you pick up on any Hindi whilst you were there?
S. Not really, one of the things I notice is that there really respectable, there was this Indian reporter who worked for the English language newspaper and he kept calling me ma'am. He would say “what did you think of this ma'am?” I thought I’m not old enough to be ma'am but I did think it was sweet of him.

Famous head chef revamps struggling local restaurant

2009-03-24T04:35:00.000-07:00

Hidden away on the corner of Arundel Street right near Sheffield Hallam University, a small tapas restaurant failed to impress the customer’s and their taste buds. This all changed when Gordon Ramsay took a trip to visit the restaurant and bar at the time called ‘Runaway Girl’. Ramsay whipped this less appealing tapas restaurant into shape, by giving it a whole new menu serving traditional English cuisines and a new name now called ‘Silversmiths’.

The 3am Girls headed off to find out how the new and improved restaurant was doing and if it had been all worth it. Also to find out the juicy gossip about Gordon Ramsay, is he really a stubborn and arrogant head chef as they all say he is?

Click here to find out what the chefs had to say.

Image acquired from:http://sheffieldblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/silversmiths.jpg

Mums are like a bunch of roses

2009-03-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

Its that time of the year where we show our mothers just how much you appreciate them. By spoiling them with their favourite bunch of pink roses and beautiful Gerberas.

Mums are like a bunch of roses, there sweet, pretty, elegant, beautiful and just like a rose can make you smile, a mother’s smile can last a lifetime.

A mother’s favourite flower is considered to be pink roses which signify elegance and gentility they are seen as more light hearted and sweetness of thought. The gerberas which look like a daisy are also a popular flower and can come in many colours, whereas the pink gerbera represents ‘beauty’ and ‘innocence’.

Not many people know the history behind Mother’s Day and why we celebrate this one special day, 22nd March. However many other countries celebrate Mother’s Day on a different day such as, Belgium, Finland, Turkey, Australia and Italy celebrate it on the second Sunday of May, whilst other countries the celebration can last up to two days.

Mother’s Day started in Britain in the 17th Century where historians believe that this holiday was celebrated during the time of the 40 day period of lent. Which is known as “Mothering Sunday” honoured the mother’s of England. The honourable name “mother church” is the spiritual power and also where they were baptized.

As most of the year churchgoers would worship at their nearest parish church, known as “daughter church’s.”

It was seen as important for the daughters to return home to their "mother" church once a year.

Mothering Sunday is in during the Lent period of easter and therefore many people took this opportunity to take a break from fasting and gathered around to have a family feast.

In the United States, Mother's Day was loosely inspired by the British day and was first suggested after the American Civil War.

Today Mothers day is celebrated the same way as the old days by spoiling them with flowers, cards and gifts to show a token for our love for them.

Image from URl at: http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn241/futurepasadenamom/pink-roses_fs.jpg

Confessions of a Shopaholic: A must see for all serial spenders

2009-03-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

As a hapless and hopeless fashion victim with serious issues in the spending department, I thought all my dreams had come true upon hearing about the new chick flick Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Set in New York, the film is a take on the novel by Sophie Kinsella and centres around Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher), a young journalist with a big heart but an out of control shopping habit. Although her dream is to work for acclaimed fashion magazine, Alette, Rebecca unintentionally ends up writing for a financial publication located in the same office block in order to make ends meet.

Despite being thousands of dollars in debt, Rebecca’s new job involves advising readers about sensible spending and surprisingly she’s pretty good at it. But little does love interest, Luke Brandon (played by Hugh Dancy), the charming editor of the magazine know about Rebecca’s dark debt secret. That is until she has to choose between the trust of her relationships and the trust of her store cards.

With laugh out loud moments and a devilishly stylish backdrop of designer stores and the streets of New York, this film does not fail to excite even the most frugal shoppers.
In some scenes, viewers will recognise themselves in Rebecca Bloomwood, which is a credit to Fisher as she manages to portray the character convincingly with an endearing performance that is relatable. Although Fisher hasn’t lent herself to many roles like this one in the past, the actress sparkles with a realism that is rarely captured by Hollywood actors, and makes dangerous spenders in denial question whether material goods are worth all they seem. This highlights the success of Director P.J. Hogan's casting which is spot on.

Amid the doom and gloom of the current credit crisis around the globe, this light hearted comedy brings a refreshing take on what could have been a misplaced, badly timed plot about depressing debt. Yes, the storyline is probably extremely predictable for most, but you can’t help but love this fluffy fairytale. And with bags, shoes and dresses galore, what more could any female ask from a movie?

Film information

Rating:

* * * * *
Cast: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Joan Cusack, Krysten Ritter and Kristin Scott Thomas
Director: P.J. Hogan
Writer: Tracey Jackson and Tim Firth
Release date: 20 February 2009

Image aquired from: http://www.fash-eccentric.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/isla-fisher-shopaholic.jpg

The truth about Paul Scriven: the Lib Dem leader who might just make you beans on toast

2009-03-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

With promises of a greener Sheffield, less crime and fairer opportunities in the city, local Liberal Democrat and council leader Paul Scriven certainly has his work cut out for him.

The politician talks to Lorna Dockerill and reveals what makes his blood boil, floats his boat and of course what brought him to the forefront of politics…

What first attracted you to the city of Sheffield, more specifically Hunters Bar?
My job. I needed to be somewhere central for the motorway network; oh and of course my partner lived here.
I have lived here for just over 11 years all the time in Hunters Bar. It has a buzz and a charm with Eccy Road just on the doorstep and there is a great mix of students and permanent residents.

When you left school at 16 with no qualifications what was your dream?
My ambition was to become a footballer but I had neither the skill nor the talent. However later in life I did become a referee.

Why did you decide to get into politics?
I had seen many social injustices growing up on a council estate in Huddersfield. I realised that I could either sit down and complain about them, or get involved and try to fight for a more just and fair society. I am so glad I did the latter.

What do regard as the biggest achievement in your life?
Without a doubt I would say getting my degree. I was told that people like me didn't go into higher education. Like many others I did, and came out with a degree from Manchester Metropolitan university, which has opened my life up to so many different opportunities.

You love to travel, but where in the world is your favourite place to be?
I do love to travel and it really is hard to pick out one place, as each has its own charm and the people are so great in so many countries. If you were to really, really push me I would say New Zealand. It has charm, some of the most stunning scenery in the world and the people are so open and friendly.

What business do you own in the tourism industry?
My company is not really operating at present as I don't have time to spend on it, because being the Leader of the Council takes up far too much time. However, it was a small company that arranged bespoke tours to South East Asia.

What is your all time favourite food?
Erm, knowing my battle with my weight far too many foods attract me. However, if push comes to shove a very simple dish of beans on wholemeal toast dusted with black pepper and a cup of good old tea! You can take the Boy out of Huddersfield, but you can't take Huddersfield out of the Boy.

What keeps you awake at night?
My partner snoring.

Who is your idol?
I tend not to have one idol but it would be a mixture of someone with the leadership of Nelson Mandela, the compassion of Ghandi and the social justice of Lloyd George.

What would you want on your tombstone?
Avanti...Avanti...Avanti... It means forward in Italian.

What really makes your blood boil?
People dropping litter, or even worse throwing things out of their car.

And finally, how would you advise young people to go about politics in this day and age?
Change is going to happen so I would urge young people to get involved and help shape their future. It doesn't matter if it is a campaign, march, writing a letter lobbying, or joining a political party or society. Roll up your sleeves and get involved.
Sitting back and letting others shape your future may seem easy, but in long run it might just not be what you want.

To find out more about Paul log onto: http://www.paulscriven.org.uk/index.html

Paul Scriven
Fact File

Age: 43
Home town: Huddersfield
Councillor information:
Paul has been councillor of the Broomhill ward in Sheffield for nine years and Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the city for seven.
Career: After obtaining his degree from Manchester metropolitan University, Paul began working for the NHS and trained at Warwick Business School. He became the youngest hospital manager in the UK when he ran a specialist hospital in the East midlands. Paul was named one of the Top Business people in Yorkshire under 42 for his Tourism business.
Campaigns: Paul has campaigned for environment protection, for local older people to have more financial security and against labour's Post Office closures and student top up fees.

Liberal Democrats deliver lowest council tax in history of Sheffield

2009-03-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

The council announced today that the Liberal Democrats have delivered the lowest council tax in the history of Sheffield.

Councillor Simon Clement- Jones boasted that a 1.95% increase in council tax is lower than any other city in the UK. He said: “We want to put money back into the pockets of the taxpaying people in Sheffield.”

Council also aims to protect local parks, tackle deprivation of certain areas, improve recycling and to increase security within the city.

Councillor Paul Scriven said: “It doesn’t matter if you live in Broomhill or Burngreave, under this council you will receive a fair and equal opportunity.”

Plans to reduce Sheffield’s carbon emissions are also set to be put in place for 2009/2010, in order to contribute towards the battle against climate change. Council aims to provide free insulation for homes, advice for how people can reduce energy bills and climate change funds for the local communities in Sheffield.

Funds of £50k are to be put towards the refurbishment of King Edwards swimming pool and 250k is to be carried forward to 2009/10 for additional funding for Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP).

It was also confirmed that the popular 101 anti-social behaviour hotline number would continue to be available, regardless of previous threats from lack of funding.

Despite the positive outcome, councillors wasted no time in criticising the opposition. Referring to Labour party members, Councillor Paul Scriven said: “They have lost touch with the public, which is why they lost.”

He added: “It is quite clear locally, that labour are still not listening and have still not learnt.” Councillor Andrew Sangar also referred to Labours approach to saving money as “flimsy”.
Labour representatives responded by criticising the council for “not doing what they’re manifestos promised”.

Councillor Jan Wilson of the Labour Party said: “You will find in the long run that you can’t please everyone all of the time.”

In response to the Lib Dem’s achievements so far, Councillor Steve Jones of the Labour Party said: “Let’s see what you are able to achieve over the next few months, as things get tougher.”

Image taken from Google Image

Laura Newton

Uproar as protesters slam new plans for station barriers

2009-03-06T03:49:00.001-08:00

Around 200 residents turned out to protest against plans to install ticket barriers at Sheffield train station.

The protest took place in Barkers Pool at around 3:45pm and moved down through the station. It was led by the Campaign group Residents Against Station closure and gave the people of Sheffield a chance to come forward and have their say on the plans to install barriers.

The station provides residents a safe and well lit route from the city centre to the Park Hill and Norfolk Park areas. The barriers would block access to this route which is used by Sheffielders daily.

East Midlands Trains want to install the barriers in order to make sure all passengers are carrying tickets; they say that the barriers would prevent people fare dodging.

Councillor Paul Scriven, continued: “Although we support the principle of checking tickets, we are totally opposed to gating at the station. Already over 2,000 people have expressed their views via an online feedback form on the Council’s website. An amazing 95% of people have told us that they are against installing barriers. Surely East Midland Trains has to sit up and listen to that?”

The installment plans would mean that Sheffield station would follow the same procedures as other stations such as Leeds, which also uses barriers as a form of tracking tickets.

Local resident, Catherine Walsh (45) from Walkley said: “I feel strongly about this issue. Sheffield have put a lot of money into transport and East Midlands Trains can’t give the exact figures of how much money they’re losing when they say that people are not paying their fares deliberately, which is why the barriers are being put in place. I think the real reason for this is that there are not enough people at the kiosks in the train station or on the trains checking tickets.”

If the barriers were to be put in place, residents would be forced to use an alternative route which is regarded as unsafe and dangerous.

Catherine Walsh added: “I am disabled and so is my partner, and disabled people do have issues when it comes to using the station such as difficulty reading boards. We both use public transport a lot and these barriers on the footbridge will affect us and the rest of the public using the station.”

Sheffield Council has been receiving feedback from residents and station users since last August. All feedback received via the Council’s website has been forwarded to East Midland Trains to feed into its consultation.

Councillor Scriven said: “It is vital that everyone’s views are represented and that East Midlands Trains listens to Sheffield residents. There is still time to have your say. We have set up a feedback form that you can access via the home page of the Council’s website. Just go online, fill in your details and we will ensure that everyone’s comments are heard.”

Anyone who wishes to have their say on the issue of gating the Sheffield Station footbridge should fill out the online form at http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/, all information will be forwarded to East Midlands Trains. Rail users and residents can contact East Midlands Trains direct by emailing getintouch@eastmidlandstrains.co.uk

Hallam Union Elections 2009

2009-03-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

Who will be the lucky winners to turn Sheffield Hallam Union a better place for students. The results have been announced of the next Hallam president’s of 2009.

All 16 candidates want to express their opinions and make their voices to be heard, about what should be done to improve this friendly social union aka 'The Hubs'.

These fun filled candidates all believe that every student has a right to make their time at Hallam the best it can be. Where they all promises to deliver just that.

David Roy Carr the organiser of Hallam elections announced the winners for each executive place.

As many would know that all sports students are entitled to have every Wednesdays off. Nikki Parkinson winner for Sports Executive, promises to push forward the ‘free Wednesdays’.

Nikki said: "All students should be entitled to have Wednesday's off or one day off during the week, because they can get involved in with the sports activities.”

The winner for Education Executive is Ben Heaton, “thank you very much for all those that voted for me.”

The winner for Equal opportunity Executive is Dan Pine who wants the rights to equal opportunities within the university and wider community. Also to hold campaigns and policies to ensure fair access to all Union activities.

The winner for Welfare Executive is Matthew Bond, campaigns for FREE EDUCATION at Hallam and for the representation of welfare for other committees such as; Disabled students, black & ethnic minorities and anti-fascism.

The winner for Hallam volunteering Executive is Kate Healey make volunteering accessible for everyone, focusing on recruitment, ensuring there is something for every individual at Hallam Volunteering. Making the voice to celebrate all of Hallam’s Volunteering achievements, she will also improve communications between the union and university to continually improve Hallam’s Volunteering as a whole.

The winner for Academic Affairs Executive is Sam Brown ensuring the library has more key course books, actively seek feedback from students throughout the year to help improve the sports. He will ensure students have access to the best possible careers advice after graduating.

The winner for Finance and Conservative Executive is Tom Woltho wants to promote and maintain a great entertainments and commercial programme within the Union. He will work to ensure the union remains the best placed to continue providing services to students throughout the coming years.

The winner for Media Executive is Tom Wilson who wants to push student to become more involved with SHU-Life magazine, SHU-radio and for them to use SHU-space as a form of a communication tool, that provides information about events, campaigns and societies.

The winner for Sports Executive is Samantha Gill, currently the sports executive and wants to keep hold of her place. Samantha has a passion for sports and believes it has made a difference this year and will in the next year. She believes to achieve positive change.

The winner for Union Executive is Danni Beckett who promises to support all student activities such as sport, societies and media. She is willing to help shape the Union for the better and the campaign to continue against top-up fees.

The new executive will take office from 1st July 2009.

My Bloody Valentine- film review

2009-02-26T08:41:00.000-08:00

Like many 21st Century horror films, My Bloody Valentine 3D is packed with blood, guts and the odd bimbo. Having little faith in modern day horror films, I was willing to give this re-make a chance. Although I squirmed at the gory death scenes, it disappointed with its dire acting and an unspeakable storyline.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the film is the directors, Patrick Lussier’s incompetence to make use of the films potential. As a result, I feel that too much focus was put on the 3D effects. Unfortunately, this means that without the effects, My Bloody Valentine would be dull and laughable for all the wrong reasons.

Picture taken from Google Image Ten years ago, Tom Hanniger caused an accident in the coal mines of a town called Harmony. The accident caused the death of five miners and the only survivor, Harry Warden to be in a coma. One year later, on Valentine’s Day, Harry wakes up and in a bid for revenge goes on a killing spree with a pick axe, murdering the hospital staff and a bunch of teenagers partying at the derelict mine. He is eventually caught and killed himself, or is he?

Among the teenagers at the party, the only survivors are Tom (Jensen Ackles), Sarah (Jaime King), Axel (Kerr Smith), and Irene (Betsy Rue). Despite Tom fleeing Harmony, he finds himself having to come back 10 years later because of his ownership of the mines. He comes back to find his ex girlfriend, Sarah and Axel are married (with a few complications) and Irene is now the town hussy (hence the bimbo). After years of peace, Harmony finds the miner’s mask wearing killer is back to finish what he started, particularly focusing on Tom, Sarah, Axel and Irene.

The film can seem quite predictable, but this cheesy slasher film doesn’t reveal its twist until right at the very end of the film, and compared to the rest of the storyline, it is quite a good one. Despite all the negativity, this film has sold out on most showings. But when the viewer has pick axes and boobs flying at them every two seconds, it is easy to understand why. If you are looking for the typical gory, tacky horror film with the bonus 3D effects, go ahead and watch it. If you’re looking for quality and originality, I advise you save your money.

Starring: Jensen Ackles, Jaime King, Kerr Smith, Betsy Rue
Director: Patrick Lussier

Laura Newton

Aagrah - Not your average Indian

2009-02-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

Come dine with Aagrah, when it comes for a night off let Yorkshires splendid Indian restaurant spoil you with a variety of authentic curries, from meat to a fresh collection of seafood and vegetarian. All cooked to your desired taste.

Hidden under away in Sheffield’s Leopold Square, the sound of instrumental Indian music lures me to the finest restaurant in town.

The Aagrah chain consists of 11 restaurants based around South Yorkshire. These restaurants are desired to offer cuisine and hospitality to all their customers.

This fine beautiful restaurant holds 200 people and is few steps beneath the Italian restaurant Platillos. The dining room has a large chequerboard floor with massive brown columns rising here and there like giant chess pieces.

The waiters wore traditional salwar kameez an Indian outfit, embroidered with white and gold thread detail. This set an awe eccentric vibe with the music and candle lit lighting which set the scenery of being in India.

A fine authentic collection of ocean fresh fish, from cod to haddock and seabass all marinated in delicious warm Indian spices. Cocktail and tiger prawns are displayed on ice for you to pick out and have the chef make it however you wish. Whether that’s grilled or deep fried in crispy batter, served with a wedge of lemon and fresh salad.

My diner’s starter was not only mouth watering but very satisfying. The king prawn tikka (£5.95) marinated in yoghurt and vinegar with delicate herbs and spices. These gigantic prawns are cooked on charcoal to give that smoky barbecue taste.

For the vegetarian selection the panner tikka for starters at (£3.90) is a very popular dish that you can’t go wrong with. Panner is a type of Indian cottage cheese marinated in mouth watering hot ‘n’ sour spices and then flamed grilled, severed with green spring salad.

For those chicken lovers the kashmiri dishes are full of flavour, vegetables and aroma. Murgh Saag (7.95) made with chicken and spring leaf spinach tenderly cooked with ginger, garlic, bay leaves and cinnamon juice.

The Goan Machli (tilapia – fresh water fish) is a personal favourite of mine and is cooked to perfection at (£9.90). This exquisite dish is made with coconut milk, fresh garden mint and blends of oriental spices which leaves a pleasant sweet and fresh taste in your mouth.

You can enjoy these fine curries with soft puffy naan (£2.30). They are cooked on a hot tawa (pan) with a touch of onion seeds with melted butter spread all over.

For sweets, we have pleasant ras malai, milky dumplings in flavoured milk, both were £3.25.

Our bill with one glass of orange juice and a JD coke, came to £45 a bit more than your average Indian but then Aagrah is not your average Indian.

The service was excellent and the quick although we did have to ask a few times for a jug of water. But other than that I will definitely be visiting Aagrah again.

Leopold Square, Sheffield. Tel : 0114 2 79 5577. Website: www.aagrah.netOpen Mon–Wed 5.30 –11.30pm,Thurs–Sat noon – midnight, Sun 4.30-10.30pm. Credit cards. Disabled access and toilets. Ethnic music. Street parking.My star ratings (out of five):Food 5Atmosphere 5Service 5Value 4Indian restaurant category

Image acquired from: http://www.leedsthomasdanby.ac.uk/images/Aagrah.gif