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Chess Strategy
Deanna Ramirez, 11, and her three teammates are proud of the trophies they won at the recent Susan Polgar World Open Chess Championship for Girls in Las Vegas.
So proud they wanted the city to have one, too.
So proud that when Mayor Henry Garrett reached for Deanna's trophy, she kept her grip on it, making sure he got the right one - the second-place team trophy, not her individual award.
"These young ladies put Corpus Christi on the world map," Garrett said as another of the four elementary school chess whiz's handed him the trophy they brought for the city.
In addition to placing second as a team, each of the girls placed in different events in the competition that included 72 competitors from the United States, France, Mexico, Peru, Mongolia and Poland.
"The girls represent different schoolss and want to give this trophy to the city," said Bert Quintanilla, a chess instructor and father of team member Kennedy Quintanilla, 6, a first-grader at Windsor Park Elementary School.
By the mayor's June 6 proclamation three sisters, Deanna, 11, her two younger sisters, Courtney Ramirez, 9, and Kimberly Ramirez , 6, all students at St. Patrick's Catholic School, and Kennedy were designated as official representatives of the city at the tournament.
They gave council members chrome chess piece lapel pins, and handed each a poker chip with world champion chess grandmaster Polgar's photo on it.
"This is a $1,000 chip, right? asked Councilman Jerry Garcia, pinching it while spurring laughter among city officials.
They are real $5 chips, Quintanilla said.
"It was also a profitable trip then," said Councilman Mark Scott.
The girls, all straight-A students, each received a certificate from the mayor.
"We play as often as we can, people that play chess get better grades," said Deanna as they gathered in the hallway to chatter about their moment of recognition.
Chess Strategy
Shoshana Bean, who recently played Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked, will be part of the upcoming Broadway in the Burbs II concert in North Atlanta.
The July 22 evening will be held at the Hanger Auditorium at The Bricks. Bean will join Adam Hunter, Dave Barrus, Paige Price and Norm Lewis for an evening of Broadway showtunes. The evening will also feature students of The Broadway Company's Triple Threat Academy, a workshop that helps prepare students for careers in the performing arts. Show time is 8 PM.
Shoshana Bean, who recently starred as Elphaba in Broadway's Wicked, played Shelley in the original cast of the Tony-winning musical Hairspray. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Bean attended the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music before heading to NYC. She was first cast in the Off-Broadway production of Godspell and then in the national tour of Leader of the Pack. Bean was also seen in the all-star Hair benefit concert. The singer-actress is currently working on her debut solo album for Pure Records and will play three stops on the Wicked tour beginning Sept. 6 at Portland's Keller Auditorium.
Norm Lewis, who appeared in the benefit Hair concert, has been seen on Broadway in The Wild Party, Side Show, Miss Saigon and The Who's Tommy. His Off-Broadway credits include Dessa Rose, Captains Courageous and A New Brain, and he has toured with Once on This Island and Four Score & Seven Years Ago. Lewis?other theatrical credits include the all-star Dreamgirls and Children of Eden concerts, the City Center Encores! production of Golden Boy and regional productions of Ragtime, Pippin and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Lewis will play Javert in the upcoming revival of Les Mis'rables.
Paige Price starred on Broadway in Saturday Night Fever and was also seen in Beauty and the Beast and Smokey Joe's Caf'. She acted in Bubbling Brown Sugar, starring Diahann Carroll, at Atlanta's Fox Theatre, and produced The Eyes Are The First Thing To Go: The Mid-Life Musical Comedy Revue, a revue by brothers Jim and Bob Walton, Off-Broadway.
Adam Hunter has been seen on Broadway in Les Mis'rables, Ragtime and La Boh'me as well as in the benefit concerts of Dreamgirls and Chess.
Dave Barrus' theatrical credits include productions of Les Mis'rables, West Side Story and Chess.
The Hanger Auditorium at The Bricks is located in the Perimeter Church at the corner of Medlock Bridge Road and Old Alabama in Duluth, GA. Tickets, priced $20-$125, are available by calling (678) 405-2275 or (678) 520-0775.
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Chess Strategy
COELIACS: The Dublin 15 Coeliac Support Group is having a summer break for July, August and September. Next meeting will be Tuesday, October 3 in the Bell Pub in Blanchardstown from 8 pm.
HUNTSTOWN ACTIVITIES: Huntstown Community Centre is the venue for a chess club, under the watchful eye of a professional coach, which meets every Wednesday (6-7pm, '4). For further information, phone 8220847 or email:
yphelan@eircom.net.
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BOWLS: New members are required for Drumcondra Indoor Bowls. Male and female welcome. Every Monday and Friday from 2-4pm. Corpus Christi Hall, Drumcondra Road.
ACTIVE RETIREMENT: Get out and about. The Ongar Castaheany Nifty Fifties Active Retirement Association is looking for new members. The group meets every Tuesday (except after bank holidays) at 8.30pm in The Paddocks Pub, Littlepace, Dublin 15. For more details contact Jo on 087-6157217.
VOLUNTEER: Are you a student or part-time worker with some extra time on your hands? Oxfam Ireland is looking for volunteers to help in their office. People who are a dab hand with a computer and have an eye for detail are especially needed. If you'd like to lend a helping hand contact Emma on 6727662.
FINGLAS NETWORK: Voluntary and community groups in the Finglas East region are being asked to send us a brief description of their work to the Finglas East Regional Network. The network meets regularly with local representatives, councillors, community guards, statutory bodies and Dublin City Council to help improve the situation for local groups. Send info including name and contact address to: Pauline Hazel, FERN, C/O Finglas-Cabra Partnership, Rosehill House. Finglas, Dublin 11.
YOGA: Sahaja Yoga is a simple method of finding inner peace, easy to learn and always free. Every Monday at 7pm in Blanchardstown Library. Tel: 0862520765 for more details.
TOASTMASERS Phoenix-Tara Toastmaster meetings are held in The Millhouse (Browne's Bar) function room, Main Street, Clonee. Phoenix-Tara. Meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month. 7.45pm for 8pm start. Meetings end at 10.15pm. Admission is free to guests and new visitors (for two or three meetings).
BREASTFEEDING: If you are breast feeding or considering breast feeding La Leche League meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 10am, the second Tuesday of the month at 8.30pm and the third Wednesday of the month at 8pm. Call Joan for venue details on 820-0687. For breastfeeding help and information any time call Joan on 820-0687 or Siobhan on 825-7167.
SCRABBLE: A Scrabble club meets at St Brigid's community hall, Blanchardstown Village every Monday night (except bank holidays) at 7.30pm. New members are very welcome. For further information, contact 8212254 or 8211859.
ALZHEIMERS: The Wednesday Club is designed to help people suffering from Alzheimer's and their carers. The club meets over a cup of tea for a chat and to access information. Meetings take place every Wednesday from 10.30am-12.30pm at the Senior Citizens?Complex, Convent View Crescent, off Rathoath Road, Cabra, Dublin 7. All welcome. Further information from Margaret Whitehead on 867-5247.
PARENTS ALONE: Parents Alone Support Service (PASS) are seeking new members. PASS is a lone parent support organisation based in Finglas. Those interested in joining should call into the PASS office in Finglas Village (above Vincent's charity shop, opposite St Canice's Church) or call 864-1964.
ICA: Botanic/Glasnevin Guild of the ICA meet on the first and third Tuesday of every month in Scoil Catriona Mobhi Road. They enjoy a variety of crafts, lectures outings etc. If you're interested in joining please contact Mary Cashin at 8304866.
BADMINTON: Badminton for adults takes place on Saturday mornings in St Declan's College, Nephin Road, Dublin 7. Come along any Saturday (10am-12noon) or call Tony on 8384510 (evenings).
CHOIR: Sli Eile Ballymun Gospel Choir is seeking new singers and band members. The choir is appealing for young adults aged between 18-35. Those interested are asked to contact Caitl'n, Se'n or Frank at the Sl?Eile Ballymun office, 127 Shangan Road. Phone 8625345 or e-mail Sam at
ballymungcm@sli-eile.com.
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Sl?Eile runs faith, justice and culture activities for young adults, and is an initiative of the Irish Jesuits.
HOLY HOUR: A holy hour for dignity of life at all stages takes place at St Teresa's Church, Clarendon Street, Dublin 2 (just off Grafton Street) in the oratory left of Pieta statue on Wednesdays at 7pm. All welcome. More information from Kevin at 086-1605755.
CHILDCARE: Are you interested in childminding? Would you like to meet other childminders in the area? The Childcare Bureau is a local voluntary organisation set up to support local childminders, childcare providers and parents. For further information, please phone Alison on 8675244 or email
info@childcarebureau.ie
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CANCER: Do you have time on your hands? Could you spare three hours a week for a good cause? The Irish Cancer Society is looking for volunteers for its new shop in Capel Street, Dublin 1 (beside Luas Red Line). Friendly atmosphere. No experience necessary. For more information, please 2310500.
LGB WOMEN: A friendly social group for gay and bi women of all ages meets every Thursday at Outhouse, 105 Capel Street. For further information, contact Alison on 8734933 or email
outreach@outhouse.ie.
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CHESS: Ratoath Chess club meets on Mondays at 7.30pm in the staff room - junior primary school, Fairyhouse Road. New members are very welcome. Phone Ernie at 8027541 or Michael at 8250293.
SPREAD THE MUSIC! If you have any musical talent and would like to dedicate a few hours a month playing an instrument or singing to the elderly, please contact Deana Novak at 8628080. References will be requested.
VOLUNTEERS: If you can spare three hours a week The Irish Cancer Society is looking for volunteers for its new shop at Capel Street, Dublin 1 (beside Luas Red Line). Friendly atmosphere. No experience necessary. For further information, contact 2310500.
MEDIATION: Mediation Ballymun is a free community mediation service based at 42 Shangan Road. Mediation is a process in which a third party ?the mediator ?helps people involved in dispute to resolve it. Community mediation can involve anything from resolving conflicts between neighbours or issues such as noise, anti-social behaviour or boundary problems to mediating grievance against public service providers. For further information about appointments or the service, contact the co-ordinator at 8625866 or 087-6894680.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Finglas Domestic Violence Working Group is a confidential one to one support service for women who experience violence. Remember you are not on your own ?support is available. Contact Allison at the Ballygall Health Centre, Finglas East, every Thursday between 2-5pm. For further information, phone 8520506 (24 hour helpline 8670701).
BIG BOOK GROUP: If alcohol is your problem then the Big Book Group could be your solution. It meets in the Meeting Room 2, Level 2, Blanchardstown Public Library, Blanchardstown Centre, on Saturday mornings (except holiday weekends) at 1130am. For further information, check out the website: www.bigbook164.com
MOTHER/TODDLERS: A mother and toddler group is held at Huntstown Community Centre on Tuesdays from 10.30am ?noon. Toys provided and all are welcome.
STROKE VOLUNTEERS: Can you use your car to bring people suffering from strokes to and from the Stroke Club near Beaumont Hospital on either Mondays or Wednesdays from 10.30am-12.30pm? It only takes a couple hours but gives a lifeline to a person with a stroke. For more details, please phone Erica on 8481059. Drivers particularly needed in the Finglas and Cabra areas.
VICTIMS: If you have been the victim of a crime call the crime victims helpline on 1850 211407 for support and information.
VOLUNTEERS: Barnardos is seeking volunteers to assist with fundraising collections in Dundrum Shopping Centre as part of the Back to School appeal. If you can spare a half day (mornings/afternoons or evenings) or any weekend (Thursday to Sunday) from July 20 to August 27, contact Angela Walsh on 4530355, or email
volunteers@barnardos.ie
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HOLY HOUR: For dignity of life at all stages in St Teresa's Church, Clarendon Street, in oratory left of Pieta statue. Wednesdays 7pm. All welcome.
MENINGITIS: The Meningitis Research Foundation is looking for people to volunteer for a flag day collection in Dun Laoghaire on July 22.
WOMEN: Women's Aid is seeking volunteers to work on the Dublin based national free-phone helpline. If you are warm, a good listener and are interested in women's issues, contact Louise Soady for an application form on 8684721 or e-mail
Helpline@womensaid.ie
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YOUTH PARTY: St Michael's Youth Project in Inchicore is hosting a party in the grounds of the Goldenbridge National School (St Vincent Street West) on July 22 from 12 to 4pm. There will be a DJ, bouncy castles, sumo wrestling, go-carts, bucking bronco, bungee run, face painters, caricaturist, raffle and lots more for young people and their families to enjoy. All events and activities are free of charge.
FOUND: A springer spaniel dog was found in the Killiney area on Saturday, June 24. He is approximately one year old. Tel 086 2450788 or 087 2413118.
REUNION: Santa Sabina, Sutton Class of 1976 reunion will take place on Saturday, August 19 in Suttonians Rugby Football Club, Sutton at 8.30pm. For further information contact Helen at
number4@gofree.indigo.ie
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ART: The RDS National Crafts Competition and Student Art Award Winners Exhibition will be open to the general public, free of charge, from August 14?8 from 10am?pm. The significant prize pools for both competitions ensure this is a red letter event for Irish craft makers and visual artists.
BRIDGE: Cabinteely Bridge Club has moved to a new venue at Leopardstown Park Hospital. They meet every Thursday at 7.30pm. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Joan on 2896496 or Alice on 2854085.
BADMINTON: Epworth Badminton Club, Sandymount, is running a summer club on Tuesday and Friday nights for the months of July and August. All standards welcome. Just come down and play. For further information contact David on 0868178306.
COLLECTION: Enable Ireland is launching a nationwide appeal for clothes and bric-a-brac to sell in its network of charity shops. Clothing, books and ornaments can be dropped off at Enable Ireland shops or via a network of collection banks. Money raised from the sale of goods will be used to provide much needed services for children and adults with disabilities. For more information, call the Enable Ireland Donations Line on 1850204304.
TENNIS: New members (over 18) are invited to join Brighton Tennis Club in Rathgar. Tel 4902703 for more information.
LIBRARY: A multicultural summer programme for children and young people will be celebrated in Dublin City libraries throughout July and August. Highlights will include workshops, dance and music from across the world. Admission to all events is free but booking may be necessary. For more details tel 6744843.
STRESS: Dr Tammy Verlaan at Life Chiropractic is running free talks on how to minimise stress in your life. These talks are held at Life Chiropractic, Unit F8 Nutgrove Office Park, Nutgrove Avenue, Rathfarnham (behind Homebase). To register tel 2079881 for date and time of the next free talk.
VOLUNTEERING: Are you over 18? Do you have a few hours a week to spare? Are you interested in working with young people from 13 to 17 in the Dublin area? How would you like to become a volunteer mentor with the ISPCC? No experience necessary, training provided. Tel Margie Roe on 6447705.
CHAMBER: Junior Chamber International (JCI) D'n Laoghaire meet once a month in
Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel, Killiney. New members are always welcome. Membership is open to anyone between 18 and 40. Junior Chamber is a worldwide federation of young professionals and entrepreneurs that contribute to the advancement of the global community by providing the opportunity to develop leadership skills, social responsibility, fellowship, and entrepreneurship. For more information tel 0872674812 or visit:
www.jci-ireland.org/dunlaoghaire
BOULES: French Boule/Petanque club in Bushy Park Terenure looking is for new players of all ages. They meet from 7 to 9pm on Tuesday and from 2.30 to 5.30pm on Saturdays. Coaching available and all ages catered for. For more information see www.dublinpetanque.com
CAR BOOT: A car boot sale will take place in South Hill Evangelical Church, South Hill Park, (off the top of Booterstown Avenue). To book call 2833711. Cost is '10 per car.
CAR: An informal group Contact After Retirement provides a forum for retired motor industry personnel to meet on a 'regular?basis throughout the year. Formed over a year ago the group meets every two to three months. For further information contact R Prole on 2889565.
FIANNA FAIL: Fianna F'il in D'n Laoghaire is currently looking for new members to join the local organisation. By joining the party you can have your say on current issues as well as putting forward policy ideas. Phone 0868110674 or visit www.dunlaoghaireff.com.
FAIR: A food and craft fair will be held at Monkstown Village Market, Monkstown Parish Church, Monkstown every Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
FUNDING: As part of their 40th anniversary celebrations, Dundrum Credit Union has set up a fund to help 40 voluntary organisations in the community during 2006. Applications are invited for funding from all interested organisations. Forward all formal application to the Marketing and Education Committee, Dundrum Credit Union, Main Street, Dundrum, Dublin 14. Closing date for applications is June 30.
VOLUNTEERS: Barnardos is seeking volunteers to help out in the newly opened charity shop at 33 Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1. If you have four or more hours to spare on any day from Monday to Saturday and are interested in volunteering, tel Geraldine Goddard on 8730937or call into the shop and ask for the manager. Full training and support will be given.
SVP APPEAL: The St Vincent De Paul hospital visitation conference is seeking new members. They meet every Sunday at Bru Chaoimhin, Cork Street and help hospital patients who are without visitors, and are lonely, worried or without funds. If you can spare the time tel Elizabeth on 4610671 or Eddie on 2885935 (evenings only).
CONSUMERS: The Consumers Association of Ireland is looking for long-term volunteers on its advice line. No experience necessary as full training will be provided. If you can spare between a half to one day per week over the coming year contact Judy on 4978811 or email
judy.dunne@consumerassociation.ie.
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The position may suit a retired person or homemaker. Located in Ranelagh (close to Luas Green Line).
EATING: Find help for secret eating, binges, throwing up, constant nibbling, excessive exercise and rigid eating plans through the 12 steps. Anonymity assured. Meet at the Beechwood Community Centre, Mountain View Road, Ranelagh on Tuesdays at 7.15pm. Tel 2891599 for more details.
OXFAM: Oxfam Ireland is looking for a long term volunteer to work from one to five days per week. Full training will be provided. For more information contact Emma on 6727662.
SWIM: The Dublin Master Swimming Club has vacancies for adults who can swim two lengths and who want to improve. Meet at the Sportsco Pool, South Lotts Road every Thursday from 9pm to 10pm or tel 2697520.
ROYAL DUBLIN FUSILIERS: Liam Dodd is currently researching ex-members of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers and is looking for any information on them when they returned home after the Great War 1914 -1918. Contact Liam Dodd at 5 Meadow Vale, Blackrock, or phone 2895085 evenings or 2145736 work hours.
CAR BOOT: A car boot sale will be held in St Kevin's National School, Pearse Street, Sallynoggin on the first Sunday of every month from 9am to 2pm. Cars are '10 and vans '15.
SOCCER: Cabinteely FC Ladies Football Club is seeking new players for the Dublin Women's Soccer League. Players of all abilities are welcome on the senior team and under 12s and 14. For more information contact Joe Carrick on 0876850532 or email
josephcarrick@hotmail.com.
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BINGO: Bingo in aid of Holy Redeemer Parish Funds takes place at 8.10pm on Wednesday nights in the Little Flower Hall, beside the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Bray Co Wicklow.
BRIDGE: Meetings of the East Coast Bridge Club take place at 7.30pm on Thursday nights in the Strand Bar, Strand Road, Bray, Co Wicklow.
BAND: The Dublin Concert Band is recruiting players of the oboe, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, French horn, trombone and percussion (grade 6 standard). Rehearsals every Thursday evening and Sunday morning. Contact Noel Cavanagh on 0879822219 or Brendan Healy on 087-6975517.
CARERS: A support and social group for carers both young and old is being set up in the D'n Laoghaire area. Carers from across the county are welcome to come along for coffee mornings, cinema visits and meals. Tel Elizabeth on 2302934 for more details.
SALE: A car boot sale will take place on the first Sunday of every month at St Kevin's National School, Pearse Street, Sallynoggin from 9am-2pm. Cars '10, vans '15.
SINGING: The CIE Male Voice Choir is looking for tenors, baritones and bases. All you need is an average voice and be willing to learn. All are welcome to sit in for a few nights before you make up your mind. Rehearsals are every Thursday from 8 to 10 pm in Merchant's Quay. Tel Matt Molloy on 4558195 or Liam Alfred on 8472019.
ALZHEIMERS: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is looking for volunteers to help with their various fundraising campaigns. This will involve simple clerical duties in their Dun Laoghaire office. If you can spare some time, tel Ruth Matz on 2846616 or email
rmatz@alzheimer.ie
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BRIDGE: A free bridge class for beginners takes place at the Inchicore College of the Education (near Suir Road Luas stop) every Monday between 2 and 3.30pm. All semi-retired and senior citizens are welcome.
MARKET: Turn your trash into cash by taking out a stall at the Blackrock market every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5.30pm. Stalls cost '17. Free balloon and face painting for kids.
COMEDY: The Bewley's Comedy Club situated over Caf?Bar Deli and the Mackerel Restaurant on Grafton Street hosts stand up comedy nights every Tuesday from 8.30pm. Tickets are '14/'12. For further information tel Emily on 087 9533539.
SINGING: St Andrew's Choir on Westland Row is looking for tenors and basses. Rehearsals every Thursday from 8-10pm and Mass on Sundays at 11.30am. Contact the Parish Office on 6761270.
WOMEN'S RUGBY: The Guinness Rugby Club is inviting players of all levels (beginners most welcome) to join them for the current season. Training takes place on Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm at the Iveagh grounds off Crumlin Road. For more information see
guinnessrugby@yahoo.ie
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PARENTING: A positive parenting course for parents of children aged from six months to six years of age takes place every Wednesday from 8 to 10pm. Tel Anne Dooley of Cuidiu ?the parenting support organisation ?on 8311987 for more information.
SWIM: Water safety classes for adult swimmers take place every Saturday at Templegoe College, Templeogue, Dublin 6, from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. For further details contact John Mason on 4507040.
STAND UP: Battleoftheaxe.com in the Ha'Penny Bridge Inn, 42 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar features stand up comedy, improv and sketches every Thursday night from 9.30pm. Admission is '7.
CHOIR: Ballinteer Male Voice Choir is looking for new members. No experience necessary - just a good voice and enthusiasm! Contact Pat Hogarty on 2980927.
HOLY HOUR: For dignity of life at all stages. St Teresa's Church Clarendon Street, D2 (just off Grafton Street) in oratory left of Pieta statue every Wednesday at 7pm. All welcome. Call Kevin on 086 1605755 for more details.
LIONS MUSIC: Dun Laoghaire Lions Club is selling a CD with 15 of the pieces performed at the Male Voice Choir Festival in Monkstown. The CD costs '8.20 which includes postage and package and will be sent on receipt of a cheque made payable to Dun Laoghaire Lions Club from either Veronica Deignan (2848340/086 8247448) or Joe Pankhurst (2895061).
TOASTMASTERS: Master the art of public speaking in a friendly, supportive and fun environment at the Eblana Toastmasters Club located on 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (opposite Buswell's Hotel). Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 8pm. For more details visit eblanatoastmastersdublin.org.?/span>
FIRST AID: St John's Ambulance hold a First Aid evening course every Tuesday at Brigade Headquarters, 29 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4. The course will be conducted by medical doctors and trainer demonstrators. For further details tel 6688077 mornings or email
educationsec@sjab.ie
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FOOD ADDICTION: Is your eating behaviour worrying you? Secret eating, binges, throwing up, constant nibbling, excessive exercise, rigid eating plans are all signs that help is needed. Find help through the 12 steps of Obsessive Eaters Anonymous. Anonymity assured. Meetings take place at 7.15pm on Tuesdays at Beechwood Community Centre, Mountain View Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Contact number is 2891599.
BADMINTON: Come and have an hour of fun every Thursday morning between 10-11am at St Laurence's Community Centre, Kilmacud (rear of Millhouse pub, Stillorgan). Call into the centre for details.
SPEAKING: Do you feel nervous speaking in public and want to improve your confidence? Hellfire Toastmasters meet every Tuesday at 8pm in Beggar's Bush, Haddington Road (off Baggot Street), Dublin 4. Meet new people and take part in fun debates. For more information visit www.hellfire.ie.
CHARITY SHOP: Do you have time on your hands? Could you spare three hours a week for a good cause? The Irish Cancer Society is looking for volunteers for its new shop in Capel Street, Dublin 1 (beside Luas Red Line). Friendly atmosphere. No experience necessary. Contact: 2310500.
INFORMATION: Stillorgan Citizens Information Centre provides free, confidential information and advice on social welfare entitlements, consumer issues, health, housing, family matters, disability services, employment rights, local information, tax and insurance forms and explanatory leaflets and much more. Drop into St Laurence's Parish Centre. Lower Kilmacud Road, phone 2885629 or email
stillorgan.cic@comhairle.ie
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Opening hours: Monday and Thursday; 3pm-4.30pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.30am-12.30pm.
BRIDGE: Enjoy a sociable game of Bridge every Thursday morning (10am) at 52 Grosvenor Road, Rathgar. New members are welcome. For further information, contact 2984321 or 086-8892196.
BRIDGE: St Therese Bridge Club meets on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the Community Centre, Mount Merrion. New members welcome.
ALZHEIMERS: Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia? If so, you are invited to tea and biscuits at the Monday Club in St Peter's Parish Hall, Little Bray each Monday from 10.30 to 12.00 pm. Drop in and bring the person you are caring for. Enjoy the chat, the cuppa and the activities. For more information contact Frankie or Lynda on 4926080.
SUICIDE: A suicide support group meets in the Royal Hotel, Bray on the first Monday of every month from 8-10pm to help and support those bereaved by suicide. Contact Sr Sheila at 286 8413.
BRIDGE: Cabinteely Bridge Club meets every Thursday night at 7.30pm in Cabinteely Community School. Newcomers and visitors welcome.
HEARING: Drop into the National Association for Deaf People's Tallaght Resource Centre (Exchange Hall) and have your questions answered about hearing loss, deafness, tinnitus and other hearing related issues. Get information regarding entitlements, aids and appliances, family support service, support groups and upcoming activities. Sign language and hearing help classes start this month. Further information from Pauline Scott at Unit G/H, Exchange Hall, Belgard Square, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Phone 4620377 or email
tallaght@nadp.ie
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BADMINTON: A Badminton Club (mixed) in the Irish Financial Services Centre (IFSC) is recruiting new members for Tuesdays 9-11pm and Fridays 8-10pm. Have fun, get fit. The cost is '3 per night. For more information, please phone Catherine on 8552799.
CHILDCARE: Are you interested in childminding? Would you like to meet other childminders in the area? The Childcare Bureau is a local voluntary organisation set up to support local childminders, childcare providers and parents. For further information, please phone Alison on 8675244 or email
info@childcarebureau.ie
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CANCER: Do you have time on your hands? Could you spare three hours a week for a good cause? The Irish Cancer Society is looking for volunteers for its new shop in Capel Street, Dublin 1 (beside Luas Red Line). Friendly atmosphere. No experience necessary. For more information, please 2310500.
HELPLINE: The Irish Wheelchair Association and National Council for the Blind of Ireland are offering a helpline service to anyone who would like to talk about the effect of disability or visual impairment on their life. The service is available on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 10pm. The number is LoCall 1890 234 313.
SUPPORT GROUP: A support group to help families bereaved by suicide, to help them through their experiences with others in the same situation, meets on the first Monday of every month from 8-10pm at the Royal Hotel, Strand Road, Bray. All are welcome. Phone Sr Sheila on 2868413 for more information.
COUNSELLING: Have you or someone you know been bereaved? Are you feeling anxious? Would you like to talk to someone? The Bereavement Counselling Service is there to help you. For an appointment to talk to a trained counsellor in confidence, please phone 8391766 or www.bereavementireland.org
CHILDLINE VOLUNTEERS: Are you over 18? Do you have four hours a week to spare? If so, Childline is looking for you to become a volunteer. For more information, phone 6794944. Full training will be given.
BEATTY: At 1pm on Wednesday, July 12, at 3pm and 4pm, on Sunday, July 16, and at 1pm on Wednesday, July 19, there are guided Public Tours of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, D2.
MARITIME: The Maritime Museum of Ireland in Haig Terrace, Dun Laoghaire, will be open to the public between 1pm and 5pm on Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16.
WALK: On Monday, July 17, Alice Cullen will lead a guided walking tour of Killiney Hill, Dalkey Castle, Torca Hill and Sorrento Park - meet at 7.15pm at the 59 bus stop in Killiney Village.
DUBLIN: The Old Dublin Society will visit Abbey (Findlater's) Presbyterian Church, Parnell Square, D1, on Saturday, July 22. Assemble at 3pm at the Church. Membership application forms to join the Old Dublin Society can be obtained by post from James Scannell, 'Wren's Rest', 19 Hazelwood, Shankill, D18.
STEAM: On Sunday July 30, the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland will operate a one-day steam train trip 'Sea Breeze/Wicklow 400' from Dublin/Bray/Arklow and return with local shuttles. Tickets available from Iarnrod Eireann, Abbey Street, Dublin Travel Centre, Pearse Station, Westland Row, D2, and the Dun Laoghaire branch of the EBS Building Society.
BRAY: Copies of the Old Bray Society's 'A Pictorial History of Bray - Vol 3: The Town and its People?(Part 2) is still available from the Town Hall Bookshop, 23 Florence Road, Bray. Copies of Volume 1 and 2 are also available.
WIRELESS: Open daily 11am to 4pm, is the 'Ye Olde Hurdy-Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio' in the Martello Tower, Howth, Co. Dublin - entrance opposite The Abbey Tavern, Abbey Street, Howth. The current exhibition is 'From the Wireless of the Web' displaying over 100 years of original exhibits. Admission '5.
INFORMATION: Mental Health Ireland and Friends of Kilrock House are holding an information evening on Saturday, July 15 in St Columbanus Hall, Howth, from 2pm to 4pm. All are welcome.
SOCCER: A Northside soccer club, playing in the Athletic Union League (AUL) is looking for new players and a manager. For more information, phone 087-2523604.
AUTHORS/POETS: The Swords Heritage Festival is now accepting entries for its short story and poetry contests. Stories should be 1,500 words on a subject of your choice and poems can be as long. Trophies and cash prizes for the first prize winners and runners-up. For more information, phone 8400080 or email
swordsheritage@eircom.net
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Results will be announced during the festival in September.
BRIDGE: The established Royal Howth Bridge Club has a limited number of vacancies for new members. They meet every Tuesday night and visitors are welcome during the summer. For more information, please contact the secretary on 8392303.
SALE: Portmarnock Musical and Dramatic Society is holding car boot sales at the Holy Family Church carpark, Limetree Avenue, Portmarnock, on Saturday July 22, Saturday July 29, Saturday August 5 and Saturday August 12 (9am to 1pm). Cars cost '10 and vans '15. For more information, please phone 087-7641502 and 087-2346675.
CLEAN UP: The next Dollymount Beach litter pick up, organised by the Bull Island Action Group, will take place this Saturday, July 15, at 11am. Meet at the toilet at Bull Wall. Come along and lend a hand to retain Dollymount's Blue Flag status. For further information, phone 8339352 or 086-8511830.
BADMINTON: Skerries Badminton Club invites you to join its Summer Club. The membership drive commenced on July 5 and will run for eight weeks in Skerries Community Centre. Every standard catered for. Free coaching provided.
COMEDY: PJ Gallagher (guest Andrew Stanley and hosted by Brendan Burke) will appear in Gibney's of Malahide on Thursday, July 20 at 9pm, Admission is '12. Tickets available at door.
REUNION: A reunion for the class of 1976 at Santa Sabina, Sutton, will take place on Saturday, August 19, in Suttonians Rugby Club at 8.30pm. For further information, please contact Helen at
number4@gofree.indigo.ie
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SOCCER: Kilbarrack United Football Club is hosting an FAI Summer Soccer School at Greendale Road, from July 24-28. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Great fun guaranteed. Phone 1850 653 653 for more details.
PHOTOS: Thirty-six holiday photos have been lost between Northside Shopping Centre and the Tonlegee Road. If found, please contact 087-6771477.
TRAINING: Training for Edenmore FC's AUL Premier B team resumes on July 11 at Edenmore Crescent. New players are welcome. For more information, please phone 087-4107231.
POKER: A poker classic takes place every Thursday and Sunday in Cara Hall (opposite Raheny Garda Station) at 9pm sharp. Everyone is welcome.
ANIMALS: The Animal Foundation is holding its annual fundraising event on Sunday, July 16, at Lough Andy's House, South Green Road, Kildare Town, from 12 noon to 4pm. All funds go directly towards the welfare of the animals. For more information, phone Catherine Woods on 8552799 or 045-446995.
KICKBOXING: Black Dragon Kickboxing Club holds kickboxing lessons every Wednesday and Friday at the Glin Sports Centre, Coolock, from 7.30-9pm. For more details, phone Kevin on 087-9405932 or James on 085-1631439.
IRISH: A beginners?Irish conversation group will meet in Coolock Library, Barryscourt Road, every Tuesday until the end of August. New members are very welcome. If you would like to join, come along on Tuesday from 11am to 12.30pm. For further information, phone 8477781.
ART: Artworks Gallery will be exhibiting at the Malahide Tennis Club railings every Sunday until September. The group will also be exhibiting at the Pavilions Shopping Centre, Swords, on the first weekend of every month.
IRISH: An Irish language conversation group has started up in Swords. The group meets every Tuesday at 8pm in the Carnegie Court Hotel. Whether you are a fluent Irish speaker or have just the 'Cupla Focal', this is a friendly and stress-free way of speaking the Irish language, in a social setting. All are welcome to come along. For further information, contact Dympna Flynn at 087-0566377.
SOCIAL WELFARE: The Northside Citizens?Information Centre holds a Social Welfare appeals clinic on the first Tuesday of every month. A qualified solicitor and information officer will be available to assist you. For further information, phone Jackie on 8674302.
CITIZENS?INFORMATION: Outreach services are available in Darndale Village Centre every Wednesday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Information is provided on a wide range of issues. No appointment is necessary. Please contact Jackie on 8674301 or the Darndale centre on 8771500.
VOLUNTEERS: Barnardos, Ireland's leading children's charity is seeking volunteers to help out in its charity shop at 33 Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1. If you have four or more hours to spare any day from Monday to Saturday and are interested in volunteering, please contact Geraldine Goddard on 8730937 or call into the shop and ask for the manager. Full training and support will be given.
SOCIAL: New Beginners?Social Group for widowed, divorced and separated people, continues to meet on the first Tuesday of every month upstairs in Smyth's of Fairview at 9pm. Phone 087-9603833 for further information.
BADMINTON: A mixed badminton club in the Irish Financial Services Centre (IFSC) is recruiting male players. They meet on Tuesdays from 8.30-11pm and Fridays from 8-10.30pm. Phone Catherine on 8552799 for more information.
CHALLENGE: Join Women's Aid for its Sinai Desert Challenge, which will take place from October 8-15. The sponsorship fee required is '2,950. Women's Aid is a voluntary organisation that supports women who are physically, sexually and mentally abused in their own homes. Funds raised from the challenge will enable them to continue with their work. For more information on this amazing trip please contact Ger Ennis on 8684721 or email
ger.ennis@womensaid.ie
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CHARITY: The Lifeboat Charity Shop at 178 Phibsboro Road, is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 11am to 4pm. Sale now on. The bargains to be had include ladies?clothes, cosmetics, books and prints. All proceeds go to the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI).
INFORMATION CLINIC: A Citizens' Information Clinic will be held every Tuesday in Donaghmede Public Library from 10.30am-12.30pm. Free information and advice on social welfare, retirement, housing and other issues is available. No appointment is needed.
TODDLERS: 'Fun for Toddlers?(things to do for the over twos) is a facility for mother and toddler to meet at Coolock Library. Books and toys for children age 3-5 will be provided. For further information, phone 8477781.
VOLUNTEERS: The Beaumont Hospital Foundation is urgently looking for volunteers to help sell tickets for its car draw and to help with other events as and when they are needed. For more information contact Noreen Mulvey at the Foundation on 8092927.
BRIDGE: Bridge classes for improvers take place on Fridays at 10am at St Mary's Hall, Howth. There is also a bridge club on Mondays at 7.30pm. For more information, please phone 8391097.
SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT: The Northside Counselling Service Ltd Suicide Bereavement Support Group will be commencing a series of sessions for people who are bereaved by suicide. For any queries please phone 8484789.
CHILDCARE: Are you interested in childminding? Would you like to meet other childminders in the area? The Childcare Bureau is a local voluntary organisation set up to support local childminders, childcare providers and parents. For further information, please phone Alison on 8675244 or email
info@childcarebureau.ie
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CANCER: Do you have time on your hands? Could you spare three hours a week for a good cause? The Irish Cancer Society is looking for volunteers for its new shop in Capel Street, Dublin 1 (beside Luas Red Line). Friendly atmosphere. No experience necessary. For more information, please 2310500.
OMBUDSMAN: The Ombudsman is available at the Northside Citizens?Information Centre on the first Wednesday of every month. Phone 8674301/2 to make an appointment.
BABIES: A Parent and Toddler Playgroup for carers, babies and toddlers, takes place on Fridays from 10.30am to 12 noon at the Sutton Methodist Hall. All are welcome. For more information, phone Susan on 086-4063080.
SUICIDE: A Suicide Support Group meets in the Royal Hotel, Bray on the first Monday of each month, from 8-10pm to help and support those bereaved by suicide. Contact Sister Sheila on 2868413.
AA: DO you or someone close to you have a problem with alcohol? An open public meeting of Alcoholic Anonymous (Killester group) takes place on the last Monday of every month at KARE Social Services Centre, Sybil Hill, Killester at 8.30pm.
OUTREACH: A new Citizens?Information Centre Outreach in Le Cheile, Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre is open every second Friday from 11am to 1pm.
INFORMATION: Beaumont Citizens?Information Centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 12 noon at the Beaumont Pastoral Centre. Phone 8477118 for more information.
COUNSELLING SERVICE: TARGET in Donaghmede offers a one to one non-directive counselling service. Phone 8670279 for appointment. For information on local employment services at the same venue, contact Audrey on 8671627.
HELPLINE: Due to increasing public demand and the need to help sufferers and their families understand misleading and often confusing information, the Marino Therapy Centre is happy to announce a new nutritional helpline for people suffering from eating distress. The helpline will run on the last Tuesday of every month from 1pm to 3pm. It will be run by a qualified and experienced nutritionist specialised in the treatment of Eating Distress. The phone number is 8333063.
ACTIVE: The Raheny Active Retirement Association hosts bowling in Killester College on Mondays from 10.30am to 12.30pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4pm. There are also other events such as art and bridge held regularly by the group. For further information, phone Mary on 8329408.
DRIVERS: Volunteer drivers are required in Baldoyle, East Wall and North Strand to bring people, who have had strokes, to their club in Kilmore (near Beaumont Hospital) on either Mondays or Wednesdays from 10am to 12.30pm. Please phone Geraldine on 087-6416774 for more information.
SERVICE: The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre now has an outreach service in Coolock. The centre provides counselling services to help victims (both men and women) recover from the trauma of sexual abuse or rape. For appointment, information or support, contact the service on Freephone 1800 778888 (24-hour helpline).
WRITERS: The Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre is hosting a weekly writers?group in the library. The group is ideal for people who prefer writing in a small group situation and want to share their thoughts and ideas. The group is facilitated by Elizabeth O'Carroll on Mondays from 10.30am-1pm. For further information, phone Elizabeth on 086-8524292.
SUPPORT GROUP: A support group to help families bereaved by suicide, to help them through their experiences with others in the same situation, meets on the first Monday of every month from 8-10pm at the Royal Hotel, Strand Road, Bray. All are welcome. Phone Sister Sheila on 2868413 for more information.
PARENTS ALONE: Doras Bu? a parents alone resource centre, based on Bunratty Drive, Coolock, offers information and support service issues such as social welfare, family law, employment and personal support/options. The centre serves the Northside catchment area. For further information please contact Sarah Jane Leonard on 8484811 or drop in Monday to Friday from 9am-1pm or 2-5pm.
READING AND WRITING: Want to improve your basic reading, writing, spelling or maths skills. Free help is available working with your own tutor or in a small group. Why not contact Marie or Nuala on 8171990 or call in and see them at the Larkin Community College, Cathal Brugha Street or Larkin Unemployed Centre, 57/58 North Strand Road.
Chess Strategy
Previously, I featured NBA stars who enjoy and play chess to coincide with the ongoing best-of- seven NBA Finals between Dallas and Miami. Also featured before were football greats who play chess, as a sidelight to the World Cup.
With the French Open over and Wimbledon just around the corner, it's tennis turn and we have a handful.
Sometime in 2002, Garry Kasparov played a 'live' Internet match with Boris Becker on CNN which lasted over an hour. Garry was in Manhattan while Boris was in Munich. Boris was born on Nov. 22,1967 in Germany. He was a former world No.1. He is a six-time Grand-Slam champion, an Olympic gold medalist and the youngest-ever winner of the Men's Singles title at Wimbledon.
Another former world No.1, Jennifer Capriati (born March 29,1976 in New York) also plays chess. She won three Grand-Slam titles as well as the Women's Singles gold medal at the 1992 Olympic Games.
John McEnroe, famous for his temper and marriage to actress Tatum O'Neal, plays chess but badly. He once played a game against Michael Chang, lost, then jumped on the table yelling, 'Why must I lose to this idiot?'
Unknown to many, McEnroe was born in Germany on Feb. 16,1959 and is a former world No.1. Playing for the United States, he won seven Grand-Slam titles 'C three at Wimbledon and four at the US Open. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time.
Michael Chang is a US-born (Feb. 22, New Jersey) Chinese and is best remembered for becoming the youngest-ever male winner of a Grand-Slam Singles title when he won the French Open in 1989 as an unseeded player.
Like most Russians, Elena Dementieva plays chess on a competitive level. With Amelie Mauresmo capturing the 2006 Australian Open, she is now regarded as the best player to have never captured a Grand Slam. I think that she is even more beautiful than the current sensation, Maria Shaparova.
During a break in the 2003 US Open, Roger Federer was seen playing chess with Max Mirnyi and claims that it is his relaxation before a difficult match. He is a Swiss-born (Aug. 8,1981) player who in 2004 became the 23rd world No.1. He holds the third-consecutive stay as world No.1 (only Ivan Lendl and Jimmy Connors had longer streaks at number one) and is widely regarded as the most dominant player of his era. He is considered as having the potential to become the greatest player of all time.
Max Mirnyi, nicknamed 'The Beast,' is from Belarus and was born on July 6,1977. Like Natasha Zvereva (another star from Belarus in the '80s and '90s) he focuses on Doubles. His biggest achievements so far are the two victories at the US Open in 2000 and 2002 and the 2005 French Open doubles crown
Another Doubles specialists are the Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike. Both are chess players and easily the most dominant of this era in Doubles. They won the Australian Open this year and also the 2003 French Open and last year's US Open defeating Max Mirnyi and Jonas Bjorkman, 6-1,6-4.
Anna Kournikova is renowned as the sexiest athlete ever and although she has not won a major tournament, is considered a good enough player to play in the ATP Tour.
Ivan Lendl is from Czechoslovakia and was the most dominant player in the '80s and early '90s. He has won eight Grand-Slam Singles titles and not only is he good at chess but also has a 0 handicap in golf.
Chess Strategy
<<Learning from the past | Main | UPDATE: Unidentified man killed in Browne Road 'standoff' >>
If you see Timur Gareev on the street, you might be fooled into thinking that he's just your average 18-year-old. Like most of his peers, the UTB sophomore enjoys spending time with his friends, playing basketball, and going to the gym. If you see Gareev near a chess set, however, 'average' is the last word that comes to mind.
In May, Gareev represented his home country of Uzbekistan in the 2006 Chess Olympiad in Italy. The tournament, often described as the sport's equivalent to the World Cup, drew 148 national teams from around the world. Just participating in the competition is one of the most prestigious accomplishments in the world of chess.
Gareev took the accomplishment a few steps further. He finished 24th out of 882 players.
The story of Gareev's chess career began nearly a decade ago, when the 9-year-old watched his father playing chess with a large group of friends. 'I saw them playing, and I wanted to play with them. Well, I wanted to beat them,' said Gareev.
Within a few years, he was doing exactly that. By the time he was 13, Gareev was Asia's under-14 chess champion. When he was 16, he became a part of chess' pantheon by reaching the level of Grandmaster, a title which only a thousand living players have achieved.
Despite his youth, Gareev has always rejected the title of child prodigy. 'It's a game in which age doesn't matter,' he said. 'Everyone talks in the language of chess.'
Chess, then, is one of the many languages that Gareev hopes to speak fluently. As an international business major, he has already perfected English in his first nine months in the United States. He's moved on to Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese'all of which he hopes to learn before graduation.
He's had just as much success in his studies as he's had in chess competitions, maintaining nearly a 4.0 grade-point average while taking 21 credit hours. Many educators, including the university's assistant coach, Rusty Hargrove, have substantiated the correlation between academic and chess-related success. University President Juliet Garcia sees the connection between the university's chess program and the school as a whole.
For more than a decade, Brownsville has been known for its achievements in the world of chess. The success of the city's chess programs, especially those at the elementary school level, is expected to grow with the presence of players like Gareev.
As Harwood tells of Gareev, he's more than a good player, he's a good coach. When he's not playing competitively, Gareev devotes time to coaching younger players. While he looks to players like Garry Kasparov and Bobby Fischer for inspiration, Brownsville's future chess stars look to Gareev.
Some of those young stars waved to Gareev as he sat with UTB's Garcia in a convertible at the front of Brownsville's Christmas parade. Gareev had just returned from a victory at the K12/Collegiate Chess Championships.
Victory on the chessboard is something to which Timur Gareev is becoming accustomed. It is not, however, something the 18-year-old takes for granted.
'The game gives me confidence in everything I do,' said Gareev. 'If I can succeed at something as difficult as chess, maybe I can succeed in other aspects of life.'
Chess Strategy
After their upset performances in the recently concluded 1st Ozamiz City National Chess Open, three Cebuanos will now try their luck in Dumaguete in the 1st Asterio 'Don Teroy' F. Senador Memorial Open Lawn Chess Championships on July 15-16 at the Capitol Area.
Twenty-year-old Kim Steven Yap, Richard Natividad and Godwel Alesna had already confirmed their participation to Negros Club 64 Inc, the event's organizer.
The three also said there are other chess players who want to join the event as the trip to Dumaguete is affordable.
A total of P18,200 cash prizes are at stake for the two-day tournament, with the champion receiving P5,000, while the second to fifth places will bag P3,500, P2,000, P1,000 and P500, respectively.
Meanwhile in Cebu, the 5th edition of the Godwin Kiddies Open Chess Tournament will open on July 16 at the Bibo Chess Club.
The tournament, dubbed as the Pre-Shell Chess tourney for the youth, will serve as a training ground for the participants of the 14th Shell National Active Chess Championships Cebu Leg on Aug. 19-20 at SM Cebu. (JAF)
Chess Strategy
Gary Gait, who ended his National Lacrosse League playing days 14 months ago, is pulling the pads back on to play for Canada in the world field championships.
'I'm completely thrilled,' says the 39-year-old lacrosse legend. 'I think we'll have an exciting team that can potentially go all the way.
The 21-country tournament will take place in London, Ont., July 14-22. It is held every four years and this is the first time it's been in Canada since Toronto was host in 1986.
The United States has won the last six tournaments, and hasn't lost a game since 1978, when Canada won gold. The Americans are always the favourites because they have many more men playing college field lacrosse than any other country.
Gait played for Canada in 1990, 1994 and 1998, when the Americans edged Canada 15-14 in overtime. Since then, a new crop of great young Canadian players with U.S. college field experience, such as Brodie Merrill, has become available.
'We have a great shot,' says Gait. 'It's a matter of how we gel and how we come together. That'll determine how successful we are in London.'
Gait coached the Colorado Mammoth to the NLL title in May. A four-day camp in Colorado during the first week of July brought head coach Frank Nielsen together with Gait and most of Canada's other players to work on strategies.
Colin Doyle of the NLL's Toronto Rock is as eager as Gait to end Canada's title drought.
'I wouldn't miss this for the world,' said Doyle. 'I haven't had the chance in 10 years to represent my country.'
Teams considered to be the top six in the world will be in the Blue Group: Canada, the United States, Australia, the Iroquois Nationals, England and Japan. After a round robin, the team with the best record gets a bye to the July 20 semifinals, while the next three square off against winners from three lesser groups designated as Orange, Red and Yellow.
The final is July 22 at the University of Western Ontario stadium. It's usually a U.S.-Canada final, although Australia made it to the title game in 1994.
'There is a time when the Americans will catch up with us in box lacrosse, and we're hoping the time has come when we've caught up to them in field lacrosse,' says Doyle.
Merrill and fellow-NLL players Andy Turner, Taylor Wray, Jim Moss, Steve Toll and Tom Phair give Canada the best defence corps its ever had for this tournament.
'Our long sticks will be vital,' says Doyle. 'Over the years we've had enough good sticks offensively to score goals, but the American defence was better than ours.
'Now we're more evenly matched in that department. Our guys are going to be able to take the ball away, push the ball up the field and let our offence to its thing.'
Doyle's biggest concern is adapting to an outdoor playing area that is much larger than indoor boxla floors.
'In the pro game I'm used to playing in a confined space,' he explains. 'In field lacrosse you have to use a larger space where things are spread out. It's kind of like a chess match.'
Getting a chance to be in a lineup with Gait charges him up.
'He's taking it pretty seriously because it's his last fling,' Doyle said. 'He always comes to play.'
It was so difficult to land a spot on Canada's team that NLL stars Tracy Kelusky and Dan Dawson didn't make it.
'It was the best pool of talent we've ever had to choose from,' said assistant coach Ed Comeau.
'They chose to go with some young guys with U.S. college experience,' said Doyle. 'It's not just a matter of picking an NLL all-star team.
'They've picked some guys who fans might not have heard of, but guys who will help us.'
'This is the one championship in the sport that has eluded him,' said Comeau. 'He's motivated.
'He brings such a presence. He's such a calming influence, and with his success in the NLL as a player and a coach it's like having another coach on our team. We're excited to have Gary. He'll have a great influence on some of our young players.'
Chess Strategy
IT'S not the prize that counts but the will to win that matters, said International Master (IM) Oliver Dimakiling of Davao City on the kind of attitude younger chess players must possess to become successful in their field.
"It is sad that most players, even some kids, are after the amount that a tournament gives away. It should not be like that. They often ask how much is the prize. That's wrong. The right attitude is to have the willingness to win with or without a prize," Dimakiling said Thursday during the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn.
Dimakiling, the 26-year-old chess sensation who has an ELO rating of 2463 and a De La Salle University (DLSU) Sports Management degree holder, said Davao City has a lot of potentials and has the capability of in producing more rated and titled chess players.
Dimakiling even cited the likes of age-group chessers Danilo Engay and the Asaldo brothers, among others.
"What these kids need is a good and systematic program. They need to be given the right training," he said.
Dimakiling had undergone the kind of training the RP chess team underwent prior to the just-concluded World Chess Olympiad in Turin, Italy.
"We had physical training and meditation, similar to that of doing yoga. We went through that for one whole month. It helped us so much in the Olympiad," he said.
Dimakiling added it is wise to give children the proper exposure considering they may become another genius like 12-year-old Wesley So or follow the footsteps of youthful Super Grandmaster Mark Paragua.
The former DLSU standout admitted he has a lot of diversions to keep him sane despite the fact that his sport requires a lot of mental activity, but ruled out vices.
"I don't smoke. I'm not into alcoholic drinks. I just play Internet games. I play pinball when I get the chance. I try to keep myself busy. I don't read books though because I'm lazy at it. I'm more of an action player. I get to discover new moves on my own," Dimakiling said.
"I get motivation when I watch my favorite players in the NBA, Roger Federer in tennis and Tiger Woods in golf. They inspire me so much," added Dimakiling, who is vacationing at his family's residence in Catalunan Grande, Mintal.
With this kind of lifestyle, becoming a GM is not a far-fetched possibility for Dimakiling. (MLSA)
Chess Strategy
More than 30 years after Fischer-Spassky, it took a nightclub bust-up involving a chess beauty and two male rivals to put the game back in the headlines. Meet the girls who are grandmasters of the paparazzi
Think chess and you may visualise bookish tweed jacket-wearing types, swapping pawns in silent battle. Or you might have a flashback to 1972 when, at the height of the Cold War, America's maverick champion Bobby Fischer duelled with the Soviet Union's Boris Spassky in Reykjavik, with the former narrowly prevailing. A younger generation may recall Garry Kasparov battling the computer Deep Blue in 1996 - the ultimate man versus machine head-to-head - with the Russian triumphing 4-2. What you will almost certainly not think of is attractive women wearing very little clothing, wondering whether to castle or not. Perhaps even more improbable is the thought of two male chess grandmasters fighting over one of them. But that, in the game's new sexually charged world, is exactly what happened during a tournament in Italy last month.
No sooner had 19-year-old Arianne Caoili hit a nightclub dance floor one evening to display her salsa moves 'energetically' in close proximity to Armenian grandmaster Levon Aronian, than Danny Gormally, ranked four in England, himself said to have been making advances on Caoili, raced over to challenge his rival. The pair ended up fighting on the floor before 30-year-old Gormally was dragged away, eventually taking no further part in the Turin tournament, flying home to Durham rather than seeing what Aronian's friends, who were thirsting for revenge, thought of the incident.
Caoili is not the only player in the women's game turning heads. Indeed with no physical reason why women should not compete against men, they are becoming more and more prominent. Given the sport's popularity in the former Eastern bloc, it is no surprise that Russian women are making headlines. Any woman whose looks outreach their talent is, perhaps predictably, labelled the 'Anna Kournikova of chess' (Maria Manakova, 31, recently fell into this trap having only become popular late in her career after she posed nude for Russian magazine Speed), while those who live up to their looks are likened to 2004 Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova. Either way, sex sells in the chess world as successfully as in every other area of life and with celebrities now seen playing regularly, such as former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, it is more glamorous than ever.
The cast
Alexandra Kosteniuk
The undoubted new star of women's chess, Kosteniuk has already appeared on the cover of Vogue in her native Russia. The 22-year-old has substance as well as style - she is ranked number three in the women's world rankings. She claims to have the most visited website of all chess players, though the extensive photo galleries of Kosteniuk draping herself over gigantic chess pieces in her smalls may have as much to do with that as her insight on the chess world: 'I am clever, so I can play chess. And I am not ugly, so I can model.' Kosteniuk started playing the game at fi ve and soon afterwards her father gave up his career in the military to coach her full-time. By the age of 14 she was a grandmaster, something she has since written a book about, and at 18 she took a game off former world champion Anatoly Karpov. Kosteniuk often plays exhibitions against up to 50 opponents at once, sometimes wearing roller-boots to save time.
Jennifer Shahade
The two-time US women's champion wrote Chess Bitch: Women in the Ultimate Intellectual Sport last year, an autobiographical account of her time in the game. As well as highlighting feminist issues such as what she calls 'beauty fascism' within the sport (she also says assertive women are routinely called bitches - hence the book title), Shahade profiled many of her opponents, lifting the lid on the vibrant party scene that surrounds women chess players who are constantly on the road. 'There is nothing wrong with making chess sexier and introducing the hip players who participate,' she says. The 25-year-old from Philadelphia started playing chess against her father, himself a grandmaster, and now teaches the sport to youngsters across America.
Arianne Caoili
The 19-year-old Australian number three, who was born in the Philippines, has been silent since her entrancing salsa dancing in an Italian nightclub led two grandmasters to fight over her. Caoili's mother said that the international media frenzy that greeted the incident had blown it out of all proportion. 'It was just a storm in a tea cup,' she said. 'It's just the typical thing, isn't it? Sex, beauty, scandal - it sells. Even in the world of so-called chess nerds.' Former child prodigy Caoili does have a reputation for being a party girl, however, and on her website she lists her interests as singing (she aspires to record an album), dancing, pina coladas and, most intriguingly, dwarves, in addition to 'getting up to no good'. Grandmasters beware.
Chess Strategy
MERRIMACK 'C Throughout the Carlson home are notes written on small pieces of paper. On the computer monitor, a note says, 'I Love You, Mom.' In the family room, little drawings are hidden behind magazines and on coffee tables.
'Nathan was everywhere,' said his mother, Tammy, while holding a nameplate that Nathan made for his bicycle when he came home from the hospital a few weeks ago. 'He left an impression on people. He left people with memories.'
Nathan died Sunday, but his mother knows that her son will live on through all the people he affected in just seven years.
She said she has received numerous e-mails from friends and people who she hadn't met, telling her how Nathan inspired them to volunteer as organ donors.
In April, 333 people were added to the United Network for Organ Sharing list as possible bone marrow donors because of a bone marrow drive that Tammy and a family friend, Lindsey Finken, held at the St. James United Methodist Church.
Since Nathan was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in December, he tried to learn as much about his disease as he could. Tammy said her son was adamant about making people aware of all the children waiting to receive blood and organ transplants. Tammy said her son would look around the hospital and ask why there weren't more people willing to help sick kids like him.
'I only need one person. Is that too much to ask for?' his mother remembered him asking.
Acute myeloid leukemia is much more common in adults. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 15 to 20 percent of all childhood leukemia cases.
While Nathan was in Children's Hospital Boston, Tammy and her husband, Eric, were switching off staying with Nathan. From Sunday through Friday, Eric would stay in the family's Merrimack home with their 5-year-old son, Ryan, while Tammy lived at the hospital. On Friday came the 'Big Switch.'
While it was overwhelming for the whole family not to spend much time together, Tammy said this was the best situation so Ryan could still go to school and Eric was able to go to work.
'I don't know where the energy comes from,' said Tammy. 'You just do it because you have to, because it's your kid.'
Throughout Nathan's hospital stay, he never let his disease deter him from what he wanted to do. As a Cub Scout, Nathan kept earning badges. Tammy remembers a nurse teaching Nathan how to play chess so he could earn a badge.
Nathan's karate instructor taped the lessons, so he could catch up when he recovered.
'He wasn't just in the hospital and people could visit to him if they could get to it,' said Finken. 'He was kept a part of things.'
Nathan's first-grade class called him at least once a week, to let him know they were thinking of him.
It wasn't the leukemia that ended Nathan's life, not directly. Nathan got a viral infection while he was home in the beginning of June. After the chemotherapy, Nathan's immune system was weakened and everything in the house had to be sterilized to ward off infection. To go outdoors Nathan had to wear a mask.
'I don't want people to say he lost his battle with cancer,' said Tammy. 'He fought the disease, and he won. He won for the town that backed him.'
Eric Parry can be reached at 594-6481 or eparry@nashuatelegraph.com.
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