Latest news with #Thunderbirds
CBS News
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
CBS Colorado speaks to U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilot ahead of Cheyenne Frontier Days performance
After taking a one year break due to airport maintenance, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds are returning to Cheyenne Frontier Days Saturday. The iconic team, known to have some of the most talented pilots in the world, will perform a show in Cheyenne as part of the CFD festivities. Ahead of the performance over F.E. Warren Air Base, the Thunderbirds invited CBS Colorado to watch their arrival and practice over Cheyenne. Then, pilot Ian Lee spoke in front of his F-16 aircraft, numbered three, on the tarmac. "Being a Thunderbird is great," said Lee, a Lt. Colonel. With the call sign of "Bear," Lee said his team often flies at more than 400 miles per hour while completing maneuvers. "The closest we get is about 18 inches apart," Lee said. "That is definitely where we have to have trust in our teammates." While the Thunderbirds do more than 60 shows a year, Cheyenne Frontier Days holds a special place in the history of the team. "This is something we have been doing for an extremely long time.," Lee said. "This was actually the Thunderbirds' first civilian air demonstration we did back in 1953. So it is very exciting to be here, and it is nice to keep that tradition going." Since then, the Thunderbirds have performed at nearly every CFD experience since. In 2024, the team had to skip the tradition due to ongoing runway construction at Cheyenne's airport, which the military shares. Lee said he also, coincidentally, happened to take 2024 off from being with the Thunderbirds. However, like the team, he is back with them in Cheyenne now. Lee said, with the show being July 26, the team plans to spend some of their time in Cheyenne attending the iconic Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo. "I think the first rodeo I had ever been to was here back in 2021. It is a lot of fun," Lee said. "It was a lot more fun than I was expecting. So I am a fan." The Thunderbirds have two types of shows they regularly perform, known as high and low altitude shows. In order to perform the show with the most loops, or the high altitude show, clouds must be clear due to safety. If the weather holds out as they hope, the team expects to perform the high altitude show in Cheyenne. However in 2023, they had the same plan. But cloud coverage forced them to change to a low altitude show at the last minute. Lee said, no matter what, the crowd will be given a visually and audibly fun experience. "Especially after we light the afterburners, you can definitely feel that from the ground -- the power of the jets -- which is really great," Lee said.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vixens strike late to end Thunderbirds' title reign
Adelaide's bid for a three-peat of Super Netball titles is over after they suffered a heartbreaking 58-56 loss to the Melbourne Vixens in a pulsating minor semi-final. The Vixens led by four goals with three minutes remaining in Sunday's match at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre before the Thunderbirds launched a frenzied late comeback. Thunderbirds youngster Kayla Graham snared a vital intercept to spark the run, with two Super Shots from Georgie Horjus catapulting Adelaide to the lead with two minutes remaining. Clutch from Horjus to put the Tbirds in front 👀Watch every game live on Kayo Sports, Foxtel and Binge. — Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) July 20, 2025 But there were a couple more twists to come. Vixens sharpshooter Kiera Austin nailed a Super Shot to grab back the lead, before Horjus missed a long-range shot to give possession back to Melbourne. The Vixens wound down the clock for the final minute with a series of slick passes before nailing a goal with just seconds remaining to secure the two-goal win. The result was sweet revenge for the Vixens, beaten by Adelaide in last season's grand final. It also ensured the reign of Vixens coach Simone McKinnis, who will step down at the end of the season, will last at least one more week. The Vixens will take on either the ladder-leading West Coast Fever or second-placed NSW Swifts in an away preliminary final. The grand final will be held in Melbourne on August 2, meaning the fourth-placed Vixens will have home-court advantage if they are able to make the decider. Austin played a key role in the Vixens' victory, nailing all five of her Super Shot attempts. "I think just a bit of positive self talk, just telling yourself you can do it," Austin told Fox Sports about her hot shooting display. "I've got great teammates around me that were making me feel really calm and made me feel like I could take the shot. "It's probably the most relaxed I've felt in a way. I just wanted to go moment by moment. It's really hard to do in a big game like that." Vixens goal shooter Sophie Garbin finished with 39 goals from 42 attempts, while Kate Eddy finished with three intercepts and three gains. For Adelaide, goal attack Horjus nailed six Super Shots from nine attempts, while goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George (37 goals from 42 attempts) was fumbly at times. There was drama even before the match began, with Vixens goalkeeper Rudi Ellis left with a cut eye during the warm-up after copping an accidental elbow from a teammate. Eddy was the standout player of the opening quarter, tallying two intercepts and two gains to help turn an early 1-4 deficit into a 13-11 lead by the first break. The second quarter was a goal-to-goal affair before the five-minute Super Shot period arrived. Austin nailed consecutive long bombs as the visitors extended their lead to five goals, but Horjus hit back with two of her own to close the gap to three goals by halftime. Adelaide snatched the lead with six of the first eight goals of the third quarter, but a crucial Eddy intercept helped turn the momentum back the Vixens' way. Two Austin Super Shots gave the Vixens a 46-42 lead at the final change, and they were able to recover from Adelaide's frenzied late comeback to secure victory.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Vixens strike late to end Thunderbirds' title reign
Adelaide's bid for a three-peat of Super Netball titles is over after they suffered a heartbreaking 58-56 loss to the Melbourne Vixens in a pulsating minor semi-final. The Vixens led by four goals with three minutes remaining in Sunday's match at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre before the Thunderbirds launched a frenzied late comeback. Thunderbirds youngster Kayla Graham snared a vital intercept to spark the run, with two Super Shots from Georgie Horjus catapulting Adelaide to the lead with two minutes remaining. But there were a couple more twists to come. Vixens sharpshooter Kiera Austin nailed a Super Shot to grab back the lead, before Horjus missed a long-range shot to give possession back to Melbourne. The Vixens wound down the clock for the final minute with a series of slick passes before nailing a goal with just seconds remaining to secure the two-goal win. The result was sweet revenge for the Vixens, beaten by Adelaide in last season's grand final. It also ensured the reign of Vixens coach Simone McKinnis, who will step down at the end of the season, will last at least one more week. The Vixens will take on either the ladder-leading West Coast Fever or second-placed NSW Swifts in an away preliminary final. The grand final will be held in Melbourne on August 2, meaning the fourth-placed Vixens will have home-court advantage if they are able to make the decider. Austin played a key role in the Vixens' victory, nailing all five of her Super Shot attempts. "I think just a bit of positive self talk, just telling yourself you can do it," Austin told Fox Sports about her hot shooting display. "I've got great teammates around me that were making me feel really calm and made me feel like I could take the shot. "It's probably the most relaxed I've felt in a way. I just wanted to go moment by moment. It's really hard to do in a big game like that." Vixens goal shooter Sophie Garbin finished with 39 goals from 42 attempts, while Kate Eddy finished with three intercepts and three gains. For Adelaide, goal attack Horjus nailed six Super Shots from nine attempts, while goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George (37 goals from 42 attempts) was fumbly at times. There was drama even before the match began, with Vixens goalkeeper Rudi Ellis left with a cut eye during the warm-up after copping an accidental elbow from a teammate. Eddy was the standout player of the opening quarter, tallying two intercepts and two gains to help turn an early 1-4 deficit into a 13-11 lead by the first break. The second quarter was a goal-to-goal affair before the five-minute Super Shot period arrived. Austin nailed consecutive long bombs as the visitors extended their lead to five goals, but Horjus hit back with two of her own to close the gap to three goals by halftime. Adelaide snatched the lead with six of the first eight goals of the third quarter, but a crucial Eddy intercept helped turn the momentum back the Vixens' way. Two Austin Super Shots gave the Vixens a 46-42 lead at the final change, and they were able to recover from Adelaide's frenzied late comeback to secure victory.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
New Sinead O'Connor waxwork plot revealed after controversial €75k model axed from Dublin museum sparked ‘hideous' fury
THE National Wax Museum has said it will unveil a new likeness of Sinead O'Connor on her third anniversary next year. Museum bosses clashed with Advertisement 4 Museum owner Paddy Dunning said that a team of artists are working together to create the new Sinead waxwork 4 Sinead was found dead in her London flat last July aged 56 Credit: Getty Images - Getty The controversial likeness prompted Sinead's brother John O'Connor going on Liveline to blast it as 'hideous' and 'looking nothing like her'. John said it made his sister look like 'something out of the Thunderbirds'. Now, museum owner Paddy Dunning has revealed that rather than using one sculptor, a team of artists are working together to create Dunning told The Irish Sun: 'I wasn't involved in the process of quality control at the Advertisement Read more on Sinead O'Connor Paddy added: 'I'm qualified to get it right, because I knew Sinead since she was 18 and began her music career. 'I was the very first person to record Sinead in Temple Lane Studios, and I was the last to record her in Grouse Lodge studios in The businessman said he could have speeded up creating a new Sinead likeness in time for her second anniversary on July 26, but he decided to let the sculpting team continue their work. Paddy said: 'We know how important it is to get Sinead right. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun Breaking Exclusive Exclusive 'So she won't be in the Wax Museum on display next week when all the fans arrive from around the world. 'But we will be projecting Sinead's image onto the walls outside on the Wall Of Fame in Temple Bar and will be displaying her dress and garments at the Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum.' Incredible moment Sinead O'Connor's daughter brings crowd to tears with 'quote' rendition of mum's most famous song The previous Sinead likeness cost €75,000 before it was melted down after intense criticism. The artist responsible, PJ Heraghty, who had successfully created over a 100 waxworks for the museum, said he sensed it would be a disaster when he was first given the job. Advertisement 'DIDN'T WANT TO DO IT' PJ told us: 'No, I didn't want do Sinead O'Connor. That was the gut feeling I had when I was offered the job, and I wish I listened to it. 'I just knew it was going to be problematic to capture somebody as beautiful as Sinead O'Connor and also somebody who so many people connected with.' The He said: 'I started at the beginning of the year, and there were also some health issues which intervened.' Advertisement 'THERE WAS A DEADLINE' The artist said the impending deadline of July 25 meant he didn't have the time he needed to achieve the final details of the likeness. PJ told us: 'There was a deadline, and I also experimented with different methods. That's a dangerous thing to do as a sculptor.' Tragic Sinead was found dead in her London flat aged 56 in 2023. 'We know how important it is to get Sinead right." Paddy Dunning An was a result of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Advertisement Sinead fans from around the world are expected to descend on Bray, Co Wicklow next week for her second anniversary. They will be making the pilgrimage to her former home on the Coast Road and to a bench dedicated to her outside the Martello Hotel in the town, crafted by artisans from Vale of Avoca and Bray Men's Sheds. 4 Artist PJ Heraghty sensed it would be a disaster when he was first given the job Credit: Garrett White - The Sun Dublin 4 Fans of Sinead were devastated following her death Credit: Getty Images - Getty Advertisement
Western Telegraph
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Neyland Carnival is sizzling success in top temperatures
Soaring temperatures saw scheduled 'water stops' for the bands and carnival entrants as they made their way along the route from Honeyborough Green, through the town, down to the promenade and back to the carnival field. Balloons gave some welcome shade to Super Mario and Luigi! (Image: Phil Haskett-Smith) Crowds lined the route and more than 1,000 people then joined in the fun on the field, where Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell presented prizes and Wales' First Minister, Eluned Morgan, drew the bumper raffle. Wales' First Minister, Eluned Morgan, is pictured with brothers Alex and Adrian Swales, who are the carnival secretary and chairman. (Image: Alex Swales) 'It was another big success with some top-notch entries,' said carnival secretary Alex Swales. 'I think the weather kept some people away, which is understandable. Fortunately, there were no heat-related casualties amongst the many who attended. The mayor of Neyland, Cllr Peter Hay and the mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott judged the carnival, together with the deputy mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Tony Wilcox. (Image: William Elliott) 'For the first time this year, we had live bands on the field to keep the party going into the evening, and we've had nothing but positive feedback for that.' Go the Thunderbirds from Lawrenny Avenue! (Image: Phil Haskett-Smith) Setting the pace for the parade were the ever-popular Samba Doc, with stirring sounds from the Swansea Pipe Band and lively music from Tin Man Revolution. Neyland CP School paid tribute to VE Day with their winning float. (Image: William Elliott) There were some outstanding entries in the parade, with friends, neighbours and organisations pulling out all the stops for their floats. Neyland CP School triumphed with their tableau celebrating VE Day, which even featured 'Winston Churchill' riding in a Jeep. And Mr Churchill came along for the ride as well! (Image: Phil Haskett-Smith) Residents of Lawrenny Street brought along the Thunderbirds, re-creating Tracy Island, Lady Penelope's FAB 1 Rolls-Royce and a Thunderbirds 2 rocket. Sirring sounds in the parade from the Swansea Pipe Band. (Image: Phil Haskett-Smith) As well as the Carnival Princess, the event also starred its own Carnival King and Queen, community stalwarts Tommy and Maureen Lavelle, chosen by a public vote. Carnival Royalty, Tommy and Maureen, rode in style. (Image: Phil Haskett-Smith) Neyland's county councillor, Dr Simon Hancock, said: ''The annual carnival is the undoubted highlight of the social calendar in Neyland. Every year, the ingenuity of the float entries and walkers become more elaborate and inventive. Golden crowns for the King and Queen! (Image: Phil Haskett-Smith) "The hard work of the entrants is matched by the efforts of the committee who obtain sponsorship and plan the day down to the smallest detail. "This joyous day brings the county to Neyland and is vastly enjoyed by all." All the fun of the fair on the carnival field. (Image: Phil Haskett-Smith)
