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ISSUE 871 MAY 26 2008 CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY free word - EST. 1972
INSIDE...NEWS/JOBS&MONEY/FEATURES/TAF-OD/OPINION
PHOTO: ED SALTER
VOTE FOR DEMOCRACY
Students to have final say in Union redevelopment plans Samantha Shillabeer News Editor All Cardiff University students will have the opportunity to vote on the Students’ Union (SU) redevelopment plans before any work is undertaken, last Tuesday’s Student Council decided. The issue of the redevelopment was added to the Council’s agenda at the last minute in an attempt to dispel rumours and dissatisfaction surrounding the plans. Following the publication of the proposed changes in last week’s gair
rhydd (issue 870), upset students immediately began voicing their concerns. A Facebook group entitled ‘Outrage at the new Cardiff SU plans’ was set up last Saturday and, at the time of gair rhydd going to print, had in excess of 2,300 members. The gair rhydd website also received over 160 comments on the plans. Among the most common complaints were the proposed removal of the Taf and the Games Room, and the downsizing of Solus. In an attempt to guarantee that the eventual changes will “benefit the majority of students”, a motion was
passed at Student Council resolving that “a vote which is accessible by all students should take place before the plans are signed off”. The Council, which saw a significant increase in attendance due to the focus on the Union redevelopment, also gave Students’ Union President Jonny Cox the chance to explain the logic behind the proposals. Speaking last Tuesday, he began his presentation by commenting on the outdated and dreary state of the SU, claiming that major changes are needed to ensure that it will still be standing in ten years time. He also stressed the importance of
constructing “multi-functional areas” in order to diversify the Union and increase its appeal to a wider range of students, declaring that “it is not just a bar”. In a further written explanation of the plans, he declared: “The Union needs to adapt to the changing student demographic and demands. For far too long we have had a total emphasis on our commercial services It’s time that our clubs, societies, volunteering and development opportunities were given more prominence.” However, Jonny also explicitly stated that bar provision in the Union will not be removed completely.
In the written explanation of the plans he stated: “Junction could become a great bar. The only reason that it is not being labelled as a bar is because it will be so much more, with a nice atmosphere and a good provision of food and non-alcoholic drinks.” He also defended the proposed downsizing of Solus, claiming: “The way the plans are, if students do still want to go out every night of the week we will have provision for that. “The capacity might be slightly less, but the provision is still there.” Continued on page 4
SPORT/POLITICS/SCIENCE&ENVIRONMENT/LISTINGS/TV
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MAY.26.2008
NEWS
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this week in gair rhydd:
16
Sport: Penalties in the Champions League
27 Jobs and Money: How to get your bond back
Politics: Gordon Brown and the Dalai Lama’s visit
20
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NEWS
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PHOTOS: Martin Oliver
A beautiful Mind
Emma Jones Reporter gair rhydd’s outgoing Opinion Editor and columnist has been named Mind Student Journalist of the Year at a recent awards ceremony. Huw Davies, a third year English Literature student, was recognised at
the Mind awards for his 2000-word piece on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). 150 people attended the ceremony, which was held at Kingsway Hall Hotel in London on Thursday 15 May. Lord Melvyn Bragg, the President of mental health charity Mind, hosted the awards.
Point to stay Emma Jones Reporter Cardiff Bay’s music venue The Point will no longer be closed down in a row over noise levels. A court hearing involving the converted old church was due to take place after a resident complained about the noise. But Cardiff Council has now approved management’s plans for £50,000 worth of soundproofing, which they agreed were acceptable to all parties. The venue will now close temporarily in August so that the soundproofing can be carried out. Owner Richard Jones said: “I am pleased that we are not fighting with the Council across a courtroom today.” “In taking a more pragmatic and positive approach to this is-
sue, the Council are now working with us to help secure the future of this very unique and important venue for live music and culture in south Wales,” he added. The Point has played host to a variety of acts including the Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers, Athlete, The Darkness and The Fall, and is known for its rock, jazz, folk and alternative performances, as well as its club nights. A petition against its possible closure had previously been organised online. Rodney Berman, Cardiff Council leader, commented: “This is an important music venue for the city and the council wants to work with the owners to make sure that every opportunity is given for them to successfully tackle any noise disruption.
The other nominees in Huw’s award category were Sukanya Deshraj, who writes for the London Student, and Olivia Gagan, who was highly recommended for her article in Exeter University’s student paper, Exeposé. The prize is a two-week placement at Psychologies Magazine, which Huw will be undertaking in August.
Huw said: “Even being nominated, let alone winning, was an absolute honour. To be recognised by a charity that has done so much for people with mental health issues means a lot.” Next year Huw is doing a postgraduate course in Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. This is the second consecutive year
that a Cardiff student has received the prestigious award. Helen Thompson, who graduated last year, won in 2007 for her feature on Asperger’s Syndrome.
More acts to play Summer Ball Corinne Rhoades News Editor Welsh locals the Lost Prophets and Manchester-based musician Doug Walker will be joining the line up for this year’s Cardiff University Summer Ball. Ticket sales for the Ball have already surpassed the total amount purchased for last year’s event.
A spokesperson for the Students’ Union Entertainments Department told gair rhydd that 6,000 tickets will have been sold by Monday May 26. Glamorgan University are also selling their second batch of tickets, after 182 were originally purchased by students there. This year the Ball will also feature a bigger Live Tent, as well as two new additions to its fairground-ride
attraction. But the Summer Ball warm-up party experienced disappointment last week, as Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac cancelled her set. Around 60 tickets are selling each day, and organisers are now looking to increase toilet provision on the site, which would raise its capacity to 7,000.
Tackling depression Emma Jones Reporter Cardiff University researchers are seeking volunteers to participate in a study that could uncover new treatments for manic depression. Last week, the BBC Wales current affairs programme Week In Week Out featured the University’s School of Medicine’s pioneering work on the causes and treatments of the condition, also known as bipolar disorder. The programme followed three Welsh people living with manic depression, including Ines Beare, who was sectioned under the Mental Health Act at Cefn Coed psychiatric hospital in Swansea after developing a post-natal form of bipolar disorder just two weeks after giving birth to her first child. An estimated 30,000 people suffer from manic depression or bipolar disorder in Wales.
The illness is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, which results in sufferers experiencing extreme highs and lows of mood. The documentary was presented by Welsh actor and comedy writer Boyd Clack who has suffered from the condition for the past 15 years. The programme also features Professor Nick Craddock (pictured), who runs one of the largest mood disorder projects in the world here in Cardiff. He and his team are trying to find out more about the brain chemicals that
cause the illness. He said: “We don’t know exactly which those chemicals are and we don’t know exactly the ways in which they change when people are ill. That’s why it is so important to use the techniques that we have available in science so that we can diagnose the illness much better and develop much more effective treatments.” Professor Craddock is appealing for 4,000 more volunteers with manic depression to take part in the study. For more information about the study or to take part, email moodresearch@cf.ac.uk, phone 02920 744392, or visit the website at http:// www.cardiff.ac.uk/medic/subsites/ bipolar.
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NEWS: UNION SPECIAL Your Union, cast your vote Continued from front
Vassallo explained that, despite the complaints on Facebook and the gair rhydd website, the Union had received less than 70 e-mails about the plans. She encouraged students to provide “realistic and reasonable suggestions” rather than just dismissing the current ideas completely. These sentiments were echoed by Jonny who, speaking to gair rhydd shortly before it went to print, emphasised: “This is a consultation process and people have to feed into it by sending an email. This I cannot stress enough.” To view the full explanation of the redevelopment proposals, visit www. cardiffstudents.com.
Following the explanation of the proposals, response to the redevelopment has been described as positive. Jonny said: “Since Student Council, a fair few people have commented and written emails explaining how much better they understand the plans and how they can see them as being suitable for the Union moving forwards.” Students are being encouraged to provide feedback and contribute to the redevelopment process by e-mailing SUBuildingDevelopment@cardiff. ac.uk. But speaking at Student Council, Students’ Union Vice-President Rowena Vassallo explained that, despite the
MAY.26.2008 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM
Junction ‘café’
Policy on faith As the University develops a policy on religion and belief, is a quiet room soon to be included in the Students’ Union redevelopment plans?
Abigail Whittaker News Editor
Corinne Rhoades News Editor \Calls for the University to increase its provision for students of faith have been met by a draft policy on religion and belief. In March 2007, gair rhydd exposed the plight of Muslim students who were being forced to pray in corridors and under the stairs in University buildings due to inadequate prayer-room provision on campus. Now the University is urging students to review a draft of their Religion and Belief policy, which outlines, among other issues the institution’s stance on the practising of religion during the working day,
freedom of religious expression, and the use of its current quiet rooms. Sally Airey, Cardiff University Students’ Union (CUSU) Societies, Postgraduate and International Officer, said: “The Religion and Belief policy is a positive step forward and is the product of many years’ discussion and research.” This academic year, CUSU held its first ever forum on faith to discuss prayer-room provision and other issues affecting students who follow a religion. Held in December 2007, the My Faith, My City forum marked a step by CUSU towards pressuring the University to develop a policy on faith. Currently, plans for a full revamp of the CUSU building do not include
a quiet room. According to the summary of the plans on cardiffstudents.com, quiet room provision will be reassessed as the University develops its policy on religion. Airey has encouraged students to “look forward” and “make sure the University place the provision of quiet rooms on their list of priorities for next year”. The Religion and Belief policy and the accompanying guidelines are available at cardiffstudents.com and feedback can be emailed to Sally Airey at aireys1@cardiff.ac.uk before the end of the month. Comments will then be developed into a report by Airey and fed back to the University.
On Tuesday, Student Council were presented with an update regarding the Union’s summer building project, which involves the redevelopment of Solus. Last week, gair rhydd revealed plans that the Union had unveiled to develop social space and improve food provision in this area of the building. The main structural changes involve a relocation of the toilets from Junction Bar into the main nightclub, and the removal of the bottle bar to make way for a food provision area. The space is then intended to offer more natural light and an improved seating area. Over the last fortnight, the Union has conducted market research to ascertain what type of food provision students would like to see and at what price. 629 respondents completed a survey, which concluded that cost was the most significant factor for students in choosing where to eat. The majority of students said they were willing to spend £1-3 on cold food
and £3-5 on hot food. Results revealed that students are generally shying away from big brand names and instead prefer local companies. Only 89 students said they would prefer a brand such as Starbucks, in comparison to 319 favouring local companies. When questioned about what kind of food venue they would like to see in the Union, 203 students asked for a pasta and salad bar, while 198 opted for a buzzing café. Plans are now set to incorporate both these ideas. Buffers is set to become a quiet area, with Junction housing a more lively food area, but both with still form part of Solus nightclub in the evenings. It was previously reported that, in addition to these changes, a new staircase would be installed to provide access from Buffers (back room in Solus) to CF10 café. This will no longer be happening this summer due to tight time constraints.
gairrhydd MAY.26.2008
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NEWS: UNION SPECIAL
NEWS@gairrhydd.COM
Your Union: your words gair rhydd canvasses the views of Cardiff students on the planned redevelopment of their Students’ Union “The plans do look good, but the Union needs to inform people more about the the social learning and network space because there has been a lot of misunderstanding about this. I agree that we need to consider the best way that space can be utilised, which may not necessarily include the Taf.” Ade Haastrup First-year Law & Politics
“Having been to Student Council I’ve been reassured about the plans regarding social learning space. But I’m still concerned about the amount of space dedicated to it and the perceived level of the University’s involvement. I would be interested to see how they’re using land on Maindy Road.” Huw Davies Third-year English Literature
“I think the social learning space could work as a nice change from the library. I’m not sure about making Solus smaller. It could help on nights where it is really empty, but how would this work on more popular nights?”
“The glass entrance is a big improvement but I don’t agree with reducing the size of Solus and getting rid of the Taf. I think we should utilise what we have by improving CF10 by getting in a better range of food, for example. Solus has always been a big part of uni life for me, a cheap night out and great place for meeting new people.” “I can’t believe they would even consider getting rid of the Taf and downsizing Solus. I don’t buy the excuse about Solus being out competed by the nightclubs in town, just because Rubber Duck has had its day. I think social learning space is a great idea but can’t see why it has to take up so much space.”
Ruth Bragger Third-year Civil Engineering
Sarah Rowlands Second-year Zoology
“I quite like aspects of the new plans, such as the new social learning spaces, but question whether these areas will be used. I don’t think it’s viable to reduce Solus and remove the Taf. I use the Taf a lot, especially for watching sport. Louise Rohman Second-year Accounting
Matthew Wright Third-year Civil Engineering
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NEWS
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Snack ban causes controversy A year-long study by professors at Cardiff University finds that an outright ban on snacks in schools will encourage healthy eating Emma Barlow Reporter An outright ban on snacks in schools will encourage healthy eating, a Cardiff University study has concluded. In the year-long study researchers at Cardiff’s Institute of Society, Health and Ethics looked at the snacking habits of nine to 11-year-olds at 43 primary schools in South Wales and south-west England. Professor Laurence Moor from the Cardiff Institute said: “Our results suggest that children are more willing to use fruit tuck shops and eat fruit as a snack if they and their friends are not allowed to take in un-
healthy snacks.” The first strategy implemented by the study involved asking 23 schools to start up fruit tuck shops. A ‘fruit or no food policy’, which ran in conjunction with the tuck shops, caused school children to eat 0.37 more portions of fruit per day than those at schools without a tuck shop. But the results have produced mixed reactions. Dr Chris Howard, Vice-President of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), claimed that some of its members did not support “solutions that impose solutions on children”. He asserted that a full ban on snacks in schools would only cause children to seek unhealthy food elsewhere.
Student survey sabotaged
Fee increase International student fees are set to increase faster than the rate of inflation Sian Symons Reporter
Ruth Smith Reporter There are questions over the authenticity of results in a league table, which evaluates student satisfaction, with some universities being accused of manipulating the results. More restricting guidelines are to be issued by the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFC) for the next National Student Survey. Kingston University appears to be in disgrace as lecturers are said to have told students to only put positive comments on the survey, in order to attempt to improve the University’s ranking. Students were told that their employment prospects would suffer if it were perceived that their university had a poor valuation. There are now plans to remove Kingston University from the league table.
The Cambridge Students’ Union has said that it now doubts the reliability of the survey, because it believes it is no longer an objective assessment. The BBC News Website has reported that this incident is not an isolated one. They have received hundreds of emails from students who claim that many universities are attempting to manipulate the survey. Intellectuals have acknowledged that universities use the statistics in the tables to promote their institutions in order to try and recruit new students. The HEFC believes the problems are not widespread and that students are
intelligent enough to write their true thoughts concerning their place of study, particularly as the survey is confidential.
Universities and colleges in the UK are due to increase top up fees for international students. At a rate higher than inflation, universities intend to charge international students up to £650 extra this year. These increases are on top of the already inflated prices f o r international students. The current charge for international undergraduates studying arts degrees is on average £9,071. However students enrolling in 2008 will face fees of £9,502, a rise of 4.8%. Those studying Science degrees are only subject to a 3% rise in fees. In a published report, the director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, Bahram Bekhradnia warns that with 25% of overseas students complaining they get poor value for money, the universities could price themselves outside the market. An updated report also suggests that as universities compete in an increasingly competitive global market, the UK could stand to lose out due to its increasing course fees.
The highest charges for international students in the UK are at Imperial College, London. In 2008 Imperial will charge on average £19,450 per year for an undergraduate degree in a science subject. Courses such as medicine will be priced at a hefty £30,000 per year. Heythrop College charges the lowest undergraduate fees at only £5,490 per year for both arts and science subjects.
gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008
WORLD NEWS
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Giant mice threaten seabirds Sian Symons Reporter
Giant carnivorous mice are threatening the world’s greatest seabird colony on a remote island in the South Atlantic. Gough Island was considered a safe haven for birds 150 years ago. Without a single predator on the island, the bird population was in its millions. Today Gough is deemed to be “one of nature’s greatest horror shows”. A whaling boat, presumably from Britain, is suspected to have carried a few mouse stowaways that escaped onto the Island. Not only have the mice multiplied to a number nearing 700,000, they have also evolved to be three times the size of an ordinary house mouse. Also, unlike the normal species found in Britain, these mice differ from their vegetarian ancestors and have adapted to eating albatross and shearwater chicks alive in their nests. As the birds on the Island have never experienced predators before it is feared that they are unable to defend themselves against the killer mice. The conservation group Birdlife International has recently recognised that the mice are believed to be “the largest mice found anywhere in the world” and are out of control as they face no predators.
07
World News in brief Ruth Smith Reporter
Hair attack
Birdlife International also worries that the mutant mice will make some of the rarest bird species extinct. Studies suggest that about 60% of Gough’s chicks die in their nests as a result of predation by the mice. Dr Geoff Hilton, a scientist researching conservation problems, said: “The only hope for these threatened
birds is the complete eradication of the mice.” The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has suggested hiring helicopters to drop rodent poison on the Island, which would cost around £2.6 million. Solutions are now being considered by the UK government, which has
previously been criticised for neglecting the ecology of its overseas territories. However, the government has professed an interest in supporting the study and is now in the process of finalising the plans for the mouse eradication.
An 11-year-old boy is seeking a cure for a rare genetic condition called hypertichosis, otherwise known as Werewolf Syndrome. Pruthviraj Patil, from the Indian district of Sangli near Bombay, is believed to be one of only 50 people in the world to have the condition. A range of treatments have been tried on the hair covering his face, including laser treatment, but it continues to grow back. He has appealed to doctors to help him to find a cure.
Beer vs. child
Mozambique police fitness concerns Emma Jones Reporter
Many police officers in Mozambique are too fat to run after criminals, it has emerged. A compulsory training programme is to be put into place to improve the police officers’ general fitness. Pana Chande, advisor to the Interior Ministry, claimed that the poor lifestyle led by many police officers was the cause of the problem. He has alleged that many of them
the activities that the police officers will complete. Mr Chande was keen to stress that the retraining programme is not a form of punishment, but an exercise geared towards improving the performance of the entire police force. He also explained that the training is already underway “We are in a process of training officers and commanders at our training centres.” “We need men who are able to perform without problems,” Mr Chande added.
drink too much alcohol, smoke and have very large stomachs. As a result, many police officers are finding it difficult to chase criminals, or to act swiftly enough to prevent crime from occurring in the first place. Mr Chande said: “Some of them are so large it is affecting their health and ability to run.” The physical training programme is aimed at improving their agility, speed and flexibility. Running, gymnastics, and simulating the chase of criminals are just some of
Pig conservation begins in Asia The world’s smallest and rarest pig is set to be protected under a new conservation project in a North-Eastern state of India Sarah Powell Reporter A conservation project has begun in South Asia to protect the world’s smallest and rarest wild pig. The pygmy hog is a species which can now only be found in Assam, the North-Eastern state of India. The hogs have been the focus of a 12-year conservation process which aims to protect them from the everincreasing threat of extinction. It is currently estimated that there are fewer than 400 wild pygmy hogs in the world. This statistic encouraged increased efforts to conserve the species through an extensive breeding programme of hogs in captivity. The programme has led to the
imminent release of 16 pygmy hogs into the Sonai Rupai wildlife sanctuary, an area north of the state capital, Guwahati. The hogs are being released gradually into the wild, and through close monitoring it is hoped that they will adjust to their new lives. Dr. Goutam Narayan of Durrell Wildlife and EcoSystems India is the main proponent of this conservation scheme. With increasing support from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, a Jersey-based organisation largely involved in conservation efforts, Dr. Narayan hopes that the project will be a great success. The pygmy hog was thought to be extinct in 1964, when there had been no sightings of the species for a number
of years. However, Dr. Narayan states that in 1971 four pygmy hogs were discovered at a market in Assam, which he said “gave everyone cause for hope”.
Despite the great efforts to help protect this endangered species, the pygmy hogs will still be under threat when released into the wild. Pythons and Tigers are formidable predators to the hogs, but the greatest threat is the human destruction of their grassland habitats.
A constable was recently shocked when he discovered an Australian driver had strapped in his crate of beer instead of the five-year-old child who was travelling in the car. The 30 cans were buckled to the seat in between the two back occupied passenger seats while the child sat on the floor. Four adults were in the car, but there still would have been room for the child to also ride safely. The driver was fined £360 for failing to ensure the child was wearing a seatbelt.
Oreo crash
Fourteen tons of double stuffed Oreos covered a road 50 miles from Chicago when a trailer overturned. The truck driver was travelling from Chicago to Morris at 4am one morning when he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed. The cookies spilled out still in their plastic sleeves and have left both lanes of traffic closed as authorities clear up the mess. The crash is still being investigated.
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FEATURES
OCTOBER.22.2007 FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM
gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008
EDITORIAL & OPINION
OPINION@gairrhydd.COM
freewords Est. 1972
What is a Students’ Union? “The Union seeks to enhance the student experience by providing representation, welfare services, recreational facilities and opportunities for student development within the Union, the University and the local community. The Union exists to provide an efficient and accountable service for all students at the University.” With all the furore regarding the SU’s plans for redevelopment it seems that the concept of a Students’ Union is something that has been lost beneath its bar and nightclub provision. All too often you hear people say, “I’m going to the Union tonight.” What they really mean is that they are going to Solus or the Taf. But of course Solus and the Taf are not the only facilities the Union has to offer. A Student Development Unit (see page 18), an Advice and Representation Centre, an Entrepeneurial unit (a la Dragon’s Den), a large and active Volunteering group, Student Media, 60 Athletic Union clubs and over a hundred societies are all housed inside the large brick monstrosity that straddles the railway track. But is it really a shock that people see it as just a pub and a club? During term-time it is common to see students in promotional T-shirts spreading the word along Park Place and outside the Students’ Union about the next club night occurring in Solus. But how often do you see people in promotional T-shirts spreading the word about the Advice Centre and and Student Development Unit? It’s all very well for the people that go into the SU regularly enough to view the full cycle of plasma screen notices, but for those who don’t set foot in the building there is no way to find out about everything the Students’ Union has to offer. Communicating with a body of 25,000 students is certainly not easy. I’m sure the SU would love to find out your ideas to improve communication channels as well. It is vital that as well as giving the non-commercial facilities greater prominence and space in the future Students’ Union, they receive a proportional amount of promotion to ensure that the vast majority of students can access the services that they provide. gair rhydd would like to sincerely apologise for any offence and upset caused to individuals by last week’s Ted Handsome Problem Page. Offence was not the intention of the feature and it has been ensured that similar incidents will not occur again. Editor Amy Harrison Deputy Editor Ben Bryant Co-ordinator Elaine Morgan News William Taylor Abigail Whittaker Samantha Shillabeer Corinne Rhoades Investigations Lee Macaulay
09
Evasion of duty
Gareth Ludkin questions the morality of wealthy individuals and companies who avoid paying taxes on their earnings
L
ast week I was shocked to find out about a Christian Aid report which has brought to light in a dramatic way the true cost of tax havens, tax evasion and tax avoidance. The report ‘In Death and Taxes: the True Toll of Taxdodging’ reveals that some of the poorest, under-developed countries in the world are being cheated out of $160bn (£82bn) a year. Huge trans-national companies avoiding taxation have been depriving developing countries of vital tax revenue for years. Put in the right hands for the right reasons, this tax revenue could unequivocally save the lives of thousands and thousands of men, women and children. The $160bn of tax revenue goes far and beyond the $40-60bn the World Bank estimates is needed to pay for the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, which aims to save the lives of 350,000 children a year.
Huge transnational companies have been depriving countries of vital revenue for years To me, this news is a disgusting example of the bloated greed displayed by some of the biggest trans-national companies who hide their moneybags in tax havens across the world. The report states that tax evasion is part of a “sliding scale of legitimacy,” in which increasingly ingenious methods are used to get around the rules and shelter corporate profits. It also states that “every trans-national corporation uses holding companies,” and lists BP, WalMart, Royal Dutch Shell, ExxonMobil and Ford Motor Company’s reinsurance group as culprits of tax evasion and offshore holdings. The key offshore countries mentioned are Jersey, Guernsey, The Isle Of Man, The Cayman Islands, Bermuda and The British Virgin Islands, highlighted due to the link with the British crown. Although these are only a few of the many tax havens around the world, Christian Aid is keen to point out how
Politics Tim Hewish Editorial and Opinion Emma Davies Jamie Thunder Columnist Adam Millward Letters Emily Akers Sport George Pawley Jack Zorab Stephen Florey
Pete Dean Scott D’Arcy Jobs and Money Jess Best Problem Page Ted Handsome Science & Environment Sophie Cole Television TV Guy TV Mariam TV Tim
TOO WEALTHY: Avoiding Tax? the British Government has such an important role to play. The fact that these companies and many more are getting away with this is criminal; countries rich in oil, gold and many vital minerals are being stripped of their assets and receiving the lowest possible amount for their goods. Basically, not paying royalties means that companies have the land and minerals for free and at no particular cost to their profits. For me, this is a real humanitarian issue – the fact is that taking the rightful tax revenues and making sure they go to the right people for the right causes is essential for solving world poverty. Think how over 20 years the face of Africa could be changed and the number of children’s lives that would be saved.
This news is a disgusting example of bloated greed The report believes that there is $11bn stored away in tax havens: money which can and should be used for humanitarian good, rather than for company profit. This greed is blatant and disgusting. The longer this goes TV Sarah GRAB Tom Bentley Hannah Gurney Features Emma Thomas Listings Josie Allchin Dan Jones Lonely Hearts Queenie Picture Editor Ed Salter
on the fewer people it can help. These faceless companies who try to persuade us that they care about the world we live in are draining our natural resources and killing millions of people through their greed. It is not just the super rich conglomerates that are to blame; the super-rich themselves play a huge part in tax evasion. Christian Aid criticises individuals such as Lewis Hamilton and pop stars like Phil Collins and, most interestingly, Bono for minimising their tax bills. The irony is of course that Bono, such a stringent campaigner for the abolition of poverty in the world, is actually only adding to the effects, an issue I wonder if he is aware of or not. I hope not, or else he has become one almighty hypocrite. Christian Aid suggests that tax abuse “is so widespread it is tantamount to a new slavery” a very worrying statement and an issue which needs to be challenged. Dr Daleep Mukarji, the director of Christian Aid, presents the stark reality of the effects of tax evasion. He said: “We predict that illegal trade-related tax evasion alone will be responsible for the deaths of 5.6 million children under the age of five between 2000 and 2015; that’s almost 1,000 a day.”
Online Editor Paul Springett Proof Readers Aisling Tempany Laurel Burn Neil Fairbrother David Irving Huw Davies Adam Millward Ben Marshall Contributors Emma Jones Martin Oliver
This blatant disregard for life is worrying for a country such as Britain that pledges so much to help solve poverty. All they need to do is create a way in which unclaimed tax revenue can go to the countries that have earned it for working tirelessly on less than a minimum wage and who have not reaped the benefits from their mineral-rich land. 5.6 million lives could and should be saved. This report by Christian Aid is truly eye opening, and I really hope that governments take note and take decisive action.
The report believes that there is $11bn stored away in tax havens
We too as a democratic society should make our voices heard on this issue and stop massive conglomerates running away with money they do not deserve. I would feel sick to the pit of my stomach if I was one of the faceless corporate owners of these conglomerates knowing what I now know. Something so simple could improve the lives so much for millions of children.
Emma Barlow Sian Symons Ruth Smith Sarah Powell Gareth Ludkin Lucy Thackray Madalene Quartey Aimen Chouchane Daanish Ghazi Simon Lucey Wendy Woodhead Sarah Cole Rhiannon Johns
Angela Hughes Guy Skelton Ben Walker
Address University Union, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3QN Web www.gairrhydd.com Email info@gairrhydd.com Advertising 02920 781 474 Location 4th Floor Students’ Union
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MAY.26.2008
OPINION
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Cardiff, Disability and me
The truth is out there
upon world domination. Here, he explains how...
T
With UFO reports now available to the public, are Next year, Ted these sightings really proof of ‘alien’ existence? Shiress plans Sam Hubble and Emma Davies debate the issue
H
ere is a shameless plug for you this week: I’m thinking of starting a society next year and I want you to join! Yes, I had the idea that there is nothing that Cardiff University could do with more than a Students with Disabilities society, and after a somewhat idle year of being SWDs officer with no body of students to turn to, I feel I should do my best to create that body. A society will give students new to the university a chance to find their feet, and those who’ve already settled in a chance to feel an even firmer stand on reality and life. It seems like the connections are currently not in place, and part of this could be blamed on poor muggins ‘ere (me). However, in my defence I’d like to add I haven’t been deliberately doing nothing; I adopted the position of SWDs officer assuming those above me would listen to me and those below me would talk to me, especially if geared on by an occasional fruity column! This was not to be the case. I would write letters to people naïvely expecting a response and when I did not get one I’d give up. Sometimes, I would get a response saying “yes, but we can’t do anything about that because of X”, which would rather knock me out of my stride. For example, when I spoke to the Residences department about there not being enough choices of accommodation for those with disabilities their response was something along the lines of ‘yeah, we’ll try to ensure buildings we build in the future are more accessible’. That to me was like hitting a brick wall. There was no foreseeable way of getting any further without a large body of students to support me, which just might come in the form of a society. I have already liaised with part of the committee, the highly dedicated and somewhat outraged Kayleigh Mills and just need one more member. Most importantly, the society will not be self-defining; one will not have to have a blue card on their dashboard to join! I am hoping the society will just give ability-aware people the chance to mingle, exchange ideas and form an effective body for campaigning if necessary. There would also be the opportunity to drink and have a good time like all other societies! So, see you at the societies fayre. At the moment our proposed name is the Standard Deviation Society!
he Ministry of Defence has recently released secret files on supposed ‘UFO’ sightings. Covering the period from 1978 onwards, they include accounts of ‘unexplained objects and strange lights in the sky.’ I like to think I’m a fairly open minded guy, and I’m always open to new ideas, but having flicked through a few pages of the documents (which can be downloaded from the National Archives website) I think its hilarious and ridiculous that some of these sightings even make it into a story for your mates at the pub, let alone a fullscale MOD investigation.
I’d like to think that someone would have put two and two together and considered it could just be a plane
or aircraft recognition, but I do know that when I’ve had a few drinks down the pub I can’t see too well. I also know that planes happen to have red and green lights, and that they tend to land at airports.
The evidence for UFOs is so weak I’d like to think that someone would have put two and two together and considered the outrageously unimaginable possibility that it could, in fact, just be a plane. Alien activity also seems to crop up in areas where, let’s face it, the folk are a bit simple. I come from a small town in Devon, so I’m not exactly a metrosexual, sophisticated, high-flying city dweller, but I do know that the people of Kent, as well as Norfolk – which is famous
(or indeed infamous) for its crop circles – tend to be one alien short of an invasion, and seem to be convinced that anything unexplainable is alien activity. I think the thing that most amazes me is people’s readiness to accept the most outrageous possibility as the most likely explanation. Admittedly, if I were to stumble across a strange aircraft on the ground at night I would probably steer well clear of it and consider that, just maybe, it could be a UFO, but as a rationally-thinking human being I still think I would come up with a few better, more plausible ideas first. In another article, one man explained in great detail his "physical and psychic contact" with green aliens since he was a child. I have a lot of problems with this story.
One document reveals how in a pub in Tunbridge Wells, a group of staff and customers reported an unknown object with green and red flashing lights – seen heading in the direction of Gatwick Airport. Now I’m no genius, and I don’t claim to be well learned in UFOlogy
T
he truth is, as they say, out there. Literally. Or, at least, the reports of it now are. Under the Freedom of Information Act, the Government has had to release to the National Archives previously classified and confidential military reports on UFOs. All that you now have to do is tap “national archives UFO” into Google and you’re there. Unfortunately, a lot of these seem to be written in ‘militaryspeak’ and are fairly unintelligible to the general public (I know I struggled), leaving only the simplified table versions as comprehensible.
Assuming that we’re the most intelligent bunch out there would be cocky However, even in these dumbeddown formats, the files provide some intriguing information. Some of it’s fit for a bloody good laugh, mind. Obviously if you’re drunk in rural Wales and see a far-off white thing on a hillside then yes, it’s pretty likely that you’re seeing a sheep. I’d call the local farmer on that one, not the authorities.
The thing that most amazes me is people’s readiness to accept the most outrageous possiblity First of all, ‘green aliens’ is such as cliché. If you’re going to make up a story, at least be original and say they have zebra stripes, flashing warty skin or something more interesting. Secondly, he implies that he has had repeated contact with these extraterrestrial beings; if he wants to get people to believe him, why has he not somehow recorded these meetings by hiding cameras or at least reporting each event as it happens? I’m not saying that I definitely don’t believe in ‘aliens’; the sheer number of planets in the universe makes it mathematically unlikely that we live on the only habitable planet that exists. I’m also open to the idea that if there are alien races as developed as us then they, like us, probably indulge in a bit of space travel, so it is technically possible that ET may pop down for a visit. I just think that the evidence for UFOs and related government conspiracy theories is so weak that, as of yet, there have been no ‘aliens’ on Earth. SH
nomena. As far as I’m aware, there has yet to be an explanation. Yes, I do believe that aliens exist. Quite frankly, I think it’d be cocky not to. There are infinite stars out a joke? to in there, and therefore quite probably g in rn tu NTERS: infinite other solar systems and ALIEN ENCOU planets. What are the odds that we’re the only ones? Put it this way – I’d not be rushing into Ladbroke’s Other reports just yet if I were you. are frustratingly vague, such as We launch exploratory missions ‘lights’ or ‘something in the sky’. One into space, so why shouldn’t other of my favourites was the stunningly species? Assuming that we’re the dense ‘the object was definitely unumost intelligent bunch out there sual and was a possible UFO sightwould be just as cocky. I mean, we’ve ing’. Of course it was, love. succeeded in potentially trashing our OK, OK, so we can all point and planet through global warming, have more of their time in the sky than your laugh at the nutjobs who think that twice elected that cretin George W. average person, I’d like to think that they’ve been taken away by the little Bush and are still infinitely fascinated they’ve got the best idea of what sort green men. But its interesting to note by a box which shows us talking picof things can usually be found flying that one of the first documents that the tures. We’re hardly the fastest rocket about up there. On April 23rd 2007, National Archives’ UFO microsite diship in the galaxy. two separate airborne pilots saw two rects you towards is a “briefing” doc‘bright orange/yellow’ objects in the ument providing an overview. This skies near Alderney. OK, I can accept document reassuringly states that 90% that one pilot could be mistaken, but of UFO sightings can be explained as two? a result of everyday phenomena and This seems to hark back to the days are nothing to do with the extraterof WWII, when many pilots claimed to restrial. 90%? Where does that leave see strange, fireball-like lights which the other 10%? Given that the records Maybe not every UFO is an alien seemed to appear from nowhere and for 2007 show just over 130 reported spaceship waiting to land, but with follow their planes – the infamously UFO sightings, this leaves around 13 tons of unexplained sightings, how mysterious “foo fighters”. Originally potential UFOs unexplained. can we rule it out? ED assumed to be secret Nazi technology, Most convincing, in my opinion, it was later discovered that German are the reports coming from pilots. pilots had experienced the same pheSeeing as they spend a damn sight
This leaves around 13 potential UFOs in 2007 unexplained
I can accept that one pilot could be mistaken, but two?
gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008
11
OPINION
OPINION@gairrhydd.COM
War of the words
As the political correctness debate flares up once more, Lucy Thackray is a real sweetie about it all
P
olitical correctness, that renowned and growing source of hilarity, has become a little frightening of late. Take Barack Obama’s overblown and much-publicised apology to a female reporter for calling her ‘sweetie’, which made the news last week. To hold off a premature press enquiry during a talk at the Chrysler car plant in Detroit, Obama dared to utter ‘Hold on one second, sweetie’ before resuming his talk. The supposed venom behind this vaguely sexist term is a perfect example of the hideous political correctness by which Western society is gripped by. Frankly, I can’t think of a more innocuous word. When did indicating someone’s sweetness (a femalespecific sweetness, perhaps) become unacceptable?
‘bad habit’ of using endearments towards strangers is hardly the monstrous epicentre of sexual inequality. In fact, it’s a bad habit I think we should all reclaim, especially in bustling city areas of the US and Britain.
The more women complain about this pseudo-sexism, the more irrational and petty they seem
In a society where making eye contact is considered harassment, a little affectionate language is needed I can respect feminist indignation about real injustices such as the wage gap, but everyday ‘sexism’ is such a precarious notion. Men, traditionally older ones, will drop in a few fond names for women they meet – ‘sweetheart’, ‘darling’, ‘love’, or my personal Welsh favourite, ‘lovely’. This stems, I am certain, from a culture of politeness and gentlemanly conduct. Granted, in
BARACK: Is he part of the cure, or is he part of the disease? the case of some lecherous old perv with a husky voice, ‘sweetheart’ might make you a little uncomfortable. But being greeted by a friendly ‘Alright, lovely?’ really brightens up my day. In a frosty, aloof society, where making eye contact on the bus is considered harassment, a little affectionate language here and there is sorely needed. Obama’s apology is clearly the result of some oversensitive concern
within his campaign team, but I’m sure no one respects him any more for the belated eating of his words. The journalist concerned, Peggy Agar, told state news that she had not been offended by the term so much as the blatant dodging of her question, adding: “I’ve been called worse.” The desire to neutralise gender language – the ‘his or hers’s’, the chairpersons, the police officers – is also exhausting. What policewoman is
going to be offended by the recognition of her sex? Surely neutering her gender simply plays down the fact that women can achieve such status? The more women complain about this pseudo-sexism, the more irrational, oversensitive and petty they seem, and therefore arguably less capable of positions of power and responsibility. Male political correctness is even more ridiculous; Obama’s professed
Yes, there is a line between ‘sweetie’ and ‘sweetcheeks’ but everybody is well acquainted with that line and few would cross it intentionally. Just like that ancient offence, wolf-whistling, a well-meant endearment is the kind of sexism that women publicly bristle at, while privately enjoying the attention. Newsflash, western world: women and men are different. Emphasising this in language is inevitable, and these trivial displays of male condescension won’t dampen any of the professionalism and talent of women. Obama never did answer Agar’s question; perhaps she should have commented on men’s inability to multitask, continuing the good-natured sexism that is only based on fact. Let the Americans tangle over political correctness by all means, but keep the wolf-whistles, endearments and stereotypes over here before British culture loses its warmth and humour entirely.
The faceless masses
With mounting deaths from recent natural disasters in Asia, Magdalene Quartey wonders whether we’re becoming more and more desensitised to catastrophe
O
ne could say that we may be getting overloaded with disaster news considering new reports of an earthquake hitting China on Monday, May 12, killing a massive number of people, in the wake of the current disaster ensuing in Burma. Not to call anyone emotionless or unsympathetic, but continuously hearing about disasters on a frequent basis means that there is the possibility that the degree of empathy we can demonstrate is minimal. Not, of course, that this is because we don’t have hearts but because the numbers of casualties are much too high to qualify for deepseated emotional thoughts. I am genuinely reluctant to believe that people now just view casualties as
faceless statistics and, that when we see news about some 10,000 people who have died as a result of an earthquake or other disaster, we are not moved.
Distance might cause us to process casualities as statistics I think that some of us are distraught about such events but, although those affected are unlucky, we have to continue our lives and not be drowned in the sadness of the event. This is a perfectly justified reasoning considering that we do not personally know these
people and that they are many, many miles away from us. It also the distance between us and the casualties that might cause us to process disasters as these faceless statistics. A blameless act, because there is no way, realistically, that we can process the death of a best friend in the same way as the death of 10,000 people in Burma or China. First of all, we cannot attribute a face to each casualty, nor can we know of their interests and likes, as we can for a best friend. It is in this context that casualties in disaster news can become merely numbers without a face. I think that many people are empathetic to such news as far as they can possibly be, yet maybe by the end of a week of hearing the news of such disas-
ters, the casualties do become nothing more than numbers to us. This sounds like we are a bunch of unemotional beings, but it is unrealistic and completely naïve for anyone to think otherwise. Whilst I do not agree with the phrase ‘one death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic’, I do seem to find some unnerving truth in its meaning. Unnerving because we seem powerless, and cannot help but treat massive deaths as
It is impossible to mourn for 10,000 dead people as frequently as we hear of disasters
numbers, which is of course how disasters are broadcasted on television to us: a disaster has struck and a huge number of people have died. This is not to say we don’t care, because I think we do, but the extent to which we can care seems like a speck of sand upon a huge beach. I do not think it is our wish to feel less empathy than is our full capacity for these casualties, but it is just impossible to mourn for 10,000 dead people as frequently as we hear of disasters Perhaps it is for this reason that a lot of us are more than willing to give aid when required, in order to assuage this lack of sentiment.
12 gairrhydd
OPINION the...
Mi
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MAY.26.2008 OPINION@gairrhydd.COM
D
... I digress
Enough outrage – engage U
I
PHOTO: Ed Salter
nless you’ve been holed up in your room slaving laboriously over notes, Powerpoints, and the more classic ‘revision cue cards’ in preparation for some form of assessment (I don’t know, like exams) – and even if you have – you’d be hard-pushed not to have heard that change is afoot at the Union. Like most, I was shocked when I first heard the plans; the prospect of losing the Taf and scaling down Solus for the sake of more shops and a domination of social learning and network space sent a shiver down my spine – despite the fact I’d be long gone before construction even started. However, last week I attended Student Council and many of my concerns were allayed. The changes happening in Junction this summer (a separate project to the general overhaul of the Union) look exciting and the guarantee that both Junction and Buffers (as eating spaces during the day) will still be part of Solus by night was reassuring, though how this will work if the Taf was to close is still not satisfactorily explained. I was impressed by the consideration of varying forms of social learning and network areas, catering to different needs – a concept not conveyed in the architectural designs – and also the expansion of space for societies and student media. However, several issues were raised that I feel need to be tackled to avoid further (unnecessary) conflict. Firstly, for the Union Executive, it’s essential there is consistency within this consultation period. At Student Council, an onus was placed upon ensuring the Union meets the needs of all Cardiff students (as mandated in the Constitution), while any focus on numbers was dismissed; this philosophy was confused, however, by several references to increasing footfall into the Union and a suggestion that the Taf only attracted ‘10 people during the day’. It’s either down to numbers or it isn’t. There was also some confusion over the boundaries of Solus – is it just the main dance room, or is it a combination of Junction and Buffers, as the current location of the club’s sign would lead you to believe? Both of these issues
STUDENT COUNCIL: Where the Union’s policies are debated and decided, currently by a limited few cheaper baguettes than Kappuchinos, opposed to a minority. must be addressed clearly and fully. Whatever changes occur structur- playing a broader range of music in Another area needing clarity is a student referendum on the plans. What ally at the Union cannot be standalone Solus, or reworking the schedule so needs to be established, as several peo- but must work hand-in-hand with that, for instance, Fun Factory isn’t ple highlighted, is how the plans (or el- improvements in communication and clashing with other club nights (e.g. ements of the plans) are to be accepted promotion. While moving the Sab- Oceana and Tiger Tiger) these sorts of or dismissed. Will it be a numbers game baticals’ offices to the second floor is considerations are equally, if not more, (i.e. signatures on a petition) or a focus a good idea for encouraging interaction integral than fancy architecture and with the student populace – in theory feng shui. upon the time-span of a campaign? While I was largely impressed by Furthermore, if there is overwhelm- – it will be in vain if efforts are not put ing support for say keeping the pool/ into publicising the Sabbaticals’ ‘open the Exec’s presentation, I was very snooker room, will this be acted upon or door’ policy. Let’s face it, it isn’t sim- disappointed by the audience turn-out. ignored due to the fact this area doesn’t ply a flight of steps that’s putting off I’m by no means a regular attendee of Student Council – last week was my third visit in three years – but the fact that close to 3,000 students have joined various Facebook groups related to this topic indicated more than 60 or so people would make the effort to show up. As the President rightly highlighted, this shouldn’t become a Them/Us battle. Dismissing the plans as ‘bollocks’ or ‘crap’ is not going to aid the consulaccommodate non-pool-players? There students from approaching them. In much the same way, the instal- tation process; instead, what is needed was some feeling that these plans have been put together based on Constitu- lation of spanking new eating and bar are specific and constructive suggestional ‘logic’ which cannot be argued facilities doesn’t mean students are tions. If Cardiff students are going to with, but alternative suggestions are automatically going to start flood- get what they want from their Students’ very much welcomed, on the proviso ing in. Prices and events need to be Union, they’ve got to stop being outthat the space is MULTIfunctional and significantly more geared around the raged, and start being engaged. can meet the needs of the majority, as competition. Whether that’s by selling
There was some feeling plans have been based on Constitutional ‘logic’ which cannot be argued with, but alternative suggestions are welcomed
That’ll be the day... Handing in my final essay last week – the end of my education – I came down with a bout of nostalgia when I saw June 1 was Pen Pal Day. In the misty fathoms of my mind
(i.e. the cells surviving uni) one of my earliest school memories is writing to a boy in Malawi in an English lesson. I remember how exciting it was to get the response. I can’t for the life of
me remember what it said, or what I replied, but – unusually for me – it was something I stuck at for some time. So if you’re going to do one proactive thing this summer (other than try damn hard to remain inactive) consider finding a pen-pal (see www.penpalworld.com). It costs barely anything,
you can practise a new language, hear first-hand news from the other side of the world, and make an invaluable contact for potential future travelling. Pen-pals really can open up horizons.
t may be shamelessly self-indulgent, but this week I’m forsaking news to state my case as to why The Apprentice is currently the best programme on the box. It’s feel-good TV, especially for finalyear students, such as me, as the candidates’ (frequent) displays of stupidity demonstrate that even a group of proper ‘grown-up’ people can sometimes fail to summon a single iota of common sense between them. For instance, who sells a lobster for £4.95, and thinks they are still making a profit? Or even better, who asks a Muslim butcher to make a chicken kosher? Ergo, the job market instantly seems a little less competitive; as long as the interview involves purchasing/selling some form of poultry or fish… Another winning element of the series is the characters – which have surpassed all previous series this year. From Lee “Get in” McQueen who talks about himself in the third person, to Jenny with her permanent scarf which led me to think she was a Doctor Who alien concealing a secret eye, to Lucinda who’s a risk assessment manager, yet every episode takes the intentional risk of stepping out of the front door dressed like a practical joke. However, my favourite characters are the long-suffering sidekicks of Sir Alan, Margaret and Nick. The looks on their faces are sometimes enough to have me and my housemates in stitches. And now you can even use these people’s charms (defects?) as the basis of a drinking game (see Facebook). Genius. Some have said Apprentice viewers should get out more, claiming they’ve had enough of the dramatic music, the aerial shots of London and the bitchiness of the contestants, but, as Lee McQueen might put it, The Millword says, they need to ‘get in’ more.
OCTOBER.22.2007 FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM
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FEATURES
14 gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008
LETTERS
LETTERS@gairrhydd.COM
letters@gairrhydd.com
Post-grads answer back
Dear gair rhydd,
Firstly, in response to comments by Rasputin relating to the Graduate Centre in the current issue, readers may be interested to know that the university did not TAKE space from the Union to create the Graduate Centre. In fact, they GAVE the staff dining room space to postgraduates (who are still students as far as we are aware), and part of the Dining Room donation also enabled the creation of the Student Development Unit. The Graduate Centre was created at the request of postgraduate students and remains important to postgraduates. It may not be busy in the evening, but that may have something to do with the Graduate Centre being above Solus, and therefore not being able to hold events on club or gig nights.
the
Secondly, in response to comments by a disgruntled second year in the May 12th Issue, I can’t believe one marquee at an event - not even a separate event itself - can cause such a scandal. The second year in question seems to be forgetting just how many events throughout the year are put on by the Union aimed solely at undergraduates - events such as Drink the Bar Dry, Varsity afterparty, Drinking Roulette, etc. These type of events simply don’t appeal to a large part of the postgraduate community for all sorts of reasons: their age, the distance they live from campus and the fact that many have families. Postgraduates are fee-paying students who deserve to be represented at Students’ Union events in a way that appeals to them and enables them to celebrate their own identity amongst the wider community of Cardiff University students. So disgruntled undergrads, don’t worry about us hiding out in the Postgraduate Only Marquee. While you’re still queueing for drinks, you might just be able to see us at the front of the stage
showing you how it’s done. Jacqui Platt PhD Research Student
Could mobile phones be worse than... everything Dear gair rhydd, I am writing in response to James Hinks’ article ‘Could Mobile Phones be Worse than Smoking?’, in issue 869. Yes, fair enough, we do not know the long-term effects of mobile phone use. I guess this is pretty common-sense, as they have not been around long-term enough for us to have judged this, but clearly there’s a sense that mobiles are, perhaps, something more than good for us. Even if phones are not the greatest
The highlights from this week’s forum What a mess · Issue 870, by Emma Jones
stereotyped, please come to me and I can help take appropriate action. Rachel : May 17, 01:18 pm
Lloyd Griffiths : May 17, 12:39 pm I was there at the time, and although we cleaned up all of our mess, i have to say that a lot of the mess was caused by students, but also the worst incidents, ie the bins being set alight and the trees seemed to be from younger teenagers.
Offensive image is cause for concern · Issue 870, by Corinne Rhoades Jon : May 16, 11:28 pm Better a tribal person than someone with a machete or a machine gun, like in Zimbabwe and South Africa… Absolutely ridiculous. Jonny Cox : May 17, 11:09 am — I had complaints from a few students and a few members of staff. It is my job to represent the views of these students to the University. The main issue wasn’t necessarily the picture, but the response that we had from the director of PR at the University. Also, I find it offensive. I think it is arrogant, ignorant and disrespectful to brand a continent of people as indigenous tribal men! Also, if you do genuinely think nurses are misrepresented and
What is wrong with indigenous tribes? That comment is also disrespectful. Thomas Carroll : May 18, 03:49 pm African tribespeople are hardly a negative stereotype though and anyone who views them as such should really consider their outlook on it. The indigenous tribes are a nice part of Africa’s culture and are probably the kind of groups of people that are actually going to benefit most from Cardiff’s work there, so I think it’s a very suitable photo to have used. Adam Johns : May 19, 01:42 pm And we wonder why people say students are a miserable bunch of over-emotional communists. An African person might laugh at African people being represented by a Masai warrior, it takes a Social Policy student to actually get upset about it.
Bland designs · Issue 870, by Rasputin Rasputin : May 17, 05:07 pm I just want to apologise for the mathematical error in saying that 2.3 squared kilometres of the Union will become Social Learning Space. This is, of course, wrong. 2300 squared metres will become Social Learning
Space, but that’s not the same thing as 2.3 squared kilometres. Idiot. It does come to about 1/5 – maybe more – of the Union’s available floor space though. The rest still stands. Thomas Carroll : May 18, 10:11 pm “But none of this makes up for replacing CF10 with a generic coffee chain with a celestial moneygrabbing name.” Have to agree with you there and say that we shouldn’t have some global cafe company moving into the union (recycle the student pound and all that) but I think we’re a long way away from deciding what shape the new cafe will take. I’ve heard chat of one of the local sandwich shops i.e. Kappuccinos being considered as an option, which I think would be a delicious idea. Besides that, it’ll be up to the students to decide what company gets to run the cafe. And surely the people running CF10 can just move into the new cafe anyway? (Though I’d love to see some sorta freshly made deli baguette service brought in.) Paddy : May 19, 08:29 am The 10 acres by the Optometry center is next door to me. Builders are currently at work Striiping abstetos from the main wharehouse prior to demolition, so in fairness to the University I think they are actually doing something with it. I’ve heard it’s a classic mixed development of housing and retail... but you shouldn’t trust the word of a drunken architect.
invention for our health, medically or sanity-wise, I have many more problems with phones. Why have we become a nation, or even worse, a global society so obsessed and reliant on these things? Just recently I read an article claiming that sports companies have launched new programs where you can download coaching sessions on your phone who motivate you as you are jogging through your ear piece. Surely, even as close as ten years ago, the idea of running down the street in your latest nike gear, loyally snuggling a nokia to your ear would seem insane. I was worried, even as a kid, that phoning someone was going to be a substitute for the good old communication of actually meeting up with people (wait....they used to do that? crazy....). But now internet and sites like facebook have become substitutes for even speaking to people in the first place. Instead of phoning that friend who’s always been there for you, I’m sure a poke will do.
But now you can get the internet on the run and, of course, your fancy new mobile, an irony has seemed to surface. Whilst it is arguably easier to communicate and keep in touch than ever before, actual communication has become more rare than ever. I don’t remember the last time anyone wrote me a letter, other than the bank man, or, what a surprise, my phone company billing me for ridiculous amounts. I don’t want us to get rid of technology, I’m not a techno-phobe and I know how much people appreciate being able to keep in touch with friends all round the world. I am not suggesting we digress twenty years, but let’s try not to forget some basic principles. We should be able to motivate ourselves to exercise without our T-mobile voice coach, we should try and see our friends more than we poke them, and setting reminders should not be a substitute for a good old-fashioned memory. Anon
forum
Jonny Cox : May 19, 03:24 pm
The University is planning for research & lecture facilities, libraries and also a ‘mall’! That’s where the 7 acres is going to go. We’re probably looking at 5 years’ time, but that’s the plans they have for the land! Mark : May 19, 11:59 pm Jonny, are you sure about that? My sources in regional government inform me that the site (next to Maindy Road) is to become a wood burning power station to supply the University and government buildings with renewable electricity. Jonny Cox : May 20, 02:15 pm They are looking at a biomass station to put on Maindy road, but that is not solely what it is being used for. The logistics of their own biomass station have also perhaps become an issue. It would involve the moving of train stations and stuff because the fuel would come from the valleys by rail and need to be unloaded. I think that was a very optimistic idea from the University. But it does show they are committed to ‘Going Green’. (Perhaps not totally, but a little at least.) The station won’t take up the full 7 acres, there will be more lecture/ research and library room. With a special focus on interdisciplinary research. As that’s the way they can make more money…..........damn Russell Group Universities!
gair rhydd
FREE
ISSUE 870 MAY 19 2008 CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY free word - EST. 1972
INSIDE...NEWS/JOBS&MONEY/FEATURES/TAF-OD/OPINION
THE FUTURE OF
YOUR UNION? + MORE SPACE FOR SOCIETIES, AU, SVC & MEDIA + NEW GYM
- NO TAF - NO CF10 - NO GAMES ROOM - SMALLER SOLUS
PLANS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE STUDENTS’ UNION HAVE BEEN UNVEILED THIS WEEK ON CARDIFFSTUDENTS.COM FULL STORY PAGE 3 GAIR RHYDD’S ANALYSIS AND OPINION PAGE 9 - 14
SPORT/POLITICS/SCIENCE&ENVIRONMENT/LISTINGS/TV
Got something you would like to say? Log on to gairrhydd.com or email: letters @gairrhydd.com
gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008
OPINION
OPINION@gairrhydd.COM
free words... There’s only been one topic on the lips of Cardiff students this week: the new conceptual plans for Cardiff University Students’ Union. gair rhydd looks at some of the responses to last week’s newspaper A new look union
by Aimen Chouchane, LMS President I have to say I’m quite excited by the new plans for a number of reasons. First of all, and I don’t think enough attention has been paid to this, the Students’ Union (SU) building will get a lovely facelift. Let’s admit it, she’s old and not very pretty, so the use of glass and ‘voids’ to allow light to flow through the building will not just give it a more modern appearance, but it will feel like a more welcoming environment rather than just a confusing labyrinth of dingy corridors. I’m not advocating style over substance, but with the SU being such an influential factor when choosing which University to got to, it would certainly benefit from an added ‘wow’ factor. Furthermore, there will be spaces where you can eat your own food and sit and chill-out without feeling the obligation to buy anything. At
the moment you can’t even sit in CF10 with a coffee during its busy lunch shift, so I would welcome the provision of comfortable spaces where I can choose what I want to do, whether that’s chat, surf the internet, do a spot of reading, or sip my budget energy drink.
In fact, the plans as a whole reduce the amount of currently wasted and underused space in the building The emphasis on the ability of these rooms to serve multiple functions (café by day, bar by night etc.) will help the Union to better reflect
the diversity of the student body and allow societies to better tailor these spaces to their specific needs when putting on events. In fact, the plans as a whole reduce the amount of currently wasted and underused space in the building, including better provision for all our various student activities (most notably more and better storage and greater prominence on the second floor). All this and you’ll still be able to enjoy the great student nightlife through a revamped Solus and Junction bar. Admittedly not all the changes will please everyone, but through a process of consultation hopefully this will be as few people as possible. Although not perfect, the plans represent a positive step towards a brighter, bigger and hopefully even better Union.
Making the most of our student experience by Daanish Ghazi, Debating Society member Over the past few years I’ve tried to make the most out of my Student experience and in doing so I’ve been fortunate enough to take part of a variety of activities that the Union has to offer and in addition to this I’ve been able to reap the benefits of the services the Union has to offer. Whether it be clubs, societies, great nights out or some really good advice, I’d like to think that the Union has really been a home away from home for me. Unfortunately access to the great Union can be pretty difficult and I feel that the union building is to blame. The building is really difficult to navigate and it really does not show off the amazing facilities that are available. The Advice centre is barely visible, the SDU is boxed away in a corner, student enterprise cannot be found without a map and societies have to operate outside of the union due to the sheer lack of space. The building itself is far too rigid to allow for the wide array of activities and facilities the Union has to offer. There is so much the union has to offer and it is sad that no one
knows about it. The new Union plans are a revelation; they really provide access to a lot of the key functions of the union and also create a nice clean and relaxing environment rather than little sporadic boxes across a pretty hideous building.
Let’s face it, the building despite its size always felt a bit small, mainly because many of the areas are only used for specific purposes and are sectioned off for most of the day I am a particularly big fan of the new ‘Social Learning and Networking Spaces’. Let’s face it, the building despite its size always felt a bit small,
mainly because many of the areas are only used for specific purposes and are sectioned off for most of the day. This means that there is only a limited area for societies and clubs to use, and really nowhere to go and hang out between lectures. The new areas that serve as lounges, cafés, bars and recreational areas are a great idea and they really allow for a place to just chill out and socialize with some friends. I know this may mean the loss of the Taf but it’s still going to be there, just incorporated into a more variable area. What’s even better is the new prominence of the societies area, the student advice centre and other facilities. Everyone knows that the Union has a multitude of watering holes but most people are oblivious to the really helpful aspects of the Union services and activities. The new plans really show them off. As much as I love a good night out and getting smashed of my face, I still believe the Union has a lot more to offer and this is a good way of showing it.
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Comments from www.gairrhydd.com Manish Dubal : May 17, 01:21 pm I think these plans are the worst thing that could happen to the SU. They’re removing the best things about the union and replacing it with things that no one really cares about. It’s hard to get enthusiastic about a room full of bean bags, tables and power sockets for laptops. Join the Facebook group “Outrage at the new SU Plans” http://www.facebook.com/ group.php?gid=17182301986 Mark : May 17, 01:53 pm I can’t say personally I’m all that bothered since I don’t use the Taf or Solus, nonetheless the measures proposed do seem a little strange to say the least. I can understand why the Union would wish to scale back Solus into more of a bar/relaxation area, in fact I argued for such a change because Solus can’t compete with clubs in town. However I don’t see why the Union is moving away from alcohol sales, which generates most of the Union’s income, I see no reason to get rid of CF10, the Taf and Solus and turn the Union into something resembling a library. One is forced to wonder if any particular society or social group within the University and Student Union were particularly focal in lobbying the Union to move away from an alco-centric Union building to a learning centric one. Anything to say, Johnny? Rachel : May 17, 05:59 pm If the city of Cardiff loses The Point and The Great Hall, unless another similar-sized venue springs up from the ground, medium-sized bands will surely either be forced into lower capacity venues, making it harder for people to get tickets, or echoing about in the likes of the CIA, which will be harder to fill! Oh dear. I’m going to shut up now, as I guess these things must have been thought about. Like the idea of a revamped student media centre though, and yes please Jonnny, somewhere societies can rent out, like CF10 atm is a must – Comedy Club and LMS events are two things that brighten up essay-filled weeks. Ceri Evans : May 17, 06:13 pm There is not enough study space around exam times – there is no 24 hour study room (except in the Heath), apart from the small (packed) computer room in the Main Building. This does not, however, mean that this should be subsidised by the Students’ Union. Can’t the officers be more productive by lobbying for more areas in the libraries, etc. Reasons for the decline in Solus attendance also need to be looked at – maybe if it was cheaper (free?) to get in on all nights it may help, or only opening it 3 nights a week instead of 4? Or even revamping it’s appearance inside. Please don’t put people before profits. And as for moving the offices down a floor..that’s a joke, right?! As I said before, if this is truely a
democratically-run union, why was this not announced and voted on in the AGM? Claire : May 17, 07:26 pm I admit I haven’t read this weeks gair rhydd, but just looking at the headlines I think they’re to blaim for all this uproar! It’s a bit over dramatised. Jonny, might I suggest you set up a meeting in the Great Hall after exams to address this in person and explain things properly. Might make life easier for yourself! Julia : May 18, 08:28 am At last! Somewhere for societies! At least by the time it’s finished Links might have somewhere to keep all their equipment that’s actually used at the union…at the union! Rather than in committee’s flat’s and the St John HQ! Shame you’re getting rid of the games room and the Taf, but I understand there will be other provisions. Can’t really understand where the snooker society will go, that wasn’t resolved. As for the rest of the plans…the union does need a re-vamp, it’s not the most pleasant of night out,but it’s cheap. I can understand the overheads, but maybe a change in the nights offered? Same people, same surroundings, same music? Gets a bit tedious week after week. I’m not too sure about these “social learninig and networking” spaces, what I am sure of is that it’d be hard to study in. The idea is there – a library you can talk in. But it doesn’t really work. Louisa : May 18, 11:32 pm These social learning and network spaces sound to me like a good old 6th form common room, something which the union lacks. I just don’t understand why so much space has been dedicated to them! The way i see it, surely the entire first floor would be enough without diminishing solus or removing the taf! Claire : May 19, 12:39 pm I think alot of people are forgetting that future students are in mind in these plans. In a few years students will be paying £10,000+ per year for tuition. The plans are leaving room for change as the chances are that in future students won’t be able to afford to go out as much and with such a costly degree will probably study a bit more. I like the plans for junction bar, I think once the improvements are made over the summer we’ll be able to get a better idea of how it all works. Overall I’d say the plan is good, but keep the games room, merge the taf and CF10 so that it’s full all day (a bit more like a spoons, eat in the day and drink at night). After that just improve the space we have.
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MAY.26.2008
POLITICS
POLITICS@gairrhydd.COM
Parliament’s non-disclosure Wendy Woodhead, discusses how our reluctant Parliament has
now been forced to declare its expenses, yet they don’t mind sharing their personal gossip for the world to hear
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t has not been the best of times lately for the Government with public trust and support at an all time low. This week it got even worse when MPs lost their battle in the Commons against the disclosures of expenses for second homes. Arguing that it was an intrusion of privacy lives and that publishing addresses posed a security risk, their excuses seemed to cut no ice with presiding judges. Mostly because addresses can be accessed via many legal routes already, such as local libraries and town halls. The government has access to our details – which, considering the clumsiness of civil servants is most definitely a threat to our security – so why should they deny us access to theirs? When we already know that MPs can claim up to £23,000 a year for costs towards running a second home, it begs the question: Why they should be averse to disclosing exactly what they spent taxpayers’ money on? Taking this futile case to court has wasted £33,500 of taxpayers’ money already, surely only furthering the case
for a breakdown of expenses to be made public – a typical governmental catch-22. The ruling demands receipt-byreceipt expenditures of 14 MPs including Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Menzies Campbell, Tony Blair and John Prescott.
Cabinet’s sordid personal histories are more preferable to them than exposing the facts and figures While the disclosures have their opponents they also has their advocates. Nick Clegg published his own expenses last week revealing that he spent the maximum for last year’s expenditures on renovating and keeping his Sheffield domicile. The Lib Dem leader stated the importance for the public to have “complete confidence in the expenses system.” But as we have already seen Nick
Clegg considers himself quite a public figure, no less for his revelations in GQ magazine about his bedroom antics, so I would expect him to be on board. Increasingly, in the recent years of our terrorised times, paranoid politics has accounted for numerous breaches of our civil liberties, yet ministers now want to keep schtum to maintain their security. It seems only fair that the MPs should come under the same kind of disclosures they expect other citizens to when filling out the most mundane and innocuous of forms. In an age where everything is means-tested we jump through a maze of hoops when applying for benefits, loans, even tax rebate, yet the government do not seem to want to be subject to these circus tricks they make the electorate enact. Although the Commons criticised the Information Tribunal’s demand as “unlawfully intrusive” they seem to be blissfully unaware that information is the buzzword of the age – and they should know, they invented it. Having brought in the Freedom of Information Act they now don’t seem to
Spiritual Leader or Political Activist?
Simon Lucey considers how Gordon
Brown should treat the Dalai Lama’s visit and what options he has after the resulting Chinese response
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he Dalai Lama claims that he is a ‘simple Buddhist Monk,’ however, the furore that surrounds the spiritual leader’s tour of the West suggests that this is not the case. He is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile, thus Gordon Brown is treating the Dalai Lama diplomatically by his religious role, rather
Brown is treating the Dalai Lama diplomatically by his religious role, rather than his political aspirations
than political aspirations, by agreeing to meet him at the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury instead of Downing Street. The Dalai Lama’s visit to London is the second in a five-country tour of the West timed well with the beginning of the Beijing Olympic Games in August to keep the Tibet struggle in the broadsheets. However, the Dalai Lama may well not expect a warm welcome everywhere he goes due to China’s political clout and intimidation. At his first stop, Berlin, Angela Merkel refused to meet him, as did the Foreign Minister. Instead he was met by the lowly Development Minister. Even this act warranted a formal complaint by the Chinese who insist that, despite the Dalai Lama’s outward claim that he only wants autonomy, not independence for Tibet, for China he symbolises the threat to the ‘One
China’ policy. This follows a previous visit of the Dalai Lama to Berlin last September, where Merkel agreed to meet him
The Government has access to our details so why should they deny us access to theirs? be able to deal with the consequences. As the Commons tried desperately to keep their spending habits out of the public eye their efforts seem anomalous with the onslaught of ministerial biographies ushered to the top of the headlines last week, not to mention the general direction society is going. The public are not asking for a foray into the personal lives of MPs, only the right to make sure they are not misusing taxpayers’ money. Yet it does seem increasingly as though the exposure of the cabinet’s sordid personal histories – thrust upon us through sensational headlines, newspaper and radio serialisations – is more preferable to them than exposing the facts and figures which the country is genuinely interested in and which arevital to imbue more trust into a sceptiresulting in a nine month freeze in relations between Germany and China, which are only now beginning to thaw. Brown’s decision to meet the spiritual leader in the residence of the Archbishop shows he is treating him in his religious role rather than the political mould, which must be due to China’s pressure. It is easy to see why Brown must stay in China’s good books, her economy is forecast to grow by 10% this year and it provides a huge potential market for British firms, especially in the financial, legal and professional sectors. Also, Chancellor Alistair Darling has been continuing to urge Beijing to make London the overseas hub of its new sovereign wealth fund. China’s export-driven expansion has provided it with a sizeable war chest that it will channel through the newly erected Chinese Investment Corporation into overseas investment. Currently China promises to invest around £70bn overseas although Darling expects this to rise. Clearly, positive relations with China are crucial; however the neglect of human rights in China and its approach to Tibet mean that deep relations with China are unpopular with sections of the Western public. China seems to have the West acting like puppets on a string, due to the huge amount of cash at its disposal. Peter Mandelson, the EU trade commissioner, has warned against a trade boycott. In the run up to the Games, he claims it would only cause suffering in the West and would not have any influence over China’s horrendous human rights record and refusal to hold talks about Tibet.
cal nation. The London Mayoral Election saw a number of candidates’ personal details spill out into the public domain and news coverage of this demonstrated exactly what politics has boiled down to. The race to the top of the best sellers last week means that I heard more about how the Blairs found love on the Number 74 bus than I did about the controversial commissioning of two aircraft carriers, or the number of days terrorist suspects can be detained and plenty more key political discussions which took place. The MPs’ recent defeat in the High Court seems to me an issue not just about personal expenses, but one which exposes the fault line at the heart of a government who compromise public trust by demanding everything and giving nothing. Scandalous exposes are juicy, but irrelevant details of ministers’ lives are not politics. It seems as though we are allowing ourselves to be pacified by these revelations when in fact the important information is going by unquestioned and unnoticed.
The prospect of reform over China’s human rights record still seems distant and unlikely to come from a domestic source. However, increased pressure from the International Community seems to be the only possible way to get the message to China.
The Chancellor must be able to criticise without the intimidation of its own financial fist in return. Its recent handling of the devastating earthquake suggests the Chinese authorities are starting to value the attention of the International Community by allowing the press access and reacting quickly to save many lives. The freeing up of the market suggests that the relationship between its government and its working class people, that have for so long been exploited, may be about to change. However, despite China’s slight change in approach Brown should be able to voice his concerns over China’s human rights; its elections as well as courts are controlled by the communist party, it restricts movement, curbs trade unions, censors newspapers and the internet to name but a few differing traits to the UK Brown is treading a difficult line with relations with China, but he must insist on a mature relationship where the Iron Chancellor is able to criticise certain aspects of the Communist regime without the intimidation of China’s own financial fist in return.
gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008 POLITICS@gairrhydd.COM
Crewe’s By-Election Blues
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olitics turned ugly this week when Westminster descended on the North for the controversial Crewe and Nantwich by-election. The mass flock of politicians to Crewe highlights more than anything the immense pressure Gordon Brown is under at present. If Labour loses Crewe as a stronghold, defeat at the next general election looks likely. So why then does Labour seem to be trying so hard to lose it? Tamsin Dunwoody’s ‘Toff’ campaign raises a laugh at first but then you can’t help but question the mentalities of these people baying for our vote. With a campaign team strutting around in top hats, the whole thing looks more like something you’d see at the crossroads in Cardiff during student elections than a demonstration of what our political leaders can do for us. In the midst of such extreme political panic New Labour resembles something more like Ancient Labour. It wouldn’t even be so bad if Dunwoody had managed to secure her facts about Edward Timpson but she hadn’t, which makes the whole thing really quite embarrassing. In her leaflet she condemns Timpson as being “one of them – a Tory boy who’s used to being waited on, not serving other people - his £1.5 million mansion in the Cheshire countryside has exotic South American llamas roaming the farmland behind.” (Just to save the llamas from any unsolicited disgrace at the centre of this political circus, apparently they do not belong to Timpson.) I don’t think Dunwoody, plucked from Labour aristocracy, is in any position to be calling names as she clearly chooses to overlook the credentials of her fellow Labour Party members. The ugly truth is, of course, that the class war tactic doesn’t and can’t work for Labour when most of the cabinet went to public schools and can – if we are basing our argument on education and wealth, which Dunwoody clearly is – also be typecast as Toffs. Lest we forget, Tony Blair has just bought a £4m house. By clutching at the old class-war straw Labour have publicly exposed themselves as weak, even more so as Timpson refuses to play the game which leaves Labour looking like the silly kid in the playground. And yes, we are all staring. While Dunwoody might presume Timpson has nothing in common with the Crewe electorate, at least he is addressing local issues rather than hoping that a class war campaign will win his position. Labour has a serious battle to fight but I’m not convinced that undermining the electorate’s ability to make decisions on policies by confronting them with posh Toffs versus cloth caps is the way to win. At the risk of sounding as though I take this all too seriously, I can’t help but think that Labour have only made themselves look smug – believing they still represent the ‘working classes’ and that they have an inalienable claim to their vote. Hasn’t Dunwoody heard the news? We are all bourgeois now… WW
Cardiff Students’ Model UN
POLITICS
Sarah Cole looks back
at the successes of Cardiff’s Model UN
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nternational terrorism and the independence of Kosovo – two massive issues that have recently demanded the attention of the international community and which have been topics of contention in governments all over the world. These two issues were discussed at the inaugural Cardiff University Model United Nations Conference which was held on April 25 at the Welsh Assembly, attended by students from Cardiff University, UWIC, Aberystwyth, Glamorgan, Exeter, Bristol and Swansea. This conference was the result of many months’ hard preparation by Cardiff Uni students belonging to the Model United Nations Society at Cardiff University, which started this year. The students who attended the conference had each been assigned a country to represent and in the following debates had to present the arguments of their assigned country on the subject, not their personal opinions. The Model UN enables students to discuss these issues from a viewpoint that is not their own. The ability to understand an issue from an alternative, and potentially illiberal perspective, is an important skill for tomorrow’s leaders and political participants. The day opened with a formal meeting in the Assembly building where the group was welcomed by Mari Gooberman of the Welsh Education services and attended by Welsh Assembly member Jenny Randerson. Dr. Edwin Egede, lecturer at Cardiff University and Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, gave
The Model UN enables students to discuss these issues from a viewpoint that is not their own an insightful and interesting talk on international terrorism. After this, the group broke into two separate Committees; one discussed international terrorism and the other the independence of Kosovo. Resolutions were put forward, firstly on the controversial issue of
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the independence of Kosovo. This issue was particularly disputed by the delegates of Russia and Serbia, due to Russia’s continuing problems with the claim of independence by the Chechen region and Serbia’s claims on the Kosovan area. The states involved in the debate came to the conclusion of recognising Kosovo as an independent state, even though massive fights were put up by Serbia and Russia. Favourite quotes of the day included: China: “The peace-loving China…” Germany: “Could you defend your peace loving position?” China: “We have not been a part of any wars for a long time.”
Chair: “On a vote of 7 to 3 the working paper fails, sorry Serbia…good try.” Next, international terrorism, which is a volatile subject amongst nations, as they attempt to find a definition which suits their individual world views. The debate was a lively one in the committee particularly between America, Syria and Pakistan. Accusations flew about the room: “Please would the honourable delegate of Syria refrain from America bashing, requested by the honourable delegate of Pakistan.” Syria accused America of creating an “optical illusion” in their view on terrorism! But all delegates were kept in check by knowledgeable and strict Chairman’s Cosmo Montague and Ahmed Uzair. After official voting procedures and resolutions being passed or failed, the groups reconvened in the Assembly room and Best Delegates were named for each Council by the Chairs. On the Kosovo committee Helen Griffiths acting for South Korea, Rosa Abruzzese for Serbia and Rosie Naish for the USA received Best Delegate awards and Adnan Muhammed was named Honourable Delegate for his role as China. On the International Terrorism committee: Steven Nicholas for Israel, Shamsa Suleman for Syria, and Nicholas Wolfe for Germany were Best Delegates and Rachel Honey-Jones was announced Honourable Delegate. All were congratulated for their mature and outstanding knowledge of the international situation and standing up for their countries’ views. Everyone was congratulated on their debating skills and great contributions to the day. The day ended in a successful, if somewhat alcoholic social in Cardiff Bay where many debates continued. The conference was a massive success, enjoyed by all involved and even managed to establish a definition on what terrorism is, which the actual United Nations has not yet succeeded in doing. A big thanks to all the delegates, the assistants, the MUN committee and especially Lindsay Clark who did an amazing job in organising the Conference and keeping her head throughout it.
18 gairrhydd MAY.26.2008
FEATURES
FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM
Developing Students
As the academic year comes to an end John Steele, Student Development Unit co-ordinator, says goodbye to his dedicated volunteers
Rhiannon Johns will graduate from her degree in Integrated Engineering this summer. Rhiannon has volunteered in the SDU for the last four years. Here’s her story...
first came to the Student Development Unit, SDU, in my first year of Engineering. I had not come across the unit before and attended a session on Speaking and Presenting as part of a course module. After the sessions were completed I was approached by John Steele, SDU Co-ordinator, and asked if I would like to get involved with helping give tours around the Union on open days, as I had performed well in the session. As my confidence grew as a tour guide, John then asked if I wanted to become a peer-trainer at the SDU. In order for this to happen I had to attend a series of courses on Facilitation of Learning and was then able to help John run the two-hour sessions at the SDU on personal development skills. Any student from Cardiff University can attend these sessions and they attract a lot of interest, so modules run throughout the academic year
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and I have now been a peer trainer for four years. The unit offers a variety of courses and I have run sessions on Speaking and Presenting, Negotiation Skills, Successful Networking, Listening and Awareness and Customer Communication Skills to name a few. In order to run the sessions I attended them first and received many certificates which accumulate to give CPD certificates in main topic areas, like Personal Effectiveness. From my role as peer trainer I have also gone on to complete two NVQ units in Learning and Development, with another unit awaiting verification. These units focus on enabling group learning and promoting a climate which is conducive to learning, which has supported my role as peer trainer and enable me to offer a more well-rounded package to the students. John has always provided guidance and support throughout every aspect of my time with the SDU, whether that’s running sessions,
Angela Hughes is a final-year psychology student who has been involved with the SDU for the last two years his year has been the second year that I have been helping John and the other peer trainers to run courses in the SDU. A friend of mine, and another peer trainer, introduced me to the SDU, and I have been very involved ever since. It has been hugely beneficial to get the opportunity to run courses across the whole range of personal development programmes available. These cover Communication Skills, Personal Effectiveness, and Leading Teams. The work is enjoyable and rewarding. It is a great opportunity to meet a range of other students, whilst helping them to develop. The training I received before starting to run sessions myself, and the continual support from John, have meant that whilst I have always felt confident
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in my role, it has also been a development process for me. Like Rhiannon, I have completed an NVQ Unit in Learning and Development, focused on facilitating group learning. The SDU wouldn’t run as it does, very successfully, without the hardwork and dedication of John! I feel indebted to John for the opportunities he has given to me, and so many other students. I am even looking towards a career in personal effectiveness coaching in business, for which my experience as a peer trainer in the SDU will prove invaluable. So my thanks go to John, and to all the students who have attended the sessions I have run, for the rewarding opportunity of working as a peer trainer in the SDU.
achieving NVQ certifications or with academic issues, and I cannot thank him enough for this. I’ve always enjoyed my time at the SDU and really enjoy the sessions I run. I’ve met lots of people from all over the University network which I would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. I think the main attraction as a peer trainer is the ability to communicate with other students at the same level and draw on similar experiences to highlight the points raised in the sessions. I’ve benefited so much from my role as peer trainer as it’s helped my confidence no end and I feel I have provided a service to the Union. In addition, I am positive that I will be able to draw on my experience as a peer trainer to help me further after I’ve graduated this summer.
A word from John Steele... am indebted to the work and assistance of Rhiannon and Angela over the last few years and I’ve watched them group both as young people and as communicators. They’ve both proved a flair in the art of helping develop others through instruction and facilitation. I would also like to thank and praise three other students who are graduating this year for their help and dedication: Rachel Price, who joined the team this past semester; Lucie Crew who helped in the Autumn term and Helen Bluemel who is due to graduate with her PhD this year and who was a peer-trainer prior to my arrival here in 2003. While I am sorry to see them go I wish them all the very best in their future careers.
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The Advice & Representation Centre offers confidential and non-judgemental advice from trained advisers. We are always available for a friendly chat and a sympathetic ear. We open weekdays, 9.30am- 4pm 3rd Floor in the SU Email: advice@cardiff.ac.uk
gairrhydd
MAI.26.2008
19
TAF-OD
TAF-OD@gairrhydd.COM
Clod, ond dim Cwpan Siwan yn y Colli wnaeth Caerdydd yn rownd derfynol cwpan F. A. Lloegr yr wythnos Sherman diwethaf ond mae’r tîm o Gymru yn haeddu clod am eu ymdrech lew. Gwilym Dwyfor Golygydd TafOd
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r bod y gêm wedi bod ers dros wythnos bellach, (un i ddim i Portsmouth oedd hi gyda llaw!) hwn yw’r cyfle cyntaf i mi ei gael i sôn amdani yn Gair Rhydd. Mae’n debyg y byddwch wedi diflasu ar yr hanes erbyn hyn ond gan fod TaFod wedi bod yn dilyn y daith ar y ffordd i Wembley gwell fyddai imi sôn ychydig am y rownd derfynol! Anlwcus iawn oedd y tîm o Gymru, achos hwy oedd y tîm gorau ar y diwrnod o ddigon yn fy nhyb i. Pe gofynnech i ddilynwr pêl droed o blaned arall pa dîm oedd o gynghrair uwch na’u gwrthwynebwyr, rwy’n siwr mai Caerdydd fyddai’r ateb, ar sail yr hanner cyntaf yn sicr. Caerdydd oedd yn pwyso a Chaerdydd oedd yn edrych fwyaf cyfforddus ar y bêl ond yn anffodus roedd Portsmouth yn ddigon cryf i gadw eu gafael ar eu mantais ar ôl iddynt fynd ar y blaen gyda gôl ffodus braidd. Chwaraeodd pedwar amddiffynnwr a chwaraewyr canol cae Caerdydd yn arwrol, yn enwedig Johnson a Loovens
yng nghalon yr amddiffyn, ond yn anffodus, yn y mannau pwysicaf ar y cae yr oedd man gwan Caerdydd, yn y gôl ac yn yr ymosod. Mae camgymeriad Peter Enckelman a roddodd y gôl ar blât i Kanw yn hysbys i bawb ond nid hwnnw oedd ei gamgymeriad cyntaf. ‘Dwn i ddim pam ond dydw i byth yn ffyddiog iawn pan mae’r golwr pen felyn o’r Ffindir yn chwarae rhwng y pyst! Tydi pethau fawr gwell ym mhen arall y cae, a’r unig ymadrodd addas i ddisgrifio Jimmy Floyd Hasslebank druan yw’r ymadrodd Saesneg hwnnw, ‘Past it’! Cafodd Paul Parry hanner cyntaf da iawn ond nid ymosodwr yw ef yn y bôn ac er gwaethaf ei ymdrechion nid oedd yn edrych yn debygol o roi’r bêl yn y rhwyd. Oedd, roedd Caerdydd yn anffodus felly ond does dim pwynt codi pais ar ôl piso, edrych ymlaen at y tymor nesaf ddylir ei wneud bellach. Dangosodd y gêm yn Wembley fod Caerdydd yn ddigon ‘tebol i fod yn gystadleuol â thimau o’r Uwch gynghrair, felly ennill dyrchafiad fydd y gobaith tymor nesaf. Ond os am wneud hynny bydd rhaid arwyddo ychydig o chwaraewyr dros yr haf, gol geidwad yn un ac un neu ddau o flaenwyr sy’n gwybod ble mae’r
gôl. Os llwydda’r clwb i wneud hynny heb golli eu gafael ar chwaraewyr fel Ramsey, Ledley a Jonhson does dim rheswm pam na ddylai’r Adar Gleision hedfan yn uchel unwaith eto yr amser yma, tymor nesaf.
Cynhyrchiad diweddaraf y Theatr Genedlaethol yw Siwan. Bu’r daith yn y Sherman yr wythnos ddiwethaf. Gwilym Dwyfor Golygydd TafOd
D
Jimmy Floyd: Rhy hen?
rama radio yw Siwan a doedd dim dianc rhag y ffaith honno yn y perfformiad hwn. O safbwynt llenyddol mae’n debyg mai dyma’r ddrama Gymraeg orau, ond mae angen mwy na hynny mewn cynhyrchiad theatr cyfoes. Mewn gwirionedd, dylid addasu dipyn ar ddrama o’r fath ar gyfer y llwyfan ond feiddia neb gyffwrdd a champwaith Saunders Lewis, oherwydd rhyw barchedig ofn ohono. Yn hytrach, yr hyn a geir, yw’r sgript radio wreiddiol gyda dim byd ond y set a dehongliad y cynhyrchydd i roi iddi stamp y llwyfan. Canlyniad hyn yn yr achos hwn oedd symud dim ond o ran symud, cwbl annaturiol yn y llwyfannu, a golygfeydd gweledol dibwrpas rhwng gwahanol actau. Syml a di fflach oedd y set a doedd
dim llawer o bwrpas na symbolaeth bwysig iawn i’r drych mawr a redai ar hyd cefn y llwyfan. Eto, mae’n anodd gwybod be all unrhyw gynllunydd ei wneud â drama radio sydd heb ei haddasu mewn unrhyw ffordd ar gyfer y llwyfan. Yn y bôn waeth i rhywun fynd i’r theatr i wrando ar ddarlleniad ohoni ddim gyda’r actorion yn eistedd i lawr trwyddi. Wedi dweud hyn, roedd yn berfformiad digon derbyniol heb fod yn syfrdanol. Ffion Dafis fel Siwan oedd yn cynnal yr holl beth ond mae Lisa Jên Brown yn haeddu clod am ei phortread o Alis hefyd. Does dim dwywaith mai’r golygfeydd rhwng y ddwy yma oedd cryfder y cynhyrchiad. Bron ei bod hi’n ddyletswydd ar unrhyw un sy’n honni eu bod yn Gymry diwylliedig fynd i weld Siwan pan ddaw cyfle fel hwn, ond peidiwch disgwyl profiad theatrig anhygoel.
20 gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008
JOBS & MONEY
JOBS@gairrhydd.COM
The Name’s Bond...
Student letting in numbers... Many students find themselves out of pocket at the end of the year when the deposits paid on their houses £60 aren’t returned to them. Jobs and Money takes you The through what you can do to get your cash back average rent H students in Your landlord or the UK pay letting agency each week will come round
£102
Rent per week in London, the most expensive in the UK
45%
The number of students who rent from private landlords
anding over a month’s rent as a deposit for your student house might seem like a distant memory. But whether you’re leaving university or moving onto pastures new in the student housing market, that money should be coming back to you when you leave your property at the end of June. However, all too often it doesn’t as students find some or all of their bonds taken away for unpaid rent, bills, missing items or damage caused to their property. So how can you make sure that you get the maximum amount back from your landlord?
Check your inventory First of all, go to back to the inventory you were given with your tenancy agreement. Make sure all items on the list are present and correct in each room and unless you want the money taken out of your bond, replace anything that isn’t. Spring cleaning Make sure you leave a whole day for cleaning and get all your housemates in on the act. A student’s idea of “clean” is probably very different from the landlord’s, so a day of scrubbing the floors, doors, windows and surfaces is advisable even if you’ve never thought to do it before. Kylie Harris from Keylet’s Cathays office said: “You are required to leave the property as you find it. “It’s always best to give it a good clean and not leave it in a state.” On another cleaning note, check your contract to see whether your landlord expects the property to be professionally cleaned. If so, it might be cheaper to organise this yourself. And make sure you get a receipt for any work you have done. Once you’ve made sure everything is in its place and the house is spick and span, take photographs and, where pos-
sible, date them. These could prove useful if your deposit isn’t returned and the case ends up going to court.
Damange control Record any damage that you do cause to the property with pictures and letters saying how and when it happened. If possible, get it fixed. And again, keep the receipt. It’s a familiar student complaint that landlords take a long time to get anything done.
A student’s idea of “clean” is probably very different from the landlord’s so a day of scrubbing is advisable So if you’ve been complaining about a leaky pipe or broken boiler for a while, keep a record of this proving you’ve tried to get it fixed and the blame no longer lies with you. Tie up loose ends Kylie Harris says that most letting agencies require proof that your final gas, electricity and water bills have been paid in order to refund your bond. A final statement showing a £0 balance or a final bill plus a direct debit statement showing this has been
paid will do this. When all the hard work is done the landlord or letting agency will come round for an exit inspection. Be there. That way any discrepancies can be discussed there and then, saving you hours of phone calls and letter writing at a later date.
Worst case scenario If you find that money has been taken from your bond, request receipts for the cost of each item so you’ll know exactly where your money’s gone. Remember that you should only be charged for damage beyond everyday wear and tear. This would include the redecorating costs from pictures and posters but would not include a slightly worn carpet for example. Finally, if you really feel that you have been charged unfairly, write to your landlord stating why you think the charges are unreasonable. If your landlord refuses to reply and you want to take the case further, you can do so under the County Court’s small claims procedure for claims of up to £3000. A letter to your landlord saying you intend to take such action is normally enough to get you talking to each other again.
house, start the process early by taking photos of the property when you move in to compare to the end product when you move out.
for an exit inspection. Be there.
Go through the inventory and any already damaged areas with the landlord so there can be no disagreements about the state of the place before and after you’ve lived there. If you signed for a property after 6th April 2007 your deposit should be covered by one of the Government’s new Tenancy Deposit Protection schemes. This ensures that if there are any disputes the deposit is held by an independent insurer or the scheme until the dispute is resolved and aims to speed up the return of all or part of your deposit. When signing for any new property, make sure your landlord is part of one of these schemes. For more information go to www. direct.gov.uk/tenancydeposit
Early bird If you are moving into another rented
Graduate £37
Student rent per week in Crewe, the cheapest in the UK
C
laire Mans, 24, graduated with a degree in History of Art and Architecture in 2006. She now works as a hotel marketing executive. What is your job title? I’m a Marketing Executive for Constance Hotels.
Briefly describe what your job involves i.e your day-to-day responsibilities. My role is in marketing our hotels in London and Mauritius. I liase with tour operators and magazines to see where we can get our hotels placed. I also deal with general administration tasks and advertising.
Where are you based? I split my time between London and Mauritius.
How did you apply for your job? Briefly describe any interview or assessment process that you went
through.
those years as a student.
I went through a recruitment agency to find out about the job and got an interview.
What advice would you give to students that are thinking of entering a similar field?
What is the best/worst thing about your job?
Marketing can be a tough gig to get, so you have to be determined. Also, get work experience where possible as this will show a dedication to the job and also give you something relevant to talk about when you’re being interviewed.
The best is definitely the travel: getting to see new places and new cultures whilst doing a job that I enjoy is great. The worst thing has to be getting up early. It can be a shock after all
Cleaner Ref: 075 A children’s nursery is looking for a hardworking and reliable cleaner to work from 6pm - 7pm Monday - Friday, with the possibility of extra hours. Your duties will be to ensure that all areas of the nursery are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness. £5.52 p/h Nursery Assistant Ref: 070 Private day care nursery for children aged 6 weeks - 5 years requires professional, patient and friendly staff who love working with children to assist in the nursery, encourage their learning, talk to parents and assist with feeds and changing. Driving licence an advantage, various shifts available. £5.52 p/h Helpline Advisor Ref: 067 National claims management company is looking for people with a superb standard of customer care and service to join its Cardiff team. You will be taking calls on behalf of various insurance companies from customers with a diverse range of claims, so you will need to be able to be calm and empathetic at all times. £11,700 pro rata Event Assistant Ref: 072 Friendly and outgoing people needed to help out with the organisation of a two day Electronics conference being held in Cardiff. You will be registering delegates, setting up stands and acting as a general guide and must be organised, friendly and able to work well under your own initiative. £5.60 p/h
22 gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008
FIVE MINUTE FUN
FMF@gairrhydd.COM
found on facebook Housemate done something stupid?
1. Log on to the book of face Send 2. Join the group ‘Found on Facebook’ more 3. Upload embarrassing photos oddities! 4. Pick up gair rhydd on Monday and laugh
Across
Down
6. Dismissals from employment (7) 7. A native of Mexico (5) 9. Crooner Crosby (4) 10. Additions to a building (10) 11. Creativity (8) 13. Flew too close to the sun (Greek mythology) (6) 15. Augments (4) 17. Corny or fake (5) 18. Swerve (4) 19. Dwarf ornamental tree (6) 20. Set free (8) 23. Makes official (10) 26. Metrical unit of syllables (4) 27. Hues (5) 28. Take one’s clothes off (7)
1. Spectacles (10) 2. Abroad (6) 3. As Soon As Possible (4) 4. In a delicate manner (8) 5. Pocketbook (4) 6. Fifty-eight in Roman numerals (5) 8. Reprimand (7) 12. Bumpkin (5) 14. Promoted (10) 16. A person who left school before graduating (7) 17. By definition, childless (8) 21. Next to (6) 22. Graves (5) 24. Coquette (4) 25. Supreme god (Greek mythology) (4)
competition crossword
Sudok leaves u fo page 2 r
Exercise your mind...
WINonal ers ng p A aini tr sion ses
Then exercise your body at
Put your entries in the competitio
n box outside gair rhydd
Every week gair rhydd will be giving away a gym package to one lucky entrant who correctly completes the competition crossword, courtesy of Dave’s Gym. Every winner will receive a free personal training session with one of our qualified instructors. This can be a gym workout, weight-training, boxing or Thai Boxing session. You will also receive a personalised gym programme and a free guest pass so you can come back for another workout or try one of our studio classes: choose from HipHop, Khai Bo, Bodypump and many more. This prize is worth approximately £35! Conditions: Use of any of our facilities is subject to our terms and conditions and at the user’s own risk. An appointment must be made for the session. Prize must be claimed within four weeks of notification. It is not exchangeable for cash and is not transferable to any other party. Dave’s Gym: Tel: 029 2046 0232 E.mail: enquiries@daves-gym. co.uk Web: www.daves-gym.co.uk
NAME.... EMAIL....
How to enter: Simply complete the crossword opposite and drop it into the crossword competition box outside the gair rhydd office on the 4th floor of the Students’ Union. The first correct entrant to be plucked from the box every week will win the Dave’s Gym package.
gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008 TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM .
HOT
!TELLY!
23
TELLY
NOT
The credit crunch reaches the TV Desk
A
ll together now...”Oom papa oom papa, that’s how it goes, oom papa papa everyone knows!” Now, while the three Olivers have already been selected, there is a much greater sense of anticipation surrounding the Nancys in the Beeb’s production of I’d Do Anything - for there can ultimately only be one Nancy. So I suggest you pull yourself a pint and adopt your best Cocker-nee accent, for this weekend marks quite a moment in West End history. Graham Norton is on hand (as ever) to present the momentous event and the Lord himself, Andrew Lloyd Webber, will no doubt deliver the watching audience, with an expert demonstration of facial gurning techniques as the girls are unsuccessful once again in ‘watching their pitch.’ He is the reason I tune into the show without fail each week. Yes, his experience within the musical field is impressive, but he draws in the viewers for a whole different set of reasons - his random remarks, damning expressions and individual sense of humour are to name but a few. But the star of the show aside, it is the Nancys we should be scrutinising and this week our inner critics will be at
their harshest as we do our best to find the best lassie for the part. So what must we look for in the nation’s Nancy? Well, first and foremost she must be able to sing and act reasonably well (and I hope to God that’s already secured in the remaining three
Reality Check
EXTRA TERRESTRIAL This week, I have mainly been watching Britain’s Hardest on Sky Three. This competition pits the cream of Britain against each other in endurance tests more at home in a bad horror movie directed by Guy Ritchie. Doormen and Bailiffs find themselves hanging from beams, drowning themselves, or kicking down doors. This bloody television show is teaching Britain’s most mentally disturbed individuals to destroy property and to potentially escape from capture. So, what we are essentially promoting, is allowing men who are the most likely to commit a violent crime to demonstrate their mental instability and ability to withstand all known forms of torture. This isn’t even the
girls, because otherwise I have spent the past three months of my life engaged in a show whose contestants lack the most essential criteria.) Nancy must be maternal, sympathetic and vulnerable, yet tough, determined and courageous. In my opinion, the final three entirely
exemplify the latter elements, proving that they would literally ‘Do Anything’ to secure the role; even if that means stabbing their opponents in the back. Now I’m all for a bit of a cat-fight now and again, but the type of competition we see here is a tad unhealthy to say the least...remember girlies, fighting talk does not a professional make! Besides, they bear more of a resemblance to the teletubbies than West End stars at the moment, due to their colourful signature dresses. I find myself referring to individuals each week as ‘the yellow one’ or ‘the blue one’; before long I’ll be replacing such titles with the names of ‘Lala’ and ‘Tinky Winky’ - so just remember your roots girls, you haven’t made it quite yet! Whoever succeeds, I will be booking my ticket for the show as soon as the winner is announced. Following the lyrics on-screen with my mum each week has begun to lose its appeal, so I will be jumping at the chance to sing-along in a proper theatrical setting to the tunes I’ve grown quite accustomed to during the show’s run. So c’mon Nancys, this is it... show us what you’ve got!
most confusing aspect to the show. Despite the fact that he looks like a balding Teddy Bear, Steve McFadden has been chosen to represent the less scrupulous sections of society. However, the true star of the show is the true host, Ian ‘The Machine’ Freeman. His vaguely menacing geordie tones provide much entertainment to a show for people who think that Snatch is too edgy.
This is the first in what will probably prove to be an unpopular and shortlived series about reality TV, but it’s going to be a tough ask because I don’t know what counts as ‘reality’ telly these days anyway? As I write this, last night’s Apprentice is still playing on my mind, did Raef really have to go? Perhaps his catalogue model good looks and articulate foppish vernacular clouded my judgement, maybe his artistic vision wasn’t compatible with the rigours of the commercial world, but dammit, that was more than a man; Raef was a damn icon, a symbol for 21st century Britain. Sir Alan couldn’t see it with
his senses being controlled by the sizable chip on his shoulder. Calling our Raef “a lot of hot air” was completely innaccurate. If our dashing entrepeneur was any type of gas he would be a wisp of expensive Ralph Lauren cologne extinguished from an exquisite glass atmos-spritzer. This week The Apprentice is on on Tuesday not Wednesday, not that I’ll be watching mind, I’ll catch a Fellini flick instead.
FILM THE MEXICAN, BBC1, MONDAY ) ) This film has Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, in Mexico! (I know) and Tony Soprano! The plot isn’t great, but thats to be expected in a film with two such big stars, the problem is that our mega-celebrity duo don’t have enough screen time, boo-hoo! BASEketball, S4C, MONDAY ) ) ) South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone star in this amusing sports comedy, it might make you laugh out loud, or in your head, either way you should laugh at least once. They invent a sport, if I invented a sport it would be a combination of football, rugby and cricket, it would be called Fugket.
FUDGE TUNNEL
EDUCATING RITA, BBC1, WEDNESDAY ) ) ) Bittersweet comedy starring Julie Walters as a Scouse hairdresser taking an English Literature course, and Michael Caine as her drunken old tutor. It’s a classic but does contain some bad fucking language, Catch this shit.
24 gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008
LISTINGS
LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM
This week: The entire gair rhydd team rejoices as this weeks see
MUSIC
COMEDY
MONDAY THE DISPLACEMENTS @ BARFLY - The founders of LeicesMONDAY For some reason the summer months don’t seem to be ter’s D-Day club night. With their blend of indie, big beat and psychedelic style, tight harmonies and a bit of good ol’ fashioned attitude, popular among our nation’s comedians. they are kicking up a storm on the music scene. 7.30pm. £6. TUESDAY IT’S DAN’S BIRTHDAY - But he can’t really celebrate it beROBIN TROWER+AYNSLEY LISTER @ THE POINT - Robin Trower is an cause he has a three-hour exam on Thursday, which is a joke. English rock guitarist who achieved success with Procol Harum during WEDNESDAY Patient: “Doctor, I can’t help but think there’s somethe 1960s, and then again as the leader of his own Hendrixesque thing seriously wrong with me.” Doctor: “OK, I’ll give you a full ‘once power trio. 8pm. £17/£15 adv. over’ and you can come back next week for the results.” TUESDAY AMY WADGE @ ST. DAVID’S HALL So the doctor gives him a full examination and the follow- A nominee for ‘Best Female Artist’ in the ing week the patient returns. Doctor: “OK, sit down, 2004 Welsh Music Awards, let Amy’s gentle I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news. You’ve got canvocals and hushed guitar melodies take you cer.” Patient: “OH GOD!” Doctor: “And Alzheimer’s”. away. 8pm. Check venue for availability. Patient: “Oh my God! Well - at least I haven’t RAVEN’S CREED @ CLWB IFOR BACH got cancer.” Featuring members of Orange Goblin, apFRIDAY MARTIN BEAUMONT, JOE HEENAN & parently. 7.30pm. £6. STEVE WILLIAMS @ JONGLEURS - Joe Heenan WEDNESDAY THE SOULVENTS @ BUFFALO is full of sharp comments and brilliant oneA clever play on words, ha ha ha. 8pm. £3. liners. Martin Beaumont - Quick-witted character STRAY BORDERS+JOY OF comedian, with a great audience rapport. You SEX+VESSELS+SCREAMING EAGLE @ 10 may have seen him on Sky One. Steve Williams FEET TALL - Vessels marks a new start for - More topical than Trevor MacDonald, Steve the band formerly known as A Day Left. is one of the tallest guys on the circuit and Expect some brilliantly catchy and ferocertainly one of the most original. His Welsh ciously intelligent noises in the same vein as Aerogramme and Oceansize. 7:30pm. genes allow him to have a totally different as£5/£4. pect on life although he hasn’t lost any of the THURSDAY VITO+SOPHIA @ CLWB IFOR traditional Welsh values, including their fondBACH - Two bands I have never heard of ness for sheep. Comedy night with top names but apparently, Sophia are a “very exciting from the national circuit. Ticket includes free band”. 8pm. £5. entry to Club Risa - dancing ‘til 2am. 8pm. £8 ABBAMania: THE OFFICIAL WEST END all tickets. SHOW @ ST. DAVID’S HALL - Featuring SATURDAY MARTIN BEAUMONT, JOE HEENAN & a special concert presentation, which The Displacements @ Barfly - Old school dawg STEVE WILLIAMS @ JONGLEURS - Comedy night celebrates the music and style of Abba, with top names from the national circuit. Ticket ABBAMania revives special memories of includes free entry to Club Risa - dancing ‘til when ‘ABBA’ ruled the airwaves. Contact venue 2am. 8pm. £8 all tickets. for details. SUNDAY SOAP BOX OPEN MIC COMEDY NIGHT FRIDAY PAPER HEROES @ BARFLY - How can @ GLO BAR - If you fancy yourself as a bit of a hero be made out of paper? 7.30pm. Check a budding comic, then why not pop along to Glo Bar and test your venue for prices. minerals on the stage? Or, if not, then just go along and laugh/heckle SATURDAY Y REI+MUDFLAPS+THE STILLETOES @ CLWB IFOR those who do fancy a go. But remember, it takes real guts to get up BACH - Mudflaps! I dare you not to laugh while saying that. 9pm. on stage and try stand-up comedy...unless they really are shit, then £5. you heckle your nads off. Contact venue for price and time details. SUNDAY THE JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET @ THE POINT - The legendary UK funkmeister and Hammond guru. 7:30pm. £16/£14 adv.
Avril Lavigne @ CIA
31/05/08 ◆ 7.30PM ◆ £22.50
Guy Skelton Recommends
H
e was a boy, she was a girl. Can I make it anymore obvious? Probably not… If you’re looking for an anatomy lesson I suggest heading up to Heath Hospital or throwing on an episode of ER; however, if you’re searching for some predictable yet satisfying pop-rock, you’ve come to the right place. The music of Avril Lavigne is rather like a woolly jumper knitted by your favourite aunt: the material may be irritating but it does the job, and the picture of Bambi on the front is strangely endearing. Addictive melodies and chant-a-long choruses are the trademark features of this Canadian pixie and have bagged her a string of hits all over the world. Such worldwide fame hasn’t come easily and, unlike most U.K acts who think ‘breaking’ a country takes a couple of days and then fly back confused as to their lack of succ-
THEATRE
MONDAY MACBETH @ SHERMAN striking performance of Shakespea College of Music and Drama. 8pm TUESDAY A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S BALEET THEATRE - The write up says in the 1940s, this Olivier Award n from Mendelssohn and Brahms pe I’m pretty sure this isn’t what happ Showing ‘till Saturday. 7:30pm. Ma Price: £26.50 - £8. THURSDAY THE SHADOW OF THE PAJARO EN VUELO): ADREA SERV ARTS CENTRE - Subtitles? Showi - £6. DIRTY DIRECTORS PROTEST: HUW Six directors. Six new takes. See wh ris, Mared Swain, Adele Thomas an Repeat. Plus DJ Huw Evans from X
Macbeth (left) and, er, Bottom (righ
ess, Lavigne has worked tirelessly in her quest for world domination, amassing huge followings in Asia, Europe and the U.S. Such is her success in Asia that I can hazily remember a ladyboy chorus in Patpong performing a rather haunting rendition of Sk8er Boi… This global notoriety and success doesn’t seem to have fazed Avril at all. Still with a full head of hair, no illegitimate children and no disturbing videos on YouTube of her tormenting baby mice, Lavigne could be the role model we’ve all been looking for. Aside from the rather bizarre fact that she’s married to the lead singer from Sum-41 (Derek somebody), Lavigne shuns unwanted media attention and has kept her private life precisely that, private. A rare occurrence in today’s increasingly exploitative media climate, and a refreshing break from other pop princesses who shall remain nameless… Perhaps it’s a sign of me getting old and losing my mind but I find myself oddly nostalgic about songs like Complicated. They represent a simpler time, a time before dissertations and cutting up lines of ProPlus with a maxed-out credit card, when life hadn’t got so, well, complicated. Inane drivel aside, I am well aware that the music isn’t particularly challenging, and her concept album with Thom Yorke is still someway off completion, but you can’t help but be slightly charmed by this Canadian songstress.
Students’ Union, Park Place, 02920 387421 www.cardiffstudents.com ◆ Med Club, Neuadd Meirionydd, Heath Park 02920 744948 ◆ Clwb Ifor Bach (The Wels 02920 399939 www.clubmetropolitan.com ◆ Dempseys, Castle Street 02920 252024 ◆ Iotas, 7 Mill Lane 02920 225592 ◆ Incognito, Park Place 02920 412 www.cafejazzcardiff.com ◆ The Riverbank Hotel, Despenser Street www.riverbankjazz.co.uk ◆ St. David’s Hall, The Hayes 02920 878444 www.stdavidshallcardif uk ◆ The New Theatre, Park Place 02920 878889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk ◆ The Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road 02920 646900 www.shermanthea Stadium Can’t miss it. www.millenniumstadium.com ◆ The Point, Cardiff Bay, 029 2046 0873 www.thepointcardiffbay.com ◆ Tommy’s Bar, Howard Gardens (off
gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008
25
LISTINGS
LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM
es the celebration of the 22nd year of Dan’s existence! What fun.
E & ARTS
N THEATRE - A powerful and visually are’s classic, performed by the Welsh m. Matinee 2:30pm Sat. £8/£6. DREAM @ NEW THEATRE: NORTHERN s - “Set on a train journey to Edinburgh nominated production features music erformed live by the NBT Orchestra.”... pens in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. atinees 2:30pm Thu & Sat
E FLYING BIRD (LA SOMBRA DE UN VERA DANCE COMPANY @ CHAPTER ing ‘till Sunday 1st June. 8pm. £10
W EVANS @ TEN FEET TALL - One play. hat the directors including Simon Harnd Kit Lambert, make of Phil Porter’s XFM. 8pm. £3.
ht).
GOING OUT MONDAY FUN FACTORY @ SOLUS, SU - You should all know by now what this night is all about. If not from direct experience then at least from religiously reading the Listings pages of your beloved gair rhydd. TEN FEET TALL - Not bad if you like your music pretentious, your barmen rude and your drinks over-priced. If you don’t like this review, what you gonna do? ‘Not vote for listings for the media awards’ - too late. The media awards are over and we won sod all. Still not bitter though. TUESDAY CINEMA @ CINEWORLD 0R VUE - The new Indiana Jones film is out and is looking good. Although, Cate Blanchett is playing Jones’ adversary this time around, the last time I saw her in a film was The Aviator and she was so annoying I could have cried. Also, Sex And The City is running at the moment and I’d imagine a lot of girls and a few men are very excited about this. WEDNESDAY SPIN? POSSIBLY? VODKA REV - People slag it off, along with Oceana, for being too ‘mainstream’ or ‘popular’, but from my experience anything that is popular, is popular for a good reason - it’s good! FRIDAY SWELL BAR - New Jazz bar open on Windsor Place, just off Queen Street where Benedicto’s Italian restaurant used to be (opposite Central Bar) promising jazz and blues every Friday and Saturday night plus Sunday lunchtime. Drinks are reasonable and is free, its also very close to Buffalo and as Swell closes at 2am that could become a serious option.
Oi! Listings needs YOU... Does your club or society have future events that need publicising? If the answer is “yes”, then the lovely people at Listings can help. Simply email us the details of your event, and we’ll dedicate this column to letting the world know about it. LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM
CUTE IS WHAT WE AIM FOR & BOYS LIKE GIRLS @ THE UNION TUESDAY 27/05/08 (MY BIRTHDAY) ◆ 7.30 ◆ £10
Listings editor Dan Jones recommends
T
his four-piece outfit based in Buffalo, New York, came to be in 2005, parting ways with their countless ska-punk efforts in order to produce a power-pop collection fuelled by almost Shakespearean lyricism. The group rose above the drama of flirting with label after label to sign to Fueled By Ramen records, and achieved relative international success by mid-2006. Like many other contemporary bands, CiWWAF refuse to settle on one genre of music and opt for spreading their style over lots of sub-genres such as, emo-pop, alternative rock, pop-punk, power-pop and indie-rock in an attempt to cater for a myriad number of tastes. In the early days the band made a habit of falling out with a few important people and even sacked their manager in 2005 after he accused the band of pursuing ‘unethical business practices’ (you can make your own mind
The Listings Top Five... PLACES TO DROWN YOUR EXAM-SORROWS/ CELEBRATE YOUR EXAM SUCCESS. BUFFALO BAR - Giving the impression of being a rather more classy affair, go here to reinforce your sense of greatness and achievement, or, to make yourself feel better. ‘Cos let’s face it, with marks like that you’re never going to get the opportunity to drink is such an establishment as this again. THE WOODY - The old reliable. Perfect for that post-exam pint and bite to eat. Why not treat yourself to a round of pool as well - it’ll help take your mind off the previous couple of hours and/or remind you of how much of a winner/loser you really are! THE TAF - Possibly the most convenient port of call for all those finishing an exam in the Great Hall, and why not boogy on down into Solus if you’re feeling so inclined. And better get there quick, while it’s still here! (Whoops, did I say something?) REFLEX - Strut your stuff in a haze of celebration with funky disco tunes and a dance-floor that will make you feel ill. Or, reminisce back to the days you were born and wish that the degree system has never been invented. YOUR HOUSE - Nothing says “I am great” like strolling in through your front door, past your housemates and straight to the fridge to crack open a beer/bottle of wine. Or, nothing says “I’ve failed” like drinking yourself into a stupor in front of Friday night television, only to be found by your housemate the next morning slumped on the sofa.
up about that), whilst the band also underwent numerous personal changes. Eventually, in late 2005, CiWWAF settled down a bit and signed for Fueled By Ramen. When their debut album The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch was released in 2006, sales beat the label’s internal record, set by Panic At The Disco, by 4,000 in the US Billboard 200. The band’s history of drama and controversy was the topic of the album’s first single There’s A Class For This. The band is now on tour to promote their new album Rotation, which is all together a more settled, more mature record leaving the teenage tantrums and image of ‘showbiz theatre’ in the past in a attempt to be taken more seriously. Boston emo band Boys Like Girls play upbeat pop-rock with a grungy edge. Their live shows are notoriously good, and their debut album has proven very successful across the pond. Many believe that Boys Like Girls are standing on the edge of being 2008’s Panic At The Disco or Fall Out Boy, practically made for mainstream success. They list Jimmy Eat World and Dashboard Confessional among their influences, although this is not always as obvious in their lyrics as it is in their high-tempo guitar work and drumming. It seems as if the music industry is once again making room for the teenage pop-punk style we saw so prevalent back in the late 90s with bands such as Sum 41, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s all good fun and a welcome return.
sh Club), 11 Womanby Street 02920 232199 www.clwb.net ◆ Barfly, Kingsway, Tickets: 08709070999 www.barflyclub.com/cardiff ◆ Metros, Bakers Row 2190 ◆ Liquid, St. Mary Street 02920645464 ◆ The Philharmonic, 76-77 St. Mary Street 02920 230678 ◆ Café Jazz, 21 St. Mary Street 02920 387026 ff.co.uk ◆ Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton 02920 304400 www.chapter.org ◆ Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay 0870 0402000 www.wmc.org. atre.co.uk ◆ The Glee Club, Mermaid Quay 0870 2415093 www.glee.co.uk ◆ Cardiff International Arena, Mary Ann Street 02920 224488 ◆ The Millennium Newport Road) 02920 416192 ◆
26 gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008
PROBLEM PAGE
From the Desk of
TED
PROBLEMPAGE@gairrhydd.COM
e m so
d n Ha
He’s an ‘often amusing’ lad.
Ted Handsome’s Guide To Beards, Moustaches & Other Facial Hair An Occasional Series
So, most of you horrible tax drains have finished the pointless parade of exams and essays, and are probably trying to find a hobby to fill your days between daytime drinking and casual masturbation. Therefore, I have decided out of the goodness of my heart, to give you some helpful hints in the acquisition of some fine facial fungus.
No. 1 - Have A Y Chromosome
Now, I realise that this will probably contravene some anti-sexism legislation, but it’s time to shatter that PC nonsense. Bloody fillies trying to encroach on masculine territories. First the vote, now driving, soon they’ll want to wear bloody long trousers and all! Sorry girls, this is very much a man’s exercise, and I’m afraid that you can take no part in it, so run along and do something constructive, like cooking or procreation.
No. 2 - Concentrate.
Nobody ever grew any facial hair by accident. To be able to grow a successful beard, you need a strong will and grim determination. Is it any surprise that strong, historical individuals all had facial hair? Hitler, Stalin, Ghengis Khan - all hirsute. Therefore, if you really want to give your pale androgynous face a big old kick in the gonads, why not try pissing away your soft skin, with a ludicrously out of place beard. It’ll demonstrate your commitment to pointless causes, and also your lack of care for anyone else’s opinion of yourself.
No. 3 - Grooming
Congratulations! You have now got a healthy smattering of hair eminated from your gurning fizzog, but unless you are a hobo or some kind of no-good peacenik, you’ll be wanting to keep your facial topiary under control. There are many ways to style your facial hair into something approaching acceptable. If you are a member of the homosexual community, or the notoriously homophobic biker community, why not shave your facial hair into a moustache, thus blurring the divides between your two totally opposite groups. I heartily suggest that you all grow yourselves some hearty sideburns. Sideburns are God’s way of showing the world that you are a trustworthy individual. Goatees, however, show the world that you a tedious middle management bore with all the integrity of a common whore.
A letter about dogging Dear Ted, I am in a long-term relationship and I feel that we are the strongest that we have ever been. We adore each other and are exactly the sort of couple that sickens single people. However, my dear manfriend has started to approach me with all sorts of bizarre and uncouth requests. He believes that the only way to save our relationship is to introduce other people into our lovemaking, and has begun to drive to various car parks around the local area in order to procure a burly young Polish labourer to service both my and my partner’s needs. I have been told that this sort of lifestyle is quite crass and not quite representative
of my lofty social class. How could I possibly extricate myself from this, causing as little strife as possible? Yours Amanda Sodomite My Dear Amanda, This question reminds me of some old country wisdom that was imparted onto me, by Blind Deaf McGuggins, a blues musician that I encountered while travelling the Deep South . He would always tell me, ‘There’s nothing wrong with a bit of dogging.’ I never understood the appeal of dogging, and more importantly, the etymology of the term. Surely, at some point, a load of these
people must have had a meeting or a pow-wow or something and decided that their particular sexual peccadillo was aligned with the activities of a common dog. This demonstrates an almost stunning lack of self-respect on the behalf of the participants, and yet is somehow emblematic of the greater malaise that exists in the Great British Public. While Americans seem to produce wholesome sex in public for an enterprising Adult Entertainment industry, our sexual antics are a distinctly seedy affair, taking part in a car park with men in chinos and tracksuit tops. Yours Ted Handsome
A letter about choices Dear Ted, I am coming to the end of my last year of Uni and the world of work is beckoning me with its bony finger. The problem is that I have no idea what career to embark upon; my overbearing father has offered me a place in his accounting firm, but I don’t think the nine to five is for me. I hate post-its, filing makes me ill, and I cannot abide suits and ties. My dream, and don’t laugh, is to become Britain’s Hardest. It’s a TV show where the hardest doormen/squaddies/firemen in the country do challenges to see who is the hardest, but I fear that it might be too hard for me. Oh Ted, What should I do? On the one
hand, I do not want to offend my father, but equally I do not want to miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Plus I really want to meet Ian ‘The Machine’ Freeman. Yours truly, Percy Limpwrist Percy, I can totally empathise with your situation, as I too was once at the hands of a pushy parent. I was encouraged from a very young age to pursue a career as a golf professional. Yet, like every other youngster I hated my golf lessons and usually spent my time hanging out at the yacht club, getting my knot on.
However, your aspirations are asinine and pointless. The only people who feel the need to live their lives through their overdeveloped pituitary glands, are imbeciles and plebs. A competition that invites the great unwashed to kick doors in and to destroy automobiles is nothing more than a glorified ASBOthon. The inclusion of loveable curmudgeon Steve McFadden, as host, only serves to give the whole affair a huge dose of the ridiculous. In short, grow up. Love, Ted xxx
Dear lovely reader, this week, I have mainly been watching daytime television. I am currently under self-enforced house arrest following some unpleasantness surrounding some younger ladies from a certain South Asian country, because APPARENTLY you cannot simply drug somebody and leave them a train station simply because they lost some of your favourite socks. Anyway, I have become intoxicated with the ITV2 daytime schedule, following the trials and tribulations of such luminaries as Jeremy Kyle, Sally Jesse Raphael, Judge Judy and Montel Williams. It then struck me that they have essentially stolen my act. I too have haranged single mothers and polyestered teens, but the fact that I do not have a studio audience turns ‘award-winning television show’ into ‘sustained campaign of abuse.’ TH xxx
gairrhydd
MAY.26.2008
27
SPORT
SPORT@gairrhydd.COM
THE WORD ON...
...The thrill of penalties in light of the Champions League final
Pete Dean Sports Editor
A
penalty shoot out was a fitting finale to the Champions League final on Wednesday night. A titanic battle between the two best club teams in the world could be settled only by recourse to one of the most cruel and yet most thrilling sporting spectacles. When sporting juggernauts of the calibre of Manchester United and Chelsea meet, spot kicks are the only way to establish which team has the heart, the conviction, the courage to call themselves champions. Both Manchester United and Chelsea have maintained a consistency of performance that has seen them challenge at the highest level time and time again. Dominating the top two positions of the Premiership for three years, the clubs have been almost untouchable domestically. And in Europe, the showdown in Moscow had always been on the cards so long as the teams avoided each other in the draw. But it seems that the difference between the teams is incredibly slight. Over the course of the entire season, a mere two points separated the teams at the top of the Premiership table. The stalemate on Wednesday was broken only because Chelsea were fielding a makeshift right back, Michael Essien, who could not compete with the aerial prowess of a free scoring Cristiano Ronaldo. And the Chelsea goal came via an
incredibly fortuitous deflection. With Edwin Van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand wrong footed by the diversion of the ball, Frank Lampard gratefully converted from close range. When two incredibly talented teams face one another, the fractions are all important. As Al Pacino’s Tony D’Amato has it: “ One half second too slow or too fast and you don’t quite catch it. The inches we need are everywhere around us. They are in every break of the game every minute, every second.”
Van der Sar claimed the glory on the night Sometimes the only way to determine a champion is by a penalty shootout. The dramatic scenes on Wednesday mirrored those of the Community Shield at the start of the season. When United and Chelsea meet, particularly in cup competitions, a shootout seems to be the only way in which they can be separated. The ruthlessness of Avram Grant’s team seems to be the only obstacle to the more aesthetically appealing free flowing football of the Red Devils.
Time and time again spot kicks are the only way to separate the best teams. Italian and Brazilian teams at the height of their powers, led by the likes of Romario and Baggio, were forced to endure this sporting lottery in the 1994 World Cup. Liverpool’s magnificent comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final was only a retort to an unstoppable display from the Italians in the first half. Over 90 minutes the teams were equal and even through extra time the teams could not be separated. Spot kicks determine the results of games in which exceptional teams are so closely matched. Penalty shootouts capture what sport is all about. However much money Abramovich and the Glazers spend on their teams, they cannot buy the attributes needed to win this test of sporting nerve. Success from the spot is determined by a player’s resolve, his heart but it is also largely dependent on fortune. Ronaldo may be the best player in the world but he could not convert from the spot when it mattered. And Terry is the most committed clubman in British football today, a man with Chelsea coursing through his veins, but the skipper could not score the penalty that would have seen them win the cup.
It was United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar who claimed the glory on the night. A talismanic figure in the United team, the Dutchman does not pick up the plaudits of the flair players in the team. But the save that he made from Nicholas Anelka’s penalty, like that of Dudek in 2005, will never be forgotten - a supreme piece of goalkeeping from a man at the top of his game. A save that shows that, in the penalty shootout, the goalkeeper gets his chance for greatness. And the shootouts are amongst the most exciting spectacles in sport. For edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting drama the spot kicks have it all. A team’s season, a player’s career, supporter’s dreams realised or quashed in an instant. Penalty shootouts are an incredible piece of sporting theatre that captures the drama of sport; an admittedly cruel way of deciding one of the most important matches a player can
compete in. Terry’s tears stand testament to his disappointment upon missing a crucial penalty. But he had his chance, his stake at sporting greatness and he couldn’t take the pressure. The result was cruel but fair. The drama in Moscow was heightened by its nerveracking conclusion, the culmination of a tension filled encounter and an appropriate way to determine the champions of Europe. Penalty shootouts epitomise the drama of sport, a spectacle only dampened by England’s inability to perform from the spot.
Sport 14 gairrhydd
gairrhydd
FEATURES
OCTOBER.22.2007
INSIDE: Pete Dean on the excitement of spot kicks FEATURES@ gairrhydd .COM following the Champions League final
BOWLED OVER
Cardiff won toss Southampton Innings Truscott run out ........................... 16 Smith LBW b Edmed .................... 34 Cole c Mills b Bennett..................... 4 Skellekie c Cox b Edmed ................22 Owen c & b Edmed ........................ 0 Jones c Mills b Lehegorat ................ 1 Anderson b Bess .......................... 51 Linzell St Cox b Edmed .................. 6
Foley b Edmed ............................... 2 Lipscombe LBW b Edmed ................ 2 Allen not out .................................. 7 Extras ........................................ 30 TOTAL (49 Overs) ..................... 175 Cardiff Innings Cox c Cole b Foley ......................... 4 Symonds-Baig LBW b Linzell ......... 16 Jones c Smith b Anderson ............... 35 Mills b Owen ................................. 5
Bess b Skellekie............................ 21 Allen LBW b Anderson .................... 7 Bennett run out ............................. 39 Lehegorat c & b Skellekie................. 0 Exley c Smith b Skellekie ................. 1 Walker b Linzell ............................. 9 Edmed not out ................................ 1 Extras ........................................ 39 TOTAL (49 Overs) ..................... 177 Bowling: Walker 6-2-13-0 Exley 9-048-0 Bennett 10-2-27-1 Bess 9-3-23-1
Cardiff persistence pays off as they snatch victory by two runs Ben Walker Cricket Reporter WITH THE end of the season in sight, Cardiff Men’s first team kept up their recent revival, as they managed to secure a nail-biting, two-run win over Southampton. Cardiff were without wicket-keeper Justin Yau and Captain Ben Orr so Dean Cox filled in for a day in which Cardiff needed a win to maintain their comfortable position within the league. Cox won the toss on a scorching hot day and showed no hesitation in batting first. Southampton’s opening bowlers
struggled to find their rhythm early on and despite the early loss of Cox, Cardiff raced to 67-1 off 12 overs. Matt Jones (35) looked to consolidate the score but Cardiff started to lose wickets regularly. Southampton’s two spinners were proving extremely difficult to get away and only Josh Bess with a quick-fire 21 looked to be on top of the bowling. But Jones and Bess both fell within a short period of time and Cardiff suffered another mini-collapse, reduced from 122-4 to 144-8, as they seemed to struggle under the pressure to post a competitive score. Adam Bennett finally came to Car-
diff’s rescue with a vital 39 and managed to bring Cardiff up to 177 all out. While this score fell well short of the kind of total Cardiff had hoped to achieve, they remained resilient and harbored realistic hopes of being able to defend it. The Southampton openers started solidly, if not spectacularly, and reached 52-0 off 16 overs. Cardiff had kept it tight but were desperate for wickets to get them back into the game. Scott Edmed rose to the occasion on his BUSA first team debut. He bowled excellently and, combined with some very tight spells from Bennett, (1-27) sparked a Southampton collapse.
When Edmed picked up the vital wicket of a hard-hitting West Indian for 22, Southampton were 92-6 off 33 overs and Cardiff sensed victory. But Southampton’s Anderson (51) seemed reluctant to give up so easily and along with some admirable support from the tail, edged Southampton closer and closer to the victory line. Edmed picked up three more wickets to finish with an exceptional figure of 6-31 but coming into the penultimate over Southampton only needed three runs to win with one wicket in hand. Cardiff looked dead and buried but Josh Bess refused to accept defeat and after 5 dot balls the pressure told.
Anderson was bowled trying to work a single to keep the strike, giving Cardiff a breathtaking victory by only two runs. Bess, Edmed and a good overall bowling and fielding performance had given Cardiff this vital win and they can now look forward to facing local rivals UWIC next week, knowing that a win could well consign their arch-rivals to relegation. Cardiff 2’s have still yet to finish a game this season after Glamorgan 1’s gave them a walkover. They now have games coming up against Exeter 2’s and 3’s, which, weather permitting, will almost certainly be on.
-GAIR RHYDD AND QUENCH MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSITY UNION CARDIFF, PARK PLACE, CARDIFF CF10 3QN REGISTERED AS A NEWSPAPER AT THE POST OFFICE GAIR RHYDD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL CONTRIBUTIONS THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHERS THE GAIR RHYDD IS WRITTEN, DESIGNED, TYPESET AND OUTPUT BY STUDENTS OF CARDIFF UNIVERSITY n AWARD-WINNING SPORT: TWO PAGES WITH AN AD AND A 3RD OUTING FOR CRICKET PHOTO n SPORT TAKE CRITICISM IN THEIR STRIDE n “THE AWARD’S ALREADY WON”, SCOFFS FLOREY n CUTLER HAS ‘THE MEMORIES’ n LIZ PLANS PINK REVOLUTION n MILLWARD SCHEDULES HIS WRITING AROUND PIZZA n AMY: “HUW, CAN I HAVE YOU FOR A MINUTE?” n ANY TIME n TED HANDSOME HE’S A RUDDY GOOD LAD... SOMETIMES n CATS ARE NOT BORN FROM EGGS n WILL'S WEAPON OF CHOICE: FAKE TITS n PAWLEY'S 8-DAY GROWTH: SHOCKING n FLAPS