gair rhydd - Issue 947

YOUR GUIDE TO THE 2011

gair rhydd << Sport page 31

Monday March 21 2011 | freeword – Est. 1972 | Issue 947

Tragic death of student A tragic incident resulting in the death of a Cardiff University student happened in the early hours of Saturday March 12 at Senghennydd Court halls of residence.

The first year maths student involved in the incident was taken from the scene by ambulance and later died in hospital.

No further details will be available on the incident until a full Coroner’s report has been completed.

A Cardiff University spokesperson said: “A serious incident occurred at Senghennydd Court Residence in the early hours of Saturday March 12 tragically resulting in the death of a student. The University’s thoughts are with the student’s family and friends.

“There are no suspected suspicious circumstances.

“The University is working closely with the Police and liaising with the family and can provide no further specific information at this time.

“Support is available to students and University staff affected by this incident through the Student Support Centre in terms of counselling services, welfare advice and

guidance services, chaplaincy services.”

Speaking on behalf of Cardiff Students’ Union, Olly Birrell, Studetns’ Union President, told gair rhydd: “All members of the Union Executive and Staff were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of one of Cardiff ’s students last week,.

Our thoughts are with the his family and close friends at this difficult time.

“Any student that feels affected by this incident should remember that the Union is here to help you, if you just want someone to talk to or any advice come up to the third floors Advice centre know as ARC.” A student living in Senghennydd Court came forward to offer his sympathy after the incident: “This tragic incident has affected many students living in Senghennydd Court.

“You never expect anything like this to happen and I know that many students would want to offer their support and sympathy for his family and friends.”

Any students affected by this incident should contact the Student Support Centre on Park Place, or visit ARC on the third floor of the Students’ Union.

“

Cardiff student to live like a gorilla for 24 hours in Paignton zoo News page 5

“

Opinion discuss whether student elections are a personality contest Opinion page 9

“ PHOTO: Lucy Chippendale

Ben Price News Editor

Inside this week:

When Chomsky came to town

Social media viewed as playing a central role in Middle East uprisings Policits page 14

“

Sport give insight on the upcoming Formula 1 season Sport page 28

<< News page 4

Full coverage of the Elections 2011 The Candidate debates, campaign week and editorial inside << News page 3

02News

gr

Monday March 21 2011 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com

Artist's impression of the May Ball Union releases images of how this year's all new May Ball will look

EDITOR Sarah Powell CO-ORDINATOR Elaine Morgan DEPUTY EDITOR Dom Kehat SUB-EDITORS Anna Redbond Isabelle Roberts Hannah Van Den Bergh NEWS Morgan Applegarth Miranda Atty Pippa Lewis Ben Price Hannah Pendleton FEATURES Zoe Bridger Laura Brunt OPINION Holly Howe Chris Williams COLUMNIST Henry Burton POLITICS James Dunn Oliver Smith SOCIETIES Bianca London SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT Tom Clarke Jack Parker SPORT Alex Bywater Lucy Morgan Alex Winter CONTRIBUTORS Samantha Mueller Sultan H. Ghaznawi Bethan Cable A. Ishaq Hugh Rodger Kabir Taneja Yas Langley Craig McDowall Lowri Morgan Asha Verma Jo Greet Joe Davies Jenni Gardner Edd Broad Adam Hunt Sarah Kilby Nick Case Ben Pearson PROOFREADERS Yas Langley Joanne Southerd CLARIFICATION Last week's gair rhydd article on the JSTOR electronic journal archive incorrectly stated that sections of the archive are divided by date of publication. In fact, the three sections of the archive are grouped by journal title. It was also stated that University students do not have access to journals in JSTOR section three. In fact, the University subscribes to the print versions of 141 out of 226 journals in this section.

Ben Price News Editor gair rhydd can reveal the exclusive artist impressions of this year's May Ball to be held on May 15.

The event is set to stretch across both the Students' Union and the grounds of the University's Main Building.

Organisers have said that those attending should expect the black tie event to have fairground rides, live music, DJ's cocktail bars and a custom built casino, along with much more.

Due to the change in location, only 4,000 tickets went on sale in December. This is 2,000 tickets less on sale compared to the previous Summer Ball event held in Cooper's Field.

Finance and Commercial Officer, Darryl Light said: "We've tried to keep a more formal ball atmosphere with the May Ball being held in the University's Main Building, with a

drinks reception, but also offering the fun fair and bands that people loved at the Summer Ball, while protecting ourselves against the £60,000 loss the Summer Ball incurred last year."

The May Ball is part of an end of term package which also includes entry to The Big Summer House Party at the Union and entry to a special V.I.P area at BeachBrealkLive 2011.

Mr Light further added: "This year's Summer Events package of the May Ball on May 15, Drink the Bar Dry presents the BIG Summer House Party on June 15 and our VIP Beach Break ticket is the biggest and most ambitious end of year package we have ever offered at the Students' Union, and the buzz around the U-niversity is exciting."

Do you have any comments on the new plans for the May Ball? Get in touch via email on news@gairrhydd.com or on www.gairrhydd. com.

In this week's gair rhydd... hockey

Egypt Artic

BorisElections S.H.A.G student gorilla

May BallUCU Alcoholadvice Pakistan rugby strike Bob Diamond Japan Formula 1 Earthquake Science Varsity work experience Tsunami Equality Elections HustingsRevolution Chomsky

News03

Monday March 21 2011 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com

Election Candidates show their worth as attendance for Question Time disappoints Pippa Lewis News Editor Candidates in the student elections gathered on Thursday March 17 at Candidate Question Time to gather support among the student body.

Candidates for full-time positions were given the opportunity to make a two-minute speech to persuade candidates of their abilities, and then were questioned by members of the audience.

Part-time candidates were given a minute to make their cases to the audience and then were also subjected to questions from the audience.

Questions have, however, been raised as to the success of the event, after turnout was low and many attendees were associated with candidates' campaigns.

Attendance fell after the candidates in the popular positions had spoken and supporters left the event.

Jo Greet, a third year English Literature student, told gair rhydd: “Hustings was captivating and a lot of the candidates had a lot of interesting points to make. It was, however, disappointing that not more people came to show their support.”

These concerns were echoed by

Tom Baker, a third year History student: “Turn out isn’t massive. I never knew about the event in previous years and I am surprised that it was not better publicised.”

Sophie Williams, a third year Microbiology student, did express the positive results of the question time: "[The event is] more helpful for voters as it gives them a real opportunity to find out about not only the candidate’s policies but also how they respond to pressure, a thing that they will inevitably have to deal with in their positions as Sabbatical Officers.”

She continued: “The turnout was poor, most people were attached to

campaign teams and more could have been done to publicise the event.”

Candidate Question Time forms part of a week-long election campaign in which candidates stand for both full and part time positions in the Students’ Union.

Voters are given the chance to select their preferred candidates via the alternative voting system in which they are able to list candidates in order of preference.

Voting opened on Friday March 18 and will continue until Tuesday March 22 at 4pm. Students can vote online at www.cardiffstudents.com or at the Students’ Union.

gair rhydd follows Candidate Question Time on Twitter @MediaCSU Cardiff Students' Union Student Media Direct communication with the students seems to be the buzzword tonight @JemMallorie Cardiff Students' Union Personal Account It's a shame campaign teams aren't willing to give other candidates from other positions their time! @MediaCSU Cardiff Students' Union Student Media I'm sick of the whining about the summer ball #moveon @Darryl_Light Cardiff Students' Union Finance Officer Ah summer ball... When will people understand a 60k loss is huge! @Darryl_Light Cardiff Students' Union Finance Officer Myself and @societiesCSU went on an election walk earlier, definitely made us nostalgic... #cusuelections @fuckyeahcardiff Satirical comment on CSU Elections 2011 Let's get this out of the way. Integration. Communication.

Photos: Jake Yorath Above: Candidates gather in the Great Hall, left, while many seats remain empty, right

freewords EDITORIAL est.1972 Pippa Lewis News Editor As student election fever sweeps Cardiff, Fuck Yeah! Student Elections (FYSE) has become the semiofficial news outlet for candidates and campaign teams.

It made hustings bearable and it has added a satirical view to election proceedings. But just what,

and more importantly who, is Fuck Yeah! Student Elections?

Anonymous founders told gair rhydd: “We were inspired to start this service following the success of electtwit in 2010 and the response has been phenomenal.

"The aim was to be satirical but unbiased which basically means being just as rude about everyone because we’re not out to ruin anyone’s hard work.

"All of us at FYSE recognise that this is important to all the candidates, and, to an admittedly limited extent, the student body.

"We really appreciate the interactivity and the comments from

candidates and bystanders alike, and we look forward to bringing more sardonic comment until elections close.”

The campaign has received growing support in the last few days with followers rapidly increasing in numbers. This ‘sardonic, sarcastic and satirical Cardiff Union election coverage’ has provided entertainment and enthusiasm for all at times when the usual election spiel falls on deaf ears.

Whatever people think of the campaign, and the legitimacy of these anonymous tweeters, it cannot be denied that it has been successful in raising the profile of the

elections among the student body.

One important fact lies behind all of the hype surrounding Fuck Yeah! Student Elections and that is that all candidates, whatever position they are running for, have put their time and effort in to running for these positions and it is important that we give them the time and attention that they deserve.

Whatever your views on Fuck Yeah! Student Elections or the student elections as a whole, it is important that as a student body we don't let our voices go unheard and we support those who have the passion and drive to represent us.

@fuckyeahcardiff Satirical comment on CSU Elections 2011 35 minutes until hustings and the Union is almost out of toilet roll. #nerves

Follow us on Twitter @GairRhyddNews

04News

Monday March 21 2011 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com

PHOTOS: Lucy Chippendale

Noam Chomsky addresses the ever growing crisis in the Middle East

Pippa Lewis News Editor Saturday March 12 saw Noam Chomsky visit Cardiff to give a talk on the crisis in the Middle East.

The American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist and political activist attracted a crowd of 2000 audience members, in an event that saw 1,500 tickets sold in less than 24 hours.

Profits raised from the event, estimated to be £3,500, will be donated

to the Carol Chomsky Fund, which is dedicated to supporting humanitarian aid, education and human rights in the Middle East.

Jack Parker, event organiser, told gair rhydd: "The Noam Chomsky talk was a great success, with virtually all of the 2000 seats being filled on the day, There was a good atmosphere and despite a couple of minor hiccups and delays, the talk was met with much enthusiasm."

Speaking extensively on the current situation in Libya and the rest

of the Middle East, Professor Chomsky spoke of the changing regimes: "If names change and the regime does not, then there may be greater transparency and less brutality but the same socio-economic and political systems will continue.

"The West cannot tolerate Democracy in the Middle East because the public opinion in the middle eastern countries would then enter public policy there, bringing people to power who the West do not want in power. Turkey's prime minister

S.H.A.g. raises awareness Jenni Gardner Reporter Cardiff University’s Sexual Health Awareness Group (S.H.A.g.) collaborated with the Students’ Union last week to raise awareness of sexual health.

The S.H.A.g. team offered free condom drops at Union club nights Fun Factory and The Lash and raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support, by asking for small donations in return for condoms and sweets.

During Union club nights, S.H.A.g. raised awareness through antics, which included blindfolded condom demonstrator races, dur-

ing which contestants had to open and correctly place a condom on a fake penis.

Students were also asked to fill in the Big S.H.A.g. Survey to gauge awareness of the service, of sexual health provisions in general and of some common misconceptions.

Statistics showed that there remained room for improvement with regard to awareness of sexual health knowledge.

Forty-nine percent of survey participants admitted to either never or only sometimes using a barrier method of contraception when having intercourse.

As a consequence of the survey results, S.H.A.g. will be distribut-

ing shock tactic posters and leaflets to encourage students to use the free condom service and to go for STI check-ups.

S.H.A.g offers a drop-in session every Monday, Wednesday and Friday if you would like to speak to a member about any concerns or queries.

They offer free condoms, including non-latex and specialist, as well as lube and pregnancy tests.

There is also always a bucket outside the SVC office with bags of regular condoms.

The S.H.A.g. office is on the third floor of the Union inside the Student Volunteering Cardiff office.

supported recent uprisings and he is now the most disliked leader in the international community."

On the issue of the invasion of Afghanistan, Chomsky said: "Did we pick the right country? Do we have a right to be there? The short answer is: no. US and UK soldiers are dying to make the world a more dangerous place."

When asked for his thoughts on Welsh Devolution, Chomsky expressed his support, stating that "devolved states provide a step to-

wards progressive democracy. " In a follow up event, Jody McIntyre, journalist and political activist, spoke on Sunday March 13 about his experiences living in Palestine for nine months, in a talk which attracted between 60 and 70 people.

Full video coverage of the event can be found at: http://www.zcommunications.org/chomsky-on-thecurrent-crises-in-the-middle-eastby-noam-chomsky

S.H.A.g. - Facts and figures:

70%

had heard of S.H.A.g. and the service it provides.

59%

knew the location of the nearest GUM clinic to the SU where full testing can be obtained.

used the service at 43% have some point. been for a full 40% have sexual health test. to having had an 10% admitted STI at some point. condoms are 100% 6% believe effective at preventing the transmission of STI's.

Photos: The S.H.A.g. team offer free condoms and cakes

News05

Monday March 21 2011 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com

UCU strikes affect students Miranda Atty News Editor University and College Union (UCU) lecturer strike action, which took place on Friday March 18 2011, affected students across Cardiff University.

Lecturers involved in the strike action cancelled both lectures and seminars.

The strikes were held at 9.30am outside the University’s Main Building. The strikes occurred as a result of pay and pension disputes between lecturers and their university employers.

One student told gair rhydd that one lecture and two seminars were cancelled as a result of the strikes.

She said: “I think it is inappropriate at a time when students are rushing to finish assignments, and indicates a lack of support from staff who have closed their office hours at such a crucial time.”

A spokesperson for the University responded to the UCU action: “Cardiff University respects the right to strike and is following the relevant legislation protecting industrial action. However, the University’s priority is the education of its students and to keep teaching and learning running as normally as possible.

“All members of the UCU at Cardiff University were legally permitted to take part in Friday’s action.

Those taking part in the strike will have a pay deduction based on one day’s salary.

“As the law allows, pickets were entitled to assemble near places of work. The pickets can ask to explain their case to people entering or leaving the building. However, they are not allowed to stop people or to prevent them from crossing picket lines.

“The law covers only members of the striking union who form peaceful pickets or who choose not to cross the picket line. Staff members who are not members of the UCU and who do not cross picket lines would therefore be in breach of their contract of employment with the University.

“The law entitles the University not to pay staff for working hours not completed.

“As the University has previously stated, it believes the Union is wrong to take action which disrupts students and other colleagues.

“The particular issue behind this strike is the proposed changes to the national USS pension scheme for higher education staff. Following two years of discussions with UCU, a package of changes was pro-

Student lives like a gorilla in aid of charity Hugh Rodger Reporter A student from the Cardiff School of Biosciences is due to spend 24 hours living like a gorilla at Paignton Zoo in Devon to raise money for ape conservation.

Lewis Rowden, who is studying Zoology at Cardiff and currently on his 10 month placement as part of his course’s Professional Training Year, will camp-out on the Zoo’s gorilla island to raise money for the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Ape Campaign.

The 24 hours that Lewis will spend in the gorilla’s enclosure requires him to live on the animal’s strict diet of fruit and vegetables including spinach, turnip, cabbage, beetroot, pineapple and passion fruit.

The third year student who dislikes most fruit and veg said: "I was reading about the ape campaign and wondered what I could do to do raise a bit of money.

"I thought about becoming a human zoo exhibit for a day – after all, humans are apes too.’

At the zoo, Lewis is working on

nutrition projects including an investigation into the effect of nutrition on the growth and development of tadpoles.

“

There's not much in the gorillas' diet that I like, so this will certainly be a challenge.

By living on the diet of a gorilla it will give him an insight into the nutrition of our closest animal relatives.

Lewis adds "I am a bit of a fussy eater – in terms of fruit, I pretty much only eat Granny Smith apples.

"There’s not much in the gorillas’ diet that I like, so this will certainly be a challenge for me!’

Lewis’ fundraising will take place on Friday May 13.

You can sponsor him on http:// www.justgiving.com/LewisJ-Rowden.

posed last year by the USS national board and all UK members were consulted.

“Following the consultation, the USS Joint Negotiating Committee put forward an amended package, which the UCU has not accepted.

The Union is entitled to its view, but this is a national issue. It is unfair that Cardiff University and its students should suffer strike action over a decision they played no part in.”

The Academic and University Affairs Officer, Sarah Ingram, also commented on the strikes: "The strikes on March 18 and 24 are as a result of pension disputes, which is irrelevant to the current student issues regarding fees and cuts in higher education.

“Therefore, although I sympathise with any group of people who feel that they're not being heard, I do not think it is in the students' interests for the strike to go ahead. There will be disruption to lectures and seminars at a time when, in some Schools, there are very tight deadlines for course work.”

She continued: “I feel sorry for those students who will come in expecting lectures (some travelling long distances), only to find no lecturer there because they haven't

notified their Schools in advance because they wanted to cause the most disruption."

Edmund Schluessel, member of the UCU and present at a rally held in conjunction with the strike action told gair rhydd: “The mood is great, and this is just the first round of a nationwide battle. The release of the Hutton Report was the start of a massive ideological attack. The

UCU is the first union taking the lead to save jobs” Sally Hunt, General Secretary of the UCU told the rally: “There is not an issue more important to our members than pensions. We have to win this fight and the only way is if we stand together.”

Further strike action is planned for Thursday March 24 2011.

Photo: The UCU rally Photographer: Chris Griffiths

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06News University offers Japanese students it's support

Monday March 21 2011 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com

Following Japan's earthquake and Tsunami disaster Cardiff University contacts it's international students Hannah Pendleton News Editor Cardiff University have provided Japanese students with the necessary support and counselling services, after the devastating effects of Japan's earthquake and tsunami.

A University spokesperson has stated: "The Cardiff Japanese Studies Centre has made contact with all Cardiff students currently studying in Japan and the University is ready to help with repatriation if the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises that UK nationals should leave Japan, or if students

are distressed and want to leave now.

"The University has written personally to all Japanese students studying at the University to remind them of the support services available.

"The staff at the University Student Support Centres are available to help students if required, and are monitoring advice from the FCO. The University Chaplains have been briefed as to the University response and are also available."

Daisuke Shimada, a Business School exchange student from Japan offered his experiences of the disaster: "My family, living near Tokyo, felt the building shaking. They are all safe but my father was forced

to walk from work in Tokyo to my house in Chiba (next prefecture) because transportation did not work at the time. Now they have to cooperate on planned power cuts to save electricity around Tokyo.

“

My family living near Tokyo felt the building shaking.

"On the other hand, one of my closest friends is still missing. He went to Iwate prefecture (near the epicenter) on business. He posted a message on SNS just after the earthquake happened, but after that we

cannot contact him. According to the media, there are still many sufferers who can’t contact their family; so I believe he’s alive.

"After learning my friend was missing, I felt a little bit sick. I’ve never thought my friend was involved in this unprecedented disaster. These days, I’ve been just sticking to my PC for information while praying for Japan. However, now I feel I should appreciate my life and situation again, and lead a full life for the victims.

"I definitely believe Japan will recover, as is shown in the Japanese history such as the postwar situation, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, many big earthquakes and other natural disasters. Now Japanese

people are encouraged to go ahead thanks to support and messages from many countries around the world. We really appreciate them.

Japanese people will not forget their kindness.

"Soon, the Japanese society is planning a street collection for the victims. We’d appreciate it if you could keep helping and praying for Japan."

International students can contact the Student Support Centre on 02920 874844 or email studentsupportcentre@cardiff.ac.uk.

Members of staff affected can phone 02920 879572 or email staffcounselling@cardiff.ac.uk.

The British foreign Office helpine can be contacted on 02070 080000.

"Damning" proposals for international students MP's attack Government proposals that seek to tighten english standards and entry to the UK Hannah Pendleton News Editor Government proposals to reduce the volume of international students arriving in the UK have come under fire by MP's.

Applying to non-EU prospective students wanting visa' s under Tier four of the points system, the proposals included plans to raise the level of the standards of English required to obtain a visa, among plans to decrease migration from 220,000 a year, to just tens of thousands by the year 2015.

The Home Affairs select committee criticised these proposals fornarrow UK entry, that they believe will only damage the sector which is worth £40 billion each year.

“

Detrimental to a thriving, successful industry

The MP's argued that this amount is also prominently contributing towards the UK economy, with overseas students bringing £5 billion a year. They wrote: "The Government

has stated it does not wish to target legitimate students but, at the same time, we would caution against measures which could be detrimental to a thriving, successful industry".

Whilst attacking the plans to raise English standard requirements, the data used to produce the proposals was also targeted.

Keith Vaz, the chairmen of the committee stated: "Generating policy based on flawed evidence could cripple the UK education sector. In the case of international students this could mean a significant revenue and reputational loss to the UK".

Damien Green, the Immigration Minister acknowledged that international students do bring many benefits to the economy, however, "the old student visa regime neither controlled immigration nor protected legitimate students from being exploited by poor quality colleges".

"We want to refocus the student visa system as a temporary route and one that is not open to abuse".

Chair of the Million+ group, Les Ebdon described the report as "damning.

"MP's have accepted the overwhelming evidence put to them

which demonstrated these proposals would damage a global market for the UK which they estimate to be worth £40 billion to the economy.

“

Significant revenue and reputational loss to the UK

"In light of this report, it would be completely bizarre if Home Office ministers proceeded with their ill-concieved and damaging plans".

Cardiff celebrates Commonwealth Day Samantha Mueller Reporter

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In honour of Commonwealth Day on March 14, Cardiff will be host to visitors from 54 countries, and will be organising a number of events throughout the week.

The events start with a Commonwealth Local Government Research Colloquiam on March 13-15.

This will be Chaired by the School of City and Regional Planning as well as the Cardiff Business School, with twenty scholars from across the Commonwealth presenting papers exploring different ways to sustain and improve the economy.

The three main themes to be discussed this year are Sustainable Governance and Local Democracy, Sustainable Economic Development, and Environmental Sustainability.

Experts attending include Cardiff ’s Steve Martin, Professor of Public Policy and Management and Director of the Centre for Local &

Regional Government Research, Alison Brown, a reader in the School of City and Regional Planning, and Dr. Andrew Flynn, from the same school.

The results of the colloquiam will be discussed at the Commonwealth Local Government Conference, The theme this year is Energising Local Economies; Partnerships for Prosperous Communities.

This event will take place in City Hall on the March 15-18.

Around 400 Ministers, senior politicians, local government leaders and business leaders from around the world will be attending.

Professor Martin stated that “local government in many countries has a growing responsibility to support and promote local economic development. "[The colloquium] really will bring together some of the best minds to discuss the conference theme, exchange information, and develop ideas on key directions for local government research across the Commonwealth.”

World News

07

Pet problems Noodles Sex toy scare Pippa Lewis News Editor Police have confiscated two pet lions from a Romanian man who kept them in his garden.

Investigating complaints about a man's noisy pets, police found the two lions waiting.

Owner Lorian Galcescu, 45, said: "I don't know what the problem isthey weren't hurting anyone.

"They were getting a bit much to handle to be running around so I locked them up."

Galcescu bought the two Senegalese lions as cubs from a fair that

had gone bust- and when they got bigger he built a cage for them.

The animals were seized in Mehedinti after police discovered that the man did nor have permission to have the lions in his back garden.

The lions were taken to the Targu Mures zoo and will be kept there while officials decided what to do with them.

Miranda Atty News Editor

A group of Chinese cooks have entered the Guinness World Record book for creating the longest handmade noodle. The noodle, which stretches to 1,704 metres, was made using 15 kilograms of flour and 2.5 kilograms of oil.

The noodle took 25 minutes to make, at a square in the county of Dali Bai, which is in Southwest China’s Yunnan province. A chef, Su, supervised the creation of the noodle, alongside thousands of participants who worked together in creating the noodle.

Right royal error Scuba Jo Greet Reporter Mugs commemorating the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William have been produced, but with one slight problem: they feature Prince Harry as Middleton’s fiancé.

The mugs, which were produced

by Quandong Enterprises in Australia, feature photographs of Middleton and Prince Harry beneath the caption “HRH Prince William and his stunning lady bride to be, Miss Kate Middleton.”

It is not currently clear about whether the mugs are being sold

as a joke, as the manufacturer has been unavailable for comment.

However, there are a great number of mugs being purchased as souvenirs.

Other strange items include royal wedding sick bags, and condoms called Crown Jewels which are sold in a commemorative box picturing Prince William and Middleton.

success Miranda Atty News Editor

Sixteen scuba divers are claiming a new world record after playing a card game underwater for a total of 36 hours.

The game was played at the bottom of a pool in Geiselhoering, Germany.

The divers played a local German game called ‘sheepshead’.

The group, who played in shifts so that they could change oxygen tanks, have recorded the game playing in order to contact Guinness World Record officials.

Asha Verma Reporter The Anti-terrorist squad experts were called to investigate a suspicious parcel that arrived at a Petrozavodsk post office in Northwest Russia.

The parcel caused a scare amongst the workers as a strange, ticking sound could be heard coming from within the package.

According to an onlooker: "the post building was ringed by the security forces and people were evacuated".

The parcel was opened by the

experienced bomb squad, who revealed that it was, in fact, a vibrator.

One policeman said of the sex toy: “It turned on accidentally and started vibrating.”

Portland panic Bethan Cable Reporter Hundreds of people in Portland, Oregon called 911 on Tuesday – because of a thunderclap.

Others called local radio stations, apparently believing the extra-loud crash of thunder to be some kind of explosion or even an earthquake.

The area had experienced a thunderstorm earlier in the day, but had apparently been over for several hours when the crash was heard.

As a result of the calls – a spokesman for the emergency services estimated that they had heard from nearly a thousand people - Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue crews re-

sponded to several reports but were unable to find any damage.

One woman called to say that her home had been hit by lightning, but fire crews found no evidence of this.

"We just saw an incredibly bright flash followed shortly by an unbelievably loud boom at around 10pm," claimed one witness.

Opinion

09

Student politics: a personality contest Yas Langley Opinion Writer For those of you who thought you had escaped election campaigns for another four years, it’s time to get ready- student elections have arrived.

For anyone who isn’t familiar with this process (freshers most likely), this is the only time of year where you will be encouraged to accept sweets from strangers dressed as super-heroes, where lecturers will stand by while they’re invaded by students and where the union is fully clad in all sorts of posters and slogans. All sounds incredibly thrilling, right? Well…

I’m not by all means trying to put a downer on the whole affair; from

what I remember, last year was really just a blur of fancy dress and freebies, and even the odd justified lecture sack-off to help a friend campaign. So yes, for those not taking part, it really is quite thrilling; for those campaigning however, there’s much more to it.

Although official campaigning can’t start until a certain date, there’s weeks of preparation for the candidates beforehand- there’s the manifestos to do, speeches to write, there’s the campaign to design as well as recruiting everyone in sight to help you gain those crucial votes.

But when it comes down to it, a lot of these efforts are wasted and by the end of the week the novelty wears off and the so well-thought out and prepared speeches all merge

into one. And as for the manifestos, the heart of all elections, the thing that separates the good from the bad to the ugly, well they get chucked in the bin unread, there to rot with the empty kebab wrappers and Roughill flyers.

Apart from the self-confessed dorks (me) who take the time to read the manifestos and make informed decisions, voting all comes down to who you know not what you know, or even what you promise. It is essentially one big glorified popularity contest- on steroids.

For those people who don’t even know anyone running, they are still more likely to vote for someone who had the most original campaign slogan or a name that stood out. It doesn’t matter how brilliant your ideas are, if you’ve been born

with a mundane name you’re pretty much screwed.

Yet no matter how unfair or wrong this is, the reality of the matter is this is exactly how things are in the real world. Last year I wrote an article for gair rhydd about the general elections, and how people were getting bogged down with voting for the bloke they liked best rather than the policies they stood for.

And this is not much different.

While the frontmen for the country’s leading parties were scrutinised for their choice of tie colour, our candidates will be just as much judged on their costume creativity.

These elections will therefore prepare them well for the prejudiced real world- whether they become politicians, publicists or something

completely different- life ain’t fair.

And it’s not just them; the results of these elections will no doubt evoke disappointment for some voters when the candidate with the best ideas loses out to the candidate with the best slogan. But again it's good preparation- I had to see my party lose to the Shiny Botox Twins because our frontman looks like a giant scrotum.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t actually matter the reasons behind the votes as this year’s Student Union has done a fantastic job, as I’m sure next year’s will too.

And whether you’re running, helping someone who’s running or just in it for the free food, let’s hope this year brings as much originality, chaos and banter as the last.

Photos: Cardiff students campaigning in 2010

Men should have equal rights too Philip Kenny Opinion Writer If you haven’t already heard yet, at the beginning of this month the court of justice of the European union voted to prevent insurers to use gender as a measure when deciding prices. The most reported effect of this being that from December 2012 insurers can no longer charge men and women different prices for car insurance. So can I be the first to say it's about time.

Having studied psychology from my undergradutate degree, differences between males and females took up a big chunk of my lectures, and believe it or not they do exist.

Men and women are different. We really are, I know it sounds like a crazy notion today but its true. Emphasising, systemising, aggression, intelligence: for the last 40 years

there have been countless studies on sex and genders differences, some being minute and others, such as aggression, being huge. However does this mean we should be treated differently because of this? Well that’s a whole different kettle of fish. In the society we live in, people have campaigned and protested for decades so that men and women are treated as equals; I agree this is for the best.

I have to admit, when I first turned 17, I couldn’t care less about learning to drive. Sure it was something I wanted to do, but as my college was only a short bus journey away, and said bus contained more pretty girls than my non-existent car, it wasn’t exactly top of my agenda. I had always known that men paid more for their insurance, but at 18 I did not expect to pay over £1000 more! For the longest time I

had been told about equal rights, that men and women can do the same job just as well and get paid the same for doing the same job and I agree with all of this. However when the time came for me to get car insurance all of these equal rights seemed to go out of the window. Based upon nothing but my age and my gender the world had turned against me, telling me that I was a terrible driver and therefore should pay almost double of that which my female friends regardless of our actual driving ability.

I was amazed at the media flurry that followed Andy Gray and Richard Keys in January regarding their comments on the female linesman. Of course what they said was wrong and you cant make judgments about someone’s ability based on gender, especially on live TV, but has anyone heard of a

little show called Loose Women? If anything it seems like these women are paid to make these sorts of comments on air every day, so where’s the media storm here? See I’m a 90s child: I grew up in the ‘girl power’ decade, I’ve yet to start a career so I haven’t experienced sexism in the work place, the only sexism I have come into direct contact with was driving insurance and fathers for justice and for me its about time that at least one of these were dealt with. Equal rights doesn’t just mean getting all the benefits that males get, but also all the disadvantages that come with it; yet I never hear the stories of women marching through the streets so that they can pay just as much for their insurance as men, or so that they can have the same parental rights.

It seems somewhere along the line equal rights forgot about these.

In the age category 20-29 years, the fatality rate for males on the road was 535% greater than that of females

Men have double the number of crashes (per 1,000 drivers) than women

If you want to write a piece for You Reply about any Opinion articles you have read, or have any other opinions, email opinion@gairrhydd.com.

Opinion10

Monday March 21 2011 • gair rhydd • opinion@gairrhydd.com

Hold the batmobile, Mr Cameron!

Kabir Taneja Opinion Writer

The recent unrest in Libya and Colonel Gaddafi’s callus and merciless oppression of the revolutionary movement has been both shocking and gruesome.

When the elusive Gaddafi gave his first interview to the BBC in the midst of the crises a week or so ago, you could see a delusional dictator who was willing to forget every civilian death to hold on to his throne which he has held since 1979.

David Cameron was one of the first leaders to condemn the violence in Libya, and rightly so.

“

This is not the time for Mr Cameron to try to flex ‘super power’ muscle

But he was also the first leader to rather excitably and prematurely suggest the installation of a no-fly zone over Libya to stop Gaddafi from using air-power against the protesters.

Just a few months prior to this the British government had announced massive cuts to its armed forces, which included the decommissioning of the only serving aircraft carrier.

Many other sectors in defence suffered cuts, severely hampering Britain’s ability to protect its own boundaries, let alone successfully deploying in a new conflict on foreign soil.

Bearing the load of the biggest fiscal deficit in the developed world on its back ,thanks to its adventures in Iraq and Afghanistan and also bearing the load of an economy which is failing to pick up, the government already has its hands tied with much more important domestic issues, rather than taking unvi-

Mark Jones Opinion Writer

able and dangerous interests in international ones.

This is not the time for Mr Cameron to wear his cape and try to flex the international ‘super power’ muscle that he thinks Britain can still afford.

To garner support, calls for the European Union to step in as a collective entity also seems to have backfired for the Prime Minister, or at least created divisions between the members and governing institutions, hopefully reminding him that the EU is not a military based commitment like the NATO. The justification for a no-fly zone until today, was the increasing humanitarian crisis.

But after days of using the mask of humanitarian aid to push his agenda through, Cameron has finally come out and said that the main reason for using military force is the final ouster of Gaddafi, who according to him is a direct threat to Britain and its allies.

Yes, Libya needs a resolution, but Britain needs to learn from its past misjudgements.

The whole concept of the UN has started to act more like a clean-up crew than anything else.

The UN should intervene for once and ask countries such as the now-stable Egypt, or Turkey, which are powerful players in the region to intervene instead of one of the Western powers, who already suffer from very poor public support with a recent poll showing 90 per cent of people in Egypt consider the US and its allies as “trouble”.

It will be catastrophic if Britain gets involved in Libya directly. The economy is not ready to bear the cost of another military campaign, but more than anything, the military itself is significantly underpowered to undertake a long-term campaign.

It may be fair to say, It’s not an option for Britain to entertain at the moment.

Elizabeth Crandon’s article in last week’s gair rhydd seems to insightfully sum up her opinion on product placement in a way which I think most viewers will agree.

While she believes, like myself, that we’re probably better without product placement, at the end of the day, most of us aren’t gullible enough to copy anything we see on television.

However, I think we need to look at why the broadcasters think that product placement seems to be a necessity.

Free-to-air commercial television is reliant on advertising. From the merger of Carlton and Granada in 2004 creating “ITV1” in England and Wales, the media regulator Ofcom, viewed newly-created ITV plc as holding a monopoly on TV advertising and set up the contracts rights renewal (CRR) system, effectively linking ITV1’s revenue directly with its viewing figures at regulated rates.

But five years later following a huge slump in ratings and profit, ITV was begging at Ofcom’s feet to relieve it of CRR. While Ofcom gave the go ahead to cut regional news and children’s programming, they remained firm on ITV’s monopoly position and retaining CRR. It was only at this point that ITV called for product placement.

I can see why the broadcasters think they need PP. It’s a quick-fix solution that’s bound to fill the hole that conventional advertising revenue left, estimated to bring over £50 million to ITV this year alone.

But ultimately, the point to me is that it ruins the integrity of quality television and television advertising as a whole.

Bob Diamonds' billions... during a recession

Hugh Rodger Opinion Writer

Chief executive of Barclays, Bob Diamond, recently called for the period of remorse for bankers to end.

Since the banking crisis of two years ago, lavish bonuses in spite of a recession have led to everyone and their mothers bandying together in an angry mob, calling for the heads of every banker this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

With spending cuts to public services on the horizon, Barclays announced a £6.5 million bonus for Mr Diamond, consisting of £1.8m in shares and a deferred award of £4.7m in shares and contingent capital, making him the top earning UK bank chief executive. Previously, banks were falling over themselves

to show how little their top earners were taking, with Mr Diamond declining bonus payments two years in a row in response to mounting public anger over bankers’ pay.

Barclays was one of the banks that did not need to be bailed out by the Government during the banking collapse. Meanwhile, the Royal Bank of Scotland, which was bailed out by the taxpayer, revealed that 100 bankers at the company would share a bonus pot of £950m despite losses of £1.1bn.

Are there any other industries or sectors where awards are given for losing money? The previous Labour government attempted a ‘bonus tax’ to curb excessive pay, however ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling admitted last September that the tax was

likely to be a “one-off ” because it was unlikely to change the behaviour of the banking sector.

Tackling excessive pay has always been difficult. In 2009 directors of RBS threatened to resign if the Government stopped them from paying bonuses of £15.bn to staff in its investment arm, effectively holding the government ransom.

Bob Diamond cannot expect the public to sympathise with the bankers while they continue such appalling, immoral behaviour.

An editorial in the Guardian last January wrote: “the people will lack the full facts, but will nonetheless know enough to feel fury,” especially once the cuts start to settle in, where jobs will be lost and services will be cut back. Mervyn King, governor of the Bank of England said:

“The price of the financial crisis is being borne by people who did absolutely nothing to cause it.” Campaigners have called for a ‘Robin Hood’ tax, where a small tax of 0.05% is put on every casino-style financial transaction, so those who caused the recession will deservingly take most of the financial burden.

Barclays stated that they showed restraint on pay for their top executives in response to anger over Mr Diamond’s pay. Back in January, Mr Diamond told the Treasury committee: “We are sensitive, we are listening,” yet these latest figures show anything but restraint.

If you had invested £100 in Barclays’ shares in 2005, you would have lost £47 by the end of last year, as opposed to making a £26 from in-

vesting the same amount into the FTSE 100 index. It simply beggars belief that investors see a 50% reduction in their investment, while those in charge of that failure are awarded millions.

Mr Diamond’s contempt for the public, particularly in such difficult times, by thinking a few nasty comments is satisfactory payment for the economic crisis shows that he hasn’t learned a thing.

Perhaps he would like to pay a visit to the homes of people hit hardest by the economic crisis. It will take more than declining a couple of modest millions in bonuses to win public favour.

The government says we are in this together, yet this appalling behaviour by the banking sector, casts serious doubt on such a statement.

Columnist

11

'

by

Henry Burton

Easter, Lent and the afterlife

I

t’s that time for Lent again, the symbolic celebration of when Jesus gave up chocolate for 40 days before bingeing on creme eggs, and it’s a welcome chance for positive reflection. But as we also count down towards Easter, the remembrance of Jesus’ death and subsequent ressurection, I often find myself dwelling on thoughts about death and mortality.

For example, what does it mean to die? Is death even possible to define?

Admittedly, there’s a difference in the number of people who turn up for your birthday parties, especially if you do the invites yourself. But even so, most religions tell that death is not the end but merely a beginning, something which is definitely true as Terry Wogan died years ago but still manages to squeeze a decent gig out of the BBC. Is the soul unageing? Or does it merely moisturise well? Questions like this rage through my mind, but I do not have the answers, and I am left with an empty void of despair; much like the feeling of having to spend a weekend in Peterborough. Indeed, is there any point to life? In the grand scheme of the world, we are insignificant and doomed to nothingness, which is a depressing thought, and one that I’d hoped would have inspired a bit more panic among single women.

Personally, the bit I’m not looking forward to is Judgement Day, because

it sounds like a lot of queuing. Also the ‘eternal’ bit is a tad worrying as it’s quite easy to misjudge people; I’m often accused of being harsh and uncaring, something which is clearly untrue as I’m a big supporter of the paralympics - it’s my favourite com-

“

More smack for me please, vicar

edy on TV. I’m afraid that God’ll go, “right, I’ve seen your impression of Stephen Hawkins. It’s hilarious but I’m having none of it,” and that’ll be the end - I won’t have a leg to stand on (which is ironic). And what will hell be like anyway? Maybe it’s like Room

Letters To The Editor In which our readers ask Henry a series of common questions.

Dear Henry, Me and my brother always try and upstage each other on April Fool’s Day. I’m desperate to top his efforts this year, do you have any tips?

You might like to try replacing his multivitamins with viagra, or sending his descrpiton into a Crimewatch appeal about perverts. But whatever you do, please make sure to be careful, as these kind of pranks can easily get out of hand; slipping plastic lemons into my uncle’s fruitbowl lead to his tragic death in a noosewanking accident, while my friend Toby was heartbroken to discover that his parents weren’t actually his real parents at all, and had only

pretended to be as a joke - an 18-year payoff which might have been funny had he not needed a kidney. By all means upstage your brother, but just remember that good pranks should always be harmless; a lesson I wish I'd learnt after slipping suicidal messages into my neighbour’s self-help tapes.

ing onto her leg and weeping incessantly, while attempting to sabotage her boyfriend’s position by forging test results from the GUM clinic, and ordering copies of Wife-Beating Bimonthly to their house under his name. No-one really comes out a winner, but it is undeniably satisfying.

My ex-girlfriend’s told me that she’s moving in with her new boyfriend. She’s clearly happy, but I still have strong feelings for her - how should I react?

I hear that you’ve nicked the bulk of this week’s material from something you wrote three years ago. Are you starting to feel that you’ve entirely run out of things to write about?

In situations like this, the mature thing to do is respect her choice and try to move on with your life, but I can’t pretend this is easy. Much easier is the immature thing - cling-

No way. I’ve got some great material lined up about oars, and a variety of hilarious observations about varnishing, so... you know, next week should be fine.

101 and I’ll be forced to confront my biggest fears, such as spiders, or Ainsley Harriott’s face. Or maybe the two will somehow be combined and I’ll find myself facing a tarantula with extremely large gums.

Of course, I’m probably thinking about it too much, but we should have realistic expectations about death.

When I was younger, I used to believe that dying was a punishment for all the suffering that we imposed on others, but as I grew up Jim Davidson remained alive. My viewpoints therefore changed and I began to understand that death is just a drawn-out and cheerless process that eventually affects everyone, much like cramp, or having to resolve anything with Phones 4 U. This is why I think it’s silly when people complain about death being unfair, because life’s unfair; racism still rages in this country and looks set to get worse - at least until launderettes agree to stop segrerating whites - and there exists a huge inequality in the sexes even today, seeing as women can get served at clubs by simply showing their cleavage, yet the last time I flopped one of my balls onto the bar I got thrown out.

All in all, I guess my point is this – treasure life while it lasts. That, and if a man in a trenchoat gives you a Werther’s Original and offers you a lift, make sure his face isn’t in the papers. I haven’t mentioned this much yet but it is good advice.

!!!

ORNER C N U F ' S U S E J "blessed are the meek"

1.

Across 1. My father.

1.

Down 1. Plural of 1 across, others false.

This week's prize is a CD copy of 'NOW That's what I call Holy 48', send your solutions via prayer and they shall be answered.

Brainteaser of the week: Who should cast the first stone?

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13

Politics

The city of London is no longer your Oyster

Olly Smith takes a look at Boris Johnson's optimistic scheme for his capital

one not from London!).

Critics, however, have been quick to point out some substantial flaws in the scheme. From the less than green redistribution of cycles from the various docking stations as they fill up, to the spiraling costs incurred once the magic 30 minutes have passed without docking the bike.

They look at the stats of the

“

When the tube strikes hit last year, Boris Bikes were a surprise saviour

scheme and criticise the young, well-off, white, male demographics as having a ‘posh-boy’ bias (using Boris’ sound-bite against him). And maybe the spike in cycling is actually part of an over-arching trend of increased cycle usage since 2001.

Using vans to redistribute bikes in what is marketed as a ‘green’ scheme is unforgivable, and Transport for London have claimed they are increasing the number of green vehicles in use. The substantial costs after 30 minutes are obviously there to bring profit to the scheme, however, nearly 95% of journeys taken by Boris Bikes have been under 30 minutes and therefore free, suggesting that most people are wise to the efficient use of the bikes. As for the demographics, it is true that currently the scheme is used by more affluent young individuals, but these are the typical early-adopters who are keen to try out unproven initiatives.

“

A

23kg strengthened aluminum alloy frame… a threespeed hub gear, handlebar operated…dynamo lights, good for up to two minutes with no power… extra-durable nitrogenfilled tires, puncture-resistant… and a bell. Certainly better than my Christmas presents.

If you haven’t been to London in the past six months you probably won’t have a clue what a ‘Boris Bike’ is. You may have heard about them on the news; some crackpot

This is the dawn of a new "cycle revolution" in London, in a return to 1906

If the scheme takes off, then the view outside King's Cross could become a common sight in London scheme by that bumbling idiot of a mayor we have? Well let me tell you, scenes of energetic Londoners are becoming ever more common along the Southbank, as tourists and commuters alike are flocking to the bikes in a way reminiscent of Paris’s Velib bicycle scheme or Barcelona’s "El Bicing" scheme.

Boris Johnson claims this is the dawn of a “cycle revolution” in London, a return to 1906 when 20% of journeys were by bicycle. Indeed the stats support his claims, over two million journeys in just six months and over 100,000 registered

users, impressive growth to say the least. Growth set to continue as word of the bikes travels fast, already online communities and support sites are growing around the scheme, borisbikes.co.uk even has a Boris Bike challenge (the furthest trip for free).

But why the buzz? Why the enthusiasm? Well transport in London has been notoriously difficult, the tubes are full, taxis are a rip-off, the trains are late and the buses are a confusing mess for those not versed in their mysterious routes and ways. Since 2003 driving has

become an added hastle with the introduction of Ken’s Congestion Charge and, lets face it, there’s absolutely no where to park anyway!

So what these bikes offer to London's residents and visitors is obvious: freedom.

The freedom is to pick up a bike for only a quid a day, use it for up to 30 minutes for free, and then ditch it. The Boris Bikes have a simplicity that is just not found in London’s other transport initiatives, and for that they have found a niche (just try explaining how an Oyster Card and the travel zones work to some-

But for all their flaws, Boris Bikes have a simplistic charm which is capturing the minds of the capitals commuters. When the tube strikes hit late last year, Boris Bikes offered a surprise saviour for an innovative few. I hope that when the 2012 Olympics put our Capitals transport system through its paces, the extra 2,000 bikes and 4,200 docking stations allow the Boris Bikes to shine once again. And until then it will be intersting to see if this will become the legacy Boris Johnson will leave the capital.

14Politics

Monday March 21 2011 • gair rhydd • politics@gairrhydd.com • Follow @GairRhyddPol

Where does the Middle East go from here?

Now that Facebook has been credited with being the main catalyst behind Egypt's recent revolution, Sultan H. Ghaznawi examines the role social networks have had the revolutions

Wael Ghonim, the Head of Marketing for Google Middle East and North Africa, speaks at a rally in Tahrir Square in January after becoming a public icon

W

ael Ghonim, the Head of Marketing for Google Middle East and North Africa, is the man widely credited for fuelling the anti-government demonstrations in Egypt. It was on Jan 25 2011 in Central Cairo, Tahrir Square. His message reached the people by posting it on his Facebook page. Using his expertise in social networking, over 300,000 Egyptians gathered to protest on the first day against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak; by the second day they reached one million protestors. Two days later, unidentified men captured Mr. Wael while he was protesting with his fellow citizens at Tahrir Square in Cairo. Ten days later he was freed.

The following day, February 9 2011, he was interviewed by Dream TV, a popular Arabic TV channel, during which he emphasized the power of the people and said that the real heroes are those who are in Tahrir Square. Wael Ghonim is now for many a true inspiration. Moreover, Susan Rice, the American Ambassador to the United Nations, gave

a speech on February 10 at Twitter’s Headquarter in San Francisco, emphasizing the rapidly growing influence of Social Networking over communities and from recent events over countries. She stated: “The power of this technology, the power of social networking to channel and champion public sentiment in Egypt, has been more evident in the past few weeks than ever before.”

“

There are plans to monitor online social networks such as Facebook

In the case of Egypt, a large number of Egyptians argued that the revolution was in favour of the country’s future. However, an important question rises after this incident: what if this powerful tool is used for an evil purpose?

In March 2009, The Guardian interviewed a spokesman from the Home Office about the rising in-

fluence of social networking. The spokesman said that there are plans to monitor online social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Skype. The proposal was an update of existing plans to store information about every phone call, email, and Internet visit made by anyone in the UK on a central base. The spokesman said: “ We have no way of knowing whether Osama Bin Laden is chatting to Abu Hamza on Facebook. Or terrorists could be having a four-way chat on Skype.” Consequently, according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the American government established the 'Social Networking Monitoring Centre' as part of Home Land Security. Their job was to collect and analyse online public communications during President Obama’s inauguration.

However, critics have been arguing that this type of surveillance can be considered as a breach of privacy.

As Michael Parker, the spokesman for campaign group NO2ID, said: “The government was enforcing data sharing and the pillaging of private information.” It might be important for governments to monitor for security aspects, but is that

the only thing governments can use online social networks for?

A recent study by the Human Capital Institute examined the use

“

Is it possible for social networking to be put to evil purposes? How can we stop this?

of social networking and collaboration tools by government organizations. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of conducting government surveys online. Currently, 66% of government agencies are conducting their surveys through online questionnaires, whereas 31% embraced the process and argued that in respect to feedback, it is much more efficient than the old method. In addition, two Saudi ministers created Facebook accounts to communicate with the public. Mr. Adel Fakieh

(Minister of Labour) and Mr. Abdulaziz Khoja (Minister of Information) use their Facebook access to post a monthly report of the latest activities of the ministries and try to reply to all posts from the public. Up until now their active pages have been in constant use and appear to be a success. It is vital for governments to recognize the rising influence of social networking and the need to come up with new innovative strategies to cope up with rapid growth of communication technology.

The protests that have inexorably spread to the rest of the region, have been largely attributed to the convenience of social media.

Through sites such as Twitter and Facebook, the ability to organise mass protests has increased dramatically. But the question I posed earlier is still a very real worry to governments that have not been destabilised by the social networking revolution: is it possible for such things to be put to evil use and, if so, how will it be possible to counter them before it is too late?

Politics15

Monday March 21 2011 • gair rhydd • politics@gairrhydd.com • Follow @GairRhyddPol

Is this the start of a religious war?

A. Ishaq writes a heart-felt plea to the readers of gair rhydd and beyond about the alarming stigma that the Pakistani community, home and abroad, have had to endure in recent years

I

(Left) Shabaz Bhatti, the minister assassinated at the start of March and (Right) First official, Salman Taseer, assassinated for his tolerant stance

write this, following the shocking assassination of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s Miniorities Minister, Shahbaz Bhatti. The minister was a devout Christian and, incidentally, the only Christian in the Pakistani Cabinet. He was assassinated by shalwar kameezclad men driving a Suzuki Mehran.

Having riddled him with bullets the men sped off, leaving behind pamphlets as a supposed justification of their action.

“

The laws focus on the use of the Penal Code to prosecutre those who blaspheme

This death is the second one of an official to have been caused in conjunction with one of the more controversial aspects of the Pakistani Law: the Blasphemy Laws. The laws focus on the use of the Penal Code to prosecute those who blaspheme against Islam, often resulting in a fine or the death of the convicted.

The first official assassinated was the Governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer.

Before proceeding further, for the sake of the world, I would like to reinforce my opinion about this in no uncertain terms: what came to pass was completely unjustifiable, immoral, sacrilegious and outrageous. Also, had I been a Pakistani Politician who was brave, perhaps insensible, enough to voice these thoughts on national television, I would have been risking my life.

Perhaps I still am now. But that’s life.

The same maulvis/mullahs/ radicals/“religious scholars,” who lauded the killer of Salman Taseer, have now come out with completely different views on the case of Shahbaz Bhatti. They condemned it. Now that is a good thing. Unfortunately, it also epitomizes a model of hypocrisy, lies and deceit that underlies the fundamentalist view.

Both the men killed said the same thing about the same law. This time, since the Taliban claimed responsibility, the muftis of Pakistan did not persist in their deluded course of action.

The article I write here and now, is addressed to those outside of Pakistan, who have persisted in their own deluded course of action: Generalization. Having read scores of articles on the internet, having not been in Pakistan, I could not help but notice that the most notable parts of the articles were the

comments: “Pakistani People who are Radicals,” “State Sponsored terrorism,” “What sort of God do they worship?” “Time to wash our hands of Pakistan”.

“

The Pakistani public and the killer of Salman Taseer are NOT one

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you: Generalization.

The Pakistani public and the killer of Salman Taseer are NOT one. The Pakistani public and the killers of Shahbaz Bhatti are NOT one. The Pakistani public and the Taliban are NOT one. We worship one God and we still say that Islam is a religion of peace and harmony.

Most, if not all, believe that the Blasphemy Law is indeed Black Law, and that it has tremendous potential for abuse and is a supreme example of a law that is inherently “Bad” – much like The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

The only issue is that if I go “on the record”, on state television and radio and speak my mind and heart,

there will be no stopping the little white car out of which big brown men will step and pump me full of heavy lead.

But here, for the sake of the world, I, being a Pakistani, say to you, that what has happened was indeed wrong. As a confession, though, I would like to add that I don’t feel a whole lot safer now. I, and many more like me back home, sincerely condemn killings on the whole, rather than just killing based on the Blasphemy Law. And if it makes the world feel better, I also want to say that the Taliban has killed more of us in bomb blasts and attacks around the nation than Christians, ”blasphemers” or indeed any other identifiable class of victims. The Pakistani press lauded Shahbaz Bhatti as “The Bravest Man in Pakistan.”

As I type these words, people are still being laid to rest who passed away in a bomb blast at a Friday prayer in the city of Nowshera. Following the death of Shabhaz Bhatti, Pakistan weeps together. For the citizens of the country, we are united in our grief.

When the government says it has no plans to amend the law, it is not meant to emphasize passion for the law by its actions; it is simply caving in to pressure. The pressure, as it pains me to say, of death at the hands of extremists who have sub-

verted the image of our religion in the eyes of the world.

Those who know me know that I am no patriot. But I know what I know. I know that I do not come from a Terrorist State. I know that we are not all radicals and fundamentals. I know that the beard does not signify the bomb. I know that you are misinformed. I know and I assure you that there are many who think as I do. However, they hold their silence because they fear for their life.

“

Many, many young Muslims identify moral degeneration of the actions of these killers

Believe me when I say this: many, many young Muslims can identify the moral degeneration of the actions of these killers. If, by the end of this article, you still have not understood why they cannot afford to step up and speak against it, I have failed to put my point across. Still, that is a risk I always had to take to write this article.

Your Space.

Features

17

We want to hear your stories: anything goes. Just drop us a line on features@gairrhydd.com. This week Bianca London discusses the ups and downs of work experience.

Photo: Bianca's work experience at Now magazine was just like The Devil Wears Prada

A

s every student is made well aware on a daily basis of internships and work experience places are proving increasingly crucial to opening doors and opportunities in later life and with 50,000 more graduates than in 2007, competition is fiercer than ever.

With one in three entry-level jobs being taken by graduates who have already carried out work experience placements and internships at that particular company, it is clear

that it’s time to start climbing the arduous ladder.

I do, however, question whether companies offer these ludicrously sought after placements to ardent employees simply in return for slave labour with no further prospects or whether work experience provides an insight into the ‘wonderful world of work'.

Besides, many people maintain the view that the best intern and work experience opportunities in fields like politics, finance and the media are going disproportionately

to those who are already privileged and well connected.

As I am sure you have guessed from me writing this feature, I want to enter the viscously competitive world of journalism, and anyone in my position knows the work experience application drill. One must dedicate at least four hours to sending out generic and overly zealous covering letters to every newspaper and magazine under the sun.

It is also crucial to ensure that you have appropriately edited the name of the company in each mail

(an embarrassing error made by one of my friends when writing to Elle magazine explaining how she would ‘love to undertake work experience for Cosmo’; pretty awkward.)

Then, one must await their fate.

Subsequently, an incoming email immediately lights up but after four years in ‘the work experience game’ I am never naïve enough to get my hopes up.

This is outcome number one, one which I have come to refer to as ‘why did you even bother?’ and usually comes from a prestigious magazine like Vogue, informing you that your meticulous effort of an email has bounced because the recipient’s inbox is full.

That is, ‘full’ of thousands of pitiful, neglected emails just like yours for spaces that have already been filled by journalist’s brother’s girlfriend’s 17-year-old sisters who have no clue what they want to do in life, but are quite fond of the idea of sitting at a desk and gossiping about celebrities in their school half-term.

If your email doesn’t bounce then you may be confronted with outcome number two: a reply informing you that your recipient is ‘out of office and will reply to you upon their return’ (cue a slight lift in your hopes) ‘…but if you are emailing regarding work experience, there are no available placements until the year 3000’. Great.

I have, however, occasionally been lucky enough to experience outcome number three: an offer of a weeks work experience which literally feels like Christmas and your birthday all at once, until you realise that after spending thousands of pounds on a degree you are jumping for joy at the prospect of working for free; weird.

This week can evolve into one of two situations. Either five days of pure boredom in an office full of 50-somethings who perceive you as nothing more than an inconvenient good-for-nothing hopeful whose only purpose is clearing out old newspapers or making tea.

You then proceed to stare at a computer screen until your eyes psychically ache, read the most obscure news articles about flying cats and use the spare time ‘constructively’ to delete over 1,000 junk emails while pondering all the people you could stalk on facebook if only you weren’t surrounded by prying eyes.

Or, your week could evolve into an extremely worthwhile and enjoyable experience with people who are genuinely grateful of your free labour and sincere interest in your chosen field.

I was lucky enough to experience this warm and welcoming reception at Now magazine. The office was super-swanky, with a grand reception hall adorned with marble floors, serving as the perfect catwalk for the thirty-somethings in their Louboutin court shoes armed with Blackberry in one hand and skinny latte in the other.

Celebutante gossip flew around the office all day long and luckily I was seated near the editor listening in for all the latest on Chez and Ash’s relationship while nonchalantly carrying out my assigned research on the potentially more controversial and far more cerebral papal visit.

My week culminated in an interview with Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, followed by ‘question time’, better known in the media world as a firing of questions at The Saturdays.

Upon my departure I wrote a standard thank you card with a cheeky ‘I hope to see you again soon’ line and on I went, only to be replaced by another hopeful intern a week later.

The whole week was uncannily similar to a scene from The Devil Wears Prada, as the yummy mummies always arrived late to the office, but made up for it by leaving even earlier.

This was the moment when I confirmed my decision that I most definitely wanted to write slander about tinsel-town and get paid for doing it.

In today's incredibly competitive labour market, work experience matters more than ever when it comes to securing that first climb up the networking ladder and it really is crucial to get your hands on some, even if it means making tea for snooty old men and yummy mummies.

One crucial thing I have learnt from work experience is that when (or more to the point if) I land a journalism job, I will spare a thought for the bright-eyed, over dressed young faces in my office, plonked next to the photocopier with fear and confusion in their eyes.

Been there, done that, time to do it all again, for free.

Features18

gair rhydd • Monday March 21 2010 • features@gairrhydd.com

Into the wild

A former Cardiff University student, Lowri Morgan, recently embarked on the challenge of a lifetime: commencing in the 6633 Ultra race and battling against Arctic conditions for 350 miles.

A

former Cardiff University student is about to embark on the biggest challenge of her life – running 350 miles over eight days in severe Arctic conditions for the 6633 Ultra race.

Lowri Morgan, who graduated with a B.A. in Music in 1995 after a three-year stint at the university, will battle against sub zero temperatures of around -30˚C to -40˚C during the course of the race.

Only five people have ever crossed the finish line, so Lowri will need to push herself to the limit as she prepares for the endurance challenge of a lifetime.

Not only will she face a race against time, she’ll battle the conditions and her own personal demons along the way.

Swansea-born Lowri’s rigorous training regime and the race itself will be documented in Ras yn Erbyn Amser (Race against Time), which is broadcast on S4C from Thursday 24 March.

She’s no stranger to tough challenges. In the past, adventure-loving Lowri has represented Cardiff University and Wales on the rugby field, competed in numerous marathons worldwide and completed the illustrious Ironman Challenge. She’s also dived down to the remains of the Titanic in a submersible.

Eighteen months ago, she even completed the Jungle Marathon in the Amazon. In the heat and humidity of the jungle, Lowri managed to finish the race in the top ten in her first ever ultra marathon. Over 90 top runners competed in that race.

Lowri explains ahead of the challenge: “Excitement was the first thing that went through my mind once the challenge was set. But I hadn’t realised the true extent of what was ahead of me.

"This isn’t a competitive race for me but more of a personal challenge. I’m not looking to break any records or compete against others.

I solely want to push my physical and emotional limits and see how far I can go.”

A mammoth task lies ahead with an average of 45 miles to cover per 24 hours.

A number of difficulties await her along the route. Boredom, frostbite and frostnip, blisters, wild animals, dehydration and the infamous ‘hurricane alley’ are all factors not to be taken lightly.

Hurricane alley has seen many competitors drop out of the race because of the freezing gusts of wind

Photo: Lowri in her Artic get-up

along James Creek. Lowri will be hoping that her six layers of clothes are enough to keep her comfortable to carry on.

To top it all off, she will also be pulling fifty pounds worth of equipment along the course. Her pulk (the sledge she will pull along the way) will carry a sleeping bag, extra clothing, water, food supplies, first aid and other essentials needed during the eight days. Yes, the race requires competitors to be completely self-sufficient.

“I’ve experienced sleeping outside in the snow and I didn’t enjoy it very much,” explains an apprehensive Lowri. “I used our freezing cold winter to my advantage and took to my back garden quite often to sleep.

"There’s a real feeling of claustrophobia when you go to sleep and close the zip over your head. Psychologically, the snow and horrible weather conditions of the past winter helped my training. But Wales’ winter temperatures will be nothing compared to what I’m about to face in the Arctic!”

Lowri’s training over the past 12 months, however, has been relentless. In a bid to acclimatise with the conditions, she’s trained intensively.

She has experienced the freezing temperatures of Sweden while training with elite forces, not to mention running distances of over 140 miles per week and getting accustomed with the kit she’ll be using en route.

In 12 months, shehas run a combined distance of nearly 4,000 miles – that’s the equivalent of Cardiff to Alabama, USA. With the race facing her, and the steady increase of pressure, what are Lowri's final thoughts? Is she scared about what is set out ahead of her?

“I’m worried that my body will close down mid-way through the race and the distance will get the better of me. Worried that I won’t be able to deal with the pain and conditions.

"Worried I haven’t prepared enough and that one small mistake could prove costly. Even dropping a glove on the snow for a split second could have serious consequences.

“But despite all the bad things that could happen, I’m really looking forward to start because it will be an adventure of a lifetime. The 6633 Ultra has played a big part in my life over the past year and I long to hear the sound of the whistle on the starting line.”

Features19

gair rhydd • Monday March 21 2010 • features@gairrhydd.com

How much is too much?

Craig McDowall asks the question that most of us would rather avoid

S

o today the challenge is to briefly elucidate you on all the issues of alcohol abuse. Now, it’s (made up statistic) 99.9% likely you’ve consumed alcohol and got drunk before, and I’d say you’ve also done this while at our glorious university.

Frankly, there isn’t an issue with that; all of us have done it, our parents did it, our lecturers did it, and they all survived, so what's the problem?

Well, there isn’t one, most of the time. But - and now it’s time for some clever epidemiology to come in - alcohol can be bad (in more than a 'sunglasses in the living room' kind of way). "In the UK it is estimated that 24% of people drink in a hazardous or harmful way," and that’s not just a made up, or even a Googled statistic, but one from a reliable study.

I’d reference it, but then this article would feel far too much like an essay (anyone who cares that much can e-mail gair rhydd and I’ll be happy to point them in the right direction should they so desire).

Hazardous and harmful use of alcohol can be defined as ‘causing physical or mental damage’ and ‘increasing risk of harm’ respectively. Now to me, that 24% doesn’t seem so shocking. If the majority

Photo: Where's the line between a having a drink and having a drinking problem? of us are drinking, I’d probably expect a quarter of us to scratch out our throats being sick, falling over and getting hurt, or waking up next to someone we probably wouldn’t have chosen to.

However, the definition of harmful is further qualified so that having a headache doesn’t count, its about problematic liver damage, bouts of depression, panic attacks etc. So 24% might seem a little more concerning now.

What can we do about this problem? Well drinking is fine, as I’d imagine anything is, if kept in moderation. If it is interrupting your life - for example, you are regularly missing work, school or other responsibilities, then perhaps you should consider cutting back. A study by Leeds University found that 80% of disciplinary problems are related to alcohol.

However, I’d suggest that missed lectures might not be entirely due to nights on the town and perhaps disdain for certain topics, I know that’s how some of my friends feel as they call Domino’s at three thirty in the afternoon and start the next game on Xbox Live instead of going into uni - not because they’ve been drinking (well not every day anyway).

What other signs are there? If you have to lie about how much alcohol you’ve consumed you might

be an alcoholic, if you can’t get by without alcohol (like needing a drink just to get up in the morning), if you start drinking and driving or doing other dangerous things while intoxicated, etc. etc.

“

In the UK, 24% of people drink in a harmful way

The list goes on and is fairly intuitive, one of the most important elements being if friends/family are worried about your drinking habits. If someone has expressed their concern, perhaps it’d be a good idea to have a think, as I’d presume this caring acquaintance of yours probably thought for a long time about whether you had a problem before they got the courage to voice it.

So there are lots of clues that you’re drinking too much. And there is such a thing as too much.

Too much alcohol increases your chance of having an accident - some of us may remember the headline ‘fun fractory’ in reference to the

student who fell off of the Union on a Monday night due to lowered inhibitions causing more risky behaviour and decreased coordination.

You’re more likely to become a target for a crime, or even just losing your wallet/keys/iphone. Alcohol dependence can cause you financial problems as well. Of course there is a very dangerous risk of choking on your vomit should you become so drunk to fall unconscious.

These are just the short term risks, but there are lots of long term risks as well.

Excessive alcohol contributes towards cancer (if makes membranes more permeable and lets in carcinogens, smoking and alcohol combined work together synergistically for much greater cancer risks, which makes those smoking areas outside bars in town so dangerous long term, of course), hypertension and the big one of liver damage.

So, if you feel you’re suffering and alcohol is becoming a much bigger part of your life, it’s probably time to cut down or abstain. And there are lots of ways to do that. I’d suggest you get a health care professional involved, announce it to your closest friends and family, and set a date to try and improve things.

You probably find this article quite laughable, and I fondly recall the interesting stories of various drinking exploits, but fortunately

all of my friends have been safe throughout uni, and the horror stories I’ve heard remain safely distant, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t around the corner.

I remember coming home and seeing a guy passed out on the ground floor of the halls where I was staying. He was passed out against the door to his flat, key in the lock, hand still attached to the key, but it seems he was unable to turn it and actually enter.

I’d later relate this story to others with gusto - it was first year, and the guy was ok so there isn’t much more to this than a funny story. I’m sure there are lots of similar (if not better) stories around. But if this was happening to the dude every night, every day, it’d be a problem.

Heroic stories of alcohol consumption are commonplace at every university and some even consider it a social norm, so it’s probably quite difficult to realise you have a problem.

Take a step back, and if you’ve carried on your first year drinking habits throughout your degree while your friends have calmed down a bit, this could be a problem.

If you drink, I hope you stay safe and keep it in control. If you feel yourself or one of your friends is in danger, you’d probably regret it more if you let it continue rather than do something about it.

Science 22

Mother Nature at her most deadly The events in Japan over the past week have shocked the world, Science take a moment to explain the deadly natural forces behind the disaster.

Above: A giant whirlpool raged outside the port of Oarai; Right: How a tsunami forms

Tomos Clarke Science Editor We're barely three months into the new decade and yet for the second time the world stands horrified at the sheer devastation of which Mother Nature is capable of. At the time of press, the death toll from the Japanese earthquake and resulting Tsunami, is climbing into its thousands with tens of thousands still missing.

But it was always likely to come to pass. Japan stands upon a knife edge. To understand the dangers faced by a country like Japan, one must understand a little about plate tectonics.

The Earth’s crust is formed from a series of plates floating upon its molten Mantle. These plates seperate into two categories; Oceanic plates are thin and dense; Continental plates are thicker and less dense.

The oceanic plates are young in comparison to the continents, they are constantly being replenished as they expand outward from the mid ocean ridges (like the mid-Atlantic ridge that runs through Iceland).

To provide the simplest explanation, this expansion is what leads to plate drifts; the slow ballet of the continents.

When an expanding oceanic plate comes into contact with a continental plate it is forced beneath it. Ja-

pan sits above the Western Pacific subduction zone. Deep under the islands of Japan, the Pacific plate is being forced underneath the Eurasian continent at the rate of about 50mm a year.

As this happens the pacific plate melts and the molten rock bursts to the surface from the many volcanoes that dot the arpalelligo. Indeed, it is this volcanic process that is responsible for forming the Japanese islands themselves. The plate edges have been shattered at the rim by the immense forces at work.

These giant cracks in the crust are the fault lines, they are what generate earthquakes.

The plates are not smooth deep down within the faults. We’re talking about billions of tonnes of solid rock grinding against each other as the Pacific plate is drawn deep into the Earth. More often than not, the faults aren’t moving, but stuck fast against each other, storing up energy.

After a time, the energy is too great and the fault breaks, lurching forward meters at a time. This is an earthquake. In this event the entire Japanese mainland moved eastwards fice meters. First waves of compression flow out from the epicentre, these give the characteristic back and forth shaking you feel when an earthquake begins.

Swiftly after the primary waves, secondary waves arrive. These are

15 miles Depth of epicentre

8,000

"times more powerful than the Christchurch quake"

5 metres Movement East in Japan

11 metres

Height of Tsunami

waves hitting mainland

far more devastating because they are like waves on the ocean and shake up and down.

In Christchurch it was these secondary waves that destroyed the city. The New Zealander’s were simply not ready for an earthquake of that magnitude there. The fault that generated the quake was not known to exist and so the buildings were not designed to withstand such an event.

The Japanese however, were expecting a quake; the country is shaken by dozens every year, and in Japan they take pride in their preparedness. Despite its power, the initial earthquake itself did relatively little damage. Downtown Sendai, the nearest major city to the quake, is still largely undamaged despite the earthquake being 8,000 times as powerful as the Christchurch tremor.

Here it was the Tsunami that did the damage. The epicentre of the March 11 earthquake was at a depth of 15 miles below the sea, 80 miles off the Japanese coast near Sendai. 120 miles of fault moved.

When the fault line gave way, the sea floor lurched upwards several meters. This displaced the water above it and it flowed outwards as a wave across the Pacific Ocean.

The energy of the quake flowed outward in the Tsunami. When it made landfall in Japan it was seven meters in height. When a wave like

that reaches the coast it rears extreme and crashes, giving the break that surfers so adore. A Tsunami doesn’t, it washes up over the land and destroys everything in its path.

It is more of an incredibly powerful surge of water than a wave.

Any attempt by me to put into words the extreme destructive force of the Tsunami is futile. The images and home videos that are coming out of the country illustrate beyond words the devastating power that was brought to bear on the Japanese coast. The news reports from the coast show a scene of unimaginable horror. Entire towns have simply been wiped off the map.

The rescue efforts are under constant threat from aftershocks and Tsunami associated with them. The Japanese government expect a major aftershock in the region of 7.0 on the Richter scale to strike within days. Aftershocks occur because as the main fault releases its energy, it places stress on the surrounding fault lines. These snap back into place over the next few weeks and months releasing aftershocks, although thankfully these are never as powerful as the main quake.

This was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. At 9.0 on the Richter scale only five others have been recorded as stronger. It just goes to show how insignificant humans are in Mother Nature's grand scheme.

comic.

sudoku.

Puzzles24 HARD

MEDIUM

crossword.

Across 1. Serene (8) 5. A domineering woman (6) 9. A game invented by American natives (8) 10. A small sphere (6) 12. Height above sea level (9) 13. ___ pole (5) 14. Magician (4) 16. Expose (7) 19. Sasquatch (7) 21. Only (4) 24. A highly-emotional play (5) 25. Fail (9) 27. Draw out (6) 28. The principles and methods of instruction (8) 29. Renter (6) 30. Suck in (air) (8)

Down 1. Bank employee (6) 2. William Tell was one (6) 3. A limitation on imports (5) 4. Urge (7) 6. Indistinguishable (9) 7. To remove by vaporizing (8) 8. Beat through cleverness (8) 11. A Central American sloth (4) 15. A feeling of profound love and admiration (9) 17. Compliant (8) 18. Relating to rural matters (8) 20. Restaurant bills (4) 21. Long pins used to hold meat (7) 22. A plant used in cosmetics (6) 23. Any of several complex proteins (6) 26. A yellowish brown color (5)

By Daniel Judd

Listings26 Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

21st March

22nd March

23rd March

24th March

THE LASH, Solus, £3.50, 9.30pm The Lash promises all the best in chart and cheese, which doesn't really sound all that tempting to be honest. But if you're a sporting LAD then it's most definitely the place to be.

NEVER MIND THE PUB QUIZ, The Taf, FREE, 8pm A pub quiz. In the Taf. It's not big, it's not clever, but it's a bloody good laugh.

FUN FACT TREE, Solus, FREE, 9pm Fun Factory is an institution among Cardiff students and you simply must check it out.

Playing the very best alternative music, and with various cheap drinks promotions, you're sure to have the best night of the week here and I'm not even biased. It's a staple. If you like it alternative, if you like it rocking, and most of all, if you like it loud then there is only thing for it . There will also be live music courtesy of the Live Music Society.

LATE NIGHT LIVE, 10 Feet Tall, FREE, 8pm Live music, acts, comedy and DJs upstairs, new music & party tunes in the bar. Plus the added bonus of two for one cocktails between 5pm and 9pm.

SKEPTA, DJ HATCHA, BENGA, P MONEY AND LOGAN SAMA, Millennium Music Hall, £10, 7.30pm This looks bloody awful.

Friday 25th March BOOMBOX, Solus, £3, 10pm Playing an eclectic mix of electro, funk, drum 'n' bass, hip hop, dubstep and breaks with a turntablist twist. Featuring dance classics, chart remixes and old school classics. Expect to hear Pendulum, Calvin Harris, Dr Dre, David Guetta, Major Lazor, A Skillz, High Contrast, Prodigy and much more. To be fair, it's the cheapest Friday night this side of the bridge, fulfilling all your student needs and perfect for bringing those visiting mates too. Plus, there's the added bonus of our best Xpress DJ's spinning some great tunes at the silent disco. Go ahead kids, BOOM YOUR BOX. PÉCHÉS MIGNONS PRESENTS ASM (A STATE OF MIND) + SKUNKADELIC (STARVING ARTISTS), Gwdihw Cafe Bar, £4, 9pm Péchés Mignons is honoured this month to present ASM (A State of Mind) on the Cardiff leg of their UK Tour and Skunkadelic of the Starving Artists Cardiff based label to the intimate surroundings of Gwdihw.

JUST DANCE, Clwb, £3, 10pm Just Dance returns every Tuesday night at Clwb Ifor Bach with one simple mission...to get you dancing all night long. A mixture of modern day pop, rock and R&B thrown together with some cracking blasts from the past...cheap entry, cheap drinks prices and great, GREAT tunes.

10 FEET LIVE, 10 Feet Tall, TBC, 8pm Live music, singer songwriters, bands and acoustic acts upstairs, new music & party tunes in the bar. Plus, there's the added bonus of two for one cocktails from 5pm until 9pm.

MCFLY, Cardiff Motopoint Arena, £28.50 Award-winning punk popsters McFly - who take their name from the 'Back To The Future' films - are Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd.

My housemate is already pee-your-pants excited about this, for some reason. I heard that they don't even play their own instruments...

LISTEN UP, Clwb, £3, 9pm Listen Up has become an institution within an institution. Everybody loves Clwb. Everybody loves Listen Up. Playing a mix of motown, funk, indie and pop among three floors of cheap bars and trendy kids, this is the place to be every Wednesday.

JAZZ AT DEMPSEYS, Dempseys, £5, 9pm Music ranges from piano or guitar trio, saxophone or trumpet quartet, quartet with vocals to big band. Hear jazz standards made famous by the likes of Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nina Simone, as well as original tunes.

Saturday

Sunday

26th March

27th March

COME PLAY, Solus, £3, 10pm A safe bet for a Saturday night. If none of the other events do it for you, head to the Union for guaranteed good music and cheap drinks. Not the most imaginative of nights out, but you'll be sure to have a good time.

And who said that being able to predict the playlist down to the very last minute was a bad thing?

BEATBOX BALLROOM, Buffalo, Free before 11pm, 8pm "Booty-busting breaks, pimped out soul & clock-stopping rhythms." Apparently.

THE CORRESPONDENTS, CAI, £6, 10pm Swing-hop duo Mr Bruce and DJ/producer Mr Chuckles. Hip Hop for the 1930s, Big Band music for the 00s. Splicing swing samples with squelchy synths over dusty drum loops. I was there last time they played at CAI and it was PACKED! So I'd suggest you get there early. But it will be a wonderful night, definitely go.

10 FEET TALL SUNDAY SOCIAL, 10 Feet Tall, FREE, 8pm If you have nothing better to do on a Sunday night and fancy heading out for twofor-one cocktails, perhaps give this a go.

THE BIG SUNDAY RECOVERY PROJECT, CAI, FREE, 12pm What’s the Sunday project ? It’s a regular’s social gathering to end the week. You get together over a late Sunday Roast or just laze around with fellow hung-over friends on the sofas. Enjoy a Sunday ‘Institution’, weekly - Squeaky Hill Pub Quiz are back.

The only quiz that provides you with a general all-round work out, utilising the physical, mental and creative parts of your brain that other pub quizzes just can’t reach! It's free to play, and there's loads of exciting prizes to be won.

HAVE A SUNDAY ROAST Gather all of your housemates together and cook a Sunday roast. Or, if you can't be arsed, why not head to the Taf or CAI for a dinner that will rival your mum's.

BOUNCE, Walkabout, £4, 9pm If you really, honestly, have nothing better to do... actually, no, even that isn't a valid excuse. If you have any personal morals, that is.

C.Y.N.T, Clwb, £4, 10pm This is the only legitimate thing to do on your Thursday night.

SUGAR DROP, Ten Feet Tall, FREE, 10pm Midweek dancefloor dose of roots, electro, dub, party breaks, dubstep, drum'n'bass & mashups. There's regular live acts & guest DJs and 2-4-1 cocktails.

Venues Students’ Union, Park Place, 02920 814456 www.cardiffstudents.com ◆ IV Lounge, Neuadd Meirionydd, Heath Park 02920 744948 ◆ Clwb Ifor Bach, 11 Womanby Street 02920 232199 www.clwb.net ◆ Metros, Bakers Row www.clubmetropolitan.com ◆ CAI, Park Place 02920 412190 ◆ Buffalo Bar, 11 Windsor Place www.myspace.com/wearebuffalobar ◆ Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton 02920 304400 www.chapter.org ◆ Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay 0870 0402000 www.wmc.org. uk ◆ The New Theatre, Park Place 02920 878889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk ◆ The Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road 02920 646900 www.shermantheatre.co.uk ◆ Cardiff International Arena, Mary Ann Street 02920 224488 ◆

Societies

27

Tales from a Banana Republic Rich Hall Reporter SIFE Cardiff established the 'Your Uni Co-op' in 2008 to bring well priced fruit, vegetables and salad to the student population; while generating a sustainable income source for the Riverside Community Food Coop, where volunteers aim to bring the same service to the deprived community of Riverside.

This week, Rich Hall gives an insight into his role as a member of SIFE and his view on the benefits of getting involved in societies at University.

"Every Tuesday morning at an un-Godly hour, a band of both brave and foolhardy volunteers make the journey up to the third floor of the Union, to the spacious setting of the Games Room. This somewhat hidden location, opposite the graduate centre, then sets the scene for the rest of the day. It is not pool these volunteers seek, but the grim early-morning satisfaction of getting one’s hands a bit dirty.

The sight of boxes, bags, trays and tables and even a few smiling faces usually greets those who make it on time. Subsequently, the mounds and heaps of fresh produce usually find their way into smaller bags and boxes, ready for collection by those who have ordered the Tuesday before, or through the online system.

Now freshly into its third year, the co-operative is still young but going strong, winning the People and Planet ‘Green Gown Award’ in 2010 for Student Initiatives and Campaigns. Initially conceived as a project between Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) and the Riverside Community Food Co-op, the Uni Co-Operative now operates independently as a committee of equal volunteers, as well as a Union society.

Somehow its mucky-handed po-

tato baggers have even outlasted the Welsh Assembly’s attempts to co-ordinate various local Cardiff co-operatives. Some of you may remember these treasured by-gone days, when Assembly money flowed freely like milk and honey, and CoOp green fabric bags were not the rare and treasured items they have now become.

While we now live in an era of the 15p Freddo Bar, change has, however, brought about some great things. The social premium collected from each £3 bag sold has allowed 50p to be put aside with the aim of funding local community projects, sustainability schemes, and non-profit ventures, such as the Riverside community allotment scheme.

“

Despite best efforts, the Fruit and Veg Co-Op seems to have remained one of the Union's best kept secrets

When it comes to the crunch though, it is willing volunteers that have made the Co-Op anything more than a fantasy of the hangin’ student, negotiating the dubious sticky floored patches of Lidl’s shopping aisles.

As many of us know from experience, ‘volunteering’ can easily linger as a future-something one should try to slot into a busy schedule, in between all-nighters for last minute deadlines, and watching illegally downloaded episodes of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.

Actually, getting off my arse to face the hard morning graft of the Co-Op genuinely has to be one of the most satisfying things I have got involved with at university.

Despite the ‘hectic’ schedule of a social sciences student, there have been a few spare hours here and there, spent embracing the delights of scooping handfuls of sprouts while waging war with Excel.

It's quite possibly, the human element which has given most of the Co-Op workers a buzz though.

The past year has seen last minute emergency phone calls to the local suppliers over forgotten melons, occasional free distribution of dumpster-dived olive ciabatta, and the rare but golden chance to end official e-mail correspondence with university administrators with an enthusiastic “see you next Tuesday!” Ahem. The latter does indeed take a while to get old.

Whether the Co-Op will last as much more than just a paragraph of cultivated smugness on a few CVs remains to be seen, but we try and live in hope. When bombarded by emails and articles extolling the joys and virtues of ‘getting involved’ it’s easy to quickly skim-read, before pressing one’s mental snooze button, and setting a reminder for a few months time.

Time at university often fades faster than seems fair. However, when living the student baked-bean dream, expressions such as “you get out what you put in” might be clichéd and chunderifically vominducing, but a grain of truth lurks at their core. So go on… pop along on Tuesdays or give us a shout by e-mail – feedback, ideas and suggestions are what keeps the Co-Op alive and ticking. We’re open to everything from keen fruit obsessed volunteers, to Charlie Sheen-esque ramblings about why our new logo sucks even more than his ‘goddesses’. Get involved; it’s Your Union Co-Op after all."

The Fruit and Veg Co-Op runs every Tuesday, 11-4pm in the Games Room, Third Floor in the Union. For more information contact:cardiffunicoop@gmail.com

MondayMarch21 ENGIN: Committee Q and A Seminar Room 1, Trevithick, 5pm RATPACK: OAP Social Bingo followed by Tiger Tiger, 7pm

TuesdayMarch22 Scout Guide: Dance Session Great Hall, 6pm Harry Potter Society: AGM

WednesdayMarch23 Chem Soc: AGM Room 0.77, Main Building, 1pm Asian Soc: Bollywood Dance Classes Rona Griffiths Room, 7pm

ThursdayMarch24 French Society: Paris Trip 7pm Art Soc: Canvas Sessions Nelson Mandela Room, 7pm

FridayMarch25 CHAOS: Annual Physics Ball The Parc Hotel, 7pm Green Party: Chomsky After Party Cardiff Arts Institute, 2pm

SaturdayMarch26 Ahlul Bayt: Talk on marriage in Islam Aneurin Bevan Room, 7pm MEDSIN: Campaigns Day Location Online Tea Party Society: Alice In Wonderland Party CF10, 2-6pm

SundayMarch27 CathSoc: AGM Chaplaincy Hall, 7.30pm

To feature an event or article email societies @gairrhydd.com

If you would like to join a Society, or see a full list of opportunities, visit: http://groups.cardiffstudents.com/societies/home

Sport28

Formula 1 returns this weekend, Joe Davies previews the 2011 season...

Formula 1 bursts back into life this weekend, with the season-opening Grand Prix in Australia. All the ingredients are in place for the 62nd Formula 1 season to be the most exciting yet, although 2010 will take some beating.

After clinching the World Championship under the floodlights in Abu Dhabi last November, Sebastian Vettel aims to become only the ninth driver in history to successfully defend the ultimate prize in motorsport.

The youngest ever World Champion will, however, face some stiff competition. For the first time since 1970 – and only the third time in history – 2011 sees five World Champions line up on the grid. All of them are determined to add to their tally of world titles, not to mention the challenge posed by the likes of Red Bull’s Mark Webber, Ferrari’s Felipe Massa and the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg.

And for British fans there’s a new boy on the block to cheer on as well.

Joining the former World Champions, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, on the grid for 2011 is Scotland’s Paul di Resta, who makes his F1 debut on Sunday in Melbourne.

The West Lothian-born 24-yearold is the reigning German Touring Car (DTM) Champion and a former winner of the prestigious Mclaren Autosport Young Driver Award.

In 2006, five wins and four podiums earned him the Formula 3 Euroseries Championship, beating team-mate and reigning F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel.

After impressing in the Friday morning practice sessions last year, di Resta will line up on the Albert Park grid on Sunday and drive for the Silverstone-based 'Force India' team.

Something that di Resta will not have to deal with, though, is a whole host of rule changes designed to spice up the show, which seasoned drivers have to grapple with.

New for 2011 are moveable rear wings, which should make overtaking easier. Drivers will be free to lower the angle of their rear wing on an unlimited basis during prac-

Australian Grand Prix

SUNDAY MARCH 27 Race Live BBC One 6am Repeated BBC One 1pm F1 Forum Red Button 9am Highlights BBC Three 7pm

HOW THEY LINE UP Red Bull 1 Sebastian Vettel GER 2 Mark Webber AUS McLaren 3 Lewis Hamilton GBR 4 Jenson Button GBR Ferrari 5 Fernando Alonso SPA 6 Felipe Massa BRA Mercedes 7 Michael Schumacher GER 8 Nico Rosberg GER Above: Albert Park, Melbourne stages the opening race of the 2011 F1 season tice and qualifying, in order to decrease drag and increase straightline speed.

In the races, however, the device will only be activated after lap two and in a specified zone at the end of a designated straight, if the attacking driver is within one second of the car in front. Simulation work done so far has shown that the moveable rear wings will increase speed of the car behind by an extra 10 to 12 km/h.

After being dropped for 2010, the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) makes a return this year.

The device stores energy collected under braking, which can then be released as a power boost at the push of a button, providing the drivers with extra bursts of acceleration of up to seven seconds per lap.

With the minimum weight limit of F1 cars now higher than the 2009 level - thanks to the ban of refuelling last year - more teams have found it worthwhile incorporating the relatively heavy technology into the design of their cars.

Combined with the moveable rear wings, KERS should make overtaking a lot easier in 2011.

Undoubtedly, the biggest change for this season, however, is the switch from Bridgestone to Pirelli tyres. This may sound like a hideously dull technicality and of no interest to non F1 aficionados, but, if anything, the change of rubber will do far more to make races exciting than KERS or moveable rear wings. Bridgestone tyres were often criticised for being 'too good'; Vettel driving 52 laps on a soft set of tyres at Monza last year is a case in point.

Last year’s Canadian Grand

Prix, however, saw drivers battling to control their cars, with rapidly degrading tyres that failed to 'rubber in' and instead spewed 'marbles' all over the track, making for tricky conditions and a thrilling race.

Tyres that behave at all tracks are what Pirelli was ordered to manufacture, and boy have they delivered. The results of the winter tests in Spain have suggested 2011 has all the hallmarks of an epic season, in which drivers who can best preserve their tyres will rise to the top. Enter Jenson Button.

If Briton’s most recent World Champion is to clinch a second title he will need a car to match his silkysmooth driving style. The evidence suggests that the Mclaren isn’t on the pace just yet, though, which has come as a disappointment to Button and team-mate Hamilton.

Apart from the aerodynamic power of a double diffuser – which is incidentally outlawed for 2011 – the 2009 season proved one thing: Mclaren can turn a shockingly slow car into a winning one like no other team on the grid. The question is: how quickly can Mclaren turn things around this time round?

Meanwhile, the reigning constructors, champions Red Bull, seem to have carried the momentum from their championship-winning year into 2011.

Vettel and team-mate Webber managed to top the timings in Barcelona, testing four times out of the eight days between them. Red Bull has raised eyebrows with their consistency and speed over longer runs on track, and team principal Christian Horner has said his team are “arguably in the best shape ever.”

Ferrari, on the other hand, with Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa

at the wheel, has shown pace in shorter bursts and strength in race simulations, although their car’s treatment of its Pirelli tyres remains a small concern.

Over at Mercedes, Michael Schumacher will be chasing his 92nd Grand Prix win in 2011, while teammate Nico Rosberg aims for his first.

After a number of teething problems in the first three winter tests, Mercedes showed some real form at the last Barcelona test, with Schumacher unassailable at the top of the timesheets on day four.

Testing times are notoriously difficult to interpret - due to the unknown fuel loads and tyre specifications - but all the signs suggest Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes will be the pace setters this weekend in Melbourne.

Since Alonso followed up on his 2005 title triumph with a second World Championship in 2006, F1 World Champions have proven to have relatively disappointing campaigns in their bid to retain the title.

Alonso came unstuck at Mclaren in 2007 with new-boy Hamilton beating him from the off, and Kimi Raikkonen had a miserable season a year later as reigning World Champion – picking up only two race wins in 2008 – a trait continued

by Hamilton in 2009 and Button last year.

Sebastian Vettel will be keen to put a stop to that trend. As though he wasn’t confident, mature and fast enough already, 'World Champion' status will no doubt propel the 23 year-old to another level.

Watch out everybody – Sebastian Vettel is a man on a mission.

Renault 9 Nick Heidfeld GER 10 Vitaly Petrov RUS Williams 11 Rubens Barrichello BRA 12 Pastor Maldonaldo VEN Force India 14 Andrian Sutil GER 15 Paul di Resta GBR Sauber 16 Kamui Kobayashi JAP 17 Sergio Perez MEX Torro Rosso 18 Sebastien Buemi SWI 19 Jaime Alguersuari SPA Lotus 20 Jarno Trulli ITA 21 Heikki Kovalainen FIN Hispania 22 Narain Karthikeyan IND 23 Vitantonio Liuzzi ITA Virgin 24 Timo Glock GER 25 Jerome d'Ambrosio BEL

Sport29

Monday March 21 2011 • gair rhydd • sport@gairrhydd.com

Medics promoted in comeback thriller

Edd Broad Medics Hockey UWIC 3 Cardiff Medics 4 Cardiff Medics Hockey continued their undefeated BUCS record with a stunning win at UWIC. Fresh off the back of a Cup semifinal win, the Medics had a huge top-of-the-table clash with UWIC II. With both sides tied on points, and this being the last game of the season, a win for either side meant promotion.

Under pressure from the beginning, the game started with UWIC pressing the Medics hard and it wasn’t long before the pressure became too much, and a penalty corner was awarded. It was here that

UWIC drew first blood.

Having saved the first flick and the second shot, the third rebound was too much for goalkeeper Edd Broad, as UWIC slotted the goal in at the back post.

Shocked by conceding so early, the Medics came out and began to play the sort of hockey that has been so successful for them this year but despite having several chances, they couldn’t convert any of them.

Then disaster struck. Caught pushing high for a goal, the Medics were hit on the break and after an impressive display of passing, UWIC slotted home their second goal. 2-0 down and on their heels, the Medics were just trying to get a grip on the game, when UWIC struck a third time. A well executed penalty corner saw the UWIC striker bagging his second at the back post.

The half time whistle blew, and the Medics retreated to lick their wounds.

Needing a win, it was clear only four goals would do if they wanted

to earn promotion. After a rousing halftime talk from Coach Jon Elliott, the Medics came out for the second half with renewed vigour and their heads up.

From the restart, it was clear to UWIC that the Medics meant business. Returning back to basics and playing a great brand of hockey. Defensive rocks Silas Fuller and Tom Seddon began transferring the ball at pace and the cracks in the UWIC defence began to open.

With the ball firmly entrenched in the UWIC half, chances began to flash across the face of goal but again, the Medics just couldn’t finish.

With time ticking off, UWIC began playing some better hockey, but were kept at bay by some inspired defensive work by left back David Arnold continuously denying the UWIC strikers the ability to run with the ball.

After a flurry of short corners were defended by a lightning quick short corner defensive team, it was clear that the iron curtain had well

and truly descended across the Medics goal.

However, with 10 minutes to go, and the deficit still standing at three, it seemed that it would not be the Medics day, but Danny Kasto made sure that the game was not over yet.

With another surging run up the right flank, leaving defenders in his wake, the fresher stepped up and rocketed the ball into the back of the net, to take the score to 3-1.

The goal seemed to light a fire under the Medics and with the UWIC defenders panicking, it wasn’t long before a combination of Stuart Frankland and Tim Elvidge caused enough problems to draw a foul in the circle.

From the penalty corner, Sebastian Sheehan slapped the ball at great pace towards the goal, and after a helpful deflection from a UWIC stick, the ball sailed in to the net to bring taking the score to 3-2.

With six minutes to go, hope still remained for the Medics, but only if they scored quickly.

Havinga new lease of life, and with the UWIC defence on its heels, it wasn’t long before Jonathan Percival dispossessed the UWIC centre back and played the ball to PJ Russell, who, after he had his first shot blocked, slotted the equaliser past the helpless keeper.

With the clock ticking down inside two minutes, the Medics only needed one goal to complete this unbelievable comeback and cometh the hour, cometh the man.

Oliver Lenan masterfully tackled the UWIC centre half, and played the ball up the pitch to Oliver Mumby. Having beaten two defenders, Mumby played the ball to PJ Russell, who squared the ball to Jonathan Percival, who bundled the ball in at the back post, to the sound of stunned silence from the UWIC sideline. Seconds later, the final whistle blew and pandemonium set in for the Medics, winning the game of the season, and earning themselves a well deserved promotion.

Valiant Cardiff fall to Exeter Cardiff battle to victory over local rivals Adam Hunt Football Cardiff 3rds 2 Swansea 4ths 1

Above: A determined Cardiff side fell to defeat Sarah Kilby Ladies Rugby Cardiff 19 Exeter 38 The final league match of the year saw Cardiff Ladies Rugby taking on Exeter in what proved to be an exciting and intense game.

At the start Exeter’s strong attack saw them gain ground but Cardiff ’s defence helped slow the pace and Hannah Browne made a fantastic tap tackle on a breakaway runner.

Unfortunately 14 minutes in, Exeter scored and converted their first try.

But not to be knocked down by the score Cardiff came back fighting with strong runs from Rosie Hutton and Meg Tudor.

Exeter were penalised 10 metres from the line giving Cardiff a strong advantage which resulted in a try from Sally Tuson bringing the score to 5-7 20 minutes in.

Despite big hits and a strong defence, Exeter scored again bringing the score to 5-12.

Laura Sharpe and Rosie Hutton worked well together to bring down one of the opposition’s bigger play-

ers, slowing down Exeter’s game.

After a try on 34 minutes, the score stood at 19 - 5 but this didn’t stop Cardiff showing that they were a worthy opponent.

After half time, Cardiff came back strong and with a renewed energy, seeing Rosie Hutton score a fantastic try.

With the score at 12-19 and only one try in it Cardiff smashed back, determined to level the score. Captain Jen Hawkins powered up the pitch and offloaded to Tavia Evans.

After 60 minutes the hard work paid off bringing Tuson her second try of the game.

Both teams were eager to get the next points on the board and although Exeter made good runs, fullback Taz Bogue was there to take them down.

But despite Cardiff ’s defence and determination Exeter scored three more tries. Cardiff put in a valiant effort and the final score does not reflect their efforts.

Cardiff Ladies Rugby entered in to the South Premiership at the beginning of this year and finished third in the league, a great achievement for all those involved.

Cardiff III went into their first derby game of the season with the intention of providing another blow to the hopes of a Swansea team fighting desperately to survive relegation.

The first 10 minutes however came as a shock to a confident Cardiff side, as a riled Swansea team came firing out of the blocks which saw a cut back from a Swansea winger being tapped in by their centre forward to give the visitors the lead.This provided Cardiff with a wake-up call they desperately needed.

They started to dominate possession and began to carve out decent

goal scoring opportunities.

Tom Horgan slid through Toby Hazelwood with an inch perfect through ball but he was unable to convert.

Cardiff continued to push for a goal and when James Morris was tripped on the edge of the area, Nicky Jones stepped up and skimmed the bar with the resulting free-kick.

Gwil Flint Roberts also managed to find the woodwork from the resulting free kick, this time his shot crashed off the back post.

Cardiff eventually found a breakthrough, when Hazelwood provided an Andrei Arshavin-like finish, placing the ball past the keeper’s front post at a tight angle.

Half time provided the Swansea team with much needed respite while Cardiff encouraged by the first half events, sought to push on

for the win.

Swansea started the second half brightly and smart defending from centre halves Tom Horsfield and Matt Courtney-Smith, kept the scores level.

Cardiff then took the lead and scored the game’s winning goal after a wonderful through ball by Horsfield, sent Hazelwood clear of the Swansea defence, Toby looked up and squared the ball to an on rushing James Morris who finished expertly.

Cardiff continued to show their dominance and further chances were created and spurned throughout the second half. This provided Swansea with hope and Cardiff battled well to suppress a desperate assault in the last five minutes, giving them bragging rights over their bitter rivals and sealing their position of second in the league.

Girls Hockey Champions

Cardiff Ladies I won the BUCS National Trophy with a 3-2 victory over Manchester in Sheffield. Two goals from Sarah Barratt and a third from Gemma Winterbottom gave Cardiff a lead and they held on

Sport30

Monday March 21 2011 • gair rhydd • sport@gairrhydd.com

Econ put history in the past Nick Case IMG Football AFC History 2 Economics FC 3 Economics continued their winning start in the Premiership with an exciting 3-2 win over a strong History side at Pontcanna on Wednesday.

It was a game of two halves, with a lot of good attacking flare on show, which either side could have won, but ultimately Economics managed to emerge victorious and make it two from two.

Scott Hibbard, starting his second game since his return, almost made it the perfect start, with only a few minutes gone but his shot flew inches wide of the post.

This was a sign of things to come though and when Gareth AdamsKing’s cross from the left wasn’t dealt with by the History defence, Hibbard fired home the opener.

Econ continued to push and Hibbard was once again rewarded for his work rate when a collision between History’s ‘keeper and defend-

Above: Economics stormed into a three goal lead before narrowly winning 3-2 er, saw him presented with an open goal for 2-0.

Just minutes later, Econ were in dreamland, when Sam Pritchard’s rasping 25 yarder was too hot for the ‘keeper to handle and Econ went in at the break 3-0 to the good.

History came out for the second half fired up and found an early goal, when Nick Case misjudged a long ball, allowing Adam Parkinson to finish smartly over the stranded Andy Wilson in goal.

History continued to pile forward

and had a and a succesbefore Toby the highest, free-kick, to stand finish.

J a m e s

goal disallowed sion of corners, De Mellow rose to head home a set up a grandLyons

had

a chance to seal the game on the break but his right footed shot lacked power.

There was just enough time for Andy Wilson to make a smart stop in the dying minutes, as Econ hung on for a valuable three points.

Klaw and Sub-Standard get first points on the board

Ben Pearson IMG Football Sub-Standard Liege 1 Klaw 1 In a hotly contested Premier League game, both teams would have left Pontcanna happy to share the spoils and claim their first point of phase two.

The game started at break neck speed, with both teams desperate to

make up for their poor start to the scond half of the season.

Sub-Standard pressed high up the pitch in the first stages of the game and had Klaw on the back foot, but failed to make their dominance pay.

Klaw slowly got to grips with the pace of the game and began to control the midfield but they also did not create as much as a clear chance at goal.

The first chance of the game came after a mix up between Klaw’s goalkeeper and a defender, which gave Sub-Standard striker Ben Pearson a chance to slot into an empty net but Klaw defender, Elliot Sales cleared off the line after making a determined run to stop what looked like the opener.

Shortly after, Sub-Standard fi-

nally made their dominance count, as Daniel Brockley won a penalty in the 25th minute.

Brockley skipped past Mitchell Greenham who blatantly tripped him after a drop of the shoulder, left the Klaw defender red faced.

Up stepped Sub-Standard’s top goal scorer Ben Pearson to slot the ball under Klaw keeper, Tom Nevin and claim the lead for Standard.

After the deadlock had been broken, Klaw took the initiative as they pressed for a goal before halftime.

They nearly made Sub-Standard pay, when Dan Radnedge's long range curling shot left Alex Hybs stranded in goal only for the ball to rattle the bar.

In the second half, the game started as it had begun, with the

two teams pressing and both sides mixing it up with firm but fair challenges.

Klaw desperately searched for an equaliser and they were nearly rewarded as Tom Keohane's volley was brilliantly tipped over the bar

by Sub-Standard keeper Alex Hybs.

Shortly after, Elliot Sales yet again hit the bar for Klaw.

If anyone was going to score in the second half, it was definitely going to be Klaw and they duly delivered, when Andreas Phillips' long throw was flicked on by Andrew Samuel, which allowed Tom Keohane to head home at the back-post.

Both teams seemed to run out of steam after this, with the two midfields seemingly absent in the last 15 minutes of the game.

Sub-Standard were the team on the back foot but they looked to counterattack whenever possible and they were almost rewarded for their resolve, when Jonathan Lyons long range drive smashed the bar.

It was a game of two halves, with Sub-Standard taking the first and Klaw ending the game the stronger of the two sides.

Both teams were happy after 90 minutes to take a point in a game that was played in great spirits, which saw both teams looking to play good football throughout the encounter.

The two Premier League sides will now look to their next games to acquire their first win of the season and push on in the league.

Sport31

Monday March 21 2011 • gair rhydd • sport@gairrhydd.com

a guide

Wednesday March 30 2011 Welsh Institute of Sport Indoor Badminton Netball Men's Fencing Women's Fencing Women's Basketball Men's Squash Women's Squash Men's Basketball Tae Kwon Do Wado Kai Karate Outdoor Men's Football Women's Hockey Men's Hockey

Main Hall Main Hall Upper Hall Upper Hall Main Hall Squash Courts Squash Courts Main Hall Dojo Dojo Main Pitch Hockey Centre Hockey Centre

9.30am 11.30am 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 4.00pm

Pontcanna Fields Ultimate Frisbee Men's Lacrosse IMG Football Freshman's Rugby American Football Women's Football Women's Rugby Womens' Lacrosse

Pitch 4 Pitch 2 Pitch 1 Pitch 3 Pitch 4 Pitch 3 Pitch 1 Pitch 2

11.00am 12.30pm 12.30pm 12.30pm 1.00pm 2.30pm 2.30pm 2.30pm

Millennium Stadium - Rowing Novice Women Novice Men Senior Women Senior Men

2.30pm 3.15pm 4.00pm 5.45pm

Millennium Stadium - Rugby Gates Open 6.30pm Pre-Match Entertainment 6.30pm Men's Rugby Kick Off 7.35pm

Send in your Varsity match reports to sport@gairrhydd.com

Sport

Formula 1 Preview << Inside

Cardiff with eye on Varsity after Premier League win

Above: Cardiff are now looking forward to their annual varsity challenge

Chris Andrews Reporter Hartbury 3 Cardiff I 53 Cardiff University First team secured the BUCS Premier B league title with a thumping win over Hartpury College in sunny Gloucestershire.

Having beaten Cardiff Medics 66-0 two days before the game, there

was a genuine fear that fatigue may prove a factor and that the Hartbury fixture may have been a game too far.

Medics are going up << Inside This was not the case with Cardiff, amassing 124 points in the two games, conceding only three points and at times playing some breathtaking rugby, with wave after wave

of relentless attacking rugby from the highly industrious forward pack and the talented, exciting backline.

Last week was very productive and highly satisfying for the First XV, who two weeks ago also reached the BUCS National cup final with a 39-18 victory over Bath.

Attentions now switch very quickly to next season’s planning and the Welsh Varsity Match, with a huge emphasis placed on proving their credibility in Premier A, with a goal of sustainable successes and

subsequent retention of their Premier A status the priority.

The Welsh Varsity Match on March 30 at the Millennium Stadium sees Cardiff University go into the ficture as huge underdogs this year given the semi-professional and professional player talent pool Swansea University have generated through their Scholarship programme.

The "Underdog" tag is one that Cardiff, given their resources, flourish on. The boasts of the Swansea

coach this week that Swansea are “at least 50 points” better than Cardiff at Varsity this year may come back to haunt him.

Last Wednesday also saw victories for the Cardiff Freshmen team, who are chasing a second promotion in as many years, beating Aberystwyth II away from home 24-20.

Credit must go to Ryan Murray’s second team who have displayed great character and determination in Division 1A this season and beat Bristol II 31 – 24.

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