gair rhydd - Issue 961

gair rhydd Monday October 31 2011 | freeword – Est. 1972 | Issue 961

The end of an era

Sheri Hall News Editor

Fun Factory is to be replaced after a decline in student attendance has seen the night plummet into financial loss.

A decision was made over the summer to make 2011-2012 Fun Factory’s final year due to a steady decline in popularity. However, attendance has been so low this year it warrants sending Fun Factory to an early grave.

The end to Fun Factory’s reign has been received with disappointment from some students.

Dan Potts, 3rd year Religious Studies student said: “I’m gutted, I did love Fun Factory but the numbers speak for themselves.

“I haven’t seen any promo for Fun Factory to counter its declining attendance and now there are no alternative nights in the union anymore.”

Alex Calvin, 3rd year English Literature student told us: “It’s sad that the union seems to be more focused on making money than pleas-

ing students.

“Sure, Fun Factory was never rammed, but it was still a popular night.”

Fun Factory has been running for over 20 years and its closure marks the end of an era for the alternative music scene at Cardiff Student’s Union.

As of Monday October 31st, Fun Factory will be replaced with a new mainstream music event called ‘Club Exchange’, which brings something different to the Union.

Club Exchange charges £2 for entry and operates like the stock ex-

change with prices rising and falling based upon purchases made by students throughout the night.

The stock available includes selected drinks, Taf Late Night Food, Boombox and Lash tickets.

Finance and Commercial Officer, Nick Matthew said: “Fluctuating drinks prices always make for a great night out and this gives us a chance to engage with students during the year and understand what they want Monday nights to become in the future.”

The price changes of stock will show on big screens throughout

Solus to allow students to buy when prices reach their lowest. Rachael Main, 3rd year psychology student said: “Club Exchange sounds amazing!

“I’ve always thought Fun Factory was the worst night at the union and I’m glad they’ve replaced it with something more contemporary.”

Nick Matthew added: “It is unfortunate that the demand for Fun Factory has dropped, but I think that the Club Exchange is a great replacement.”

After 20 years Fun Factory gets ‘Exchanged’

2005 2003

2007 2006

2010

- 2011 ‘Club Exchange’

gr

Monday October 31 2011

EDITOR Oliver Smith CO-ORDINATOR Elaine Morgan SUB-EDITORS Yas Langley Chris Williams NEWS Sheri Hall Henry McMorrow Hannah Pendleton Matt Jones Laura Evans OPINION Izzy Voss Libby van den Bosch COLUMNIST POLITICS Luke Slade Sophie Gidley FEATURES Ellen Atkinson Ali Ishaq SCIENCE Jenny Lambourne SOCIETIES Isabelle Roberts Taf-Od Caio Iwan

CONTRIBUTORS Sophie Chamberlain, Rupert Hoor, Jenny Kendall, Jonathan Stevens, Shavey Malhotra, Sarah Bartlett, Stephen House, Harry Dunn, Ellie Woodruff, Dana Beltaji, Annie Cowen, Lucy Barclay, Anna Hickman, Nick Evans, Sally Taylor, Tomas Evans, Sarah Smith, Hugh Rodger, Jodie Palombo, Angharad Tye-Reeve, Amber Bell, Natalie Healey, Jack Parker, Alexey Underwood, Rachel Egan, Jess Rumble, Julie Downie, Bethan Angharad Huws, Cerys Bowen, Osian Gruffydd, Michael Khong, Michael Wood, Rhys Clayton, Tomos Clarke, Mike McEwan, Timothy Mukasa, Tazine Brogue, Georgie Dugdale, Davina Ogwu, Jo Faulkner.

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pg. 6

News catch up with Xpress Radio after BBC Radio 6 broadcast from their studio

pg. 11

gairrhydd

Opinion ask is promiscuity is such a bad thing?

Get involved.

Contribution meetings:

- Monday - 5.00pm Aneurin Bevan Room

pg. 21

Features try to cure your financial worries

- Monday - 5.30pm Aneurin Bevan Room

Sudoku

EASY

SPORT Jamie Evans Zac Cole Jonathan Frank

sport. taf-od. societies. science. features. politics. opinion. news.

02

speak to Sarah Kline on the latpg. 23 estScience developments in combatting malaria

pg. 34

Sport review the Freshers korfball tournament

For the answer and more puzzles, head over to page 30

News 1-7

Monday October 31 2011

Opinion Politics Features Science Societies Listings 22 - 23 26 - 27 29 9 - 12 14 - 16 19 - 21

Sport 33 - 36

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Record-breaking burger

Royals 'mooned' by local The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh got quite an eye-full when they were unexpectedly flashed by a builder while visiting a reconstruction site in Brisbane, Australia.

In a true show of patriotism and sport, Liam Warriner,22 allegedly bared his backside with the

Australian flag tucked between his butt cheeks, while hot-footing it 50 yards behind the Royals ‘ motorcade.

The Australian officials were not amused. Warriner was charged on counts of wilful exposure and public nuisance offences and will be appearing before a magistrate.

He insists he did not expose his crown jewels though.

60 Second Interview....

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My role is to represent all the students at Cardiff University that consider they have a disability. And to ensure they have the same quality of experience at University that everyone else has.

My big thing this year is disability sport, we're currently working with the AU, it should be really exciting.

Also a disability guide for venues in Cardiff to help societies put on events that all can attend.

Disability sport will be really hard to do. Sports teams and the AU are based on numbers and interest, but we must provide opportunities regardless of need. We've got to make sure the word gets out so that the interest is there.

Don't be afraid to come forward and get the help you deserve. More broadly, get involved! It will make your University experience great.

A restaurant in Michigan, America, has set a Guinness world record with the creation of a 3 foot high giant hamburger.

Mallie’s Sports Grill and Bar, which has a reputation for creating monstrous burgers,out did themselves on thursday, when it made an “Absolutely ridiculous burger” weighing 153 kilograms.

With a price tag of $2000 (£1200)

the burger comes with chips and a drink but requires 24 hours notice to ensure it’s cooking time of 22 hours. Containing 540,000 calories and made up of 15 pounds of lettuce, 30 pounds of tomatoes, 30 pounds of bacon and 36 pounds of cheese, Mallie’s manager Jason Jones, said he came up with the idea for his creation in order to break his own biggest burger record of 134 pounds that he set in 2008.

Riddle answers.

Davina Ogwu News Reporter

Jo Faulkner News Reporter

The answer is 10 prisoners.

An example of how to work out the riddle follows: Number all bottles using a binary matrix. Assign each prisoner to one of the binary flags.

Prisoners must take a sip from each bottle where their binary flag is set.

E.G. Here is how you would find one poisoned bottle out of eight total bottles of wine.

Bottle 1 Bottle 2 Bottle 3 Bottle 4 Bottle 5 Bottle 6 Bottle 7 Bottle 8 Prisoner A X X X X Prisoner B X X X X Prisoner C X X X X In the above example, if all prisoners die, bottle 8 is bad. If none die, bottle 1 is bad. If A & B dies, bottle 4 is bad.

Three people are required to test 8 bottles, the key being that this is 23 (cubed). The power (of 2) is the number of people required to test. All we then need to find is a power of 2 that will allow us to test 1000 bottles.

The powers of 2 are: 1,2,4,8,16,32,64,128,256,512,1024....

As we can see, with ten people (210) there are 1024 unique combinations so you could test up to 1024 bottles of wine.

04News

Monday October 31 2011

gairrhydd

Students' Union votes against subsidising transport

On the 9th No- vember 2011 it is predicted that a number of students will once again march against further cuts to education in light of heightened tuition fees.

Orchestrated by the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts and supported by the National Union of Students it is anticipated that ‘tens of thousands of students’ will march from the University of London Union in to the city.

The Government’s Higher Education white paper provides the primary motivation of the demonstration. Of notable importance are its implications for access to students and marketisation.

Michael Chessum, from the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts and a member of the NUS na-

tional executive, said: “The government’s HE white paper is a threat to the whole idea of education in Britain. Education should be a public service, accessible to all – not a corporate enterprise.”

In addition to support from students, the movement has received attention from academics including Stefan Collini from Cambridge University and Howard Hotson from Oxford University, both of whom endorse the document ‘In Defence of Public Higher Education’.

This paper offers an alternative to the government’s plans for higher education, claiming that “The commodification of higher education is at the secret heart of the white paper. The government seeks a differently funded sector, one which can provide new outlets for capital that struggles to find suitable opportunities for investment elsewhere."

Mark Bergfeld, from the Educa-

Anger expressed over #nov9 Union decision...

Hannah Pendleton News Editor

This month’s student By-elections resulted in a significant decrease in student voting participation. The figures have fallen substantially short in comparison to the number of voters involved in last year’s Byelections.

The annual By-elections give Cardiff students the opportunity to vote for candidates who are campaigning for a variety of roles within the Student Union.

The total number of voters received last year was 971, and despite just one less position open to voting, this year the total number of voters reached 291.

The positions open this year were: Mature Students Officer, Womens’ Officer, Student Councillors and NUS Wales Delegates.

Commenting on the poor response to the By-elections, Welfare and Communications Officer, Chris

Davies stated: "We have evidence that shows the direct correlation between the number of votes and the number of candidates. As a result it is not surprising that the votes cast is down on last year.

“The Student Union will be looking into how we can raise the profile of all elections to ensure that we have a continually improving and robust democratic governance system going forward."

Claire Travers won the position of Womens’ Officer and Nick Holbrook won the position of Mature Students’ Officer. 13 candidates ran for Student Councillors and all 13 won, together with three candidates running to become NUS Delegates, of which all were successful.

For any questions regarding the by-elections, contact: elections@ cardiff.ac.uk

tion Activist Network, said: “Students and lectuers will use the demonstration on November 9 as a building block to the public sector general strike on November 30.

This demonstration seeks to bring together all those academics, students and educationalists together who are fighting for a university not tied to the market. Our education is not their business.”

The demonstration is set to be a key date in the ‘Autumn of Resistance’ ahead of the planned strikes on November 30th.

The decision whether Cardiff University would facilitate the transportation to the demonstration as they had done last year was voted on at student council on Tuesday 26th October 2011. The motion proposed outlined the university’s commitment to organise transportation, contributing 750 pounds towards expenses, whilst using the

union’s facilities to advertise the demonstration.

However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of Public Liability Insurance and an NUS Risk Assessment. Both of these measures were organised by the NUS last year, the absence of which could leave Union officers legally culpable for any issues at the protest.

As a result of these concerns, it became clear through discussion at the council that the motion lacked support. As a consequence, the motion was amended to include a caveat that the Risk Assessment and Public Liability Insurance must be obtained for the Union to act.

After this was included the motion went to vote with nine members voting for, 35 against and three abstentions.

A strong student reaction was felt on Twitter with claims that the student council and the Union Offi-

cers were not acting as an effective mouthpiece for the broader student community.

In response to this negative student feedback the union released a statement explaining, “ On Tuesday October 25th a motion was put to Student Council asking the student body to affirm their support financially towards facilitating student transport to the NCAFC demonstration on November 9th.

“The motion was subject to all formal procedures under the Students’ Union‘s constitution and both sides of the argument were thoroughly articulated. After a detailed debate the motion was not passed by Student Council (For: 9, Against: 35, Abstentions: 3) who represent the student body.

"We appreciate that this was a highly debated issue and encourage anyone who would like the minutes to email MallorieJ1@cardiff.ac.uk."

@agthompson

@GoldOccupation

@gmartin

Ahh, hearing that Cardiff SU is refusing to put on coaches for #nov9 'cause there's no public liability insurance.

WHO'S GOING TO SUE THEM?

This call out for alternative to students w/ spineless SU's like @cardiffstudents, who refuse to put up coaches for #Nov9. @UCLOccupation

RT :@goldoccupation : Irony; according to their bio @ cardiffstudents put 'students first'. They also refused to put a coach to London for nov#9

Sophie Chamberlain News Reporter The UK’s second-largest university is being merged with two other institutions after a partner college has been alleged to be involved in a visa scam.

The University of Wales is under scrutiny after investigations last week revealed that Rayat London College in Hounslow, one of the university’s partner colleges, were selling diploma exam answers to overseas students prior to them taking the test.

The diplomas awarded the students University of Wales MBA degrees, which they could therefore use to gain UK visas.

The 120 year old institution is now being abolished and its council chairman Hugh Thomas has resigned.

As a result, Trinity St David in Camarthen and Swansea Metropolitan University are merging with

the University of Wales to become ‘University of Wales: Trinity St David’.

Last year it was revealed that Malaysian pop-star Fazley Yaakob, who is the director of one of the partner colleges in Malaysia, had fake qualifications.

,,

Henry McMorrow News Editor

The University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) now wants to deliver their own degrees and change their name to Cardiff Metropolitan University.

This revelation amongst others, led to the university being scrutinised by the Quality Assurance Agency who found inadequacies in the way the university functioned with its associated colleges.

Following these results, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) now wants to deliver their

own degrees and change their name to Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Vice-chancellor Prof. Medwin Hughes spoke to BBC news and said “It’s not the close of an entity; it’s the start of a new chapter in the history of those three institutions”.

The new merged college will operate under the 190 year old royal charter of Trinity St David and future students will now obtain Trinity St David college degrees.

News 1-7

Monday October 31 2011

Opinion Politics Feature Science Societies Listings 29 9 - 12 14 - 16 19 - 21 22 - 23 26 - 27

Sport 33 - 36

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A Cardiff team, lead by PhD student Luke Piggot, has identified a labroatory method to switch off breast cancer stem cells’ resistance to anti-cancer agent TRAIL. The method involves supressing the effect of protiens in the cell called cFLIP and, significantly, it achieved a 98% reduction in secondary tumors.

These findings have been published in the journal 'Breast Cancer Research' authored by PhD student Luke Piggot, familiar to ice hockey fans as a player for the Cardiff Devil’s.

Dr Richard Clarkson, Luke’s supervisor, claims they have found an ‘Achilles heel in breast cancer stem cells.’ However, Dr Clarkson stresses that the method has only worked on lab cells and will require a lot of work to supress c-FLIP in patients.

The research has drawn praise from Breast Cancer Campaign who state that a comprehensive understanding of cancer stem cells could help ‘develop desperatly needed new treatments to halt breast cancer'.

Cardiff-led research has found that moderately premature babies have breathing difficulties as severe as those born extremely prematurely, although they will probably grow out of it.

Premature births cause babies to have immature lungs, which can cause breathing problems such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).Children were tested at the age of 8 and again at the age of 14, using a spirometry test to measure lung function. The researchers compared results with those extremely premature and those born on time.

Children born at 33 weeks were classed as moderately premature.

When measured at the age of 8, they showed significantly lower lung function than those born on time.

Tested again at the age of 14, the moderately premature children’s lung function had improved.

This is the first study to show that moderately preterm-born children have worse lung function than those born on time when young, but that this condition may improve as they grow older.

Cardiff scientists are developing a test to help predict whether slow healing wounds will respond to traditional treatment, saving the NHS money in the process.

Chronic wounds do not heal rapidly and conventional medicine can be ineffective in 60% of cases.

This costs the NHS £180 million pounds to treat annually in Wales alone. Professors Keith Harding and Wen Jiang, both scientists at Cardiff University’s School of Medicine, have been working on a test that will test wounds based on their gene signature and indicate whether or not conventional medicine will be effective or not. The project has been awarded £150,000 from the Welsh Government’s Academic Expertise for Business programme as well as £53,000 from the University’s Cardiff Partnership.

If validated the technology could save both money and time. Edwina Hart, Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science, stated that it could “transform service provision by giving patients the right treatment at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Leading international figures in the field of stem cell research recently gathered together in Cardiff for a conference discussing the latest breakthoughs in the discipline.

The Abcam Conference on “Rediscovering Pluripotency: From Teratocarcinomas to Embryonic Stem Cells” was held at National Museum of Wales, and was supported by the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute (ECSCRI).

Experts present included Cardiff University’s President, Professor Sir Martin Evans, who won the Nobel Prize in 2007 for his part in the discovery of embryonic stem cells.

He said of the conference: "This is a very significant meeting, which has gathered many pioneers in the field. We are trying to give the next generation some feel of how we got started, and where this science can go next."

The discovery of stem cells has opened new possibilities in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, toxicology and disease modelling.

New research from the School of Biosciences has found that common woodland invertebrates may ensure that weaker species of woodland fungi survive.

Fungal networks compete for space and resources in woodland areas and woodland creatures (such as woodlice, worms and millipedes) have the ability to prevent less competitive species from dying out.

The study, carried out by PhD Student Tom Crowther, has shown that by feeding on the most combative fungi, the invertebrates will maintain the fungal diversity which is essential for good soil quality and fertility. Crowther’s work is the first to show how predicted alterations in soil organisms due to climate change may impact British woodland ecosystems. Furthermore, Crowther said “soil invertebrates may not only be important in ensuring the health of our forests by maintaining fungal diversity, they may also be crucial for our garden and agricultural soils."

An international consortium of scientists, including a team from Cardiff University, has discovered evidence that 11 genetic regions are strongly linked with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Many of these regions affect both diseases and six of them had not previously been observed. They also found involvement of a molecular switch which regulates development of nerve cells in the brain, suggesting one factor of the disorders’ origins is disruption of these development processes.

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder affect approximately one percent of the world’s population and can have a terrible effect on the lives of those inflicted as well as their friends and families.

Significant contributions were made by Professors Michael O’Donovan, Michael Owen and Nick Craddock from the MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics at Cardiff ’s School of Medicine.

06News Laura Evans News Editor On Friday 21st October, Xpress Radio rose to new levels as radio presenter Steve Lamacq broadcast his BBC 6music show live from their studio in Cardiff Students’ Union.

Joining him in Cardiff were Radio 1 DJ’s Huw Stephens and Jen Long who along with Lemacq, were attending the Cardiff Swn Festival that weekend. Based in various different venues, Swn festival is a three-day annual event introducing new UK and international bands to Cardiff and other areas of Wales.

Huw founded the festival along with John Rostron, a Cardiff music promoter after they both returned from Austin’s SXSW Festival and decided to start their own multivenue festival in Cardiff. This year there were over 200 acts performing in numerous locations.

In the past, radio presenters have broadcast from BBC Radio Wales

Henry McMorrow News Editor Two Cardiff University artists’ work will be displayed later this month exploring developments in research within this field and its social and cultural ramifications.

The exhibition will be held at the Bay Art Gallery, Cardiff Bay between October 31 and the November 4 2011.

Entitled ‘Translation: From Bench to Brain’ Dr Rhys Bevan Jones and Julia Thomas explore how scientific research relating to mental health is conveyed from the laboratory bench to the social consciousness. Specialising in genetic studies relating to mental health, classification, representation, metaphor, identity and ‘big science’ it is hoped the exhibition will be ”a public engagement event that intends to open up a space for conversations between scientists, social scientists, artists and public groups around developments in psychiatric genetics”.

Dr Jamie Lewis, from Cardiff University’s MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics

Monday October 31 2011

gair

but for the first time, have decided to use Cardiff ’s student led radio station Xpress. As well as speaking to fellow presenter Bethan Elfyn, Lamacq also had band The Formiddable Joy performing live from Xpress studios. gair rhydd spoke to Xpress’ Station Manager, Dan Potts, who said: “It was an incredible day for us, we had radio’s elite in the studio. It was huge for us as a Student Station and for the Union and for Cardiff ’s music scene.”

As well as this being a massive step forward for Xpress, the radio station has also had one of its most successful starts to the year ever.

They hit a record total sign up of over 300 people and have already sent three Xpress executives to intern with Bethan Elfyn. They are hoping to offer other people similar opportunities in the future.

Harry Dunn News reporter continued to say, “We are lucky at the MRC centre to be able to work with talented artists and illustrators. Art allows for a more innovative means of engagement that creates opportunities for public debate and discussion”.

Julia Thomas said: “I aim to create participatory artworks that facilitates reflection on scientific research, its processes and societal expectations.”

The exhibition is part of a larger event organised by the Economic and Social research council Festival of Social Science Week that runs from October 29 to November 5 2011.

On Wednesday November 2 speakers will discuss the academic work that has inspired the exhibition, whilst the evening of November 4 will provide an opportunity for the artists to discuss their work.

The Bay Art Gallery will be open to the public on a daily basis between the hours of 10am and 5pm and until 8:30pm on the evenings of November 2 and 4 2011.

This image was created after asking a number of individuals how they 'see' the mind. Metaphors are used widely in medical education, psychoeducation and public engagement projects to help explore various mental health issues.

The materials used for this image include pen and ink, printmaking and digital imaging. (Rhys Bevan Jones)

The number of Welsh Applicants to Universities has dropped by 8.3% this year. However, it would seem that Welsh prospective students are among the least deterred by the tuition fee hikes, which are set to commence at the start of the next academic year.

The total drop in applications from UK students stands at around 12%, surpassing that of Wales and thus placing the aforementioned Welsh figure significantly below average.

Closer inspection reveals that the decline in Welsh applicants has been smaller than in any other area in the UK - apart from South-East England which, due to the London’s concentrated wealth, is the UK’s most affluent area and thus the most capable of absorbing rising tuition fees.

A new student finance system, which means that most Welsh students will have their tuition fees cut by nearly two thirds courtesy of the devolved assembly, is largely to thank for Wales’ relatively low decrease. Despite this however, the NUS has claimed that Welsh students may be making application decisions based on misconceptions of how much they still have to pay.

This possible misunderstanding may have deterred applications for Cardiff University: One of only eight Welsh Universities who charge the full heightened fee cap of £9000 for non-Welsh UK students.

News 1-7

Opinion Politics Feature Science Societies Listings 9 -12 14 - 16 19 - 21 22 - 23 26 - 27 29

Sport 33 - 36

News07

Monday October 31 2011

Sheri Hall News Editor Student-targeted crime has been significantly reduced in Cathays due to an innovative strategy lead by South Wales Police.

This year reported robberies and sexual assaults are down by 100% on last year and offenders of the small amount of burglaries that have occurred have been arrested and charged.

Operation Saturn was introduced in 2009 to tackle robberies and assaults that are historically connected with students returning to university.

A spokesperson said: “It is estimated there are in excess of 42,000 students studying in Cardiff, the majority of who live in the Cathays sector and traditionally this influx results in an increase in crime such as burglary.”

A number of measures were put into place covering the first 4-5 weeks of the academic year, including an increase in police presence, walkabouts carried out by partnership agencies and a minibus service which identifies vulnerable students and gets them off the street.

The minibus service has been considered so successful that it is to continue running throughout the year on Monday and Wednesday nights by police and student volunteers.

Neigbourhood Beat Officer, PC Steph Samuel, said that their biggest breakthrough was the involvement of local residents: “To have any residents engage is a major breakthrough and this shows that residents are more receptive to students and accepting of them living in Cathays area.”

himself, is asked to come forward and contact South Wales Police by calling 101 and asking for extension 34361, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Sheri Hall News Editor Police are appealing for information regarding an assault on a student earlier this year.

The 19-year-old man was assaulted near Burger King opposite Cardiff Castle in the early hours of Thursday, June 16.

As a result of the assault the student sustained facial injuries that required surgery and a number of metal plates.

Police have spoken to witnesses from the scene and extensively studied CCTV footage.

A CCTV image has been released by detectives of a man they wish to trace in connection with the assault. Anyone with information, or the individual

Ellie Woodruff Reporter

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As thousands of 17 and 18 yearolds panic over how they will afford increased university tuition fees as of September 2012, many of them will be dismayed to hear that 61% of students from a recent survey thought that teaching was better at school than university.

The study, conducted by private heads body HMC, was carried out on 1,000 final-year students and also revealed that just 14% of those questioned would have been pleased with the value for money if they had been charged a maximum of £9,000 a year.

Year 13 student Lowri John of Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun said that “As a pupil applying to Cardiff to study Law in September 2012, the findings of this survey deeply concern me. If I am paying that kind of money to go, why should I receive a lower quality of teaching than I did at school?”

Also explored in the survey was the difference between private and state schools. Half of those interviewed had come from private education, whereas the other half were from state schools.

61% of students from independent schools favoured school teaching, compared to 42% of state-educated pupils.

Bleddyn Harris, first year student at Cardiff University studying English Literature, said: “I think the difference in the statistic shows that stateschools prepare you better for University. Lecture theatres come as a massive shock to privately educated children who are used to smaller teaching groups."

Chief executive of Universities UK, Nicola Dandridge, criticised the survey, describing the comparison between school and university teaching as “nonsensical” as they were completely different things.

News Politics Feature Science Societies Listings 19 -21 1 - 7 Opinion 14 - 16 22 - 23 26 - 27 29 9 - 12

Monday October 31 2011

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Sport 33 - 36

Opinion09

The highs and lows of Halloween Dana Beltaji Opinion Writer

With the months getting colder and the days shorter, summer is a distant memory and Christmas seems much too far away; thankfully, we can take solace in the fact that October 31st gives us Halloween to fill that empty gap in the celebrations calendar.

It is in fact one of the world’s oldest holidays, originating roughly 2,000 years ago when our ancestors would wear scary costumes to try and ward off the ghosts that became associated with the winter. Nowadays, unsurprisingly, it has become commercialised; many people think the whole thing is just bad taste and the most frightening sight you are likely to witness is someone dressed as the Joker dribbling in the corner of the Union. However, with the right attitude, it can be one of the most eventful nights on any student calendar.

For many, it is just a brilliant excuse to daub on some fake blood, go out and

Lucy Barclay Opinion Writer

We all know that Ricky Gervais is a comic who likes to push boundaries and insult, but this week his one-man Twitter campaign to reinvent the word ‘mong’ has come under fire.

The word ‘mong’ is slang. It comes from the medical term ‘mongoloid’ which is used to describe people with Down’s syndrome. I must admit that before today I was not aware of the meaning of ‘mong’. I considered it to be no less a derogatory term but a derivative of ‘mongrel’.

However, not knowing the definition highlights a very different issue. The use of such terminology without the insight of meaning suggests a certain ignorance. Now Gervais is often praised as a cleverly funny and in-

get drunk. Costumes, sweets and a bottle of vodka will be enough to have a guaranteed good time during Halloween. Others will find themselves hosting or going to Halloween house parties, where decorations from Poundland will be used to transform grotty student kitchens.

It doesn’t need to be ‘just another night out’, though. Others may find it more exciting to capitalise on the scary element of Halloween and tell ghost stories or watch horror movies until all the sweets have been eaten in a terrified frenzy and everyone goes to bed with their light on.

It may seem a strange and pointless celebration, but it’s a break in the normal routine of everyday life. It gives you an opportunity to either have a good night out or a cosy night in, depending on how you’d like to spend it. Either way, as the weather continues to worsen, we have Halloween to fill the gap until the Christmas season begins.

sightful comic; therefore it seems peculiar he would use such a term, particularly when he has Tweeted phrases such as ‘two mongs do not make a right’ and ‘good monging’. Neither insightful nor clever.

Gervais has hit back at the criticism going his way, arguing that political correctness has gone too far. He claims that the meaning of the word has changed. In his eyes ‘mong’ doesn’t mean Down’s syndrome, just as gay no longer means happy, he even goes so far as to claim that ‘mong’ doesn’t really mean any-

“

Admittedly Gervais is famed for being outrageous and pushing boundaries

Annie Cowen Opinion Writer

Halloween may be officially over by Tuesday, but the multitude of nightclub events and house parties will undeniably continue well into the week. Whilst some students will seize the chance to dress up, go out every night and skip lectures, I personally find Halloween more of a nuisance than an opportunity for revelry.

Crime is not necessarily the primary problem with Halloween; although vandalism and alcohol-related crime undeniably increase, as they do during many of the major holidays. However, it is probably the only time of year when you are likely to be leapt upon by an inebriated rugby player painted red. I am not against getting in touch with one’s inner child - I would just rather not be groped by boys who feel they have licence to behave as they please because they are dressed in halfarsed costumes that supposedly resemble the living dead.

This leads me onto my real issue with Halloween: the costumes and the unfair bias that

accompanies choosing them. Guys can look as ridiculous as they want and will be rewarded for their ‘creativity’ (I use the term loosely), whereas girls are expected to squeeze their lady lumps into a lurid corset that is so tight their lungs are dangerously restricted for the remainder of the evening. Now this is all very well if you have the ability to fit into a costume designed for infants, but the rest of us are forced to try and pull off ironic indifference in a giant banana costume. Choosing said costumes is made much worse when accompanied by the inevitable guilt of having binged on Tesco bumper packs of ‘fun-size’ chocolate bars.

The dangerous combination of alcohol and disguises means there are many that make the most of their anonymity to wreak havoc; whilst a hail fire of eggs is all well and good if you’ve always enjoyed the opening to Saving Private Ryan, for most, it’s not ideal. It used to be thought sweet when a child dressed as a devil knocked on your door requesting chocolate, however, when it is a hulking group of boys with a carton of eggs, suddenly Halloween doesn’t seem like so much fun.

thing at all. While there may be some merit in this argument, I personally agree with radio DJ Lauren Laverne who asked: ‘if it really means nothing why bother?’

Admittedly, Gervais is famed for being outrageous and pushing boundaries. But if he genuinely believes the word means nothing at all, the question I’d like to raise is, what boundary is he pushing against?

In this particular case he has failed to be clever or funny, which implies his use of the word has little point other than to shock and provoke.

I cannot help but think his campaign against the constraints of political correctness is little more than a publicity stunt. After all Gervais’ new comedy Life’s Too Short was only announced by the BBC on the October 25. An interesting link or pure coincidence? I’ll let you decide.

If you feel strongly about any article you have read in gair rhydd this week, and wish to respond, please contact us at Opinion@gairrhydd.com

Opinion

10

Banter or bullying?

Monday October 31 2011

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This revolution will be Tweeted

Anna Hickman Opinion Writer In the past, Britain was associated with a dry, biting wit that has since given way to a less intellectual form of humour: ‘banter’. For us students especially, banter can be used to justify all manner of crimes, from making mildly offensive remarks to covering a housemate’s bed in foil. However, the line between banter and bullying is a thin one and is interpreted differently by every person.

Despite being defined as ‘the playful friendly exchange of teasing remarks’, in reality, ‘banter’ it is the excuse given to avoid blame.

Even if the remarks are intended to be playful, they can lead the person on the receiving end to feel they are simply being bullied. Yet admitting to feeling victimised is not an option and will lead to accusations of being unable to ‘deal with it’.

Banter is not necessarily a twoway street. The site truelad.com, the self-professed home of ‘lad banter’, is the cause of much controversy when it comes to crossing the line of what is acceptable. The earlier definition shows that banter is supposed to be lighthearted but the site enters questionable territory in its representation of women. Obviously it is reductive to view this site entirely seriously, although it is worth considering what would happen if someone were to set up a trueladette.com; in all likelihood, every girl posting would be labelled a slut.

Banter, as with bullying, comes in many forms and discrimination is often at the heart of it. Hence it may well cause genuine offence when taken out of context. ‘Hilarious’ jokes about women belonging in the kitchen, or stereotyping ethnic groups are genuinely offensive and are not justified by the ‘banter’ label.

Therefore, the reception of such banter relies largely on how it is interpreted. Vulnerable people are clearly more likely to perceive it as bullying. Yet it is all too easy to dismiss the issue on this basis and the more sensitive of us should not be blamed for failing to see the funny side.

It is impossible to draw the line between banter and bullying. Although the two often overlap, there can be no obvious distinction between them, and that line varies according to individuals. Though the purpose of banter may at first be an offensive affront to some one's face, it is a sign that they are comfortable enough to say or do such things without causing harm. Despite the fact that banter isn’t particularly sophisticated, delivering and accepting it gracefully is.

Nick Evans Opinion Writer 3rd April, 1917. The date may not seem immediately significant, but it is the day Lenin returned to Petrograd, Russia after being exiled. He arrived to crowds of supporters, cheering and crying and eventually went on to instigate the October Revolution which would cement Soviet rule in Russia.

Word of Lenin's return would have gone unheard of and unnoticed had it not been for the telegraphs sent from Germany, where he had been exiled, and it would not have been possible to spirit him to Petrograd so promptly were it not for the steam engine.

Here we see technology aiding revolution in practice; it has always been so. Without it, Ayatollah Khomeini would not have been able to record his speeches and sermons and return them to his native Iran which would start a revolution that would eventually overthrow the then Shah Mohammad Pahlavi in 1979.

In the modern day, we have a different kind of technology: social media. Facebook and Twitter now account for 22% of all time spent online in the U.S. and have therefore become incredibly powerful platforms for broadcast and discussion. Perhaps the first instance of the power of social media on the global stage was at the beginning of the Tunisian revolution in late 2010 where Twitter was being used to publicise organised riots and protests by blogging groups

such as nawaat.org, which were being deliberately ignored by Tunisia's national media.

It seems as though the Tunisian revolution started something of a chain reaction and sparked the Arab Spring; there was subsequent revolution in both Egypt and Libya within two months of the Tunisian revolution beginning. Twitter, Facebook and Youtube have all been instrumental in aiding these uprisings but some reports have gone so far as to claim that they were the fulcrum rather than simply added weight for the revolutionaries.

So, did these insurgencies start because of social media or would they have been possible without it? In short, the answer is yes, but nothing is so black and white. The Bastille wasn't stormed with mobile phones and tweets but with grit and determination, as well as a lot of needless death and expendable lives. Revolution is rarely a bloodless affair and social media's ability to organise and gather prevents individuals from attempting to riot and revolt on their own and potentially endangering themselves.

The close proximity of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya can be attributed as an enormous factor to the instigation of the Egyptian and Libyan revolutions. Unrest spreads quickly and when people see a successful revolution being mounted, citizens quickly begin to see more clearly the flaws within their own infrastructure and

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Posting your intention to start a revolution via your status updates would either be seen as cowardice or a joke

are quicker to judge and criticise those to blame. Once the notion of 'if they can do it, so can we’' becomes concrete, then the first foundations for an uprising are laid.

Chris Taylor of mashable.com referred to Facebook, when utilised in an autocratic state, as a platform for free speech with each new opinion adding an acre to that forest of free speech, asking his readers to envisage an autocratic leader and their institution attempting to infiltrate that forest and the futility of their attempt.

My counter-argument is that yes, that is a valid point but it does not explain how revolution begins. Facebook certainly provides a safe haven for those attempting to encourage and maintain revolution but posting your intention to start a revolution via your status updates would either be seen as cowardice or a joke of some kind. No, social media does not start revolutions, it certainly aids and facilitates them but a virtual network is not yet sufficient to make physical change to a country's infrastructure.

Revolution will occur as it always has, when enough people are collectively unsatisfied with their state or government. Twitter and Facebook have proven themselves invaluable and functional but they are not and perhaps never will be, the core elements of social uprising. Anger, injustice and a collective desire for change will always be why revolutions start.

News Politics Feature Science Societies Listings 1 - 7 Opinion 14 - 16 19 - 21 22 - 23 26 - 27 29 9 - 12

Monday October 31 2011

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Opinion11

Promiscuity doesn't need to be a dirty word Sally Taylor Opinion Writer So, a guy who gets around is a lad, but his female counterpart is a slut.

It’s the age-old debate we’ve doubtless all got an opinion on, and is regularly hauled into the public eye with phenomena such as the notorious Slut Walk movement from April this year.

A now infamous Toronto police officer sparked protests worldwide when he instructed female students to ‘avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised’. In 2011 we should surely be past the ‘she was asking for it’ phase, yet his comment only goes to show how widely held the lad/ slut division still is. A girl flashing some thigh in a glitzy little number must be looking for some action, the harlot.

The first thing the police officer didn’t appear to consider was that a girl in a going-out dress isn’t necessarily looking to pull.

Let’s state it clearly, in the infinitely small chance he’s reading this: such clothes are the norm for the younger generation who enjoy clubbing, and should not be considered morally deviant or irresponsible.

For example, I’m in a relationship, and so don’t generally eye up the talent on the Comeplay dancefloor – that doesn’t mean I’m hitting

the town in a woolly pully; I still enjoy getting dressed up to go out.

But there’s a bigger issue here that I want to consider. The second thing the police officer didn’t seem to understand is that, if a girl does fancy bringing someone home with her, does it matter? If someone chooses to be promiscuous, who are we to judge?

Allow me to consider something

I overheard a few weeks ago: ‘I’ve got with ten guys since I got here,’ a fresher told her friend. ‘That doesn’t make me a slut though, does it?’ Many probably would consider this ‘slutty’, and the girl was clearly distressed at the prospect. I remember thinking that even for Freshers’ Week that was pretty impressive.

Considering it was only week two, that’s nearly one a night.

But, I also think: so what? It’s her life. If she wants to do it, let her do it. Live and let live.

Just because something doesn’t work for you, doesn’t mean you can judge others for doing it. You might not like someone’s fashion sense, music taste, or tendency to eat cereal instead of cooking dinner (OK that one’s me). Promiscuity, or lack thereof, is simply another lifestyle

choice, something up to you as an individual.

I’ve got friends who you definitely wouldn’t call chaste. There’s the flat with the A to Z list of conquests on the kitchen wall. The friend who got it on in a cupboard in Solus.

(Nope, I didn’t know Solus had cupboards either.) The boys whose magic numbers are approaching the size of their phone numbers, and who consider the greatest achievement of their ‘career’ to be having had sex in Talybont North, South and Court.

At the other end of the scale, I am myself probably the least ‘slutty’ person I know. I’m pretty vanilla.

The most exciting thing I’ve ever brought home was a traffic cone.

Does it matter? No. So why should it for those who play the field better than I ever did?

At the end of the day, some people like sex, and don’t want to be in a relationship. If nobody’s getting hurt, and everyone’s playing safe, surely that’s fair enough.

It’s their body, it’s their life – it’s their right to choose what they want to do. And at this stage in our lives it’s often more about having fun than finding the One. We should let people choose how they want to behave without judging. We’re all old enough to make our own decisions – let’s have the maturity to respect those made by others.

An end to the initiation tradition Nick Evans Opinion Writer

Wherever you turn these days, students are being portrayed as inebriated, do-nothing wasters by the media. Pictures of a handful of people rolling around on the streets of Cardiff get posted on the Daily Mail's website and suddenly the nation is in a moral panic with the concern that its future doctors, lawyers and teachers are destroying their professional image before it has even been constructed.

This week yields news in the same vein, Exeter University has launched an inquest into its societies’ initiations and the perceived danger that surrounds them. It comes after recent media re-coverage of the death of Gavin Britton who died in 2006 during a golf initiation at Exeter University which is sparking a lot of Universities to consider banning the term 'initiations' and clamp down on excessive drinking within large groups.

While Gavin Britton's death is no doubt a tragedy and lessons can be learned from it, they were the actions of an individual who was responsible for his own wellbeing.

Britton's father Ian was said to claim that his son's death was the result of peer pressure which forced him to consume way and beyond his body's alcohol limit (including

downing a pint of mixed spirits).

Peer pressure may certainly have been a factor in Mr. Britton's death and perhaps a review into the way in which initiations are run may be necessary in extreme circumstances but the fact is Mr. Britton was an adult and it was his choice to consume as much alcohol as he did.

There are examples throughout history and in contemporary society of the negative actions of an individual or individuals being associated with an entire group; a dozen Islamic extremists attacked the United States on 9/11 and hostility towards Muslims all across the Western World increased. On the flipside, a handful of U.S. army soldiers were found to be systematically torturing and humiliating suspected terrorists in the Abu Ghraib internment camp and the entire U.S. Military was branded with a villainous image.

The point I am striving to make is that once again, a single, isolated incident is causing widespread fear and stigmatisation. Because of this incident, hundreds or thousands of students may have their privacy intruded upon on the assumption that they can't control themselves. However, the fact is that every Freshers fortnight thousands of students go through their initiation rites and do nothing more than make a fool

of themselves and wake up with a blinding hangover.

Amuse, if you will, the notion that initiations do become banned from Universities, what would happen? They would go underground like speakeasies during prohibition America, initiations would

go further away from the University's watchful eye and potentially become more dangerous. Students will always drink, placing restrictions on our right to do so will only result in a backlash.

We are not the out-of-control, feral alcoholics which we are so un-

justly portrayed in the media as, we are young people enjoying youth. A large majority of us will go through initiations as a rite of passage, that will continue regardless of regulation and we will refuse to allow isolated incidents affect initiations across the board.

12Columnist

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aving a festival on your doorstep is an unexpectedly lovely thing. Well, yeah, like duh, obviously – I hear the inner American High School teen in you thinking. No doubt it does seem a blankly banal thing to say- there’s no yanking a bag around a mud splodden field. No getting to know the intimate depths of your worst odours. No fending off questions about whether you have some acid, when you are eating jam and rice pudding at 9.am, in a field amongst 15,000 people who probably don’t want to see me have a folk-based-drug-trip, and the answer is unequivocally, no. That last one may just be me. The advantages seem obvious as to be pointless to list.

But it’s more than just the pragmatic reliefs that Swn festival offered. Hosting a festival in Cardiff opens up so many urban spaces and possibilities in the nooks and crannies of otherwise undiscovered places. One of these being how damn cool it is being able to cook properly at a festival.

From the moment I wandered into Full Moon to collect my wristband and back home via Tesco (other aggressive conglomerates are available) a world of possibility was opened. Cast ye’ out, o meals of wanton inanity. Come hither, Swn-food.

Okay, I might be reverse-dramatising my life. But the weekend kept reminding me of the odd link between Food and Music. I always thought Shakespeare was having a bit of a moment at some medieval banquet when he said “If music be the food of love, play on” (either that or an elaborate and ultimately futilely abstract attempt at starting an orgy) but he is actually clever it turns outwhatever people tell you.

There’s something base yet beautiful about all the best food & music, and some music exploits this. I’m thinking of The National for example; their self-conscious suburban brood every now and again evocatively decorated by meals which instantly make the song come alive.

It can range from the comforting – “Stay up super late tonight/picking apples, making pies/ Put a little something in our lemonade, and take it with us” to the jubilant The Geese of Beverley Road’s, “Come be my waitress tonight/come serve me the sky with a big slice of lemon”.

The latter acts as the song’s literal cherry-on-top; part of the strange kind of euphoria that the band finds

in turning objects of everyday melancholy into actors in their celebratory bombast.

And I guess if you can concoct that much culinary interest from one song as I did, being surrounded by music for one weekend while having the magical ability to cook real food, makes every meal become a lil’ more interesting. Swn kicked off on the Thursday, and thirsty for music, I scampered to Full Moon to pick up my wristband as soon as possible.

The free programme in hand, the anality of my schedulising can begin. However, one would be perverse to organise on an empty engine.

Home it was then, unsure exactly what to make, but full of the kind of Guardian reading smugitude borne of the knowledge a packed Student’s Union Co-Op vegetable bag waited at home, ready to be stewed into whatever sanctimoniously healthy shape I could concoct. Or so I always think when buying those bags. They’re remarkably cheap, especially if you have a bounty of palatable meals on order in your brain. Sadly, I got home and instead of feeling enraptured by the myriad possibility of it all, I

Monday October 31 2011

opened my fridge and saw a bunch of misshapen roots and fruits, shorn of any directable purpose.

But then again, my Swn planning wasn’t going much better. Several ambitiously early ciders meant I was already cooking beyond the first bands who’d started. Who to see? Elephant Stone have a name which subconsciously intimates funk and or/synthy indie. That’s the kinda thing I like, right? Only there’s a band called Elephant on at exactly the same time- what if they are a trimmed down version? What if they’re rivals and I offend one of them and cause a Hipster gang war?

What if I have an aneurism from worrying pointlessly? How to solve a problem like this? Slap on some Titus Andronicus, make a spicy potato broth and see whoever. It’s better to throw yourself in and end up covered in potato skins and bad indie riffs than die wondering. And so I did, knocking up a soup that was a fine line in hangover cure the next morn. If you’re pondering just how I made it so special, here’s a rough list of ingredients to the cookingSome Food. An Oven. A Big Sauce-

pan.

One C.D.; Titus Andronicus- 10 parts epic rock, 10 parts punk, 10 parts Springsteen, 10 parts throaty nasal yelling, 20 parts abstract US Civil war concept, 10 parts Bagpipe soloing, 30 parts post-nihilistic ecstasy.

Play CD. Put some food in a pan, preferably with water.

Quote Abraham Lincoln speeches and scream how much of a loser you are ad verbatim. Exhilarate soul. Eat some soup.

The Titus plan- it worked for me.

Anyway, back to what I said some time ago, meals at Swn were excellently ceremonial, laying the foundations for the fun to follow. Key to this was a strict plan of only eating one McDonalds a day (other fattening conglomerates are available).

You have to have groundrules or the weekend would’ve broken into decadent chaos. Sunday’s was probably the one which furnished the weekend with the most meaning of any meal.

Yes, it was a hangover meal, generic, I know. But thinking back, my mem-

gairrhydd

ory is probably as rich as any of the gigs that weekend, and engaged in a similar way. It’s like an accidental ritual, the hangover meal. Convince myself I may not buy fry up foods.

Bring fry up foods. Bring sausages, bring bacon, bring an Albany Rd acquired terrible DVD (Beastly starring Vanessa Hudgens if you were wondering. Oh, you weren’t..) and bring a miasma of hilarious stories.

One of us fell asleep against the back of the union, we said as another ‘man-dwich’ was devoured. We remembered that the Disco played one of our favourite, and stunningly obscure bands (Why? In case you were wond...oh), as pints of tea seeped through our veins. And so is Swn- it’s become an accidental ritual for me.

Get a ticket, think that just because I’ve heard of some bands means I will be prancing around the festival like a musical Hunter S. Thomson, get slightly confused, have a shed load of cultural fun anyway.

Same time next year.

LG.

15

Politics

Monday October 31 2011

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Tomáš Evans Politics Reporter

sacre. It was the right thing to do.

Libya is not Iraq'' says Abdel, an officer in the Saiqa battalion. John McCain raised the possibility of US military action in Syria on the model of Libya. However, the Syrian opposition has so far rejected such ideas.

There also remains small, understandably quiet number of Gaddafi supporters, many contrasting the internal stability his regime with the current uncertainty. Should this minority become more vocal and a sense of national unity recede, reprisals could follow.

In an attempt to prevent Gaddafi's grave becoming a focal point for loyalists, on October 25, the NTC finally chose to bury Gaddafi's body at an undisclosed desert location.

Already the corpses of 53 Gaddafi loyalists, with their hands bound execution style, have been found at a Sirte hotel. However, one should note that Human Rights Watch has placed their death to a week ago; a war crime committed during the conflict, rather retributory violence following it.

O

n October 20 Colonel Muammar Gaddafi was killed near his hometown of Sirte, where loyalists were putting up a last stand against the advancing forces of the Libyan Revolution, marking the certain end of his forty-two year dictatorship. ''We have all waited for this moment'', declared Mustafa Abdel-Jalil, chair of Libya's National Transitional Council, to a jubilant crowd gathered in Benghazi, where the first protests against the old regime took place. The vast majority of Libyans will spare no tears over his death seeing it as the brutal end to a brutal dictatorship, thousands having queued to see Gaddafi's corpse while it was being kept in a Misrata cold storage room.

However, as a result of the circumstances surrounding Gaddafi's death, no sooner had the Libyan Revolutionaries defeated his forces, they faced questions over their own human rights record.

Britain's Defence Secretary, Phillip Hammond, was critical, saying ''the fledgling Libyan government will understand that its reputation in the international community is a little bit stained by what happened.''

Amnesty International has called on the National Transitional Council to carry out a ''full, independent and impartial i nve s t i g a tion'' into Gaddafi's death. Adding, however, that if it were unable to guarantee its inde pendence, a supranational organisation, such as the International Criminal Court, should take on task instead.

Once Gaddafi had chosen to fight to the last the end he saw was not unpredictable. The National Transitional Council no longer maintains that Gaddafi was killed in cross fire, perhaps because many of their soldiers who were present are keen to claim that they pulled the trigger.

However, now that Gaddafi is dead, the key question is 'where now for Libya'? Is it the end of a tyranny, or just the end of a tyrant?

Out of the Arab countries Libya was always a special case. Firstly, notwithstanding his so-called rehabilitation in 2004, Gaddafi did not have official US or British support like the Egyptian regime or French backing like Bel Ali of Tunisia,

“

which increased the political manoeuvrability of Western governments when the revolution began.

Secondly, the totalitarian nature of regime itself meant there was no civic society where an opposition movement could manifest.

Despite state repression, Egypt has a vibrant opposition movement of independent trade unions and political parties, which were key to organising protests in Tahrir Square and continue to keep up the pressure for democratic chang e.

Likewise, the Syrian National Council established in August by opposition groups can trace its origins to the 2005 Damascus Declaration, which condemned the Assad regime as ''authoritarian, totalitarian and cliquish''.

Indeed, the Syrian National Council's chair is Burhan Ghalioun, a prominent Paris-based Syrian dissident whose 1977 pamphlet, A Manifesto for Democracy, called on Arab states to restore democratic full rights to their citizens. In contrast, Mustafa Abdel-Jalil, who heads Libya's transitional government, was Gaddafi's justice minister until defecting to the Revolution in February.

The largest opposition group, the National Front for the Salvation of Libya, was founded in 1981

by Muhammad Yusuf al-Magariaf, formerly Gaddafi's ambassador to India, and is now led by Ibrahim

The key question is 'where now for Libya'? Is it the end of a tyranny, or just the end of a tyrant?

Abdulaziz Sahad, a former Libyan army officer and diplomat. The group is alleged to have received backing from both the CIA and Saudi Arabia.

Although perhaps inevitable, the lack of a substantial indigenous opposition and the persistence of former regime officials in transitional institutions raises questions as to whether there shall be a substantive transformation. The intervening period between now and democratic elections has to be used to build a civic society and for opposition parties and organisation to form.

Gaddafi's death and the victory of the Libyan Revolution has both regional and international implications for the Arab Spring. Had Gaddafi's forces crushed the Revolution in Benghazi and enacted severe reprisals on its population, not only would it have made any future revolt extremely unlikely, at least in the near future, it would have emboldened other dictators and despots fearful of losing power. In contrast, its victory has given confidence to the people on the streets of Syria, Iran, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The new Libyan regime became the first to recognise the Syrian National Council as the legit-

imate government of Syria. The presence of an oil rich regime on the side of the Arab Revolutions could be a major factor in determining their success.

Libyan's credit their final victory to existence of the NATO imposed No-Fly-Zone. ''Without it, Benghazi would have seen a terrible mas-

“

Victory has given confidence to the people on the streets of Syria, Iran, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

The real test of the government will be how it deals with rising unemployment and growing social inequality, caused by corruption and neoliberal economic reforms. With both the US and Europe in economic crisis, and the financial crisis spreading to China, their task shall be even more difficult.

It is understandable to focus on celebrating the overthrow of a brutal dictator, however, the underlying socio-economic and political issues that were behind the Libyan Revolution will not simply solve themselves, and one must not forget the struggle for freedom and justice across Middle East goes on.

Feature Science Societies Listings News Opinion 22 - 23 26 - 27 1-7 9 - 12 Politics 19 - 21 29 14 - 16

Monday October 31 2011

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Politics16

Cameron and Sarkozy clash Sarah Smith Politics Reporter

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avid Cameron, a known Eurosceptic, believes that the UK should play a leading role in helping the euro crisis. The PM has urged european leaders to adopt the ‘big bazooka approach’ of which Britain will play no direct role.

Cameron, along with Foreign Minister William Hague and Chancellor George Osbourne, have been urging the euro leaders to make a decision on the next step in the euro crisis. However this constant and very public advice has not been taken lightly by the French President Sarkozy who reportedly told Cameron to “shut up” during a meeting of the 27 European Union leaders.

Sarkozy went on to say: “We are sick of you criticising us and telling us what to do.”

Despite this Cameron claims that the UK will continue to play a vital role in the sorting of the euro crisis to which Sarkozy’s final comment, “you say you hate the euro and now you want to interfere in our meetings”, has clearly been ignored.

However before we decide that Sarkozy is talking for ‘the rest of Britain’, as has been decided by Ed Miliband, let us not forget that the UK contributes roughly 6 billion to the European Union each year and that over 50% of exports and imports are through the European

Union each year. These are massive figures that hold the UK economy tightly to the EU. The fate of the British economy is interlinked with that of the euro and, as leader, Cameron is rightly doing his upmost to advert this crisis.

This poses the question ‘what exactly does Cameron propose to do?’ He proposes to be a ‘back seat driver’ to put it bluntly. The economies of the eurozone are in a crisis.

Any attempt to rescue Greece will be funded by the countries within the eurozone. It is in this context that Sarkozy can hardly be blamed for his emotional outburst. With the constant referral of a ‘hair cut’ to Greece, one cannot help but to wonder whether Greece would have any hair left with the Tory cuts.

The meeting of the euro countries would have been a chance to make the strong decision that Cameron has claimed is so desperately needed. Now all 27 of the European countries will be present, a delaying factor in itself. There will be ten countries present due to the continued pressure from Cameron that will merely be giving advice with no intention of contributing to the task in hand.

Sakozy words were rash and no one is denying that the UK has a sufficiently large economy and that its withdrawal from the EU would be felt heavily but the euro crisis is something that effects everyone and the solution can only be found in the eurozone.

Rebellion from the backbenchers as Europe splits opinion again Hugh Rodger Politics Reporter

T

Above: William Hague

he biggest rebellion in Conservative Party history has been seen off

by David Cameron. The rebellion was calling for a bid to hold a referendum on Britain’s European Union membership.

Despite the defiance of 81 Tory MPs over party whips, the motion was defeated by 483 votes to 111 with 15 MPs abstaining.

This was the largest Tory rebellion since 1993 when 41 MPs defied John Major over the Maastricht Treaty. The referendum would have offered a three-way vote on whether Britain should remain in the EU, renegotiate its membership or leave altogether.

William Hague criticised rebels within his party, stating the Commons vote was “the wrong question at the wrong time” as it was “completely against the policy of the government”, reflecting on the fact that a pledge for a vote on EU membership was not included in the Conservative Party manifesto during the 2010 general election.

The Liberal Democrats offered an in/out referendum only when “a British government signs up for fundamental change in the relationship between the UK and the EU.” Despite Hague’s history as one of the most prolific eurosceptic Conservatives, he defended the threeline party whip which has drawn criticism for being undemocratic.

“This proposition cuts right across the rules for holding referendums that we have just agreed by large majorities. It would create additional economic uncertainty in this country.”

The question of whether Britain should remain in the EU is one that has divided the country for years.

David Cameron’s decision to use a three-line whip to defeat the motion is peculiar considering the strong eurosceptic sentiment within his party and his voter base. The economic downturn within the Eurozone and the UK itself is oft-cited as a justification for why the timing for a referendum is poor.

One question to be considered is why the Commons vote wasn’t a free vote. The motion did not call for an immediate referendum, but

simply an unspecified date in the future. A free vote could have been a much more honourable and democratic option, avoiding tension in the party and sparing Mr Cameron from having to pick fights.

Euroscepticism among Tory backbenchers is nothing new. However, much of the party are frustrated over the lack of answers on further integration into Europe and the return of powers back to Westminster.

While Tory backbenchers argue that there is huge demand for a referendum among the public, a recent Ipsos-MORI poll showed that just 3 per cent of voters regard Europe as one of the most important issues.

Their judgement of the euro may have been correct in hindsight, but with the UK economy stagnant and signs of growth further still, too much in-fighting over Europe will ensure a divided Conservative Party that will put voters right off.

However, if David Cameron is serious about reforming Britain’s power relations with the EU, he must prove as such, otherwise he risks another bloody nose from his party and the electorate.

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Politics

Monday October 31 2011

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Tunisia’s new era

Shavy Malhotra Political Editor

O

ctober 23 was a different day for the little African country of Tunisia. With 23 years of despotism under ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and nine months of violent protesting across the nation, the people have finally found some hope for a better future, for breathing an air of freedom in an otherwise environment of distrust and supremacy of the powerful. The countrymen woke up on Sunday to elect and bring a democratic wave to the Arab spring, again the first in their clan.

It started on December 17 2010 when Mohammed Bouazizi, a 26year old fruit and vegetable vendor in the Tunisian town of Sidi Bouzid, immolated himself after being mistreated by police which marked a series of events in Tunisia and the rest of the Arab world dominated the news of 2011. Within a month of Bouazizi’s spark, Ben Ali and his family was forced to flee Tunisia.

Freedom was celebrated across the country, unaware of the fact that the 10 million citizens were running a headless nation.

But the sense of ambiguity since the outset of the anarchist Ben Ali could still be seen in the eyes of the people. What started as a protest

for fundamental rights and against growing inefficiencies and frustration among the youth due to large scale unemployment still stood as it was, or rather aggravated. Since the beginning of the end of Ben Ali’s rule, unemployment in Tunisia has been on the rise. While the general rate was 19% in January and has been rising since then, the jobless rate for women graduates has exceeded 40% and could be as much as double of that in the poorer interiors. The corrupt judges, the over-powering police and unjustified torture on common masses is still largely prevalent.

What Jasmine Revolution did to Tunisia, or rather the whole of Arab spring, was uproot the prolonged rule of kings but, unfortunately it couldn’t uproot the system within which this disorganization was carried out. For example, in Tunisia many corrupt judges appointed by the then ruler running the judiciary are still occupying the same positions in the system. A human rights activist noted that in Tunisia, “There are three elements: the secret police, the old guard of the former ruling party and the businessmen corrupted by working with the regime. These three are still powerful, they still have long arms.”

There is no freedom of speech or expression as evident by the recent country-wide protests over

a screening on TV of the awardwinning animated film Persepolis.

While some claim human riots violation in jails and hospitals, others have described the justice system as rotten.

If immediate attention is not given to resolve the growing discontentment and the country isn’t freed from the clutches of the old regime then the country can slip back in to a state which will be no different from the previous regime’s apparatus.

“

Elections were held for each of the country's 33 districts

Also, the irritation has intensified due to the fact that the core reason for removing the ruler - unemployment and duress life haven’t been solved yet. The public of Tunisia is now turning out to vote for the formation of a National Advisory Council (NAC). Over 90% of the 4.1 million registered voters cast their vote on Sunday. The elections were held for the country’s 33 districts each of which roughly had 40 to 80 ballot choices for a to-

tal of 217 seat-assembly. The NAC will be tasked with the creation of a people friendly constitution within 12 months of the elections. This being the primary responsibility, concrete action on corruption, poverty, inequality and unemployment will then follow. As a spokesperson from An-Nahda, the outlawed Islamist political party, stated, “We’re trying to explain that what we’re being elected for is to write a constitution.

We can’t promise them the moon.”

However, not everyone is convinced. While some waited for over 24 hours in the queue outside schoolturned-ballot centers to cast their vote, some abstained, calling it a mockery of their efforts to liberate Tunisia. This aggression among the people comes from the way they’ve been living for most part of their lives. They are used to pleasing the king, the top of the hierarchy, and that is what the voters fear will happen even if they democratically appoint a government. They can see an illusion of the old regime in the current system and the proposed government. As rightly noted by a Tunisian lawyers union member, “Future cannot be created using the tools of the past.”

There is an urgent need to shift the attitude from oppressive to democratic. Such a change cannot come overnight and the October elections should be the beginning of the end of an era which should

be the true uprising of the Arab commonwealth.

The need of the hour is to ensure trust within the people. They need to be assured that changes will come. The NAC needs to get rid of the corrupt judges, the police needs to get back to the service of the people and not the statesmen, and lastly, the focus is to be ensured on the overall growth of the social and economic life of the masses and not the rulers. Such changes need to happen quickly and the popular discontent that those who rob and kill and torture won’t be punished needs to be removed for the first ever democratic election in Tunisia to be successful.

As we go to press...

Partial official results from Tunisia suggest victory for the moderate Islamist party, Ennahda.

On Monday Ennahda claimed the election win, although initial results indicate the party is short of gaining a majority. Tunisia's electoral commission said Ennahda had won 18 out of 44 seats declared so far in a new assembly of 217 seats.

Ennahda's leaders have pledged to create a multi-party, secular democracy, and not an Islamist state.

News Opinion Politics Science Societies Listings 1-7 9 - 12 14 - 16 Feature 22 - 23 26 - 27 29 19 - 21

Monday October 31st 2011

gairrhydd

Sport 33 - 36

Features19

Jodie Palombo

W

here would we be without technology?

Being the owner of an iPod touch, an Android phone and a laptop, I couldn’t imagine living without any of them. How would I keep in contact with my close friends or know what events are happening in the upcoming weeks? I wouldn’t be able to do any of my assignments for university. In actual fact, I would be completely lost. The first thing I do in the morning, before anything else, is check if I have any notifications on Facebook. I can’t possibly be the only person with this addiction to technology. Has the rest of the world also become this dependent on technology? You don’t even have to look back on the past two decades to see life without all of the technology we have today. It isn’t that long ago that there was no such thing as the iPhone or the Blackberry. Technology has grown significantly over recent years and the growth shows no signs of ceasing or slowing down. We are always desperate for something new and exciting. We just have to have the latest and the best technology on the market.

In the past few weeks, the technology world has been jolted by two big stories. Firstly, the co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs passed away on October fifth after a long battle against cancer. As one of the most successful men in technology, it is suffice to say that without him the industry will never be the same again. Not long after this, a rival

company of Apple, RIM - owners of Blackberry - had problems with their network, leaving users without access to some of the most important services on their phones for up to three days. We all know through experience that technology isn’t reliable at the best of times, but to see one of the biggest players of the technology market have such a huge issue that affected millions of users, is quite appalling and left people infuriated.

“ On the day that Steve Jobs passed away, tributes immediately came flooding in from everyone whose lives he had affected in one way or another. There aren’t many men who you could compare him to. We have probably all enjoyed some of Jobs’ greatest works. He was the man behind the iPhone, the iPod and was even the chief executive

of the Pixar animation studios, the people who brought us Toy Story.

His battle with cancer forced him to resign in August, unable to work due to his illness. And it could be said that the changes in Apple have already become apparent since his departure. The world was ready and waiting for the release of the iPhone 5 to be announced, but instead, they were presented with the iPhone 4S. This phone is identical to the iPhone 4, but has slightly more improved functions, such as the Siri voice application, which allows you to use your voice to perform certain functions on the phone. It is safe to say that there was a lot of disappointment after the release of this new phone, however, the demand for them is still huge. You can’t help but wonder, if Steve Jobs was still CEO of Apple, would they have released an iPhone 5? We will never know, but for now, it is clear that Apple is still at the top of its game and only the future will tell what is in store for the company. One thing we can say, is that the technology world will be a much different place without Steve Jobs.

Seventy million Blackberry users were left without access to the internet on their phones for up to three days recently. Users had to stop using Blackberry messenger to send free messages between themselves and go back to the ‘old fashioned’ ways of contacting each other through phone calls and text messages. However, although people were unable to use their phones to access the internet, there were still many statuses on Facebook

complaining about the Blackberry network problems. So, although technology can be unreliable and leave us angry and disappointed sometimes, we can live without it.

There are so many platforms which allow us to access the internet, that if one goes down, we can always rely on another. Would it be completely different if all of these platforms were suffering with problems at the same time? How long would we last if we couldn’t Google everything or keep up to date via Facebook and Twitter? A day? A week? Or is it possible that we are so technology dependent nowadays that we could only last a couple of hours?

We don’t have to look back very far to see a world without much technology. Yes, there were computers, but how many people had one in their homes? And they weren’t the singing dancing pieces of machinery that we have today. They were slow, unreliable and not often used for entertainment purposes.

Who would have known that not very far down the line they would

be taking over the world? It is now unusual for a person not to have access to a computer at home, be it desktop or a laptop. Can you imagine lectures without the aid of the PowerPoint presentation? But for the older generation, a technology free world was their reality. If they lived with it, then surely it couldn’t be that hard for our generation to do the same.

So we use technology for a lot of things, to keep in contact, to learn and so much more. But should we try and imagine a world where we wouldn’t have technology, or should we embrace what we have and be grateful for the things technology has given us? In my opinion, I think that we are very lucky to have the devices that we have. So maybe we shouldn’t rely on them completely, but we could never go back to the way things used to be. We want bigger and better all the time and that is the way it is going to be for the foreseeable future. Will we ever reach a stage where we have the biggest and the best there is, or are we always going to be hungry for something more?

Features

20

Monday October 31 2011

gairrhydd

How safe are you?

In Features this week, Angharad Tye-Reeve gives us some top tips for student safety

T

he first few weeks of the new university semester are a mad frenzy of boozy nights, making a nice dent in your student loan, and colour coding the all important time-table. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of returning to university. With so much going on, thinking about your safety may not be at the top of your list of concerns.

However, whether you’re a fresher living in halls or an old-timer in a student house, anyone can become a victim of theft.

It is likely that most students will either know someone or will have heard about someone being burgled, or maybe you yourself are a victim of theft. Student houses are particularly vulnerable. It is estimated that, across the UK, about a third of all students at some point in their time at university will become a victim of theft. About 20% of these crimes occur in the first six weeks of the academic year, so it is vitally important that you get into good safety habits now.

Houses or flats are twice as likely to be burgled than halls, but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be cautious living in student accommodation. The thought that goes through everyone’s mind, including my own, is ‘it won’t happen to me’, but this naïve thinking is exactly what could catch you off guard. In my first year, living in Talybont, my phone was stolen off my windowsill. Comparatively to other burglaries, the theft was minor, but the experience was upsetting and it was a hassle to replace my phone.

You wouldn’t think that you would have to be careful about leaving things on your windowsill, but it demonstrates how easy it is to have something taken.

sessions: ous. Opportunistic thieves look for open windows or unlocked doors, rather than forcing entry. A third of all burglars get in through a window. ALWAYS lock your bedroom, front and back doors and make sure all windows are securely shut before you leave the house

such as laptops, phones, cash etc. on view as this could tempt thieves.

Last week, Emily Rose, a third year Medical student, had her house, which she shares with six other people, broken into and burgled. She and her housemates had returned from a night out and found that all their bedrooms, which had been locked, were broken into. Four laptops, four cameras, an Xbox and a Pandora bracelet were some of the items stolen. They immediately informed the police who carried

of a student burglary is £900 so it makes sense to get covered. At least insure your expensive possessions; laptop, phone etc.

and make of your laptop and phone, in the event of a burglary these pieces of information will be useful for the police. cupied for the evening, leave a light on.

fantastic success with crime rates in Cathays and the surrounding area significantly reduced. This project, founded in Cardiff, is unique and is now set to be implemented in other universities and colleges. This relationship between police teams and Cardiff students is invaluable and the project is a great way of increasing awareness about crime.

Volunteers are recruited throughout the year so if you would like to

Police Team and the focus given to young people is brilliant. We should be extremely grateful for their efforts and for the positive effects this is having on the reduction of crime in Cardiff. Chief Tooby continues ‘through youth intervention and great work with Cardiff University volunteers, we’ve been able to show young people how to safeguard themselves from opportunistic thieves. Close work with the Wales

home with you during the holidays.

signs of a break in do not enter the bour's house and call the police.

The warnings and advice may sound full on but remember, the chances of being burgled are relatively small. It’s not all doom and -

out an intensive search. A bike which had already been reported as stolen was found at the back of the property indicating that the thief/ thieves had committed previous offences. Emily said "I feel violated.

It's horrible thinking a stranger has been in your house and gone through your things. Home is the place where you are meant to feel safe and when you’re burgled the feeling of security vanishes." The police are continuing their investigation.

Unfortunately it is impossible to eliminate the threat of burglary completely, but there are some precautions you can take to minimise the risk. Here are some handy tips to help secure your home and pos-

the 10th safest city in the UK, and recent statistics show that over the year there has been a rapid drop in the number of crimes in the city. Cardiff has an average of four burglaries a day but on the 25th, 26th and 27th September not a single dwelling burglary occurred, which is a significant drop in crime to previous years. The Divisional Commander for policing in Cardiff, Chief Superintendent Bob Tooby says "over the last 12 months, there have been 4,411 less victims of crime and 429 less burglaries compared to the year before. These good results mean we have more time to provide a quality service to victims and more time to investigate their crimes".

Three years ago, South Wales Police launched a project which gave student volunteers the opportunity to work directly alongside special constables at the forefront of preventing crime and encouraging the reporting of crime when it happens. You may have seen the bright yellow signs with the phrase ‘Lock it. Hide it. Keep it.’ posted around the union. The campaign has been a

“

I feel violated. It's horrible thinking a stranger has been in your house and gone through your things.

get involved in this excellent cause call 02920 222 111 for more information.

The dedication of South Wales

Team and the probation service has also helped with the rehabilitation of offenders'. South Wales Police team must be commended on their efforts and hopefully these great results will continue through the academic year.

Useful Contacts Uni 24 hour security control room - 029 2087 4444 Cathays Police Station - 029 2052 7439 Hospital/Accident and Emergency - 029 2074 7747

1-7

Monday October 31 2011

Opinion Politics Science Societies Listings 9 - 12 14 - 16 Feature 22 - 23 26 - 27 29 19 - 21

Sport 33 - 36

gairrhydd

Amber Bell Features Writer

S

tudent finance: possibly two of the most hated words in the English language. But the prospect of it really doesn't have to be so daunting. Avoid the headache and take a whole different perspective on this intimidating phrase with these top tips...

think of is a nice, warm Shepherd's Pie. What I'm saying is, spend your loan on the right things.

While we all love a good night out, you have to budget accordingly.

Limit yourself to a certain amount to spend and make sure you just take cash out with you, rather than your card. Believe me, it is the most soul-destroying feeling waking up after a night out, with no memory,

And try not to be sucked in by all the freebies they offer you. Unless its something that's really going to cater to you, steer more towards the banks that offer the biggest overdraft, interest free, with a 0% interest for a period after you finish your course as well.

I lived my first year in my overdraft due to my loan being paid into my bank two months late. And I’m

It's easy to find yourself completely overwhelmed on loan day.

I'm a perfect culprit. Looking at my bank account and seeing those four numbers staring straight back at me, for a split second I find myself thinking all my dreams have come true. But the fact is, you need to take a step back and realise that this money has to last you for at least another three months. Doesn't seem quite so much then does it?

By no means am I saying don't spend a penny of it, or don't treat yourself to anything. You'd go insane if that was the case. Just don't blow all of it within the first month on things you really don't need - even if a new Xbox or that £100 dress you are dying for is calling out to you. need, and then, by not spending it all in one go, you'll have the choice to be able to buy yourself things in the coming weeks if you really want to. Think how you'll feel if come December, all your flatmates can afford to go out to celebrate the end of term, and you have to sit indoors wistfully remembering the days when you weren't obscenely overdrawn with only your new and unneeded purchases to comfort you.

Even worse, how will you feel on the day you can't afford to eat anything but cereal... especially those cold winter nights, when all you can

and just a purse full of numerous receipts from when you decided it was a great idea to just start buying rounds on your card. I wouldn't recommend it.

If you have an overdraft, don't panic if you end up having to use it.

And if you don't have one and turn out to be struggling for money, get one. Banks offer great perks for student accounts, so hunt around for the one that's going to suit you best.

still in it now. At first, this would send me into such a frenzy, but you just have to remember, most students ARE living in their overdraft.

It's inevitable. That's what they are there for. The idea that really helps me is that once University is over, and I've got a career behind me that I really love and have earned my dues for, I'll be out of that overdraft.

I’ll look back on my time at University and think of every penny as well spent.

funding

Features21

A part-time job at University is always a good idea, however it’s really important that you don't let

“

It is the most soul-destroying feeling waking up after a night out, with no memory, and just a purse full of receipts.

your job take over your life. Last Easter I got myself a part-time job after months and months of trying.

I was put in for a 20 hour contract, and I definitely struggled juggling that amount of hours alongside revision. And it showed in my results. Luckily that was only my first year of university, so I could put it down as a lesson learnt. I now do 12 hours a week and I wouldn't want to do any more than that. You have to remember, you're only doing that job to help fund your time at university. You’re at niversity to set you up for the rest of your life.

If you're finding it hard to get a job, don't be downhearted. Thousands of students will be roaming Cardiff keen for a job, so competition will be incredibly tough. Keep trying, and vary the type of job you go for.

Promotion work for clubs is an easy thing to get into and a perfect job for a student as it isn't too demanding.

Failing that, the Job Shop in the Student Union is an excellent thing to join. They will send you regular emails of available one off jobs, and you just reply to any ones you experience, it doesn't matter. You don't have to supply a CV for most of the jobs, but doing them will definitely look great on your CV in the future. By going through the Job

Shop originally, you may even find that places will begin to contact you directly for other jobs, so it's a win win situation.

Keep a regular eye on your

One of the most important things is to keep a close eye on your spending. It's so easy to just turn a blind eye. I do it all the time. After a heavy weekend of spending, I literally dread the moment I press “View balance” on my bank website, but it is so much better to just keep a regular eye on your incoming and outgoing money. Online banking is the best way to do that.

If you haven't got it already, set it up. Every other day just have a quick look through your purchases and it will help you cut down any irrelevant spending. It will also help you have a clear idea in your mind of how your money will last you for the coming weeks and months. The worst thing to do is just avoid it and pretend your money isn't going anywhere, when in reality, it's filtering away. Think how awful you would feel if in a month's time, if you looked in your account expecting a certain amount, and actually found yourself £500 overdrawn? Shocked to say the least.

So try not to let yourself get ploughed under by the strain of finance. Keep at the forefront of your mind that you are only young, and money shouldn't be a deciding factor in your happiness. Whether most of your loan is still comfortably in your bank, or you are sat in your overdraft, just work with what you've got and try not to get stressed about it. Whatever situation you find yourself in, there is always a way to fix it.

22Science

Natalie Healey Science Writer Cardiff University has opened a new research facility to investigate the effects of lightning upon composite materials and is now the site of the most advanced research based lightning testing facility in the United Kingdom.

The Morgan-Botti Lightning Laboratory was launched on October 13 and will generate artificial lightning to test the ability of aircraft manufacturing materials to withstand the effects of extreme weather conditions.

The laboratory, which will utilise the practical knowledge of European Aeronautic Defence and Space, will work closely with the Cardiff School of Engineering's High Voltage Energy Systems research group to provide a unique testing centre for Welsh businesses involved in the use of composites.

The 1.6 million pound centre will focus in particular, on testing the robustness of carbon composites: new materials being used within the airframe of an aircraft.

Composites are engineered or naturally occurring materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties.

Composites in the airframe are both light and strong and are therefore

Monday October 31 2011

ideal for more efficient transport.

With statistical records showing that there is one lightning strike every second on average around the world and the average airliner being hit by lightning once a year, there is consequently a vital need to investigate the effects of lightning strikes on aircraft parts.

Scientists at the facility will be able to play Zeus, generating up to 200 000 Amps – six times the current of an actual lightning strike.

The lab has many safety procedures in place to protect the researchers from the dangerous bolts.

“

The facility will be able to generating up to 200 000 Amps – six times the current of an actual lightning strike

The laboratory has switches which are operated by compressed air and fibre optics are used to carry the signals from the instruments. It is assured therefore, that no cables or other conductors run between the control room and the live equipment.

The experiments are also carried out within a double steel-lined cage.

This provides the researcher with

an acoustic shield for the very loud blast that arises when the lightning bolts are fired.

Producing the lightning is just the start of the research possibilities – the centre will also be able to use analytical techniques to determine the change in charge, light and temperature levels during a lightning strike. Sophisticated photographic techniques will also be employed to acquire a complete picture of a lightning strike’s impact.

The launch of the laboratory has coincided with the opening of

the Airbus A350 wing factory at Broughton in Flintshire. The Airbus A350, due to be released in early 2013, is the first Airbus to have body and wing structures made primarily of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (a composite).

With the trend for increased use of composites in aircraft manufacture, the materials must be thoroughly tested against the effect of extreme conditions that might occur mid-flight to ensure safety for passengers and pilots.

Professor Manu Haddad from

the Cardiff University School of Engineering said: “This new facility will allow Cardiff University to work closely with manufacturers and users of composite materials and components to optimise the electrical properties of the material and structure designs, and, ultimately, the research aims to contribute to the development of more environmentally-friendly and safer aircraft.”

The laboratory was named in honour of former First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Dr Jean Botti, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company chief technical officer, who were both instrumental in establishing the facility.

The Morgan-Botti Lightning Laboratory will be used by both composite manufacturers and aircraft manufacturers. This includes the Next Generation Composite Wing Programme, which strives to provide unique technological ideas to upcoming aerospace programmes.

As well as aviation use, the laboratory will be utilised for a wide range of lightning research studies.

With the economy hitting research and development hard in the UK, the laboratory is an exciting new development representing a change in the trend to down-size research and development in the country and will hopefully encourage novel research investments in Wales.

Coming Next Week: Jack Parker Science Writer Some Republicans over on the other side of the Atlantic have in recent years made themselves infamous for spouting absolute nonsense, but there comes a point when you honestly have to question the sanity of some.

Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, is currently fighting for the Republican nomination for the 2012 presidential elections and week by week seems to be alienating himself from the scientific community.

A long time climate change sceptic, he has this time been criticised due to one of his appointees heavily editing a scientific report commissioned on a local bay.

Mentions of human-induced climate change and even the blatant and undisputed rising of water levels in the bay were removed without justified explanation. Not surprisingly all of the scientists involved with the report have requested their names be removed from the paper, with some publicly complaining of censorship.

While climate change denial may not seem like big news for the Republican Party, this recent development is one step further. This isn’t just John McCain or Sarah Palin

gair

recent poll suggesting even Democrats are somewhat doubtful – only 62% of them agree climate change is mainly man-made. When fighting for the position of Republican candidate, being ignorant may even be beneficial with the party split over whether climate change is even happening at all. Let’s not even get started on the Tea Party.

Yet the United States advertises itself as the leaders of the free world- the heart of democracy, the place in which people will die not to support your view, but your right to say it.

putting the economy before the environment, but an intense intervention with the scientific process.

Publishing a report which has been edited to exclude conclusions based on globally-backed scientific evidence is against the entire purpose of the scientific community even existing in the first place. It’s nothing less than a spit in the face to vaccinations, the moon landing and any other success that the scientific method has brought us during the course of civilisation.

So it’s startling that Rick Perry can get away with it. Sure, scepticism is high in the States, with a

“

This is against the entire purpose of the scientific community even existing in the first place

So while disagreeing with the scientific community may be in line with grassroots support, you would assume that editing the published views of anybody, let alone academics, would be seriously frowned upon. It’s un-American. Unfortunately the economy gets top trump and all principles are happily sacri-

ficed for the almighty Wall Street.

Yet the scenario is nothing new.

For decades diplomatic wars have been fought within local communities and states over the teaching of evolution in schools, that time due to religion rather than capitalism.

In many ways it’s the same scenario – the right to freedom of speech eroded due to the devoted anti-scientific far right.

I would love for the American population to be adequately convinced about imminent environmental catastrophe in time for next year’s election, but I’ve been in the campaigning game long enough now to not keep my hopes up.

There is a significant proportion of the human race more in agreement with Al-Gore than they are with the Republicans when it comes to climate change, yet we know the scientific evidence just isn’t listened to.

If we want to keep the environment on the agenda in the White House for the next half a decade, then perhaps targeting Rick Perry’s un-American methodology will do more good than tackling his conclusions.

Of urgent importance is to protect not just the scientist’s conclusions but their right to publish it – uncensored and not politicised.

Police in Santa Cruz using mathematics to send officers to crime hotspots before any offence has occurred

The latest news from New Zealand on their biggest environmental disaster in a century

Societies Listings News Opinion Politics Feature 29 1-7 9 - 12 14 - 16 19 - 21 Science 26 - 27 22 - 23

Monday October 31 2011

Sport 33 - 36

gair

A

successful conclusion to the battle against malaria could soon be within reach, recent clinical trial results of an experimental vaccine have suggested.

The vaccine candidate developed

by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has been shown to halve the chances of infants experiencing malaria in a large-scale Phase III clinical trial carried out across Sub-Saharan Africa, where the deadly disease is endemic.

The sensational data was presented simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and at the Bill & Melinda Gates Malaria Forum in Seattle and reveals that GSK's 30-year push to develop a malaria vaccine may be finally reaching fruition.

The drug, known as RTS,S or Mosquirix, would make history if it were to enter the market as the world's first effective malaria vaccine.

A vaccine couldn't really arrive at a better time – although the World Health Organization has recently reported that malaria-related deaths have fallen by 20% worldwide, the disease still threatens half of the world's population. gair rhydd was able to exclusively speak to Sarah Kline, executive director of Malaria No More UK – a leading charity that has helped save over 5 million lives and aims to help reduce malaria-related deaths to near zero by 2015.

Freshly returned from the Bill & Melinda Gates Malaria Forum, she reminded us that “malaria continues to kill 781,000 people each year – many are young children and pregnant women”. She carried on to hail RTS,S as a “huge scientific achievement” and added that “for the 225 million who contract malaria every year, it could be a life saver”.

“

The drug would make history if it were to enter the market as the world's first effective malaria vaccine.

Malaria can be classified into two forms: clinical and severe. Clinical malaria is characterised by feverlike symptoms; if untreated, it can lead to severe malaria and its associated deadly effects on the brain, blood and kidneys.

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites infecting and replicating within red blood cells – with Plasmodium falciparum being the deadliest of them all. The parasites

are carried within the saliva of mosquitoes – most commonly those of the Anopheles genus.

Mosquitoes flush saliva into their victim through their proboscises – it acts as an anticoagulant and prevents blood clotting around the wound. This way, mosquitoes can feed on a constant stream of blood until they are satisfied.

However, the Plasmodium remain and travel to the liver to mature and replicate – where they are unnoticeable to the immune system.

Once mature, the parasites migrate to the red blood cells and replicate within them, again bypassing the immune system.

Because malaria is spread by mosquitoes, current prevention methods mainly revolve around the usage of insecticide sprays and treated bed-nets. These methods alone have proven to be reasonably effective – a recent large-scale implementation of such products in 40 countries has managed to cut malaria deaths by half.

GSK aims to change this. Three simple injections of its RTS,S drug was shown to reduce the chance of children aged 5-17 months experiencing clinical malaria by 56% and severe malaria by 47% over the following 12-month period. This suggests that the vaccine, if used in conjunction with the traditional malaria prevention methods, could significantly reduce the risk of contracting malaria.

RTS,S is not the first experimental malaria vaccine to be trialled.

Like most traditional vaccines, they tried to destroy the pathogens as soon as they entered the bloodstream – in the case of malaria, as soon as the Plasmodium were injected into the blood with insectile saliva.

Such vaccine candidates had

only minutes to work before the Plasmodium reached the liver for the next stage of their life cycle – after which the pathogens would reside either in hepatic or red blood cells, undetectable to immune cells.

For this reason many scientists have long thought a fully functional malaria vaccine would be impossible to create, and clearly the researchers at GSK had to try a radically different approach. RTS,S works by exploiting our innate cellular immunity.

The drug utilizes T-lymphocytes - immune system cells – that can identify cells infected with the parasite, regardless of whether they are in the bloodstream or in the liver, initiating an immune response.

This contrasts with the traditional model of a vaccine, which creates antibodies capable solely of killing off loose pathogens in the bloodstream and other body cavities.

-

For this to happen, a T-cell response to the malarial Plasmodium would have to be stimulated, which called for adjuvants to be used – substances which indirectly increase the efficacy of a drug or vaccine.

The adjuvant contained within RTS,S is the immune-boosting QS-

“

It is important to bear in mind that RTS,S is in no way a “silver bullet”

21 Stimulon, a plant derivative developed by Agenus. The compound potentiates the immune response and is currently also being used in the development by GSK of shingles and non-small cell lung cancer vaccines, currently undergoing clinical trials.

The actual clinical trial of RTS,S is perhaps as revolutionary as the drug itself – it is the largest-scale trial to ever be carried out in Africa, with 15,460 children and infants being experimentally immunised across 11 sites in Sub-Saharan Africa. The ground-breaking statistics recently published are derived from the analysis of the final stage Phase III data of 6,000 5-17-month-olds.

This data set, which shows that three injections of RTS,S halve the risk of experiencing malaria over a 12-month follow up period, is the first of three to be released – with the drug's effect on newborn babies expected in 2012 and the long-term of the efficacy of the drug to be known in 2014. The World Health Organization has advised that it would be prepared to recommend the use of the drug from 2015 on-

Science23

wards if the trial results are satisfactory.

However, it is important to bear in mind that RTS,S is in no way a “silver bullet” – a term that has been bandied around lately in discussions regarding the drug. On the contrary, there are a number of underlying complications that need to be addressed appropriately before the drug is made available to the public.

First of all, the jab is relatively ineffective for a vaccine, reducing the risk of contracting severe malaria by a meagre 47% – by comparison, influenza vaccines are at least 75% effective.

“There are already conversations about the potential need for a booster,” said Sarah Kline of the issue, “how many times the vaccine will need to be administered, and where it will be most cost effective and able to be administered”. She went on to add that there was a “need to wait for the final trial results in 2014 before we can confidently conclude its likely final scope and scale.”

Also of concern is the side-effect profile of the drug – although the serious side-effect prevalence was not significantly larger than that of the control group, the RTS,S sideeffects were particularly violent, including meningitis and seizures.

GSK have suggested that the sideeffects are due to various external factors – and no doubt these issues will be further investigated.

Furthermore, the drug doesn't eliminate the chances of experiencing malaria – in many cases it simply reduces the severity of the disease, as opposed to offering complete protection from it.

Sarah Kline emphasised the importance of alternative forms of treatments, saying “we also need to track the development of other candidate vaccines; along with the ongoing development of better tools to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria”.

Without a doubt GSK has ushered in a new chapter in the research and development of vaccines, using methods and techniques that were previously thought impossible.

Regardless of whether RTS,S is quite the “miracle drug” some tout it to be, it is a testament to human resilience and determination – and most certainly a step in the right direction, from where modern science can only go forwards.

Malaria No More UK and the Global Poverty Project will be giving a presentation next month at Cardiff University, hosted by People and Planet and Engineers Without Borders.

The presentation will be held in the main building on November 14 at 7.30pm.

For more details and to sign up, visit: http://bit.ly/v2mKHZ

Societies

26

Monday October 31 2011

gair

Mon 31 October

Rachel Egan gives us an inside look...

SRSH stands for Student Run Self Help: a project formulated by Nicola Bryom in the summer of 2009. It is a national project and runs a network of informal support sessions for students with eating disorders of any form or severity across UK universities. The project has been developed by co-ordinators who have personal experiences of eating disorders; it is designed with the thoughts and feelings of a sufferer in mind.

Sometimes an illness like anorexia, bulimia, bingeeating disorder or EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified) is difficult to explain to the outside world. Sufferers often feel that their friends and family don’t understand what they are going through.

SRSH creates a ‘safe space’ where sufferers can meet other people in the same situation and talk about their experiences in a protected environment without fear of judgement. It's a place where people can listen to other sufferers speak about their illness. SRSH wants sufferers to share their successes and their challenges to recovery which each other; to build a community where they feel they are supported and are not alone.

Initially, our volunteers (group facilitators) attend a training course, where they are taught how to run an effective group session, how to relate to the minds of individuals with eating disorders, what conversations might be helpful for recovering individuals to discuss, how to run and organise a student project including advice on fundraising and publicity, and how SRSH runs nationally.

Once trained, our facilitators (of which I am one) gain the support of their university; they talk to their welfare officer and arrange for a supervisor to meet with them termly. Only now are they ready to start running group sessions. Group sessions are extremely informal and relaxed. The group facilitators always get there 20 minutes early, at least, so if anybody wants to come and speak to us before the session starts they can; particularly if somebody is nervous

because it is their first time and they would like to meet us a bit first so they feel more comfortable. We also invite sufferers to bring along a friend to their first session, provided we are made aware of this beforehand.

Sessions begin with a quick reminder of our ground rules; this is to ensure that the conversation remains safe and is not triggering for any of our attendees. We then all introduce our names to the group and people are welcome to add any details of the problem bringing them to SRSH if they feel comfortable enough to.

Following the introductions, a group facilitator will then suggest a topic of conversation which seems relevant to most of the group; we then hand the conversation over to the attendees, as we want them to feel that they are the ones who are in-charge of the sessions; we are only there to ensure the conversation stays safe, introduce topics and pick up the conversation if the room falls silent.

I got involved with this project because I have a personal history of anorexia. I know how isolating the disorder is; I felt as if I couldn’t talk about it to anybody. Nobody understood the way I was thinking; it was too irrational for them. There was nobody I knew who was going through the same thing and whilst I had therapists, all I wanted sometimes was to hear somebody say, “It’s OK, I understand.” With SRSH, we are offering people this invaluable experience; a chance to talk, a chance to listen.

One of the other girls also has personal experience with eating disorders and although we aren’t allowed to discuss details of our illnesses, she has already proved herself a role model for recovery to other sufferers. Most of the other girls have friends with eating disorders and have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of eating disorders. We’re not here to lecture people about their eating or their exercise habits; we don’t give advice; we are simply here to listen.

For more details please contact : Cardiff@srsh.co.uk or see www.srsh.co.uk

Fruit and Veg Co-op Stall

University Main Building Sustainability Fayre

Mon 31 October Act One Halloween Social

7.00pm at Owain Gylndwr

Tue 01 November Italian & Spanish Society Film Night

6.30pm Humanities Building Room 1.55

Tue 01 November

Art Society Canvas Session

7.00pm - 9.00pm Rhona Griffiths room in SU

Tue 01 November

Duke of Edinburgh Planning Session 7.30pm Main Building Room 1.25

Fri 04 November

RAG - trip to Bridgwater Carnival departing from the Students Union at 5.00pm

Fri 04 November Capoeira Society Training Session

7.30pm - 9.30pm Talybont Sports Centre

Sat 05 November

Jazz Society - Workshop

2.00pm - 4.00pm Cardiff School of Music

Follow @GairRhyddSoc for the latest news and info on future articles.

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

X

Monday October 31 2011

Listings News Opinion Politics Feature Science 22 - 23 Societies 29 1-7 9 - 12 14 - 16 19 - 21 26 - 27

Sport 33 - 36

gair

Jess Rumble Societies Writer

Saturday October 15 may well be remembered as the day that Wales lost to France in one of the most dramatic and controversial games of the World Cup, but as the crowds gathered in the pubs of Cardiff to drown their sorrows, the Cardiff Duke of Edinburgh Society were boarding a train headed to Taffs Well for our annual Skills Day. Skills Day, is exactly what it says on the tin: a day for learning and practising the skills that are necessary to be able to successfully complete the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The team split into two groups at the station and took different routes in a race to the top of Garth Fawr, a 302 metre climb.

Everyone took their turn at navigating and leading, and on the way the teams also had to cook a meal on a trangia. After cooking

a pasta’n’sauce fit for any camper, our team was well poised to reach the top first (even after a slight delay due to one unfortunate person’s shoe getting stuck in the mud)!

So yes, we were a little dismayed when we reached the cairn and found the other team already tucking into their lunchboxes, but felt immediately better when they admitted to taking a shortcut!

After a leisurely lunch, the teams swapped over and headed back down towards the train station, stopping this time to build a tent in as quick a time as possible.

We made it back, thankfully minus any further mishaps, and ended our day with a pint at the Woodville.

Now we’re all set for the first weekend expedition of the year, which takes place in the Brecon Beacons at the end of the month.

If you would like to join the Cardiff DofE Society, come along to one of our meetings: Tuesdays at 7:30pm in Room 1.25, Main Building. Or visit our facebook page: Cardiff University Duke of Edinburgh Society.

Julie Downie Societies Writer

As one of the biggest dance societies, offering a wide range of dance styles, Broadway Dance Society decided to hold an open evening for the first time. This evening aimed to allow new and returning students to sample the different styles of dance the society has to offer, and to try the types of dance they may have never done before, to see if a ballerina or even a secret Irish dancer is lurking inside them!

The evening proved to be a great success, with 150 people attending the three hour event. It was also a great opportunity for new members to meet the committee and teachers as well as the rest of the society, so there would be familiar faces at the classes. Half hour taster sessions in Street, Irish, Tap, Jazz and Ballet were on offer, all for only

Societies27

£2. Everyone got involved and thoroughly enjoyed the night - making the most of the chance to try the dance classes for a bargain price. With such a good turn out and initial interest, this looks set to be another busy year for Broadway Dance Society, hopefully building on the success of last year when the annual showcase attracted over 300 people.

Classes run by Broadway are set at a variety of levels, meaning the complete beginner through to the more advanced dancer can enjoy them. For example, our weekly Tap Class is on a Monday at the Cathays Conservative Club from 5.00-6.00pm for beginners, 6.00-7.00 for Intermediate and 7.00-8.00 for advanced.

Broadway Dance are now looking forward to the fun-filled year ahead!

For more information see http://groups.cardiffstudents.com/broadway/about/

News Opinion Politics Feature Science Societies 1-7 9 - 12 14 - 16 19 - 21 22 - 23 26 - 27 Listings 29

Sport 33 - 36

Monday October 31 2011 #gair

Listings 29

3rd 5-piece London based metal band The Defiled hit Welsh club this Tuesday, mixing groove-laden hardcore metal with furious electronics. If you're looking for an alternative and refreshing night of music then this is for you.

Fun Factory is offically no more, following declining numbers in recent weeks it has been replaced with a new night, Club Exchange. Based on a stock system, prices of drinks, tickets for other union nights and food at the taf will rise and fall througout the night, so get involved and you could get some steals!

This Monday the Halloween special is going ahead, but be sure to arrive early as this annual event is always a sell out.

The immensley popular Andrew Lloyd Webber production that chronicles the biblical story of Joseph comes to Cardiff this week. Runs from the the 1st- 13th, tickets start from £8.50 an absoloute must see for theatre goers.

It's time to get your scrubs on, doctors, firemen, nurses and all are invited to a night of mayhem this Wednesday at the Lash complete with the "Jailer's bouncy castle" and a fireman's pole to keep everyone amused.

DJ Tom Staar headlines at 10 feet tall tonight. Cocktails are 2 for 1 until 9pm, bottles £2, and house wine for £1.80.

Thursday nights used to be the domain of Walkabout, but now the ever popular 'bounce' event has moved to Oceana. As one of the most popular nightclubs in Cardiff its a guaranteed blast , drinks starting at £1.60.

This recently opened, stylish nightclub is open till late. Jagerbombs from £2, shots £1.50, with a rack of 6 for just £8.

Friday Boombox is the perfect end to the week, offering a selection of the finest new electro,classic and chart music with a bit of dubstep thrown in.With glow sticks galore, bottles starting at £1.49 and shots at £1.50 you have to say yes to fridays, yes to Solus and yes to Boombox.

If you're looking to save some cash and still enjoy top quality food, then book a table at Tiger this Friday you will recieve a massive 50% of all restaurant food, and enjoy 50% off all drinks until 9pm.

This is a great oppurtunity for a party or just an evening out with friends.

Arguably the best night that the Student Union offers, always packed, always loud and always a blast, Comeplay remains the best alternative to Cardiff city centre on a Saturday night.

Award winning stand up comedian Bennet Aaron, who recently supported Ricky Gervais on tour, brings his critically acclaimed "Jewelsh" show to Cardiff this Sunday. Combining humour from both his Welsh and Jewish origins.

The largest wrestling brand in the world comes to Cardiff for the first time this week, offering a rare chance to see the likes of Randy Orton, The Great Khali, and Kane. Wrestling fan or not you will be guaranteed a night of spectacle, deafening noise and an incredible atmosphere. A theatrical and eventful way to spend your Sunday night.

It's Guy Fawkes night and there's no better way to spend it than enjoying a spectacular fireworks display at Bute park.

Display begins at 7:30pm so be sure to wrap up warm!

Located on Crwys road, Thé Pot is an independently run café, which serves up a unique menu including the highly recomended bacon and avacado sandwich. 3rd year English literature student Christopher Webb visited and commented that: "I visited this Franco-American inspired cafe and found a variety of great food at reasonable prices - all within a chilled enviroment, conducive for doing a bit for work at a lesiurely pace, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon."

With an international reputation for excellence, cinemas, theatres and award winning bars the Chapter Arts centre is the flagship for the contemporary arts in Wales and caters for a variety of entertainment needs.

30Puzzles

Monday October 31 2011

sudoku.

INTERMEDIATE

gair

CHALLENGING

word wheel.

How many words of three or more letters, each including the letter at the centre of the wheel, can you make from this diagram? We've found 20, including a nine-letter word. Can you do better?

G A man has two cubes on his desk. Every day he arranges both cubes so that the front faces show the current day of the month.

U

D I A

S T

N J

Rhys's riddles.

answers.

- adjusting - daunts - audits - giants - dating - jaunts - jading - gains - stand - gaunt - tangs - satin -sand

EASY

INTERMEDIATE

CHALLENGING

- stain - ants - tangs - tuna - gnat - said - gait - stag - gain - signa - unsaid - saint - gaud

word wheel.

News Opinion Politics Feature Science Societies Listings 9 - 12 1-7 14 - 16 19 - 21 22 - 23 26 - 27 29

Monday October 31 2011

gair

tafod@gairrhydd.com

Sport 33 - 36

Taf-od31

O Faenclochog i’r O2: Pwy ddywedodd Bethan Angharad Huws Taf-Od Beyonce, Lee Evans, Paul McCartney, ac Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal.

Beth sydd gan y rhestr yma’n gyffredin ‘da chi’n gofyn? Dim llawer i ddweud y gwir! Ond mae yno un ddolen gyswllt, mae’r cwbl wedi perfformio ar lwyfan byd enwog yr O2 yn Llundain. Fel arfer cystadlu ar lwyfan Eisteddfodau amrywiol, neu’n cynnal nosweithiau o adloniant ysgafn i glybiau Merched y Wawr sydd ar galendr yr Aelwyd.

Ond, daeth tro ar fyd y criw ifanc o Gaerdydd, pan gawsom ein dewis gan Urdd Gobaith Cymru i gynrychioli’n gwlad yn seremoni agoriadol ‘World Skills’. Rwan, mae’n rhaid imi gyfaddef nad oeddwn erioed wedi clywed am ‘World Skills’ o’r blaen, ac felly (yn debyg i’r rhan fwyaf o fy nghyd aelodau!) heb sylweddoli pa mor fawr oedd y digwyddiad hwn mewn gwirionedd! I’r rhai sy’n darllen, ac sy’n parhau i bendroni ynglyn â ‘World Skills’, gadewch i mi esbonio. Cystadleuaeth enfawr yw hon rhwng nifer o wahanol dimoedd yn hanu o bedwar ban byd. Nid cystadleuaeth sy’n seiliedig ar feysydd chwaraeon na’r celfyddydau yw hyn, ond cystadleuaeth sy’n dyrchafu sgiliau galwedigaethol. Bob dwy flynedd, dros gyfnod o wythnos daw pobl ifanc rh-

wng 14-25 oed ynghyd i gystadlu yn erbyn ei gilydd mewn sgiliau megis trîn gwallt, adeiladu, garddio, electroneg - mae’r rhestr yn un faith!

Ers iddi gael ei sefydlu ym 1950 mae’r gystadleuaeth wedi tyfu o ran ei maint, a bellach yn cael ei hystyried yn wyl hollbwysig er mwyn meithrin talent y dyfodol. Eleni tro Llundain oedd hi i groesawu’r byd i gystadlu, a thro Aelwyd Y Waun Ddyfal i gynrychioli Cymru fel un o wledydd Prydain yn y seremoni agoriadol.

Wrth i ni sylweddoli’n raddol am fawredd yr hyn roeddem yn rhan ohoni, daethom hefyd i sylweddoli’r gwaith caled oedd o’n blaenau! Buom wrthi yn ymarfer am ddeuddydd yng Nghanolfan yr Urdd Caerdydd cyn mentro i lawr i Lundain. Y gair gorau i ddisgrifio ymateb y côr wedi’r diwrnod cyntaf o ymarfer gyda’r cyfarwyddwyr a’r coreograffwraig yw, blinder! Dydan ni ddim wedi arfer dawnsio’n egnïol i ganeuon cyfoes fel côr, ac felly roedd yr ymarferion hyn yn agoriad llygad i ddweud y lleiaf ! O’r symudiadau chwim, a byrfyfyrio i ‘I’ve got a feeling’a ‘Park life’, i’r mynegiant gyda’r dwylo yn yr hwiangerdd ‘Huna Blentyn’. I rywun fel fi sy’n brin o unrhyw rythm wrth ddawnsio, a hynny’n eithrio’r ‘Y.M.C.A’, roedd y cyfan yn eitha’ brawychus! O fewn yr wythnos gan-

lynol buom wrthi yn y gegin, mewn festri capel a hyd yn oed ar ganol noson allan yn ymarfer yr holl symudiadau newydd rhag i ni wneud ffyliaid o’n hunain ar y diwrnod mawr. Ond, cyn mynd ati i arddangos ein sgiliau dawnsio a chanu pop newydd, roedd gofyn i ni fynd yn ôl at ein gwreiddiau fel côr - diddanu mewn capel (a hynny heb unrhyw symudiadau!) O Faenclochog ar y nos Sadwrn mewn cyngerdd codi arian, i Lundain ben bore Sul. Chwedl y Sais, roedd y côr yn cael blas o’r ‘jet set life’!

Wedi siwrne digon ‘diddorol’ gyda’r gyrrwr bws gwyllt (rhagflas o’r hyn oedd i ddod ar y ffordd yn ôl i Gaerdydd!) cyrhaeddom y ddinas fawr a hynny’n hwyrach na’r disgwyl! Er eich lles chi, wnâi ddim traethu ymlaen a thrafod y deuddydd pellach o ymarfer oedd yn ein disgwyl ni, dim ond dweud fod pob un bron a hanner marw erbyn amser swper! Ymhen hir a hwyr daeth y diwrnod mawr, Hydref y 4ydd, diwrnod camu ar y llwyfan enwog am y tro cyntaf. ‘Tardis’ yw’r gair gorau i ddisgrifio’r O2. O’r tu allan doedd y gromen wen ddim yn edrych fel petai’n gallu dal rhyw lawer, ond wrth gerdded i mewn roedd y gofod hwn fel rhyw fyd arall. Siopau, degau o fwytai, arddangosfeydd a’r stadiwm ei hun yn ganolbwynt i’r cyfan. Roedd yno awyrgylch eithaf

cyffrous ei naws ymysg bob un oedd yn cymryd rhan y diwrnod hwnnw, rhyw wefr o wybod bod ein cyfle mawr yn prysur agosáu. Gwibiodd yr oriau heibio mewn cyfres o ymarferion sain a gwisg funud olaf, a chyn i ni droi roedd y dorf wedi ymgynnull yn eu miloedd yn barod i’r seremoni fynd rhagddi. Anodd yw disgrifio’r teimlad a gefais wrth sefyll yn nhywyllwch y llwyfan yn disgwyl am guriad cyntaf y band.

Yr unig beth oedd yn gwmni oedd cannoedd o oleuadau bychain y camerâu’n fflachio o fy mlaen, a minnau’n teimlo fel smotyn bychan ynghanol y miloedd ac ehangder y stadiwm. Mae yno ambell brofiad mewn bywyd na wnewch chi fyth mo’i anghofio , ac yn sicr roedd y cwta chwarter awr yna ar lwyfan yr O2 yn un o’r profiadau hynny i mi. Pwy a wyr beth fydd her nesaf Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal?

Rhaglen newydd S4/C: Zanzibar Cerys Bowen Colofnydd Gwadd Haul, syrffio, rhyw, cyffuriau a phryder cyson am arian – dyna yw bywyd criw o bobl ifanc yng nghyfres ddrama newydd S4C, Zanzibar, sy'n parhau nos Iau yma.

Mae’r gyfres secsi, gignoeth, ddoniol, dywyll hon, sydd wedi’i ffilmio yn nhref Aberystwyth, yn gosod y chwyddwydr ar un haf ym mywydau cwlwm o ffrindiau, sy’n byw a bod ym mar Zanzibar.

Mae’r rhan fwyaf o’r cast yn ffres o golegau drama ac yn newydd i’r sgrin fach, ond mae amryw ohonynt wedi treulio sawl haf yng nghwmni ei gilydd ar gyrsiau preswyl Theatr Genedlaethol Ieuenctid Cymru.

Ymysg aelodau’r cast mae Owain Gwynn, Ellen Ceri Lloyd, Dafydd Llyr Thomas, Meilir Rhys Williams, Catrin-Mai Huw, Elin Phillips, Hanna Jarman a Gwydion Rhys, a Sion Ifan, sy’n chwarae rhan Danny, a raddiodd o Brifysgol Caerdydd yn 2010.

Dyma beth oedd gan Siôn i ddweud am ei brofiad yn y brifysgol ac wrth ffilmio Zanzibar..

Proffil Siôn Ifan Oed: 23

Beth nes di astudio yn y brifysgol?

Nes i astudio Cymraeg a Gwleidyddiaeth ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd.

Yna fe wnes i ddilyn MA mewn Actio i'r Sgrîn, Radio a'r Llwyfan yng Ngholeg Cerdd a Drama Cymru.

Sut a phryd nes di ddechrau actio?

Nes i ddechrau actio pan o’n i’n eitha’ ifanc gyda Theatr yr Urdd ac Ysgol Berfformio Dyffryn Tywi.

Yna es i ymlaen i Theatr Genedlaethol Ieuenctid Cymru. Cefais fy swydd actio proffesiynol gynta’ yn 16 oed gyda’r gyfres ddrama Con Passionate ar gyfer S4C. Pa gymeriad wyt ti’n chwarae yng nghyfres Zanzibar?

Danny – mae e’n foi reit ‘easygoing’, byrbwyll a rhwystredig.

Sut brofiad oedd ffilmio’r gyfres?

Profiad anhygoel. Bu hi'n haf

gwych o weithio a ffilmio yn Aber a Chaernarfon. Fe wnaethon ni fel cast fyw gyda'n gilydd mewn fflatiau yn Ninas Dinlle, felly ‘work hard, play hard’ oedd hi!

Ydy profiad y myfyrwyr yn Zanzibar yn adlewyrchu dy brofiad di o fod yn y brifysgol?

Dwi'n meddwl ei fod e’n adlewyrchiad eitha’ eithafol o fywyd person ifanc. Nes i ddim yfed hanner cymaint â Danny pan o’n i yn y coleg, neu fe fydden i siwr o fod wedi cael problemau mawr. Ond do, fe wnes i joio...dyna gyd fi'n dweud!

Oes gen ti tips ar gyfer pobl ifanc sydd am ddechrau gyrfa ym maes perfformio?

Byddwn i’n argymell pobl i drial cael cymaint o brofiadau gwahanol ag sy’n bosib. Ma’ na gymaint o gyfleoedd allan yna i bobl ifanc, yn enwedig yng Nghymru, ac felly rhaid manteisio ar hynny.

Ac unrhyw eiriau o gyngor ar sut i oroesi 'freshers flu'?

Digon o ‘BEROCCA’, ac yfed peint o ddwr cyn mynd i'r gwely

ar ôl noson allan a coffi cryf peth cynta’n bore cyn y ddarlith uffernol na am 9 o'r gloch!

Allwn ni ddim peidio â manteisio ar y cyfle i ofyn i ti beth oedd dy brofiad mwyaf cofiadwy tra’n y brifysgol?

Fi’n cofio noson yn yr wythnos olaf yn y drydedd flwyddyn pan nethon ni gal 2 ‘all-nighter’ ar ôl ei gilydd. Tra’n cerdded adre i Colum Road yn Cathays (lle ro’n i’n byw ar y pryd) roedd yr haul yn codi a fi'n cofio meddwl, “waw, ma'r tair mlynedd dwethaf ‘ma wedi bod yn anhygoel, ond wedi mynd heibio yn llawer rhy gloi.”

Zanzibar Nos Iau 4 Tachwedd 22:00, S4C Isdeitlau Cymraeg a Saesneg Gwefan: www.s4c.co.uk/drama Ar Alw: s4c.co.uk/clic Cynhyrchiad Rondo ar gyfer S4C

32Taf-od

Osian Gruffydd Golygydd Taf-od

Oherwydd gwaith, prês a phethau diflas eraill, dim ond deuddydd o Wyl Swn y medrais ei fforddio eleni. Felly ar nos Iau, dyma gyraedd tafarn Full Moon (Y Fuwch Goch gynt, heddwch i’w llwch), a thalu tipyn mwy na’r pris oedd ar y posteri am ddau fand garddwrn.

Cyngor: prynwch docynnau ymlaen llaw! O’Neills oedd y lle i fod am y rhan fwyaf o’r noson, ac mi gyrhaeddais i mewn pryd i wylio – a mwynhau’n arw – set Creision Hud. Mae pob cân gan y band yn swnio fel sengl, a hynny am reswm da (gweler y cyfweliad isod). Dechrau perffaith i’r wyl. Mi gymrodd y noson dro annisgwyl iawn wedi hynny, wrth i mi fynd i Glwb Ifor Bach i weld Herman Düne, band roc-gwerin o Ffrainc, a llwyddo i weld 5 cân gan Charlotte Church o bawb. Gwestai arbennig mae’n debyg, a rhaid i mi gyfaddef, mi oedd hi’n reit dda! Dim cystal â Herman Düne, fodd bynnag – un gân oeddwn i wedi’i chlywed ganddo cyn y noson, ond mi wnes i fwynhau pob eiliad o’i set. Erbyn imi gyrraedd yn ôl i O’Neills, mi oedd Jen Jeniro wedi dechrau chwarae, a’r lle yn orlawn, ac felly yn uffernol o boeth. Ond mae Jen Jeniro’n cwl, ac mi oedd hi’n werth diodda’r gwres i glywed un o fandiau gorau

Caio Iwan Golygydd Taf-Od Yn chwarae ar y nos Iau yn O’Neills fel rhan o Wyl Swn oedd y band o Gaernarfon, Creision Hud. Dyma oedd gan y prif ganwr, Rhydian Lewis ei ddweud am fod yn rhan o un o wyliau cerddorol mwyaf llewyrchus Cymru.

Sut ddaeth y gig o gwmpas?

Gaetho’ ni e-bost gan Huw Stephens ‘nol o gwmpas adag ‘Steddfod (Genedlaethol) yn gofyn a bysa gennym ni ddiddordab chwara' yn y noson Gymraeg. Roedden ni wedi gyrru un yn ôl iddo fo yn syth heb wybod faint oeddan ni’n cael ein talu! Tydi pres ddim yn berthnasol pan dachi’n cal y cyfla i chwara' mewn gwyl mor fawr. Oedd o’n fraint i feddwl bod Huw Stephens wedi dewis ni ei hun.

Oedd hi'n gig wahanol i'r rhai arferol?

Odd hi’n brilliant cael gweld y lle yn llawn, ond hefyd neis gweld lot o wynebau anghyfarwydd. Dyna be’ ma’ gwyl fel’ma yn rhoi i chi, rhoi llwyfan i chi berfformio o flaen pobl sydd yn wybodus iawn o’r sin gerddorol yng Nghymru, a thu hwnt.

Monday October 31 2011

Cymru, sydd o’r diwedd yn cael rhywfaint o’r sylw mae nhw’n ei haeddu. Un arall o fandiau gorau Cymru – Yr Ods – oedd yn gorffen y noson, ac o glywed rhai o’r caneuon newydd y gwnaethon nhw chwarae, mae eu halbym gyntaf (fydd allan fis nesaf) yn argoeli’n dda iawn.

Ar ddydd Sadwrn, mi ddysgais o brofiad llynedd; codi’n (weddol) gynnar, ac mi oeddwn i’n y Cardiff Arts Institute erbyn 2 i weld Y Niwl. Hanner awr o bop glan môr perffaith yn ddiweddarach, mi ymlwybrais draw i Gwdihw, a threulio p’nawn difyr yn fanno yn gwylio ambell fand digon pleserus, ond braidd yn ddi-fflach. Mi es ar grwydr ddechrau’r min nos, a gweld Trwbador yn chwarae’n Undertone.

‘Dwi wedi bod yn ffan ers tro – mae yna rywbeth arbennig iawn am lais yr hogan sy’n canu, mae o mor fregus, ond mae yna ryw gryfder yna hefyd. Mae nhw’n fand sydd angen cynulleidfa dawel, ac mi oedd yr un yma’n hynod werthfawrogol.

Picio draw yn sydyn wedyn i wylio diwedd set Houdini Dax, band o Gaerdydd sy’n amlwg dan ddylanwad The Kinks a’r Beatles (yn enwedig o edrych ar y basydd, oedd yn hynod o debyg i Paul McCartney!), ac ymlaen i’r Undeb i wylio The Fall – y band mwyaf yn yr wyl. Mi o’n i wedi cael fy rhybuddio ymlaen llaw fod Mark E. Smith, y prif ganwr, yn

Aeth y gig i lawr yn dda yn y trydarfyd mae’n debyg?!

Do, gaethon ni amball i tweet yn canmol ni am y set. Un gan ddynas sy’n gweithio i gylchgrawn NME ac i’r Guardian, so ma’ hi’n neis cal gwbod o dro i dro fod yr holl waith calad werth o!

Beth oedd uchafbwynt Gwyl Swn i chdi’n bersonol?

Heblaw am ein gig ni wrth gwrs, roedd y nos Sadwrn yn y Gwdi-hw yn briliant. Unwaith eto, dyma Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog yn gorffan y noson off yn wych. Ond roedd y Violas yn wych hefyd, mae nhw’n chwara’r math o fiwsig y byswn i’n licio ‘sgwennu felly neshi fwynhau ei set nhw’n ofnadwy.

Ma’ hi wedi bod yn flwyddyn brysur i Creision Hud gyn belled, be’ ydi’r plania’ am weddill 2011?

Do, hyd yn hyn, mi rydan ni wedi cadw at ein gair ac wedi rhyddhau sengl bob mis ers mis Ionawr, felly bysa hi’n siom stopio rwan!

Bydd Creision Hud yn perfformio yn Clwb Ifor Bach ar y 10fed o Ragfyr.

gallu bod yn fymryn o goc oen, ac yn hynny o beth, ddaru o ddim siomi. Mi gerddodd oddi ar y llwyfan cyn diwedd y set, ac a bod yn onest, mi oedd hynny’n ryddhad. ‘Dwi’n cyfaddef nad oeddwn i’n gyfarwydd â gwaith The Fall cyn y noson, ac felly o bosib yn bod yn annheg ar fand oedd ymysg ffefrynnau John Peel, ond dyna’r argraff gefais i nos Sadwrn. Braf oedd mynd yn ôl i Gwdihw, a brafiach fyth oedd gallu gwthio fy ffordd i’r tu blaen (roedd y lle’n orlawn) erbyn set Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog. Ac am goblyn o set oedd hi – yn gyfuniad perffaith o ganeuon yr albwm ddiwethaf, rhai newydd ac ambell gân werin.

Dyma oedd uchafbwynt yr wyl i fi, ac i lawer o rai eraill yn ôl ymateb y dorf. Mi orffenon nhw efo fersiwn o’r gân werin Deio Bach, yn sefyll o amgylch un meicroffon yn arddull Low Anthem, enghraifft wych o’u cyfuniad o ddylanwadau Americana a Chymraeg.

Dyna fy hanes i yn Swn 2011, mi fyddai hanes unrhyw un arall yn gwbl wahanol – dyna ogoniant yr wyl, mae yna gymaint o gigs ymlaen o amgylch y ddinas – rhywbeth at ddant pawb, i ddefnyddio hen ystrydeb. Mi dreuliais i ddydd Sul diflas yn edrych ar negeseuon Twitter pobl oedd yn dal yn yr wyl – ‘dwi’n mynd am y penwythnos cyfan flwyddyn nesaf !

gair

tafod@gairrhydd.com

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Sport 33- 36

Sport33 BUCS badminton put through their paces by UWE Monday October 31 2011

gairrhydd

Cardiff 1st team battled hard in Bristol whilst the 2nd team thrashed Swansea.

However in the end, they didn’t quite manage to overcome their opponents losing all their games, despites Lim’s mighty smash, they weren't good enough. Credit to fresher Aaron Wu as it was also his first time playing in the first team.

Unfortunately, the result was 4:4.

Which wasn't the result they were hoping for before the match began.

There was no messing about for

Michael Khong Sports Writer

L

ast Week Cardiff men’s First team travelled over to UWE (University of the West of England) grounds to play their first team. On the way there, there was a sense of determination coming from the players.

When they arrived, Cardiff men’s singles player Dominic Brown walked all over his opponent from UWE, taking straight sets. It was an easy run for him and he needed something more challenging.

“

Cardiff ’s Men’s second team were untouchable

Cardiff ’s Lung & Gareth, as they beat their first opponent 21-8, 21-8 and their second opponent 21-8, 217.

Second doubles pair, and newly formed Khong & Cai were struggling in their first game, although they managed to clinch it 22-20 and 21-16. There was no sign of giving up and plenty of errors were forced, so they got their heads in the game and won the second game in straight sets 21-8, 21-11.

Meanwhile, back in Cardiff the Men’s second team were untouchable, thrashing Swansea’s third team 8:0.

“

Dominic Brown walked all over his opponent

Fresher and singles player Mike Barter lost to both opponents in straight sets, unable to mimic the awesomeness of Dom. However he did put up a good run and deserves credit as it was his first game for the first team.

Doubles pairs Wai Lim & JJ and Huw & Aaron Wu both had obtained a set each against the opponents.

It was a nervous start as a couple members of the team felt poorly.

The first set for singles player and fresher Andy Hadley was intensely close at 21-18.

He knew that he could do better, so in fighting spirit he won the second set 21-10, taking the game in straight sets. Using this momentum he then demolished his second opponent 21-9, 21-11.

The second singles player and president, Darren Wong, took out the 1st singles player from Swansea in straight sets 21-7 and 21-17.

He carelessly let the second set slip away of him but throughout the whole day, he was definitely the MVP, winning his second game in straight sets 21-7, 21-4.

This left Swansea with their heads down and the long journey back to ponder of what went wrong.

This Week, Cardiff ’s men’s 1st take on Swansea’s 1st team, whilst Cardiff ’s second team are also in action playing Swansea’s second team. This should prove to be a fierce competition between the two rivals.

To see your team covered in Gair Rhydd send us a write up to sport@gairrhydd.com

World number ones succumb to awesome India 5 - 0 England falter and lose all matches in one day series against India.

Michael wood Sports Writer

W

e have just witnessed the end to a packed summer of cricket that has seen England become the number one test ranked team in the world. The busy inter-

national schedule means that the England team have almost finished their tour of India. Likewise, those students that are members of the Cardiff University Cricket Club have already completed their trials after a busy season of club cricket back home.

For those ardent cricket followers who have been watching England’s progress in the sub-continent, you

would be aware that the visitors have been comprehensively beaten 5 nil in the ODI serie==s. But why has the side that won seven out of 9, (1 abandoned, 1 tied) of the fixtures in their home country less than a month ago, been so heavily crushed at the hands of the world cup holders.

Much has been made of England struggling to adapt to the conditions they are facing. Alien conditions are usually associated as a challenge faced by the bowling unit; however, it has clearly been a significant factor in both disciplines. The bottom line is England did not score enough runs, (England’s average innings total was 221), no batsman made a hundred, and the top order consistently failed, people repeatedly getting starts before throwing away a potentially match-winning innings.

Only Jonathan Trott features in the five leading run scorers of the series, behind Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni. It’s ludicrous to think that Trott still has questions marks over his place in

the players, especially Jade the side, despite being the Dernbach, who appears world’s leading run to have taken a little scorer in ODIs in The scores by too fondly to the 2011, as well as match: media compariWisden’s Cricksons with Dareter of the Match 1: India beat England by ren Gough.

Year.

126 runs England England’s Match 2: India beat England by 8 have certainly seam attack wickets had a tough has been inMatch 3: India beat England by 5 couple of weeks effective at wickets in India, and we the hands of Match 4: India beat England by 6 hope for a change Kohli, Gambhir wickets in fortunes before and Dhoni, – the Match 5: India beat EngSaturday’s T20, follatter was not disland by 95 runs lowed by the coming missed once throughtour to Pakistan the T20. out the series. The likes of Bresnan and Dernbach (who was dropped for the last game) have been especially docile on pitches without lateral movement, and, even Finn’s Follow new-found express pace didn’t dam@GairRhyddSport for the latest age the India scorecard during the sport and info on future articles. first 3 ODIs, despite being desperately unlucky at times.

Noticeably central to England’s demise has been fielding, a collection of costly missed chances behind the stumps by Craig Kieswetter, and ceaseless arguing between

Sport

34

Monday October 31 2011

gairrhydd sport@gairrhydd.com

Cardiff's korfball team get off to a flyer

Rhys Clayton reviews last week's freshers korfball tournament

E

very time I mention that I have joined the Korfball team, the inevitable question follows - "What is Korfball?" Well, after last Saturday's Freshers Korfball tournament, all involved will have a much better idea of what it involves, the rules, and how fun it can be.

I always respond with the line "Korfball is a mixture of basketball, netball, and handball". Although, in reality, it is most closely linked to Netball. In essence, Korfball is made up of 8 "small battles". Every player goes up against his or her opponent for the duration of the game, and provided each member of your team wins the small battle with the opponent, you will win.

Held in Talybont Sports Centre, representatives from Cardiff, Bir-

mingham, Exeter and Nottingham were all in attendance, with Cardiff being the most represented with four teams. The University of Birmingham had two teams competing, with Nottingham and Exeter University representatived by just the sole team. As reigning champions, there were high hopes going into the contest that Cardiff could reproduce their heroics from last year’s tournament.

“

All teams demonstrated a high standard of competitive play

And Cardiff did not disappoint.

'Cardiff 2,' affectionately named "Sumo Squats" for the day exceled and with Welsh international, Jo Nash leading the way, they de-

stroyed all that they faced. The seemingly ubiquitous Alex Morgan and the irrepressible Pat Merton turned on the style and helped their team achieve countless goals as they finished top of their group with ease. In the other half of the draw, Cardiff 1 performed excellently to top their group, with the vivacious Jane Hutchinson keeping team morale constantly jovial.

The quarter-finals were exciting affairs, which eventually saw three of the four Cardiff teams making the semi-finals, with Nottingham completing the line-up.

A special mention goes to ‘Cardiff 3’ who were led by goal–machine and third year Biology student, Suzy Stanbury. A team with very little experience improved dramatically over the day, and put up a spirited display against Cardiff 2 in the semi-finals, before the

class and experience of the seconds shone through.

One of ‘Cardiff 2’s best performers was Grace McKay, who used her height to great effect, gathering innumerable collects, and forming a lethal attacking link between other attackers in her half. McKay, a med-

“

Cardiff's ranking in the league table depicts how well we all worked as a team

icine student in her second year of study and second year of Korfball commented, “All teams demonstrated a high standard of competitive play as well as positive integration with less experienced players. The event was well organised and Cardiff ’s

ranking in the league table depicts how well we all worked as a team.”

The final between Cardiff 2 and Nottingham was a walk in the park for the Sumo Squats; they eventually ran out 9-2 winners, meaning a Cardiff team has won for two years in a row.

Meanwhile Ex-politics student, William Hayward and fifth year Medicine student, Jo Nash, will be representing Wales in its debut appearance at the World Championship, which are being held in Shaoxing, China.

This is the first time Wales have qualified for the world championships. They have been placed in a group alongside the Czech Republic, China and Catalonia. Their first game is against hosts and twelth favourites China, and the game will succeed the Opening ceremony.

NFL touches down in Wembley as London becomes a potential franchise Tomos Clarke discusses the positive and negative attributes of this emerging franchise proposal

O

n Sunday Wembley Stadium played host to the 5th NFL International series game when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted The Chicago Bears.

After a dominant first half performance the Bears won 24-18 despite a valiant fight back by the Bucs in the final quarter.

The game was a sell-out, with massive viewing figures worldwide.

Next year, two games are planned and there is talk of a possible permanent franchise based in London.

Unlike the open hostility the Premier League endured with its controversial “39th step” The international series games have been viewed in a positive light in the US. This is partly a result of the history of franchised teams in American sport, it is not uncommon for teams to change their name or change their home city. It is also partly

down to the relentlessly commercial nature of the sport.

NFL has reached market saturation in the US and the league has big plans for international growth.

The Buffalo Bills play one game a year in Toronto and there is serious talk of a possible 17th game abroad.

This could either take the form of a permanent UK franchise or an extra game between the existing teams. Wembley is widely viewed as the perfect venue for a permanent

franchise because of London’s status as an international travel hub.

This year’s game was significant, as Tampa Bay became the first team to return to London.

The current NFL system calls for teams to volunteer to hold one of their home games in Wembley. Before this weekend’s “home game” the Buccaneers had failed to sell-out any of their previous home games.

It’s hard to imagine a club with a strong fan base and history such as

Pittsburgh or Green Bay choosing to give up the financial rewards of a sell-out home crowd.

If any team were to relocate to London on even a semi permanent basis, the Buccaneers would be a prime candidate due to their current attendance struggles and the Glazer family connection. Malcolm Glazer is of course the current owner of Manchester United, having taken over the current Premier League champions in 2005.

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Monday October 31 2011

Sport 33 - 36

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Sport35

Your Pitch: Is motorsport too dangerous?

MotoGP racer Marco Simoncelli, 24 dies after tragic crash in Sepang

Above: Lewis Hamilton crashes his Mclaren at the Belgian Grand Prix in August Timothy Mukasa Sports Writer

M

otorsport has been marred by the sad deaths of two of the sport’s great champions recently. On the 16th, Briton Dan Wheldon lost his life in a multicar pile up at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway while competing in America’s IndyCar Series.

“

We would never have let that race take place in Las Vegas last week

At the Malaysian MotoGP on Sunday morning, Italy’s Marco Simoncelli lost control of his bike before falling under the wheels of fellow racers Colin Edward and Valentino Rossi.

To paraphrase Oscar Wilde; once is unlucky, twice is carelessness.

The question must be asked: Is motorsport too dangerous?

On the face of it the numbers are not good. There have been 122 fatalities across F1, Nascar and MotoGP since WWII. That is even before considering the spectators and me-

chanics that augment that number.

It is important to note, though, the stats all point to the fact that motorsport is getting safer, much safer.

Since the millennium eleven deaths have been recorded. Modern equipment, safety standards and track design have all contributed to the increasing safety of racing.

When those in charge focus their minds, there is no doubt that more can be done to protect those who race while maintaining the enjoyment of participants and fans alike.

F1 had its ‘Wheldon-Simoncelli’ moment at an awful weekend at Imola, San Marino in 1994. In one race weekend both Roland Ratzenburger and Brazilian legend Aryton Senna perished. Those fatalities, particularly the attention brought to bear by the death of Senna, ushered in a new era of safety measures.

F1 has not suffered a fatality since. Despite current drivers Felipe Massa and Frank Kubicka suffering dramatic collisions in recent times– yet it remains one of the world’s most watched sports.

There have long been rumblings over the safety of IndyCar. Before the tragic events of the Las Vegas300, several drivers had expressed concern.

“We would never have let that

race take place in Las Vegas last week. With 34 cars racing on a 1.5 mile oval track, they were heading for disaster,” said F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone. By contrast only 33 cars are allowed onto the much longer Indianapolis Speedway, home of the blue riband Indy500. Similarly, investigations remain on going into medical practices surrounding Shoya Tomizawa’s death at a Moto GP last year.

“

We would never have let that race take place in Las Vegas last week

Fromula 1 and Lotus driver Karun Chandok, believes that living on the edge is part and parcel of the sport. "The moment drivers start looking at safety measures and all, they lose crucial seconds. So, you have to take your chances on the track. No one asked us to join Formula One or placed a gun on our head that you have to race. It's a career we chose," Motorsport needs to act collectively to ensure all its formulas meet the highest safety standards.

Racing is inherently risky as are many things in life worth doing; it is part of the appeal.

Mike McEwan Sports Writer

T

he sense of gloom and intense sadness which has enveloped the world of motorsport in recent times was granted an indefinite stay when another race meeting ended prematurely, in tragic circumstances. After the loss of Dan Wheldon a week ago, another hammer blow was struck when the charismatic and vivacious Italian motorcyclist, Marco Simoncelli, passed away after an ill-fated incident at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.

Born in Cattolica Italy, it was self-evident that Simoncelli was blessed with that red-blooded, flamboyant spirit of which Italians are renowned for. He was never the most inconspicuous with his dark, pluming afro crowning his six foot figure and strong-minded nature seemingly priming him for stardom. With those striking good looks and buoyant demeanour Marco accrued legions of fans, setting about transcending his sport in only his third season in the premier brand of motorcycling; Moto GP. His bold nature also manifested itself on the track with a tenacious racing style that veered from the fearless to the reckless at times.

Whilst his breathtaking overtakes and often impetuous driving style earned him fans worldwide, it earned him scrutiny from his peers early on in the current season. Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, was one such vocal detractor after he suffered a broken collarbone in a duel with Simoncelli at the French Grand Prix. Marco remained unbowed, yet appeared to curb his rashness to secure two podiums in the Czech and Australian Grand Prix, driving in increasingly stellar fashion.

Regrettably but befittingly, Marco left us in the midst of a thrilling on-track battle with adversary Alvaro Bautista; one final salute to his spellbound followers. Heartrendingly, Marco fell from his bike and was fatally hit by the pursuing bikes of Colin Edwards and his compatriot and mentor Valentino Rossi. Fourty-five minutes later, the devastating news broke that Simoncelli had succumbed to his injuries.

In a testament to the 24 year olds stature, thousands of locals lined the streets of his native Cattolica for his funeral and minute silences were held at public events across Italy. With motorsport cruelly taking two young lives in such quick succession, the only consoling factor to be held dear is that those lost, passed away performing what they so adore.

Cardiff Ladies Rugby lose out to Oxford in season opener Tazine Brogue Sports Writer

I

n their opening game of the season, Cardiff Ladies Rugby played away to Oxford, resulting in a disappointing 43-10 loss. The team will look to improve upon this in their forthcoming game against Chichester.

Oxford proved strong in attack from the start, capitalising on some

unfortunate Cardiff errors. When, through forceful counter-rucking, Oxford were able to turn-over the ball, they quickly transferred it to their backs.

Some powerful running saw Oxford break the Cardiff defensive line, running in several tries. There was notable good play from forward freshers Tash Doyle, Maria Waghorn and Anna White.

Special mention should also go

to the back three (wingers Elisa Crombie and Rhian Davies, and fullback Amy Jack) who worked well as a unit and put in some excel-

“

We would never have let that race take place in Las Vegas last week

lent tackles.

The game was an intensely physical one, and in the second half Cardiff was able to run in two welldeserved tries.

The first was scored following a Cardiff line-out in the opponent’s half; the ball was delivered to scrumhalf and Skipper Meg Tudor, who took her opportunity and ran with it, shrugging off would-be tacklers.

The second try came from ‘util-

ity’ player Claire Molloy, who whilst acting as fly-half, made a determined run around the Oxford winger to score.

Overall, Cardiff will take many positives from this game, and can also target specific areas for im provement. They look forward to facing Chichester at home in a fort night’s time, going forward in their Premiership campaign.

Sport

Student signs for Cardiff Blues << Inside

New Zealand deservedly regain the Rugby World Cup

George Dugdale reviews the Rugby World Cup as the final few games throw up excitement and controversy

A

s Richie McCaw lifted the Webb Ellis Cup into the Auckland sky, the 2011 Rugby World Cup ended and the host's fairytale was complete. However, 24 years after New Zealand's only other victory, this was a World Cup featuring sub-plots far too complex for any bedtime story.

After years of disappointment on the biggest stage, this was the tournament in which New Zealand delivered. A nation expected victory on home soil and despite setbacks, there is little doubt that Graham Henry's side lifted the trophy on merit.

The group stage was ruthlessly negotiated by this squad boasting quality in depth. However, the knock-out phase began with the greatest of blows. Dan Carter's tournament ending injury was not only a loss to New Zealand, but to the World Cup as a whole. This tournament showcases the world's finest players at the top of their game. As Carter limped from the training field, the tournament lost its brightest star.

Despite ongoing fitness issues

with McCaw and centre Ma'a Nonu, Argentina were dispatched, before a scintillating semi-final performance sent rivals Australia home, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Wales were another team dreaming big. Following the frustration of a narrow defeat to South Africa, Warren Gatland's team flourished under the leadership of the immense Sam Warburton. The familiar bogey sides from the Pacific Islands were defeated, before an outstanding performance stunned an Irish side with great aspirations.

Ironically, Ireland's 'golden generation' may have been better suited playing South Africa, a draw they avoided by beating Australia in the pool stage.

It was at this point that Wales began to believe. Heading into the semi-final with France, Wales were the tournament's form team and having equaled the finest performance from a Welsh side in a World Cup, were confident of going one step further.

However, for every dream there can be a nightmare. As Alain Rolland harshly dismissed Warburton, the Welsh dream began to unravel.

Above: Richie MaCaw lifts the Webb Ellis trophy in celebration of New Zealand's World Cup win

Above: A bloodied New Zealand prop Ben Franks takes on France centre Maxime Mermoz

It is of great credit, but also great frustration to the Welsh side, that a superior kicking performance would have seen the 14 men record an unlikely victory.

For the Welsh squad and 60,000 fans inside the Millennium Stadium, this result was devastating.

However, with talent including Warbuton, Jamie Roberts, George North, Dan Lydiate, Leigh Halfpenny and Toby Faletau here for the considerable future, there is great optimism. If the WRU can keep the management team intact, this side's finest day is yet to come.

For others, the World Cup was a less enjoyable experience. England's indiscipline both on and off the field resulted in an underwhelming campaign. Whilst Scotland failed to emerge from their group after defeat to Argentina. For both, the next four years are a vital period of development. In the cold light of day, the overly cautious Martin Johnson is not the man to oversee this evolution.

New Zealand were heavy favourites ahead of the final against a

French side whom they had comprehensively beaten in the group stage, with their shock defeat to Tonga intensifying rumours of discontent within. However, having ridden their luck in the extreme to reach the tournament's show-piece, Les Bleus provided a stern test in a tense final. Inspired by Thierry Dusautoir and Imanol Harinordoquy, France came closer to glory than anybody predicted.

If the tournament had shown that the All Blacks could exhilarate, this final proved they could also win ugly. With fourth choice fly-half Stephen Donald thrust into action after injuries to Carter, Colin Slade and Aaron Cruden, the favourites lacked fluency. Despite the setbacks, however, the phenomenal McCaw's side held firm to start one of the biggest parties Auckland will ever see. As time moves on, the finer details of the World Cup will be forgotten. The record book cares little for how a World Cup was won.

Three words are all that will matter to this particular nation from the southern hemisphere â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 'Winners: New Zealand'.

TEAM OF THE WEEK: IMG Football Port Fail IMG excitment as Port fail provide a cracking result with the fastest ever hatrick in only 11 minutes and 26 seconds courtesy of James Carter. They ran out 7-2 winners over the last year's premiership contenders Klaw FC