gair rhydd - Issue 726

Retiring Fellow

Inside GRiP: Art from the Valleys takes over the city centre

Sport considers the career of Colin Jackson Printed at Westcountry Design and Print

Monday 16th September/Free Word 726

gairrhydd

THE VOICE OF CARDIFF STUDENTS

Can’t get Nightline out of her head Mark Cobley reports CARDIFF UNIVERSITY’S Nightline service is to get a makeover, with a new number and a celebrity endorsement from the Queen of Pop herself.

The Nightline service has been run for more than 20 years, by students for students, and provides a totally non-judgemental listening service.

Now Kylie Minogue has recognised the good work the service does.

Daniel Weaver, nightline co-ordinator, said: “We sent an information pack and a blank minidisc to Kylie’s hotel when she stayed in Cardiff to play

the CIA. “We didn’t hear anything back for months, so we thought nothing more of it, but then we got the minidisc back through the post with Kylie’s jingle on it!

“It’s good to know that even though she’s an international popstar, she’s still interested in ordinary people.”

The Kylie endorsement will now be played on Cardiff University’s Xpress Radio.

Nightline’s target is now to get many more celebrity endorsements, though Daniel commented, “You can’t get much better than Kylie!”

Nightline is open seven

“It’s good to know that even though she’s an international popstar, she’s still interested in ordinary people.”

DANIEL WEAVER ON KYLIE’S HUMAN SIDE

days a week, from 8am to 8pm, on its new number 029 2022 3993. However, the service is always keen to recruit new volunteers.

Daniel said: “We have many very good, dedicated volunteers, but nevertheless we have difficulty manning our phones sometimes.

“Problem times are at the start of terms, since it takes new students a while to get involved, and obviously during exams because at the same time, our volunteers have to take time off and we get more calls about exam stress.

“We also put our problems down to the end of student grants.

“Because more students have to get part-time jobs now they’ve got no time for volunteer work.”

Despite these difficulties, Nightline has recently expanded its service to cover the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC) and hopes eventually to have its

The pop princess is now getting serious with Nightline number printed on the back of all University cards.

Nightline will also be holding a training day for new volunteers in October, though

dates have not been finalised yet.

Students who are interested in volunteering can email line@cf.ac.uk for further

information.

Alternatively check the website for more details about Nightline on www.cf.ac.uk/suon/nightline/ index.html.

It’s only the Taf, but I like it Howard Calvert reports CARDIFF UNIVERSITY’S

most popular drinking establishment has undergone a complete re-fit over the summer months.

The old Tafarn Bar in the Student Union will be unrecognisable to returning students, the rustic beams and dingy lighting having been replaced by a new open plan design and modern, stylish décor.

And after months of debate as to what the newly refurbished bar may be called, gair rhydd can exclusively reveal that it will be known simply as the ‘Taf’.

Grant Bibb, Cardiff University’s Maintenance Manager, oversaw the redevelopment.

“It’s a dramatic change in

terms of what the bar is like now from what it has been in the past,” he said.

“The old Tafarn was about 15 years old and had never been totally converted. Also, we wanted to get ahead of the increasing competition in the city centre.”

Students complaining that the old Tafarn had no atmosphere and the drab surroundings often left them feeling like they were drinking in a farmer’s outhouse will be happy to find all traces of weathered wood removed.

Societies and Union Secretary Laura Welsh said: “It looks amazing, very cool and funky.

“The wall where the fruit machines were has been completely demolished and replaced with frosted

windows and they’ve removed all of the beams so it’s a lot lighter in there.

“It looks huge now when they haven’t actually extended it at all.”

Other changes include revamped seating with leather settees replacing the old spine-deforming wooden pews.

There’s also a new bar, cutting edge lighting and a subtle blue and beige colour scheme creating a fresh and relaxing atmosphere.

Grant Bibb explained that the bar was comprised of themed areas.

“There’s now a designated food area, an area for pool and games machines and an entertainment area with a new PA system where hopefully bands can play on theme nights.”

Modern prints adorn the walls and the more discerning drinkers may notice that sections of the floor contain transparent blocks that change colour.

Mr Bibb added: “There’s a lot of effects and stuff like that - a few in the floor and a few in tables.”

A minor problem with the renovation has been due to the tight timescale for the work. Everything else has gone to plan.

Elsewhere in the Union the Graduate Bar has received a small-scale makeover and Solus has been reupholstered and freshened up with a lick of paint.

Those of you itching to sup a relaxing pint in the allnew Taf will be able to from September 20, the official opening date.

“All in all you probably won’t get much sleep in your first week. You’ll be far too busy down the pub or chatting through the night or even being woken by people buzzing the intercom at 4am” CHARLOTTE SPRATT LOOKS IN DEPTH INTO THE JOY THAT IS FRESHERS’ WEEK P28 News p1–3 ● Letters p5 ● GRiP p7 Societies p10 ● Features p19 ● Sport p23

News 2

IN BRIEF Cardiff stages music theatre THE INTERNATIONAL Festival of Musical Theatre is coming to Cardiff next month.

With more than 100 events across the capital, council officials are hoping the event will impress judges for the city’s European Capital of Culture 2008 bid.

Shows will include Oklahoma! at the Sherman Theatre, Babes in Arms at the New Theatre, Ragtime the Musical and Joan of Arc.

Degrees of survival A RECENT survey by homeless charity Crisis has found that 15 per cent of all homeless people have a degree.

Crisis carried out their research in hostels in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Portsmouth.

They estimate that there could be as many as 400,000 more homeless people than government figures suggest.

gair rhydd MONDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2002

Help in £15 million to be the home spent on new centre Anna Hodgekiss reports

Mel Ackbory reports THE UNIVERSITY is spending £15 million on a new high-tech home for the Optometry and Vision Sciences department.

Planning permission has been sought for a fourstorey, 7600 square metre development on former Railtrack land on Maindy Road directly opposite the Humanities buildings. It will also house Cardiff University’s eye clinic and is to be completed by 2005.

At present the Optometry department – the only one of its kind in Wales - shares premises with the Pharmacy department in the Redwood building in Cathays Park.

A University spokesman said: “The new development will help realise long term ambitions for both Pharmacy and Optometry. The new building will be jointly funded by the Funding Council for Wales, the Office for Science and Technology

New development site is causing concern for local residents and the University.”

The University has also been granted outline

Cardiff to Johannesburg “The new development will ASIDE FROM the politicians, Cardiff is being represented at the UN Summit for Sustainable Development by Clare Sainley Berry from the United Nations Association Wales, and Matthew Wootton from Wales’ Green Party.

Don’t overdo fresher’s week!

NUS CHIEFS have launched a campaign to stop students getting so drunk.

With freshers’ week approaching, many will soon be reaching for their Alka Seltzer.

But NUS president Mandy Telford has suggested that getting drunk should be as socially acceptable as drink driving.

“If you do drink, don’t do drunk,” the slogan urges.

gair rhydd ADDRESS University Union Park Place Cardiff CF10 3QN

help realise long term ambitions for both Pharmacy and Optometry.”

UNIVERSITY SPOKESMAN ON DEPARTMENTAL BENEFIT

saying that they are worried about increased traffic and an increased pressure for parking.

Cathays Lib Dem Councillor Jon Aylwin said: “Residents are very concerned at the prospect of a three-storey block across the road from them in what is a residential area.”

Students can aim to fly high Martin Yates reports CARDIFF students are now able to take advantage of a no-frills airline operating from their own doorstep.

BMI Baby, the budget offshoot of British Midlands airlines, have announced they will begin flying from Cardiff Airport in October.

Students at Cardiff previously had to travel to Bristol or London if they wanted to take advantage of the lowest airline fares.

Destinations from Cardiff were at best sparse and expensive.

But Cardiff Airport could now be their gateway to the continent for as little as £25.

The airport currently handles around 1.5 million airline passengers a year, but the move is expected to bring

EDITORIAL 02920 781434/436 ADVERTISING 0845 1300667 EMAIL SSUGR1@cf.ac.uk VISITORS Find us on the 4th floor of the Students Union

permission for another fourstorey building on the site once funding is available.

Uses and plans for that building have yet to be decided.

The buildings have received the go-ahead from Cardiff planners despite the fact that residents in the area had raised several concerns,

PHOTO: DOMINIC O’NEILL

PHARMACISTS AT Cardiff University are behind a pioneering new telephone helpline for sufferers of Parkinson’s disease.

The Medicines Information Helpline – the only one of its kind in Europe - is the brainchild of Dr. Sam Salek, director of the Centre for Socioeconomic Research at the Welsh School of Pharmacy.

It will provide advice and counselling for carers and healthcare professionals as well as people with the disease.

Dr Salek said: “Patients are likely to be receiving multiple drug therapy. Good knowledge of medication is therefore of paramount importance.”

Typical enquiries to the line include how medicines and alternative treatments affect Parkinsons’ drugs, day-to-day tasks and what forthcoming treatments will be available.

The helpline, staffed by experienced pharmacy professionals, will run for a six-month pilot period. However, Dr Salek said: “There is a strong commitment on the part of all parties involved to sustain it beyond the pilot study.”

The helpline is available on 0800 389 4436 from 8.30 to 5pm on weekdays. Healthcare professionals should call 029 2074 4861.

BMIBABY: No Frills

in an extra one million.

“This is a coup for Cardiff International Airport,” said Andrew Davies, the Assembly’s Economic Minister.

BMI Baby will fly from Cardiff to Milan, Jersey, Malaga, Geneva, Faro in Portugal and Alicante in Spain.

Flights to Jersey, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast could also be bought for £18.

BMI Baby, Britain’s fastest growing budget airline, will operate 112 flights a week starting from October 27th.

A rail link to the airport is also due to be built next year.

BMI baby managing director Tony Davis said: “We are determined to provide travellers from Cardiff with all of the advantages of low cost travel to an exciting range of destinations.”

presents

Krafty Kuts 25 . 09 . 2002 Seren Las. 9pm. £2 / £3 Brighton’s Krafty Kuts is one of the true pioneers of the breakbeat scene and is viewed by many as one of the finest party djs in the UK. A Krafty Kuts set will not disappoint as he skillfully cuts, scratches and blends hiphop, breaks, house, old skool and drum & bass. With releases on Finger Lickin, Acetate and his own Against the Grain label and a residency at Supercharged in Brighton, Krafty Kuts is hotly tipped for the future and is definately one to watch Check out: www.fingerlickin.co.uk www.superchargedmusic.com

gair rhydd MONDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2002

X-campus Xpress Lucy Cotton reports The student radio station of Cardiff University, Xpress Radio, is to start broadcasting in a number of the University’s Internet Cafés.

The venture will mean that students will be able to listen to the station inbetween its FM broadcasts; previously the station could only be heard in the Students’ Union, and online at http://xpressradio.co.uk.

Cafés in the Redwood, Tower, and Senghenydd buildings will all play Xpress Radio through their speakers during daytime hours.

“This will be a great step forward,” says Union Communications Officer Ellie King, who is also Chief Executive of the station.

“Broadcasting across campus will be a great way to keep people informed on a daily basis.”

As well as over 50

presenters and DJs, around 200 people work ‘behind the scenes’ at Xpress Radio, organising roadshows, deciding music policy, reporting on news, and editing features. Most of these members join at the societies’ fayre, and are given extensive training to prepare them for the rigours of broadcasting.

The busiest time for the station will be in March, when it broadcasts live across Cardiff to almost 350,000 people.

Xpress Radio Station Manager, Hiten Vaghmaria, is enthusiastic about the year ahead.

“Through Xpress Radio, Cardiff’s students were the first to hear bands like Destiny’s Child, Kosheen and Coldplay. Hopefully this development will help more students hear the latest music, and student news, first. “ The ambitious scheme is due to commence in early October.

News 3

Concern over conference cuts Mark Cobley reports LECTURERS at the English, Communications and Philosophy (ENCAP) Department are concerned as funding cutbacks mean the University will no longer pay for them to attend research conferences.

Attendance at international conferences is a valuable means for lecturers to establish research links with other universities and develop their careers.

Recently, Cardiff University was ranked 7th in the country for the quality of its academic research, and conferences also help the university build up its international reputation.

Some lecturers now fear that - in English at least - this status might be under threat.

One lecturer, who did not wish to be named, told gair rhydd, “There is a real worry that students will suffer as a result of these cuts.

All students benefit from the

“The funding for English nationwide has been cut” DAVID SKILTON, HEAD OF DEPT.

Xpress: more opportunities to be heard

Lecturers attend a typical academic conference experience and knowledge brought to them by lecturers who have been on conferences.

“Postgraduates will be hit especially hard if they no longer have funding for conference attendance either.”

However not all lecturers were as worried. Dr Andrew Edgar, a Philosophy lecturer, said, “This cutback is something of a nuisance, but I understand the need for it.

“As these things go it is a minor hardship.”

Fire Angels urge students to be safe Mark Cobley reports STUDENTS and young people are more likely to die in fires than anyone else, according to new government research.

Forty-six 17-24 year olds died in housefires in 2000, which was up from 38 in 1999.

Over 1500 fires were started by candles – a popular and cheap alternative light source for many students.

Furthermore, alarming Home Office statistics show that up to 40 per cent of all smoke alarms do not work, either because they are fitted incorrectly or they have had their batteries removed to be put in another device.

To try and bring this total down, the government is running a fire safety campaign from September 18.

The campaign aims to make students more aware of the dangers and inform them about how to make their accommodation safe.

And two former Coventry University students are helping the government out, with their award-winning FireAngel smoke alarm, designed especially for students.

Sam Tate, co-founder of FireAngel, said, “Students at university are far more carefree than when they live at home and as such tend not to consider general safety and security precautions.

“You might be very sensible but you can’t account for the other flatmates who might remove the batteries from a smoke alarm to put in a remote control or other equipment, forgetting to tell anyone or replace them.

“Furthermore, when candles and cooking are constantly setting of the fire alarm, it can get really irritating and vast numbers of students dismantle the fire alarm just to shut it up.”

To solve these problems, Sam Tate and Nick Rutter designed a smoke alarm that

plugs into a light socket and does not require batteries.

It can be reset with a simple flick of the lightswitch if it goes off when someone burns the toast, and the lightbulb can be screwed in underneath it as normal.

Kirstie Lewis, Marketing Manager at FireAngel, explained, “The real dangers

arise after moving out of the fairly sheltered accommodation provided by halls of residence.

“When students’ parents help them move into their accommodation in the second year we strongly recommend that they check the smoke alarm is suitable, functional and fitted correctly.”

The FireAngel smoke alarms are easy to install

Professor David Skilton, Head of the English Department, was also quick to reassure students.

He said, “The funding for ENCAP nationwide has been cut, and so this is a national phenomenon not just a Cardiff one.

“Cardiff has decided to cut funding for lecturer’s trips rather than cut back on quality of teaching – this is entirely the right decision.”

A university spokesman echoed Dr. Skilton’s

sentiments: “The moratorium on funding conference attendance in the School of English, Communication and Philosophy is a temporary measure – undertaken as part of the School’s ongoing prudent financial management.

“Conference applications that were approved in 2001/2 for dates in 2002/3 remain honoured. The review will earmark funding for conference attendance in future years.”

A-level success hits university Dominic O’Neill reports BETTER A-Levels this year have meant many more students have been accepted onto the degree course of their choice.

Two weeks after the publication of A-level results, UCAS said the number of people who had their conditional degree course offers confirmed had risen by 11,899 from the same time last year.

With improved results, many more people have gained the grades asked for by universities.

Some people have even been turning down offers from universities after realising their grades could get them onto better courses elsewhere.

The proportion of students gaining A grades at A-level rose to 20.7 per cent this year, while the number of people passing their exams rose from 89.8 per cent to 94.3 per cent.

But for the small number of students who underachieved, the news is less cheerful.

With more people getting

the grades asked for by universities, admissions tutors have been less willing to accept people who only just miss the mark.

Admissions Tutor for history at Cardiff University Peter Edbury says he expects to raise the required grades for history next year.

“Normally when the results come through we have a small shortfall of applicants.

“That is usually made up by accepting people who get grades just under what we asked for,” he explained.

“But this year we filled our places with people who had gained the results equal to, or over, what we asked for.”

“People who we would have previously accepted, we are have had to turn down this year,” he added.

“We have had to turn away a lot of well-qualified candidates.”

The total number of applicants to university continued to increase this year.

There are now almost half a million people applying to university ever year.

WANTED Meeting Times:

Arts Blagging

■ Monday

Books

1.15pm

Classifieds

News

Comment

Features

Competitions

Sport

Crossword

■ Wednesday

Executive Committee Features

1.30pm

Film

News Update

Interviews Letters

■ Wednesday

Listings

4.30pm

Music

Arts Books Film

News Rough Guide Sport

Music

TV Guide

Features

gair rhydd is looking for enthusiastic and imaginative... ● writers ● designers ● web programmers ● photographers ● production assistants Visit us at our media penthouse gair rhydd, 4th Floor Students’ Union, Tel: 02920 781434 Fax: 02920 781407 Email: ssugr1@cardiff.ac.uk

Letters ● 5

gairrhydd, Monday 16th September 2002

Letter of the fortnight The author of this ‘Letter of the fortnight’ wins love and respect.

Dear gair rhydd, Just thought (being the kind and considerate student I am) I would dispense some words of wisdom to those box-fresh freshers about the utopia that is Senghennydd Court.

Firstly, never leave worthless objects on windowsills. By some strange and twisted law a £30 designer baking dish will go unnoticed when in full view, but leave a half empty bottle of economy washing up liquid out for ten minutes and it’ll be swiped.

Never start a feud with another flat. The ‘us against them’ mentality escalates rapidly and before you know it rancid strips of bacon are being pinned to your front door at midnight.

And finally, befriend your cleaners. Get on their good side and they’ll do your washing up for you. Get on their bad side and they’ll use all your milk, hold a convention in your kitchen and probably take a kip in your bed. You have been warned.

David Senghennydd Court veteran

Supermarket geek Dear gair rhydd I would greatly appreciate it if you could put this message in your next issue; ‘BEANY GIRL’ (Who may be called Camilla) Remember that big night in Tesco, When you dropped your beans upon my toes?

Due to the styling of my sandal, Much more pain I could not handle.

I picked them up and handed them over, Our eyes locked then our souls jumped over.

The blood it rushed down from my head, We both know where it went instead, I walked off then with lots to say, And selected for my home cafetiere.

I could feel your eyes, I could sense your smile, From that sacred spot in the seventh aisle.

You came to me in the kitchen section, Still I was sporting a proud erection.

Due to my lack of underwear, My feelings for you I could not spare.

Your friend she tried to drag you off, But your ears it seems were made of cloth.

You looked at me and apologised, All I could think was “feel those eyes’.

You left me then in my prominent pose, I whistled for a while, then chose a rose.

“Catch her by the checkout if I can” That was it, my fool proof plan.

You must have been in a rush that night, Settled for your beans and taken flight.

What should I do now, with this flower?

That was it, gone my finest hour.

I’ve been there since to try and meet, But coincidence it seems, does not repeat.

spotting during viewings of Human Traffic just won’t be the same!

Anna C, Seasoned Cathays drinker Lettersdesk says: Yeah but you still get to see the blonde one’s breasts. ‘Nice one bruvva’ etc.

Dear gair rhydd, I remember your article last academic year displaying the proposed changes to be made to the Taf. And driving past the Union on my way back to the best capital city in the UK after a summer of daytime TV and working in WH Smiths I see that work is now taking place. I fear however I won’t be able to successfully locate the Taf after the work is complete, because it’ll become indistinguishable from EVERY SINGLE BAR IN THE ENTIRE CITY. Aye aye aye...

The one they call Phil, Pub Expert

Beany Girl we should have kissed, I spend my whole life in a mist.

But this has been a valuable lesson to me, Always to carry some frozen peas.

I send my love through wit and rhyme, And hope this offer you can’t decline.

Lettersdesk says: Could be a fair point but lets wait until it’s actually open before condemning it just yet, shall we?

Bone Boy (telephone number supplied)

When I phoned up the Psychology department to find out if I had passed the year or not I must admit I was shaking.

Probably because I attended about half of the lectures, was consistently missing deadlines for coursework and hadn’t exactly busted a gut when it came to revision. Imagine my surprise then when I found that I had indeed passed every module and could sail into the second year without a shred of memory as to what the first year actually should have entailed. New students; have no fears, this uni larks a breeze!

Lettersdesk says: Are you sure the tin of beans didn’t hit you on the head?

Wizard of Aus Dear gair rhydd, Just thought I’d drop gair rhydd a line and inform all students of Cardiff that next summer they must go to Australia! I spent a couple of months travelling up the East coast this summer and had the time of my life; skydiving, scuba diving, bungee jumping, sailing, partying etc. I also met loads of crazy people who I plan to keep in touch with. Anyway, enough ranting, just go!

Tracy Still hyperactive Lettersdesk says: During my summer I spent a couple of months in a plastics moulding factory! I had the time of my life, moulding, assembling, melting, packing, counting, sticking, lifting etc. I met some really charming old men who leered at The Sun and were this close from masturbating every lunchtime. I won’t be keeping in touch with them.

Firkin Hell!

Dear gair rhydd, I have recently returned to Cardiff to discover that my beloved Firkin pub is undergoing refurbishment! This concerns me for two reasons, firstly I don’t want another ‘trendy’ student bar in Cathays, we’ve got enough of those, and secondly, location

Easy Peasy?

Dear gair rhydd,

Your sincerely, Ali J Lettersdesk says: I myself have spoken to many who are amazed how some of their coursemates managed to pass the first year, but don’t worry for a minute! You just take a peek at the dissertation you have to complete for the third year.

U.S. Against Them Dear gair rhydd, Sorry to get all serious so early in the brand spanking new academic year, but I just have to spout a bit about the Sustainable Development conference in Johannesburg. I just don’t see the point in having a United Nations organisation at all if countries can’t UNITE and take some action to improve some of the horrific conditions that millions of people have to survive in across the world. As the conference came to a close very, very few targets were set, just empty statements with no actual plans of action.

Kofi Annan (Secretary General of the UN) this morning declared in the closing press conference that

farmers who have been ousted from their farms by a corrupt and racist government in Zimbabwe must be given fair compensation.

No, Kofi, you should have stopped it happening in the first place!

And as for Bush, how the hell does he think he can get away with fighting his own private war with Iraq without support from the UN, who’s job it is surely to oversee and if need be take command of such cowboyish action. Small wonder the US Secretary of State was jeered by representatives from the rest of the world when he reeled off a list of worldwide atrocities such as AIDS, of which his country has absolutely no concern. I’m off to lie down now.

Yours fumingly, Dannielle 2nd year Lettersdesk says: Indeed, it would seem that as an immense superpower the USA should have a responsibility to lead the world in undertakings such as sustainable development for undeveloped countries, or at least pull its weight. As for Iraq...

Waiting for war?

Dear gair rhydd, I have read how President Bush agrees with his Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, drawing parallels with today’s situation between the USA and Iraq to that of the dark days of 1939 when Mr. Winston Churchill helped to rally Britain to fight for freedom of the world against Herr Hitler and the Nazis.

OK, fine. But I am old enough to have lived through the latter situation and remember it clearly, so I cannot help but wonder whether, if the USA declares war in Iraq, will the Americans expect the UK to wait for two years or so to see whether Iraq or one of its allies declares war on Britain before we Brits decide whether to join in? In the meantime, would Britain be able to afford lease-lend and would the USA end up heavily in debt to us?

Barbara MacArthur Very mature student Lettersdesk says: An interesting take on the situation, but seriously as any possible action against Iraq gets closer and closer we must recognise that like most debates, both perspectives have their strong

points. So which side are you going to take? President Bush’s or the sane worlds? No pressure.

States Suck Dear gair rhydd, Figuring that the entire summer is too great a length of time to spend at home getting progressively larger due to lack of exercise, I decided to spend a few weeks in the States. It was the worst few weeks of my life.

Firstly, being under 21 I was refused entry from the vast majority of bars, usually with the hand signal of a thumb pointing from the bouncer. “How does it feel to be infantalised by our system?” a drinker said after I was refuse in yet another bar. “It’s a sobering experience” I replied.

And as for the city of Washington DC, think Bute Town on steroids.

I got harassed by a con artist about two minutes after stepping off the coach, which struck the keynote for the rest of my stay there, where I had to pretend I was a 25 year old mature student from Oxford University to get a drink. Which cost about £3 (plus tip of course, which is all but mandatory). Next summer I think I’ll just stay in bed.

Stevo, 2nd Year English Lettersdesk says: It’s true that the postcard images of Capitol Hill and the White House are rather misleading. Having visited the city myself I have to agree that DC is not the most pleasant of cities, when I was there there was a series of drive-by dart gun attacks causing terror in the district. You just don’t get that kind of thing over here do you?

Sounds good Dear gair rhydd, I have noticed through various magazines that the upcoming concerts at Cardiff for the remainder of the year are going to be FUCKING STUPENDOUS! The Union’s getting Badly Drawn Boy, Doves and Supergrass, and the CIA is getting the Manics, Foo Fighters and Oasis! It’s going to be one hell of a loud semester!

Your sincerely, Muso Man Lettersdesk says: You forgot Space at Barfly. How could you?

Hang your head in shame.

gair rhydd Letters gair rhydd is read by just about every student at Cardiff University then beyond into the realms of UWIC and the city. This Letters page is your opportunity to have your say about pretty much anything you might want to have a say about, so students fresh, stale or just slightly going off get typing and have your views read by your peers. And if you write tat like ‘Bone Boys’ poem you might want to think up a similarly crap pseudonym.

PS. If your department is worth its salt, it will have issued you with your very own personal e-mail account. Please e-mail rather than send your letters in, there’s trees out there dying and shit. Your co-operation is appreciated. Honest.

Please send your letters in to us at gair rhydd, Students’ Union, Park Place, CF10 3QN or preferably e-mail SSUGR1@CARDIFF.AC.UK. gair rhydd will attempt to print any letter sent in, but apologises for those that do not make it in due to space restrictions. The views expressed in these letters are usually not those of the newspaper or the editor.

air rhydd Information Pullout

RiP

t a e n o d s ’ t i w o h s u s w o e h l s t s y a g C Ig f f i d r a C

l o d I p o P

Issue 726 16.09.0

et TCardiff’s here listings in full

GRiP

02 Welcome to Get There, what will become your indispensable guide to what's going on in Cardiff and beyond. Whether you fancy a cheesy night in the Union or a mad night clubbing in town Get There will give you the lowdown on places that will light your fire or leave you all fizzled out in our fair city. Just glance down these hallowed pages and be enlightened...

Essential Cardiff 5 things you must see this Freshers Week 1. Vice-Chancellor’s address

2. Societies Fayre

Tuesday 24th September, Great Hall, 1.30pm.

Here’s you big chance to find out about the student societies on offer at the university in the comfort of the Great Hall.

It’s probably the only time that every society, from the Islamic society to the Indie society, will all be gathered in one room for your convenience and spendinglots-of-money pleasure.

Wednesday 25th September, Great Hall, from 10am Seriously, do not miss this chance to get involved with as many like-minded people as you can at Uni. For those in the know, more acquaintances mean more chances of getting laid. Clever old me.

Telephone: Laura Welsh on 029 2078 1427

3. Sports Fayre Thursday 26th September, Great Hall, from 10am Read the above description of the Societies fayre, substitute ‘societies’ for ‘sports clubs’ and you have a pretty fair description of what a mystical Sports fayre will involve.

For those not initiated with the ways of cut and paste, let me explain. All of the university’s sports clubs

assemble in the Great Hall, ply newcomers with alcohol and tales of drunken debauchery on club nights out, and persuade you to join their clique, sorry club. Three years of Jive Hive awaits.

Telephone: Polly Hills on 029 2078 1438

4. Companies Fayre Friday 27th September, Great Hall, from 10am

Eager freshers queuing for last years event

W

ELCOME TO Cardiff! If you’re at the Vice Chancellors address then the chances are you arrived at your Halls of Residence on Sunday and are already spending most of your freshers week down the Taf with you new mates.

But wait! No matter how fulfilled your life feels drinking your life away, you cannot have a proper Cardiff University experience unless

you’ve been to the ViceChancellors address. It is student law that all freshers (well, however many will fit into the Great Hall) must sit on the floor for what will seem like at least a year listening to the head of our great institution telling you how lucky you are to be embarking on the finest years of your life in Cardiff.

But more importantly is the entertainment that will invariably be laid on by the Union which has always had

Staff list GRiP editor: Robin Jackson (gairrhyddgrip@hotmail.com) Listings: Neil Krajewski (gairrhyddlistings@hotmail.com) Arts: LaDonna Hall and Mat Croft (gairrhyddarts@hotmail.com) Music: Andy Parsons and Gemma Jones (gairrhyddmusic@hotmail.com) Books: Jane Eyre and D.C. Gates (gairrhyddbooks@hotmail.com) Film: Neil Blain (grfilmdesk@hotmail.com)

comedy value in the past.

Michael Jackson and Basil Fawlty impersonators anyone?

Thought not, but there will be a top prize draw where one lucky attendee will win a holiday for two courtesy of STA travel. You’ll need it to recover from freshers week...

Telephone: Ellie King, Campaigns and Communications Officer for information on 029 2078 1433

Already feeling the financial pinch of being a student?

Running out of beer money after a week away from home?

Not sure where your next meal is coming from?

Well fear not, because the Union has foretold your money troubles and has enlisted many reputable companies to

assemble in the Great Hall in order to give you free stuff. In the past we have been given stuff by Dolmio, the student staple Pot Noodle and Tampax. Gutted if I was a man.

Telephone: Ellie King on 02920 781433

5. Who the f**k are you?

Saturday 21st September, Solus, from 9pm. Tickets £2 If you haven’t made friends yet and are feeling pretty lonely and desolate, then don’t sit in your bedroom on a Saturday night. The TV will only depress you more. gair rhydd suggests that you make your way to the Union for the Who the f**k are you party, for a night of asking people what A ‘levels they got

and getting drunk to forget the pain of small-talk.

But look on the bright side.

This writer met one of her best friends on this very night. It could happen to you.

Telephone: Union Box Office on 02920 387421

In this issue of GRiP...

04: Arts

Get all cultured with Arts’ look at what Cardiff has to offer outside of the boozer.

02: Get There

The official guide to what's-on in Cardiff

05: Books

Delve into a better than average rock biography with Books

06: Music

Find where to go for good music, who to watch on the local scene and highlights of the summer gigs

09: Film

Check out the best new films and the places to go to see them.

03

GRiP

Union Mondays Fun Factory @ Solus 9pm-1am, free.

Fun Factory is a Cardiff institution.

Officially billed as ‘the beginning of the weekend,’ it’s a chance for those of you who like alternative music to take over Solus from the Jive regulars. All music types are catered for, from Blink 182 to Blur, and makes Fun Factory an essential Monday night venue.

Wednesdays Jive Hive @ Solus 9pm-1am, £3.00.

If you are clever enough to get yourself involved with a sports club during your time in Cardiff then Wednesday nights will mean only one thing – Jive Hive. Playing all the greatest hits from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, karaoke classics and all the cheese you can handle, if singing your heart out to ‘American Pie’ surrounded by equally jubilant

Monday 16/09 Echoboy + Wilmer @ Barfly @ Barfly 7.30pm, £5 adv Echoboy’s new LP, Giraffe, isn’t out until next year. But he’s gracing Cardiff with his post-rock presence for one night anyway.

Tuesday 17/09 FT Marinetti + Ballgag + Bullet In @ Barfly 7.30pm, £3 Bristolian punk outfit named after early 20th-century thinker, supported by local metal types.

sports teams is your thing, then get your Jive tickets early.

Thursdays Eighties Night @ Solus 9pm-1am, £2.50.

This years freshers intake might have missed most of the Eighties on account of only being at nursery school, but no matter. It’s never too late to learn about the greatest decade that music has yet to offer.

Spandau Ballet! Duran Duran!

Tiffany! It’s the only night in the city that you’ll definitely hear ‘The Chicken Song’, so don your leg warmers and get there!

Fridays Lashtastic @ Solus 9pm-1am, £2.50.

“I’d be gutted that I didn’t buy my Lash ticket early,” was the cry in

Saturdays Flirt @ Solus 9pm - 1am, free Saturday nights in town are a pretty shambolic affair, unless you’re from the valleys or in town for the rugby.

Make yours a good one by staying close to the bosom of your student friends and enjoy the dance classics on offer at Flirt.

Sundays Java @ Seren Las 7.30pm, £1 Laid back sounds in Seren Las. matinee ‘slot’.

Think Floyd @ St. Davids Hall 7.30pm, tickets from £8.50 It’s a Pink Floyd tribute band, a matter upon which we will comment no further.

The Room Orchestra + Tippi @ Barfly 7.30pm, £3 More ‘locals’ who we’re afraid to say we know nothing about. People have said they’re good though.

Possibly not a real orchestra.

Friday 20/09 Mark Rueberry Band + Starski + Kill City @ Barfly 7.30pm, £4 Don’t know much about The Mark Rueberry Band but I once had a demo which compared them to Bon Jovi. I didn’t listen to it.

Saturday 21/09

Thursday 19/09

Sunday 22/09 Fletcher @ Barfly 3pm, £4 adv Skatey types who probably wear red Etnies trainers play Barfly’s

Monday 23/09

Tuesday 24/09 Simple Kid + Nerve + The Mooks @ Barfly 7.30pm, £5 SK is some guy who used to be in The Young Offenders. God, did they blow. Do you remember them Gemma? “Nnnngghh!! Kieron! Yes!” He had very big hair then, Marc Bolan stylee, wonder if he’s had it cut since? Dull query, it’s true, but just wondered.

Wednesday 25/09 Sneeze + Godstar + Smudge + 120 Minutes @ Barfly 7.30pm, £5 Ex-Lemonheads members and true legends, Nic Dalton and Tom Morgan’s new and mightily fine outfit. They’ve been away a while and may be missing Mr Evan Dando in their ranks, but still this gig is as exciting as a ballpit to a toddler. That’s very exciting indeed.

Well, if you’re me that is.

Marah + Rough Smith @ Barfly 7.30pm, £5 adv Marah are a kind of powerpop/rock band from America who managed to get Broooce ‘Bruce’ Springsteen on their album. More of an achievement than you may think.

Saturday 28/09 Morcheeba @ Solus, Students’ Union 7.30pm, £10 adv Trip-hop hippies who should have been consigned to the one-hit wonder dustbin years ago. How was this allowed to happen?

Big Leaves + Delta @ Barfly 7.30pm, £5 adv The most popular band in North Wales. I don’t understand it either.

They’re only let off cos one of ‘em is in the totally bomb Acid Casuals.

Sunday 29/09 Rachel Stamp 3pm, £5 More people who I fail to grasp the popularity of. Rachel Stamp ain’t glam, kids, it’s myopic retro navelgazing with swears.

Arts Thursday 19/09 Die Fledermaus from Welsh National Opera @ New Theatre 7.15pm Opera by J. Strauss. The Welsh National Opera has a fantastic reputation for producing cutting edge and exciting opera. They often have stand-by and cheap tickets for students, so make an arty start to your time in Cardiff and get there!

Also on 21st, 25th, 27th September.

Thursday 26/09 Tosca from Welsh National Opera @ New Theatre 7.15pm Opera by Puccini.

Also on 28th September.

The Meatloaf Story @ St. David’s Hall 7.30pm, Tickets from £10 This is some guy who if I remember rightly is called something Steinman, but isn’t related to Jim Steinman as far as I know. He pretends to be Meatloaf for a living.

What a strange thing to do. Do you think his mother knows?

Sunday 29/09 An Audience with Vinnie Jones 7.30pm, £5 adv Might be worth going to heckle. It’d be interesting to see a full-blooded performer/audience confrontation occur in the ‘tiny’ St. David’s Hall.

Coming Up JJ72 @ Great Hall Friday 11/10 7.30pm, £12.50 adv I’ve slagged this band off on at least three separate occasions now and no-one takes any notice of me.

This’ll make it four: JJ72 are dull.

Motorhead + Anthrax @ Newport Centre Thursday 17/10 7.30pm, £18.50 adv It’s Motorhead, what d’you want me to say? More noteworthy is Anthrax who, you’ll recall, informed everyone they were going to change their name after the anthrax scares last year. Way to get back into the news guys.

Supergrass @ Great Hall Friday 25/10 7.30pm, £15 adv Supergrass aren’t ‘cool’ anymore, but ‘cool’ is why my daughter needs a new pair of trainers every month.

Therefore you should go... I guess.

Foo Fighters @ CIA Wednesday 20/11 7.30pm, £18.50 adv Dave’s back. We like Queens Of The Stone Age more though. Still, beggars can’t be choosers.

Badly Drawn Boy @ Great Hall Monday 02/12 7.30pm, £15adv BDB’s new album is called Have You Fed The Fish. Is that groovy or twee? And, would it be too much to ask that he didn’t play for three hours this time?

Doves @ Great Hall Friday 06/12 7.30pm, £14 adv Lordy, lord. The best news I have had in ages. See Jimi and pals in full flow. Lovely Mancs with great beards and some even better tunes. Expect lashings of grandeur.

Oasis @ Cardiff International Arena Sunday 08/12 and Monday 09/12 7pm, £28.50 Yes, you read that price right. How can they possibly justify charging that much? Is Alan White going to stand at the door handing out blocks of pure uncut cocaine to every audience member? Bring it on!

Films on release in Cardiff...

The Importance of Being Earnest Starring: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Judi Dench Oscar Wilde’s comedy of mistaken identity is given extra charm with a top-notch cast and the same director as An Ideal Husband. A definite feel-good movie.

Insomnia Starring: Al Pacino, Robin Williams A police detective accidentally shoots his own partner while trying to apprehend a suspect.

The detective is given an unexpected alibi, but this "solution" only multiplies the emotional complexity and guilt.

The Sweetest Thing Starring: Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate

Typical girly romance of the ‘girl meets man – girl loses man – girl spends the rest of the film trying to find him’ genre.

Combines the chick-flick with the gross-out movie, and Diaz is supposed to be superb.

Beijing Bicycle Starring: Cut Lin, Li Bin

Set in contemporary Beijing, this acclaimed drama puts a contemporary spin on the Italian classic Bicycle Thieves, and provides an illuminating picture of the way traditional values and class structures have been changing in China.

Tortilla Soup Starring: Hector Elizondo, Jacqueline Obradors, Tamara Mello

A Mexican re-make of the Ang Lee classic Eat, Drink, Man, Woman that manages to be warm, perceptive and funny and still stays true to the original film.

Get There

Left Front Tire + Babylose + Carson Down @ Barfly 7.30pm, £4 adv LFT are a pop-punk affair from the States who were on the soundtrack to American Pie II or Austin Powers II or possibly Lee Evans fave Ernest Shelters Nazi War Criminals II. We forget which.

Max Tundra + The Error Plains + Kilo-C @ Barfly 7.30pm, £5 adv ‘Difficult’ post-rock/electronica type

the gair Rhydd office last year when we inevitably forgot to get our tickets early enough. Chart hits and popular classics reign supreme in this immensely popular night, so don’t be stupid like us and get your ticket early.

plays his new record with the support of electro-punk mashers on the up, Error Plains.

The Datsuns + @ Barfly 7.30pm, £6 adv New Zealand’s most recent answer to AC/DC, as if there has ever been any other? Noisy, brash, in your face, and better in most people’s eyes than The Pattern who they supported in Barfly last tour. A similarly heart-pounding performance expected this time too, so definitely worth a look.

Wednesday 18/09

Voulez Vous @ St. David’s Hall 7.30pm, £5 adv This is an Abba tribute band.

Tribute bands make God angry.

Don’t go to see one.

Cardiff’s listings in full

Live Music

Friday 27/09

Martin Grech + Mew + Christopher Rees @ Barfly 7.30pm, £5 adv The name may mean nowt, but Martin Grech is the man behind the music on the recent Lexus Car advert. Just keep thinking about the Beetle ad instead, but sure Martin will remain the king of the corporate soundtrack. He’s only 19, and probably loaded now, so laydeez, here’s one for you.

Friday 27/09

Tuesdays Candy @ Solus 9pm-1am, £2.50.

If you like to shake your booty to the best R’n’B, Garage and Hiphop, then Candy should be your regular fixture on a Tuesday night.

You’re guaranteed to find funky men and women who have made a real effort, so it’s fairly certain you’ll pull. Sorted.

Thursday 26/09

04

GRiP

Art Attack

M

ANY OF you freshers rhydd’s listings pages to find performance art and gigs. And I reading this probably out about such once-in-asaw Terry Pratchett standing left your art, dance and lifetime performances. outside it once. drama hopes way behind you Also check out the Welsh But you don’t have to make the minute you stopped your ACollege of Music and Drama, a pilgrimage over the miles to levels. Now you’re looking where the students do two Canton to see exhibitions. forward to three years of turgid things very well. See if you can While we miss out on the lectures and heads-down guess what those two things controversial wankery of trendy studying. But a great alternative are. Howard Gardens also has London shows like The Turner to work - after exploring those termtime exhibitions, which are Prize or Bodyworlds, those who old chestnuts known as worth checking out, to see the like to scratch their heads and drinking and shagging - is to artists of the future. The Gallery stroke their beards are well check out Cardiff’s everon Broadway, strangely catered for at g39 (opposite growing arts scene. enough situated on Broadway, Toys r Us!), a small but cosy As the fastest growing (off Newport Road), is nearbygallery that exhibits young and capital city in Europe, Cardiff is ish and if you’re keen and like daring local talents. trying harder than ever to prove having a wander about, then The coffee houses here that under our rough ‘n’ ready take a trip there too. make use of their space well to Welsh exterior we’re really a When you eventually make display contemporary artwork. classy lot with a great sense of your way down into town Pete Fowler (aka designer for the finer things in life.

The first thing to do is to ‘Its only downfall is that many people don’t look out for Act One at the even know it’s there’ –the Cardiff Gallery Freshers’ Fayre. This drama society will have you writing, directing and starring in there’s more theatre, dance the Super Furry Animals) everything from sleazy and the occasional opera at the debuted his Monsterism pantomimes about Robin New Theatre and St David’s exhibition at AJ’s cafe recently.

Hood’s sexual skills to Hall with an older, more Atlantic Coffee, also on City intelligent, tense dramas. conservative crowd.

Road, are doing their bit too, Then you can get down to Brave and committed arts with paintings, sculptures and the Sherman Theatre, handily fans should at some point photography amongst the lattes situated right next door to the brave the elements and trek and mochas. Last year gair Student Union. Here you can out to the Chapter Arts Centre rhydd’s favourite art exhibition, catch dance, theatre, stand-up in Canton. If you make it all the by photographer Scott Clark, comedy, and the occasional way you’ll be rewarded with a was at Atlantic Coffee. Scott’s absolute legend. Mark Thomas great gallery, a great cinema, work is also did a low-key show there last and a great bar. Alongside available to see at the gallery year, so keep your eyes open , exhibitions and foreign films, at Melin Tregwynt in the Royal and of course check out gair you’ll get poetry readings, Arcade. Though primarily a

Pete Fowler’s work: rocking modern art

design shop, go upstairs to find contemporary artwork in various forms. Seduti, in the High Street Arcade, is another shop which houses a hidden gallery. Go to see Julian Castaldi’s work, again largely photographic, but genuinely inspiring. Continuing on an urban feel get down to Capsule on Charles Street and see the graffiti-inspired work of Mark Cadwallader.

The Cardiff Gallery, which is inside the National Museum of Wales, is one of the best places to see classic works of art. It’s only downfall is that many people don’t even know it’s there. If you go up the stairs in the right-hand side of the museum, you’ll find a hideous collection of antique

teapots and plates. Behind this is an equally dull few rooms full of old paintings of long-dead kings and Biblical scenes. But a few rooms behind that is an amazing set of paintings and sculptures by old geniuses like Rodin, Van Gogh and Monet, and works by more recent artists doing colourful modern stuff.

From this brief intro it’s obvious there is bags to see and way too much to mention it all here. Of course, the best way to get involved in the arts scene is to come and write for the gair rhydd Arts page. Come up to the office and offer your services to what is without a doubt the finest page in the whole paper! See you soon.

Mat Croft

Take a trip downtown JOURNEYS Upper Clifton Street

A

rtreviews s

PPROPRIATELY SITUATED on the historic route from Cardiff to Newport, Journeys looks likely to provide a much needed boost to Cardiff’s campaign for Euro City of Culture. Sited in a magnificent building on the corner of Upper

Clifton St, it promises “a new era in entertainment” from director Antonis, formerly involved with the fondly remembered Acoustic Breeze at Cathays Community Centre.

But what really makes the venture intriguing is the cafe and wine bar’s emphasis on art and culture. Alongside the multicultural music events, seven nights a week, Journeys provides space for local artists,

Journeys: embracing cultural variety

themed on a monthly basis with the very necessary provision of special launch nights. However, setting the venue apart is a non-profit cooperative of the same name.

This stems from Antonis’ insistence that art should be community based and projects, interactive with the public. He bemoans the Cardiff public’s lack of involvement with official decisions, suggesting that

artistic debate should not happen exclusively on an expert level. And so he promises a community project with free involvement.

Laudable surely, though it remains to be seen how central this is to Journeys’ operation.

Nonetheless, Journeys will be accountable since the artistic project is a registered public body and so will be answerable to the local community several times a year.

Journeys also seeks to involve the local area in its decision making and to help revitalise the area through employment, trade and in providing a community centre.

It should also be heavily involved in the annual Adamstown festival.

Of course, Journeys’ success as a venue will be largely dependant on its music which in truth, looks promising.

There are weekly lunchtime events of Jazz on a Friday and Easy Listening on a Saturday, which should pleasantly break in the weekend for those chasing their drinks with aspirin. In the evenings, Mondays feature the now ubiquitous fun nights, while Tuesday sets a compass for world music. Thursdays promise acoustic folk and blues, while Saturday showcases latin, bossa nova and world music djs. Also on Saturdays, the salsa dancing

craze is set to be rejuvenated in Cardiff. Especially promising are the Jazz nights on Fridays and Sundays, the latter involving jamming. Also, Journeys intends to offer a viable venue for live performance from noted world musicians, which should bear fruit in time for Christmas. Most interesting of all however, is the poetry slam on Wednesdays, incorporating storytelling and performance.

Cardiff has been crying out for a higher profile event of this kind and Antonis is particularly proud to be offering it. It will also feature erotic themes, which should prove more rewarding than the average Bachelor’s Pamphlet.

The plan seems to be to offer the public more alternatives. Indeed, Journeys should see itself become firmly established alongside other leftfield venues such as Chapter and The Toucan, though we are promised that care has been taken to avoid clashes and direct competition.

We hope that Journeys lives up to its artistic ambitions which will truly set this warm and atmospheric building apart.

Nick McDonald Journeys is open 7 days a week, 11am-11pm and is situated on the corners of Upper Clifton St and Newport Road.

05

GRiP

By way of an introduction

G

OOD LORD, what a prospect. The beginning of your university career, and you get some nerdy twat telling you about books. Like you’re not going to be sick of the sight of them within a few weeks, let alone a couple of years. Nevertheless, the noble section that is Books remains a fixture at gair rhydd, and reports of its demise are very much exaggerated. So whilst we’re here, we might as well be civil with each other...

Basically, the Books page (and it is rarely anything otherwise) exists to keep YOU, the public, informed of the state of literature. More often than not this entails all (or both) the articles being written by yours truly, whilst half of the page is taken up by unconnected adverts. The most exciting, cutting-edge section of the paper, then. Oh yes.

Y’see, unlike the other sections of the paper, we don’t really surf the zeitgeist - except to make jokes about Hegel because reading is essentially a sedentary pursuit, unless the next extreme sport becomes BMX poetry. And so, what Books lacks in action it makes up for in pretension, obfuscation and bitterness. Nice!

“But how does this all fit in with the Cardiff-themed elements in the rest of the paper?” I hear you say (and I can - I HEAR ALL). Well, not all, really. The most famous literary figure associated with South

Wales was Dylan Thomas, but he was from Swansea, so I can’t write about him. (Note that interestingly, the CardiffSwansea rivalry doesn’t seem to have strayed into literature, although here’s hoping, eh kids?) Any visit to the home of the Jacks will no doubt provide you with all the information you could possibly want about the writing drinker, so just go there to find out.

The majority of literary activity in Cardiff itself is fairly

whom some readers will know as MC Mabon. With the novel being a relatively new area of the language’s idiom, we can expect to see many more being published in future. A tip for you – mention ‘Cool Cymru’ and people will punch you. And yes, you will deserve it.

I’m not going to tell you about the various fine bookshops of our noble city until the first ‘proper’ issue of gair rhydd, as this means I will definitely have something to

“But how does all this fit in with the Cardiff-themed elements of the rest of the paper?” I hear you cry (and I can – I HEAR ALL). Well not all, really quiet, being mainly a combination of underground poets and university lecturers.

However, most stuff in print is actually of a high standard, such as the verse and prose of Lloyd Robson and Richard Gwyn. Of course, this knowledge is limited on my part to works written and published in English - despite three years in the city (and being half Welsh) my Welsh vocabulary is limited to a few disjointed words and phrases and an ability to pronounce what’s in front of me.

Nearly all the bookshops in Cardiff have sections devoted to books in Welsh, but the only author that comes to mind at present is Gruffydd Meredyth,

write, for a fortnight at least.

Of course, I’d really rather be writing a drinks column, but I see that there’s already one in the pipeline. Some words of advice: when attending an unfamiliar pub for the first time, never go in the public bar. Visit the lounge instead - you will avoid stares, jeers and threats.

Yes, I know that this has nothing to do with books, or even reading, but we like BOOKS, BURNING: yes, that’s what they’re for. Best spend the drinking here at gair rhydd. In money on a horse. Or a revolver fact, Books (or me at least) of the ‘family room’. What has a desire to read whilst having a would like to announce its new become of this once noble good time, then I may go to my campaign: bring back pub institution, this literary vanguard grave a happy man. And what reading! And I don’t mean a relief that will be. Any failure poetry and real ale evenings – I into an uncultured world?

Only God knows now, my to do so, and on your own refer you to the crappy little children, but if only one of you conscience be it. shelf furnished with a few dusty walks way from university with Crocus Behemoth tomes that lurked in the corner

OUR BAND COULD BE YOUR LIFE: Scenes from the American Indie Underground 1981– 1991 Michael Azerrad (Little, Brown)

T

A band for life,not just xmas

Books

tragic, Our Band...runs the gamut of a whole range of moods and tones. Although it assumes a certain amount of subject-acquaintance of the reader - why would a fan of The Cooper Temple Clause, or other such ‘indie’ shite bother?this book manages to be inclusive to the curious and incisively informative to the experienced. It is a portrayal, a record, not strictly an introduction (names like Rifle Sport and the Meat Puppets are casually dropped), but it could serve as a ‘Beginner’s Guide to your Cool Mate’s Records’.

Despite a few faults, such as repetition and a lack of a discography, the book is very well-written, with each chapter (save the two on Minor Threat and Fugazi) being constructed more or less stand alone. Our Band... is a showcase for an underlying network of attitudes and beliefs, ignored by today’s media, of which music was merely an expression.

Ultimately, this is an inspiring piece of writing, and worth every penny splashed out on it.

It’s bound to come out in paperback some time, but the question for the music-loving reader is: can you afford to wait?

That Which Hath No Name

reviews

BLACK FLAG: Rollins’ impersonation of Cuddles the monkey had his bandmates rolling in the aisles

ODAY, THE nebulous genre of music known as ‘punk rock’ is largely represented in the public sphere by four wealthy idiots in Hawaiian shirts or a bald knobhead who wears his hat the wrong way round. The fact that a score of garage bandstyle groups have become semi-popular seems only testament to the fact that A&R men will swallow anything that the NME and Sleazenation will print. Luckily, an alternative to all this has been in existence for some time, and Our Band Could Be Your Life gives us countless examples of atypical behaviour in the music scene.

Choosing to concentrate on thirteen US bands, some defunct, some still going, Azerrad paints a portrait of the golden age of American independent music.

He begins with the story of Black Flag, whose mix of hardcore and metal sent shockwaves across the scene, and ends with Beat Happening,

an obscure group who were a big influence on both Belle and Sebastian and Nirvana. Along the way we encounter the relatively well-known bands Hüsker Dü, Sonic Youth, Fugazi - and those that get namechecked by music nerds Mission of Burma, Big Black, The Butthole Surfers - with an equal depth of research for each group.

The title itself comes from a song by the Minutemen, a trio of blue-collar radicals with a penchant for lightning-fast, jazz-influenced songs. Such is the power of Azerrads’s writing, this made me want to go and buy all their records,despite having never heard a note, and that they are impossible to track down. It is a tribute to the obvious joy and dedication in this book that you find yourself cataloguing facts on bands whose music you know little or nothing about.

Indeed, the facts and detail sets Our Band... apart from most other rock biographies once you know why Hüsker Dü’s bassist had a handlebar moustache, or that the mainstay of Steve Albini’s diet was the US equivalent of Pepperami, you wonder how you ever managed without that knowledge.

Funny, sad, triumphant,

06

GRiP

Sounds of the city HEAR YE! Hear ye! Golden Oldies and freshers alike, welcome to a brand spanking new year of musical madness. With more bands coming up than you can shake a brown stick-like thing at, and club nights galore to look forward to- you can expect an awesome year whatever tickles your fancy. Here, Music takes its annual look at the best of what is on offer locally to keep you entertained and keyed up on what is hot in the city.

This, Ladies and Gentlemen, is Music in Cardiff.

usfeature ic

Being the Welsh capital Cardiff is naturally the centre of the Welsh "music industry". It really took the explosion of "cool cymru" as part of the rise of Britpop with Catatonia, Echobelly, the Manics and the Super Furries leading the way to develop the wealth of talent in the Cardiff area. Whilst most bands would distance themselves radically from that scene nowadays it provided an interest and most importantly the financial backing to develop music in the city, with Cardiff now boasting one of the best collections of up and coming bands in the country.

Glancing briefly at the vast array of local talent, we see bands such as Porthcawl’s Tetra Splendour shine through, who, following their recent success at the Reading festival, where their amalgamation of funky guitars, soaring vocals and poses went down a treat showing the rest of the UK that they’re one band to definitely look out for (if only for guitarist Peter Roberts's luscious locks). Indie bopper favourites, The Loves also proved this summer at Cardiff's Big Weekend that they're fast on the track to becoming big.

Last year saw the local boys Lost Prophets go into orbit as Kerrang and MTV2 latched onto their debut album. This year Kennedy Soundtrack are hoping to grab some momentum and do the same, whilst the Albini-produced, angry bastards Mclusky are sure to

Melys:good mouth action

continue to be one of the loudest and best live acts in the city.

Another local band to keep those beadies on are Boobytrap darlings, The Vanities, whose gigs always go down a storm with their peculiar brand of pomp and energy, making them prime candidates for being "The next big thing".

Awesome local bands such as, Jarcrew, Pep Le Pew, Teflon Monkey, Sammo Hung and J.T Mouse all play regularly and are well worth your time, money and respect as are newcomers to the scene, SAL, who are guaranteed to rock your lil’ cotton socks.

The boys formerly known as Murry The Hump are back in the autumn as The Keys and promise to carry on from where "the Hump" left off and continue to bigger and better things. If ska punk floats your boat then Shooting Goon are sure to leave you satisfied, whilst the epic sounds of Watershed and Christopher Rees are not to be missed.

Finally Cardiff’s premier exponents of the more "avant-garde" side of rock are Mountain Men Anonymous. Hailing from Gloucester originally they combine the epic beauty of Godspeed You Black Emperor with the sonic fury of Mogwai on PCP. Of course the big names like the Manics, Feeder, Super Furry Animals and the Stereophonics are all still in attendance - but some of these surely must be watching their backs as the next generation of Cardiff bands takes up the challenge.

The live music scene in Cardiff has had a renaissance over the last few years and now attracts a large number of bands from all over the world and from every shade of the musical spectrum. Whereas five years ago the number of decent venues hosting regular gigs in Cardiff could be counted on the fingers of a blind butcher, you can now pretty much guarantee a range of live music every night of the week somewhere in the city.

Several bars and clubs stand out amongst the rest for their live music. The Toucan Club on St Mary’s Street doubles up as a trendy café during the day, but is home to some of the best hip hop nights and acoustic sessions in Cardiff. The vibe is generally nice and relaxed, just watch out for the promoters for the local lap dancing club just down the road…Oz Bar and Moloko often play host to many local bands although the quality is variable, it’s often worth taking a chance with a band - the Super Furries had to start somewhere you know.

Sam’s Bar has hosted several superb small touring gigs, but the venue has seemed a bit on the quiet side recently.

For regular music, Clwb Ifor Bach and Barfly are the two hotspots with their intimate stages and more atmosphere than a Hitchcock movie. World beaters such as The Strokes, Stereolab, Elbow, Grandmaster Flash, Gorkys, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Von Bondies have all played in the last 18 months. The high standards are set to continue this year with plenty of local band nights and one off specialist gigs such as Kid606 or Roots Manuva.

Down in Cardiff Bay the Coal Exchange is one of the few sizeable venues in Cardiff. Whilst it’s a fair journey to get to if you don’t

Bradders:new single good, shocker

drive, the quality of the acts is generally high and it’s where the Manics chose to launch their last album.

Recent treats have included Feeder, Ozomatli and punkers Fenix Tx, all set amongst the Victorian splendour of the Exchange’s buildings. The Great Hall also hosts lots of good gigs with Badly Drawn Boy, Hundred Reasons and the Doves already lined up for the next few months alone.

And lest we forget, the huge cavern that is the Cardiff Indoor Arena- generally a mixed bag as you could find yourself at a Bob the Builder concert by accident if you don’t check your date’s carefully.

However, Slipknot, the Super Furries and those Welsh stalwarts the Stereophonics, have all called the CIA home this year and with a spectacular gigs from the likes of Alicia Keys, David Gray and the Manics planned for the next month or two-it may be worth a visit every now and then.

St. Davids Hall and Cardiff Castle occasionally host gigs of note, though their appearance in our Get There listings is a bit of a rarity.

Overall there’s a hell of a lot going on in Cardiff, So whether you like your music heavier than Vanessa Feltz after a trip to Cadbury’s World or as timid as a Buddhist colony, there’ll be something to help you spend those hard earned loan cheques.

Von Bondies: American bands play Cardiff.

“the big names like the Manics, Feeder, Super Furry Animals, melys and the Stereophonics are all still in attendance - but some of these surely must be watching their backs as the next generation of Cardiff bands takes up the challenge.”

07

GRiP “Of course, not everybody’s idea of a good night is listening to a pale faced man with a guitar complain about how his girlfriend has just left him for the sixtieth time. Thankfully Cardiff has a great range of nightclubs providing everything”

I know, Kylie again, but when she tours she always comes to Cardiff

Of course, not everybody’s idea of a good night is listening to a pale faced man with a guitar complain about how his girlfriend has just left him for the sixtieth time. Thankfully Cardiff has a great range of nightclubs providing everything from hard house to r’n’b and back again and most of them leaving you enough change for a kebab on the way home. First and foremost there is Solus and it’s little brother Seren Las in the Union. Solus generally focusing on the poppier side of things is squarely aimed at the hundreds of students who frequent it every week.

With extremely cheap drinks and the guarantee of seeing lots of familiar faces there are plenty of worse ways to spend a night out (granted, plenty of better ways too). Java in Seren Las on Sundays (though we’ll see if a summer move to the Toucan is permanent) is the perfect way to unwind at the end of the week with funky hip hop and chilled beats from a

Andy Parsons and Gemma Jones

Get set for Cardiff nightlife

Music

Mclusky:bloody good.That’s it

feature

Lost Prophets:unavoidable I’m afraid

variety of DJ’s.

In town, student favourite Liquid and new venue Creation are sure to dominate the market for clubbers into dance music. Hopefully, superclub Creation will run in a similar style to the same named club in Bristol with big name DJs from all styles of dance music (including Drum and Bass and alternative electronic music). Otherwise expect the same sleeze but on a larger scale.

Down in the Bay Evolution is worth visiting.

Becoming once of the biggest draws in Cardiff despite only being two years old, the club regularly has big name DJ’s and Two large rooms to cater for everybody’s taste. Free buses run from the city centre to make the journey less of a stressful one and to ensure that at the end of a hard night’s dancing you don’t end up being chased by some of the residents of Butetown-safe bra.

The similarly named Emporium also draws big name DJ’s. whilst the interior does resemble a medieval dungeon the music is generally of an excellent standard and definitely worth trying if you fancy a change from the usual run of student based nights.

As is, Vision 2K on Queens Street has undergone a whole host of name changes over the last two years so if the club by HMV is called something else by now, don’t shoot the editor.

If sliding yourself into a snug pair of cords and vintage tee while exercising Jarvis style poses is more your thing, then you can shimmy on over to

an array of Alternative nights in Cardiff.

Barfly, Club Metropolitan (metros)or Clwb Ifor Bach who all do excellent indie nights each week.

Clwb on a Wednesday though is still the main attraction to most shoe-gazers, local stars and members of the gair rhydd team. Both Clwb and Metros also run several other specialist club nights including ska punk, electronic and psychedelic.

Metro’s runs the best metal night in Cardiff on a Thursday and if you can put up with the low ceilings of this cellar club and snippets of Daphne and celeste from Dj xxxRated, you can pretty much guarantee an excellent night’s moshing.

Special mention must be made to Twisted By Design (above Dempseys) which has always had impeccable standards of decent indie music both past and present. Also the industrial-goth night at Gretskys (above the ice rink) which caters for the darker souls among us.

The most important thing of course, is to get out there and just enjoy what Cardiff has to offer because these are guaranteed to be the best days of your lives.

usilive c

GRiP

08

Days of wonder GREEN DAY Cardiff Castle AS A first night of a run of summer gigs at Cardiff Castle it did not bode well. In fact, even though the gig by the grandaddies of nu-metal Green Day were being followed by Rod Stewart and Meatloaf, I heard on the grapevine that the crowd on Coopers Field tonight were the sparsest of the lot. Which seems strange considering the nu-metal mania currently sweeping through teens throughout the land, not least in our own South Wales.

But such politics do not matter to the assembled masses. Those that were here were to pogo and crowdsurf to their hearts content,

GD: crazy guitar technique

and not even Carling at £3 a pint or ridiculous wristband only moshpit was going to stop them.

But first we had to let a parade of rock chancers (and one bona fide legend) remind us how innovative and genredefining Green Day were in their day. Unlike most of the kids (for 80% of the audience looked as though they were under 15) at the day long outing in the park, your reviewer actually has a job to go to, and as a result missed Cheltenham misfits [spunge], the band who once-did-agood-tune Headswim and god knows who else. This is a shame, as the first band I actually get to see are A, who are resoundingly bad.

However, I seem to be in the minority as most of the crowd go nuts as the ‘hits’ are trundled out.

On a positive note A affirm that it can only get better from here on in, and indeed it does as a particularly venemous Iggy Pop takes to the stage. Although by now showing his age, especially as the majority of the crowd haven’t a clue who he is and give a lukewarm reception, Iggy’s brand of raw energetic rock forces everyone to jump along. The Passenger and Wild One sound as fresh and edgy as ever, and even though Iggy slags off Wales to a patriotic crowd we still come away knowing we’re just witnessed one of the greats of the business.

And by turn it’s the pretenders to Iggy’s rock and roll crown who show the likes of A and [spunge] how it’s done by pulling off a show

MOVE FESTIVAL, SATURDAY Manchester, Old Trafford Cricket Ground RECENT YEARS has seen the festival calendar stretched to the max and, unfortunately, not without its fatalities. Move however looks set to survive. And with four days of top line-ups, and the extra pleasantries of proper loos and no mud to its credit, it’s easy to see why.

Screwed folk pop pioneers Alfie kicked off todays ‘Scallyfest’ – a wholly Mancunian line-up with the exception of nearby recruits, Liverpudlian’s Echo and the Bunnymen – but with frontman Lee Gorton struggling with a sore throat, the usually delightfully nasal quality of his voice was bypassed by a straining tinge. A real shame, when on form, the distinguishing drawl and backdrop of the band’s mash of musical styles is a breath of fresh air on the indie ‘scene’.

Goodwin: bearded Mancunian genius

that very nearly touched the heights of perfection.

Although playing exactly the same set since time began, Green Day still ruled the day. They don’t care much about the inexplicable thinning crowd and set about giving the remaining fans one of the most energetic and memorable nights ever seen in Cardiff.

They come on to a crowd pleasing and riotous Maria, and follow quickly with Longview and Welcome to Paradise, whose prophetic message set up the party atmosphere for the evening.

Green Day are here to rock.

The songs are a thrashy punk extravaganza that turn Coopers Field into one giant moshpit as the jubliant atmosphere ripples through the whole crowd. Billie-Joe is the perfect host for the evening, obviously putting his all into giving the crowd a good time. He gets the whole crowd shouting and clapping on Hitchin’ a Ride and when he gets three young wannabies on stage to form a band, you can tell he feels a kind of parental responsibility to his fans who have stuck by them since the early days.

The gig isn’t completely spot-on, with no instrument burning going on and a rather flaccid Time of Your Life, but a band the can still work a crowd this well after 10 years deserve to be praised.

If you weren’t there then I’d be gutted if I was you. If you were then savour the moment – rock and rolls greats have just played and won in your own back yard.

Rosemary Duncan

SPIRITUALISED Great Hall THIS IS a refreshing change for Spiritualised. Tending to be backed by gospel choirs and orchestral sections, the gig on the eve of their Glastonbury performance was a rather more stripped down affair. The result; a packed out, yet somehow still intimate evening of typically atmospheric, and splendid, lo-fi.

Pierce’s work, fuelled by his rather mysterious and–dare we assume –fucked up mindset, occasionally borders on the self-indulgent. Often, amongst the vast numbers of musicians that surround him onstage he appears isolated, though as a solo artist. Yet tonight denies the expectations, be it intentional or otherwise, and it is a more united front that is outwardly projected from him and the band.

Indeed, even the set itself is rather more accessible than in

Elbow’s set lacked something of the brilliance that we have come to expect from this band who, on their day, do the downtrodden, heart-tugging intense ballad extremely well. Singer Guy Garvey, as always, was hypnotic to watch, with his scale range and lungs the size an opera singer would deem worthy of respect. The problem seemed that incessant touring over the last year has meant that writing new material has been somewhat abandoned, leaving a rather stale set in place; and one which has not changed over a year.

Even so, Bitten By The Tailfly and Anyday Now are so darkly brooding and wonderful that you have to forgive them for such shortcomings.

Echo and the Bunnymen are not really trendy anymore- McCulloch looks particularly like mutton dressed, as he takes the stage in something of a Strokes ensemble. But though the clothing may be slightly ridiculous, the music definitely is not. With a genuinely athemic set of ‘the classics’ such as The Cutter , and newer and for the kids tracks like Nothing Ever Lasts Forever, The Bunnymen truly span the age gap and the career length extremely well.

It’s only right Doves are placed in high esteem by the music press and music fans to boot. As they play tonight, the heady expectation of on-mass respect on home-turf is obvious, and with a set of passionate dedication, exuberance and revelry, all convictions are fully achieved.

Unbelievable though it seems with the wealth and breadth of material, the set is only the result of two albums, of which both Lost Souls and The Last Broadcast are captivated in the magnified onslaught

recent times. Largely filled with material from the inspiring Ladies and Gentleman... album, and last release Let It Come Down, obscurity is keenly knocked aside by familiarity. Trainspotters and ‘I was there first’ fans aside, the crowd lap up the ‘hits’ and appear to find this new approach rather attractive.Thus the lazy demeanour of The Straight and the Narrow is complemented by a particularly highly charged version of Electricity, which rolls around madly and is so headthrobbingly great, that even alone it establishes Spiritualised as winners of their own distinguished musical game.

Tonight, Pierce and the boys make light work of potentially leadweight material. Not fluffy or insubstantial in the least, but definitely more nimble and undemanding than usual.

Ruth Capper

of pop meet northern soul, dance-beats colliding with alternative guitar.

Coming on to the immediacy of Pounding, it reflects the fine voice and first-rate form of frontman Jimi Goodwin. The euphoric edge continues in a captivating There Goes The Fear. And when this is drawing to a close, as Goodwin joins Andy Williams on drumming duties, it’s quite obvious the new level of success the single has brought, has resulted in certain self-conviction.

Not that this is arrogance- it’s a humbling kind of performance-justifiably confidant, but also kind of reflective and appreciative. N.Y throws itself about, vigorously flitting between solo vocals and a grooving smarting barrage of sounds. Summing up their appeal, its everything all at once. Actually, even ‘oldie’ Catch The Sun seems better than remembered, fully embracing the pop genre that they dabble with in doses. Doves are just getting better and better. Expect worldwide recognition very soon indeed.

With the quality of performance that has preceded, New Order are left quite a challenge to match it when they take to the stage. Though slight lethargy wobbles through the crowd the tunes where there and were loved. Blue Monday, Crystal and World In Motion, (joined by Keith Allen on stage) were superbly executed, classy and the latter hilariously, wonderful.

New Order may be the old masters of Manchester, but it looks as though they may have to stand back soon and watch the younger ones take their place.

Gemma Curtis

Moving on up

09

Fancy a Film?

GRiP

During Freshers Fortnight most new students start as they mean to go on, and spend most of their introduction to university life in a semi-conscious drunken state. But if the hangover clears one morning, and your vision and hearing all but partially returns, why not pop down one of Cardiff’s many cinemas to indulge in a little film fun. Besides you can always get drunk in the cinemas bar if you have to. Neil Blain brings you a guide to a few of Cardiff’s best cinemas.

UGC Cinemas Mary Ann Street Cardiff CF10 2EN 0870 907 0739

CARDIFF’S UGC cinema can be found in the town centre opposite Cardiff International Arena and is the closest cinema to Talybont. It knows how to treat students (a ticket costs only £2.95 on production of a valid NUS card AT ALL TIMES). UGC is an immense multiplex with comfortable and spacious auditoriums which show a great range of films from your average big bucks blockbuster to more alternative foreign films. Just follow the smell of popcorn.

UCI Cinemas Atlantic Wharf Leisure Village Hemmingway Rd Cardiff CF10 4JY 08700 10 20 30

REIGN OF FIRE Starring: Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey.

Dir.: Rob Bowman.

12, 105 mins. Out Now.

T

ultimately run out of food and destroy themselves.

That is until shaven, tattooed and fully buffed Van Zan (Matthew McConaughey) arrives with guns, tanks, a helicopter and a plan to wipe

out the species.

The concept of the film is a good one, to bring the dragons out of the mythical past and into the future. ‘There is nothing magical about them’, claims Van Zan and their fire breathing capabilities are nothing but a mixture of chemicals.

Despite the somewhat sketchy attempt at scientific explanation, the setting is medieval in its appearance and feel. The community live in a castle among the hills of Northumbria, Quinn rides on a horse and has a beard, and of course there’s dragons in it.

The slightly over the top acting, particularly by McConaughey, is fitting to such an outlandish film, and Van Zan owes much to Robert Shaw’s colourful character in Jaws, with mad eyes and crazy dragon slaying stories. His heroic,

02920304400 www.chapter. org

IF YOU’RE sick of repetitive blockbusters Cardiff’s best indie cinema is at the Chapter Arts Centre. It only has two small screens but they show the best alternative movies and always have a great classic showing.

The main problem with Chapter is that it is situated in Canton, on the other side of town centre to Talybont, and it takes a good hour to walk the distance. Its best to get a taxi the first time to make sure you catch the trailers. Going to The Chapter Arts Centre is a must for any avid film fan and is a great alternative to multiplexes.

American, gung-ho attitude is played up to the fullest, becoming a parody.

Quinn is an interesting character, torn between wanting

anything can be made out of ash.

On the whole though, the dragons are impressive, especially in the final act when

Although any film with dragons is bound to be worth a look there seems to be a distinct lack of hunger for human flesh to lead and protect his small community and his jealousy of Van Zan’s unyielding determination to kick some dragon butt.

Bale’s cockney accent is pretty good, but he delivers it in a low heavy breathing voice, so that he sometimes sounds more like a cockney pervert than a dragon slaying hero.

Although any film with dragons in it is bound to be worth a look, there seems to be a distinct lack of hunger for human flesh. On certain occasions the dragons eat people, but on the whole they are only after ash, which is a bit dull because pretty much

the male dragon goes on a napalming rampage, but even this exciting conclusion fails to make up for a dull and confusing second act.

Somehow though, you just can’t help wishing that the dragons would take more of a central stage and be more mythical and impressive, like the good old days.

Although it tries its hardest, Reign of Fire is no Mad Max. However, it still does its thing well and sure takes a great flaming dump on Dragonheart.

And that at least should truly be a relief for all, film-fans and otherwise.

Jennifer Cannock

Film

It’s Getting Hot in Here

Introduction

HE GENERAL consensus in Hollywood at the moment is that all of the numerous films about wizards and dragons must be British.

Or at least the American actors playing the lead roles must have British accents.

Hobbits must come from Devon, wizards must speak the Queens English and dragon slayers, it seems, must be cockney.

The dragons in question have been sleeping under the streets of London for thousands of years after killing off the dinosaurs and causing the ice age (yeah, all that was the dragons).

The dragons are woken by a railway construction company

and a new reign begins, forcing the human race to use nuclear weapons in an attempt to destroy the creatures.

The result is a postapocalyptic wasteland, where only a few survivors are hiding underground in small bands of communities.

One such group is in Northumberland, led by Quinn (Christian Bale) whose plan is to wait until the dragons

UCI IS situated inside the Atlantic Wharf Leisure Centre down in Cardiff Bay. Its quite a hike from Talybont so its best to take a car as parking is free. Although more expensive than UGC you can guarantee a total cinematic experience at UCI. Explore the Bay for a top day out.

Chapter Arts Centre Market Road CF5 1QE

10

ilm reviews

GRiP

The Cold War Just Got Hotter THE SUM OF ALL FEARS Starring: Ben Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Alan Bates.

Dir.: Phil Alden Robinson.

12, 124 mins., Out Now.

A

cting in a role that has previously been constructed and made famous by another actor is no easy job.

In The Sum of All Fears, Ben Affleck plays CIA agent Jack Ryan, previously played

by Alec Baldwin in The Hunt for Red October and Harrison Ford in Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger.

Based on an airport pulp thriller by Tom Clancy, The Sum of All Fears acts as a prequel to the three former films but is, rather confusingly, set in modern day.

Affleck plays a young Jack Ryan and the film follows his growth from an inexperienced CIA analyst to full blown agent.

The plot deals with a Nuclear threat upon the US,

into the turmoil he uncovers that the attack cannot be simply blamed on the ‘Reds under the bed’ and sets out on a race against time to avert a third world war.

The Sum of All Fears is much more intelligent than Patriot Games, better controlled than Clear and Present Danger and far less stuffy, claustrophobic and centralised as The Hunt for Red October the main suspect being the new ‘hard line’ Russian President Nemerov.

As Jack Ryan is an expert on the new President’s character he is employed by agent Cabot (Morgan Freeman) to help the President assess the situation.

As Ryan investigates further

Affleck brilliantly portrays all the quirkiness of an immature yet cocky analyst having to deal with the pressure from the sudden responsibility of becoming a proper CIA agent, advisor to the President, and saviour of the modern world, all in the space of two hours.

Fans of the previous films will be utterly convinced that Affleck’s agent will mature into the quiet but latently extreme Jack Ryan that they know and love.

Although the script is rather forced, Phil Alden Robinson’s clinical direction and large scale overview of the boiling events makes up for any discrepancies.

The only major fault of the thriller is Alan Bates’ stereotypical Nazi villain who’s only motive for evil seems to be ‘to take over the world’.

The stunted interaction between American and Russian Presidents, using email, faxes or even Ryan himself, is much more tense and interesting, making The Sum of All Fears much more intelligent than Patriot Games, better controlled than Clear and Present Danger and far less stuffy, claustrophobic and centralised as The Hunt for Red October.

What the film succeeds in doing best, however, is reminding us of the dangers of terrorism, never more pertinent than in today's hostile climate.

The narrative runs like a modern replay of events that unfolded during the Cuban missile crisis and comparisons can be made to last years Thirteen Days, which dealt with the escalating events of the Cold War. Despite this, The Sum of All Fears is also a very modern film and whilst scarily reminding us of just how close we came to self extinction, also demonstrates how in today's age of fear and terrorism, that the possibility is still painfully and shockingly, realistic.

Neil Blain

Conversation killer TALK TO HER Starring: Javier Camara, Dario Grandinetti, Lenor Watling, Rosario Flores.

Dir.: Pedro Almodovar.

15, 112 mins. Subtitled.

Out Now.

P

edro Almodovar is a new breed of director. His funny and poignant film All About My Mother alerted audiences the world over to the worth of foreign language films, clearing the way for such international hits as Amelie and Yu tu Mama Tambien. So

the pressure was on for him to create another boundaryblurring masterpiece, and to his credit Talk to Her is as astonishing and memorable as his audiences were hoping for.

To put it simply, the story revolves around two women in a coma and the men who care for them in hospital. Benigno, a nurse in the hospital, is obsessed with the dancer in his care, and the film charts his relationship with her as it moves to a dangerously intimate level which quickly becomes more sinister than that between an ordinary patient and carer. It is left to Marco , the boyfriend of Lydia a bullfighter who is mauled in the ring, to pick up the pieces of the characters shattered lives.

Talk to Her is essentially a story of how the beauty of women affects men. As the relationships with the two men and their prone women develops, the increasingly claustrophobic atmosphere and lingering shots of women who look even more beautiful when in a coma slowly drives the men mad. To be so near to

someone yet so far away is shown to be a desperate situation, and one that somehow makes the shocking conclusion of the film seem all the more tangible.

However, when a film looks this good it almost seems as though the plot is an afterthought used to pad out the series of atmospheric and emotional images. The scenes are beautifully shot with such immense care that it takes your breath away. The images of Lydia getting ready for her bullfight are a feast for the eyes, and until the ending jolts you back into reality you spend most of the film suspended in this perfectly created world that Almodovar has created onscreen.

The acting is superb, especially from the confused yet caring Benigno, and the black and white silent set-piece

in the middle of the film is a revelation in showing what cannot be shown. That Almodovar has created a work of such art-house beauty but with the edge of a thriller is phenomenal, and leaves you feeling uplifted and disturbed all at once.

Talk to Her is an astounding piece of film making, which has firmly placed Almodovar in the upper echelons of directors pushing out the boundaries in modern cinema. Ignore the subtitles and see this perfect piece of cinema on the big screen while you can. You won’t regret it.

Rosemary Dillon

freshers fortnight 2002 fri20 sept

grand opening of taf fri20 sept

lashtastic.

Reload Djs in the backroom 9pm. £3

sat21 sept

who the f**k are you?!

9pm. £2

sun22 sept

java grande.

£1

mon23 sept

fun factory - two rooms of fun. 9pm. £free tues24 sept

freshers drink the bar dry.

3.30pm £free

weds25 sept

jive hive

featuring Stevie Starr + karaoke. 9pm. £3

weds25 sept

descent presents KRAFTY KUTS

9PM. £3/ £4/ £5

thurs26 sept

80s nite presents BON GIOVI. 9pm. £3 fri27 sept

lashtastic.

live jazz in backroom 9pm. £3

sat28 sept

MORCHEEBA. 7.30pm. £15 sat28 sept

STARSHAPED - Indie, nu metal and rock. Seren Las. £2/3. every saturday mon30 sept fun factory - two rooms of fun.£free tues01 oct comedy club lauch - Rob Deering + Gary Delany every tuesday night £3.50 weds02 oct jive hive + karaoke in backroom 9pm £3 weds02 oct descent presents PLASTIC RAYGUN RECORDS Seren Las. 9pm. £2/3 thurs03 oct 80s nite. 9pm. £2 fri04 sept lashtastic. 9pm. £3

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION Box Office Opening Hours 11am-12am mon-fri, 6pm-midnight sat,

Telephone: 0 2 9 2 0 7 8 1 4 5 8 cardiffstudents.com

7pm-10.30pm sun.

16.09.02

Focus

The Gair Rhydd Features Section Free Word 726

Calm your freshers fears Are the rumours true? Are there sex and drugs abound during Freshers’ Week? It seems a daunting experience, but set your mind at ease with Charlotte Spratt’s guide to the first seven days at university

I

T IS the stuff of legend: Freshers’ Week is supposed to be the best week of your life – the sex, the new faces and the maddest parties ever. Tales of drunken exploits, orgies and stomach pumps may well have reached your ears and, if you are anything like I was you may well be excited, but also shitting yourself, at the prospect.

While some of the rumours have their basis in fact, the tales you have heard are mostly that – tales and lies, damned lies. There will, however, be a hell of a lot of alcohol up for consumption and you will get very, very drunk unless you really go out of your way to avoid it. The problem with Freshers’ Week is also one of its bonuses – you don’t know anyone. This does seem to hamper the whole best week theory as you probably feel a bit weird about the prospect of getting ratted with a bunch of people you have never met before.

But, cliché though it is, everyone is in the same boat and most of your new flat/house/course mates will want to be doing the same things as you – phoning home, making friends, getting drunk, eating crap and wondering what the hell is going on. So do get out there and meet all those new faces.

In fact, the worse thing that you can possibly do is sit in your room, instead go out and meet your new flatmates and invite them for a drink. The best places to head are the Union or your Hall bar as that is where most new students will be heading and looking to chat to (and maybe chat up), people like you. And the best thing is – and you won’t ever be able to get away with doing this again – is you can go up to anyone and tell them your name and ask them theirs. Even gorgeous people.

The majority of Freshers’ Week rumours surround sex and the vast quantities in which you will be expected to indulge in it.

And you hope beyond all hope that miraculously all those pimply buttocked or saggybreasted lovers found at home will have been transformed into super studs and studesses now you’re at uni.

Hmmm, well sorry to shatter your favourite fantasy but reallife rules still apply. Sex is certainly available if you want it and you won’t even have to look particularly far. Standing still for long enough in Solus (the Union’s nightclub) will more than likely see someone trying to pick you up. But you’ll find that things aren’t as laid back as you might imagine. Girls who open their legs rather too quickly are

still labelled slags and lads as studs and nice naive freshers still forget to use condoms and end up with gonorrhoea or genital warts. In fact, most people manage to get through the week with merely a snog or two to their name and are probably a lot happier (and cleaner) for it.

But whatever you do, or don’t do, just promise yourself this: do not sleep with your flatmate (at least in the first few weeks of term). You have to live with these people and there is nothing so painfully embarrassing as seeing that person every single morning for the rest of the year, causing frostiness over those Frosties.

If you do get lucky – or unlucky as the case may be – remember to play it safe. Yeah, yeah, heard it all before, but still everyone ‘forgets’ from time to time. And you really will wish you hadn’t when you’re at Family Planning at 9am to get the morning after pill/ start pissing 9inch nails/ find a family of pubic lice have moved into your pants. Condoms are the most convenient protection and they’re usually throwing them at students in the Union during the first few weeks, though the paper-thin walls in your halls are also an effective contraceptive.

Likewise, drugs are there if you want them but avoidable if

How to survive your first week 1. DON’T BE too quick to judge the first week.

Homesickness is natural. You don’t know many people and it will take time to build up the same level of confidence and friendship that you had with your mates at home. Alcohol, is however, a great social leveller; there’s nothing quite as bonding as getting pissed together.

2. DON’T WORRY too much about being the first or the last person to arrive in your flat.

If you are the first then be bold and explore: go to nearby flats and then when your new flatmates arrive you can show them what and who you’ve found. If you’re the last then leave your door open so the others can come and talk to you, and you can ask them what they’ve already found out.

3. DON’T RING home on your first evening.

Ring a mate at a different uni and chat to them instead. You’re likely to be tearful if you think about what is going on in your ‘old’ life and a gutted Mum on the other end of the phone is not going to help. If you can’t face speaking to friends then consider ringing Nightline, a phoneline run by student volunteers in Cardiff every night from 8pm to 8am. 02920 223993.

4. GO TO the Sports and Societies Fayres.

Joining a society (such as gair rhydd!) is the best way to meet people ever. They’ll take you to the top pubs and clubs and get you ratted cheaply.

5. REMEMBER TO enrol on your course.

Uni won’t be a particularly lasting experience if you’re not actually signed up to your course.

DRUNKEN SCENES: You’ll soon find that alcohol makes meeting new people easy

you don’t. If your flatmates take them and ask you to join in, it’s a pretty cack idea to do so just to appear to fit in. Chances are they won’t give a monkey’s if you do or you don’t, and if they do think you’re a toolbox for not taking them they’re probably a wee bit thick and not exactly the kind of person you’ll want to socialise with for long.

That said, Cardiff is not a huge place. You will probably stay close to many of the people in your flat or who you meet at clubs and societies in your first few weeks. However, even if you don’t meet ‘your kind of people’ immediately, there are over 15,000 students in Cardiff so you’re bound to find someone you can get on with. Often all it takes is a little bit of effort to go to that first society meeting or go into the communal kitchen and offer round a packet of biscuits.

By the end of the week your face muscles will be knackered by attempting to look interested in every single person’s A Level subjects, home town and favourite band. You will never remember it all and there are

still people that I know well now, have a beer with every so often and drunkenly fall on with declarations of love and have absolutely no bloody idea what their names are or when the hell I met them. And I know they haven’t a clue what mine is either.

And that, my friends, is the beauty of university. All in all you probably won’t get much sleep in your first week. You’ll be far too busy down the pub or chatting through the night or even being woken by people buzzing the intercom at 4am to ask if the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles want to come out to play.

And even if it feels like it is all going horribly wrong, give it a couple of weeks to settle down. Most people feel tired, disorientated and freaked out at first, especially when it seems like others are taking to uni life like the metaphorical duck to water. But once you’ve found your feet, which won’t take long, you’ll have the time of your life. Crack open the beers and pizza and eat, drink and get rather merry - for tomorrow (yes it is that soon) we study.

The problem with Freshers’ Week is also one of it’s bonuses – you don’t know anyone

Inside Focus this week: A survivor’s guide to getting through freshers week unscathed • gair rhydd’s guide to the best student bank accounts and money saving tips • The curse of reality TV

Focus • 08

Gair Rhydd Monday 16 September 2002

Matters of money Or, how to survive on a miniscule student loan and still have money left over for the pub on a Friday.

Charlotte Spratt enlightens us

T

here’s no getting around the fact that you will be in debt for most of your time at Uni. Unless you have extremely rich parents or a large savings account, taking out a student loan has become a way-of-life amongst students, especially as many of you will be expected to foot the best part of £3,000 for the privilege of getting a degree.

But rather than our usual moaning about how young people are getting shafted by Blair and his elitist government, gair rhydd is here to tell you how to get the most out of your money.

Top Tip 1

Make a budget and stick to it.

This is the best and also the most boring tip that gair rhydd can offer the unassuming fresher.

Coming from the school of ‘just fuck it’ and worrying about it later, I can confidently say that this head-in-the-sand approach does not work. You’ll find yourself in deep trouble if you overspend and you could probably do without the hassle of worrying about money at 18.

Ask your bank for information about making a budget or come to the Student Advice Centre in the Union and speak to an advisor about handling your money.

Top Tip 2

Get your belongings insured.

But doesn’t that involve spending money, we hear you cry? But listen to wise features on this matter. We know from experience that if you are unlucky enough to be a victim of theft (not likely in Halls but there’s no harm in being careful) and you’re not insured, your pocket will be the main thing that loses out.

Check if you are covered on your parents home insurance and if not, take out adequate insurance for all your belongings, especially things like electrical equipment and CD’s. Make sure you accurately calculate how much all your stuff is worth as it is easy to underestimate how much you own. Even better, take photographs of everything.

Top Tip 3

Don’t buy fresh or expensive food.

No matter how many intentions of becoming the next Nigella Lawson you come to Uni

with, you will not cook very much in Halls. You’ll get takeaway more often than not, go to friends to eat or just go straight to the pub (although features does not advocate not having three square meals a day). Therefore if you buy fresh food it will almost certainly go off before you get around to eating it.

Stuff like frozen food, pasta and the dreaded baked beans will last for longer and prove to be more economical.

Top Tip 4

Think before you spend!

It’s probably the first time that you’ve had over £2,000 in your bank account at once and it is very easy to get carried away and spend your loan in one go on useless stuff. Your parents will hate you if, when you run out of money, you have to tell them that your DKNY wardrobe is to blame. Just be sensible.

Top Tip 5

Frequent the sales.

It makes sense to save all your shopping to the sales, as you will be well and truly gutted if you see your £50 Ted Baker top reduced to £20 the next week. Trust us, we know.

Banking on you

F

irst things first: it is vitally important before you come to university to get a student account.

It will mean when you need to extend your overdraft or have money problems later in your university career you’re sorted. Bank managers tend to look more favourably on students, as they reasonably assume that they will keep your banking business for the rest of your life if they treat you well now.

All the banks have targets to meet and want your business, so don’t take any crap off them and demand the full

LOADSA MONEY: We wish...

service – you are doing them a favour by taking out an account – not the other way round.

Getting organised

It’s best to get your account sorted out before you arrive in Cardiff as you’ll have enough on your plate with enrolment and the like. And it means you can happily tell the bank reps at all the Freshers’ Fayres that you’re sorted with your finances.

It will also be easier to make an informed decision without being seduced by the free gifts on offer.

SKINT STUDENT: But you don’t have to live off Baked Beans to survive on your student loan

the gair rhydd guide to the best student bank accounts

Freebies

It’s easy to be sucked in by the offer of ready money or vouchers, even an inflatable chair or crappy camera, but remember that these incentives soon disappear. I saw the cash they were offering me at my bank and grabbed it without really considering the overdraft they offered or the interest that would be paid if I was in credit. In fact, one of the best freebies that you can bag yourself is a 4 year railcard from HSBC, as it will last you for your whole university career and will save you a hell of a lot of money.

Overdrafts

Check the overdraft limit your student account offers. Some increase every year you are a student which is very handy, although this may encourage you to spend more money than you have. The best way to look at an overdraft is as a source of emergency money if you need it.

Find out how flexible the bank is with extending your overdraft facility.

It may vary from branch to branch but they tend to have some kind of uniform policy so find out from older mates or your brothers and sisters to see how they found their bank.

Another thing worth considering – although it seems a long way off – is what they will charge you on your overdraft once you have left uni. They

may whack up the charges and leave you struggling to recover after three years of Uni and thus a hefty overdraft on your account.

Location, Location, Location

Think about where the banks are in relation to your halls. There are Barclays and NatWest branches close to the Union and an HSBC branch actually in the Union. There are also Lloyds, Link and Barclays cashpoints in the Union and the banks seem to have stopped charging you for using their cashpoints if you don’t bank with them.

Cards

It’s best to get a Switch card as you can use them easily in pubs and shops without having to worry if you’ve got the cash on you.

Credit cards are fine if you only use them occasionally and are careful with your money. You’ll need to pay off a minimum balance each month so check that you’ll be able to pay it and find out who is going to charge the least interest if you can’t avoid taking one out.

Internet cards offer good deals, but check how you pay off your balance, as some people have experienced problems in the past.

What the banks can offer you Overdraft (interest free)

Credit interest rate

£1,000 to £1,800

£1 plus 0.10%

£1,250 £1,00 to £2,000 £750 to £1,250 £1,500 to £2,000

£1 plus 0.10% None £1 plus 2.02% £1 plus 0.10%

Natwest

£40 cash, Sony CD player or magazine subscription Vouchers up to £50 None None 4 year railcard or £50 cash Under review (same as HSBC) Kettle, toaster

£1,250 to £2,000

£1 plus 0.10%

Royal Bank of Scotland

Discounts on CD’s, DVD’s, videos etc.

£1,250 to £2,000

£1 plus 2.02%

Bank Abbey National Barclays Co-operative Bank Halifax HSBC Lloyds TSB

Incentive

gair rhydd Monday 16 September 2002

gairrhydd 2002-2003

Was brought to you by...

Editor Sarah Hodson and Gemma Curtis GRiP Editor Robin Jackson News Dominic O’Neill and Mark Cobley Sport Tristan Thomas Focus Charlotte Spratt, Daniel Barnes and Abbi Shaw Books David Gates Arts LaDonna Hall and Mat Croft Music Andy Parsons and Gemma Jones Film Neil Blain Get There Neil Krajewski Letters Jamie Fullerton Contributors Chris Watham, Matt Greenhill, Daniel Evans, Alaistair Thomas, Howard Clavert, Mel Ackbory, Martin Yates, Anna Hodgekiss, Nick McDonald, Jennifer Cannock, Polly Hills, Laura Welsh

Falling stars Reality TV is the new heaven so why, asks Daniel Barnes, do we always end up hating its stars?

have the accolade of being paid to do the job, the professionals earn the right to say “no” to being humiliated. The public, however, are gracing our TV screens with their presence for free, they are volunteers and thus cannot be picky about what they are asked to do. And ndy Warhol said that in the furthermore, although future everyone would be they don’t have famous for fifteen minutes. professional reputations Although he thought he was being to protect, they do have clever, it’s questionable as to whether personal ones, for he was truly aware of the gravity of which they seem to Dave Gorman: ’perhaps this will explain these sideburns.’ show little or no what he was saying. concern. For example, the kind of people dashing lucky people for everything they In fact, the prophecy has excelled have. The thing that saves our last drops who are happy to go on Blind Date and astronomically beyond everyone’s wildest of admiration from fizzling into loathing explain to the world exactly why they are expectations and long-cherished dreams, is that we do not always envy them for still single are the kind of people who and now in the age of reality TV, it’s not what they had to do to turn their rags into have no concern for what other people just upon us but crushing us. riches. Lots will honestly say that even The shrewd and enigmatic Chris Evans think about them . for the fame and fortune, they would As so many people who are successful was recently quoted to have said that on reality TV and/or gameshows discover, never star in Big Brother, or they would television mainly consists of the general never have suffered humiliation of a public entertaining the general public: Big although they remain part of the public, torrent of raging abuse from Simon they partially remove themselves from its Brother, Driving School and Changing Cowell. general body by going on television. This Rooms are prime examples of this There is, of course, the contingent of has the twofold consequence of making phenomenon; not to mention the game programmes that take members of the them famous and loved temporarily, but show equivalents such as Friends Like public off the streets and then let them then often they become alienated objects These and Blind Date. The fact is that the fade quietly back into the cultural ether, of contempt. public are better at entertaining us than mostly unknown to us for ever more.

Prince Edward was royally slated for the people who are paid to are.

David Dickinson gives antique freaks commenting that the British despise Long ago, when television started, the their fleeting moment of exposure on anyone who is successful. To an public watched in awe as these ghostly Bargain Hunt. Trigger Happy TV’s use images were projected from Television Centre in London to We can’t bear to see ordinary folk like of strangers on the streets of the capital is what makes the programme so funny screens in their own homes. us becoming rich, adored and happy. and yet, we never know who these Everyone wanted to know how it was done and to be a part of it but most unfortunate extent, this appears to be true. people are. The Dave Gorman Collection also made momentary stars out of people We can’t bear to see people who were thought it an impossibility. Nowadays, called Dave Gorman, which has the once ordinary folk like us becoming rich, however, any fool such as Jade Goodie curious effect of making a celeb of adored and happy. If you met Paul Clarke can get on television. anyone with that particular name. in a pub one night, long before he was in The fashion for getting any old Joe But these almost anonymous people Idiot on screen began in the early nineties Big Brother, you’d probably walk away with the impression that he was an alright don’t have the adoration and the wealth,

by Channel 4’s explosively modern late so what do they really get out of sort of bloke, but because he has now night show, The Word, which sported the become famous and can afford a mansion appearing in these shows? They gain the “I’ll do anything to get on TV” section, satisfaction of having taken part in the in Hampstead, we loathe him – because where people snogged old men and ate great magical mystery tour that is he, having been like us, now is so each other’s vomit. As this turned out to showbiz media- for half an hour millions different that it hurts. be curiously yet superbly entertaining, of people knew who they were.

The paradox is of course how it is production companies and station DGs Maybe Warhol was right, but those possible for people to be famous and started hauling members of the public in fifteen minutes of fame are occurring all adored, and hated at the same time? Well, by their thousands. too often and for too many, which makes I should think it’s not so much hatred, as The key difference between the public envy. And why not? We should envy these it a little bit less special every time. and the professionals is that because they

A

Fried gold

I

Contact us Address

gair rhydd

Cardiff University Students’ Union Park Place Cardiff CF10 3QN Telephone Editorial (029) 20781434/436 E-mail ssugr1@cf.ac.uk Visitors Find us on the 4th floor of the Students’ Union Advertising 0845 1300667

In fact, if I hadn’t forced myself to make the occasional trip to the pub or the gym to remind my liver and legs of their function in life, I could have quite easily spent all twenty-four hours of the day glued to my beautiful television. Accordingly, it seems worth a few column inches to take a moment to mourn the passing of all these events – most of which we’ve all probably forgotten already…

Firstly, there was the World Cup. Remember how important that was, way back in June? Even the GR office succumbed to football fever for a couple of weeks, as we argued over the most attractive footballer (the answer to that one is Freddie Ljungberg), and the team that were going to win.

Which was Brazil, if you couldn’t cast your mind back that far. But before I get thrown from the paper amidst accusations that the only things I can write about are football and Westlife, I turn to the next captivating item of televised joy that held me spellbound and indoors on those glorious summer days.

The Commonwealth Games, and the subsequent European Championships provided one and all with

Ten things to look forward to

Solus re-opening and the first night back in Lash. How we’ve missed waving our arms around to S Club and getting hopelessly drunk at a reasonable price…

Student Loans. For three weeks you can feel like you’re the richest person in the world – and then spend the rest of the term eating noodles and drinking White Lightening.

The next instalment of Lord of the Rings. Even if Sean Bean did get killed in the last one, causing me weeks of grief, I expect it’ll be worth another ten visits to the cinema.

Award ceremonies. The Brits and Top of the Pops Awards, lots of celebs and pop stars getting drunken and disorderly, and hopefully Kylie and Britney wearing not a great deal.

Freshers’ Fayres. Free Aftershocks (but never try the blue one; it’s actually paintstripper), sweets, and if you’re lucky, a ‘No Ducks Allowed’ t-shirt (very cool, but pretty odd).

Beards. It’s likely that that’s just our Editor, but there is definite excitement about the potential size of the lead singer from the Doves’ beard abounding in the office.

More Radiohead albums. The band that bring a new meaning to the word “alternative” just seem to keep on writing, and I for one will be intrigued to see what new noises they’ve discovered.

The film version of Rent. If you never got the chance to see the musical, or if you thought you were above musicals, then you’ll just have to believe me when I say that it’ll be the best thing since Moulin Rouge.

Sleeping. No-one gets to do it enough once term starts, so relish any chance you get.

Season 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 22 episodes of high kicks, sexy Spike, and leather trousers – what more could you want? Oh come on, it’s better than looking forward to War, isn’t it?!

No. 1

cultural highlights of the summer can’t remember the last summer that was filled with quite so much quality viewing.

Focus • 09

by Abbi Shaw

a marvellous opportunity to watch human beings do things that really, they ought not to be able to do, like run 100 metres in under ten seconds, or throw long pieces of wood further than the eye can see.

Furthermore, Paula Radcliffe’s spectacular running style leads us all to believe that she’s at least part goat and part machine. Now I’m not the most sporting of people, but honestly, who could fail to be captivated by what was essentially a fantastically dramatic human circus? Which brings me neatly to the next event of the hols, that took place on the highbrow Channel 4.

This year’s Big Brother far outdid its predecessors in terms of having just normal people doing normal things for us all to see and laugh at. Can you remember the winner, even though it seemed like the most important thing in the world ever at the time? In fact, the whole event was won by my housemate Michal who pretended to have gone to France on a geology field trip but was in fact masquerading as Kate Lawler, the drunken winner whose first words to Davina on winning were “Oh my God – how did you lose all that weight?!” I felt sorry for Jonny, who I rather liked, but at least that awful scheming Jade girl was foiled at the final hurdle.

However, all good things come to an end, and the

Tara PT cries “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here”: will this show become the new Big Brother? so you can imagine my delight when I heard of ITV’s latest project, the hilariously titled “I’m a Celebrity – Get Me Out of Here!” which has thus far provided me with more entertainment than I have ever previously derived from Uri Geller in my life. I would just like to express my concern for the lovely Tara Palmer-Tompkinson, or Tara P-T as she is affectionately known on this page, as I don’t think she really can survive without stilettos for a fortnight, and she’s far too important to the wellbeing of the nation to be damaged in the jungle.

But on with the new term we must soon soldier, and hopefully with new and better television. I mean, it’s not like I’ve got any work to do or anything…

Sports and Societies

gair rhydd MONDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2002

Self preservation?

Societies!

T

empting as it is to spend evenings cocooned with your housemates watching programmes such as Eastenders, there is life outside your house and the pub.

Here at Cardiff we have over 100 student societies catering to every possible taste, talent and hobby.

Joining a society provides you with a wealth of opportunities; you get to meet lots of people and could get the chance to do stuff that you might never have done before. Perhaps you want to dress up like a Roman soldier and pretend to kill some Normans(?) then get in contact with the reenactment group Batal Constentin. Or maybe you love Jackass and want to attempt some “ dare devil” activities, then join Ass Jacks a society which promises to be legendary. If you are feeling creative then there are a number of societies for you, whether you want to make films with the Film society or demonstrate those fab acting skills with Act 1, the drama Society.

The Union has a multi cultural membership and the many varied cultural and international societies

reflect that. If you have come from abroad, then the societies can combat that feeling of homesickness by making your stay here easier. It does not matter what nationality you are, you can join the society. I became a member of the Irish Society after being enticed with free

different ages from your course, but also that you might get to learn some useful stuff! Some societies organise guest lecturers and trips, which will surely help you in writing that important essay. You also get to mix with the students from other Years, to find out which module is really not worth taking and which books will help you write that essay. You do not have to belong to the Department to join its Affiliated Society; I joined Psychology society in my first year and played Netball for the English Society, despite the fact that I studied Politics and History.

Societies are not just about socialising, a number of societies enter football, netball and rugby teams in the IMG league which takes place on a Wednesday afternoon.

Thirty-two teams play in a football league, twenty teams play in the netball league and ten teams participate in the Rugby league. The I.M.G leagues cater for all levels with four different divisions. I.M.G provides the ideal demonstration that Societies are not just about drinking, and gives your society the chance to

If you don’t see a club or society that suits you then start your own!

Guinness and men with Irish accents!

Whatever your political or religious beliefs the Union Societies offer you the opportunity to worship with other believers or campaign hard for your cause with societies such as Amnesty International or environmental group People and Planet.

There are over 20 departmental society, so whether you do Maths or Philosophy you get the chance to meet people from your course.

Departmental societies organise many social events such as Christmas Balls and Graduation Parties. The use of joining a Departmental society is not only that you get to socialise with people of

10

demonstrate which society is the best on the sporting field.

The list of societies is endless as is the choice but what ever society you join you are guaranteed an introduction to a whole new circle of friends interests and probably more drinking time than is actually healthy!

Student societies are an ideal way to get more out of your University years, meet new people, get involved and add to your CV. If you don’t see a club or society that suits you, then start your own!!!.

So make sure you come along to the Societies Fayre RAG: enjoying the lash and doing good work for on Thursday 26th charitee, mate. Wise move.

September in the Great Hall (first floor join up to. So just take your pick, and of the Students Union) where there get going. will be over eighty societies you can Laura Welsh

Sport Clubs: It’s the winning that counts...(joking, joking) “54 SPORTS, 1 FAYRE, 1 CHANCE TO SCORE!”

N

ow you have begun your new life in Cardiff, I want to tell you about what I believe is one of the greatest things about Cardiff Students Union.

Within the Union building is the ‘Athletic Union’, which offers potentially 54 different sports to you its members, with the purchase of the CUS card during enrolment.

Every sports club is supported financially and structurally by the Athletic Union, who have a strong commitment to promoting sport within the University of Cardiff. The sport the AU offers is not only geared towards those students who want to play competitively, but for those who want to play casually and just for the fun of it.

University sport is unique in that whilst the AU help provide clubs with facilities and guidance, they are all run by individual Cardiff Student Committees, who are in charge of developing and managing their own clubs success. The AU is proud of the diversity of sports that it offers our students, especially when you consider that Cardiff does not teach sports as a degree. Yet year after year our clubs produce outstanding results and continue to represent Cardiff in such a positive light through their commitment to sport.

As Athletic Union President I want every fresher to make a visit to the Sports Fayre on Friday 27th September (10am - 5pm). I promise you that joining a sports club will make you friends, keep you fit and most certainly enrich your experience at Cardiff University. I look forward to seeing you there!

CLUBS: posing is always necessary Polly Hills

Monday September 16th / Sport Page11

The resurgence of Welsh football Continued from Back Page

the Welsh camp are as high as they have been for many years. The source of this new found optimism stems from a record of being undefeated in five matches – their best in nearly a decade- which has led many people in and outside of Wales to believe that their qualifying jinx may finally be broken.

Admittedly, a five match unbeaten run does not make the Welsh world-beaters but when considering Argentina, Czech Republic, Germany and Croatia all compile this unbeaten run of games together with the rise of the ‘minnow’ nations at the World Cup, it is by no means beyond rational belief that Wales can indeed qualify.

A great deal of admiration and respect for this resurgence in Welsh football must be attributed to both manager, Mark Hughes and the Welsh F.A for being bold in employing a renowned player but inexperienced coach. The partnership seems to have achieved some deserved success and with Hughes now retiring completely as a player, his new long term deal agreed last month would indicate that the future of the Welsh national team is full of potential and promise.

In Mark Hughes, the Welsh players have complete faith and trust and perhaps by remaining as a player when he was first appointed manager, Hughes has been able to be more in touch with the needs and requirements of his players to a greater extent than his predecessors.

This solid foundation between manager and players has been transmitted by performances on the pitch as the team is much more solid and organised at the back yet creative and potent in attack which has been reflected in their unbeaten record.

Indeed, it is in attack that Wales have a host of exciting options with the likes of Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy, Simon Davies, Nathan Blake, John Hartson and Cardiff’s own Robert Earnshaw.

This

GIGGS: Could reverse Welsh fortunes

mixture of strength, skill and speed would appeal to any Premiership manager and will be crucial for Wales’s chances because to qualify, wins rather than draws are going to be needed and for that goals are obviously a necessity.

In support of a strong attack, Wales have a solid back four with the likes of Mark Delaney, Gary Speed, Robert Page, Andy Melville and two other Cardiff regulars, Rhys Weston and Danny Gabbidon. In conceding only 2 goals in 5 games against strong opposition the resilience of the Welsh defence is evident but again a balanced and composed attack could still prove crucial in trying to ease the pressure on the defence especially when playing the likes of Italy and Yugoslavia.

Perhaps the biggest area of concern for the Welsh is in their away performances.

Their current unbeaten record whilst commendable may prove to be slightly misleading since only one game has been on foreign soil. .

With every home nation receiving strong support from their patriotic fans it may well prove to be that results and performances away from home will be the decisive factor in who earns the right to compete in Portugal in just under two years time. If so, Wales will need to cure their travel bug which has plagued so many previous qualifying campaigns which with their new-found confidence and form they should be expectant of doing so.

Ultimately, players, coaches and fans alike can learn a lot from friendly internationals but there can be no substitute for the heat of competitive fixtures. In a few weeks time the whole of Wales will learn whether the national team can successfully ride this new wave of optimism and confidence all the way to Portugal or like so many times before fall short and drown in a sea of burdening pressure and expectation.

email grsport@hotmail.com

Jacko ends career on Euro high Report by Daniel Evans

A NATION has said farewell to a sporting legend. Welsh sprint hurdler Colin Jackson is retiring after a prolific 18 year career.

Since winning his first silver medal at the 1985 European Junior Championships, Jackson has established himself as a national hero who through his highs and lows as an athlete, has toyed with his fan’s emotions.

His final competitive summer was no different.

Bidding to win his first major title in Britain, the 35 year old went into The Commonwealth Games as overwhelming favourite for 110m hurdles gold.

But in a performance reminiscent of the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, South African Shaun Bownes was victorious.

Brecon based Jackson had a disastrous start, clattering the first hurdle as he had done a decade ago. In Barcelona he was consigned to finish seventh but on this occasion he reacted like a true champion.

His composure and technique recovered quickly, allowing a strong finish to snatch silver.

For the indoor and outdoor World Record holder, this was a disappointment that needed avenging, fortunately the chance came within a week at the European Championships in Munich.

After breezing into the final once again the pressure was huge, in what was announced as his final major championship.

Lightning failed to strike twice and Manchester memories were erased as

Jackson led throughout. A trademark burst from the blocks was followed by a typically flawless hurdling performance.

The victory was his fourth successive European title which created an unrivalled record on the track of 12 years unbeaten in the competition.

It was also Jackson’s 25th international medal in total, a tally which stands alongside any ‘great’ of British athletics.

Unfortunately, the Welshman’s last appearance on home soil was an anticlimax by comparison.

At the British Grand Prix in Crystal palace in August, career long foe Allen Johnson and his US countryman Larry Wade beat Jackson into third place with a disappointing time of 13.37 seconds.

From the reaction of the 17,000 present, the result seemed irrelevant.

Jackson received a standing ovation as he indulged in a farewell lap of honour.

“What a feeling! What a crowd”, he said after the rapturous applause.

In a season where Jackson ran 13.15 seconds, his fastest time for two years, his retirement can seem a little premature.

There is no doubting that even at 35 he is capable of World-Class performances, but they have become increasingly rare.

Jackson no longer threatens the 13 second barrier with the regularity that brought him his two World Championships in 1993 and 1999.

If his decision to hang up his spikes holds, he will be sorely missed by the British team. Unlike the flat sprint events where Great Britain has

JACKSON: a fine representative of Welsh sport

a depth of young talent, Jackson’s exit will leave a huge void in sprint hurdling.

“There’s nobody obvious in my event but perhaps the Linford Christie scenario may happen”, said Jackson.

“His going opened the floodgates among British sprinters.

Perhaps us dominating so long held back development”.

With his ever-present team mate Tony Jarrett also reaching the end of his career, all hopes lie on the inexperienced shoulders of Damian Greaves, but at present he does not look a

‘new Jackson’.

Even with an MBE, two longstanding world records and a huge haul of medals, Jackson still has one major regret. Through misfortune, injury and fierce opposition he failed to lift the Olympic title.

Despite this one failing, the achievements of Jackson definitely elevate him to the upper echelon of British Athletic legends. He is not out of place when mentioned alongside Christie, Coe or Thompson and among the Welsh sporting elite he is perhaps the greatest of them all.

Cooke cycles to the big time Report by Alaistair Thomas

WHILE MANY university freshers will have spent their summer satisfying an insatiable appetite for getting intoxicated, an 18 year old from South Wales took on the cycling fraternity in the Commonwealth Games.

Nicole Cooke, from Brynteg in South Glamorgan, claimed gold in the women’s road race, to postpone her University career for at least another year whilst she continues to train in Italy.

As a twelve-year-old Nicole had already begun dreaming of becoming Olympic champion in Athens 2004, and her exploits in Manchester will do nothing to contradict the growing legion of biking enthusiasts who see her as the future of British cycling.

She experienced remarkable success as a youth, winning

four junior world titles in her adolescent years.

Having began her cycling career at the Maindy Cycling track, a stones throw from the Talybont student halls, Cooke’s most impressive year came in 2001.

After completing A grades in Maths, Geography, and Biology at A-Level, she was free to make a clean sweep of the major world titles; Road, Time Trial and Mountain Bike.

With the astonishing performance she broke several world records.

However, high expectations going into this year’s games were initially dashed.

After the road time trial and track points race she had failed to make an impression among world class fields.

Her last chance would come in the Women’s road race.

Memories of the earlier events were eclipsed as she

COOKE: leading the pack

took the title ahead of Susan Palmer-Komar (CAN) and Rachel Heal (ENG).

This win appears to have now put her on a level pegging with the worlds best, leaving doubters in her wake.

Her coach Shane Sutton has

no reservations about her precocious talents. “She can be the greatest woman cyclist ever”, she praised.

Her University place is now on hold, hopefully for as long as it takes to fulfil her terrific potential.

“We will soon learn whether the national team can successfully ride this new wave of optimism all the way to Portugal”, page 11

gair rhydd

Athletics

Cycling

Welsh hero Colin Jackson bows out from International athletics

Cardiff girl Nicole Cooke takes the cycling world by storm

Sport email grsport@hotmail.com

Monday 16 September / Free Word 726

Dai’s youngsters signal a new dawn With the likes of Rob Howley now departed, visitors to Cardiff Arms Park may not see a fresh line up of stars

Rugby

Chris Wathan, Rugby Correspondent

CARDIFF’S FAILURE to bring home any silverware from last season’s domestic and European exploits has resulted in a mass cull at the Arms Park.

Several senior players have followed Coach Rudy Joubert through the exit, including pivotal scrum-half Rob Howley.

Howley, who announced his retirement from the international scene in March, has headed for London where he will ply his trade with the star studded Wasps.

Rampaging lock forward Craig Quinnell has also travelled along the M4 eastbound where he will be appearing in the colours of Saracens.

Veteran hooker Jonathan Humphreys has joined Bath

whilst record beater Neil Jenkins has returned to Sardis Road and the Valley Commandos of Pontypridd.

And with few fresh faces appearing for pre-season, coach Dai Young can expect a baptism of fire in his first season in the tracksuit.

But the exodus of experience could be turning point in the successes of the capital club if Young manages to accentuate the positive.

The Cardiff playing roster boasts a growing list of inexperienced but exciting talent who could turn potential into week in week out winning performances.

Ryan Powell and the brothers Robinson have begun to blossom into class acts, whilst one time prodigy Craig

Morgan proved he can do it on the big stage with some impressive displays in Wales’ tour to South Africa.

Young will be hoping that a few more Rags (the nickname of Cardiff’s championship winning U’21 side) will begin to force their way into contention during the exhaustive rugby season.

And what a season.

With points needed for European qualification being awarded for all games rather than just the national league, there shall be no such thing as a meaningless fixture.

Bridgend have once again splashed Leighton Samuel’s cash. By bringing in Swansea’s Andy Moore and Simon Mannix from Gloucester to bolster an already impressive squad, the Ravens will be looking to make a quick return

to the European scene.

Swansea, masterminded by ex-Queensland Reds supremo John Connelly, will be hoping to make a drastic improvement on last year’s showing whilst West Walian rivals Llanelli will be desperate to end their European hoodoo.

Newport, minus Coach Ian Macintosh but with recently acquired compatriot Percy Montgomery, look like the closest contenders for the Scarlets’ crown.

But the Welsh All Blacks can be written off at everyone’s peril. After only falling at the final hurdle against a fired up Swansea, Lyn Jones has promised to step down should

the Gnoll’s trophy cabinet be empty come next May. Neath’s title hopes could also be boosted by the WRU’s ruling that international players can play a maximum of 20 games in an attempt to halt burn-out.

And with few caps in their first XV, teams like Neath and Ponty could benefit from and are sure to take advantage of a settled selection.

But the Steve Hansen influenced decision will mean that more and more youth will have to be drafted in to plug the positional gaps.

And as with Cardiff, that means good news for both club and country.

GR Sport is always looking for contributors, designers and editors. Come to our editorial meetings, 1.15 pm on Monday at the top of the Students Union, or e-mail us at grsport@hotmail.com. Or see us at the freshers fair.

grsport@hotmail.com

Hughes : Wales on the up Matt Greenhill reporting AFTER PAINFULLY enduring a summer festival of world football in which they did not compete, the focus of attention for the Welsh national side over the next 18 months is now on matters of a European nature. In early September, beginning with a trip to Helsinki, the Welsh will begin their qualifying campaign for the European Championships being hosted

by Portugal in 2004.

After the disappointment of failing to qualify for this year’s World Cup finals along with many previous failed attempts to qualify for the major competitions, Wales will be as determined as ever to capture one of the prized sixteen places for Euro 2004.

While their task is made no easier by being bracketed with Italy, Yugoslavia, Finland and Azerbaijan, levels of optimism in

Continued on page 11

GAIR RHYDD IS PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSITY UNION CARDIFF, PARK PLACE, CARDIFF CF10 3QN ■ TEL: (029) 2078 1400 EXT. 434 ■ REGISTERED AS A NEWSPAPER AT THE POST OFFICE ■ PRINTED AT WEST COUNTRY PUBLICATIONS, PLYMOUTH ■ THE GAIR RHYDD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ■ THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHERS ■ THE GAIR RHYDD IS WRITTEN, DESIGNED, TYPESET AND OUTPUT BY STUDENTS OF CARDIFF, UNIVERSITY OF WALES ■ 8.5 THOMAS. NOT BAD SON, NOT BAD■ SANPEO, OH SNAPEO ■RONNIE IRANI SNUBS HIS FANS ■EXCUSE ME MR CADDICK, DO YOU MIND HOLDING MY PINT WHILE I GO FOR A SHIT