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gair rhydd CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY
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NUS/DAILY MIRROR NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR 2004/05
ISSUE 791 September 5 2005
FRESHERS’ WEEK, THE DR WILL SEE THE A TO Z GUIDE YOU NOW. The unofficial round up of what you can expect to find.
We chat to Karl about life on every students favourite soap.
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REMEMBERING: A Simple Cross Marks a lost home
WIPED OUT 175 mph Hurricane Katrina Devistates New Orleans
By Dan Riddler News Editor THE UNITED STATES government has come under heavy criticism over their handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The scale of the disaster unfolding on the Gulf Coast of America is only now becoming evident as the flood waters begin to subside. The storm, with winds gusting up to 215 miles per hour, made landfall just to the east of New Orleans on August 29th, causing the subsequent flooding of the city when three key levees were
breached. Army engineers pumping the flood water into Lake Pontchartrain report that it could be another 80 days before New Orleans is dry again and the full extent of the destruction can be seen and the bodies counted. Despite calls for a mandatory evacuation of the city by Mayor Ray Nagin, there were up to an estimated 90,000 people still in the city when Katrina struck. . Many of those 90,000 were the poorer residents, the majority of whom are black, who could not afford to get out of the city.
This has triggered a demographic displacement with an expectation of more black casualties and suggestion that the Bush government would have responded faster had the dying been middle class whites. The mayor suggested that death tolls in the city could potentially rest in the thousands, whilst some have estimated that 10,000 may have died in and as a result of the storm. For those who survived Katrina however, things are no easier. Thousands of hurricane refugees have flocked to neighbouring Texas, and many have been housed in temporary
accommodation at the Houston Astrodome, as well as several other, smaller locations. Life in these makeshift refugee shelters is cramped, unsanitary, and dangerous, with confirmed reports of rape, suicide and crack dealing occurring within their walls. State officials estimate over 250,000 displaced men women and children have now arrived in the region and the Texas governor has pleaded other states to take the homeless. The President is being criticised for his slow response following the disas-
ter, and his poor response to a request for federal help allegedly made on August 27th by Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco. Mayor Nagin and Governor Blanco are themselves coming under criticism from both Federal authorities and each other for the immediate handling of the crisis. As the army, medical and political bodies work to correct the damage and count the bodies, there is also talk of an impending problem for years to come.
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University academics pass away
At
a glance September 5 2005 News Editorial & Opinion Geordie Politics Interview Taf Od Letters Science/Environment Health Media Jobs & Money Grab! Dear Amber Listings Five Min Fun Sport
1 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 19 20 22 23 24 26 29
EDITOR Tom Wellingham DEPUTY EDITOR Will Dean ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR Elaine Morgan NONEXECUTIVE EDITOR Elgan Iorwerth SUB EDITORS The SABBS NEWS Charissa Coulthard, Caroline Farwell, Dan Ridler, Perri Lewis POLITICS Andrew Mickel EDITORIAL AND OPINION Sophie Robehmed SPORT Matt Ramsden, Tim Lewis LISTINGS Will Schmit, Alice Curitz TELEVISION TV Gareth, TV Grace, TV Holly, TV John LETTERS Dave Menon GRAB Megan Connor TAF-OD Lois Dafydd SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT Ceri Morgan, Chris Brett MEDIA Heather Casey HEALTH Vanessa Roche JOBS AND MONEY Nicola Menage PROBLEM PAGE Amber Duval FIVE MIN FUN Colm Loughlin HEADS OF PHOTOGRAPHY Luke Pavey, Adam Gasson PROOF READERS The SABBS CONTRIBUTORS Many many people ADDRESS University Union, Park Place Cardiff, CF10 3QN ADVERTISING 02920 781 474 EMAIL gairrhydd@gairrhydd.com WEB www.gairrhydd.com
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By Perri Lewis News Editor
Tsunami Aid Cardiff University sends nurses and offers scholarships
By Perri Lewis News Editor CARDIFF UNIVERSITY is playing a major part in helping victims of last year’s tsunami. While a team of nurses from the School of Nursing and Midwifery have travelled to India as part of a relief project, the University is to help two Indonesian universities devastated by the disaster. The five nurses, all studying for a BSc in Community Health Studies and Special Practice, flew to the villages of Vempurushum and Kokillaneeu in June to spend ten days working alongside the local aid agencies already on the ground. The group undertook the challenge as part of the alternative placement section of their course and included Shelley Addis, Mair Thomas, Andrea Porter, Cindy Haskell and Tracy-Ann Davies.
Shelley Middis, organiser of the trip, said: "We shared the skills we have learnt on the district nursing BSc but also learnt new skills which have improved our practice. "We hope that we made a difference." They were working with the Christian charity group ‘An Open Door’ to promote health and travelled at their own expense.
Scholarships Cardiff University is also among 13 leading UK universities helping to reform academic expertise in two Indonesian universities destroyed by the tsunami. The Institut Agama Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry and Universitas Syiah Kuala in Banda Aceh are in dire need of aid after they lost almost one in ten of their staff and students and suffered major structural damage in last year’s disaster. Like other institutions, the
University will pay the fees and living costs for a year-long Masters scholarship for the next four years. Junior academics whose collegues were killed by the tsunami will be eligible for the scholarships, but the Indonesian universities will nominate the most suitable candidates, who will be selected based on normal University admission criteria. Cardiff is working with The British Universities’ Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education Institutions in Aceh, Indonesia to do this. The British Council in Indonesia will also be providing free English tuition for the selected academics to bring them up to the English language standards required by UK institutions. Council director in Indonesia, Professor Mike Hardy, said: "This is a wonderful achievement and so appropriate for the needs of the two higher education institutions. "We hope very much that the contacts established through these scholarships will become sustaining rela-
TWO HIGH profile Cardiff University academics have died suddenly within days of each other. Professor Richard Whipp, the university’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, died of cancer on June 11, aged 50. Two days later Professor John Gwyne Evans, a retired environmental archaeologist, passed away aged 63. Both academics were instrumental in the University’s research throughout the years. Professor Whipp, who worked for the University for 15 years, was a key player in the Business School’s research programme. He later joined the senior management team of the University, first as a deputy director with responsibility for research. He was then named Pro ViceChancellor in 2002 and then reappointed Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research following the merger of Cardiff University and the University of Wales College of Medicine. John Gwyne Evans joined what was then University College, Cardiff in 1970 as a lecturer in environmental archaeology, the first such post outside of London. His research radically changed the understanding of the vegetation and land-use history of the chalklands of southern and eastern Britain. The St Albans-born academic was promoted to senior lecturer in 1978 and reader in 1982, awarded personal chair in 1994 before retiring in 2002.
For he’s a jolly good Fellow By Charissa Coulthard News Editor NATIONAL FIGURES were amongst the thousands of Cardiff graduates to be honoured by the University at its annual degree ceremonies last month. The nineteen Honourary Fellows, who joined the graduating class of 2005, were being recognised for their achievements in their individual fields. Personalities from the spheres of sport, academia, medicine, science, engineering, poetry, business and law were amongst those acknowledged for their expertise. Falkands veteran Simon Weston, who suffered burns following the bombing of British ship Sir Galahad during the conflict, was honoured on July 5 at the St David’s Hall ceremony. Joining him in the ceremony was Sir William Castell, President and Chief Executive Officer of global medical diagnostics and biosciences business, GE Healthcare. Acclaimed Composer Karl Jenkins was another Honourary Fellow,
acknowledged for his contribution to music. Mike Ruddock, the National Rugby Coach of Wales who led his side to the 2005 Six Nations rugby Grand Slam this year, attended the July 11 ceremony in order to be awarded his fellowship for his rugby coaching achievements to date. Joining him on this day was Gwyneth Lewis, the National Poet of Wales whose words are inscribed on the side of the Wales Millennium Centre. Other Honourary Fellows included the Group leader for the Welcome Trust and embryologist for cancer Research, Dr Anne McLaren. Director of the UK e-science programme, Professor Tony Hey. Senior Presiding Judge for England and Wales, Sir John Thomas. As well as Cardiff alumni Mary and Douglas Perkins, the founders of high street optician chain Specsavers. All honourary fellowships were conferred during the graduation ceremonies between July 5 and 13 at St David’s Hall, Cardiff.
RUDDOCK: Uber coach
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September 5 2005
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ASBO-Students
Universities push for powers to give rowdy students ASBOs By Dan Ridler News Editor NOISY STUDENTS across the country could be facing the prospect of an antisocial behaviour order in the future if ideas raised over the summer were to become reality. This would mean that students who consistently disturbed the peace could, potentially, be burdened with a criminal record and face further legal action if they repeatedly offended. The proposal to mark out disruptive students with an ASBO, normally reserved for use against repeat offenders and delinquents, has been met with a mixed reaction from those in higher education and legal circles. Many lawyers and residents living around universities believe that this is the easiest way to deal with students who refuse to quieten down, as any reoffence following the issue of an ASBO can lead to instant arrest.
Currently residents or universities can take out injunctions and court orders against students, however if a student re-offends legal action can become long-winded and the offence difficult to prove. The proposed introduction of the ASBO against students would bypass this process. The NUS has taken a firm stance against the introduction of ASBOs, with NUS Vice President for Welfare Veronica King asking “What’s going to be the limit? Who’s going to decide if a student is behaving antisocially?” Her concerns are echoed by several respected university staff, including Annie Grant, Dean of the University of East Anglia. She believes that to issue ASBOs to unruly students is “like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. “Students are an intelligent group of people, and it would be very rare that we would not find a solution within our own powers and procedures,” she said.
A Novel idea Cardiff: top choice By Perri Lewis News Editor
A NOVEL by a Cardiff University lecturer has become a summer best-seller. Dr Richard Gwyn’s The Colour of a Dog Running Away was named as a book of the month by top book sellers Ottakers, Waterstones and Amazon. It has also been critically acclaimed by many national newspapers, was named in the top ten ‘world fiction’ books in The Independent and had advance orders in excess of 3,000. This is three times the size of a normal print run for a successful Welsh title in Wales. The novel is set in gothic Barcelona, telling the story of Lucas, a Welsh musician and translator who becomes embroiled in the Cathar sect, heretics who were thought to be exterminated in the 13th century. The senior lecturer in the School of English, Communication and Philosophy dreamt up the idea many years ago when he was living in Spain and travelling on the waterways of southern Europe. Dr Gywn explained: "Lucas’s dad is a refugee from the Spanish Civil War, his mother is Welsh, and he is caught between two cultures - he does not belong in either of them.” The religious and historical themes have promoted many critics to draw comparisons with another best seller of 2005, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Dr Gwyn doesn’t agree. "There is a historical and religious
context, but Dan Brown's book seems very different. "I wouldn't mind his sales, but I think the stories are different." Many book sellers had predicted the success of the novel. Scott Pack, buying manager for Waterstones, said, "It has that magic ingredient of a unique story told in an interesting and compelling way. "Everyone I have given this book to has pretty much read it in one sitting.”
By Charissa Coulthard News Editor
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY’S quality of teaching has been acknowledged by national rankings of higher education and reassured by a survey of undergraduate students. The recognition, which features in the Times Good University Guide 2006, brands Cardiff as the top university in three subjects and ranks a further seven in the top ten. High quality teaching was particularly recognised in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Optometry, Psychology, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Social Policy and City and Regional Planning. The positive results also showed
similarities to those of a recent national survey of undergraduates, in which the university was ranked fifth overall. The 10,000 students were asked to reflect on their experiences of the application process by answering 44 questions. Cardiff was ranked seventh for having the most exciting city and high quality campus, with 80 per cent of responses deeming a ‘friendly campus feel’ necessary in their choice of institution. 72 percent also felt strongly influenced by a university that was ‘strong in league tables’ and had good academic reputation, quality teaching, good transport links, helpful staff and an impressive open day. In the last Quality Assurance Agency’s report – in which 42 profes-
sional bodies endorse the quality of degree schemes – 21 of Cardiff ’s subject areas were branded ‘excellent’, the highest award available. Positive feedback has been further reinforced by the recent success of the University’s open day, which attracted a record 5,000 visitors. One sixth form student said: “I would love to study at Cardiff University. “The University as a whole is fabulous and I know the teaching standards are excellent. The city has a great atmosphere.” High quality teaching continued to be recognised, with over half rating the academic schools they had visited as ‘excellent’ and 89 per cent of attendants intending to apply to the university.
GWYN: Best-seller A Cardiff mathematics professor has received one of the highest awards in the medical world. Professor Jeff Griffith, Head of the School of Mathematics, has been elected an Honourary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. The honour is normally reserved for Nobel Prize-winners and Presidents of learned societies. Professor Griffiths, a staff member since 1964, received the award for his contribution to medical science and healthcare.
QUALITY ASSURED: Cardiff University rated highly by reviewers and students alike
7/7 Special
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How Cardiff was affected by
LECTURER INJURED IN EDGWARE ROAD BLAST
LONDON ATTACKS: LEFT: Professor John Tulloch meeting Prince Charles CENTRE: Police investigate Story continued from Page 1 Environmentalists are concerned that the polluted water being pumped into neighbouring Lake Pontchartrain could cause ecological problems in the future, but, given the current situation in New Orleans, few are listening.
RAID: Police search for looters
Katrina Facts Duration: August 23 - 31, 2005 Wind Speed: 175mph Fatalities: 1,014 direct, 577 indirect (estimates up to 10,000) Damage estimate: $25 - $120 billion Areas affected: Bahamas, South Florida, Louisiana (especially Greater New Orleans), Mississippi, Alabama, Florida Panhandle, most of the Eastern United States.
Have the events of July the 7th or hurricane Katrina affected you? Email us: news@gairrhydd.com or visit: www.gairrhydd.com/letters.html
By Perri Lewis News Editor A CARDIFF UNIVERSITY Professor has survived the London suicide attacks. Professor John Tulloch was travelling on the Edgware Road train on July 7 when a blast ripped through his carriage. The image of the professor spattered in blood with bandages around his head was one of the most shocking of the week – it became synonymous with the London atrocities. He later spoke out about his terrifying ordeal. "It has been a roller coaster. "I don’t remember hearing any noise or blast. But I could see a strange nasty yellow light and then it all went black. "I was on the floor and I felt my face was wet with blood. I did not know what had happened and I thought it was just me. "I couldn’t see very well without my glasses – they had been blown off – and I rolled over to ask someone to help me. Then I saw people lying covered in blood and I knew it was a major event that had affected the whole train. "I felt really good that I could feel my leg was okay. It felt so good to be alive. "It was so dark and quiet. There was not a lot of noise. A bit of moaning. "There was this surrealistic image in front of me, dark and dingy with blurred people in the carriage opposite – it was like a nightmare." He explained that, at first, he had no idea what had happened. "I saw another train next to us. I assumed it must have been a train crash." The 62-year-old professor, who lectures in media and mass communication, is based at Brunel University but is heavily involved in research at Cardiff. On July 7 he was travelling back to the Welsh capital after he had stayed late the night before to prepare for a degree presentation. He had been sitting on the second carriage of the Circle Line train.
After the blast he was helped by an off-duty RAF officer. Professor Tulloch recalls how the man kept talking to him in a bid to keep him conscious. "He told me all about himself in such detail. I know all the universities his daughter is considering going to. He asked about my sons in Australia. "He mopped me up. It was a huge psychological bridge. He kept me going and when people started to come, he told me the ambulance people were on their way." The paramedics collected the two men and accompanied them out of the train. "As we walked into the next carriage I remember thinking it was fine and there was very little damage." He told of how he was taken up to the station on a stretcher and, once on the street, was hurried to a nearby Marks & Spencers that was acting as a makeshift A&E department. He was then taken to St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, where, just a couple of days later, he was visited by Prince Charles. After the visit he said, "Charles was very good. We had a very nice meeting and a relaxed chat." The injuries Professor Tulloch received that day were tremendous – as well as the outward physical damage to his body his eardrums had been perforated, resulting in severe vertigo. This affected his balance and made him feel nauseous. While the emergency services have been commended for their actions that day, Prof Tulloch found aspects of the forensic team’s work distressing. His luggage, as well as his grandfather’s watch, a 110-year-old family heirloom had to be taken away for forensic examination. Prof Tulloch admitted that it would be very hard for him to get back on a train after his horrific ordeal, but knows that one day he will have to face his fear – his job requires a lot of travel.
NO PANIC ON THE STREETS OF LONDON
A Cardiff student’s take on 7/7 By Shell Plant Cardiff Graduate ON THE SUNDAY after the London Bombings I read a column headlined ‘Londoners don’t do panic.’ Having been in Liverpool Street station on that Thursday, just as the bombs were going off, I have to completely agree. As commuters arrived into the station and realised no tubes were in service, everyone waited in an orderly queue to ask which bus was best to get. Then, passengers waited in an orderly queue for said bus. There was no panic, no screaming, no violence. Even when the buses stopped letting people on nobody seemed to be that panicked. "Oh sod it, I’m walking home, I can’t be bothered with this today," the lady next to me in the queue laughed, before trotting off. In fact people seemed more friendly and helpful than usual. A man and woman walked with me into east
London because I didn’t know the way by foot, and they wouldn’t leave me on my own until they were sure I was safe and on a train back to my hometown in Essex. But maybe this lack of panic was because nobody really understood the gravity of the situation. We were told nothing by the police and as all our mobile phones had stopped working, nobody had any information. It was not until I finally arrived home at about three in the afternoon and switched on the TV that I realised just what exactly had happened and what it meant. However, I, like so many other Londoners, still went to work the next day (much to my family’s irritation) and carried on as normal. The media may be scaremongering us into thinking we are at war with these terrorists, but there is no point in running scared of a few bombs when statistically you are more likely to get run over by a car or even commit suicide.
7/7 Special
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the London bombings SHOW OF SOLIDARITY By Perri Lewis News Editor Cardiff has stood united in the face of terrorism this summer by holding a rally against racism. The event, dubbed United Against Racism, took place outside City Hall on July 30 and was held to publicly condemn the recent threats to a Cathays mosque. It was organised and supported by a number of groups, including Unite Against Fascism, All-Wales Ethnic Minority Association and Respect - The Unity Coalition. Adam Johannes of Unite Against Fascism said that the day had been a massive success. “It was very bad weather than day so to have more than 150 people attend the event was very good.” Councillor Mohammed Sarul Islam, who chaired the rally, was also very pleased with the event. He added: “It was very successful because there was a huge turnout from the whole community. “There were Hindus, Jews, Sikhs, different political parties. “It was perhaps most successful in that it attracted huge media coverage. “It sent out a very good message to the community that Cardiff is united against fascism. “It is at times like this we all need to remain united in rallying against racism. We must not let fascists, extremists and terrorists divide our community.” Plaid Cymru deputy leader Jill Evans MEP who attended the rally, said, “The cowardly attacks on mosques seek to create false splits between communities and make political gain from the tragedy of the bombings in London.” UNITED: Cardiff residents stand side by side against racism INSET: Cllr Islam addressing the rally
UUK to root out extremism By Caroline Farwell News Editor UNIVERSITIES UK, the body that represents vice-chancellors and principals, is launching a campaign to root out Islamist extremism on campus. The group will publish guidelines on combating extremism in time for the new September term and has met with the Higher Education minister Bill Rammell to discuss the role of universities in confronting the radicalism that brought about the London bombings in July.
The action comes amid growing concerns about extremism in Britain, particularly among younger generations. Universities were put under the spotlight this summer when the Guardian revealed new research that linked 14 cases of known terrorism to activities on British campuses. The newspaper also said that security services barred more than 200 foreign students from the UK over the last four years due to fears they could represent a security threat. Despite the National Union of Students banning the activities of militant Islamic groups such as AlMuhajroun and Hizb ut-Tahrir on cam-
pus, many universities persist to give radical Muslim parties a platform by allowing members to hand out leaflets and use fresher fairs to recruit young Muslim students. The NUS condemned the activities of such groups as, "anti-moderate Islam, homophobic, sexist and anti-Semitic" and addressing the issue on British campuses in the aftermath of the London bombings. But some vice-chancellors have expressed concerns over suggestion there might be a clampdown on freedom of speech on campuses. The President of London Metropolitan University, Roderick
Floud, said he would object if universities were targeted: "I believe that students are members of society and should, therefore, be treated like other adults in society. They should not be subject to any further restrictions on freedom of expression. "Why should students be subjected to some additional, apparently unspecified, restriction on their thought and expression?" The NUS is working closely with Universities UK on the national project to combat extremism on campus, which also includes extremism related to political issues, animal rights, the BNP, homophobia and racism.
Opinion: Former Editor Gary Andrews on effect of the London attacks - Page 7
News in brief
internet.cw?
A new campaign is calling for a Welsh equivalent of .uk on the Internet. This would mean that Welsh email and internet addresses would be assigned a two letter country code suffix signifying Wales. The suffix being suggested is .cw, with the ‘c’ standing for Cymru and the ‘w’ standing for Wales. The campaign has received backing from politicians in the Welsh Assembly.
Cardiff’s star poet Poetry will be written in the stars this year at Cardiff University. National Poet for Wales, Gwyneth Lewis, has been named ‘Poet in Residence’ at the University’s School of Physics and Astronomy. The School hopes the appointment will boost the reputation of scientific subjects within the literary world. Professor Michael Edmunds, Head of the School, said: “This is a great opportunity for the cultures of science and literature to meet. “We are thrilled that Gwyneth will be working with us during the rest of the year.” In exchange for her astronomyinspired poetry, Ms Lewis has the opportunity to study at the School. She said: “It’s a huge privilege to rub shoulders with astrophysicists who are perhaps the poets of the scientific world, in that they have their feet on the ground but their head in the stars.” Ms Lewis will hold the position until Christmas 2005 The School’s ‘Poet in Residence’ initiative succeeds last year’s ‘Artist in residence initiative’.
Get connected FOR THE 2005/2006 academic year, Information Services have developed a self-service CDROM to enable users to connect to the University network from halls of residences quickly and easily. As part of Information Services' desire to provide a modern University environment for students, the CDROM will enable the majority of users in halls of residence to connect to the University network without having to visit Information Services in person. Provided in fresher welcome packs, it will enable studnets to access the power of the Internet learning applications such as Blackboard directly from their rooms from the moment they arrive in halls.
Xpress Yourself THE CARDIFF University student radio station Xpress Radio was recently named as being one of the country’s leading student radio ventures in an article in the Independent. Located on the fourth floor on the Union building, Xpress Radio is run for students by students and will be back on FM before the end of the semester.
Comment
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The chewing gum on the shoe of opinion
INTRODUCING THE CABINET IDIOTS Rt. Hon. Tony Blair MP: Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service Aliases: None, he’s just too honest. Job consists principally of telling us what to do, sticking his nose in our collective business and ensuring that we recognise him as our true Lord and Master. Determined to rule over Europe. Strengths: Good public orator, can look appropriately pathetic when required Most likely to say: “Not tonight, Cherie.” Unlikely to say: “I was wrong.” Song: Queen, Don’t Stop Me Now
Rt. Hon John Prescott MP: Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State Aliases: Champ, Sir. As well as answering that eternal question, “Who ate all the pies?”, John is also Deputy PM. This means he is responsible for...actually, what does he do, offically? Ambitions in life include dispelling the rumour that Hull is the biggest shithole in the Universe. Pfffffff. Strengths: Mean right hook, punches his weight Most likely to say: “If you must throw eggs, at least get them in my mouth.” Song: The Beautiful South, He May Be Ugly
Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown MP: Chancellor of the Exchequer Aliases: Bridesmaid, Goose Though Gordon has single-handedly kept the economy alive he’s been sporting enough to let the Prime Minister take full credit. And stay in his job after promising to retire and give Brown a shot at leadership. Desires above all else to lead a country with a strong economy. Probably in the wrong party, then. Strengths: Patience of a saint, good with money Most likely to say: “When’s it my turn?” Song: Gary Glitter, My Gang
Rt. Hon. Dr John Reid MP: Secretary of State for Defence Aliases: Big Red, Dr Death After successfully being moved from his Health post on the grounds that he “really hates hospitals”, Dr John can persue his dream of being a cunt Defence Secretary. After retirement Reid plans to use his connections to form a private army, take over a Carribean island and destroy its excellent hospitals. Strengths: Always gets what he wants Most likely to say: “What? Our troops?” Song: Outkast, Bombs Over Baghdad
Rt. Hon. David Blunkett MP: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Aliases: Teflon, Pew David’s job consists of overseeing the doleing out of benefits to [lazy arses and] disabled people. Like the blind. Like him. So he probably shouldn’t have bothered staying on in office, as he could’ve just stayed at home and collected free money. That’s what Labour’s all about. Sorry, was all about. Strengths: Sharpened hearing, touch, taste and smell Most likely to say: “I’ll be back.” Song: Lionel Ritchie, Hello
Rt. Hon. Jack Straw MP: Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Alias: The Demon Headmaster Working closely with Dr Reid, Jack’s main work task is to decide which country we’re going to rape, pillage, plunder and ultimately attempt to bomb back to the stone age next. The next most important part of his job is to decide which tinpot dictators’ atrocities we’ll be turning a blind eye to (*cough* Uzbekistan *cough*). Strengths: Hypnotism Most likely to say: “Yes he has. We kept the receipts.” Song: Bryan Adams, Everything I Do (I Do It For You)
Rt. Hon Charles Clarke MP: Secretary of State for the Home Department Alias: Sandman As Home Secretary, Charles’ function is to keep the public off the PM’s back. He achieves his aim partially by boring the electorate out of any interest in the process of government, and partially by outlawing anything that Tony disagrees with. Strengths: Nice boots. (Made of Iron, see.) Most likely to say: “Hang on a second while I draft this repressive yet ultimately pointless law.” Song: Daniel Bedingfield, Gotta Get Thru This
Rt. Hon. Tessa Jowell MP: Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Alias: Germ Tessa mostly leaves the Media to Rupert ‘finger-inevery-pie’ Murdoch, and the Sport to Lords Coe of Ranmore and Sven of Torsby. That leaves her with only one thing to worry about: British Culture. That means she’s responsible for polyphonic ringtones, Guevara tshirts and happy-slapping. Hasn’t she done well. Strengths: Steady phone-hand. Most likely to say: “Ding ding” Song: 2Pac, Changes
Episode 1: How to Create a Police State
T
he new Bill on ‘Facilitating a Police State Just in Case We Ever Need It’ is being drafted, by the Cabinet. These meetings are traditionally a less open affair than Parliament. Not anymore, as I gained access to this one disguised as one of John Prescott’s two lunches to bring you this transcript: BLAIR: “We’ve already got one of the main requirements for a Police State - a police force.” C LARKE: “Not just any police force. It’s the perfect police force for this. Full of sanctimonious jobsworths so unquestioning they’d CS-spray their own grandmother if they were ordered.” BLUNKETT: “I don’t know, it doesn’t seem like quite enough.” PRESCOTT: (swallows pie) “He’s
Quote:
right, Charles. We could do with more sweeping new powers.” BLAIR: “What if we could arrest them without charge?” There are murmurs of agreement throughout the room. CLARKE: “We could also give the armed police a shoot-to-kill policy and have them...remove a, er, suspected suicide bomber. The public’ll be pooing themselves. BROWN: “How will you justify that to the public?” PRESCOTT: “We’ll just tell them they’ll get blown up otherwise.” STRAW: “We’ll need to know who everybody is, where they are at all times and preferably what they had for breakfast that morning.” BLUNKETT: “Compulsory ID cards, then. That’s the first step. We can catalogue the population. That’ll help keep them in check.
BROWN: “And how will you justify that?” PRESCOTT: “We’ll just tell them they’ll get blown up or robbed otherwise.” BROWN: “They’ll complain. The papers’ll destroy us.” REID: “We can silence them.” BLUNKETT: “Yes, we can restrict free speech. If we start with banning criticising religion, Britain’s such a politically correct and litigious society before long they’ll all be too scared to debate anything. Maybe even in Parliament, if we’re lucky.” BROWN: “How on Earth will you justify that?” PRESCOTT: “We’ll just tell them they’ll get beaten up on the streets otherwise.” BROWN: “Only if they throw eggs at you, John.” Much mirth all round, except for the
Deputy PM, who is not amused. He carries on eating. CLARKE: “There’s still going to be discontent. Probably public protests.” BLAIR: “Well we’ll ban protests as well then. Outside Westminster, anyway. They can protest all they like as long as I can’t see or hear them.” BROWN: “How will you...” PRESCOTT: (interrupting) “We’ll just tell them...er, what will we tell them?” BLAIR: “I’m sure we’ll think of something.” By now, the Deputy Prime Minister has finished his first lunch and is eyeing me up suspiciously. I decide to exfiltrate myself from the Cabinet Room, leaving Prescott with nothing to swallow but Blair’s porkie pies. Next Time: The PM’s Holiday.
“It is poor civic hygiene to install technolgy which could one day facilitate a police state” - Bruce Schneir
I
D cards won’t put a stop to Terror, won’t prevent identity theft and won’t stem the swelling tide of benefit fraud. So what will they change? Starter for ten: my name isn’t really Geordie. It’s what nearly everybody calls me, but it’s a pseudonym. A lot of us have written using noms de plume. Sometimes this is to avoid possible repercussions after a particularly controversial article; sometimes when an argument has been written for a debate by someone who doesn’t really believe it, but when balance is required. More often, however, we simply do it for a bit of a laugh. Pretending to be someone else, though childish, is good fun. There’s one gair rhydd veteran that insists to newcomers that his name’s Danny. His name, in case you hadn’t guessed, isn’t Danny. You might’ve done it too. Ever given a false name to someone really annoying on holiday? Thought so. ID cards would put a stop to that. The same goes for every unmarried couple - or extramarital couple, for that matter - that has ever checked into a seedy hotel under the ubiquitous assumed names of Mr and Mrs Smith, not desiring anything more sinister than their right to privacy. And we should all be entitled to have private lives, with the possible exception of Tom Cruise. ID cards would put a stop to that. Then there’s that peculiar rite of passage that we all invariably go through on our journey towards adulthood: getting served in the pub for the first time. Which usually entails underage drinking. Some are lucky never to be challenged about their age, some have help from the fake ID they got from a guy calles Dave’s mate’s cousin’s Dad who you once met in that pub in Merthyr. ID cards would put a stop to that. (Yes, even for those who are never challenged. It’s can’t be that hard to do a cheeky facial scan as punters are entering the pub. Then the management know exactly who everybody is, and how old they are. And, I’m sure, their preferred beverage. This is admittedly a little more contentious, given that underage drinkers are technically breaking the law, but let’s be honest, we’ve all been there.) If they’re going to issue ID cards, and consider every previously free person in the country as nothing more then a number (massive white ball entirely optional) then they might as well tattoo it on our arms and pack us all off into concentration camps like the Nazis did. ID cards were the start of that. ! geordie@gairrhydd.com
Editorial & Opinion
Page 8
September 5 2005
opinion@gairrhydd.com
gair rhydd Editorial So Fresh, So Clean IT SEEMS freshers’ week is well and truly upon us once again, but what can, and should, you expect from this fabled time of year? Although there are no shortage of stories about previous freshers weeks, no doubt told to you in length in the run up to you leaving for Cardiff, the truth is somewhat simpler. Now represents the start of a new chapter in each of your lives collectively reffered to as University. Prehaps the most influential period of your lives to date it is the time when you truly become an individual, all play and no work etc. Meeting new people from different backgrounds and countries, beginning life in a new city away from parents and with loans to spend on what you choose, your early days in university can indeed seem like a blur. Freshers’ week is what you make it, so approach it with an open mind, it will be a while untill anything even roughly similar comes your way again and I guarentee you will miss it when its gone.
Brave New World THE RECENT terrorist attacks in London over the summer cannot have failed to make each of us think for a moment about the world we now live in. Although accepted as inevitable, the bombings were no less shocking on the 7th of June this year. Our front page shows that the fallout from the events in London is being felt accross the whole of the UK. The recent rally against racism held in Cardiff underlines the importance of working together to build a better world for all. University is on the frontline of this ongoing campaign. As students of higher education you are considered to be among some of the most enlightened members of society. Whether you consider yourself enlightened or not, your time in Cardiff will bring you in contact with people from all over the world from many backgrounds with many beliefs. This interaction is vital if we are to begin building a more world, ensure you dont let the opportunity pass you by.
Media Mogul THERE IS NO shortage of students media here in Cardiff, so come and get involved Whether it’s writing for gair rhydd or Quench, or broadcasting on Xpress Radio, let us know if we don’t have enough of what you want. All student media is located on the fourth floor of the Union building, so make sure you drop in.
UNI HYPE: A LOAD OF TRIPE? In the build-up to the infamous Freshers’ Week, Megan Conner bares all (the truth, that is) about University life at Cardiff
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eing called a Fresher doesn’t mean you’re simpler, less adult or more sane than the rest of the student population; you’re just newer and more virginial when it comes to University life. So why are Freshers’ forced to wear terry-towelling nappies and stainproof bibs come September? Why has it been heard of that they should club each other around the head with frozen chicken legs after a night out? Don’t fret my lovelies, these things won’t (necessarily) happen to you; events like this have been known to form part of the drunken craziness that is Freshers’ Week, and whether you do succumb to Tesco trolley bashing or twenty shots of Sambuca sooner rather than later, it doesn’t mean you’ll be doing it for the rest of your student life. University isn’t just about getting drunk and finding it funny to throw up in a cereal box, you know. In fact, it’s not about anything in particular; not even a degree, dare I say it. Call it general life experience. And that’s why anything you do (or are made to do) in your first week of term/first year doesn’t really finalise anything, including your grades. One arrest doesn’t determine you a local criminal; one night in a minger’s bed doesn’t mean you’ll never sleep with a decent looking person again. But you might find that they, and now you, are riddled with a sexually transmitted disease, and it’s worth knowing that pretty people have STD’s too.
“Once in a minger’s bed doesn’t mean you’ll never sleep with a decent looking person again” So here’s truth number one: Cardiff, like any other University, is swarming with sexual infections, and these are probably the only things that will stay with you past Freshers’ Week unless you make a conscious effort to get rid. And take note - a lot of the bugs will be living in second and third year pants. Determined to "find some fit Freshers’", your superiors are very likely to pose as first years at Fresher events; likewise, new kids may think they’ll appear more desirable if they become a dentist in their fifth year for the night. Truth two: people will lie about who they are. The famous three questions that tend to trigger these lies definitely get asked in the introductory term (correction: year), and in ridiculous volumes. On meeting a new person it might seem you’re perfectly justified to ask what their name is, but through your own experience of continuously repeating your own name and even spelling it aloud, you’ll find that answering the simplest question does get tiresome. After a few drinks, you really won’t care if they think your name is Luce or Moose; making yourself known by dancing naked through the streets is much more fun. Where you come from and what
you’re studying are pretty standard if tedious questions too, but what’s the point in answering them when no one’s doing your course and your flatmates haven’t even heard of, let alone been to, your hometown? The information you’ll make efforts to provide is meaningless if not for comedy value: if I didn’t have a sense of humour, knowing "English is a thick person’s course" and that I’m "from London so must be a townie" (actually Hayes; but admittedly, no better) would send me spiralling into depression.
“After a few drinks you reall won’t care if they think your name is Luce or Moose” And the bit about shag-fests and wild orgies is piffle, guys. While there are some semi-lesbionic types at Cardiff, they are just that and only ‘come out’ for a wet t-shirt competition at Solus. Similarly, those ‘sexually liberated’ girls that hang around Come Play after 3am are just disgustingly loose. There, I put that nicely, didn’t I? So, evidently, there are many types of people you will encounter at Cardiff, and the bit about actually liking them once you get to know them is true. From greasy-haired guitar people to the Welsh, they all help to add those extra dimensions to your experience. Even the bunny boilers who like to cut up innocent girlfriends’ shoes (watch out for them) teach you something about life. And then there’s your flatmates. Yes they might well be clean freaks or a health hazards, over-enthusiastic or wanting to leave, but the many extremes of student you will encounter is delightfully sporadic. Take my first house chums: while one would spend hours making her own chickpea soup in our Talybont kitchen, the other would be drying her freshly washed knickers on high-speed in the microwave. You just can’t predict what lovely fruitcakes you’ll be living with, and despite their different personalities, trust me; you’ll all watch kid’s TV and Neighbours. Just wait ‘til you discover Bobinogi on CBBC Wales.
“Just because the hockey team made your Uncle Ned eat his own poo for a tenner eighteen years ago, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to” So, to put it in perspective, Freshers’ Week is one of those crazy periods in your life you hear so much about before you even get to University, and it’s easy to be over anxious about it, or not cautious at all. The best piece advice I can give you is surprisingly simple: enjoy yourself and make the most of every opportunity you get but don’t forget to be safe! And this rule applies to all areas, not just sex: fall asleep in your lectures because you’re hung over but
FRESHERS’ WEEK: 9 out of 10 people regret wearing silly wigs just make sure you go to them; endure endless nights out with people you don’t really like if it means you’ll go on to meet the people that you do - geeks are always great back up. But if your first year experience is anything like mine, you’ll have an amazing time with everyone you meet. It’s easy to think that other people are richer than you therefore more intelligent, better travelled hence more clued up about independent life, but to be honest, what’s there to be clued up about? You wouldn’t be here if you couldn’t cope with your course, and even though other people will have been around the world, the very important thing they have in common with you is that they’ve never been to Cardiff University. So don’t be scared by the daunting stories you hear! Just because the hockey team made your Uncle Ned eat his
own poo for a tenner, eighteen years ago, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to. There will be things you won’t know how to cook and washing machines you don’t know how to use, but with a bit of trial and error you’ll get there in the end. Deal with every nightmare you encounter in the best humour; the first year isn’t as traumatic as you might think. Though one Oxford student puts her experience like this - "My friends and I look back on it in the same sort of way that shell-shocked veterans remember their first week in the trenches" – just be glad that you turned down Oxford. Right! Coming to University doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to become lazy, oversexed, or a totally different person so don’t worry about all the hype. You’ve finished school, so be cool.
ROOM 101 James Emtage’s
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ooking forward to uni are we? And rightly so. It’s awesome. You’ll have a blast. And meet some cracking people within minutes of your arrival. But please, PLEEAASSE, try and avoid the dreaded ‘3 Fresher Questions’ with Every. Single. Bloody. Person. You. Meet. Number One: What’s your name? Ok, I’ll give you that one. Granted you need to know it since you might be living with / drinking with / sleeping with said person at time of asking. But remember it first time round, ok? As it’s one of the highest forms of embarrasment when you ask someone their name on the Tuesday only to be told that you pulled them on the Monday. Number Two: Where d’you come from? Alright, I see where you’re coming from here. You’re looking for a ‘common connection’; something you can go off to start up a good conversation / everlasting friendship. If by some stroke of luck they do come from the same place as you, then great, go for it! Discuss clubs, pubs, schools and people that you may both know. But be warned -
this is a risky question as should they say a place you’ve never heard of, you’re stumped, and end up looking like a gormless fool desperatley rummagging around for another line to go on. Which leads on to... Number Three: What A-Levels did you do? By god you’re proving yourself to be an interesting one here. So you both did English? Great. What are you going to do now then? Discuss the works of Keates and old Willy Shakes over your pints of snakebite and your bags of pork scratchings? You’re leaving home. So leave you ‘meeting your godparent’s at a garden party’ style chit chat too. Go wild with your imagination and ask someone if they ever had a crush on Pat Sharp, or if they ever got caught masturbating as a 14 year old over the Spice Girl’s Calender. You’ll have so much more fun this way, and people won’t ever have to ask for your name twice. So join with me here guys, and lets put those infamous ‘3 Fresher Questions’ in Room 101 for good. You’ll thank me for it come day 3. Promise.
September 5 2005
Editorial & Opinion
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opinion@gairrhydd.com
That man’s a TERRORIST In wake of recent happenings, former Editor Gary Andrews looks at some of the many issues now faced by British Muslims
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hat person there is evil. I saw them, consorting with evil people and making evil plans. They have no place in this community. And, what’s more, they know the names of other evil people, and they’ll denounce these people when put under pressure. Any writings that open with these words, however, could just as easily be discussing the Salem Witch Trials from The Crucible as they could Tony Blair’s demands on British Imans. Although I could quite easily write plenty on the genius of Arthur Miller alone, his portrayal of a community at war with itself is as relevant today as it was when it was written during the era of McCarthyism during American politics, but substitute Communists for terrorists and there’s not a lot of difference. Are you a terrorist? Do you know any? Have you seen them? And even if you haven’t, are you doing enough to ensure that terrorism isn’t prevalent in your community? How about that man, he’s already said he was against the war in Iraq? Or how about him, he was wearing a heavy coat, he must be a suicide bomber – shoot him. Actually no, because that man could just as easily be Jean Charles de Mendes, shot dead for acting a bit on the suspicious side. If there’s one
thing that’s not going to make British ethnic minorities, especially British Muslims, feel any more secure it’s a police force who shoot to kill. That really won’t help the them/us feeling already perpetuated. But then again, he was an illegal immigrant and a darkie, so he probably deserved it (if you’re an Express reader that is). Blair’s call for moderate Muslims to root out the extremists in their society is very much like asking the Irish in the 80s and 90s to keep an eye on anybody who didn’t like the British, or for me to report people who could possibly commit crimes. My housemate has frequently bemoaned the
“He was wearing a heavy coat, he must be a suicide bomber - shoot him” number of morons in society, doesn’t mean he’s going to bomb them. Another person I know has been sold hook line and sinker on the idea that asylum seekers are to blame for everything in this country. Doesn’t mean he’s necessary going to turn into another David Copeland. Anyway, if science has taught us anything, it’s that white people don’t commit crimes. Yes, we can make Britain more
UNI-DI-VERSITY
By Pruthvi Pandit
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he vast majority of freshers’ this year will probably have been told the lie by many awise-one, that I was told before my freshers’ last year: the promise of meeting a new exciting and intelligent race of young humans at university. When I arrived at university for my freshers’ week last year, my mind was full of expectations – the promise of meeting fellow young, intelligent and diverse people had made me extremely hungry to leave home, yet here I am writing about the contrary: Despite having laughed at the stereotypical teen movies that Hollywood mass-produces, during my freshers’ I realised that those films, were indeed, mocking me. Those crappy films actually held some essence of truth. I look back now on my highschool days, where I was ever so coolly striving to be cooler. Yet I was not alone in this battle: As I write this, I am able to picture how I’d dress up in rags, my battered converse sneakers, standing in the smokers’ corner being sullen. The world had managed to beat me
down so much at my young age of eighteen. This was my tribute to grunge and Kurt Cobain, my god. While hanging out in the smokers’ corner during break, with my equally depressed and cool friends, I remember seeing the other cool types. There were of course the other nondepressed cool groups. The other blatantly obvious cool groups were the ones who wore all the in-trend kit. Never a hair out of place, and always a partner by their side. They were above the smokers’ corner and always seemed to be followed by a ray of sunshine, didn’t have to worry about getting bad grades, or being disliked by the teachers. There was also the group who worked for their grades, didn’t so much mind what they wore and had a laugh when necessary. They were never in the extreme: They didn’t have truckloads of friends either, nor were they extreme depressives silently contemplating suicide or trying to be loud and witty in class, or ‘matey’ with the teachers. But they were considered the un-cool group. In retrospect, they were probably the most down to earth people at school. Back to the present – what does that
have to do with university, that is now the past, our immature alter egos? But I feel inclined to strike down and bust your little bubbles and tell you, that that is not of the past, but your present and future: University is no different! I ask you to accept this knowledge from a wizened fresher. After a year of making new friends and fitting in, I have
“There seems to be, in fact, more grouping at University than there was at School” realised that university students are no elitists when it comes to socialising. There seems to be in fact, more grouping at University than there was at School. Similar to school, you get the trendy groups, the alternative groups, the musicians, the nerds, the norms, the skaters, the rockers, the Goths, the loners etc. And just because it’s university, the groups don’t suddenly open up and socialise with just anyone: you have to be of their calibre. However, there is extended grouping at university: I’ll take the ethnic
minorities as a blatant example, and trust me, I’m not being racist; I originate from an ethnic minority. Indians. The Indians are an extreme case of grouping, because they group within the group. First of all you have the British Indians, who feel they are superior to the native Indians, because they have rough English accents. However this group is also divided into the cool and the non-cool British Indians. Next we have the native Indians who are again divided into the cool and the nerdy ones. But the funniest thing about the whole Indian grouping system is, that the minute anyone tries to penetrate the group all the Indians stick together. Then of course there are the large groups of people who, for example, get drunk most nights, smoke heavy weed, or parade their most intimate body parts when returning from Solus. Finally I’m able to conclude, that university is once again merely a perfect environment for people to show off to each other and prove who is better and who ‘sucks’ – a question of coolness. However, these are of course, just my opinions. So much for uni-di-versity, enjoy!
secure, but we mustn’t simply fall into the rhetoric than came out of American politicians after 9/11 we’ve actually got to engage with the reasons why somebody who grew up in Britain and comes from a family that owns the most British of institutions, the chip shop, wants to blow themselves up on a London tube train. If Iraq, Guantanamo and Chechnya has nothing to do with the bombings, then it also happens to be purely coincidental that constant binge drinking has nothing to do with liver disease, or even an ability to stand still and not vomit at the end of a night; that people who develop lung cancer shouldn’t be too worried if they smoke; that global warning has absolutely nothing to do with the pollution the human race produces. It’s all self-evident really, we’re just all too stupid to see this. Still, never mind, we’ve always got the looming spectre of perfectly reasonable demonisation of clerics who were never planning to visit this country in the first place, plus persistent racism and xenophobia to reassure Muslims that we really value them as members of society. Coming soon in Private Eye: Kill a would-be Muslim suicide bomber and win a mini-metro. Or was that the Express? Now, where did I put my hoodie?
Oi! FRESHERS’! think you’ve got an
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Well come and share it then! New writers ALWAYS wanted: any opinion... any time... email us at:
opinion@gairrhydd.com
Interview
Page 10
September 5 2005
gairrhydd@cf.ac.uk
DRS WAITING ROOM
Student icon Karl Kennedy, aka Alan Fletcher, took time out during his recent summer tour of the UK to talk exclusively to gair rhydd about his new band and who he would choose between out of Sarah, Izzy or Susan. NEIGHBOURS FANATICS will realise that when cast member moves to Perth, or disappears with amnesia, it is more than likely they'll be here in the UK; doing panto or launching a pop career. Although Alan Fletcher, aka Dr Karl Kennedy, aka The Fletch, has appeared here in panto, he was also in the UK this summer launching his debut album with band Waiting Room. Thankfully for us students he hasn’t been gone long, and better still, by the time the good Docter is back in the UK for his forthcoming tour, things will have just have reached boiling point in his on screen love triangle. Could this be the ultimate student media interview? Q: On your recent tour with Waiting Room - how did you find the reaction from the crowd? The reaction was huge. We played to over 30,000 people in 15 gigs. Every venue was sold out with unmet demand. Jo Whiley at [Radio 1] got to hear about us and I went in for an interview and played a few songs. We were the talking point of her show for days. It seemed that most people were there to see Doctor Karl but left talking about Waiting Room, which was very gratifying. The great news is that we have booked to return for another 14 gigs starting in Glasgow on November 20th and playing all major UK cities including Cardiff, though sadly no Irish dates. Q: What you do guys get up to on an average gig? FUN! The emphasis of our gigs is to play music that all fans can relate to and sing along with as well as introducing audiences to our songs. After the gig Tommy, Chris and I get out and meet the fans for photos and autographs. Q: Your press has been fantastic hasn't it? The press has been fantastic and a lot of the credit for that goes to the fans that besieged radio stations with positive reviews of our show. Q: How have you found the differences between career paths in film, photography, television and now music? I see acting and music as allied fields. They are both about telling stories and creating characters. I have just completed a season of My Fair Lady playing Henry Higgins. Basically life is fantastic on a creative level. I play in the band on Monday nights, perform on Neighbours five days a week and work in the theatre 5 nights a week in one of the best musicals ever written. A
WAITING ROOM: Alan with band dream come true. Photography provided me with a completely different creative outlet, which I loved but I have put on hold at present. Q: What are the differences between your music and Karl Kennedy's? Karl's music is daggy, simplistic and treated as a bit of a joke on Ramsay Street. I play Rock n Roll and write songs about subjects that Karl doesn't
“The emphasis of our gigs is to play music our fans can all relate to”
Alan on his approach to live gigs
consider much! Q: Have you any particular ambition with the band? We intend to keep growing our music. We are writing all the time and expanding repertoire as well as exploring new styles. Our main focus is on live performance and we intend to be around for a while! Q: What’s happening with the album at the moment? The album sold very well on tour and continues to maintain good sales at
gigs and on the net. (You can listen to samples and buy the CD at the Waiting Room site! Sorry, had to get the plug in!). Next year we hope to have finalized a record deal and release a new CD. Q: In 1987 you were credited with a role in Neighbours as Greg Cooper. What was that about? I was hired to play Greg Cooper because there was a three-week break between the loss of one mechanic in Erinsborough, Ernie Bourne, and the arrival of the next, Nick Carrafa. This caused a problem because Kylie was the apprentice at the garage and an apprentice has to have a boss. So I came in for 3 weeks. I was asked to come back the following year to play the same character but opted to continue working in the theatre. Seven years later I returned as Dr Karl. Q: So your leave from Neighbours is only temporary? We were all on the edge of our seats when Karl had his heart attack! Have you any fixed date to return to the show, and where would you want to go with your character next? My break from Neighbours is very short: only a matter of weeks. Karl has a very interesting path ahead of him. He finalizes things with Izzy in a very dramatic way (!) and begins a long journey of trying to win
back Susan's affection and respect. No easy feat let me tell you! Q:How are your relationships with the cast now, particularly Jackie Woodburne, who you acted with previously in Cop Shop? All the cast remain good friends particularly Natalie Bassingthwaighte [Izzy] and Jackie [Susan].
“You’d kiss Sarah, have a party with Izzy and do both with Susan”
Alan on his favourite neighbours co star
Jackie and I have been close friends for almost 25 years and remains my favourite performer to play opposite. Q: Are you surprised that Neighbours has been so phenomenally successful with the university demographic in the UK? Initially, yes. However, I now see how the show can provide a relief from study because it incorporates a lot of humour in the scripts. I will never know exactly why Neighbours strikes such a chord with University students but I am very pleased it does! Q: Can you tell us any of the plans for the 20th anniversary shows
coming up in September? The 20th Anniversary episodes have aired in Australia so quite a few fans in the UK will know what's happened through the fan sites. Expect to see appearances from Joe Mangel, Annalise Hartmann, Phil Martin, Doug Willis, Lance Wilkinson to mention a few. Then there are the cameo appearances of over 17 past cast members! Karl has a big dramatic moment with Izzy around the same time. It was a fantastic time on the show and viewers are going to love seeing it in October in the UK. Q: So, Izzy, Sarah or Susan?? If you were looking for a girl to kiss you'd pick Sarah. If you were looking for a girl to party with you'd pick Izzy, and if you were looking for a woman to do everything with you'd pick Susan!!! ALAN FLETCHER is currently riding on a wave of huge success in theatre, television, and now music. His not-unnoticed plugs for the band reveal a shrewd businessman underneath all the showbiz, but with the current level of interest in the band even these are almost unnecessary. So, it’s cork-string hats at the ready for his forthcoming Cardiff gig this November, and make sure you keep your TV on Neighbours so as not too miss a moment of Fletchy goodness. Tour dates on: www.alanfletcher.net
Political Opinion
Septmber 5 2005
Page 11
politics@gairrhydd.com
They want YOU as a new recruit gair rhydd takes a look at what the student parties have to offer LABOUR By Kate Tildsley As the student wing of the Labour Party we're the place for all students who share Labour's values of democracy, equality, freedom and social justice. If you want to be part of Labour's
campaign for change and want to help shape the policies that will drive this governments forward, then the Labour Club is the place for you. From homelessness to the minimum wage, Labour Students has run campaigns which make the Government take note. This year will
be no exception as we will launch campaigns on a multitude of issues. We are proud of the fact that although we are on side with Labour, we aren’t always on message. Through discussion and debate, members of Labour Students help shape Labour’s Student policies.
CONSERVATIVES By Michael Wallbank
MOHINDRA: Campaigning hard
We’re on the up, it’s official. On a national level, we made big parlimentary gains in the general election, and our membership is increasing accross the UK. Here in Cardiff, we’ve also got
plenty of things to be positive about. Our members spent many hours delivering leaflets and knocking on doors to encourage local residents to vote for us. Many of our members also had the opportunity to appear on television
and radio programmes to support the cause. What we’re about, first and foremost, is giving our members the chance to try their hand at frontline politics. Sure, we’re not for everyone, but never before has the “Tory Boy” stereotype been less relevant.
people to get involved in politics and through a network of college branches, we meet regularly to discuss campaigns and events. We support the main Party’s aims to move towards self-government with a Welsh Parliament. We believe that this is the best way to create a
fairer society in Wales where a world class education and healthcare system is available to all. Much of our work centres on student issues and over the past few years we have campaigned tirelessly in order to ensure top-up fees will not be charged in Wales this year.
BLAIR: Listening to students
PLAID CYMRU By Dewi Morgan Lloyd The Party of Wales Students Federation, often known as ‘The Fed’ gives students in Universities or Colleges across Wales a voice. We actively encourage young
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
By Katie Leech
LIB DEMS: Chazza K
Cardiff Student Liberal Democrats have managed to balance successful campaigning and involvement in the local party, with loads of social events and sufficient nights in the pub!
We're a really active and vibrant society, with loads of our members working really hard on the successful 2005 general election campaign. There’s loads planned for the coming year, including our legendary pub crawls, quiz nights, and a trip to
PLAID: Fully Welsh
Westminster for some MP spotting. Whether its serious debate you’re after, the chance to meet politicians or simply like-minded people to have an arguement with over a pint at the local, Cardiff Student Lib Dems has plenty to offer.
SOCIALIST STUDENTS By Angelika Gounelas Socialist Students campaign for a free, fully funded education system through opposition of tuition fees the restoration of the grant system.
We believe education should be open to everyone, regardless of their background and in addition to this, students should not incur massive debt as a result of of attending university. Socialist Students aims to build and spread the ideas of socialism
among Cardiff students. Alongside this we debate socialist ideas with universities throughout the country. Socialist Students believe that Under socialism society can be democratically planned so the needs of all are met.
WILLOTT: Students choice
Do student parties still have a point? By Andrew Mickel Politics Editor
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tudent political parties certainly still have something of an image problem. Whether it’s the coal miner’s son with a socialist chip on his shoulder, or the Sloane Ranger who will openly admit a deep love for Thatcher, the clichés are wide and varied. Even when people are willing to set them aside, there is still a fundamental problem that few people believe in the wholesale political ideologies that the parties provide. And even if someone is willing to accept all of that, they don’t necessarily want to wear their beliefs on their sleeve. But despite all of these problems, membership for many student parties
ACTIVE: Socialist students make themselves heard continues to rise. So why have people been willing to join? Even if people don’t necessarily agree with everything that a party has
to offer, it still provides one of the easiest ways to get involved with politics. This was obvious at the General Election in May, where Cardiff Central
was one of the tightest marginals in the country. Students were important to all of the parties campaigns – every time you saw a candidate, they were flanked by their student party. Triumphant Lib Dem candidate Jenny Willott puts much of her success down to the student party. ‘They delivered shedloads of leaflets, they always turn out and knock on doors and that,’ she said after her massive victory, ‘we couldn’t have done anywhere near as well as we would without their help.’ The parties all claim that they offer a chance to mix with people with similar views. But what exactly are the parties positions now? Plaid Cymru and the Socialists aside, it is difficult to pinpoint what exactly the central ethos is that drives the three main parties. When people are not certain what
the Tories, Labour or the Lib Dems stand for, they are inevitably going to be put off joining. This is a problem that student parties have inherited from national politics, where people have become disinterested by the petty differences between the choices. But it is nevertheless something that they have to deal with. There is little point in avoiding the fact that there’s still inevitably going to be an image problem with student parties that they’re not going to be unable to change. On the other hand, if you are genuinely interested in what a party has to say, then there is little point in getting too hung up on what everyone else thinks – you name a student activity, and there is guaranteed to be a stereotype already attached to it. The question facing the student parties at
Taf-Od
Tud 12
5 Medi 2005
tafod@gairrhydd.com
'GWNEIR POB YMDRECH'
Llun gan: Will Dean
Mae Lois Dafyd d, Golyg yd d Taf-Od, yn r h oi cyng or am syt i gael y g or au o’chad dysg uwch trwy g yfrwng y Gymr aeg
Y Prif Adeilad - Dyma dechrau eich addysg uwch PWNC SYDD wedi cael sylw mawr ar dudalennau gair rhydd yw'r iaith Gymraeg, gyda'r Cymry Cymraeg yn cwyno na ddefnyddir digon ohoni gan brifysgol prifddinas Cymru, a'r di-Gymraeg yn dadlau bod gormodedd ohoni. Mae gan y brifysgol gynllun iaith sy'n nodi'n ddigon eglur bod 'cyfle cyfartal'
i'w weithredu. Gellir gweld y cynllun ar wefan y brifysgol, http://www.cf.ac.uk/cymraeg/welsh/studyCardiff/langPolicy.sht ml, ond hoffwn dynnu eich sylw at ambell bwynt penodol ar ddechrau'r flwyddyn academaidd newydd. Er mai Ysgol y Gymraeg yw'r unig adran sy'n dysgu trwy gyfrwng y
Gymraeg, mae gan bob myfyriwr yr hawl i gael tiwtor personol sy'n siarad Cymraeg. Hyd yn oed os nad oes aelod o'r adran honno'n medru'r iaith, 'gwneir pob ymdrech i ddefnyddio aelod priodol o staff Ysgol gysylltiedig' (7.3.1.). Mae gan bob myfyriwr hefyd yr hawl i ysgrifennu ei draethodau
asesedig yn Gymraeg, a sefyll ei arholiadau drwy gyfrwng yr iaith, gyda'r brifysgol yn darparu cyfieithydd. Felly gwnewch ymholiadau â'ch adran cyn gynted â phosibl - dyw pawb ddim yn ymwybodol bod hyn yn bosibl, ond mae gennych eich hawliau. Bydd gofyn i chi anfon cais ar ffurf llythyr cyn dyddiad arbennig er mwyn
sicrhau'r trefniant priodol. Bydd y cyfeiriad a'r dyddiad perthnasol yn rhifyn nesaf Taf-Od. Ifor Gruffydd sy'n rheoli Cynllun Iaith y brifysgol, ac os oes gennych unrhyw ymholiadau pellach, cysylltwch ag ef, naill ai ar 02920 874 792, neu trwy anfon e-bost at GruffyddI@caerdydd.ac.uk
MAES B - 'A OES HEDDWCH?'
Croeso i/Welcome To Taf - Od
Gan Lois Dafydd Golygydd Taf-Od
CROESO I GYFROL cyntaf Taf-Od o 2005/06. I’r rhai ohonoch a fu’n ddarllenwyr y flwyddyn diwethaf disgwyliwch Taf-Of i adeiladu ar waith y flwyddyn ddiwethaf. I’r rhai ohonoch sy’n newydd i’r papur, disgwyliwch lond het o erthyglau yn Gymraeg ar gyfer Cymry’r brifysgol. Eleni fe fydd Taf-Od ar ei newydd wedd, gyda chyfle i'r darllenydd gyfrannu at ei chynnwys. Yn ogystal â'r erthyglau arferol, gobeithiwn gadw mewn cysylltiad â gwahanol weithgareddau dros y flwyddyn a drefnir gan gymdeithasau sy'n gweithredu trwy'r Gymraeg. Bydd y dudalen hefyd yn cynnwys rhestr o ddigwyddiadau Cymraeg a fydd yn digwydd yr wythnos ganlynol, sef gigiau, dramâu a chyhoeddiadau newydd yn y byd llenyddol, ac rydym yn awyddus i gyhoeddi adolygiadau arnynt gan ein darllenwyr. Felly os hoffech ysgrifennu adolygiad ar gig, digwyddiad, drama, llyfr, neu gryno ddisg, ar yr amod eu bod yn Gymraeg, anfonwch ef atom ar tafod@gairrhydd.com; byddwn yn falch clywed gennych. Gwahoddwn chi hefyd i gysylltu â ni ynglyn â phynciau y teimlwch a ddylai gael sylw yn Taf-Od. Lois Dafydd, Golygydd 2005/06
MAE MAES B wedi bod yn denu ieuenctid Cymru ers y 1960au, ac nid oedd eleni'n eithriad. Dywedodd Hywel Wyn Edwards, Trefnydd yr Eisteddfod yn y Gogledd, fod 'Maes B yn Eisteddfod Eryri a'r Cyffiniau wedi bod yn llwyddiannus iawn ac na welwyd ddim tebyg cynt.' Talodd y trefnwyr yn ddrud o ganlyniad i absenoldeb pabell Maes B o'r maes ieuenctid y llynedd gyda'r cynulleidfaoedd yn troi at gigiau Cymdeithas yr Iaith, ac felly caed trefn newydd eleni. O'r dydd Mercher ymlaen roedd gofyn i bob gwersyllwr dalu £10 y diwrnod - £40 ar y dydd Mercher, £30 ar y dydd Iau ayyb - a oedd yn cynnwys mynediad i'r gigiau ac i'r prif faes am ddim, gyda threfn
ad-dalu os nad oeddech yn aros tan y nos Sadwrn. Bu rhai'n cwyno eu bod wedi methu cael eu harian nôl, felly doedd y drefn hon ddim wrth fodd pawb. Dywedodd Ceri Isfryn ar raglen radio Taro'r Post, 'Doeddwn i ddim yn deall pam oedd rhaid i ni brynu tocyn ar gyfer y nos Wener a'r nos Sadwrn yn y lle cyntaf, a dwi'n meddwl ei bod hi'n biti bod y fath anhrefn'. Ond profodd y drefn yn llwyddiant ar y cyfan, fel y gallai unrhyw un a oedd yno ar y dydd Iau dystio. Roedd hi fel petai ieuenctid Cymru gyfan wedi cyrraedd Stad y Faenol yr un pryd - doedd dim digon o freichledau mynediad i bawb, ac erbyn y nos roedd hi'n amhosibl cael mynediad i babell fwyd y Gorlan. Yn ôl Gwenno Dafydd, cyn-fyfyrwraig Eidaleg yn y brifysgol ac un o
weithwyr y Gorlan, 'bois, o'dd hi'n wyllt 'na!' Cynhaliodd Cymdeithas yr Iaith ei gigiau ei hun eleni eto, yng Nghlwb Amser, Bangor, a Chlwb Cofi Roc, Caernarfon, felly roedd cyfyng-gyngor yn wynebu'r gwersyllwyr. Yn ôl Ceren Roberts, myfyrwraig Troseddeg yn y brifysgol, 'roedd line-up Maes B yn dda iawn', ond fel nifer o'i chyfoedion, roedd rhai o gyngherddau Cymdeithas yr Iaith yn mynd â'i bryd, a olygai gwario £7 ychwanegol. Teimlai bod '£10 y noson braidd yn ddrud yn enwedig gan fy mod i wedi mynd i gigiau Cymdeithas yr Iaith hefyd'. Er gwaetha hyn, cafwyd wythnos i'w chofio eleni eto, a dywedodd Ceren, 'roedd o'n lot gwell cael Maes B yn ôl yn ymyl y maes ieuenctid ac roedd y Gorlan yn briliant eto eleni!'
WELCOME TO the first edition of Taf-Od for 2005/06. To those who have been avid readers in the past you can expect Taf-od to build on the work of former Edtiors and contributors. To those of you who are new to the paper, expect a page packed full of articles in Welsh for the Welsh. This year Taf-Od, in its new guise, will give you the reader more opportunities to contribute to the section. We hope to extend the scope of the section beyond the usual articles to include correspondance on the activities of the various societies that work using the Welsh language. We hope also to be able to bring you regular listings and reviews of events happening in Welsh incluing gigs and the arts. We hope that you our readers will send in reviews of the latest in Welsh language music, drama and literature. If you wish to contribute reviews on Welsh language CDs, gigs, books drama or events, simply email them in to: tafod@gairrhydd.com; we look forward to hearing from you. Should you wish to express your views on the content we publish on Taf-Od or issues you’d like to see on this page please contact us. Lois Dafydd, Editor 2005/06
Letters
September 5 2005
Page 13
letters@gairrhydd.com
The gair rhydd letters page Hey freshers, welcome to the Letters Page. Well done for getting this far in the paper. I don’t blame you for flicking through the rest as most of the entertainment is found this page. The Letters Page is where you can air your opinions on the things happening all around you in student land, to the entire student population. Feel free to talk about anything that’s bugging you about student life. The toaster might be broken, your flatmate might not be pulling their weight with the washing up, or you’re just missing the comfy sofa at home. Whatever it is, write or text in anything of interest or importance to anyone. Have fun and don’t drink yourselves silly before lectures begin. Menon x.
I Blame Students I AM WRITING in response to your articles in the final gair rhydd of last semester. The article which focused on the apparent lack of security, specifically at Cardiff University Hall where I am currently a student warden placed the blame for security lapses averywhere except on the residents of those halls, the students themselves. Although I agree whole-heartedly about the security problems that you encountered during your visit to this halls of residence, I feel that these problems must be clarified by someone who has to encounter, report, and deal with them nearly every day. The reason why anyone can walk off the street and wonder around University Hall is not because there are no security measures in place, but is because these measures are ignored and abused by the same people that they were put in to place to protect. When I am on duty at University Hall I spend the vast majority of my time wandering around the site taking flat doors off the latch and closing ground floor windows that certain students leave open with valuable electronic equipment clearly on display. In fact I regularly get abused, get moaned at and called a busy-body for walking around site checking that doors are locked. In your report you highlighted that locks were broken. I think one has to ask how and why the locks
were broken. I have witnessed and subsequently fined students who have abused and broken locks when drunk. These are not the only acts of vandalism that regularly occur. I believe that the similar abuse of fire extinguishing equipment in halls is of great worry. I have witnessed students removing and discharging fire extinguishers, indeed one kind person thought that it would be hilarious to discharge one into my face. The removal of fire fighting equipment is not only highly dangerous, selfish and idiotic but is a criminal offence, a point that is written above all extinguishers at University Hall, yet this is still a frequent problem, at this hall at least. The previous example should (I hope) illustrate that some students who reside at University act in a very wreckless and selfish manner that affects many other students safety, security and well-being. To my knowledge there have been two burglaries in the Birchwood block at University Hall. Both of these incidents would not have occurred if the students who were involved had locked their doors and (in one of the incidents closed windows) when they left their rooms. I heard first hand the excuses why both students failed to lock and secure their rooms. Both students only left their room for a moment, as you quoted, 'to go to the toilet,' yet this illustrates their lack of awareness and vigilance. I feel that it is unfair to state that
Cardiff University security is flawed in any way. I know that all of the Campus Patrol Officers dillegently carry out their duties and regularily patrol residence and Campus sites. I hope that my insight into the problems at University Hall has made it clear that to improve student security and safety, students will have to become more responsible, less selfish and more aware of how their actions may affect others around them (Shock Horror). There are only so many fines and advice that one can give out. In your report why photograph someone leaning into a students window? Is it securities fault for not closing a students window. You also quote 'I have to lock my door even when I leave my room for 4-5 minutes.' Why not leave it open and let someone walk in an steal your posessions then? The majority of burgulars are opportunistic, students need to be aware of this and not think that just because security is on site that there will be no burgularies. What next, maybe ask security to wipe your arse? There is a need for students to stop acting like immature school children and actually become the adults that they are supposed to be. Indeed, how many of them gain places into Higher Education I shall never know. Disgruntled University Hall student warden.
Here we go again So, freshers week is finally upon us, again. As a soon to be doomed third year student I felt compelled to write in and urge every freshman student to please, please, please take full advantage of this most precious of times. My own freshmen year passed so fast that it hardly seemed fair. No sooner had I moved into halls than I was out of them again, into the semi real world. Although my housemates and I swore every year would be just like re-visiting our first, it has never been quite the same since our initial
letter of the week AS THE recent events in London have proved, we as a citizens of this country are living in unique times, times of uncertainty for all. However, one thing that is certain is that Islam, a way of life for the 2 million Muslims in the UK, cannot be labelled the cause in the killing of innocent people. History has shown that religion is often the card played in the persecution and oppression of innocent nations and people and unfortunately modern times have not proved to be different. The religious and ethnic communities of the UK enjoy civil freedoms that allow them to freely practise their religion or culture in the absence of political or social restraints despite the stigma that may be attached. This freedom upon which progressive and successful societies are built, and what Islam is founded on, is not merely a luxury but an essential human right. Cardiff is itself home to one of the
oldest Muslim migrant populations and the fruits of the first and second generations have now started to show and such individuals are now activley contributing to British society. Students around campus are an even more heterogeneous demographic. In the future, as these individuals move to take their respective positions in society, we hope that the tolerance and understanding, which is exemplary on campus, can be employed to highlight the many benefits of a truly global community and be the basis for solving conflicts and confrontations. Issues such as racism, intolerance and injustice are not new concepts and are often embedded in feelings of insecurity and ignorance. Is it right that one can label a section of society based on the actions of an unknown minority who do not act with the majority in both action and justification? Such groups are as foreign to wider society as they are to us and all other devout Muslims around the world.
We aim to provide the opportunity for people to learn more about Islam, and clarify any misconceptions they may have. We feel that our organisation is paramount in helping to end the cycle of hatred fuelled by ignorance. Events such as Islamic Awareness week can only further this process as well as aiding the spiritual needs of Muslims students. Cardiff University itself is moving into a new era with the opening of the new Centre for Islamic study in Britain this year. Islam is a religion of peace and Muslims are ordered to act justly and respect the sanctity of life, as is stated in the Holy Quran. We abhor the attacks of this July and call upon all to ensure that the safety of all students including our members is maintained. We express our deepest condolences to all those who have been affected by this tragedy. Cardiff University Islamic Society
baptism of Cardiff fire. I’ve never had so much to do in such a short time with so many new people, so to speak, and we all loved every second of it. Go out there and get involved, it really will be the shortest year of your life, don’t waste a second or you’ll regret it for longer than you think. My housemates and I will, once agin, be trying to get the same buzz as we did the first time around this year, however it seems unlikely we will succeed in our quest. Although our time may be, metaphorically, up. I will now feel a lot better as I gaze wistfully around Solus during the next few weeks playing the games that non freshers play. Freshers’ week? game on I say! Third year lads still searching for freshmen memories.
Housing sucks Has anyone else noticed how much more rubbish renting a student house is when compared to living in halls? There was a lot written about the Residences and Catering Department of the University last year, but it’s only just hit me what an amazing job they do. Having moved out of Talybont and into the student village that is Cathays, I can safely say that it sucks. Letting agents are all the same, money grabbing sharks. Blame it on the landlord, blame it on the student tennants, but woe betide talking any responsibility for anything on your shoulders. After turning up on the doorstep of said rented housing establishment on the 1st day of my intended summer tenancy, I was confronted with little more than a building site. Apparently no-one had thought to tell the builders that this job was a touch more ‘time sensitive’ than their other work due to my imminent arrival. With no water or gas or electricity or floor or windows, the statement ‘your house will be ready for you on the 1st’ seemed to be a little far off the mark. The thrust of my moan is this,
although the Residences division has a pretty difficult job pleasing fussy spoilt brat students, they do a damn fine job. Given the my time again i’d move straight back into halls, right now. Ensuite facilities you say? already furnished? warm and inviting? sign me up! Whilst things are slowly getting better with my new rented accomodation, which will be ready 2 months later than stated, it has been brought home with alarming speed just how different life outside halls can be. Although most students have a moan about some aspect of their alloted room space, it will be interesting to hear what they have to say when out in the big wide world in twelve months time. In conclusion, halls are ace, renting is not. Are there any spare flats knocking about in Talybont per-chance? Second year girls and boys who are now most definately taking less for granted.
Fancy a moan about student life? Well, where better than in Cardiff’s official student paper. Send you gripes to the email address below. It’s good to talk so let the student masses know what your thinking! We will endeavour to print anything that we think is worthwhile, but please remember that we do have space restrictions and some standards of decency. Please also note that the views expressed in these letters are not necesserily the views of Letters Desk or gair rhydd.
letters@gairrhydd.com If there are any corrections or clarifications we should be aware of, please let us know.
text: 07791 165 837 You can now send pictures to the gair rhydd. Same number and everything. Why does Pete have so many empty bottles of alcohol in his office? Bring on freshers’ week. Now i’m finally allowed back within 20 ft of Solus.
Mmmmmm Bisto. Whats the first aid proceedure for a jam tart in the eye? Hall of shame. Shamefully shame some of your firends. Moving house is weak. very weak, unless you’ve got a roof terrace!!
3am pay per view WWF Summer Slam scandle.
Cheeky cheeky cheeky Vimto.
Mmmmmm coffee.
Tidy.
Science & Environment
Page 14
September 5 2005
science@gairrhydd.com
GLOBAL WARNING As Climate Change hits the headlines, Science explores the real dangers By Ceri Morgan
Science & Environment Editor A GLACIER in Greenland is melting very rapidly and sliding into the sea, according to top scientists. “This is a dramatic discovery” says Glaciologist Gordon Hamilton from the University of Maine. The Kanderdlugssuaq Glacier takes ice from the Greenland Ice Sheet to the ocean and discharges icebregs which contribute to an increase in sea level. “Any change in the speed of the glacier would be very significant to sea level rise” said Hamilton, on behalf of Greenpeace. Researchers on board the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise measured the flow of the glacier into the sea at 1.6 metres an hour, which works out at nearly 14 kilometres per year. This is nearly three times faster than when the flow was last measured in 1988, when the glacier was advancing at just 5 kilometres per year. Glaciologists are also worried by the change because the glacier is getting thinner too. This combination of increased speed and decreased thinkness could have potentially disasterous consequences for global sea levels.
“The Arctic could disappear within 100 years” This information suggests that ice at the bottom of the glacier has melted and is lubricating the rock beneath, thus speeding up the glacier.
ICE CAP: Slightly too big to chill your vodka and coke The huge ice sheet that occupies most of Greenland holds enough ice to raise sea levels by 7 metres which would put much of South East England under water. “Greenland’s shrinking glaciers are sending an urgent warning to the world that action is needed now to stop climate change,” says Martina Kreuger, the leader of the Greenpeace expediton. “How many more urgent warnings does the Bush Administration need
before it takes meaningful action on climate change?” More is known about Global Warming than ever before thanks to the efforts of leading scientists studying icebergs and glaciers at both the North and South Poles. The Arctic is warming at double the rate of the rest of the planet, and within the next 100 years the ice cover may have completely disappeared in the summer and species such as polar bears will be severely threatened.
However, a rise in sea level is not the only negative effect of climate change that scientists predict for the UK. Climate researchers predict that our climate will become warmer, with higher temperatures in the summer and milder winters. Rainfall could increase dramatically in the winter months too. Higher average global temperatures mean that diseases or their carriers may be able to move areas which were previously too cold for them to survive.
However the possible effects of climate change wouldn’t just be restricted to humans. If climate change occurs very quickly, some species may not be able to move or adapt fast enough, and as a result may die out. So if global warming is a real possibility, is there anything we can do to prepare ourselves? Yes, according to researchers at the BBC Weather Centre. Buildings in the South-East of England should be built to a sturdier design, such as those in the Highlands of Scotland. These houses could withstand heavy rain and very strong winds on a regular basis. Researches conceed however that this would be pointless if Kent end up being submerged. Some people also believe that climate change could bring many benefits to the UK. Our lifestyles could change dramatically in the summer, with consistently warmer days. There could be changes in employment patterns too, with the tourist industry expecting to boom as a result of searing temperatures in the Mediterranean, forcing holiday makers to travel to the more pleasant climate of the UK during the summer months. So will the pros outweigh the cons? Something dramatic is definitely happening to our global climate, and it seems only time will tell if we can adapt to those changes before we are forced to by the environment around us..
Got an interest in science? E: science@gairrhydd.com
Science in brief Pringle Space
SCIENTISTS IN California have come up with the revolutionary idea that space is shaped like a pringle. Apparently this is the best explanation for life, the universe and everything. However more advanced methods of investigation and more dips are needed so, we may not know the truth for some time.
Hello Boys EROTIC IMAGES can stop us registering things we see immediately afterwards. This effect, as discovered by scientists in Nashville, will fuel calls by road safety campaigners to ban sexy, though distracting, billboard campaigns, such as the highly publicised Wonderbra adverts. Road safety experts believe that traffic accident rates among males could be significantly reduced.
Fact of the Week If a Brachiopod (small sea creature) was the same size as a man, it’s penis would be 16 metres long.
Fat fighters FALSE MEMORIES of unpleasant experiences with unhealthy food could be used to treat obesity. Preliminary trials in America used the memory of being sick after eating ice cream to put patients off deserts.
Uber Casio 10 QUADRILLION calculations could be carried out every second by a new supercomputer. To be built in Japan, it is expected that students will not be allowed to take it with them into exams..
SHUTTLE: Part of new Easyjet fleet
Houston, we have another problem By Fifi Williams
Science & Environment Reporter ON TUESDAY August 9 2005, NASA Space Shuttle Discovery returned safely to earth. “It’s absolutely fantastic to be back on the planet,” said Discovery’s commanderEileen Collins at a post landing press conference last Tuesday. She added that the crew had experienced mixed feelings after the landing, as their thoughts and prayers went out to the families who had lost loved ones in the recent Columbia disaster.
Nasa ground crew cheered as Commander Collins made a perfect landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The mission was due to end in Florida, but was moved to the West Coast due too bad weather. Despite this, officials were keen to land the shuttle, as the crew had begun to run low on rationst. The shuttle’s ability to remove Carbon Dioxide from the living quarters was also due to run out within 48 hours. These were the final setbacks in a
string of incidents since take-off. The mission began ominously when a piece of foam broke off Discovery’s external fuel tank. As a result, NASA has grounded it’s fleet until the problem has been fully investigated. NASA has continued to defend the shuttle program, with Flight Director LeRoy Cain simply stating, “This is a difficult and risky endeavour....if it was easy then everyone would be doing this.” NASA will now spend $1million returning the shuttle to Florida.
Health
September 5 2005
Page 15
health@gairrhydd.com
GETTING AWAY WITH IT gair rhydd’s resident health experts investigate how to have a good night out, keep safe and minimise the hangover the morning after.
By Vanessa Roche Health Editor
A
s a breed, students, particularly freshers, seem to be overly vulnerable to the lure of alcohol. Whilst we want to go out, have fun and look fantastic doing it, we can sometimes feel insecure away from our home environments, and heading out to a club with people that we do not know all that well can make some of us feel that we need a little 'boost'. Whilst drinking to create that warm, happy glow is not wrong, you must be careful to ensure that you stay in control of (most of) your faculties, because remembering what you got up to the morning after the night before could cause your self-confidence to dip lower still. More than a million people aged 1824 regularly drink to get drunk, but they may be putting themselves in serious danger. So, what is the 'safe' limit? Although some might argue that no amount of alcohol is good for you, it is best to listen to what your body is telling you. Officially, it is generally believed that alcohol is safe to drink at levels of up to 2-3 units per day for women, and 34 if you are a man. This is because
women have consistently higher blood alcohol levels for the same amount ingested because of their lower body water content. A unit is the equivalent of half a pint of 3.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) of beer, lager or cider. It is also equivalent to a 25ml shot of spirits of 40% ABV, or a small glass of wine at 9% ABV. Whilst this does not seem like a lot, the results of excessive drinking can be quite severe. After sustained, long term binge drinking, the liver can become fatty, stomach ulcers may form, your oesophagus can bleed profusely and, as if this isn’t enough, the risk of heart disease and some cancers increases and you may find your waistline expanding from the calories. You also put yourself at risk from pancreatitis one in ten cases is fatal and all are painful. In the short term, your night out could be ruined by the following: headache, blurred vision, giddiness, poor concentration, tendency towards aggression, poor co-ordination, vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration. To combat the above, try alternating each alcoholic drink with a glass of water. You'll save money and feel better in the morning - result! Now for one last serious bit: Please, please be careful. Accidents can, and
HEALTH’S TOP TIPS By Sophie Mills Health Correspondant
NIGHT BEFORE Never drink on an empty stomach, always line it before going out - if you find you’re out of food, at least neck a pint of milk.
1
2
BEER: Make sure you’re not stuck buying a round like this. do, happen. Be especially careful when outside clubs, etc., particularly when near roads. Alcohol can make you feel reckless and immortal, but in reality, it impairs your movements and judgment to the point that if you found you needed to react quickly to avoid an accident you might find it very hard to do so and could end up injured, or worse.
I know that many of you will have heard all this before and most of it sounds a bit heavy, but its true. Just remember, enjoy your alcohol, throwing up in your bed with a pounding headache is not fun. Drink in moderation, pace yourself and your body, wallet and flatmates will all thank you in the morning!
TAKING CONES & USING LOANS
Laura Murphy looks at the role student loans play in the excessive drinking habits of students, traffic cones beware.
By Laura Murphy Health Correspondant IT'S THAT time of year again - the student loan is burning a large hole in many a fresher’s pocket and in more than a few cases a large chunk of your new-found and much-appreciated cash will end up lining the tills of some of the finest drinking establishments Cardiff has to offer.
CONES: For the love of God, why?
Whether you are returning to Cardiff or making your first exploratory trips to the many pubs, bars, clubs and nightspots the city has to offer, it seems pretty clear that many drunken adventures will be had over the infamous fresher's fortnight (many of which, for some reason, will involve shopping trolleys, traffic cones, both of the above, or any other easily accessible road maintenance equipment). However, the combination of more money than you can shake a vodka and coke at with the drink offers that are inevitably rolled out across the cities’ drinking establishments at this time of the year, is bound to take their toll. Approximately 50,000 teenagers, many of them students, are admitted to hospital accident and emergency departments across the country every year with acute alcohol intoxication, otherwise known as alcohol poisoning. There comes a point where you are no longer merely in danger of having a prolonged conversation with God on the big porcelain telephone but could actually be in danger of causing yourself major, often lasting, damage. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning are similar in type to what many people experience when they've had a ‘bit too much’ to drink, and have crossed their limit and include; collapsing,
Stick to vodka, not as silly as it sounds. It is the purest form of alcohol and is the cleanest in your body. A hangover is not just caused by dehydration, they are also caused by the impurities found in your drinks of choice. If you drink sugary drinks or large quantities of wine (which contain fruit acids similar to sugar) you will be coming down from a sugar high which will do nothing to improve your hangover mood.
passing out, vomiting or having vomited, breathing slowly or, most unpleasantly, wetting themselves. However, if you find any of your drinking partners are hard to wake up, have cold or clammy skin, dilated pupils, slow or laboured breathing with 8 seconds or more between breaths, it's a good idea to err on the side of caution and either locate club security (if still out on the town) or take matters into your own hands and
call for an ambulance. It's also very important not to leave anyone in the above state alone or unattended until help arrives and to ensure their airway is kept clear in case of vomiting. Ultimately, if someone appears to be suffering, it won't hurt to get them checked out as there is a pretty good chance you’ve all still got a week of these antics ahead of you and to drop out on day one is poor form.
If you drink spirits and mixers it is a good idea when buying your round to order a glass of water at the same time. You will probably find you can down it before you have even left the bar.
3
Eat before bed, the student favorite of toast applies here. Soaking up the excess liquid in your stomach will ease the sick feeling in the morning. Remember also to down a pint of water before you pass out and have a reserve next to your bed for morning thirst quenching.
4
MORNING AFTER Don't reach for the coffee pot. Tempting though this may be to get through morning lectures, coffee is very harsh on the liver and should not be drunk first thing in the morning. Instead stick to mineral water or fruit juices.
1
Avoid the often overwelming temptation of a fry-up. Greasy food is hard for your body to digest, especially in an alcohol ravaged digestive system. Stick to fruit, especially potassiumladen bananas, and bio yoghurt until at least lunch time to give your body time to recover.
2
Invest in some re-hydrating salts. There are many brands available from your local pharmacy. These come in sachet form and help replace all the salts and sugars that water alone cannot provide.
3
BANANAS: Not quite the same as a fry up.
The A to Z of Freshers’
Page 15
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gairrhydd@gairrhydd.com
F R E S H E R S ’ W E E K , F A C T O R F I C T I O N , M Y T H O R R E A L IT Y ?
a
B
Is for… ASBO’s
The Governmen t is clamping down on the an ti-social behaviour of students . Freshers’ week has a reputation of being a touch out of control so make sure things don’t get too out of hand and remember tho se around you. See you in cour t, bucko! See Also: farts, lighting of.
h
t Friends Is for… Bes will be of ten these t ou es tim
Nine ter one usemates, af your new ho session g in nd bo led alcohol ridd th like bo u scover yo where you di r, the be em m re s ay ision Nir vana. Alw iv D s ce Residen . University te fa t gether – no brought you to iously. on m re ce un hed, See Also: ditc
gap years Not everyone is fresh from w. kno you vels and a-le Wilder See also: Party Liason, Van
R
Is for… Indecent exposure
hers’ For some bizzare reason, fres le to peop pell com to s seem k wee gave god t wha ld ‘show the wor got to them.’ The advice here has in the be, keep the mouse firmly be big house, its not clever and wont zing free the in ide outs 3am at er eith
during this A most over-used phrase get up to, you er atev Wh r. time of yea ms to leave freshers week always see retting the someone somewhere reg nt lying to poi no is re night before. The k is to get tric the , ugh tho f rsel you p riding, so back on the horse and kee at it in no to speak. You’ll be back time. t pints of See also: Oranjeboom, eigh
Is for… Relatio nship
O
Student champagn e, available in single cans of gre y metal, or as a pack of four cans of grey metal. Thanks to us stude nts, the Eastern Bloc producers of this fine lager can continue the ir unprecedented revolution. See also: cheap, wh atever is
S
That special some one you swore ete rnal faithfulness and love for upon lea ving them in (Inse rt hometown here), Wherever-shire, fir mly setting ou t to prove that "long distance relation ships can, and do wo rk". Often thing s don’t quite go accordi ng to plan in fre shers’ week. Might be be st to not make pro mises eh? See Also: bagg age, excess; mo bile, switched off; regret , constant and lifelo ng
w
D
Is for… Degree
much about this Don’t worry too more fun to had initially as there is e theatre than tur lec outside the case McDonald’s inside, in any sy. aren’t fus spects, limited See Also: career pro
Is for… STI B ingo
This might soun d funny but m any students each year unwi tting find them selves playing this dangerous game during th eir first few weeks. It’s worth remembering th at although "Fresher" means "new" it doesn’ t necessarily mean "clea n". The old "I was drunk" excuse can wi n your housem ates over, but your immune sy stem won’t listen to any of your excuses. Yo u don’t get a pr ize for a full house in this ga me, you get a fa il and a one way trip to hosp ital. See also: GUM clinic, taxi to
Is for… W ard
ens The Warde ns that patr ol your hall dences are s of resiyour friend s, not your Just becaus enemies. e you were stopped tryi throw your ng to toaster of Taylybont f the roof North into of your hous mouth, it do emates esn’t mean he works fo system", it r "the means you wer imbecile. T hese folks ca e acting like an n also help with a spar you out e key when you’re lock so don’t ge ed out, t on their w ro ng side, capi See also: che? sorts out your studen because yo t loan u filled in th e applicatio with a cray n form on, guy who
x
nt reign Stude vier, The Fo e is a strong a X r… fo Is obe, ther
xenoph ner in Don’t be a ith a foreig be living w ll in this l al re u’ chance you’ yo Remember in everything your halls. e everyone lv r vo in so ay from thei aw together e ar ign students it’s a re as Fo d . an do , u es yo us t just their ho slack may countries, no time a little l fu ss re st particularly ay. go a long w holidays too meland, free See also: ho
T
Is for… Trophy
G
ere are a ir to say that th It’s certainly fa r you to fo s ie et ci of so large selection d sports an s ie al societ join at the annu ake sure M ll. ha at re G e fayres held in th u may yo or nt you wa Big you know what he ‘T g one called end up joinin rns out tu ly al tu ac h ic Rod’ society, wh e. club, the sham to be a fishing rite for w e m co d, yd rh See Also: gair
Is for… Junk food
Student nutrition, or lack of it, has long been the subject of much debate. Although the classi c remains toast, invariably each year bring a fresh batch of ‘good ideas’ such as the noodle sandwich. Try and eat at least something healthy every now and then, or you’ll end up getting scurvy wh ich is much more rubbish than the occ asional apple. See also: poodle, pas s me a
P
Is for…Politic s During your tim e as a student , you will develop an undeniable abili ty to express valid political opinio ns on potential hot po tatoes such as: George Bush is a bad m an and Karl M arx had a beard. See also: seen Fahrenheit 9/11 and therefore know everything ther e is to know about th e US Governm ent, I have
ect that you Briefly, this is the obj front room, r you wake up to find in er a night out, aft m roo bed or n kitche kling you insist -tic rib tely that’s so absolu ut abo it for the next on telling everybody phies can include Tro . eks we fifty-two t favourite; The den the perennial stu supermarket trolley. Traffic Cone or the lude conifers in the inc Other favourites hallway and poo on kitchen, sofa in the p the doorste aking and See also: entering, bre
Y
F
Is for… Fayres
J
I t m i g h t s e e m a s t ho ug h e ve r yo ne a nd t he i r fat he r h a s a s t o r y a b o u t t he i r Fre s he rs ’ We e k , s o w hat should you believe? To dispell the rumours once and for all, gair rhydd presents the only A to Z of freshers, tick them off as you go.
Is for… Oranjebo om
Is for… Never again
E
Is for… Expectations
Just because Randy Roger RumSmuggler in room 1 has toasted his biscuit more times tha n a particularly gregarious Peter Stringf ellow, or Sally Slagwagon has chomped more bone than when Lassie meet the cast of Funnybones, for this wee k at least, try and hold onto your morals as the effects could haunt you for lon ger than a week. See Also: social suicide , teetotallers are committing
Welcome to Cardiff!
cold. hadn’t See also: done that, I wish I
N
nts Is for… Mature Stude
Key landmark in the weekly student event calender. Sure to be no different during freshers’ we ek, Come Play will rob you of you r Sunday mornings as well as large portions of your precious student loa ns. Students love to Come and Play, and Come Play loves them right bac k. See Also: debauched , very.
I
Is for… Hairc ut
Again, not on e too dwell on as, come Christmas ther e’ll almost certa inly be a staggering bear ded man with a sack and long hair arriv ing at your pa rents house, only this time it won’t be Sa nta. Many hairdressers in Cardiff offer di scounts if a trainee cuts your hair, so fo r a reasonable price, yo u can get butc hered like never before. See Also: sciss ors, nail
M
C
Is for… Come Play
U
Is for… Young
Is for… Univeristy Hall
AKA The Final Fro ntier. The halls of residence on the out skirts of town, rest assured if you don’t liv e here in the first year, this mythical palace of concrete delights will forever remain an enigma right up until you lea ve. For those of you who do live here in the first year… at least you get your own bar. See also: tower block, penthouse in the
It’s important to remember that just because you’ve got a piece of whit e card with NUS on to waggle about, you are still only eighteen and therefore goin g to get ID-ed when buying White Ligh tning. You will also get stereotyped by every non-student as a drunken layabout prat. Its important to remember that students are tarred with a collective brush See also: public, student-hating
K Q
ns Is for… Kitche cialising and, obvifor so
The main area risingly erefore, unsurp ously, eating th se conou areas for inter-h one of the main go, its rd wo e th m tip fro flict. Usually a ess as m e th of stay on top worth trying to ur house yo of all t no ce there is a chan ing in squalor. will be happy liv has ouldy, the bread m See also: gone
Is for... gair rhydd Forgive us for tooting our own horn, but, beep beep. The gair rhydd is every students one stop shop for news, sport, compet itions, health, jobs, media, listings, TV politics and essential lecture fodder such as crosswords and su-dokus. Pic k up the new copy every Monday aro und campus and stay up to date. See also: Late nights, many, many
L
Is for… Live Music
A proper treat for all of you who come from ‘the sticks’ as it were, being in a city has some advantages you know. The Union has a large lineup of live acts and most national tours, for bands who won’t sell out the millenium stadium, call into the Great Hall. Keep your eyes peeled for the Cardiff union Ents posters, after all, your a student now and live music is your life. See also: air guitar, pass me my
Cecilia h Quentin/ Is for… ool student wit Sch who
Public dancies cial ten chen homo-so e off-kit th t e g to s not d e r’ g e mana ite fath halls desp room in e. ntial brib unsubsta , Euan ir la B : o See als
V
Is for… Virginity
you’re one of the Or the losing of. If yet sold your souls t en’ hav lucky few who hery and high jinx, to a lifetime of debauc ggle not to begins stru g lon r yea then your ate freaks may per des now. Slobbering, Eden level of tempoffer you a Garden of r guns and you’ll you to k tation, but stic get through. cant even See also: stand up, you
Z
Is for… Z ip
py From One of m Rainbow any rubbis h figures ies televis from eigh ion shows tthat you w during alco ill discuss hol-riddle d bonding Others in sessions. clude Bag puss, Th Ness, Kn e Family ightmare. If you th bad, wait ink this is till neighb ours comes See also: on. Hawkes, C hesney
Media
September 5 2005
Page 19
media@gairrhydd.com
TOO MUCH NEWS? Media desk asks, are modern 24hr news channels sacrificing their integrity to bring viewers more sensationalist coverage?
By Heather Casey Media Editor ALL EYES have been on Great Britain this summer. The events of the London Bombings on July 7 2005 and attempt to repeat the attack a week later inevitably drew cameras and news reporters from all over the globe. Add in the announcement of a successful Olympic bid for 2012 and the coverage of the G8 summit, the country, the identity of its people and its political beliefs has been spread accross the world. News of the bombings from BBC, ITV and Sky, followed the same insatiable hunger for 'breaking news', the 'real' story and eye witness accounts. Each station managed to dig up 'security experts’ to guess who was responsible for the atrocities. In addition they all appealed for phone pictures and video footage from those involved. Perhaps argued ligimate practise for cutting news, keeping audiences up to date. On the other hand with Sir Ian Blair, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner specifically asking the media not to speculate early on and with stations showing a loop of footage of the "walking wounded", it could be argued that the media merley covered the panic of the event, rather than the actual happenings? The reason for the critique of the reporting of the London bombings comes not as cheap shot at Politics, a who and what is to blame. It comes after discovering a survivors account on an e-zine, Urban 75, highlighting the reality of 'getting the story'. The London based website described as a "strictly non-profit, no banners, no tie ins, no ads" features an
MEDIA: Not always looking at the wider picture account from passenger recalling the media at the time who "Shoved their mikes and cameras in the faces of those who were shell shocked or more injured". The web diary reveals a honest account, however subjective, of the thoughts of someone actually involved in the blasts. The Kings cross survivor also comments how insensitive it was for the media to want survivors stories, " The bloody mail on Sunday and metro
BEST OF WELSH THIS MONTH sees the continued celebrations of the ITV networks’ fiftieth anniversary, with Welsh broadcasting being remembered at the Chapter Arts Centre, Canton. The channel provides nine and a half hours a week of programming for viewers in Wales. With a programme featuring the networks best comedy, film and drama from across the years, Chapter Arts Centre is the Welsh partner in the celebrations which are being held nation wide. Although ITV Wales is only 47 years old, the transformation from TWW to HTV and finally ITV Wales once taken over by Carlton, means the channel has reached a half century being an independent. In addition to the ITV network programmes, screenings of significant Welsh broadcasting moments will be
relived. One highlight is Oscar winning film "Dylan Thomas" which was awarded a gong in 1962. Elis Owen, Controller of ITV Wales commented "we want to show people the extent of our archive here in Wales as it's a part of Welsh heritage. We also want to celebrate the fact that we are still making programmes today" S4C (Sianel Pedar Cymru), the fourth Channel on Welsh Analogue television has predominately been associated with Welsh broadcasting history until now. It will celebrate its twenty -third year of independent broadcasting this year. Owned by the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority, the channel was established in response to demands for a channel to cater for the Welshspeaking minority population in Wales.
wanted to send a photographer round". This alternative reporting is taken on by many organisations, not limited to the coverage of the London Bombings by individuals involved. Since the introduction of the internet, groups called independent media centres (IMC's) have advocated the use of a Do It Yourself editorial style and so coverage of news. The ethos of independant media, is to regaina true representation of news events. From a Global Media Activist view-
point, its worth noting the material on the sites does revolve around a antiglobalisation stance. Often with links to protest diaries and up-to-date information on human rights, indymedia.org.uk for example, runs stories on events and then visitors are encouraged to post opinions. Running with the self definition "A network of individuals, independent and alternative media activists and organisations, offering grassroots, non-corporate, non commercial cover-
age of important social and political issues". National stories are featured alongside those which are often overlooked by the mainstream press. As on the web they can be constantly be updated as news unfolds. With reference to the bombing on July 7, www.indymedia.org.uk wrote : Indymedia UK stands in solidarity with all the victims of today's horrific attacks in London.We are also acutely aware that these events will be exploited by the most reactionary elements of the British media for their own selfish purposes. The perception of the mass media by independent media organisations is that while they may touch upon social and political matters, they gloss over the causes behind the incidents. Another plus point is as Independent media is Internet based, citizens from other countries can add into the debate. South African citizen Gary Sudborough suggests: "After an event like the bombings in London, the corporate media give glaring pictures of the carnage and will go on for days expressing outrage at the barbarity of the attack. Where are the comparable day by day pictures of the suffering in Iraq? Commenting on corporate media hype, he adds "Dozens of civilians were killed in the London attacks. An estimated 100,000 civilians have been killed in Iraq in the past few years. Which is really the greater atrocity?" Whatever the failings of commercial news, it is still the most popular way to view 'breaking news'. With modern technology there is now nowhere a camera cannot get to and send pictures from. However, with such a demand for ‘news’ the social and political reasons behind it could be overlooked to focuson its voyeuristic appeal.
Help others and Help yourself! Help in the development of tomorrow’s medicines today! & receive a payment of at least £350, which increases depending on the duration of the study
Simbec Research Ltd are currently looking for volunteers aged 18 to 75 years who can offer their time to participate in clinical studies at our modern unit in Merthyr Tydfil
For further information Contact: 0800 691995 or email: gareth.marshall@simbec.co.uk Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 4DR
Jobs & Money
Page 20
september 5 2005
jobs@gairrhydd.com
FUND MIS-MANAGEMENT By Nicola Menage Jobs and Money Editor
F
or those of you new to Cardiff University, welcome to the Jobs and Money section of the gair Rhydd. A page which aims to provide useful and relevant information on a variety of topics related to students’ finance, or lack of, and careers. This freshers’ edition will focus on ways in which students can manage and keep track of their finances in what proves to be one of the craziest, but potentially financially-draining times at University: freshers’ week. Money worries are usually at the back of most students’ minds when there is some serious partying to be done, as well asº meeting new people and settling in. But while it’s important to get involved and have fun, it is worth bearing a few things in mind before splashing the cash, to ensure the rest of University is not spent living off tesco value beans.
LOAN TIME: The milky bars are, most definately, on me.
We all know it makes the world go round, but what are the options for frshers hoping to aviod the Value isle at Tesco? Societies fare JOINING A society is a great way to meet new people, as well as a chance to try out something you’ve never done before, but perhaps always fancied. The range and number of different societies available, however, means that many students end up signing up to more societies than they actually end up going to. Because many of the societies ask for the money up-front on the day of the societies fare, it is easy to get carried away and spend more than you had imagined. The trick here is to ensure you’re being realistic about which societies you are actually going to go to, as a lot of people in thier first year tend to spend most of their evenings socialising with their flatmates rather than trecking to any society-gatherings. Societies are subsidised by the union and are, generally, great value for money, if you are serious about going. For students who are unsure, the best thing to do is to find out when and where a society usually meets and just turn up to see if it is the sort of thing you want to invest your money in. You can always sign up later in the year, providing there are enough spaces. Details of all the societies can be found on the third floor of the union.
Bank accounts STUDENT ACCOUNTS or, more precisely, student account overdrafts are now part and parcel of everyday student life. Overdraft facilities are useful as a ‘just in case’ option, especially when paying rent or tuition fees, although they can give you a false sense of security.
Whether you think you need one or not is, obviously, up to you. However, it is worth being careful when considering borrowing any money to make sure you do not exceed your overdraft limit, as all banks will be more than happy to charge you for this. Exceeding an overdraft limit or failing to pay back money owed can also affect your credit rating in the long term. A poor credit rating could cause problems in the future when applying for things like larger loans or mortgages. A common mistake students make with regards to overdraft limits is to think that each year of your course attracts a fresh limit. It’s always worth checking what your limit will be for each year you will be a student at university.
Budgeting ALTHOUGH TEDIOUS, drawing up a table showing what money you have coming in in one column verses money going out in another column is a good way to keep track of things. If money is tight, writing down exactly where your money goes can also be a real eye-opener as to what you actually spend, and will show you where you can afford to make cutbacks. It is amazing how much money you can end up spending unnecessarily on things that could be easily avoided. For example, three pounds a day spent on lunch adds up to £60 each month. If drawing up your own budget plan sounds like too much hastle there is a website you can use which calculates a weekly budget for you when you enter your total ingoings and outgoings. www.aimhigher.ac.uk/studentf inance/cost of living calculator.cfm.
Having more than one bank account is also sometimes a useful way of keeping track of your finances. Because student loans are paid in three installments of over a thousand pounds it is easy to forget how far that money has to stretch. By calculating a monthly or weekly budget and then trasferring that amount from one account to another, you will be able to only spend money from the “budget account,” rather than the “loan account.” For students with more money to spare, why not take out a student loan and make your money work for you by investing it in a high interest account? Because you don’t pay interest on your student loan, except at the rate of inflation, you could actually end up making money on your loan, providing you don’t get tempted to spend it.
Cash points HOW MANY times have you woken up after a night out, looked in your wallet and not been able to recall what, or how much, you spent the night before?
Taking your cash card out with you on a night out is dangerous as it allows you to lose track of what you spend. A safer bet is to only take out a set amount of money at the beginning of
Discounts the night and stick to it. It’s obvioiusly worth taking a bit extra in case of emergencies, if you know you’re not going to just spend it on booze! The same goes for withdrawing money from cash machines during the day. If you’re doing it on a regular basis it’s very easy to lose track of where it goes. Only taking out the cash you have budgeted for the start of the week, and not making any other withdrawls, will ensure you don’t end up wasting your money. NUS CARD YOU WILL be given a Cardiff University NUS card on enrolment, which will entitle students to various discounts on the high street. Alongside this there are almost always discounts on products from other stores, such as computer retailers, when the product is being used in an educational context. YOUNG PERSON’S RAIL CARD
CASHPOINT: Did I, didn’t I?
A MUST for anyone who has chosen to move away from home when coming to University. If you are planning to travel to and from home during the holidays by train, or vist any of your friends at other universities, having a young person’s rail card will definately save you a great deal of money in the long run. It costs 20 pounds but gives you a third off all rail fares for a year.
OTHER DISCOUNTS THERE ARE loads of websites offering students discounts on anything form haircuts and CDs to meals out. Get yourself on the blag to see exactly what innovative discounts and freebies you can come up with. After all, if you don’t ask you don’t get. www.studentdiscounts.funky.co.uk
Mobile phones BECAUSE YOUR lifestyle will probably change quite dramatically when you first come to University, you will probably end up using your mobile phone a lot more frequently than you were at home. Where as before you may have only used your phone for texting, you may find that you end up making calls more often to friends and family who you don’t see as much. The debate between contract or pay as you go phone tariffs is as old as time by now, but it is important to re-evaluate your mobile phone use now your in a new setting. For long calls it is generally cheaper to use a pay-phone, or ask your parents nicely to phone you back, getting a phone card will also save you extra money. For international call discounts try: www.planetphonecards.com as you can save up to 97%, with calls abroad costing as little as 1.5p a minute. When changing your phone to a different network it is always worth checking to see if you have signal in the area you will be living in, chat to your flatmates and new friends to see what works well for them. Spending your phone conversations hanging out the window in an attempt to get signal is not a desirable option.
Jobs & Money
september 5 2005
page 21
jobs@gairrhydd.com
BANK ON IT gair rhydd’s money guru Nicola Menage lines up the high street banks and alooks at their attempts to woo the student world. By Nicola Menage Jobs and Money Editor WHEN SETTING out to get yourself a student account always remember to take two forms of identification with you, one of which shows confirmation of your address, such as a utility bill or letting contract. You will also need to take a copy of your most recent bank statement that your orginal bank sent out to you if you have an account with a different bank. Always keep hold of your original statements as some banks have been known to charge for aditional, one-off,
statement re-prints. Banks are desparate to sign up students as soon as they arrive at university thanks to our old favorite, apathy. Generally speaking if they get you as soon as you arrive then they’ve got you for life as few people bother to change accounts after graduating. Remember to shop around for the best deal for you and make sure your not drawn in by shiney freebies and give aways as the account will be with you long after your free popcorn maker leaves the building. Below are brief rundown of some of the key details on a selection of the high street banks 2005 offerings aimed directly at the student world.
1) Interest-free overdraft of £1000 in first year 2) Commission-free traveller’s cheques and foreign currency. 3) Discount card for music, film, fashion and more. 4) Free BSM driving lesson and £15 off the cost of the next 5 lessons. 5) 20% off lonely planet Guidebooks. 6) Discounts on BT broadband. 7) Optional Mastercard - typical 18.9& APR. 8) 24/7 internet banking. 9) Student advisors available.
For full details of these jobs and many others, plus information on our agency vacancies, please come and see us at Unistaff Jobshop, Ground Floor, Cardiff University Students’ Union. Swydd/Job: Ardal/Area: Tal/Wage: Oriau/Hours: Parhad/Duration: Manylion/Details:
Bar Staff/Comedy Host Central Cardiff £4.85 per hour to start Variable hours Ongoing General bar duties at city centre bar/nightclub/comedy club. Experience preferred, but not essential.
Swydd/Job: Ardal/Area: Tal/Wage: Oriau/Hours: Parhad/Duration: Manylion/Details:
University Research Manager Cardiff £9 per hour 3 hours per week Oct 2005-Mar 2006 You will be conducting market research into students for The Times 'Final Year Student Survey'
Rhif Cyf/Ref No:
002
Rhif Cyf/Ref No:
004
Swydd/Job: Ardal/Area: Tal/Wage: Oriau/Hours: Parhad/Duration: Manylion/Details:
Telephone Interviewers Cardiff £5.23-£5.94 per hour Day & evening shifts available Ongoing Telephone interviewing for a market research and consultacy company.
Swydd/Job: Ardal/Area: Tal/Wage: Oriau/Hours: Parhad/Duration: Manylion/Details:
Sales Consultant Central Cardiff £5.20 per hour Sundays/Thursday evenings Ongoing Very exclusive bedlinen retailer concession requires part-time sales assistant.
Rhif Cyf/Ref No:
005
Rhif Cyf/Ref No:
011
www.students.hsbc.co.uk
1) Interest-free overdraft available with no account fees. 2) No commission on traveller’s cheques or foreign currency. 3) No annual fee if you get a Mastercard. 4) Discount available on travel insurance. 5) 24 hour access to internet and telephone banking. 6) Optional Student Belongings Insurance. 7) Student advisors avilable.
Swydd/Job: Ardal/Area: Tal/Wage: Oriau/Hours: Parhad/Duration: Manylion/Details:
Swydd/Job: Ardal/Area: Tal/Wage: Oriau/Hours: Parhad/Duration: Manylion/Details:
Rhif Cyf/Ref No:
Rhif Cyf/Ref No:
www.natwest-students.co.uk
1) New Student Additions account with Barclaycard. 2) £20 Waterstones/HMV voucher when you deposit £500 or more. 3) Three-year National Express coachcard. 4) Discounts on sports gear, music and selected restaurants. 5) Interest-free overdraft available up to £1000.
www.barclays.co.uk/students
1) Interest free overdraft up to £2000. 2) Weekly text alerts on the state of your account. 3) Dedicated student banking team. 4) Optional credit card. 5) Internet banking. 6) Pay as you go mobile top up at any Lloyds cash point.
www.lloydstsb.com/current_accounts/student_account.asp
In Unistaff Jobshop we run two services, an agency (Unistaff), for one-off jobs within the University and some external companies, and a jobcentre-style service (Jobshop), for on-going part time work with external companies. Both services are free once you have registered with us. To register, please bring your student card and National Insurance card (UK students) or Passport (Non-UK students). We are open from 10-4, Monday to Friday.
EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
Looking for part time work to fit in with your studies? The Union Job Shop has a variety of part time work available within the University, Students’ Union and outside the campus. Come and register with the Unistaff Jobshop on the ground floor of the Students’ Union between 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday. TEL: 029 2078 1535 EMAIL: jobshop@cf.ac.uk Alternatively, visit our recruitment fayre from 10am 4pm on Wednesday the 5th of October in the Great Hall, Students’ Union. For more information, visit www.cardiffstudents.com
To advertise your vacancies on this page, or anywhere within the gair rhydd, Quench or on Xpress Radio,
Email: davenportd@cf.ac.uk
Free Stuff
Page 22
September 5 2005
competitions@gairrhydd.com
grab! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!
Attention all Student Grabbers...
NEW TERM greetings, my loves, and welcome to the magical space that is the weekly competitions page. Bit like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory isn’t it? But, without the chocolate of course - my prizes are much better than that. And anyway, what use are chocolate lakes and never-ending gobstoppers to a bunch of poor people? Those kids would have been much
better off if they stopped stuffing their faces and got themselves a decent education like you lot. We can’t all win chocolate factories, you know. So, just to reward you in advance for all the hard work you’re about to do this year (yes, you are!) I’ve managed to wheedle some cool free stuff out of those ever so important PR people in their big city offices. And it’s all for you!
As if that isn’t enough, in the name of Freshers week, I’ve tailored my three marvellous competitions to reflect the popular student ethos of ‘no work, no rest and much play’. To enter one of the competitions all you need to do is email me the answers on competitions@gairrhydd.com. You have fun now! - Megan
FREE *BUCKS AH…I do love a good cup of coffee, me. Well, actually I don’t can’t stand the stuff really - so it’ll be good news to you all that I’m giving away the Starbucks vouchers I’ve managed to get my mitts on. Despite my aversion to coffee, I’ve heard it does great things for students. Studious students, stressed students, sleepy students… hung-over students… there’ll be plenty of you that are in need of a good brew this semester, especially from Cardiff ’s finest coffee shop. With a reputation for owning the squidgiest of sofas, the drinks aren’t the only things that attract students to Starbucks. You’d think the bigwigs in head office were students themselves, thinking of us and our lack of cushioned chairs situation. And we just love the fact we can put our feet on the
seats and stay put for hours, uninterrupted. Not only a great place to chill and chat, Starbucks makes a pretty cool study space, where you can lay out all your books and lose yourself in the whistling of the coffee machine or meet with course pals and share notes. With no less than four branches scattered accross the city, all complete with a full selection of hot and cold drinks, as well as the facility to link up laptops to wireless Internet in one of the Queen street branches. So, whether it’s a traditional whole bean coffee, an iced caramel Macchiato or a Darjeeling tea that takes your fancy, a pit stop at Starbucks will refresh you no end and leave you feeling full of beans. If you think you might owe your mates a round, why not enter my stupendous competition? One lucky read-
er will win no less than £20 worth of Starbucks vouchers if they can answer the following question: How many stars are featured in the Starbucks logo? (Kindly reproduced to the left of thge page)
SPIN SPIN SUGAR YEAH, YEAH, like I don’t know it’s Fresher’s week/fortnight/season. But there are many ways to play at this delightful time, and they don’t even have to clash with your nightly dose of entertainment at the bright lights of Solus. As I often tell myself when I’m calling a sickie, you’re entitled to a day off every now and then and Spin is a great place to spend one. Pretty much the ultimate of cool, laidback fun, bowling at Spin is a lovely socialiser and an ideal place to spend a day getting to know your flatmates. Because It isn’t enough to know they drink ‘Bow, you know. Centrally located in the heart of Studentville on City Road, Spin is Cardiff’s No.1 hotspot for bowling. With ten high-quality bowling lanes spread over two floors plus big screen Sky Sports and MTV, it’s also pretty smart. So smart in fact, it had the noodle to invent some great deals for students, offering us all the stuff we like. With discounted bowling, a penny friendly bar and plenty of tunes to get those oh-so-trendy leathery shoes squeaking, Spin is literally music to our ears. Whether it’s an early evening rendevouz you’re thirsty for to get the party started, or a chance to watchthe footie whilst keeping your anti-sporting mates (like me) amused, Spin has the balls (and more) to convince you it’s well worth a shout. Rhiannon Evans, manager of
CUNNING PLANNING
AS STUDENTS living the life, we’re bound to feel a little out of control sometimes. With stacks of lecture notes, an increasing overdraft and piles of washing running high, it’s easy to let your emotions escape you too. So how can you stay on top? While many people will tell you that surviving your first year will require you to become a responsible adult, anyone that believes in enjoying their time at university will confirm that grown ups are exactly the kind of peo-
ple you need to get away from. Because the first year is all about being crazy and wild and free – isn’t it? While my Fresher year was lively and naughty and fun, I must admit I did feel like I was roaming around Cardiff in a half-drunken zombie state a lot of the time. And let me tell you, the Pete Doherty look, even minus the drugs (alcohol is sufficient), is not so good. In the second year I made lectures before 11am more often; I took a parttime job that worked around my studies instead of the other way around. I got a man and woke up in the right bed(s); I ironed my clothes and stopped eating out of boxes. I decided it was time I showed my face more often in the GR office as well as the gym. And all of this was due to a little less alcohol and an even teensier bit of life management, loves. Believe me, organisation is key when it comes to a hectic lifestyle, and even the smallest degree of planning can make a big difference, especially when it involves making more time for having fun.
So why not get organised this year and enter my marvellous ‘sort your life out’ competition? You’ll feel a lot better about yourself… The Palgrave Student Planner 20056, priced at £6.99, is the complete selfmanagement tool, designed especially for students. In fact, it’s the only planner around that has all the bits a real student would need. It’s no good assuming Mum will be at the other end of your mobile every time you need to wash/cook/clean something. I know she said she’s only a phone call away, but really, if you’re going to do this uni lark properly, you need to at least pretend you’re learning everything by yourself. That’s where this planner comes in handy: from sections to log assignment deadlines and budget your personal finances, to washing symbols, useful telephone numbers and places to write in your favourite takeaways, there’s enough stuff in it to get yourself sorted for the year. Compiled and written by Stella Cottrell, a fine woman who has years of experience specialising in study
skills and educational development, you’ll be pleased to know that her advice isn’t just any old fluff. Like many other Palgrave Study Guides, this book offers practical, nononsense information that can support any student, whatever their discipline, level or need. And with invaluable study tips on a great number of the pages, you’d better get out and buy it! So here’s to being a fun loving, easy going but almost invisibly ‘in control’ student. Your flatmates need never know your secret. Oops, did that sound like a toast? I do try to encourage you to be sensible, I really do. There’s just one question between you and the chance to win one of five wonderful Palgrave Student Planners that I’m giving away, the very tools that promise a, um, promising university life: How many of your much needed student pennies will The Palgrave Student Planner 2005-6 set you back, were you too purchase, rather than blag, one?
Spin, can’t wait to get you guys in the venue: ‘We’ve been itching for the summer to end so we can reintroduce our famous student nights. The mixture of bowling, big screen entertainment and live DJs has proven to be a big hit with students.” And from £1.80 a game, you can’t complain! So here’s the deal: my friends at the venue have pulled their fingers (and their wallets) out and given me two games of bowling for four people as a prize for you lucky people. And it doesn’t stop there; you can also grab an in-house beef burger or panini each as well as afour pint pitcher of beer to wash it all down with. Marvellous stuff. So, if you fancy winning, all you have to do is answer the following question: Where is Spin situated? a) City Road b) Fitty Grove c) Zitty Place
Grab! Extra:
SURVIVE JUST BECAUSE we’re fast approaching that ever so daunting time of year that is Fresher’s week, I’ve organised a little competition extra to keep you all from fretting. Courtesy of my friend at Palgrave (yes, the same one – she’s very nice), I’m dispensing no less than 5 Student Survival Kits from the top floor of the Student Union. No, I’m not literally throwing them off the balconyat you directly, you kiddies will have to come up and get them yourselves. Give you an excuse to visit the GR office and get involved in the output of our award winning student media. The first five students who email me saying they would apppreciate owning one of these survival packs can have their dreams made reality. Be quick, kidlets, that way I’ll know you really are in need of one of these life-saving aids.
WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!
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Problem Page
Page 24
September 5 2005
problempage@gairrhydd.com
Amber Duval S EX
ADVICE FOR THE JILTED GENERATION
This week, Potter, pinnies and persuing persistantly. Hello, girls, boys and in-betweeners! I'm Amber, your local Agony Aunt, Cardiff trike and all round condom-prevented unfertilised good egg. If you have any problem at all remember that I'm always here to offer you a good dose of KY jelly and some sound contraceptive advice. Not only that, but you can rely on me to be sensitive, confidential and generally sexy in all matters. Whatever your problem, believe me, I have heard much worse (and not just during my time at Abygale's) and will always give you the best and most arousing advice for your situation. So whatever you need advice on, be it positions, people or porn, drop me a line - and remember to include a full-length, naked photo. Lots of love, Amber, here for YOU. Xxx
Penchant for pinnies! Dear Amber,
RECENTLY, I HAVE been finding that I am becoming aroused by the most bizarre things. I am 18 and I have never had a long-term relationship, but I have slept with boys before. I must say that I didn’t really
enjoy many of my sexual experiences, not least because my past boyfriends were quite clumsy! However, I haven’t had sex now for about five months, as I haven’t been seeing anyone, and have been becoming increasingly horny. The other day, when I was shopping, I saw a good-looking guy pick up a very large cucumber, and I nearly died with pleasure just looking at him. Then, when I got home, my housemate started talking to me and I began thinking that the rolling
Har r y Potter and the Half Cut Ponce Dear Amber,
I HAD TO GO HOME over the summer because my landlord was doing up our house. I live in the middle of nowhere and there’s absolutely nothing to do. My little sister got sent a copy of the new Harry Potter and one night, when I was watching TV and having a few lagers, she ran downstairs to say she’d finished it and it was amazing. I guffawed and ignored her – anything that popular’s gotta be shit, right? – and carried on with my Stellas, courtesy of my dad. Anyway, when everyone had gone to bed, I was so bored I decided to read the bloody book. Although the pages were rather blurry and kept going in and out of focus, I managed to stay up all night and read the whole thing. I can’t say I knew what was going on half the time, but I know I cried at the end. Anyway, since I read the thing I can’t stop thinking about Harry Potter, and his lovely, scarred face. In my mind we have wizardy duels in the nuddie and end up fondling more than each other’s wands… I can’t stop thinking about him, Amber, and it’s doing my head in! I don’t even want to come back to Uni because I don’t want anything to distract me from my daydreams of Harry – I’ll show him a potion, fnarr fnarr, I’ll show him pumpkin juice, fnarr… Help! Yours, befuddled muggle, Ron, 2nd year English Literature, Cathays.
Dear Ron, Just because something’s popular doesn’t make it bad, or diseased…just look at me! I would advise you thus: find yourself a schoolboy, make him wear a pointy hat and play sticky biscuit until the inferi come home. Mind you, some people frown on that kind of behaviour so it may be worth keeping your sad fantasies to yourself, loser. Are you a virgin? Ha. Yours, in smugness, Amber xxx
pin she was using to roll out some pastry would make a lovely dildo… I have never experienced anything like this before and really need your help. Yours, horny and bamboozled, Louise, Talybont. Dear Louise, HOW FABULOUS TO hear from such a lovely, open-minded young girl. I really appreciate how hard it is to be
Dear Amber, I AM JUST ABOUT to start my third year of my degree but over the summer I have become very anxious. This is not because I’m worried about the strain of my final year or anything stupid like that. I’m worried because I’m moving into a new house with a girl I really fancy, though I don’t think she knows it. I have been friends with her since my first year, and we used to have a real laugh – I used to stand outside her window and sing at night and send her a rose every week with my name on it. She used to think these were great japes, but I know that she thinks we’re just friends because she had a boyfriend last
Spooned! Dear Amber, I AM A second-year student and I think I have made a big mistake. I have moved in with a bunch of lads and they are pretty good housemates - they share their porn and have lots of hilarious sex stories to tell. However, one of them seems to like to take the extreme route when recounting sex tales, to the point that last week, he mentioned how a girl he was once boning liked to put her fingernails up his foreskin. This wouldn't be so bad, except he then said that after the encounter, he realised how oddly loose his foreskin
horny and alone (though I must say, it doesn’t happen to me often!), and I know the terrible ache you feel when confronted with something even remotely phallic. It really does drive you wild, doesn’t it? Well, I would suggest that, firstly, you need a boyfriend (you don’t sound like a one-night stand kind of girl), and, as long as you’re not a munter, that you have a good chance of finding a boyfriend and thus a meaningful (read: sexual) relationship if you go to the Social at 11pm or to Solus at 1 am.
Stalker! year and he obviously wasn’t me so I know she thinks I don’t fancy her, even though when she started seeing him I punched a mirror and ran up to her house to tell her and she was like ‘oh, right’. Anyway, she split up with him and now she’s moving in with me because she fell out with her old housemates and she’s got the room next door to me. I feel like I’ve got to tell her how I feel or I’ll explode. I sent her a card with hearts on over the summer and I put ‘I really miss you, you’re my soulmate – PS I really want to roger you’ in it but she just sent me a text saying she was on holiday and a bit busy. was and demonstrated by inserting a teaspoon into the said foreskin. He then walked around the house naked and with a teaspoon dangling from his John Thomas, and the sight nearly made me puke. Now he's realised how upset it makes me, he keeps doing it, and the other day tried to wipe a used teaspoon in my hair. Please, help me, Dan xx Dear Dan, I really empathise with you, I do. When you are close to someone who you know so well, and who is having much more adventurous sex than you, it's easy to get jealous. I had a friend once who was seeing this bloke who
You’ll have your pick of all the guys, steer clear of the ones with sick on their shirts though, and you’ll have them around your little finger and much more if you tell them about that rolling pin malarkey. One final point of advice though – never, ever use a wooden rolling pin. Ouch. Your slave, as ever, Amber xxx
So I don’t really know where I stand. I am going to paint her name all over the walls of my new bedroom and some hearts. Do you think she’ll get the hint then? Yours, desperately wanting Sarah McCluskey 4eva, she’s so fit. Robin, Cathays. Dear Robin, BREAKING A MIRROR? That’s seven years bad luck, you know. Mind you, this Sarah girl sounds like a goer. Why not, eh? Yours, in captivity, Amber xxx
loved to put his cock in her ear, and I was well pissed off because no one's ever done that to me. Even worse, the lovely guy I was seeing at the time just couldn't be persuaded to do it to me, so we split up. Anyway, the moral of this tale is that you shouldn't measure yourself by your friend's standards. I'm sure someone would put things up your foreskin if it weren't so tight. Stop fretting and enjoy the other things you can do in bed (or in the sitting room, kitchen, bathroom et al). Unless you fancy him, in which case, you need to show your feelings. Maybe buy him a nice new cutlery set. He'll know what you mean. Yours, in an endless search for clean teaspoons, Amber xxx
Looking for someone to talk to about UNI life? Try Nightline: 02920 223 993
Five Minute Fun
Page 26
September 5 2005
fiveminutefun@gairrhydd.com
TIME WASTING NOW DS AT OOD OD G : H S BU HORSE 10:1
FUDGE: POPU LAR IN HAY O WYE N
LAST. APER AT P E H T GM: IN
S OF MORE PIC BIG BAP: EASE THESE PL EDITOR: SHA ME
tHe hall of shame
gair rhydd goes hi-tech with picture messages straight from your phone. Nowhere’s safe, so save the number and get snapping. 07791 165 837
UBER DOKU
MAKE NO MISTAKE, IT’S THE ONE YOUR MOTHER WARNED YOU ABOUT. DAMMIT. THERE GOES ANOTHER 5 PRECIOUS HOURS. VAN: Lead me to the factory
the CLUBBING: Pass me “laser”
bone : Bad to the
FIRST AIDER
wine = mess ON IT: Sab +
BEAR
: Stud ent fo r lunc h
ERRR: What th e?
September 5 2005
Five Minute Fun
Page 27
fiveminutefun@gairrhydd.com
RAISED TO AN ART Across
Down
10 Depressed (11) 11 Obsession with one thing (9) 13 A long pin for holding meat in position while it is being roasted (6) 14 Vault of heaven (9) 15 A journey in a vehicle driven by someone else (4) 16 A variety of reed grass (10) 19 Untouched (10) 20 Neuralgia (8) 21 Extinct humans of Middle Paleolithic in Europe and western Asia (12) 23 Household appliances for stitching (6,8) 25 Cornmeal boiled in water (4) 27 Plasmas (4) 28 Colloquial (14) 31 Spud baked in its skin (6,6) 33 Most underweight (8) 34 Prone to emotion (3-7) 36 A railroad employer who is in charge of a rail depot (10) 37 Information (4) 38 Compass point (4,5) 40 Of inferior workmanship and materials (6) 42 Electronic equipment (9) 43 Fruitless enterprise (4'1,6) terised by delusions of grandeur (11)
1 A strong table for a carpenter or mechanic (9) 2 Afresh (4) 3 Issued on a first petition for divorce (6,4) 4 How much a company makes on the items it sells (6,6) 5 Endure (4) 6 In tennis, a shot made with palm facing direction of stroke (8) 7 The official symbols of a family, state, etc. (4,2,4) 8 Material (6) 9 Bourgeoisie (6,5) 12 The science that deals with the earth (7,7) 17 A distinctive characteristic or attribute (9) 18 Belly flop (7,7) 22 Songbooks containing religious songs (9) 24 Warranting attention (12) 26 A psychological state characterised by delusions of grandeur (11) 28 Common small rabbit of North America having greyish or brownish fur and a tail with a white underside (10) 29 Overcome by superior force (10) 30 Dominating (9) 32 A faction that is unwilling to accept new ideas (3,5) 35 Pale (6) 39 Space for movement (4) 41 In folklore, a giant who likes to eat human beings (4)
?
The Big Quiz*
*The management reserves the right to refuse entry*
1.Who did Dean Holdswor th have an affair with in 1996? A: B: C: D:
Linsey Dawn McKenzie Kirsty Wark John McEnroe Aretha Franklin
2. Recent RAC research found what song is most likely to put a smile on the face of drivers?
5:30pm for Postgraduates / ôl-raddedigion 7pm for Undergraduates / 7.00pm israddedigion
A: B: C: D:
The C.I.A The Black Panthers Jimmy CLiff Michael Por tillo
4. Green & Black’s (‘the fair trade chocolate that isn’t gritty’) was recently sold to who? A. B. C. D.
Malcolm Glazer Nestle Cadbur y’s Tesco
answers: 1.A, 2.C, 3.A, 4.C
Monday 26th September Dydd Llun 26 Medi
A: Caravan - Van Morrison B: Boss Hog - The Sonics C: Three Little Birds (Don’t Worr y ‘Bout a Thing) Bob Marley D: Mr Tambourine Man - The Byrds 3. Speaking of Bob Marley (who may or may not be the answer), who do silly conspiracy theorists think killed him?
September 5 2005
p U g n i Com
Listings
Page 29
listings@gairrhydd.com
Schmit’s guide to the term ahead in Cardiff If it’s on it could be in. But maybe not. Try me
S
t. Davids’ Hall is one of the venues in Cardiff that showcases a great variety of the arts, with it providing homes regularly for comedians, orchestras, and shows. On the 15th September, musical legend Van Morrison brings his drunken Irish tunes to the venue, so if just hearing ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ on your stereo doesn’t quite do it for you anymore, then why not purchase yourself a ticket. ‘I’m a Celebrity...’ ‘star’ Joe Pasquale is appearing on the 3rd October, I’m not sure whether this is comedy, or anecdotes (see Alan Partridge), but I can’t imagine that whatever it is will a) be anything other than shit, and b) see ‘a’. On the 8th October a much better act visits St. Davids’ Hall, with ‘The Sooty Show’ providing some light hearted hangover treatment to the city. Does the loveable bear not realise how inapropriate it is for a man to have his hand up his bum? I say he
@
should sue Matthew Corbett for all he’s worth. If you fancy some comedy, Aussiestyle, then ‘Bloody Kevin Wilson’ may be something that will interest you. He visits the vennue on the 14th October. On the 26th October the wonderful Ardal O’Hanlon visits the venue in what is sure to be a brilliant night. The star of Father Ted, My Hero and The Stockholm Syndrome, returns to stand-up with his hilarious new show. Turning 40 this year and terrified, he laments his lost youth and tries valiantly not to become a ranting curmudgeon. With wide-eyed wonder, surreal flights of fancy, and acute observations on the follies of man and the modern world, this is Ardal's most personal show yet. For further details regarding any of the many events held in this venue, visit the St. Davids’ Hall website at www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk.
Students’
Union
W
e are a lucky bunch of boys and girls this term, with new acts beeing announced quicker than your average Andy Roddick forehand. Well, at the time of writing this anyway. First up are Reel Big Fish, whose tour coincides with the new album, ‘We’re not Happy til you’re not Happy’. So if skanking’s your name, and getting that first university gig under your belt’s your game, dust off the old chequered Vans and get on that dance floor. They can be seen on the 21st September in the Students’ Union. I’m going to see the next band, well so the ticket in my wallet indicated anyway after a night out on the slash; it’s The Coral. This gig is sure to sell out quite quickly so if you’d like to get your grubby fingers
on a ticket, I’d waste no time in doing so. Their new album ‘The Invisible Invasion’ just adds to their reputations as one of the best bands around in Britain today. So if you’re in need of a bit of a scallydelic night out, in which every precious pound of the ticket price is justified, get to the Students’ Union on the 13th October. Next up are The Ordinary Boys, whose influences include The Jam, The Smiths, and Gene. They’ll provide you with an evening of infectious pop and and a large portion of good old fasioned rock n roll riffage. To catch these mediocre young males (see what I done there), then be at the Students’ Union on the 17th October. On the 24th October the Union plays host to one of the undoubtedly
best bands of the year. Bloc Party return to Cardiff after their NME awards tour success, and will no doubt infect the place with their chirpy, bubbly, infectious pop shenanigans. Once again this is a gig that I’m sure will sell out, and if it hasn’t by the time you’re reading this you should probably book some within the next few hours. They are that good. A date I’ve put in my diary is the 3rd November, as the mighty Motorhead will be reaking havoc in our union. I went to see them a few years ago, and I can say hand on heart that going to that gig is the sole reason that I will go deaf when I’m older. Tickets for the above events can be purchased at the box office located on the 2nd floor of the union.
@
St. Davids’ Hall
C
@
C.I.A
ardiff International Arena is one of the largest venues in Cardiff, and has regularly hosts music to suit all tastes. Whether it’s comedy, rock, pop, or religious babble (see Daniel O’Donnell) that floats you boat, this is for you. The Stereophonics have three nights here from the 24-26th September, I’m a fan but three nights is pushing their own popularity a bit too much. The night after is Daniel O’Donnell. Does he have any fans out there? No, seriously, do you
know anyone who likes him? If so do tell me. On the 11th October, McFly promote their take on incesant, irritating pop (I say that purely because I like them but really wish I didn’t, which in turn pisses me off). Between the 26th and the 28th October, Lee Evans takes his XLUK tour on the road. The 23rd November is the highlight as Jimmy Carr, you know, ‘Off the Telly’ visits. A must see. For further details contact the venue (addresses will be in the next issue as normal).
Do you want newspaper writing experience this year? If you know of any events coming up that you would like have 300 words published on, please email grlistings@hotmail.com a few weeks before the event. We can discuss what you want to write (just so you don’t write 300 words on something that will be going in anyway). All work will be credited.
Sport
Page 30
September 5 2005
sport@gairrhydd.com
SUMMER OF SPORT
Sports desk analyses the many, varied, ups and downs of another British sporting summer. By Tim Lewis Sports Editor
IT’S BEEN QUITE a successful summer for British sport, and its not very often we get to say that in this country. Liverpool got the summer off to a great start with the outstanding Champions League win, in one of the greatest European Cup f inals ever seen. It had been six years since a British club had been champions of Europe and with a premier league to rival any in the world, that was far too long. Next it was the turn of Andy Murray, the young Scotsman who exceeded all expectations in his f irst Wimbledon championships. Murray is a player who looks capable of one day winning Wimbledon and is a refreshing change from the lackluster Tim Henman who has promised so much but delivered so little in the last ten years. The news that Britain will host the Olympic games in 2012 could be one of the most signif icant sporting announcements of the last f ifty years. The increased funding into local and national athletics will provide young athletes with facilities to rival the best in the world. The knock on effect of this is likely to be felt ever ywhere, including Cardiff University. It is a realistic goal of any athlete currently studying at the University to push themselves for a place at the 2012 Olympics. The success of the England cricket team has caught the imagination of the public and at last
we have something to celebrate. Whether we beat Australia has yet to be seen but no one can doubt the commitment shown by the whole team. In the last ten years we would have been happy just to avoid a whitewash in an ashes series, now we would be disappointed if we don’t come away with the win. Success in test and one day cricket raised expectations ahead of this summers ashes series and for once the English team have not disappointed. Freddie Flintoff has slogged his way to the back and even the front pages of the national press, taking over from the likes of Beckham and co as one of the nations’ favourite sports personalities. People who have deemed cricket far too boring to watch in the past are now raising a smile to the sight of an Aussie batsman taking a ball in the privates at 90mph. Although we may not have got the results required to ‘set the world on f ire’ we have, without a doubt, improved on previous summers. We have shown the type of spirit that Britain prides itself on but has failed to show in many instances in the last decade. At least now we are competing with the best in the world and putting up a f ight rather than falling at the f irst hurdle. So even if we haven’t beaten the Aussies when this paper reaches you and we win nothing else for the rest of the year, lets enjoy the success we have seen this summer.
SPORTING DIARY DATES Medics’ sports and societies fayre
26th September 2005 at The Heath site 11am- 3pm
IMG football and netball team registration
Please visit the AU office on the 3rd floor of the students’ union to pick up your registration pack by the 29th September 2005
Freshers’ sports fayre
30th September 2005 The Great Hall 10am-5pm
IMG sports fayre
6th October 2005 The Great Hall 12pm - 4pm
BUSA competitions start 19th October 2005
Deadlines for sports bursary programmes
15th October 2005 Please email Gareth McNarry at McNarryGJ@cf.ac.uk for information or call into the AU office on the 3rd floor of the SU.
FLINTOFF: Making a mess of the Australian tour
OLYMPIC OPPORTUNITY By Tom Wellingham Editor THE ANNOUNCEMENT this summer that London is to host the 2012 Olymic Games was met mith scences of jubilation on the streets of the capital. Although the mood was somewhat different 24 hours later, after the events of July the 7th the fact remains unchanged that London will now have to prepare itself for the hosting of one of the largest sporting events on earth. All of this is, without doubt, fantastic news for the vast areas of London which are in desparate need of redevelopment. It is doubtfull, however, that London could play host to all of the sport associated with the games, even if it wanted to. The next question has to be, what are the other options for hosting major
LONDON: Olympic host in 2012 sporting competitions and events in the UK? Up steps Cardiff. Not only has the Welsh capital been placed firmly on the sporting map with the new home of rugby, the Millenium Stadium, but it seems as though the failure to complete / renovate / re-build Wembly is fast making it the home of football as well. Alongside the physical assets of the city is its infrastructure, large park and ride facilities, a well trained police force and an abundance of sport mad
fans at every turn. With the introduction of Fees never far from the minds of students, or universities, there is the perfect chance for real investment in the future of sport in Cardiff the city as well as Cardiff the University. The city now has the chance to shine alongside London in the 2012 Olmpic Games with the possibility of hosting sporting events in state of the art facilities which could then be used by futrure generations of students.
Sport
5 September 2005
Page 31
sport@gairrhydd.com
INCOMING SPORT
Sports desk take a look forward to some of the highlights of the sporting calender in Cardiff. By Ed Jones Sports Editor IN CARDIFF, both the students and the natives love their sport. Nothing brings the city alive quite like a major sporting occasion. With the building of the Millennium Stadium and the following relocation of football finals from London, the resurgence of Welsh rugby and Cardiff ’s ever -vibrant nightlife, the city is a fantastic place in which to enjoy major sporting events. Even students who shun the sixtyfive clubs on offer and never set foot on a treadmill or a squash court will feel the buzz. This year’s programme offers all the usual dramas, spectacles and reasons for afternoon drinking. First up is the Cardiff Marathon and Half-Marathon on October 9th. I’m told there’s no better way to see the city. 2005 is both the centenary of Cardiff becoming a city and the 50th anniversary of it being the Capital of Wales. What a time to slip on the plimsolls and take to the streets. The route starts and finishes in the Millennium Stadium and takes athletes on a wheezing, panting tour of the city centre. Now marathons, of course, are all very well, but there’s another sport at the heart of Cardiff ’s sporting culture. The Millennium Stadium itself has a higher calling. For Rugby fans there’s nowhere finer than Cardiff. On February 4th, Wales and England meet in the first round of the 2006 Six Nations. No English or
VARSITY: All’s fair in mud and war Welshman can help but be entranced by the build-up to the England-Wales encounter. It’s a great chance for all students to remember which side their bread is buttered and get involved in the occasion. Red and white shirts swarm every pub and union bar for the game and a cracking night out normally follows. On February 12th the Scots come to town for the Millennium Stadium’s first game of the tournament while the French visit on March 18th for its last. The highlight of the university’s sporting calendar is undoubtedly the annual Varsity contest. As the season reaches its climax, Cardiff and Swansea compete in a range of sports throughout the day
before 6,000 students are bussed down to the days finale, the mens Rugby fixture. Expect drinking and chanting and streaking in the extreme. Swansea are rightly proud of their victory in the rugby last year but they once again lost the overall contest. The AU provides you with supporters’ kit, transport and your ticket to the epic Varsity Rubber Duck party in Solus. Whether it’s the Wales v England World Cup Qualifier in September, the Six Nations in February or the Welsh Orienteering Association meetings in December, the coming year will offer plenty of opportunities to get involved in sport, even if you don’t even leave the sofa.
Bring on the new season Story continued from Back Page in a range of different sports, the highlight of the year being the resounding success in the varsity shield against local rivals Swansea. Although narrowly losing the showpiece men’s rugby match, Cardiff convincingly held on to the varsity shield winning twelve out of the sixteen varsity matches. Six university teams finished top of their respective BUSA leagues and nearly all of the teams managed a final sixteen place in the knock out stages of the BUSA Championships. It was not only the team sports in which the University excelled, individual success by Sally Peake and Cara Roberts in the BUSA athletics championships combined with the achievements of Sam Jones in Karate gave Cardiff even more reason to celebrate at the end of the
year. At a national level the women’s netball, football, rugby and hockey teams all managed to win the Welsh cup. The men’s hockey team also picked up the Welsh cup, while the basketball team narrowly missed out in the final. It will be interesting to see how the continued merger between Cardiff and the Medics progresses as the year goes on and what effect this has on sport at the university. As ever, confidence will be high going into the new season but it will be at the end of the year when we can really measure the success. Hopefully we can build on last years triumphs and add a few more trophies to the collection this year. No matter what the results at the end of the season it is sure to be another exciting year of university sport, filled with drama and no doubt a bit of controversy.
LAW: No personal injury claims
MRS AU PRESIDENT Lisa Gwinnet has the job of shaping the way sport develops in 05/06, she spoke to Sport about her plans.
GWINNET: Won it
HELLO AND WELCOME to the start of the sporting season 2005/6. After a long summer of hibernating in the AU office, the sight of students and the thought of Freshers’ week brings a smile to my face. I’m really excited about the upcoming year with new events such as the IMG sports fayre, along with older traditions such as Varsity, and the AU Auction, alongside the sporting battles and activities that take place week in week out - it certainly promises to be an eventful year. As Athletic Union President I would like to encourage you to join a sports club. In my eyes, the most attractive thing of getting involved in sport is the unique sense of camaraderie that being part of a sports club can offer you. We are very fortunate here in Cardiff
to be able to offer such a wide programme of sports clubs ranging from Aikido to Yoga. So, if you fancy continuing your favourite sport, or are keen to try something new, I’m sure the AU have something for you. The Athletic Union also boasts an extremely popular recreational based Intra Mural Games (IMG) programme, which is a set of inter-departmental fixtures in rugby, football, and netball that run throughout the year. As many IMG players will tell you, IMG is a great way to keep fit, meet new people as well as providing you with a jam packed social scene. This year the first ever IMG Sports Fayre will take place on the 6th October from 12-4pm. With over 60 IMG teams in total, the event is expected to be buzzing, so make sure you come along and sign up for the
team of your choice! Make sure you dont miss the annual Freshers’ Sports Fayre on September the 30th which will be taking place in the Great Hall from 10am to 5pm. This is your chance to meet with the clubs and to ‘shop around’ to see which club takes your fancy. You can join the sports club right there and then – getting involved in sport couldn’t be easier. I look forward to seeing you there and throughout the year out on the pitch!
See page 30 for details on when and where you can enter your IMG team for the 05/06 season.
LOVE SPORT? THEN COME and get involved by writing about it in the gair rhydd. We are always looking for contributors as well as match reports of the days play. Call into our 4th floor offices in the students union to have a chat about helping out. Alternatively, if you can’t be bothered with all those stairs, just email us on:
sport@gairrhydd.com
Sport
Who’s in charge? Meet AU President Lisa Gwinnet as she talks to Sport.
What’s in store? Ed Jones looks ahead to another exciting year of sport in Cardiff.
Fancy playing in the IMG this season? See inside for details.
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GAME ON By Tim Lewis Sports Editor
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY is preparing itself for a busy couple of months ahead of the star t of the new spor ting season. With more students’ participating in university sport than ever before, the expectation of many students will be to surpass the success achieved last year. The focus of sport here in cardiff will again be on the British University Sports Association (BUSA) leagues and Intra Mural Games (IMG). Cardiff prides itself on being able to offer sport at all competitive levels to its students and wide range of sports to suit everyone’s needs. Sponsorship from f inancial
company Deloitte Touche should mean that the IMG is run more professionally than in previous years. The increased funding will be injected straight back into the IMG to ensure that the standards of the leagues remain high. Competition for IMG places is always high and this year promises to be no different. The planned introduction of some fresh faces into univeristy sport will help to build on the achievments of last year and push Cardiff amoung the top sporting universities in the UK. Last year the University achived success
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