gair rhydd - Issue 890

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ISSUE 890 MARCH 02 2009

PHOTO: JAKE YORATH

CARDIFF'S STUDENT WEEKLY

VICTORY Cardiff University abandons its investments in arms after students stage two-day lecture theatre occupation Emma Jones News Editor Cardiff University has divested itself of all investments in BAE systems and the infrastructure arm of General Electric following a student-led protest last week.

Students protesting against Cardiff University’s involvement in the arms trade left the Main Building victorious last Thursday, having occupied the Shandon lecture theatre for since Tuesday.

The protestors led a procession out of the Main Building to the Students’ Union and then to the Bute Building, chanting “Cardiff divest: occupation success.”

Megan Price, a third year Philosophy student and participant, said:

“Cardiff University, as a direct result of our actions, has divested from BAE systems and GE (General Electric) so this is a victory for Cardiff, for the occupation and for Gaza.”

Upon leaving the lecture theatre at 4pm, which has been the protestors’ home for the last two days, Megan said: “We were so settled in the lecture theatre it seemed a shame to leave, but it had gone on long enough. An occupation does not achieve everything and we know we have much more to do, but at least we have raised awareness.”

The 'Books Not Bombs' protest began on Tuesday February 24, when students gathered outside the Students’ Union to campaign against Cardiff University's £225,000 of investment in the arms trade.

The protesters’ demands also in-

cluded the adoption of an ethical investment policy by the University, the issuing of a statement condemning Israel’s bombing and the blockade of Gaza, University promotion of the Disaster Emergency Appeal for Gaza, and a ban on Israeli products sold in University shops.

So far, none of these other demands have been met; however, a statement issued by Louise Casella, Director of Strategic Development for the University, states that the University will put a proposal in relation to an ethical policy before University Council and will examine the feasibility of the other proposals.

Seb Cooke, a student present at the protest, explained their demands: “What people are doing here today is making their voices heard in solidarity of the people in Gaza.

“But also we want Cardiff University to divest all of its shares in BAE systems and the arms trade and we want to ensure that, in the future, it never, ever invests in the arms trade again.”

The protestors aimed to discuss their demands with the University’s Director of Strategic Development, Louise Casella, but were at first refused permission. This led to their decision to remain in occupation of the lecture theatre.

As time went on, the University was generally tolerant of the protestors’ decision to stay, although they did receive some antagonism.

The University allegedly threatened to take away heating or to put on the fire alarm to chase the protestors away; however, for the most part their relationship was amicable.

“We received some support from professors and from the security staff. Some of them are not on side, and some of them would like to see us leave, but there has been some support,” said Dan Drummond, a first year Politics and Sociology student at the occupation.

The protestors also received food and drink donations from a local Mosque and from Clark’s pasties.

Eventually, on Wednesday afternoon, Ms Cassella spoke to the protestors and announced that some of their demands would be met. The protestors chose to remain in occupation of the lecture theatre overnight, but faced difficulties continuing the protest on Thursday morning. continued on page 4

FULL COVERAGE PAGE 4 EDITORIAL PAGE 9

02 NEWS

NEWS.................1

Second time lucky for healthcare sabbatical motion PHOTO: Jake Yorath

gr

MARCH.02.2009 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

EDITORIAL & OPINION.............9 POLITICS..........16 LETTERS...........18 FEATURES........19 TAF-OD..............22 SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT..25 JOBS & MONEY.............27 TED HANDSOME......29 LISTINGS..........33 SPORT..............35 gair rhydd has been Cardiff University's independent student newspaper since 1972.

MEDSOC president Tom Wright (left) celebrates the meeting's outcome

Eleanor Joslin News Editor Healthcare students will now receive improved representation as a quorate Annual General Meeting (AGM) passed the motion for a new Healthcare Student Integration Sabbatical position.

This position will replace Cardiff University’s current Heath Park Campus Non-Sabbatical Officer Matt Clarke. He was pleased with the result, saying: “This is exhilarating. It has taken a lot of work and time to accomplish this.”

The motion passed with a clear majority and was greeted with a thunderous round of applause.

Tom Wright, President of Medsoc, and Jack Navein, a third-year Medicine student, had proposed and seconded the motion respectively, and were delighted with the result.

Tom said: “The next step is to make all students aware of this position and to publicise it as much as possible so they are aware of improved future representation and integration.”

On Monday February 23, the Great Hall in the Students’ Union was full to capacity as students came to continue debating the motions from the previ-

ous AGM, which had had to be postponed on February 12.

This last AGM was found to be inquorate mid-debate as students left the meeting unaware that it would be detrimental to proceedings.

James Wood, Vice-President, and Andy Button-Stephens, President of the Students’ Union, both explained the issue of quoracy and the affect that student attendance has on voting at the AGM. James began the meeting thanking everyone “for coming back and for making a real difference to student democracy.”

Regarding the AGM’s attendance,

Andy commented: “[AGM] couldn’t be more student led than this and that’s exactly what we wanted.”

The meeting incorporated the scanning of student cards to ensure quoracy and revealed that 757 students attended which successfully exceeded the 540 students needed for a quorate debate.

As 246 of those attending were Medicine students, the statistics show that the motion was passed by students that represented all areas of the University and not just Healthcare.

Opening the debate for this motion, Matt explained that the new Sabbatical position would be temporary for an estimated three to five years and once the problems that Healthcare students currently face have been tackled, the position could revert back to the NonSabbatical role.

After an amendment proposed at the previous AGM, the position will also be reviewed next year to assess its progress.

Some if the problems highlighted included the issue of representation between the Students’ Union and Healthcare Students, the Union extending their opening times and creating a Fresher’s Week for the March intake of Nurses.

Matt said: “The next step is for Student Council to be shown a job description for the position and to get someone elected in the March elections who will be committed to the role.”

The AGM also passed a motion proposing improved advertising in the Student’s Union, failed a motion for an NUS affiliation referendum and passed a motion calling for availability of handcrafted, locally produced drinks in the Students' Union.

RAG frock exchange raises over £400 Daniella Graham Reporter CF10 played host to the BBC Frock Exchange, staged by RAG as part of Go Global fortnight last week.

The event on Wednesday 25 February involved people donating their clothes and accessories at various drop off points around campus, which could be swapped on the night for items donated by other people.

In addition, local businesses including Kooki Two Bit, Recycled With Love and Jazz Cakes had stalls selling

various items such as bags, jewellery and vintage clothing.

By the time the doors opened at 7.30 dozens of people were queuing to exchange their clothes, and over 100 people attended the event. Sophie Marett, a second year Cardiff student who attended the event said: “It’s a really original idea and was a really good night. I really hope RAG hosts a similar event in the future.”

All money from ticket sales, stallholder fees and the Rag cake stall went directly to Comic Relief, and at the time of going to press the grand total raised was approaching £500.

Away on a placement? Heading abroad? In bed with a hangover?

www.gairrhydd.com ...NEWS, LIVE DEBATE, FEATURES, SPORT, QUENCH, EXCLUSIVE CONTENT & MORE

NEWS 03

MARCH.02.2009 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Drink beer and gettin' cider Christofer Lloyd Investigations Hundreds of students flocked in to taste dozens of lesser known beers and ciders from across the UK at the Beer and Cider Festival last week.

Running for the 12th consecutive year, the festival took place over two days from Thursday 26 to Friday 27 February in the Great Hall.

Second year Spanish student Vincent Cox said: “This is my favourite event at University. If Cardiff ever loses this it would be a real blow to the student appeal.” He also praised the large range of different beers and ciders available at the festival.

Third year student, Emyr Rees said that he loved the festival, but felt that

there had been a lack of advertising this year, whilst James Parker commented: “The staff behind the bar are really good; they know what they are talking about.”

One of the bar staff at the event, Mike Young, attributes the festival's success to a wide variety of drinks from across the UK, all in one place and at a standard price.

“There is live music, in a small venue and people can have as many samples as they like to help them choose which drinks to have!” Young added.

Third year students Jess Kelly and Rachel Robbins said that they had gone along for the cheap drinks and the relaxed atmosphere. Jess said: “I think this year’s a bit better than last year - there’s more entertainment”

Sarah Powell News Editor Students voted in favour of introducing handcrafted, locally produced drinks into the Students' Union at the AGM last week.

Edmund Schluessel, President of the Real Ale and Cider Society, proposed the motion at the AGM, telling members of the audience of the importance of choice in their Union.

Speaking to gair rhydd, Schluessel reiterated his own motive for proposing the motion: “We don't want to abolish lager, we don't want to persecute Carling drinkers."

"We want to maximise choice. Let people drink what they like - but, for heaven's sake, give them the opportunity to explore a bit what they want to drink.”

In a speech that praised the local breweries, Schluessel spoke of the wide choice and variety that can be

found in locally produced drinks.

“Cardiff has four breweries but you'd never know it by visiting the Taf or indeed most of the establishments in the city. Why should we be paying ‘x’ pounds per year in costs to subsidize trucking something halfway down the length of Britain when we, in Wales, not only can make but do make equivalent or superior products?”

He was also critical of the drinks industry, which, he argues produce the same generic products because of their belief that young drinkers only care about getting drunk.

“What we have proof of here in Cardiff University tonight is what we've known all along - that students are not stupid and we are definitely not corporate puppets.

He continued: “We want selection, not monopoly. We care about the environment. We care about local culture and local character. We are all individuals, and we want to show that off -- in our clothing, in our music, and in

our choice of drink.”

When concerns over the technical aspects of stocking such drinks were raised, Schluessel responded by saying that whilst technical work would need to be done in order for real ales to be served in the Taf, SA Brains Brewery have offered to install the appropriate beer lines at the Union for free.

Expense could also be avoided by instead serving bag-in-box beer, or bottled real ale, which can be stored in the refrigerators in the Union.

Schluessel told gair rhydd: “While it's not my utopian vision, just a good selection of locally-made bottled beer and cider would fill the letter of the mandate in our resolution.”

Schluessel finished by saying: “Ultimately I believe our success comes at the culmination of a long process.

I'm happy that the student body supported our motion. It feels nice to know that such a large segment of the population agrees with the core ideas of my society.”

PHOTO: Jake Yorath

Real ale: coming soon to your Students' Union

EDMUND SCHLUESSEL: real ale champion

Rugby team in the sin bin after break in IMG rugby players left red-faced after prank goes wrong Emma Barlow News Editor An IMG rugby team have found themselves in trouble with the police after they decided to “cause some mischief” by breaking into a house.

The group of 15 had just left

The Woodville when they decided to break into the house on Miskin street on Wednesday February 25.

One student jumped through an open window and let the rest of the team in through the front door. gair rhydd spoke to one team member, who wanted to remain anonymous. He insisted that it was all a joke. He said: “We are not

criminals,” However, the group did steal an Internet router. One team member claimed that it had been broken by one of them so they decided to hide it.

One of the alarmed residents called the police and chased the group as they made their way out of the house and towards Koko Goril-

laz.

Most of the group apparently fled the scene but the police did catch up with and questioned two team members.

They were made to compensate the household a total of £50 to pay for the broken and stolen router.

“We were not going to trash the place; we just wanted to cause a

bit of mischief” one team member said.

At the time gair rhydd went to print it was unclear whether the residents of the house would be pressing charges.

04 NEWS Students Major victory for students opposed Against War to University's investment in arms blog spots:

MARCH.02.2009 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

continued from front page

Eleanor Joslin News Editor As the occupation ended, Cardiff Students Against War celebrated their efforts and wrote on their blog: 'VICTORY!! We’re about to leave, march around campus to declare our victory and make our continued presence known to the University community. Banners and megaphones, BOOKS not BOMBS! 'We see this as the beginning, not the end. The occupation has attracted considerable interest and support from the Cardiff University community, and has succeeded in raising awareness of the effects of the arms trade and the horrific situation in Gaza.'

The blog also praised the efforts of all those that were involved but added that their protest was not over yet: 'The campaign will continue because we believe that Cardiff University should be doing more for Gaza, such as facilitating scholarships to Gazan students and boycotting Israeli products in protest at the treatment of Palestinians by the IDF, and the settlers occupying the West Bank.'

A flag outside the lecture theatre One of the first blog entries, Occupation Day One, greeted supporters and said: 'The demonstration earlier outside the Students' Union was a big success and generated widespread support and interest from passing students, staff and strangers, many of whom joined in spontaneously.'

The next day continued their optimism for the occupation and their efforts: 'Spirits are high as day two of the occupation begins. Sleep was a little fragmented last night with lights mysteriously turning themselves on.'

'Everyone was well fed and watered though, with curry and a particularly beautiful Disarm Cardiff cake.'

Occupiers from other Universities also wrote messages of solidarity: 'Support from your friends at the University of East London, we watch your progress closely.'

Visit www.occupiedcardiff.blogspot.com for more reactions and future events.

As the occupation ends, students celebrate their successful protest

At 1.15pm on Thursday, the protestors were told to abandon the occupation on the recommendation of the NUS. Tony Oliver, Head of Security, said: “Casella repeats the request for students to leave the lecture theatre now. The University will negotiate no more.

“The NUS is withdrawing their support and as of 2pm the University is taking that stance.”

The NUS state that protests lasting longer than 48 hours can be disruptive, and Oliver therefore announced that from 2pm onwards, the students would be occupying the theatre illegally.

But the students remained in high

spirits, having achieved a large part of what they set out to achieve.

Students' Union President Andy Buttons-Stephens said: “It’s great to see student activists passionately engaging and lobbying the University over these issues.

“The protestors clearly made an impact on the University and thankfully with minimal disruption to other students who wish to attend their lectures and learn.”

He added: “Any efforts to improve ethical investment by the University are hugely welcomed. It is something that is on the agenda for my discussions with the University and is equally something that I know Sam Knight, the Union’s Ethical and Environmental Officer, is working hard on.”

Chomsky sends message of solidarity Eleanor Joslin News Editor Last week's two day Cardiff Students Against War occupation received a message of support from American linguist and political activist Noam Chomsky.

The email, which was sent last Wednesday, said: “I am very pleased to learn about the courageous and honorable actions of the Cardiff University students.

“These are particularly significant because of Britain’s role in arms sales generally, and its contribution to the savage onslaught on Gaza and on the occupied territories generally, second only to the decisive role of the United States - a disgrace for all of us.

“I hope you have the greatest success in arousing public opinion and bringing these crimes to an end.”

In response to his email, which was sent on the first day of occupation, the students said: “Obviously this is a massive boost to our morale after a rough first night on the cold, hard lecture theatre steps. Thank you Noam!”

The students occupying the lecture theatre also received support from University professors such as Christopher Norris, Professor of Philosophy.

He said: “Your actions have my full and wholehearted support. I hope very much that the University - or those with the greatest influence over its funding priorities and research commitments - will openly acknowledge the justice of your claims and the moral discredit that is brought upon all of us by their continuing investment in corrupt, disreputable, and downright murderous companies like BAE.”

Professor Norris also joined the students on Tuesday's 'Books not Bombs' demonstration, when they

marched in protest outside the Students’ Union before they began their occupation.

Noam Chomsky offered his support to the protestors

Ex-BAE employee applauds protest Saudi Aradbian exile Yahya Al-Faifi supports campaign Ceri Isfryn Features Editor A Saudi Arabian exile who suffered ill treatment following his dismissal from BAE Systems, one of the arms manufacturers from which Cardiff University has now divested its shares, addressed protesters on the last day of their occupation last week.

Yahya Al-Faifi praised the efforts of Cardiff Students Against War, who occupied the Shandon lecture theatre in the Main Building for over 48 hours.

He said: “Back home in Saudi

Arabia, it was hard to get colleagues to stand by me, so to receive such great support over here is wonderful.”

In 2001, when Yahya was working for BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia, the company presented him and other workers with a new contract, which Yahya claims was aimed to trick workers into accepting a 40% pay cut.

Despite trade unionism being illegal in Saudi Arabia, Yahya managed to corral around 2,000 workers into contesting the contract as well as arranging an illegal meeting, which 500 of his colleagues attended.

Subsequently, Yahya was fired and,

following several threats of violence, he was advised to seek asylum in the UK. So far, his requests have been rejected with “insulting allegations” being made against the trade unionist, much to the disgust of the protesters at the occupation.

The Cardiff Students Against War blog said: "If he is sent back to Saudi Arabia he faces imprisonment, torture and possible death for his socialist connections and trade union activities.

“His family will be uprooted, his children will have to break off their education and obviously they will all face the trauma of their husband and

father being harassed by the Saudi state.”

Several of those present in the lecture theatre pledged support to Yahya, but he stated: “I will never appeal a criminal decision. They should just be put under arrest.”

Yahya highlighted the absence of Saudi students taking part in Cardiff’s occupation, saying: “If a Saudi student took part in any kind of protest, they would without doubt be on the first flight back to Saudi Arabia the next morning.

“I have never cared about the consequences of what I’m saying. What matters is that I have the courage to fight tyranny,” he concluded.

MARCH.02.2009 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Stolen, not Lent

NEWS 05

Students robbed as they flip pancakes in their kitchen Emma Barlow News Editor A group of first-year students were burgled while they ate pancakes in their kitchen last week.

The students were enjoying the traditional treat reserved for Shrove Tuesday last week, Tuesday February 24, when someone broke into the university owned property on Ruthin Gardens.

One resident told gair rhydd that it was, “really frightening to think that

13 universities 'at risk'

we were in the house at the time.”

The students believe the incident happened between 9 and 11 o’clock and the intruder gained entry into a ground floor bedroom by trying a window, which was shut but not locked.

A laptop, purse and set of house keys was stolen and the group of students have had the locks changed in case the burglar returns.

One resident summed up, saying: “You never think it will happen to you.

We’ll definitely be more careful with windows and doors in the future.”

Steve Wright Reporter

Student appeals 'take years' Siobhan O'Hanlon Reporter A recent report that was launched by the NUS has detailed students’ views of institutional complaints and appeals procedures throughout England and Wales.

The report highlights students’ opinions on the measures for appealing against assessed work and complaining about their academic experi-

ences.

It outlined two main areas of concern and the first one involved the amount of time some universities take to resolve a complaint or appeal.

A number of Students’ Unions even claimed that some complaints take years to process, which can force some students to give up due to the lengthy procedure.

The other main area of concern focused on students’ perceptions of

News in brief:

complaining and whether or not this would affect their relationship with academic staff.

In addition, the report highlights several recommendations to ensure that the complaints and appeals procedure is fair for students.

Aaron Porter, NUS Vice President, said: “NUS is particularly concerned by the length of time taken for some students to go through the institutional procedure. We believe that if a case is

not resolved within three months they should be able to take it to an external body.”

He also hoped that the report will persuade institutions to review their complaints and appeals procedures and encourage those who have not reviewed their procedures in the last 18 months to do so immediately.

Students out in force for charity Fun Run

Previously classified documents released under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed that 13 universities and colleges are ‘at risk’ of failure.

The list, which dates back to 2004, reveals Government concerns about issues such as governance and financing, including universities struggling to recruit students or reduce drop-out rates, and others which had become too dependent on overseas students for funding.

Three institutions were placed in the highest risk category: Luton University (now Bedfordshire University); Birmingham School of Acting (now merged with Birmingham City University); and Bolton Institute, which now has university status.

Many of these have since merged with other institutions, although it is unknown whether they are still being monitored.

A spokesman for the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) said: ‘‘Our current risk assessments of the (university) sector show that institutions we fund are generally well-managed and not at risk.’’

Plaid Cymru to back top up fees Nathan Allen Reporter

SVC runners in Bute Park after their three mile race

Eleanor Smith Reporter Cardiff students ran three miles around Bute Park in fancy dress last Saturday in aid of Student Volunteering Cardiff (SVC).

SVC, a charity run by students at Cardiff University, hosted its second

annual Fun Run to raise money and fund over 40 of its volunteering projects in the local community.

The event attracted around 60 students, dressed up as everything from cows and chickens to pirates and Little Bo Peep.

Before the race began, students took part in an aerobic warm-up with the Funky Arse Disco dancers and as

they crossed the finish line, they were handed a goodie bag full of freebies.

There were prizes for the first, second and third male and female to complete the course, which included free haircuts and back massages from Saks Hair and Beauty and from Vitality.

The charity, who works with the elderly, young, disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the community,

is based in the Students’ Union and made up of approximately one thousand student volunteers.

SVC project coordinator Ed Ellis told gair rhydd: “It was a great success and I hope it can be even bigger next year now it is an established event.”

Despite recently reaffirming its opposition to top up fees, Plaid Cymru could soon abandon their support for students.

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Secretary, Jenny Randerson AM, has accused Plaid Cymru of running away from the fact that they may soon be backing top up fees, and consequently letting countless numbers of Welsh students down.

Jenny Randerson said: “This bizarre turn of events is simply Plaid Cymru trying to cover the fact that they are about to let down thousands of students across Wales and insulate themselves from the fall out of their actions and broken promises.

How can you have a policy saying you are on the side of Welsh students when you are part of a government that is seemingly about to impose a lifetime of even more debt on thousands of young people?

Questions are also raised about why Ieuan Wyn Jones was so quick to tell his party their “policy” isn’t workable, when the idea about dropping student support is only at consultation stage.

06 NEWS

MARCH.02.2009 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

UNION WATCH

Sarah Powell rounds up the week in student media

Students suspended over 'nazi' initiations

Exeter go bananas for Fairtrade

NAZI INITIATIONS: may result in suspension

EXETER EXEPOSE

GLOUCESTERSHIRE THE NATIONAL STUDENT A group of students from the University of Gloucestershire have been suspended after a recent investigation into their ‘Nazi-style’ initiation ceremony.

The students have not been named by the University, and there has been no confirmation regarding the number

of suspensions.

The University first came under criticism after a video emerged in October, which showed participants paraded around with carrier bags over their heads by a student dressed in a Nazi-style uniform.

The student in uniform walks up and down the line of students, encouraging them to drink excessively whilst many can be seen vomiting.

A University of Gloucestershire

spokesman Paul Drake stated: “The university has concluded its investigation into initiation ceremonies.”

“A number of students have been subject to university disciplinary procedures and the matter is now closed,” he added.

Further embarrassment for the University came in December, when a student at a rugby club initiation vomited over himself and the floor of a public bus.

Exeter will be welcoming BBC broadcaster George Alagiah to their University to host a recordbreaking banana-eating attempt as part of ‘Fairtrade Fortnight’.

Fairtrade bananas will be sold at the University by Alagiah, who is President of the FairTrade Foundation.

The record-breaking attempt is part

of a fortnight of events taking place at the University which aim to raise awareness of the positive impact of purchasing Fairtrade produce.

The University Guild already supports Fairtrade produce, selling the ethical goods wherever possible.

A member of the Guild said: “By coming and buying a banana you will both be part of a new record and be helping Fairtrade achieve a better position in the banana market.”

Oxford nightlife voted 'poor' by students OXFORD CHERWELL

OXFORD: all work and no play?

Students have rated Oxford’s nightlife as “poor” in a recent survey, giving the town an average of just 5/10 for ‘going out’.

In the survey, in which 40,000 British students took part, Oxford came below Warwick and Manchester as a place to live, and below Leamington Spa and Aberystwyth as a place to go out.

Many students felt that the low score was justified, with one student saying: “it's the same clubs, and they get boring."

Another student defended Oxford’s nightlife, saying that people should put up with the city’s shortcomings:

“Oxford is a bit rubbish for going out, unless you're thinking more of restaurants and so on, in which case it's not so bad. But you expect that when you apply to a small town. If going out is what matters to you, then yeah, don't come here."

In the ‘transport’ category Oxford achieved its highest score of a 7/10 rating.

Over 470 Oxford students took part in the survey, and Oxford’s performance this year was an improvement on previous results.

Interestingly, respondents to the survey also rated London as a 5/10 for ‘going out’ and gave the capital an overall score of 56% leaving it on a par with Cambridge.

This result was due to poor marks in the “community” and “facilities” categories.

WORLD NEWS 07

MARCH.02.2009 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Also in the news...

Sophia Moatti Reporter

Lack of colour

Animal magnetism Sarah Powell News Editor Wildlife managers in Florida have launched an innovative experiment to keep crocodiles away from residential neighbourhoods by temporarily taping magnets to their heads to disrupt their homing ability.

Crocodiles are a significant problem for people living in residential areas of Miami due to their notorious territorial instincts.

Scientists believe that the croco-

diles rely, to an extent, on the Earth’s magnetic fields to navigate, which provides the basis for the new experiment.

It is hoped that taping magnets to the sides of their heads will disorientate the crocodiles, and prevent them from returning to residential areas once they are moved.

Lindsey Hord, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Crocodile Response Coordinator, said: "They're just taped on temporarily. We just put the magnets on when they're captured and since they don't know where we take them, they're

Liar Lior?

Owen Thomas Reporter

The Prime Minister of Israel has been forced to apologise for an offensive comedy sketch show broadcast on Israeli Channel 10.

The broadcast showed Jesus as incapable of walking on water as he was “so fat he was ashamed to leave the house, let alone go to the sea of Galilee with a bathing suit” while also portraying Mary as a pregnant schoolgirl.

The popular Israeli comedian, Lior Shlein, claimed he was giving a “lesson” to holocaust-denying Christians by denying the Christian beliefs that Jesus walked on water and Mary was a virgin.

The sketch was supposed to be seen in the context of strained relations between the Vatican and Israel due to the decision of Pope Benedict XVI to reverse the excommunication of British bishop Richard Williamson, who has argued that no more than 300,000 Jews were killed in the holocaust.

The Vatican has since issued a statement denounc-

ing the sketch as a “vulgar and offensive act of intolerance” and the Israeli PM, Ehud Olmert, apologised for the spoof in his weekly press conference, condemning the comments.

The incident has further heightened tension between Israel and Europe after Israeli military action in Gaza during December and January increased fears of a humanitarian crisis in the region and the EU had seen its calls for an early ceasefire largely ignored by Israeli military.

lost. The hope would be that they stay where we take them to."

Once an endangered species, the American crocodile population has returned to nearly 2,000 in coastal south Florida.

However, their only habitat is in the continental United States which puts them in increasing contact with humans, especially in areas where houses border on canals around Miami and the Florida Keys.

For this reason Hord spoke of the need to protect and live alongside the crocodiles: "These crocodiles are unique and valuable creatures and we

May divorce be with you

'Bush is dead' Technical assistants at a South African news channel accidentally announced the death of former President Bush last week.

The phrase “George Bush is dead” was apparently the mockup headline for headline tests, but the technical director accidentally pressed the wrong button, and the fake headline aired for approximately three seconds before the error was corrected.

The station announced that from now on test banners will be incoherent characters to prevent similar mishaps from occurring.

Slippery customer

Sarah Powell News Editor

Israeli comedian Lior Shlein

feel like we have a responsibility to live with these animals as much as we can."

Currently, any crocodile that comes back twice after being captured and moved are sent to zoos or otherwise placed in captivity, but this is something biologists hope to avoid if the magnet experiment works.

"This one is by no means a really well-developed scientific study with a control group. It's just something we thought we would try," said Hord.

"We do have to make some room to live with them."

Public servants in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou should not sport unnatural hair styles or wear too colourful clothes, according to new city regulations.

From now, city officials should ensure their clothing matches and stay away from bright colour, putting more emphasis on neatness and order.

Zhengzhou, in the land-locked Henan province, is better known for its agriculture than its sense of style, yet officials claim no specific breach triggered the latest set of rules, which are simply meant to advance the image of its public servants.

A 14-year-old girl has recently got divorced from her 17-year-old husband, making her Israel’s youngest divorcee.

Spokeswoman Efrat Orbach, described the girl as the youngest Jewish divorcee in Israel's modern history, and said the couple had been granted a rabbinical divorce this week.

The couple had exchanged vows, a ring and consummated the union, which is enough to make the pair husband and wife in the Jewish state.

After discovering the union, the parents of the girl insisted on a religious divorce, which she initially refused.

The Israeli press say that she only changed her mind when the boy's parents offered her money to divorce him.

The divorce will go on the girl's legal file, meaning that when she is 16, her identity card will say she is divorced.

In Israeli criminal law, sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl are legal, provided that her male partner is no more than three years her senior.

A man has been arrested after trying to smuggle 44 snakes and lizards onto a plane in his suitcase.

The 24-year-old, who has yet to be named, had been trying to smuggle the reptiles onto a flight from Australia to Bangkok where it is thought they would have been up for sale for up to £100,000 on the black market.

Included was an albino carpet python, like the one Britney Spears used during a performance at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards and which is an endangered species.

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OPINION 09

MARCH.02.2009 OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

freewords Est. 1972

Protesters profit as Cardiff divests Last week's victorious protest by students opposed to the arms trade marked a milestone for activists at Cardiff University.

Cardiff has not seen a protest of this size or determination for several years, and the commitment of those involved must be applauded.

Two years ago gair rhydd first published figures revealing the extent of the University's investment in arms.

Just over three months ago, gair rhydd followed up the story, revealing that the University's investment had actually increased.

The story was accompanied by an editorial which applauded the efforts of the University to listen to students but bemoaned their unwillingness to take meaningful action.

The University has now taken direct action. Their decision to withdraw all investments in BAE systems and the infrastructure arm of General Electric mark a bold move which was clearly catalysed by the two-day lecture theatre occupation and protest.

It is not yet clear whether the University has divested itself of its investments in Smith Group, the only other arms company which it has holdings in..

Nevertheless, their withdrawal from BAE systems and General Electric send out a clear message not only to students but to other universities.

It is a great moment for the University, which has proven itself capable of listening to students and placing principle before profit - a particular fine achievement given the current economic climate.

But it is also a great moment for students, who have seen how directly appealing to the University can help to make big changes in University practice.

Cardiff students have, for the last few years at least, been fairly reticent when it comes to campaigning.

However, this academic year has seen a surge in student activism, from the Union organised Invest In Sport: Project Queue, to the occupation of the Shandon lecture theatre last week. gair rhydd applauds the University for its divestment of its investments in arms, and urges the student body to continue demanding change where it is needed.

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Fight for your rights Human rights should be respected regardless of the individual, thinks Jenni Summers

R

adical Islamic cleric Abu Qatada (allegedly Osama Bin Laden’s right-hand man) has been awarded £2,500 in compensation by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR, which is NOT a body of the European Union) for violations of his rights this month.

Some have suggested that a mockery has been made of our human rights system by the decision. However, it is my conviction that it is vital for our Government to be held to account when they cross the line, as otherwise we risk sinking to standards as low as the evil we claim to be fighting against.

There could have been much deeper consequences if the Government was not penalised The subject of terror attacks inevitably stirs up strong feelings amongst ordinary individuals. Consequently, it is no surprise that the compensation of Qatada, a man whose sermons were used as guidance by hijackers in the September 11th attacks, causes disbelief and outrage, especially considering Britain’s anticipation of imminent attacks giving rise to a state of emergency at the time of Qatada’s original arrest.

However, there could have been much deeper repercussions if the ECHR were to fail in penalising Government wrongdoing, so it is vital to look beyond the emotive nature of the case and appreciate what the courts are striving to achieve.

The crux of the ECHR trial was the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 which allowed indefinite detention of foreign nationals without charge and with no access to a trial on the grounds of suspicion of terrorism.

Whilst Qatada is clearly an enemy of democracy and peace having made some deplorable public displays, such as advocating the killing of Jews and Islamic converts as well as praising of

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the attacks on America, this does not excuse the fact that no formal legal procedure took place before he was imprisoned.

Allowing indiscriminate detention of foreign nationals is clearly divisive and discriminatory. This belief was echoed by the House of Lords who condemned this legislation and, as a result, the provision was removed from the law.

It is thus essential that courts such as the House of Lords and the ECHR can properly oversee our Government.

Without them to provide a check on the executive, potentially any one of us could be detained in spite of total innocence.

For some, however, talk of preserving human rights is all very well, but if holding these people prevents another terrorist atrocity and protects our country then we should be allowed to bend the rules to keep us safe.

To an extent that is clearly true; these times of heightened threat call for tighter security measures. But that should never mean that the rule of law is thrown out the window as a result; we do not want to find ourselves edging towards becoming the dystopian societies depicted by George Orwell, Aldous Huxley and Margaret Atwood.

The courts are not 'woolly-liberal' institutions It might seem that I'm setting a great deal of store by principle-based arguments, rather than looking at political and practical realities. But one only has to think of Guantanamo Bay, a place ever-present in my mind after the visit of two former detainees to Cardiff University, to demonstrate how far a Government will go in the name of security.

Horrific things can happen to the most seemingly ordinary of people.

These individuals had no evidence put to them, no trial or no appeal and were detained for years and tortured. Omar Deghayes even had his eye poked out.

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ABU QATADA: Walking free Do not mistake Guantanamo to be an expressly American project either; it is alleged that our very own MI5 were involved in torturing at the facility, as well as in the infamous ‘extraordinary rendition’ programme. An investigation by the Council of Europe (of which the ECHR is a part) also revealed the existence of so-called ‘secret’ prisons around the world in Morocco, Jordan and Afghanistan, and even Poland and Romania.

It found that captives were being held without charge and were frequently subjected to inhumane treatment. Accordingly, it is imperative that we do not allow such activities to be carried out by our own Government or others, on our own soil or anywhere else.

Therefore, it becomes clear that having our domestic courts and the European Court there to play watchdog, scrutinising and reprimanding our Government when it steps over the line, is a key element that preserves our way of life.

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The courts are not ‘woolly-liberal’ institutions, either. They understand that the state has to strike a balance between freedom and security, and so they appreciated Britain’s state of emergency post-September 11th when Qatada was arrested. Their appreciation of this meant his compensation was a tiny proportion of the £170,000 he claimed.

We need a balance between freedom and security

Thus, it cannot be said that the actions taken by the court were outrageous or made a mockery of human rights because they were just trying to ensure that every person has access to a fair trial; judgements like this one provide a strong reminder to our Government that it cannot act to strip anyone of their rights without consequences.

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10 OPINION Canuck in Cardiff

Corey Shefman on language

I

speak approximately five words of Welsh. Being Canadian, that’s probably not a huge surprise. What may come as a surprise to those who are aware that Canada is an officially bilingual country is that when I speak French, I sound something like a drunk three-year-old (not that I know what a drunk three-year-old sounds like).

Despite the fact that I’m a monolingual Anglophone who has spent the last five years living in various bilingual jurisdictions (Quebec and now Wales), I have a profound appreciation for the importance of the second language.

In Quebec, French made a comeback in the 1950s during a period known as the ‘Quiet Revolution’. This was a time when French speaking Québecois took back power (peacefully, of course) from the Catholic Church and the English Montrealers who had dominated Quebec politics for over a century.

My limited understanding of Welsh history has led me to believe that Wales saw a similar (though certainly less pronounced) shift in the early 1990s. But although Wales still has a long way to go, bilingualism – and I mean functional, rather than official bilingualism – is possible.

While Quebec may not be the best example given the province’s disdain for and discrimination against the English language, the fact is everyone in Quebec can understand at least basic French. They have to: most advertisements, restaurant menus, shop signs and road signs are in French alone.

The problem in Wales is not that the Welsh language is inherently inferior or more difficult to maintain than French. The problem is that the Welsh speakers, particularly the kind of people who Malcolm Gladwell, in his book The Tipping Point, labels as 'connectors' and 'salesmen', are not doing a very good job of promoting their language. Arguing that Welsh is important because of its historical value is nice, but it won’t convince anyone to change their habits. It simply isn't enough.

Welsh speakers need to come out of the closet. Show that Welsh can be used as a language of commerce and governance. Write to your AM, and for that matter your MP, asking them to speak in Welsh in the Assembly.

Next time you go into a shop, speak first in Welsh – only if they don't understand speak in English.

Most importantly, the Welsh language is fundamental to who you are as a Welsh person. In the relatively short time that I’ve lived in the UK, it has become abundantly clear to me that on the whole, Welsh people are significantly and demonstrably different from their English brethren. Take a lesson from the Québecois: treat your language with pride and in turn, you, as a nation, will be treated the same.

MARCH.02.2009 OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

Watching the detectives

Charlene Anderson on cameras in police stations

T

here’s a storm brewing in a police station in Brighton.

For the last few years the police have been getting camerahappy and installing the nosy robots on every street corner to watch the chavs wave fists at each other and drunken tramps have a kip on the bench, and on every lamppost to pick out every canine who decides to cock his leg up against it.

Of course, it’s vitally important that the police should sit back and watch what’s going on in their community; they are the local watchdogs keeping the town in order. But Brighton’s Chief Superintendant Graham Bartlett is still not satisfied. He wants to hook a CCTV camera up in his own police station’s kitchen.

Well, doesn’t sound like a bad idea really does it? After all, police have been under the public glare for a while now. Surely an omniscient eye in the staff kitchen will pick out any racist or offensive banter, or point out those few lazy coppers who spend too much time drinking coffee in the kitchen instead of going out to fight crime?

CCTV cameras can be a crucial tool to combat crime This camera could even hold the answer to a burning question I’ve had since I was small – just how many iced doughnuts do policemen get through on their tea breaks? But surprisingly, none of these are the impetus for his rash idea. According to him, the camera would spot the lazy PCs who don't do the washing up.

The staff kitchen is currently said to be strewn with rubbish, spilt food and dirty crockery - basically like your av-

erage student kitchen just before bin day. So the logical answer? Stick in a camera, of course. Another excuse to pick out the culprit while sitting on their backsides.

While Brighton’s new police commander says the camera will deter the small minority from committing anti-social behaviour in the kitchen, my opinion is that this is the latest example of police wasting valuable time, money, and resources.

Of course now, with the current talk of the threat of terrorism, the Government are itching to put cameras on every inch of every city high street, bus and train, all of which are completely necessary. But is it just me, or are these surveillance technologies being given by police as the answer to every minor crime?

Are a bunch of delinquents really going to look up to see if they are being watched before they throw bricks at their teacher’s house and run away?

By the time PC Jimbob Bloggs grabs his hat and gets down to the scene of the crime, there’s no chance of identifying the little rascals because they’re all wearing Nike hoodies, just like every other 14-year-old in the town.

But even if CCTV cameras were used for anti-social behaviour, surely this Graham Bartlett isn't serious in classing ‘not washing up’ as anti-social behaviour? Fair enough, it’s not exactly socially acceptable to leave dirty dishes around the kitchen, but after all the offensive behaviour they see on their job, a dirty kitchen can’t be worthy of an ASBO. If that's the case then I think my housemate should get an ASBO. The dirty plates have been left for so long, I’ve learnt to regard them as some sort of abstract sculpture decorating our kitchen. But instead of the Big Brother solution, I chose a more traditional approach. The cleaning rota went up

this week.

But more important than the question of whether it is necessary is the question of whether it is worth it.

Has Superintendant Bartlett realised that someone is going to have to look through hours of footage of a kitchen to pick out the one who forgot to wash up his cup?

Surely running these cameras isn’t

Is being messy really anti-social behaviour? cheap, either. Won’t it just put another pointless ‘appliance’ on the bills that taxpayers foot? I think police today have far too much time and money on their hands.

But here’s another thing: apparently this extreme measure was taken as a last resort, when none of the police owned up to leaving the mess when asked. Now, it’s funny how it’s an of-

fence to lie to a police constable, but they have no problems with lying to each other. We expect them to keep our community in order, but they can’t even take themselves seriously, let alone keep a kitchen tidy. Can police prosecute each other for wasting each other’s time?

In my opinion, putting CCTV in a police kitchen is not only rash and ridiculous but undermines the purpose of the cameras, the position of police as crime fighters, and emphasises the ‘1984’ climate surrounding us. 25 years later it may be, but if police want to check who left the coffee mug, who knows what they’ll want to check on next.

Who’s to say cameras won’t be installed in all workplace kitchens?

After all, they probably have the same problems. What about bathrooms?

It’s only a matter of time before every office and school gets CCTV to catch the person who doesn’t know how to flush.

CCTV: Cop-catching television?

I'm Allen tarnished

Laura Harman discusses Stanford's sleaze

A

llen Stanford: businessman, sponsor of professional sports, philanthropist, and knight of Antigua and Barbuda.

His work is said to have raised $15million for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital over the last three years. He even built his own cricket ground in Antigua after he created the Stanford 20:20.

This reads something like the profile of an entrepreneur like Richard Branson. The only small difference is that Richard Branson doesn’t make people want to pull their own skin off so that they have something to do other than listen to him.

Oh, and he didn’t attempt to go into hiding when it was discovered that he was involved in a fraudulent £8 bil-

lion investment scheme.

The fool tried to dodge institutions like the Securities and Exchange Commission, the FBI and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority when he went into hiding. He, of course, was found, and has now been charged with allegedly misleading customers in the sale of certificates of deposit and the like.

This isn't the first time he has been investigated What a disgusting man. And yet who was really that surprised when this news story surfaced? It isn’t the

first time that Stanford has been at the centre of some kind of scandal, after all. It isn’t even the first time that he has been investigated by the FBI. He has been the subject of investigation for suspected involvement in money laundering for the Gulf Cartel, an organisation that traffics cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin across the border from Mexico to the United States.

In 2001, Stanford claimed that his great-great-great grandfather was related to Leland Stanford, the founder of Stanford University. However, the University filed a trademark infringement lawsuit, claiming that the usage of the school’s name was creating ‘public confusion’.

He also had to apologise late last

year when he flirted with the wives of the England cricket players in a way that the wives said made them feel extremely uncomfortable. They did not, though, think that they could ask him to stop for fear of offending their host.

All in all it’s hard to muster up any sympathy for a man with all of these scandals circulating around him. It’s hard to empathise with a man who earns such an incredibly vast sum of money and yet still feels he has to supplement it with illegal dealings.

I for one will not feel sad if we see him declared guilty. I hope to see his tail between his legs as he walks away, rather than his lecherous grin as he offers ‘just one more glass of champagne’.

OPINION 11

MARCH.02.2009 OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

A case of life and death

Human beings should lawfully be allowed to decide whether they want to end their lives, argues Robbie Wells

N

o one is born wanting to die; this is a pretty straightforward fact about the human condition. Suicidal tendencies are developed through pain and suffering. If someone decides through their own volition to die, then there should not even be an argument about what is the morally right thing to do.

The latest case to spark such arguments was that of Mrs Purdy, a sufferer of multiple sclerosis, who has made a decision that she wants to die.

However, without the means to do so herself, due to her condition, she requires her husband’s help to take her to a euthanasia clinic abroad.

She appealed to the court for assurances that her husband would not be prosecuted for assisting her suicide, but this was rebuffed and the law on assisted suicide reiterated to her: that her husband would be guilty of an offence which would carry up to 14 years in prison.

Mrs Purdy has shown a huge amount of bravery This is an absurdity. The only reasons people can possibly have for upholding the law in this case is that of religious teachings; that every soul is important and that ending a life that God has given to you is a sin against Him. There are only spiritual grounds against euthanasia, because the physical and rational reasons all point firm-

ly towards allowing people the choice to die.

Forgive my blasphemy, but we live in an educated society in which God should be irrelevant and no longer necessary for scaring the underclass into behaving the way in which the ruling class want.

If anyone thinks that God is anything more than that then by all means you’re entitled to your opinion, but this is mine. Show me some other laws that are only in place because of religious dictation.

There are only spiritual grounds against euthanasia The difference between euthanasia and murder is the desire to die on behalf of the one who is to be deceased.

So where is the crime? In war films, when someone is dying in battle, is a burden to his team and is in such excruciating pain that he wants to end his life, we watch on with admiration and acceptance for someone dying in dignity. In reality, when it is an elderly man or woman in a hospital bed dying of a painful disease who chooses to die, some people look on and say this is morally wrong and that they will be going to Hell.

Is it not enough that they want to die, without some righteous man without a care in the world telling them that they will be eternally punished with flames and branding irons

by Satan himself?

Think about if your pet dog or cat were dying in a noticeable amount of pain. The only humane action is to put the pet down - to end its suffering sooner rather than the painfully inevitable later.

The same logic is rarely considered with humans who can’t decide for themselves, though. Why? Because, for some reason, we’ve got it into our heads that we’re more important and special than animals, and that a human loss is some kind of disgrace to God. This is simply not the case.

I was recently talking to a preacher who said that the reason some people go to Hell is because God gave us the faculty of ‘free will’. After scoffing at my assertion that free will is purely a political notion, without any counterargument at all, he went on to explain that it is with this free will that we can make the choices that will lead us to Heaven or Hell.

Reason points towards allowing the choice to die At this point I was questioning why He gave us this faculty if it’s going to get us into trouble. And why doesn’t God have it, if we’re made in his image? But then I thought, even if it is the ultimate sin, there is surely nothing more liberating than putting two fingers up at the supposed Creator and question why the hell he thought that his perfect planet was so great when there is such pain that people go

EUTHANASIA: a humane decision? through.

Personally, I think I’ll stick with Lucifer. At least you know where you stand with that guy.

The fact is, Mrs Purdy has had enough. She’s made the decision, with her great faculty of ‘free will’. She’s

weighed between continuing her life and ceasing to be completely, and there’s a huge amount of bravery in deciding which has more weight for her. Rationality, dignity and bravery were always virtuous characteristics to me. What would Jesus do?

From the sublime to the ridiculous Josh Morris harbours concerns for the future of Venezuela

I

’ve always held a sort of quiet admiration for Hugo Chavéz.

He's a democratically elected socialist president in America’s back yard who’s somehow managed to avoid being bumped off in a CIA backed military coup, unlike many of his South American predecessors.

Yet since 2002, he’s slowly clamped down on press freedom, revoking the terrestrial broadcast license of the second-largest TV station on charges of supporting 2002’s attempted coup.

This effectively cuts it off from his core support of Venezuela’s poor (although it is still widely available on cable and satellite), leaving them with only the state-sponsored network.

He’s also been consistently battling with the largest Worker’s Union, the CTV, who were the biggest supporters of the 2002 coup attempt.

So, up until last Monday, everything was (almost) fine. Circumstances jus-

tified his actions – other unions (specifically the pro-Chavéz UNT, set up by those dissatisfied with CTV) flourish, and TV stations backing military coups would be perhaps more harshly punished in Western countries.

He's slowly clamped down on press freedom His economic policy, specifically nationalisation of industries, has led to decreasing unemployment and inflation. However whether, in the midst of an oil boom, he has raised as many people out of poverty as he should have is up for question. But on Monday, the country voted to allow him to run for President indefinitely. This is unquestionably very bad for democracy.

Chavéz himself is clearly a thorn

in the side of free market capitalism - Venezuela currently provides cheap (40% of wholesale value) fuel to some of the poorest areas of the West (for example, various boroughs in London and New York.) But his nationalising of key industries like telecommunica-

tions and his creeping, growing influence in the media have lead me to believe that he could well be on the turn, so to speak.

In 20 years’ time, will we be asking ourselves why more action was not taken to protect Venezuela the way

CHAVEZ: Heading to corruption?

we have been asking ourselves this about Zimbabwe? If Chavéz remains in charge, perhaps not. But his successor may not be so amiable.

He's clearly a thorn in the side of capitalism

Indeed, five million Venezuelans agree. The main opposition party, Comando Angostura, accused Chavéz of deliberately weakening democracy, and it is debatable whether a 54% majority is enough to make a decision of this magnitude.

Also important was that this was the second time the referendum had been held. Rival demonstrations for and against the 2007 referendum met and predictably turned violent; the resulting police action drew international condemnation.

COLUMNIST 13

MARCH.02.2009 OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

Givin' up on givin' up I

’m writing this on Pancake Day – or Shrove Tuesday, if you’d prefer. If it wasn’t for the changed deadline foisted upon me, I would be writing this on Ash Wednesday, when lots of people will have chosen to give things up.

They’ll have already done said giving up by the time you’re reading this. Spoilsports.

I understand the point of Lent – in the build-up to Easter, Christians would traditionally mark Christ’s 40 days of temptation by giving up the consumption of products such as fat and eggs. Hence the origins of Pancake Day. So, if you’re giving something up over Lent for religious reasons, then good for you. I wish you the best of luck.

Why not just kick it to the kerb good and proper, whatever time of year it happens to be?

Anyway, it’s not actually the giving up of things which irks me. Oh no. It’s the insufferable aura of smugness that those who have given up all too often carry along with them. Yes yes, I get it, I really do: you’re virtuous and I’m not. That must feel lovely. Now stop gloating and just shut up about it already.

Just shut up about your sacrifices

I hasten to add that I’m not perfect. I wish that were the case, but I, too, am just as flawed as the rest of the sorry mess that we call ‘us’. There are more than a few things I could do with getting rid of. I could stop laughing at inappropriate jokes (but they’re funny). I could stop procrastinating (but then I’d finish everything ridiculously early and so have a load of free time that I wouldn’t know what to do with). Perhaps most pertinently of all with regard to this issue, I could stop getting so annoyed about the tiniest of things.

It doesn’t take a lot to set me off.

Not to the level of properly losing my temper – that actually does take a fair amount these days – but just to a simmering level of aggravation bubbling away beneath the surface.

I’m not even joking when I say that earlier on today I got a little bit vexed

However, ‘giving up for Lent’ seems to have become a tradition among the secular, too. Why, if you’re not giving up whatever it is you’re forsaking for any particular reason?

Just for the sake of it? Pointless. Also, why do people never give up anything that’s worth giving up?

Chocolate – always a common one.

Giving up chocolate for Lent. Yes, the classic. Because obviously going cold turkey on sugar for 40 days totally justifies the massive sweetie binge you’ll no doubt go on when Easter Day rolls around. Yeah, you show Cadbury’s what you’re made of.

Giving up drinking is a bit less daft.

I do know somebody who managed a

Why do people never give up anything that's worth giving up?

CROSSING OFF THE DAYS: why bother? whole Lent of teetotalling. That was in first year, as well, which is impressive.

Thing is, though, unless you give up going out as well, then you’ll still be surrounded by drunk people. Let’s be honest – who really likes drunk people, especially when they’re sober themselves? You won’t be acting like an idiot, but you will still be surrounded by them. Oh joy.

Depriving yourself of something won’t stop you from wanting it. If you’ve given something up but spend more time than ever thinking about it, what have you really gained? Not a lot, really. Although, I do feel that I ought to stress that this line of thinking probably shouldn’t be applied to heroin. Or smoking. Or anything else

that’s really addictive and toxic.

Also, if you really want to give a particular habit up so badly, why do you need to use Lent as an excuse? If you want off of Facebook – as apparently some are attemping – why are you using a pretext even flimsier than New Year?

I really do get it: you're virtuous and I'm not Again, I understand if you’re choosing not to partake in a chosen vice in order to mark the Christian build-up to Easter. If not, why hide behind the temporary nature of Lent?

by a guy in one of my seminars who was staring intently at his fountain pen. “Who the hell do you think you are,” I wanted to bark at him. “William Shakespeare? Just use a biro like the rest of us!” I managed to keep it to myself, thankfully; I kept my frustration under wraps.

Poor guy! In hindsight, he really wasn’t doing a single thing wrong. He probably just likes the feel of writing in a fountain pen; maybe it keeps his lettering nice and neat. He might have been staring at it because it wasn’t working and he was trying to figure out why; he might have been staring at it because he was just as bored as I was. He didn’t have much right to my ire at all, no matter how private I kept it (until now).

I’m sure that day-to-day life does bad, bad things to my blood pressure.

But I refuse to relinquish this little vice of mine: I enjoy it too much; I get a kind of perverse pleasure from complaining. I think it’s because I’m generally pretty satisfied with my life, odd as that sounds.

Also, just to contradict pretty much everything I’ve just said, I have seen one ‘giving up’ idea that I do quite like. Two Church of England Bishops have called upon their followers to give up carbon for Lent – to avoid using plastic bags, to use low-energy lightbulbs and to insulate their water tanks. It’s not a sacrifice in the selfflagellating sense, but it is something that will actually have a positive impact.

So, if you must give something up, at least make it something which will make a difference. And please, please don’t be so bloody smug about it.

Heroes & Villains A

h, Google, how you help me in my hours of need. Which are plentiful. Whether I need to know cinema times, the nearest post office, or even just the burning answer to a random question, you are there for me.

I have to say, I wasn't too impressed when I read (whether rightly or wrongly) that just two Google searches produces as much carbon as

it takes to boil a kettle. Think of all the tea I could have had instead of those answers!

Mainly, though, I feel sorry for the residents of an historic Normandy town called Eu. The poor people are seriously considering changing the name of their town, mainly as a result of Google.

God, that must hurt.

Problem is, typing 'Eu' into the

popular search engine is far more likely to bring up hits about the European Union, and so the town is losing tourism, and fast.

In fact, a quick search of my own found that 'Eu' yielded nothing of the French town in the first five pages (I couldn't be bothered to look any further than five.) Neither did 'Eu France'.

Imagine the confusion of having to

change your town's name just to show up on Google! The only other alternative is paying the company a ton of money to bring themselves up in the search listings. So Eu may now be 'Ville d'Eu'.

I can't say I'd be that impressed with having to learn a whole new name for my town and then having to explain it over and over again. 'Cardiffville' just doesn't have the same ring, does it?

14 POLITICS

MARCH.02.2009 POLITICS@gairrhydd.COM

You're grounded!

Troublemakers should be removed from the streets and 'sent home to bed' claims the Shadow Home Secretary. Michael Cove reports

M

isbehaving youngsters should be grounded for up to a month and only allowed out to attend school, the Shadow Home Secretary said last week.

In his first major speech since last month’s re-shuffle, Chris Grayling criticised the Government’s attempts to curb anti-social behaviour, arguing that ASBOs had merely become a 'badge of honour' for young people.

Rather than the police moving troublemakers on to other areas they should be removed from the streets and 'sent

under-performed there would be ‘all hell to pay’, and Grayling said that anti-social behaviour ‘just needs to be stamped out.’ This represents a striking change of tone from when David Cameron first became leader of the Conservative Party. In 2006

he criticised Government policies on anti-social behaviour such as curfews, expressing concern that a generation of children were being demonised.

He stressed the need to deal with the long term causes of crime, like family breakdown.

Like all opposition parties, the Tories are claiming that Britain is broken

This is a striking change of tone from the Conservatives

home to bed'.

Grayling accused Labour of being soft on crime and promised stiffer penalties under a Conservative government, such as longer sentences for offences involving a knife.

The speech was unashamedly ‘Old Tory’ and drenched in toughtalking, no-nonsense rhetoric. Chief constables were warned that if they

Emphasis now seems to be firmly back on tougher policing and cracking down on lawless teenagers. While surveys consistently show that the public feels crime is getting worse, the evidence does not necessarily indicate a significant rise. The figures can be spun either way – the Government claim crime has fallen; the Tories say it has risen – but Grayling did not invite his audience to concern themselves with statistical evidence.

GROUNDED: Conservatives claim they will anti-social behaviour

Instead, he cited some anecdotal incidents to support his view that there has been a moral breakdown of society and said it was time to focus on the ‘experience of real people up and down the country’. He did not provide a definition of a real person.

Like all opposition parties, including Labour under Tony Blair, the Conservatives are claiming that Britain is a broken society, crime is out of con-

trol, and that the Conservatives are the only party who truly understand the public’s concerns.

The interesting new development in Monday’s speech is that the Tories appear to be trying to re-claim their traditional role as the party of law and order after over a decade of being politically out-manoeuvred by Labour.

The new proposals announced by the Shadow Home Secretary suggest Cameron feels confident enough about victory at the next General Election to shift the Tories to the Right without having to worry about being seen as the reactionary 'nasty party'.

Since coming to power, Labour have introduced swathes of new Criminal Justice Bills and created over three thousand new offences. Nevertheless, both of the main parties feel that more legislation is required.

In response to Chris Grayling’s speech, a Government spokesman said that they ‘stand shoulder to shoulder with the police and local communities in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour’, while the Lib Dems criticised the Tories plans, saying that grounding children was no more than an ‘at-home ASBO’.

Immigration plans fine-tuned

Rachelle Simons takes a look at Jacqui Smith's latest plans to put more jobs in British hands as immigration tightens up

T

his week, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith unveiled a package of measures to tighten up the new immigration policy introduced last November.

These measures took inspiration from the points-based Australian system, which seeks to ascertain the skills of economic migrants.

Smith was also criticised last week for her excessive expenses, including an extra home. In her tenure as Home Secretary she has earned the title ‘Jackboot Jacqui’ in response to her somewhat authoritarian ‘anti-terror’ laws.

The new package proposed by Smith also restricts the employment of the families of skilled workers and limits the jobs that migrants can apply for to those with shortages. Smith intends to raise the qualification level to admit workers with a Master’s rather than a Bachelor’s degree. Similarly, Job Centres are now required to advertise skilled jobs to British workers before seeking employees from abroad. This measure is expected to cut migrants from 26,000 to 14,000

per year.

Jacqui Smith has commented that ‘just as in a growth period we needed migrants to support growth, it is right in a downturn to be more selective about the skill levels of those migrants, and to do more to put British workers first’. The package has still drawn criticism from the opposition.

Tory immigration spokesman Damian Green has accused Smith of ‘tinkering around the edges’ of the system and suggested a blanket ‘limit’ on annual migrants.

Labour must be careful of falling into the trap of petty protectionism and xenophobia The wildcat strikes that spread from Lincolnshire across the country held the government to account last month, reminding Brown and his Cabinet of the September 2007 promise to ensure ‘British jobs for British workers’.

Initial wildcat strikes were triggered by the employment of an Italian workforce after an Italian company won the contract. Though this is legal, Unions still assert that local people have the necessary skills and experience and so should have been offered the jobs first.

The new measures will not prevent similar situations as European workers are exempt from the points-based system, but it has become increasingly clear that the Government must act to disprove the impression that the Party’s fidelity is to European politics and agreements above the British working class. Furthermore, commentators have noted that the BNP are poised to gain seats for the first time in the June European elections if the mainstream parties do not fill the vacuum that the far right party is willing to exploit.

However, Labour must be careful of falling into the trap of petty protectionism and xenophobia.

Since the international economic downturn began there has been a danger that the infrastructure of international co-operation may unravel

following the pressure of what Lord Mandelson has named ‘deglobalisation’, the desire of nation states to retreat from the world. Workers facing hardship in their families and local communities are now unwilling to think globally, though this is the scale on which finance must work. This trend is echoed in new trade tariffs introduced in India and Russia.

Unlike Obama and his protectionist fiscal stimulus package, Brown is unable to retreat as far or as fast because

of the European Union. Brown was aware of this when he made the ‘British jobs’ speech in an attempt to pacify the electorate with what they wanted to hear. The popularity-grabbing tactic has failed, as polls from this week indicate that the Conservatives are still leading and a large majority of voters say that Labour would win more votes with a different leader. Currently, unemployment stands at the highest level since September 1997, and it's not predicted to improve quickly.

ANGER: Last month's wildcat strikes

POLITICS 15

MARCH.02.2009 POLITICS@gairrhydd.COM

Israel to form coalition

Olivier Poncelet brings us up to date with Israel's shaky Government as Benjamin Netanyahu is put in charge of forming a new coalition

S

imon Peres, the Israeli President, has finally given Benjamin Netanyahu the authority to form a new Government. The former Prime Minister and head of Likud was seen by Peres as the most able to gather a coalition around him, despite being beaten in the votes by Livni.

Netanyahu is 59 years old, and is the son of a well-known Zionist scholar. He was elected Prime Minister for the first time in 1996. He was also opposed to the unilateral withdrawal from Gaza.

There are now two possible solutions Fluent in English, he has good contacts with the USA where he lived for a while, but his tough stance on foreign affairs might cause tension with Obama’s administration who are apparently willing to put all efforts in to a resolution of the Gazan conflict. Indeed, Netanyahu took position against Oslo Peace Accords in the mid-1990s.

He is also opposed to the division of Jerusalem, unwilling to give the Golan back to Syria and reluctant to stop the colonisation taking place in Cisjordania. He won 27 seats at the Knesset in the February elections while Kadima secured 28.

Netanayhu’s experience and his political position, however, made Peres see him as the most likely to find a decent coalition. Indeed, Livni was unlikely to be able to find a coalition as the centre-left parties only secured 55 seats, which is less than half of the 120 seats of the Knesset.

Netanyahu’s triumphant comeback was foreseen in every poll but Livni, head of Kadima, managed to put him in a tough position. He now has a month to find a manageable coalition.

Two fragile solutions now seem possible. He could decide to form a Government with parties to the right of his position on the political spectrum. Indeed, far right parties now represent 65 out of 120 seats of the Knesset.

Lieberman, seen as a ‘fascist’ by left-wing parties and as the 'devil' by

the head of The Daily Haaretz, has arrived in third position in the legislative elections. He has managed to become a key figure in the creation of

Netanyahu is in a delicate position the Government. The other far right parties are ultranationalists as well as religious extremists. Netanyahu took a decision on such parties in 1996 when he became Prime Minister, but he has since claimed that it was his biggest mistake in politics as his Government had not managed to deal with far right parties.

On the other hand, he could decide to form a party with centre-left and centre-right parties. That is what he had announced during the campaign.

But the results of the elections made this configuration delicate. He would need Kadima, whose head, Livni, has claimed that she would not take part in a Government formed by Netanyahu as she feels she deserved to become PM. She even threatened to become

part of the opposition.

He would also have to convince the Labour party, whose head is Barack.

But Barack is reluctant to take part in a Government with Lieberman, a man Netanyahu will have much difficulty avoiding. Even if he managed to convince both, he would be facing opposition at the Knesset.

Netanyahu’s position is extremely delicate. Tied by a far right majority at the Knesset, he still wants to try to find

an agreement with Livni and avoid the mistakes he made last time. If he does not succeed in this, it is likely that the peace process would be severely hindered by an attitude of systematic rejection from the majority.

If he wants to find agreements with Livni, he will have to make compromise and adopt a constructive attitude to the peace process with Palestine, which would be a relief for the whole international community.

THE FUTURE OF ISRAEL: Netanyahu with President Shimon Peres

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16 LETTERS

OCTOBER.22.2007 MARCH.02.2009 LETTERS@gairrhydd.COM

letters@gairrhydd.com Facebook Fury Dear gair rhydd,

We were disappointed by the poor quality of journalism in gair rhydd’s report (‘Students under surveillance’) and editorial (‘Spying on students’) about JOMEC (Feb. 23rd). No one contacted the School to check the facts of the report (which is basic practice in good journalism), and, partly as a result, it contained a number of errors and misleading statements.

First, the editorial began by claiming that our action “marks the first time that a student at Cardiff University has been reprimanded for comments on a social networking website”. This is simply untrue: had someone checked, they would have found a story on WalesOnline News, from August 2007, about students at another school at Cardiff University being reprimanded for abusive comments on Facebook.

Second, the gair rhydd editorial suggests that “it is a terrible waste of time and resources for staff to trawl the internet for offensive material posted by students”. Indeed it would be, but as we made clear in our communication on this issue, we don’t carry out routine surveillance of Facebook or any other social networking website. Both headlines were therefore misleading. Oddly, the editorial contradicted the story on this point, which reported (albeit in rather

misleading terms) that we came upon the highly abusive comments in question when trying to make contact with a student.

Third, it is quite wrong to suggest that Facebook is private space. Unless the user makes it private, it is as public as any notice board, but with a far greater potential audience. Ironically perhaps, this is a point made in one of our core modules. In any workplace, abusive postings are seen as an extremely serious matter, and would be treated far less sympathetically than they were in this case.

Finally, it is misleading to suggest that the comments made were not ‘personal’. Whatever their intent, we were compelled to act precisely because the comments so clearly crossed a line in terms of the level of personal abuse, which had nothing whatsoever to do with teaching. We would have reacted in the same way if the comments had been directed towards one of our students. It was not just Jomec staff who felt this: students also told us that they found the comments highly offensive. For the record – since your report may have implied otherwise - the lecturer concerned receives outstanding student evaluations.

We are aware that JOMEC gets more flak from gair rhydd than other Schools – that comes with the territory. We do not expect the paper to report our many successes (so, for example, the fact that we have scored excellent ratings in the last two National Student Surveys, or that our courses regularly win accolades - the

Gill Branston Director of Undergraduate Studies

that students have made between the email that was sent out and the criticism that JOMEC receives on Facebook. The editorial raised concerns that the email that was sent out was a warning to students who had criticised the school on Facebook, which is how many students interpreted it.

JOMEC is, of course, an excellent academic school. But it is nevertheless a school which faces criticism from students, We do not believe that we give the school more flak than any other and we do not wish to detract from the school's superb academic record. We certainly never, ever intended to damage the reputation of a lecturer.

However, we do feel that it is our responsibility to stand up for dissatisfied or alienated students.

gair rhydd responds:

It's All Propaganda!

NCTJ recently ranking us as the top journalism school in the UK by some distance, or that the recent Research Assessment Exercise rated JOMEC with a higher proportion of worldleading scholarship than any department in any subject in Wales). We appreciate, as well as anyone, that it isn’t gair rhydd’s job to celebrate our achievements. But if you’re going to adopt the moral high ground you do need to get your facts right.

Sincerely, Prof Justin Lewis Head of School

gair rhydd endeavours to report responsibly at all times and we therefore treat accusations of poor journalism very seriously.

Firstly, we did not realise that a student had been reprimanded in 2007.

We checked archives and also asked the University's public relations department, but uncovered nothing. We did not realise this story had a precedent. We apologise for this mistake.

We actually did attempt to contact JOMEC, but could not contact you directly because we are told that all requests for statements must go through the University's PR department. This is standard procedure and we have to follow it. They issued a statement to us. gair rhydd did not speculate over whether the comments were 'personal' or not. We made it clear that we did not know what had been written.

The headline 'Students under surveillance' took a hard angle on the story. This is because students expressed concern that the email that was issued

by JOMEC was a warning that their online presence may be scrutinised for defamatory or libellous content.

It was felt that Facebook is not generally considered to be a public forum by most students. This was reflected by the comments made by students in the story and the lack of University policy governing online postings. And it may even be reflected in the actions of staff themselves: on the gair rhydd website this week a student has accused a member of staff of posting abusive comments about students on Facebook. The confusion does not apply to students alone.

Last week's editorial, 'Spying on students' was not a direct comment on the story. It was firstly a comment on an alarming trend for universities to use information that students post on Facebook against them. It was also a comment on the reactions of students to an email circulated by JOMEC. The editorial did not accuse JOMEC of carrying out routine surveillance, but it did highlight how Facebook has been misused at other universities and made our stance on this kind of abuse of social networking sites very clear.

The editorial also pointed out a link

Dear gair rhydd, In reference to the article "a lovely protest" in issue 889, I feel the need to bemoan another lack of correct use of the English language. It is not the first time American spelling has appeared in the paper - the spellings of organized/program/defense to name but a few are incorrect and sub-editors are clearly not doing their jobs.

In a time when proper English is being devalued by text/slang variations, the media should be maintaining appropriate standards and therefore correct British English grammar should be adhered to.

I will also take this opportunity to complain about the prevailing pro-Welsh ideology of the paper. In a university where the majority of students are English and many others hail from all over the British Isles, they should not be subjected to Welsh propaganda. If I wanted such coverage, I would buy the South Wales Echo.

This predominantly applies to the sports section, whose Six Nations preview was nothing short of a disgrace. It was the most one-sided analysis I have ever read - doing no justice to any of Wales' opponents and must have been composed while the authors listened to Sosban Fach on repeat.

In this week's edition, the drama and controversy of the rearranged test-match in Antigua is overlooked for an interview with Shane Williams, not surrounding the upcoming match against France, but about his personal ambitions and release of his autobiography. A story that would engage everybody from Great Britain is overlooked to promote Welsh rugby.

One can just about stomach the Welsh-language page on political correctness grounds, but articles promoting the teaching of the Welsh language are not highlighting the debate, but an attempt to tap into Welsh nationalism. Is Gair Rhydd subsidised by Plaid Cymru?

Gair Rhydd is the mouthpiece of an

educational institution seeking to promote their students in the workplace. Promoting the use of the Welsh language completely defies those aims. Chinese, western-European and increasingly Arabic languages are those that will benefit society - where was the discussion about that?

Nowhere to be seen, as the pro-Welsh ideology rolls on.

There is no use for the Welsh language in modern society and the promotion of its use - such as a deplorable article from the Welsh officer complaining about the lack of Welsh from the Taf bar staff - is simply an attempt to appease those who claim a lack of coverage for Wales from the media.

I wish to see a severe review of the political stance of Gair Rhydd to properly reflect the readership and not to hide behind the principality the University lies in in order to justify the inclusion of pro-Welsh propaganda.

Alex J. Winter gair rhydd responds: gair rhydd makes an effort to ensure that British spellings are used throughout the newspaper, but from time to time there will be some oversights. Furthermore, you seem to overstate our influence on the language of the student community.

Your comments on gair rhydd's 'pro-Welsh ideology' are also misguided. We are in Wales, and therefore discussion of Welsh issues such as the teaching of Welsh language is entirely appropriate. Such articles are not attempts to 'tap into Welsh nationalism' but articles expressing the genuine opinions of genuine students, as gair rhydd is emphatically not the mouthpiece of the University but of the students.

We would happily print articles opposing the teaching of Welsh, or even discussing other languages such as Chinese, but the fact is that we are not sent any. If you would like to rectify this by writing an article rather than communicating in a letter, please feel free.

As for the Sport section, none of the section editors are Welsh, so to claim that it represents anything other than their personal opinions is frankly absurd. The Shane Williams interview you refer to was a chance to interview a world leading player at an appropriate time, Again, one of the attractions of gair rhydd is that it allows anyone to contribute - if you feel there are areas in which we could include you, we invite you to do so in the future.

Drama in Act One Dear gair rhydd, As publicity officer for Act One, I feel I should reply to Ruth Henshall’s letter (issue 888). I’d like to thank her for her compliments to the cast and crew of

LETTERS 17

MARCH.02.2009 LETTERS@gairrhydd.COM

the Comments from the week’s news, opinion, features and sport at www.gairrhydd.com No Faith In Healing Rhys Howells ------Hey Tom, I’m glad your letter was published today as I wanted to get people taking and thinking about this, but I felt that you made a few points which shouldn’t go unchallenged.

You mention the spiritual needs of patients should be met. Spiritual is defined as “relating to or affecting the human spirit.” Now for there to be spiritual needs you must firstly find out if humans have a spirit, a soul, an immortal part of you which lives after death, something outside the nature realm by its very definition.

So not only could we not detect it, anything we did would have no effect on it as we are limited to the natural laws and it's supernatural. However if you were to define spiritual as emotional and mental well being, then of course I would make that a part of a patient's recovery.

You stated Koenig 1998. I looked this up and the study was of 87 depressed patients hospitalised for medical conditions like heart disease and stroke. I raise two problems with this study, firstly is that the size is fairly small, and secondly is that they were all people of faith. It's likely Blithe Spirit – it was brilliant, and we are proud of everyone involved.

However, I think the manner she went about (eventually) praising this production was rather misguided if not directly insulting, and there are some issues that she seems to misunderstand.

The most important issue she raised was about how our society is funded.

Act One is completely student-run, with little or no funding from the Union itself, but providing entertainment for the student body and general public alike. Our directors agree to these terms voluntarily; they make up an expected budget and agree to cover any deficit up to their worst case scenario. The society agrees to cover anything beyond this, but if the budget has been kept to, Act One may, in ‘unusual circumstances’ (subject to the decision of the committee) cover part or all of any money lost. For example, this year we held an event to help one of our directors regain some of the money she spent taking a play to Edinburgh Fringe festival. We also try to run charity events when we can.

I was appalled at her characterisation of us as ‘pretentious idiots”. It never occurred to me that anyone should see us like this. I find it rather judgemental that she should assume this; the drama society is one of the biggest in the university, and in it you’ll find students from all areas of life. I’m sure if she met us outside of

that they had a strong mental attitude which is always needed for quick recovery. My argument was that praying for a patient wasn’t effective and a waste of time, and studies have shown that praying for people has no effect (Benson, 2006, Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer).

You said that no one takes offence at being offered to pray to, and I agree with that. It's nice that people care for you. However it still doesn’t make it the right thing to do.

At the end you say that atheists are intolerant. That depends on what exactly? If it's something which has no negative effect on another person e.g. skin colour, music preferences, then I’m all for tolerance. But, if it does have a negative effect on others, like I believe faith healing does, then I admit it. I’m intolerant as should everyone be against such things.

Criminal Status anon ------Whilst it is okay for the staff to condemn the students for “naughty Facebook status’”, it should work both ways. I, a first year student have been able to access a seminar leader’s Facebook page. the theatre, she wouldn’t recognise us – I know I’m nowhere near the extrovert I can appear onstage. Drama offers the unique chance to explore new characters and situations, widen our perspectives and have fun! In discussion with our directors, past and present, they were hurt that she assumed they had got nothing out of their experience. All agreed that their time directing was hugely enjoyable.

She also fails to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the crew members.

I can see her point as far as our leafleting goes; it can be frustrating, and I am constantly looking for other ways to let people know what’s going on, but the fact is, it does work. Ruth mentions that all our audiences are of family and friends – this is simply not the case. Many people come to our productions, looking for a different kind of night out.

I appreciate that she has now changed her point of view, and I’d only wish she’d not been so quick to judge in the first place. I’d love her to come to one of our other shows, and show her new support for students who put everything into these shows, risking nerves, criticism, paint-stained clothes and even splinters. We love what we are doing, and we hope everyone else will too!

Madison Fowler Second Year History

I found status updates aimed at the students, personal information about particular students being published, and comments which I’m sure were aimed at myself, which i found distressing. Surely they are supposed to be professionals? Hypocrisy at its worst!

Sam Gould ------It appears that some students are concerned that the university is allegedly ‘stalking students’ on facebook. I very much doubt that the university practices that, however some university staff may be interested in the extra curricular activities of students and how they are managing their studies. The numbers of emails I’ve heard promoters getting from

forum

lecturers about re-scheduling their student nights so more students attend their early morning lectures is quite impressive.

Many students may not have fully read Facebook’s policy pages and I admit I hadn’t fully until I heard about this. There it states: “The Profile information that you submit to Facebook will be available to users of Facebook who belong to at least one of the networks you allow to access the information through your privacy settings (e.g. school, university, geography, friends of friends)”.

One way I am currently aware of to ensure the university cannot have access to our profiles is to remove your Cardiff University email address from your Facebook contact emails.

However I would strongly suggest you re-examine your Facebook priva-

cy settings to ensure only friends can view your profiles and profile data.

Andy ------This is an interesting one. At the end of the day, your Facebook profile isn’t ever ‘private’ – someone must be able to view it otherwise what would be the point.

If, for example, there’s something you don’t want others to know about you, then you shouldn’t put it up on the site. Also, I’m fairly confident that staff aren’t deliberately trawling through Facebook, looking for derogatory statements. However I do wonder how they stumbled across this one particular comment out of thousands of others people send to each other…

18 FEATURES

MARCH.02.2009 FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

"They ripped me o Just over four years ago, after being told that the safety of his family could 'no longer be guaranteed', Saudi Arabian Yahya Al-Faifi fled with his wife and five of his children to Britain.

Now the Home Office wants to send him back. He talks to Ed Vanstone

Y

ahya Al-Faifi knew things had become serious when he received a phone call telling him that if he did not start behaving himself, his tongue would be cut out. It was by no means a pleasant message, but one that was not entirely unexpected.

“They always say that,” says Yahya, sitting in the front room of his home in Grangetown, Cardiff, "to everyone they don't like". 'They', are the government of Saudi Arabia – and they really do not like Yahya.

In 2001, Yahya was working for BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia. One day, the company presented him, along with all of the other workers, with a new contract.

Yahya received a threat stating he could have his tongue cut out

It was meant, says Yahya, to trick workers into accepting a 40% pay cut.

He refused to sign. Instead, he began to mobilise workers to fight for their rights.

“I start educating them, travelling to their cities all over the Kingdom, encouraging them, telling them that we are protected by law,” says Yahya.

Through these efforts, he managed to corral around 2,000 workers into fighting; 500 turned up to a meeting – an extraordinary achievement in a country where trade unionism is illegal.

The next day, Yahya was fired.

From the start, Yahya knew what he was getting himself into. His father had been a trade unionist – acting as much as he could within the boundaries of the possibility in Saudi Arabia of being able to act as a trade unionist.

It was through his father that Yahya witnessed first-hand the consequences of fighting for workers’ rights in his country.

"My father died at the doors of the hospital," says Yahya. "He wasn't admitted. Of course, he was blacklisted.

He was not able to work."

But his father also taught him how to fight. From the age of 11, Yahya became well versed in the employment laws of Saudi Arabia, which, though not freely available to workers, had been smuggled to his father by a friend.

“I have an understanding of the culture of fighting from him,” he says.

When he joined the military at the age of 18, Yahya’s trade union activities stopped. All the skills he had learned from his father lay dormant until, 25 years later, BAE Systems attempted to swindle its workforce.

It is wrong, however, to see this as a fight between a man and his employer. As Yahya explains, “They hire and fire according to liaison with the general investigation department in Saudi Arabia. You can't have a job with the company unless [it is] proven that you are very loyal to the royal family.”

When he took BAE to court for firing him without just cause, it became clear who he was really up against.

Though Yahya won his case against his employer, they were given the right to appeal – a violation of Saudi law. Yahya went to the highest possible legal position in Saudi law. “I told him this is illegal,” he says. The reply was ominous. “That’s what they have decided,” he was told.

At this point, Yahya could see the writing was on the wall. As expected, at the final court of tribunal it was decided that, though he had been unlawfully dismissed, he should not be reinstated. Instead, he received the ‘compensation’ of his salary up until the date of the verdict.

Yahya was defiant. “I told them, ‘this is wrong’, and they will pay for it in this life or the life after. The Head Judge said: ‘What we did is for your benefit. Because you don't understand what's for your benefit. If I have to say it, you are fighting against the Minister of Defence and [it’s] good enough that you got fired, not something else.’”

Still he sought justice. But from the day he was fired, Yahya was effectively a ‘pariah’- an outcast. The workers whom he saved from a 40% pay cut would not talk to him; one British man

went so far as to hide under his desk to avoid seeing him. “Before I got fired they were in contact with me at least three to five times a day,” he says.

“When they got their jobs back, they stopped contacting me, and when I, by chance. I met one of them in the shopping mall [he] just turned [his] face in the other direction. I was completely isolated from all my friends.”

Yahya’s case had

portations

esting against de

h Wales prot No Borders Sout loomed large in the Saudi national press. But from the time of the verdict, that, too, stopped. "The last article was written in English," says Yahya. “It was the day after the verdict and the journalist himself told me: ‘It’s the last one we can do.’” The word had come down from above.

Then came the phone call- and there was more to come. “All my landlines stopped – dead,” says Yahya. “All my friends – their mobile numbers have changed.” To this day, his four brothers, who are still in Saudi Arabia and have been denied the right to travel, will not speak to him.

Yahya now found himself under constant surveillance from a car parked outside his house. Finally, a man with strong ties to the govern-

ment, who may or may not have been a friend, informed him that if he wanted to look after his children, he should leave the country. Wisely, he did. In the UK, he applied for asylum, and was told he should have an answer in two weeks.

On the day of our interview, Yahya received notice that his appeal had been turned down The Home Office then took four years and three months – and turned his application down.

Yahya’s rejection of asylum letter from the Home Office makes for interesting reading. For one, it states that he has not been involved in any political activity since coming to the UK. (Yahya has been a vociferous and constant trade union activist since his arrival; he has been on the picket lines for council workers, job centre workers and teachers; and has given numerous speeches at trade union conferences; he also attended the protest which greeted the King of Saudi’s visit to the UK in 2007.)

The refusal letter further alleges that “there is no evidence … that [Yahya's] children are in full-time education”.

(The eldest four of Yahya’s six children who reside in the UK are in education: two in schools; one studying at UWIC; and one studying medicine at

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MARCH.02.2009 FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

out of my country" Comment: Yahya must stay Ceri Isfryn Features Editor

L

FIGHTING FOR RIGHT

S: activists from the De

Yahya Al-Faifi with friends, family and supporters our very own Cardiff University).

One might reasonably expect, given the Home Office have had four years and three months to assess Yayha’s case, their report would be, at the very least, competent. But they may have had less time to investigate than it appears. Written on the front of Yahya’s original rejection letter were the handwritten words ‘Restricted case’.

This indicates that the Foreign Officehave taken an interest in Yahya, implying that his case is considered a matter of national security. Saudi Arabia, of course, is a key ally of Britain, supplying us with torrents of oil and purchasing billions of pounds’ worth of weapons. When something which could damage relations comes up – such as, for instance, the investigations into bribery of Saudi officials by Brit-

ish Aerospace employees – British law doesn’t matter. The problems go away.

At his appeal hearing, Yahya presented a document from BAE Systems stating that he had been sacked on orders from the Saudi government.

Nonetheless, to the astonishment of Yahya and those involved in his campaign, the Home Office have ruled that the Saudi government has no gripe with him.

“By trying to organise a trade union Yahya is breaking the law in effectively a tyrannical regime, so we find it incomprehensible that anyone would say he doesn’t face the threat of persecution in Saudi Arabia,” says Dave Reid, who has campaigned with Yahya since meeting him at a trades council meeting in 2005. “It'd be almost laughable if it wasn’t so serious.”

fend Yahya Al-Faifi camp aign outside the

Instead, the Home Office would have us believe that Yahya, of his own volition and under no threat, left his five-bedroom house, his three cars, and his eldest son, who was at university, to come to live in Britain.

“The money and the house they are giving are in no way comparable to the life we have in our country – and still they accuse me of coming here because I want to live off the money of taxpayers, which is really very painful,” says Yahya.

On February 12, the day of our interview, Yahya received notice that his appeal had been turned down.

What happens next is uncertain. At any point, Yahya and his family could be rounded up, and forcibly deported to Saudi Arabia. There, what are his options? “To be honest, I will not be able to get a job anywhere – and that's the least punishment I'm going to get,” he says.

“I will be blacklisted. If they can they will drag me to a situation where I am left with no choice but to borrow money from somebody and I will not be able to pay it back, and therefore I will be jailed for not paying my debts.

This is a typical easy exit for them.

If it was worse than that they might accuse me of drugs.”Alternatively, Yahya says, they could simply send someone to shoot him in the streets.

Fighting for his rights and the rights of Saudi workers, and saving them from a 40% pay cut, has exacted a terrible cost on Yahya and his family. But if he had his time again, would he do anything differently? “No,” he says, defiantly. “Trade unionism is in my blood. I would not stop that under

Home Office

whatever circumstances. Here – and [in] Saudi – until I die. Because not only are we suffering under this experience, there are six million migrant workers in Saudi. They have no rights whatsoever.

The six million migrant workers in Saudi Arabia have no rights whatsoever “We are not a state; it’s a company.

It’s King Abdullah and sons’ company.

And we are the company workers. We are workers; we are not citizens. We get fired and hired according to the wishes of the royal family. There is no legal system that will protect you, and no rights to a decent life and decent education.

“They have ripped me out of my country, out of my job, out of my friends, out of my compensation, out of everything, and [the British government have] said ‘you are a vicious liar, we have no choice but to send you back.’”

“I trust nobody but my trade unionist friends here. And if I’m going to be sent back to Saudi, the situation has to be as ugly as it possibly can.”

Anyone wishing to get involved in the campaign to save Yahya and his family from deportation should email: defendyahyaalfaifi@ googlemail.com or join the Facebook group.

ast week, I attended a talk

by Yahya Al- Faifi, and it's fair to say he left quite an impression on me.

He scathingly condemned the Saudi Arabian government, claiming that 90% of the country's income goes to only 5% of the population, consisting of the royal family and their loved ones.

What's more, he claims that jobs are given almost exclusively to those who are loyal to the crown.

Here in Britain, the notion of being loyal to a monarch is one which faded with top hats and corsets, so it's startling to hear how much influence King Abdullah still has over his people.

Likewise, if any member of the British public received a phone call with the caller threatening to cut their tongue off, hopefully, the police would be there to intervene.

It's easy to frown upon the threats made towards Yahya and deem them barbaric and undemocratic.

Yet hearing Yahya speak of his treatment since his arrival in the UK made me think again about the state of our own democracy.

He spoke of how the immigration officer at the London airport which he arrived in reacted like a “wild animal” when they declared themselves. At least Yahya has had the honesty and the decency to present himself, unlike the thousands of illegal immigrants who enter our country every year, yet the suited and booted officials that be still treat him with little respect.

Four years and six months later, the government still hasn’t made a firm decision on his fate. If he's sent back to Saudi Arabia, at the very least Yahya will have to serve a five year sentence before testifying against himself in court.

“All I told them was facts, and nothing but the fact.” Why are the government still questioning Yahya on trivial questions? Flicking through the UN articles on human rights, it seems that most apply to Yahya, so the British government's indecision is puzzling.

No one can accuse him of not embracing our culture: he spoke in near perfect English, and affectionately told of how his children are studying in the UK (one of whom is studying Medicine here at Cardiff University). If we can let in petty criminals, then I don't see why we can't let in a principled man like Yahya.

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The price of beauty Aimee Steen investigates the procedures that people are taking to achieve perfection, and whether they're really worth it

W

e all know what beauty is supposed to be these days. Stunning body, beautiful hair and a glowing, ‘healthy’ tan (even in the depths of winter) are required by both girls and guys in order to meet the attractiveness quota set out by society. Arguments about who’s to blame for such narrow-minded views aside, are the risks being taken by those looking to achieve perfection really worth it?

In the news recently was the case of Kirsty McRae, a 14-year-old from Barry Island who suffered first degree burns covering 70% of her body as a result of using an unstaffed tanning salon. Though such an extreme case hitting the headlines is rare, she was only doing what thousands of young women - and men - do every day to try and get a tan, given the distinct lack of sunshine in the British Isles.

The safety of salons like this has been repeatedly called into question, but even those who use sunbeds properly put themselves at huge risk. Sunbeds have become significantly more powerful in the last decade at up to 1015 times the strength of midday sun, with 83% exceeding EU guidelines on safe UV radiation.

As well as the potential for direct burns, skin cancer is more likely to develop in anybody who has ever used a sunbed, with the likelihood shooting up by 75% for those who begin using them before the age of 35. This shocking statistic covers nearly every student who uses sunbeds.

The rising popularity of cosmetic

A quarter of 15to 24-year-olds would consider cosmetic surgery surgery is another avenue that increasing numbers of young people consider as a solution to their beauty woes.

A report by Mintel showed that 15- to 24-year-olds are the most likely age group to consider going under the knife, with 24% expressing an interest. The most popular procedure for women is breast augmentation, and for men is rhinoplasty. Though some people have good medical grounds for wanting corrective surgery, a worrying number of people view surgery as a way to achieve their desired look.

“If I had the money, I’d have my nose done first,” claims one final-year student. “I’d then have some liposuction, probably get my lips done and, if they could find a way to do it, I’d like to be a foot taller!”

This particular student is a young, attractive, size 8 female. Few would agree with her on her list of required

alterations.

She’s not alone in this critical selfanalysis, though; numerous people questioned have a list of things they’d like to ‘correct’ if they had the funds, giving little consideration to the actual procedures and aftercare involved in plastic surgery.

Some students are offered plans to help them pay while studying The fact that surgery is now commonplace for celebrities and public figures has led to a carefully constructed ideal, meaning the number of procedures going ahead is on a steep incline; figures predict that as a nation we will spend £1.5 billion on cosmetic

enhancements by 2011, compared to the £500 million spent in 2006.

There are reports of students being offered a ‘Student Plan’ by some surgeries in order to pay for operations whilst studying, showing the alarming reality that students wanting to go ahead with surgery may be in a financial position to do so.

There have been numerous horror stories of people barely out of their teens heading abroad in a bid to find cheaper surgery, only to arrive home with horrific complications and no doctor to turn to. It may be cheaper a breast augmentation at £5000 in the UK could cost half that in South Africa - but the NHS is picking up the bill. According to one survey, more than one in three NHS surgeons had encountered patients who had botched plastic surgery abroad.

Less dramatic beauty treatments

Plastic surgery: fast-track solution, or dangerous trend? also have their downsides. After every- hoped for by adding in lengths.

One student saw her friend’s experibody chopping off their hair in favour of the ‘pob’, hair extensions are seen ence with hair extensions and advises as a quick and easy solution to length- against them. “You could literally see ening those locks. Seen on celebrities the patches on her head where it had throughout the world, they’re hugely fallen out,” claims Sarah, 20. “It was popular. Stories have emerged in re- such a shame as she’d done it to thickcent years, however, that stars such as en her hair. Now the extensions have Jennifer Aniston have had their hair had to be taken out, and she has even thinner hair than she started with.” practically destroyed by extensions.

Fake nails have also had a bad press; Those who opt for glue-in hair or they can ruin the nails underneath, making them very brittle and unsightly once the extensions are removed. It’s even possible to get a fungal nail infection underneath the fakes.

Apart from the physical problems that can be encountered as a direct result of surgery, tanning or other beauty weaves have experienced clumps of treatments, their popularity signifies a both the added hair and their own fall- trend in society that a person can be ing out to leave bald patches, giving ‘fixed’, instead of just accepting themprecisely the opposite of the look they selves - or others - for who they are.

"I'd have my nose done, liposuction, my lips done, and be made taller"

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Tybed a wyddoc

Dyma olwg ar rhai o'r storiau meddygol sydd, credwch neu beidio,

Llid yr Ymennydd Lliwen Jones Taf-Od Contributor Fel y gwyddoch rwy’n si r, mae llid yr ymennydd yn rhywbeth y mae’n rhaid i bawb fod yn wyliadwrus iawn yn ei gylch. Ond rhaid i fyfyrwyr fod yn arbennig o ofalus oherwydd maent yn rhan o un o’r categorïau sydd â’r perygl mwyaf o ddal yr afiechyd, a gall fod yn angheuol os na gaiff ei adnabod a’i drin cyn gynted ag sy’n bosib.

Prif symptomau llid yr ymennydd bacteriol, sef y straen mwyaf peryglus yw: • Cur pen difrifol • Tymheredd uchel • Taflu i fyny • Teimlo’n gysglyd

• Teimlo wedi drysu • Ffit • Methu dioddef golau llachar • Gwddf stiff Weithiau gall brech ymddangos ar y croen. Yn annhebyg i’r rhan fwyaf o frechau eraill, ni wnaiff y frech hon ddiflannu pan wasgir gwydr clir arno.

Nid yw’r frech hon yn ymddangos ymhob achos, felly peidiwch ag ofni os mai dyma’r achos.

Os ydych yn amau fod gennych chi neu un o’ch ffrindiau lid yr ymennydd, yna galwch 999 a gofynnwch am ambiwlans yn syth. Gall berson gyda’r afiechyd hwn ddirywio mewn mater o oriau, felly mae’n bwysig iawn eich bod yn galw am gymorth cyn gynted â phosib.

Annwyd yn yr Haf? Neu Glefyd y Gwair?

Dafydd ap Emyr Taf-Od Contributor

Un yn ormod?

Mari Gwenllian Jones Taf-Od Contributor

Daeth yn amlwg i mi rai wythnosau yn ôl mai’r rheswm pam oeddwn yn dioddef i’r fath raddau wedi noson ar y gwin coch (na, nid gwyn, fel un mwy mentrus yn ein plith), oedd ei liw. Yn rhyfedd iawn, y tywyllaf yw lliw eich diod, y mwyaf annioddefol fydd eich symptomau’r diwrnod canlynol.

Mewn diodydd alcoholig ceir ethanol - sy’n creu ymdeimlad o hyder a mwynhad, a all hefyd ysgogi ymddygiad anaddas - yn ogystal â chy-

fansoddion eraill. Mae’r rhain yn cynnwys amhureddau megis histamin - cemegyn naturiol yn y corff a achosir enyniad mewn alergedd, sy’n rhoi bochau cochion i rai ohonom wrth yfed - a methanol. Cynhyrchir y cyfansoddion ynghyd ag ethanol yn ystod eplesiad, a’r mwyaf sy’n bresennol y tywyllaf yw lliw eich diod.

Y gred yw mai’r amhureddau yma, yn enwedig methanol, sy’n achosi pen mawr. Metaboleiddir ef yn yr iau (neu ‘afu’ i’r rhai llai ffodus ohonom) i gynhyrchu’r cemegyn gwenwynig a all eich dallu neu hyd yn oed eich lladd mewn crynodiadau uchel, formaldehyde. Hwn yw’r cemegyn a ddef-

nyddir i gadw cyrff marw difynio’r myfyrwyr meddygol...hyfryd.

Dengys astudiaethau bod difrifoldeb pennau mawr yn sgil diodydd meddwol yn lleihau yn y drefn yma: brandi, gwin coch, rym, wisgi, gwin gwyn, fodca ac ethanol pur. Felly y tro nesaf mae’r dafarn yn galw, dewiswch eich diod yn ddoeth! Hoffwn gadarnhau nad ydwyf yn annog gorymfoddhâd mewn diodydd meddwol.

I’r gwrthwyneb, os hoffwch osgoi pen mawr yn gyfan gwbl, a llawer i broblem iechyd, beth am flasu bywyd dirwestwr?

Clefydau a throsglwyddir trwy ryw Cerys John Taf-Od Contributor

Bydd dros hanner y boblogaeth yn dioddef o glefyd a throsglwyddir trwy ryw rywbryd yn eu bywydau.

Pobl ifanc rhwng 16-24 oed, yn enwedig myfyrwyr prifysgol sydd fwyaf tebygol o ddal clefyd. Digwyddir hyn fel arfer trwy beidio defnyddio amddiffyniad digonol megis condom. Mae hyn nid yn unig yn berthnasol i ddynion, ond i ferched

hefyd.

Mae’n hynod o bwysig i gael prawf am y clefydau ar ôl cael rhyw heb amddiffyniad, yn enwedig yn dilyn rhyw gyda phartner newydd.

Nid yw rhai a achosir gan firws, sef Herpes a HIV yn ymddangos symptomau am dipyn o amser, ac mae’n amhosib cael gwared ohonynt o’r corff. O ganlyniad i hyn, mae atal trosglwyddo’r clefyd yn hanfodol er mwyn sicrhau na fydd un camgymeriad yn effeithio ar weddill eich by-

wyd.

Weithiau nid oes symptomau yn ymddangos o gwbl, neu efallai ni fyddant yn ymddangos am wythnosau neu hyd yn oed am fisoedd. Mae Chlamydia yn enghraifft o hyn, sef y clefyd a drosglwyddir fwyaf ym Mhrydain ymhlith pobl ifanc. Os nad yw chlamydia’n cael ei drin mewn digon o amser gall arwain at gymhlethdodau difrifol fel ‘pelvic inflammatory disease’ ac anffrwythlondeb.

Alergedd i baill yw clefyd y gwair.

Mae’n eithaf cyffredin yn y Deyrnas Unedig a bydd yn effeithio ar bobl yn bennaf yn ystod misoedd yr haf, pan fydd y gwair yn peillio.

Mae symptomau clefyd y gwair yn debyg i symptomau annwyd, sef ymosodiadau cyson o disian, llygaid coch sy’n crafu a diferu, a thrwyn sy’n rhedeg.

Y ffordd fwyaf effeithiol o osgoi clefyd y gwair yw osgoi paill, ond gall hyn fod yn amhosib yn enwedig dros fisoedd yr haf pan mae’r paill ar ei gryfaf. Rhai awgrymiadau yw osgoi

bod yn yr awyr agored yn y bore neu gyda’r nos pan fydd lefelau'r paill yn uchel, a chadw ffenestri'r t ar gau.

Y dull arferol o drin clefyd y gwair yw cymryd tabledi gwrth-histamin.

Mae modd prynu’r tabledi yma o’ch siop fferyllfa leol. Maent yn lleihau symptomau clefyd y gwair drwy atal ôl-effeithiau’r cemegyn histamin yn ystod adwaith alergedd. Gellir cael pigiadau steroid fel mesur tymor byr i leihau’r symptomau ar adegau pwysig, er enghraifft yn ystod arholiadau’r haf. Mae niferoedd o feddyginiaethau amgen hefyd ar gael er mwyn trin clefyd y gwair ac fe all y rhain fod yn effeithiol.

UnRHYW Gerddoriaeth?

Ifan Lewis Taf-Od Contributor Prifysgol....clybiau nos, meddwi, rhyw....Mae pawb wedi cael blas ar un agwedd neu’r llall o fywyd yn y ddinas fawr ddrwg, ac rwy’n si r fod pawb wedi beio peint neu ddau (neu ambell “shot”!) am eu hymddygiad y noson cynt.

OND mae ymchwil diweddar o America yn awgrymu fod cerddoriaeth yn chwarae rhan mewn ymddygiad pobl ar noson wyllt hefyd. Yn ystod yr ymchwiliad hwn, holwyd 711 o bobl ifanc rhwng 13 ag 18 yngl n â pha fath o gerddoriaeth yr oeddent yn gwrando arno yn aml. Roeddent hefyd yn gorfod datgelu gwybodaeth rywiol,

hynny yw, a oeddent wedi cael cyfathrach rywiol ai peidio.

Fe wnaeth yr ymchwil ddarganfod fod gr p a oedd yn gwrando ar gerddoriaeth â geiriau ymosodol neu dreisgar tuag at ryw yn aml yn llawer mwy tebygol o gael rhyw yn gynnar yn ystod eu harddegau na’r grwpiau eraill. Mae’n debyg fod hyn yn wir oherwydd bod diffyg addysg rhyw, ac felly mae llawer o syniadau’r gr p yma am ryw yn dod o ganeuon enwog am gyfathrach.

Felly, y tro nesaf y bydd angen esgus ar gyfer ymddygiad rhyw noson, meddyliwch am ba gerddoriaeth yr oeddech chi yn hoff ohono flynyddoedd yn ôl!

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ch...

, yn ddiddorol a pherthnasol i bob un ohonom ni!

Insomnia - ydych chi'n 'Sleeping Beauty' ai beidio?!

Elin Powell Taf-Od Contributor Un o'r stereoteipiau mwyaf amlwg sydd o fyfyrwyr yw'r ffaith nad ydym byth yn cysgu. Faint o weithiau ydych chi wedi bod yn siarad â'ch ffrindiau yn hwyr, neu'n dawnsio hyd yr oriau mân yr wythnos yma? Ac rwy'n si r fod y darlun o fyfyriwr yn chwyrnu'n braf â'i ben ar y ddesg mewn darlith yn adnabyddus i’r rhan fwyaf ohonoch.

Wrth gwrs mae'n bwysig i gael hwyl yn Walkabout ar nos Iau, ac rwy'n gwybod yn iawn pa mor anodd ydyw i aros ar ddihun drwy ddarlith hir,

hir... ond gall y sefyllfaoedd arferol yma gael canlyniad llawer yn waeth na'r disgwyl: insomnia. Insomnia yw methu cysgu am oriau yn y nos, a theimlo fod y cwsg o ansawdd gwael.

Mae yfed alcohol neu 'caffine' yn yr hwyr yn sicr yn achosi insomnia, yn ogystal â gweithio yn hwyr (er enghraifft mewn clwb neu fwyty) a chysgu yn ystod y dydd. Rhaid hefyd gofio am ffactorau mwy sinistr sydd yn effeithio ar gwsg, fel iselder ysbryd neu bryder gormodol.

Felly cofiwch, rhwng pob crol Gym Gym a gem chwe gwlad, am bwysigrwydd cwsg. Mae blinder yn effeithio

ar y gallu i weithio a chymdeithasu.

Gwna bobl yn llai iach yn feddyliol, a chynydda’r siawns o salwch.

Y tro nesaf y byddwch yn gorwedd yn y gwely yn ceisio cyfri defaid, gwnewch yr ymdrech i geisio cysgu'n well drwy'r nosweithiau i ddod. Peidiwch yfed caffine nag alcohol, peidiwch gymryd 'nap' yn ystod y dydd, ac ymlaciwch yn llwyr am awr cyn mynd i'r gwely - dim gweithio, gwylio teledu na gwneud unrhyw beth rhy gyffrous!

Byddwch yn profi’r manteision yn fuan iawn.

Tew oherwydd firws?

Dafydd Loughran Taf-Od Editor Symptomau annwyd: Llwnc tost, tisian, pen tost, a bod yn dew am weddill eich oes?

Ac na, nid jôc yw’r un diwethaf.

Efallai eich bod methu deg a deall sut eich bod yn dal i gynyddu mewn pwysau tra ond yn bwyta ciwcymbr ddydd a nos. Wel, efallai dyma’r esboniad. Neu ydych chi’n medru bwyta beth fynnoch, pryd fynnoch, heb gynyddu mewn pwysau? Wel darllenwch hwn oherwydd mi allai pethau newid yn gyflym iawn! Ceir un math o firws sy’n achosi'r un symptomau ac annwyd cyffredin gyda’r un ychwanegiad o wneud i’ch celloedd adipose, yr hyn yr ydym ni’n galw yn fraster, i gynyddu yn llawer cynt nag arfer.

Halibalw Henson

Mae’n si r fod gennych bwrpas mewn bywyd, ac mae’r un peth yn wir am gelloedd adipose, a’u pwrpas hwy yw casglu cymaint o fraster ag sy’n bosib. Gyda’r holl gelloedd yma yn ceisio casglu braster mae’r firws yn ei wneud yn hawdd iawn i ennill pwysau. Enw’r firws yw adenofirws-36, ac mae gwyddonwyr yn ddiweddar wedi darganfod cydberthyniad cryf rhwng ei bresenoldeb a datblygiad gordewdra. Gwelir presenoldeb y firws mewn 33% o unigolion gordew i gymharu â 10% o weddill y boblogaeth. Yn wahanol i’r cur pen, neu’r llwnc tost a fydd yn dianc o fewn dydd, bydd effaith adenofirws-36 ar eich bol yn parhau hyd ddiwedd eich oes. Ac ydy, mae’r firws yn heintus, a does 'na ddim llawer allwch wneud i ddiogelu eich hun!

Aled Roberts sy'n cymryd cipolwg ar sefyllfa seicolegol un o arwyr ein gwlad.

Datgelodd y wasg ar ddydd Llun fod un o chwaraewyr rygbi mwyaf enwog Cymru, Gavin Henson, wedi bod mewn trafferth gyda’r heddlu dros ddigwyddiad mewn tafarn ger stadiwm y mileniwm. Roedd sôn fod Henson yn bygwth a herian cwsmeriaid y Queen’s Vaults noswaith ar ôl gem fuddugol Cymru yn erbyn y Saeson. Cafodd Henson ei daflu allan a bu rhaid i Mike Phillips a Andy Powell ymddiheuro dros yr uwch-seinydd.

Dyma’r ail dro i Henson, dan ddylanwad alcohol y tro yma, greu helynt mewn man cyhoeddus. Y tro cyntaf oedd ar drên wrth deithio yn ôl o gêm y Gweilch yn erbyn Harlequins Llundain. Hyd yn oed cyn y ddau ddigwyddiad hyn, rhyddhaodd Henson ei lyfr dadleuol, ‘Gavin Henson: My Grand Slam Year’ a dynnodd sylw diangen drwy farnu ei gyd-chwaraewyr. Mae’n amlwg fod llwyddiant tîm Cymru wedi dylanwadu ar feddylfryd Henson.

Gyda chymaint o sylw ar fywyd Henson oddi ar y cae, mae rhaid ystyried os yw Henson ei hun yn rhoi fwy o bwyslais ar gadw ei statws serennog na chanolbwyntio ar ei berfformiadau ar y cae rygbi. Ers camplawn 2005 dim ond fflachiadau o wir hud Henson rydym wedi profi fel cefnogwyr.

Rhaid cofio wrth gwrs i Henson yn anffodus gael niferus anafiadau sydd o bosib wedi ei atal rhag datblygu i un o

chwaraewr rygbi gorau’r byd. Nid yw eto wedi cyflawni'r potensial enfawr a ddangosodd pan gafodd ei enwi yn chwaraewr dan 19 gorau’r byd yn 2001. Er hynny, mae Henson yn dal i ennill ei le yng ngharfan Cymru yn ganiataol ar sail ei gyn perfformiadau.

Ond yn ddiweddar mae anghysondeb

Henson gyda Chymru wedi gadael i Jamie Roberts gymryd ei safle yn barhaol fel Canolwr mewnol Cymru.

Gyda datblygiad cyflym a agwedd dda mae Roberts yn debygol o aros yn y safle sy’n gadael Henson ar y fainc. O bosib bydd rhaid i Henson brofi ei hun ar ac oddi ar y cae

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MARCH.02.2009 JOBS@gairrhydd.COM

Media studied

For a career in media, experience is the currency of choice in a climate plagued by economic uncertainty, writes Robert Clifford

N

ot a day goes by when the echoes of a certain crisis reach our ears. When the foundations of the financial world first began to tremble, many of us would not have been aware of the fallout. Sheltered by student status, the reality of the City could not have been much further from our own.

But to those facing up to the challenge of securing a career in the media, the smoke is clearing, revealing that the damage is closer to home than we might have thought.

The media sector is not the most secure of industries at the best of times. The majority of jobs gained in film and television are not acquired through traditional advertisements, and this year, the BBC have already reported that the number of graduate positions are expected to decrease for the first time since 2003.

Financial security may have to wait. It is time to take stock, trade in our preconceptions, and invest in ourselves.

It would not be an exaggeration for me to say that academic and extra curricular learning are of equal importance, and luckily there are many opportunities to be found beyond the walls of the lecture theatre.

Teilo Trimble, of Kapaw! Media in Cardiff, is aware of the predica-

ment facing students, and is prepared to help: “We get lots of enquiries for work experience. We know that there

It is important to complement your academic skills is a finite amount of paid work at the moment, and so our projects create great opportunities for students.

“We are working on a drama series

called Pizzaman – our aim is to bring the community together, and at the moment we are holding auditions for Welsh Asian actors.

“In larger companies, there would be less opportunity to actively take part in such a project, which is important for a such a diverse student population.”

Teilo also believes that it is important to consider the nature of the opportunities available to you: “A project like Pizzaman not only provides more opportunitie; the experience itself is made up of responsibilities and duties that you would not receive in a larger company. You have a chance to get involved and learn. ”

MEDIA: It's well weapon Working alongside your degree has often been a popular means of supporting a student lifestyle, and the University is a hive of possibility when it comes to work experience.

If you have the time, consider investing in the University itself – societies are the perfect venue for meeting like-minded people, and building contacts and experience in positions of authority.

Student media is another. Cardiff boasts one of the UK's most diverse and well-received multimedia outlets.

Use it. Use student papers, television productions and radio stations to broadcast yourself and diversify your skills.

Never again will there be a time and a place in which you have the security and the time to explore such a wide range of opportunities and experiences.

The value of a University education has often been challenged, and questions have been raised over the necessity of a degree for future progress. Contrary to widespread belief, the degree is not worthless. Instead, it is simply ‘worth less’ on its own.

It is important to complement your academic skills with an awareness of the outside world. Make a weakening world economy your personal strength. It is time to find value in something other than money. And, once you have found it, you must take advantage of it.

“Don't be afraid to ask questions”, Teilo explains, “and do not beat around the bush – be specific with your requests, and speak to people. I am more the happy to share my knowledge, but unless that I know what people want, I can't tell them.” The opportunities are out there, and they are not hard to find.

Auditions for Pizzaman take place on Saturday, March 7 at the Students' Union. They are aimed at individuals aged between 18 and 30 and of Welsh-Asian origin.

If you fit the bill, or if you know someone who does, then email feedme@pizzaman.eu

26 XPRESS

MARCH.02.2009 XPRESS@gairrhydd.COM

LIVE ON 87.7 FM AND ONLINE

Hamlet

The Essential Gig Guide

Out of touch with the local scene? Then tune in to hear Katrina and Miranda playing some of the best acts that Cardiff has to offer, including up-and-coming student bands. They’ll give you the lowdown on all the gigs happening in and around Cardiff, as well as a taste of what you can expect to see at each show.

These lovely ladies have also been chatting with the likes of The Paddingtons and Kids In Glass Houses, which you’ll also be able to hear very soon!

On a dark winter night, a ghost walks the ramparts of Elsinore Castle. The young Prince Hamlet recognises the spectre as that of his father, the late King of Denmark, who reveals that he was murdered by Hamlet’s uncle.

Swearing revenge, Hamlet feigns madness in order to embark on a plan to prove his uncle’s guilt.

Featuring a full cast of actors from Act One and audio production by Xpress Radio, the play is being broadcast over two weeks as part of the Cardiff University Shakespeare Festival. This great work of Western literature explores themes of indecision, revenge, loyalty and fate, and has fascinated generations since its first performance. Be sure to listen online on Sunday the 8th and 15th March, or tune in to 87.7 FM for the first broadcast.

Friday: 9pm till 10pm

Mainstream

Monday 9am-11am Filing the Gap with Emma & Alexis 2pm-3:30pm Stark and Moo Show 3:30pm-6pm Teatime with Lee

Tuesday 9am-11am Three Girls & A Gay 12pm-1:30pm B.A.M with Rebekkah and Mikey 1:30pm-3pm Loud Noises 3:30pm-6pm Teatime with Luke and Ed

Sunday: 3pm till 5pm

Friday 9am-11am Welcome In The Weekend 12pm-1:30pm Two Girls, One Mic 1:30pm-3.30pm Milo's Mashup 3.30pm-6pm Teatime with TNT

Saturday 10:30am-12pm Stay Asleep with Henry and Oscar 12pm-1:30pm Jack and Tom Delusion 1:30pm-3pm Three Man Bundle

Sunday 1pm-2:30pm Laura, Dora & Lucy Show 3pm-5pm The Student Radio Chart Show

Wednesday

Sports

9am-10am ABC 10am-11:30am Lily Star 11:30am-12:30pm Gossip Girls 12:30pm-2pm Lynn and Louisa 2pm-3:30pm Hilary and Heather Show 3:30pm-6pm Teatime with Rich and Britt

Mon 12pm-2pm Sports Show Thu 12pm-2pm Sporties

Thursday 9am-11am Kat and Ash Show 2pm-3:30pm Madame Audrey's 3:30pm-6pm Teatime with Sam and Greg

Specialist

Indie Mon 6pm-7pm Xhibition Mon 8pm-9pm Gig 'n' Mix Mon 9pm-10pm Holly and Bo's Radio Show Mon 10pm-11pm Sam & Will Show Wed 10pm-11pm Hot Pap Sat 6pm-7pm Mrs Goggins Backroom Sun 5pm-6:30pm The Toni and Zoe Show

Classical and Jazz Sun 6:30pm-7:45pm Sunday Classics Sun 7:45pm-9pm Jazz Society Show

Hip-Hop/RnB Fri 10pm-12am Flo Jam Sessions Fri 12am-1am $traight Ca$h with DTR

Speech

Rock/Metal/Punk

Mon 11am-11:30am The Trawlermen's Sweethearts Mon 11:30am-12pm The Filibusters Tue 11am-11:30am The Xpress Test Tue 11:30am-12pm Speech Round-up Thu 11am-12pm The Weekly Summit Fri 11:00am-11:30am A Beginner's Guide to... Science Fiction Fri 11:30am-12pm Across The Corridor Sun 12pm-1pm Hair of the Dog Sun 3pm-5pm Hamlet

Mon 12pm-1am Superstar DJs, Here We Go! Tue 8pm-9pm Rock! Paper Scissors Tue 10pm-11pm Hedonism Wed 11pm-12am Subversion Sat 7pm-8pm The Argument

House/Electro/ Dance Wed 8pm -9pm The Takeover Wed 9pm-10pm Housemasters Fri 8pm-9pm Hype Machine

Live Transmission

This week Live Transmission brings you interviews with Glasvegas, Los Campesinos, indie legends and John Peel favourites Ballboy, plus sessions from New South Wales’s singer-songwriter heroes Josh Morgan and Beth Bullock. As well as the freshest music the internet will allow...

Monday: 7pm till 8pm

Live Music Thu 8pm -11pm Battle Of The Bands

Pop Sat 3pm-4pm Push Pop

Pick 'n' Mix Mon 7pm-8pm Live Transmission Mon 11pm-12am Anything Alternative Tue 7pm-8pm Bill & Tom's Most Excellent Adventure Tue 9pm-10pm CUTV On The Radio Tue 11pm-12am Escape From The Pigeon Hole Wed 6pm-7pm Xposed Wed 7pm-8pm YAPS Thu 7pm-8pm Curly Joe and Ginger’s Countdown Conundrum Thu 11pm-12am Dan and Petch’s 80s Hour of Power Thu 12am-1am Pete and Coralie Fri 7pm-8pm Full Body Immobilisation Fri 9pm-10pm The Essential Gig Guide

World Music Tue 6pm-7pm Global Grooves Fri 6pm-7pm International Superhi

Contact The Studio E-mail: studio@xpressradio.co.uk Phone: 02920781530 Text: 07722263888

FIVE MINUTE FUN 27

MARCH.02.2009 FMF@gairrhydd.COM

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sudoku.

1. Log on to the book of face 2. Join the group ‘Found on Facebook’ 3. Upload embarrassing photos 4. Pick up gair rhydd on Monday and laugh

EASY

Send more oddities!

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Down

6. Cars with four-wheel drive (5) 7. Increases (6) 9. Trays (7) 10. Musical pace (5) 11. ____Me When, 1995 hit for Human League (4) 13. At the pawnbroker's (2,4) 15. Strap, cord (5) 16. Blunders (6) 17. ___ Seymour, 1960s/70s ballerina (4) 20. Billy ___, 1980s pop singer (5) 22. Improvised West Indian folk song (7) 23. Showed compassion for (6) 24. Allowable (5)

1. Holey (8) 2. Pieces of land such as the Scillies (5) 3. Bottomless gulf (5) 4. Secure standing position (7) 5. Molecule component (4) 6. Spot on (4,3,3) 8. Coughing up (7,3) 12. High-street chain store (inits) (3) 13. Liquid used by tatooist (3) 14. London's 2012 Games (8) 15. Passage (7) 18. Substances that turn blue litmus red (5) 19. Craftily (5) 21. ___ Pizzey, pioneer in the field of domestic violence (4)

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28 LISTINGS The Listings Top Five... ...alternatives to Starbucks!

Are you fed up of queuing up for a hot mug of water, and paying £2 to make your own tea? Or are you on a moral crusade against globalisation? Boycott Starbucks and Costa Coffee and check out some of the local Cardiff cafs!

1. Shot in the Dark, 12 City Road If you ever venture far enough down City Road, this place is the perfect student hideaway. Open late night, with plenty of squashy sofas upstairs, it sells delicious fresh food, fair trade coffee, homemade cakes AND beers and spirits.

2. Milgi's, 213 City Road There is no doubt about it, this place does the BEST hot chocolate in Wales.

Arty farty and alternative, it's slightly more expensive than most, but more than makes up for it with its wacky decor and amazing menu.

3. Juno Lounge, 14, Wellfield Road A gorgeous pub/cafe on the edge of Roath Park. The old wood furnishings, the eccentric photographs, the extensive all-day food selecion. This place is so relaxed it's almost horizontal.

4. Ozone Cafe, 11 Charles Street

Monday

2nd March

MARCH.02.2009 LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM

Tuesday 3rd March

SHRED YR FACE 2 TOUR – THE BRONX + F****D UP + ROLO TOMASSI @ CLWB IFOR BACH A trio of hardcore punk rock acts let loose at Welsh Club tonight. Rolo Tomassi‘s self-destructive ‘shark attack experience’ sound will ensure the evening is one colossal barrel of laughs!

7.30pm, £12

FEI COMODO + BURY TOMORROW @ BARFLY Emo promoters take note! Two heavy metal groups grace the stage at Barfly tonight to showcase their sound; British rockers, Fei Comodo, and American quintet, Bury Tomorrow, unleash their talent in a way only they know how.

9pm, doors: 7.30pm, £6

VODKA ISLAND @ TIGER TIGER Anchor your intoxicated ship at this venue tonight for yet more double vodkas and tequila shots!

Free before 9pm, £4 thereafter

THE GRAND PARADE + EIGHTH RULE @ BARFLY Warm-up act The Grand Parade take to the stage with their indie and post-punk infused tunes, prior to the duo of afore mentioned acts.

7.30pm, £4

EXPECTING TO FLY: THE BLUETONES @ THE POINT A fusion of Oasis- and The Stone Rosesinspired sounds can be found at The Point tonight, in the form of ‘Laaandon’ indie rock band, The Bluetones.

7.30pm, doors: 7.00pm, £14 BILLY WALTON BAND @ THE GLOBE Guitar power tripod, fronted by Billy Walton, prepare to unleash their strumming talents upon The Globe tonight.

7.30pm, £6 FUN FACTORY @ THE UNION Smell and taste the sweat instigating forms of debauchery emanating through the walls of the Union tonight or alternatively... join in the fun!

9pm - 2am, free FULLY BOOKED: THE SCHOOL’S DANCE ASSOCIATION SOCIETY @ THE SHERMAN THEATRE Interpretations of literature and film through the medium of dance, will be performed by the tweens of the School’s Dance Association society this week. Runs until Friday.

6.30pm, evening show: 7.30pm, £7 - £4

GET LOST @ LIQUID Get yourself into a sticky mess with chavtastic tunes and chavtastic partygoers.

9.00pm - 3am, £3.50 CHIC BEAT @ REVOLUTION A revolution is on the horizon! Prepare your liver because where the Rough Hill bigwigs are concerned it will involve copious amounts of vodka!

9.00pm - 3am, £3.50 BILLY LIAR @ THE NEW THEATRE Did your mother ever tell you ‘lies will always come back to bite you on the behind’?

If not, head on down to the New Theatre until Saturday, where you can learn the lesson from the story of a compulsive liar, called Billy, who struggles with the consequences.

'Bad Girl' Helen Fraser stars.

7.30pm, matinees: 2.30pm, £12.50 / £8 COMEDY CLUB @ STUDENT UNION A night given not enough hype! For an evening of unprecedented belly laughs head down to your second home building.

8.00pm, £4

Wednesday 4th March

SIN BIN @ SOLUS Party with the best in sporting talent tonight at the Union! Not only are you guaranteed free entry, but a possible AU hottie could indeed be within your grasp!

Free entry 7 - 9pm, £3 after ROD THOMAS @ BARFLY Acoustic disco indie pop is brought to us tonight by Welsh born and bred, up and coming star Rod Thomas, with his guitar, loop pedal and Casio keyboard in tow. £5, 7.30pm FULL FAT PROMOTION @ TEN FEET TALL Californian resident Wavves and his Beach Boys-come-Descendants inspired sound is eagerly anticipated at Buffalo tonight. Pens though? Stationary enthusiasts will be in their element I guess!

Contact venue for details JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON @ OCEANA Saddle on up and ride your rickshaw on down to this essential club night! Cool down in the Ice room, boogy at the Disco or relax in the Boudoir (and that’s just the opportunities available upstairs)!

9pm, £4/£2 nus KAISER CHIEFS + BLACK KIDS + ESSER @ CIA I predict a riot at cardiff Wales’ International Arena tonight as Brit faves The Kaiser Chiefs perform some of their best releases to date. Supporting acts Black Kids and Esser get the crowd limbered up! £26.00/£25.45, contact venue for details SHOTGUN RULES @ REVOLUTION UWIC's finest can be found at the bar amongst the test tube shots and Mudslide cocktails... get your skates on whilst you have the chance!

9pm - 2am, £2.50

Its easy to glide past this inconspicuous little caff, but once you discover it it is the ideal getaway from Queen Street.

5. Herb and Ellie's, Unit 11, Mermaid Quay Amidst the myriad of chains that clog up most of the bay sits this quaint cofffe house - tasty cakes, sofas, good coffee, wi-fi and newspapers... ticks all the boxes!

Students’ Union, Park Place, 02920 387421 www.cardiffstudents.com ! Med Club, Neuadd Meirionydd, Heath Park 02920 744948 ! Clwb Ifor Bach ros, Bakers Row 02920 399939 www.clubmetropolitan.com ! Dempseys, Castle Street 02920 252024 ! Move, 7 Mill Lane 02920 225592 !

Jazz, 21 St. Mary Street 02920 387026 www.cafejazzcardiff.com ! The Riverbank Hotel, Despenser Street www.riverbankjazz.co.uk ! St. David’s Hall, Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay 0870 0402000 www.wmc.org.uk ! The New Theatre, Park Place 02920 878889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk ! The Cardiff International Arena, Mary Ann Street 02920 224488 ! The Millennium Stadium Can’t miss it. www.millenniumstadium.com ! The Point,

LISTINGS 29

MARCH.02.2009 LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM

Thursday 5th March

BOUNCE @ WALKABOUT It has to be done at least once a term.

Surely the sweat soaked dance floor and cheesy tunes can persuade you?

10pm - 3am, £3 THURSDAY FOOD AND COMEDY SPECIAL @ GLEE CLUB A night to giggle and guzzle. Live stand-up whilst you sit down to some munch. Perfect! Barry Castagnola, Geoff Boyz, Pete Johansson and Paul Thorne will be your entertainers tonight.

7.30pm, £13.50/£13 POLAR BEAR CLUB + THE ARTERIES + SAVE YOUR BREATH @ BARFLY Don those tight, skinny, black jeans and plimsolls and emo it up at Barfly tonight with these gifted indie-goers. In fact, make a night of it and stay on for the regular club night, Discord. A pound a drink and the best Alternative, Metal, Rock, Punk and Industrial anthems.

7pm, £5/4, Discord opens at 10pm TASTEMAKER SOCIETY @ BUFFALO BAR No rules, new music, new bands. A night featuring the bands that started it all and everything in between, you are at least guaranteed variety.

8pm – 3am, free AL MURRAY: THE PUB LANDLORD'S BEAUTIFUL BRITISH TOUR @ ST. DAVID'S HALL The must-see stand-up comedy event of 2009 starring the royalty of British comedy, Al Murray. If only all barmen were that funny!

8pm, £25

Friday

6th March SLASH THE STREETS @ GREAT HALL This is pretty special. A streetball and dunk contest with DJs and performances, open to all. Get your Nike Dunks and sweatbands out and show your steez on the Great Hall floor. The shiznit.

8pm-1am, £5 THE HAMSTERS @ THE POINT Rockin' rodents that have been voted as the best blues rock band around. If you're pining after the lost legend of Jimi Hendrix, you'll like these guys, who are considered to be his leading interpreters of his music.

7.30pm, £14/12 THE BEST IN LIVE STAND UP COMEDY + GLEE LATE NIGHT BAR + DISCO If you missed the comedy geniuses last night, here's your second chance, with the added bonus of it being Friday. No dinner, but a late night bar... and a dancefloor!

7.45pm, £13/7 NUS LUSH @ THE UNION Undoubtedly the place to be on a Friday night. If you don't want to be squished to death in the mania of Come Play, Lush is the ideal alternative. With R'n'B anthems, cheap drinks and friendly faces your guaranteed the perfect start to the weekend.

8pm - 2am, £3 ZENYTH + BOX OF THUMBS + DRAW ME STORIES @ BARFLY If you missed them at the Union in February, this is your second chance to catch these rockers. Nominated for the Vodafone Live Music Award and supporting the likes of Pendulum and Zane Lowe, Zenyth are on the way up. Fear not if you can't make it tonight, there are rumours they'll be gracing Buffalo soon.

7.30pm, £4 adv.

SLOW LIFE @ CLWB IFOR BACH Featuring Huwm, Colorama and Plyci, this new monthly night champions the world of psychadelic folk pop and bedroom bleeptronica (laptop music!) in the Welsh language. You must be a least at little bit curious!

8pm, £5

Saturday 7th March

Sunday

8th March

BEDLAM IN CARDIFF: THE BIG NO.2 @ THE GREAT HALL If Bedlam no.1 left you gagging for more, you certainly won't be disappointed by the 'Big No. 2'. Featuring Andy C, Skream Chase and Status Friction, Plastician, Monkey and Stagga Marvel, be prepared to be on the dancefloor all night!

9pm, £17

TEN FOOT CWTCH @ TEN FEET TALL Sundays have never been so sexy... apparently. Fancy yourself a singer? Or just want a free drink? Volunteer for these open mic sessions and you get both! Or, if you're more of a spectator, sit back and marvel/ mock/cheer at those brave enough to give it a go.

8.30pm - 3am, £3.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE A day of discussion on international development organised by Engineers Without Borders, People and Planet and Medicins Sans Frontieres. Includes an opening speech by Andrew Davies (Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery).

10am-5pm, £6.50 (includes lunch)

FRIENDS ELECTRIC + THE BINARY KIDS @ BARFLY A fledgling band that's graduating from focusing on guitar, to explore dance and house, electro and japanese pop (?!). Definitely worth a look 7.30pm, £5 adv.

TEXACO YOUNG MUSICIAN OF WALES FINAL @ ST. DAVID'S HALL Come and support these five finalists; a cellist, two harpists, a violinist and a Marimba player, in what promises to be a night of musical brilliance. Hosted by Strictly Come Dancing star Gethin Jones and featuring the support of Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra.

7pm, £10/12 FALLOUT BOY + KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES @ C.I.A Fallout Boy are described as having elements of punk and pop, but not being poppunk, and of using emotional lyrics, but not being emo.... interesting... decide for yourself! Paired tonight with Kids in Glass Houses, nominees for Best British Newcomers.

6.30pm, £24.50

SNOW PATROL @ CIA 'Light up, light up, you only have one chance...' to see these Belfast alternative rockers. They have dominated indie-rock for years, have numerous chart hits and even a place on the soundtrack of Spiderman 3!

6pm, £30 adv.

PYSCHIC EXPERIENCE: DIANE LAZARUS @ THE HILTON Are you seduced by notions of the spiritual and sublime? Or do you compulsively flick straight to the horoscopes in magazines?

Have your questions answered, or your cynicism confirmed, by Wales's top physchic.

7.30pm, £15.50.

THE CARDIFF DEVILS VS. NEWCASTLE WIPERS @ MILLENIUM STADIUM As tickets to the Six Nations are like gold dust, satisfy your stadium-cravings with the fierce, fiery spectacle that is live icehockey.

7pm.

BOOM SHAKABOOMTANG/VINYL VENDETTAS @ CLWB IFOR BACH No question. If you're going into St. Mary's territory on a Saturday night, this is the place to target. Three floors, funk and soul, indie rock, and dirty pop.

10pm, £5

(The Welsh Club), 11 Womanby Street 02920 232199 www.clwb.net ! Barfly, Kingsway, Tickets: 08709070999 www.barflyclub.com/cardiff ! MetIncognito, Park Place 02920 412190 ! Liquid, St. Mary Street 02920645464 ! The Philharmonic, 76-77 St. Mary Street 02920 230678 ! Café The Hayes 02920 878444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk ! Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton 02920 304400 www.chapter.org ! Wales Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road 02920 646900 www.shermantheatre.co.uk ! The Glee Club, Mermaid Quay 0870 2415093 www.glee.co.uk !

Cardiff Bay, 02920 460873 www.thepointcardiffbay.com ! Tommy’s Bar, Howard Gardens (off Newport Road) 02920 416192 !

SPORT 31

MARCH.02.2009 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

THE WORD ON... ...the difficulties that top players face when they move into management Josh Pettitt Sports Editor SALE RUGBY club’s decision to appoint Jason Robinson as head coach is the latest example of sport’s tendency to look to the past for future inspiration.

This sporting habit has produced a mixed bag of results over the years.

Tony Adams is one of the latest casualties to be shelved with other former stars, while Diego Maradona, absurdly appointed as the national coach of Argentina despite having little managerial experience, remains undefeated.

It is not the players who are to blame for this pseudo-nepotism, but the club big-wigs. When relegation comes a-calling, the temptation is to wheel out a former star like a circus act to momentarily distract and appease the restless mob.

Although the appointment of Martin Johnson seemed a bold and assertive move by the RFU, it now seems a desperate attempt to prop up an England team on the slide.

SPECIAL ONE: Mourinho

The RFU naively assumed that by the mere furrowing of his brow he could drag England back from the brink of disaster. Desperate times call for desperate measures and gold-tinted nostalgic memories seem to provide a VIP pass to managerial positions.

Fans kindle the fire that leads to such outlandish appointments While it is easy to huff and puff with the luxury of hindsight, fans ultimately kindle the fire that leads to such outlandish and illogical appointments- they’re also the first to stoke the blaze and burn the effigy of their former heroes.

We expect performances of unparalleled quality from ex-players who have lost their outstanding talent and will our ageing heroes onto greatness.

Ex-players risk less, and at the same time more, than managers of substance and experience.

The ultimate responsibility of an ex-player’s success falls on the chairmens who dare to chance, but the players risk their golden legacy and the memories we have of them. We appoint ex-players for their past achievements, not for their past failures. A blotted copy book is a dangerous thing for someone who relies on a fickle public for the remainder of their career.

In the recent case of Jason Robinson, former head coach Kingsley Jones endorsed the new appointment: “It’s no coincidence that in the three years that Jason was captain were the most successful in the club’s history.”

Jones, a former player himself, is at risk of sounding a little foolish.

Robinson’s playing abilities are sec-

ond to none and this undoubtedly influenced Sale’s results, but it is naïve in the extreme to believe that these talents can translate into managerial success.

If you swap the oval ball for its rounder counterpart then it might seem that football suffers from the same temptations. Tony Adams and Paul Ince, after woeful maiden tenures of Premiership clubs, have fallen by the wayside, while Gareth Southgate has sunk lower and lower in his time at Middlesborough. Only the diminutive Gianfranco Zola has been successful in his first foray.

Three of England’s best teams are managed by coaches who have had little to no success in their playing careers. Liverpool’s Rafael Benitez reached the grand heights of Spain’s third division, while Arsene Wenger failed to play football of any notable worth. Sir Alex Ferguson is the solitary former professional footballer among these managing heavyweights, plying his trade in Scotland.

The hoard of silverware shared between these few managers sheds light on the bizarre ROBINSON: Great player, but can he coach? the rule that players do not necessarily us and the big-wigs into thinking that appointments of Johnson and Maradona. There may well be a make good coaches, it begs the ques- such players deserve and will deliver church of Maradona, but the self- tion of whether coaches need to have these minor miracles, irrespective of experienced the professional game in their experience or suitability for the job. order to understand it?

Short of lacing up their boots, as Simon Cowell, like him or loathe him, is extremely adept at spotting, Tana Umuga did for Toulon this week, developing and delivering success, ex-players will struggle to deliver even though he might not know a bas- what the fans expect. The curse of the soon from a banjo. We would not ex-player’s managerial career is their expect him to go toe to toe with former success and the expectations Beyonce on the dance floor or rival that come with it.

Sport must break with the tradition Pavarotti’s vocal talents, but we demand that players with no manag- of irresponsibly appointing former styled “Special One”, Jose Mourinho, ing experience step up to the mark players. The cowardly decision of directors to hide in the considerable has built his own bastions of strength and deliver.

We, as fans, expect miracles from shadows of former heroes endangers in spells at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan, without the aid of a glorified our heroes and so convince them to the greatest myth in sport - showing take to the wheel blindfolded. The that our heroes are fallible after all. playing history.

Although there are exceptions to emotional pull of old memories blinds

The curse of the ex-player's managerial career is their former success

02 SPORT 32

MARCH.02.2009 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

SPORT COMMENT

Failed Crusaders Mathew Merry Sports Writer

WELSH RUGBY union is on a high at the moment. Not only have Wales been made favourites for the Six Nations, but club rugby has also shown development with the likes of the Blues and Ospreys progressing to the quarter-finals

ON THE

of the European Heineken Cup and the Ospreys currently occupying second place in the Magners League.

However, all is not well in terms of Welsh rugby league. Having been awarded a Super League franchise, Celtic Crusaders have struggled in their first season in the top flight.

The Bridgend-based team have faced stiff opposition in the form of

Leeds Rhinos, the defending Super League winners, and Hull FC, as well as suffering defeat by fellow new boys.

Despite showing fine skills and a lot of promise, the Celtic Crusaders still have a long way to go before making any great impact in what many see as the second-rate form of rugby in the British Isles.

Another problem evident in the Celtic Crusaders' aim for success is the lack of homegrown players.

The majority of the team is made up of Australian and New Zealand players who have had success primarily in their homelands where rugby league is of greater significance to that of union. Currently, the Crusaders only possess five Welsh players in their squad.

Despite their poor start, CruBACK FOOT: The Crusaders have failed to win a game

saders' head coach John Dixon remains upbeat about his team's performances and is confident that the club can develop more talent in the form of home-grown players.

Dixon said: "Our youth development network will grow and grow" and with a three year franchise established in the Super League there can only be great hope and enthusiasm that this ambition is carried out to its potential."

Under the guidance of Warren Gatland and Welsh legend Rob Howley, it seems unlikely that the passion and success currently being experienced by the Welsh rugby union team will fizzle away in the short term.

With the 2011 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, Welsh rugby has to maintain its desire and focus to win and ensure that the smiles on millions of faces are not wiped away. Wales coach Warren Gatland has even put out a warning to Celtic Crusaders stating that their best players could be lured to the game of union if they manage to shine in Super League.

Welsh rugby has a lot to be thankful for, but should also realise that it has a long way to go before it is competing with the likes of Australia in both codes of rugby at the highest level.

Weymouth wander wayward Steve Wright Sports Writer CONFERENCE SIDE Weymouth sank to a 9-0 defeat last weekend in their home match against Rushden & Diamonds, after being forced to field a starting 11 almost entirely made up of youth team players.

The Terras are suffering with debts of around £300,000, and have seen virtually their entire first team squad walk away having not been paid in 2009.

Proposed takeover talks involving former Cambridge United chairman Lee Power have collapsed, and Chief Executive Gary Calder has left the club. With no financial backers and no players, the situation looks grim.

It is easy to sympathise with their plight: AFC Bournemouth supporters have been in a similar situation, having fallen from being a mid-table League One outfit to one struggling at the foot of League Two after having 27 points deducted in the last 12 months, also due to financial irregularities.

Luton and Rotherham have suffered similar punishments, seeing the season descend into farce as much weaker teams look to stay up at their expense due to their handy head start.

Little blame should be attached to

the players regarding their commitment to the cause. Amid the current recession, times are hard enough as it is. The players you see playing for Weymouth aren’t the usual millionaire-type celebrities you see blazing a trail down town in their expensive Ferraris. Cristiano Ronaldo they are not. These are working men with a family to feed and a mortgage to pay.

Perhaps instead we should take a look at the owners who have allowed Weymouth to get in such a sorry state.

The club has overspent on players in a desperate attempt to gain entry to the football league, with the result being that the club now looks unlikely to survive the season.

Generally, the response from the football community has been one of sympathy, with the exception of fellow Conference strugglers Woking’s manager Phil Gilchrist, who bemoaned the fact that his side lost to a full-strength Weymouth side earlier on in the season, while rivals Rushden had an easy victory. A valid statement perhaps, but he’s missing the point.

When one club can afford to spend £90 million on a player, and another club is on the verge of going bust for 0.3% of that sum, you know that there is something drastically wrong with football today.

TOP FIVE...

Ex-player managers

1.

Franz Bekenbauer is one of only two players to win the World Cup both as a player and a coach.

2.

Brad Gilbert reached number four in the world in his playing career. As a coach he took Agassi and Roddick to number one in the world and started Murray off on his current course.

3.

Brian Clough had a supreme strike rate in club football, but a brilliant career was cut short by injury. His long reign at Forest saw him gain a legendary status within the game.

4.

Shaun Edwards is undoubtedly one of the hardest men to walk the earth. Success as a player in league and a coach in union make him a hugely decorated sportsman.

5.

BOYS TO...UH...BOYS: Replacement youth team lose 9-0

Martin O'Neill, lifted the European Cup with Nottingham Forest and captained Northern Ireland to a World Cup as a player.

And his work at Villa has exceeded all expectations.

SPORT 33 37

FEBRUARY.02.2008 MARCH.02.2009 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

IMG ROUNDUP Hallstars play their Socs off IMG NETBALL

Premiership

P

W

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Law A

3

3

0

0

56

9

2

Economics A

3

2

1

0

26

7

3

Law B

2

2

0

0

17

6

4

Cardiff Jets A

3

1

0

2

-15

3

5

Psychology A

3

1

0

2

-22

3

6

Cardiff A

2

0

2

0

0

2

7

Socsi A

3

0

1

2

-40

1

8

Pharmacy A

3

0

0

3

--23

0

P

W

D

L

Diff

Pts

Carbs A

2

2

0

0

25

6

2

Dentistry

3

2

0

1

-5

6

3

Sawsa

1

1

0

0

19

3

4

Medics A

2

1

0

1

17

3

5

English A

1

1

0

0

9

3

6

Cardiff B

3

1

0

2

-7

3

7

Christian Union

3

1

0

2

-10

3

8

Psychology B

3

0

0

3

--47

0

P

W

D

L

Diff

Pts

Medics B

3

2

1

0

15

7

2

Numatics

2

2

0

0

40

6

3

Cardiff Jets B

3

2

0

1

6

6

4

Carbs B

2

1

0

1

-1

3

5

Pharmacy B

3

1

0

2

-8

3

IMG NETBALL 1

Division 1

IMG NETBALL 1

Division 2

6

Cardiff IWC

3

0

2

1

-7

2

7

English B

2

0

1

1

-3

1

8

Jomec

2

0

0

2

--42

0

IMG NETBALL

Division 3 P

W

D

L

Diff

Pts

Biology

2

2

0

0

23

19

2

J-Unit

4

2

0

2

12

18

3

Socsi B

2

2

0

0

12

15

4

C- Plan

2

1

0

1

13

12

5

Gym GYm

1

1

0

0

1

10

6

Earth Soc

1

0

0

1

-7

9

7

Automotive

2

0

0

2

-15

4

8

Optom

1

0

0

1

--18

4

9

Navy

2

1

0

1

-2

1

10

Economics B

1

0

0

1

-20

1

1

Alex Prior IMG Reporter Uni Hallstars 2-1 Socsi DESPITE THIS MATCH being billed only as a friendly, both Uni Hallstars and Socsi put on a thrilling match in much improved conditions at Pontcanna, proving a good warm-up game in anticipation of IMG's first cup competition.

The opening quarter of the game was evenly matched, with both sides struggling to get any real grip on the tie. Chances were at a premium, with the Hallstars' and Socsi's defences nullifying any attacking threat.

However, the match began to swing the way of the Hallstars midway through the first half.

A succession of lofted balls to Mark Furnish caused havoc amid the Socsi back line, though he could only find their 'keeper in fine form.

Hallstars' striker Chris Leigh's drilled cross-come-shot across the face of goal proved to be the last bit of action in a half of few chances.

The second half began in much the same vein as the first: the Hallstars pushing forward in search of that first elusive goal. Their dominance eventually paid off in almost comical

fashion when mid fielder Alex Phillips was given far too much time on the ball on the edge of the area, playing a neat ball through to Prior, whose deft shot floated over the goalkeeper's head and into the net.

If the first goal had a touch of fortune about it, the Hallstars' second was pure class. Prior started the move in his own half, skipping past Socsi mid fielder Pat Burton and surging up the pitch. A neat succession of onetwo's between Phillips and Alex Neal found Furnish in the box, whose chipped ball was thrashed into the corner of the net by Prior for his sec-

ond.

Socsi responded well to the attack and a spell of pressure and spurned chances led to them getting back in the game. A high through ball, as well as a questionable off-side decision, allowed Burton the space and time to finish coolly past goalkeeper Carslake.

And it was Carslake again who kept the Hallstars' lead intact with a string of fine saves as the half drew to a close. Prior spurned a late chance to record his hat-trick but the Hallstars held on for another hard fought victory.

We have had many highs since forming the Cardiff Jets but our best achievement would have to be our A team getting into the Premiership and remaining undefeated.

Who is your best player and why?

It is really hard to pick out an indi-

22.02.2009 Pharmacy B.....12-5.....Cardiff IWC J-Unit..............20 - 0............ Navy Automotive.......4-18.........Biology

Numatics.........33 - 1.........Jomec

25.02.2009 C Plan.........20-0.....Economics A J-Unit...........9-18.............Biology Carbs B........8-16........Nuematics Socsi B........14-7..........Earth Soc

vidual as we all work so well as a team. However, our goal attack Emily has been quite a find! She has been a crucial member of the team in many of our toughest games.

If your team was an animal what would it be?

Is there any funny team banter?

What song best describes your team?

None which is printable! It is fair to say our Thursday morning catch-ups after a social are always more than entertaining.

Netball

Cardiff Jets B.....8 - 15.... Carbs B

!"#$%!#&'( Cardiff What is your best achievement/ moment to date?

Results

An elephant 'cause we are strong, dependable and can drink a lot!

"Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away….." - Frank Sinatra Any team prima donnas?

Jets

Our co-captain Kirsty has been known to get a bit passionate on court and occasionally has ‘Sonic’ike episodes.

Navy.............20-2..............Optom Medic B........6-6 ........Cardiff IWC Cardiff Jets B..15-12...Pharmacy Gym Gym....11-10........Automotive Socsi A.......... 8-8 .........Cardiff A Christian Union...12-16...Dentistry

Who has the best nicknames?

Well we have a few good ones but the best one would have to be “text me” Thompson. If you want to know why, text her!

Football

This year who are your biggest rivals?

J Unit............1-3.....Samba Tigers

It would have to be Law A and Economics A as both of them are looking strong in the league. As established teams from last year they are both on good form again this year.

Any teams you are looking forward to playing and why?

There is no particular team we are looking forward to playing as now we are in the premiership we have to fight for every game.

If you would like to see your team in gair rhydd, please email us ay sport@gairrhydd.com

22.02.2009

Euros FC.........0-4.....Inter Me-Nan J Soc...........1-6..........Men United Socsi .............0-1...............Carbs Momed...........4-0......Psycho Ath Men United......0-4 .............Law B Locomotive........7-0.............J Soc

All fixtures and results are correct at time of publication according to: www.cardiffstudents.com

34 SPORT PHOTO: JAVIER CHOI

MARCH.02.2009 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

Close cull Lisa Franklin Football Reporter

CARDIFF Ladies' 1sts..............2* SWANSEA Ladies' 1sts..............1 *After extra-time

Wave of glory WINDSURFING: Catching some waves

Delyth Marshall Windsurfing Reporter

THOUGH CONDITIONS for the Cardiff wave event were not perfect, it could be deemed a success overall as being the first wave series this year to record results.

Usually held over two days of competition, the lack of wind meant many competitors were nervous that it could be a repeat of Exeter’s event in December, which ended up being called off early on the Saturday morning.

With the prospects of competition on the Sunday, Saturday instead became a freestyle session on land with those unable to compete practising their moves on land boards, and enjoying the surf in Rest Bay. With an early rise to catch the wind on Sunday, most competitors had

stuck around to see what the Welsh Coast could offer them. Though the conditions were not great there was enough wind and waves to hold the second round of the RRD/ Ezzy wave series.

The ladies final was a straight competition between Cardiff and Southampton. The Southampton ladies team of Sarah Bibby and Maeli Cherel caught the attention of the judges early on, yet they were unable to maintain their form after a dazzling start. Finally, getting into her stride Cardiff’s Gemma Lewis impressed the judges with the ability to ride every wave that came, which saw the judges award her the win.

The final of the men’s competition composed of strong oppostition from Southampton and Portsmouth and Seb Willis from Cardiff also managed to earn his place from a difficult second

PHOTO: SALLY WOOD

Whitewash

RUGBY: Exploiting the gaps

round heat.

Portsmouth’s Adam Sims gained his place in the final by managing to pull off an impressive loop in the first heat in front of the judges. Willis, also displayed consistency in his technique and the number of waves he caught impressed the judges.

First place throughout the heat constantly changed between that of Sims and Willis, but in the dying minutes of the heat Sims managed to catch one last wave ahead of Willis which saw him being given first place.

President Seb Willis was pleased with the success of the event: “Once again an epic SWA event, and once again Cardiff came out on top”.

The next SWA event is to be held again by Cardiff University in March, with the event looking to cater for over 150 windsurfers from all over the country.

Alexandra Quinnel Rugby Reporter CARDIFF Ladies' 1sts..............87 UWE Ladies' 1sts......................0

CARDIFF COMPLETED an important and comprehensive victory against UWE and won two games in one in the process.

The match was a double-header, meaning Cardiff won twice the points as they can only manage to play UWE once in a season unfortunately hampered by the weather.

Cardiff won the toss and kicked off, powering up the pitch from the word go.

A scrum five metres from the line put pressure on the UWE forwards and Ceri Hill deflected the clearing kick to score the first of many tries.

Claire Molloy openside flanker neatly converted, and she continued to do throughout the whole match missing only one attempt.

A FINELY balanced match saw Cardiff firsts through to the final of the BUCS Cup having beaten varsity-rivals Swansea in extratime.

Coming into the game off the back of two comprehensive victories, spirits were high in the Cardiff camp for what was to be a challenging game.

The first half was well fought, with neither team finding the net.

Both sides had plenty of chances, but both also displayed a strong defence to prevent conceding.

Swansea started the second half brightly and managed to get a few crosses into the box, but to no avail.

The breakthrough came from Cardiff with Ffion Williams cutting across the box to finish coolly in the bottom-left corner for her first of the season.

After falling behind Swansea stepped up their play, but Cardiff's central midfield unit of Jennifer Files, Mel West and Holleigh Marsh stifled much of the play.

Nevertheless, Swansea did create chances, but striker-come-'keeper Steph Smits provided her team with a superb performance in goal.

Unfortunately, Swansea did find an equaliser 10 minutes before time, when their attacker got a lucky deflection after a great challenge by defender Jayde Knowles and 'keeper Smits.

With the threat of extra-time looming, both teams pushed for a winner but without success.

Twenty-two tired legs started extra-time, but the pace was as fast as ever. For Cardiff, Williams, West and Christos pushed forward well together, but could not capitalise and at She scored the next try and UWE could feel the heat.

Some great hands from Cardiff’s well-practiced backline gave Roz Lambe the opportunity of adding to the ever-increasing score.

Trying to keep level heads, Cardiff continued to play a steady game, and with some communication the link was bridged between forwards and backs as Alice Foster cut through at pace to take the ball and score.

Using some recently perfected offloading techniques, captain Rebecca Blakeway seized the opportunity to push over the line.

A fabulously thought out catch from a clearing kick by Deborah Harper followed by some quick reaction lead to her placing the ball neatly between the posts.

Despite offering little in defence, the scrums proved hard as the UWE pack were heavier. However, by using the backs to finish the first half, Cardiff scored again through Roz Lambe, who got her second of four tries of the game, taking the score to 47-0 at half-

the other end Cardiff did well to stifle Swansea's attacking flair.

Ten minutes into extra-time and Cardiff again took the lead through Christos's deft pass to Marsh whose shot rebounded off the defender for captain Fildes to half-volley home what turned out to be the crucial winning goal.

An outstanding performance by left-back Sarah Quick muted much of Swansea's attacking play as they pressed for an equaliser and she, along with the other defenders, managed to clear the ball repeatedly for Cardiff's forwards to chase.

In the dying minutes the frustration was evident in Swansea's play and their captain was lucky not to be booked for arguing with the referee.

Cardiff kept working as a team and as Swansea threw more players into the attack, they managed to breakdown most threats. When the final whistle went, Cardiff's jubulation was marred only by their level of fatigue.

In the end, the only thing that separated the two sides was Cardiff's superior desire to win.

FOOTBALL: Varsity warm-up

time.

After some positions were swapped, some quick thinking by Molloy, now number 8, saw her run round the back of the scrum begin the first half with a try.

UWE's scrum half suffered a winding blow to the chest causing her to go down for a couple of minutes.

UWE took advantage of the break and stormed to within five metres of the line. Despite the pressure, the play was quickly turned over and winger Rose Arkell wasted no time in sprinting the full length of the pitch to score.

Cardiff were soon celebrating another try, which was Lambe's third.

Lambe then scored her fourth after a lucky UWE break was halted and Cardiff’s backs moved the ball to Lambe, who scored the last of her four excellent tries.

A couple of chips by Hill were taken advantage of by Blakeway who scored the final try of the game, taking the score up to 87-0 and giving Cardiff a truly successful double-header victory.

SPORT 35

MARCH.02.2009 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

Queen put to the sword Thomas Powell Fencing Reporter CARDIFF Men's 1sts.............132

FENCING: Bloody Marys all round

Valley conquerers Tomos Morgan Rugby Reporter CARDIFF Men's 1sts...............24 TREHERBERT Men's 1sts........16

PHOTO: CHRISTINA MACKIE

CARDIFF HAD done well to get to the last 16 of the Welsh Plate and venturing up to a division two side in the Welsh Valleys was going to be a hard test, yet the young and resilient Cardiff side held their own against relegation battlers Treherbert and sealed a well deserved win.

The win put the side in the spotlight of the regional media, with coverage in the Wales on Sunday as well as an appearance on the WRU website.

The game was scheduled for a Saturday, which meant that this was to be the third game in a week for Cardiff, having played the previous Saturday as well as Wednesday.

Tiredness certainly was not a factor in the Cardiff side’s display until late into the second half, with their tireless forwards again standing up to a larger opposition pack.

It seemed as though the tough Treherbert side were not expecting such a fronted battle, and their simple game, driving the ball up through the middle, did not work due to great defensive work by Cardiff.

The Treherbert centres also struggled to make their game plan a success, which saw their game falter significantly.

Scrum-half Mark Schropfer pulled the forwards' strings and second row Joe Caunt’s impressive lineout display set up good ball for the backs.

The Cardiff game began to break down towards the end, with the home side again failing to be clinical late in the game. However, the game was already won, and Cardiff now look forward to the quarter-finals at the end of March.

RUGBY: Head and shoulders above the rest

CARDIFF MEN'S fencing team secured a place in the BUCS Trophy Semi-Finals by defeating Queen Mary's University of London Men's fencing team in a beautiful display of skill and team-work.

After securing 2nd place in the BUCS Western Conference, Cardiff were awarded a bye into the BUCS last 32 and, having beaten Reading 1sts, Cardiff moved confidently into the last 8 and a confrontation with Queen Mary's.

Spirits were high as Cardiff's captain, Thomas Powell, led Cardiff's Sabre team into its opening bout. A close and exciting fight followed with ex-

With one point in their favour, Cardiff's Epeé team, led by fresher Miguel Pinto, believed they had a tough fight on their hands. However, Miguel and his team-mates, Andy McLeod and Luis Santos, proceeded to destroy Queen Mary’s in a spectacular fashion with several of the fights ending without the opposition fencers landing a single point.

By the final fight, Cardiff had secured an insurmountable lead of 17 points which allowed Miguel, with some inspiring blade-work, to finish the match with a final score of Cardiff 45 - 32.

Stunned, Queen Mary's Captain commented: "You blew us away, we just couldn't land a hit."

With a final score of Cardiff 132, Queen Mary’s 118, Cardiff can now look forward to a hotly-anticipated semi-final against University of London Men's 1sts on Wednesday March 4.

One hand on the cup Oliver Franklin Basketball Reporter SWANSEA Men's 1sts.............64 CARDIFF Men's 1sts...............83 CARDIFF PROGRESSED into the final of the BUCS Championship on Wednesday with a deserved win over a tough Swansea side in a dramatic game.

The much-anticipated match-up was never going to be easy for Cardiff, especially playing away at Swansea, and the game soon turned into a physical battle of attrition, but Cardiff’s unwavering resolve and up-tempo offense eventually allowed them to pull away late in the game.

Both teams showed their nerves early in the first quarter, but some strong post play by Ben Hughes saw Cardiff grab an early lead. Ben Tumelty shaking off his man with a nice fake and strong drive to the basket for a layup put Cardiff up 12-4 half way through the first quarter.

However, Swansea reamined competitive and stepped up the intensity, playing some tough physical defence.

With time winding down in the first, Matt Garton threw up an outrageous three-pointer from half-court, only to see it swish perfectly, leaving Cardiff up 18-10.

The second quarter though saw Swansea come back strong, pulling back to within two points after a few minutes. It was a tough period for Cardiff, with centre Hughes harshly called for some weak fouls, forcing him to the bench in a seemingly bleak moment.

However, the rest of the team reacted positively. Cardiff were soon running the game again, with Dun-

BASKETBALL: Still undefeated

can Pitt dropping consecutive threepointers, putting Cardiff ahead 35-24 at the half. But there was more drama to come.

Early in the third, a tough collision saw a Swansea player floored with a dangerous neck injury. The game had to be suspended for 45 minutes as paramedics were called to stretcher the player away.

Once the game restarted, after a respectful round of applause for the injured player, the intensity was soon back at it’s peak as Swansea continued to fight back, pulling within four points. Tensions were running high on and off the court.

But the away side responded, upping their work-rate and pushing

PHOTO: OLI FRANKLIN

PHOTO: JON HARRIS

QUEEN MARY'S Men's 1sts...118

cellent fencing from veteran sabreur Tom Brien and new Sabre recruit Luis Santos. The scores remained close until the final bout when the two captains squared up.

After a dazzling display which surprised even himself, Cardiff's captain made short work of the opposing captain, allowing Cardiff to seize victory 45 - 41. Buoyed up by their team-mates' performance, the Foil team, led by President Andy McLeod, took to the pieste. There followed a hard fight in which Queen Mary's more than lived up to their reputation as superb fencers, but were kept in check by the clinical skill of Andy McLeod and Jon Harris, who was yellow carded trying to out-manoeuvre a tricky left handed foilist. Although the away side managed to snatch victory in the final fight, it was the incredible performance by Pete Gwynne which kept the overall score line in Cardiff's favour at 45 - 42.

Swansea on the fast break, while smothering them with some great defence. Swansea soon started to waver under the pressure of the Cardiff onslaught, as there was little they could do but foul and force the Cardiff players to the free-throw line.

With time winding down in the fourth, Cardiff ended the performance holding on to possession to wind down the clock and put an end to the drama, winning the game 83-64. Garton lea the scoring with 25 points and nine rebounds.

The team remains undefeated this season with only the BUCS final at home on March 25 and Varsity left to play for.

INSIDE: BUCS and IMG reports, the Word On the difficulty of players moving to management and Sport Comment PHOTO: CHRISTINA MACKIE

Sport gairrhydd

ONE STEP CLOSER Sarah Maber Lacrosse Reporter CARDIFF Men's 1sts...............18 BIRMINGHAM Men's 1sts..........9 AFTER BEATING Swansea, Cardiff faced Birmingham at home in the Quarter Finals of the BUCS Trophy.

With the home tie and the knowl-

edge that Birmingham only managed one win from four in their league, Cardiff definitely had an advantage going into the game.

The game began very much like last week's, both teams very unsettled to begin with, and once again, it was the away team that scored first. To continue the same theme, Cardiff equalised shortly afterwards through a goal from Mike Peters.

Cardiff picked up the pace, settling

into a smooth game and by the end of the first quarter, the score was 5-1 to Cardiff from conversions by Scott Belland, Neil Atkinson and Laith Hahn.

The second quarter was also goal filled with end-to-end goals by both teams, John Baileff and James Gibson scoring for Cardiff. At half-time, the home side were leading 8-4.

The second half started with another goal to Birmingham but good

defending from Joe Staton, Dave Austin (with a great tackle on the pitch edge) and goalie Tom Claxton helped Cardiff to move the ball back into the visitors' half.

The speed of Cardiff's game increased through great teamwork from midfielders including Adam Brookes and Tom Stringer allowing Cardiff to keep increasing their score through further goals from Belland, Hahn and Peters.

The final quarter saw the opportunity for Nathaniel Harding to grab himself a goal with Cardiff keeping their lead, despite the away team's best intentions to fight back, to the final whistle.

Another win for Cardiff; this sees the team into the Semi Finals away to Loughborough next week, after Loughborough beat Exeter. If they win this, they will be playing in the Finals at Sheffield next month.

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